SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2014

It's MY birthday MONTH ... I know, most everyone hates their own birthdays, but NOT me. Happy birthday month to me! LOL

So I guess I know what I'm getting for my birthday… a TV. Now this is a bit of a strange story. When Mark and I couldn't buy the TV we wanted at Walmart, and were disgusted with said store, I went online and ordered a 29" Visio through Amazon.com ... and saved $51 plus got free shipping. :-) Yay me. 

That was the plus side of my "telly" saga. Mark took the "old" bedroom TV to the RV, hooked it up, cranked the rooftop antenna - NOTHING! The 5 year old Toshiba doesn't have a digital tuner!  WTF? Basically it is only usable on cable hookup. There isn't cable available at all the "RV parks"!  So ... what to do??? I guess we will have to buy a third TV this year, Ha ha ha on us. 

So, Mark decided to park the RV in it's port. Let us just say that it was not a "hole-in-one" today!!! New neighbors were moving in three doors down, and came by to watch. That was not helpful. LOL. Anyway, on the bright side, we met new neighbors, and they seem nice enough. 

Yesterday afternoon I began sorting through our family history book. My dad, Sue and I chipped in some $$$ 15 years ago and hired a genealogist. It was money well spent and gave us a good sense of heritage. Now, with Internet, it's easier to find information.  Said information must be sorted and interpreted, however.  Over the years, I've gathered bits and pieces ... now is a fine time to sort and organize it. 

So, I joined Ancestry.com ... and quickly became absorbed; no, captivated. I have a personal issue where I cannot sleep until I am finished a task!!! That personality flaw proved to be a problem ... I was up til 3:30 in the morning!  I tried to go to sleep twice, but couldn't do it. I may be a little tired and cranky today, but it was interesting. 

Mark was up hours before me today, duh, and discovered our squirrel pal "Q-Tip" at the feeder. 

Isn't he cute!!! We hadn't seen him in a couple of weeks and thought perhaps the eagle had gotten him. Two years ago, we had a totally L Bino squirrel in our neighborhood. (That was Siri's "albino") ... just how strange is my Canadian accent? Haha. Anyway, the albino squirrel didn't live long ... white isn't camouflage against grass. 

Just for fun, I looked on the web for my birthday prediction, you know, the kind that's in the newspaper. This website was great ...

Over the next week, I'll put a paragraph or two from the horoscope; do let me know if it fits!

"Your greatest challenge is ... to get others to take you seriously. The way forward is ... to prove you mean business by acting out rather than talking about your ideals. 

You are a luck maker. 

Don't take it all personally. Just because people reject your ideas doesn't mean they are rejecting you. Lucky people have the resilience to take criticism on board without affecting their self-esteem."

Does it apply? People have often said, "You're lucky!"  Personally, I think we must make our own luck. There's much hidden "background work" that make things look "easy" or "lucky".

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2014

Ah, you would think Mag-Pie scrubbed the RV!!! She's such a sweetie. 

Linda and Randy dropped over about 5 o'clock yesterday for drinks. It was such a beautiful afternoon, we sat at the outside bar until Linda got too antsy. She is much more comfortable in the house, with the TV on. 

So, Mark entertained Linda with the TV, while Randy poured drinks and I made pizzas. It was a fun evening watching a comedy. They headed home about 8:30 ... I tidied up while Mark showered. We're quite pleased with ourselves, as we got a lot done today. 

Mark has a long handled squeegee that he wields for washing the rig's sides. It's a big job. 

This morning, a cool 55, was perfect for sleeping late. We decided today was a good day for relaxing and catching up on our TV shows in front of a nice roaring fire!  Tomorrow we shall join the world again. LOL. 

The two phone calls I made today were very depressing! The sad thing is both situations would be improved with a reality check and attitude adjustment. 

Happiness is a choice ... 

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2014

Wow! The sound of heavy rain woke me this morning ... another front moved across Central Florida!  (Mark and I have been Floridians for 30+ years and have not experienced a winter like this one!) This front, a warm one, brought temperatures into the 70s by afternoon. Our local meteorologist said "Floridians have had 48 hours of cloudy weather and are being affected by SAD." I hope he was joking, LOL, we Floridians are tougher than that; or are we???

Mark just turned our central heat on for the first time since 2010 ... it stinks!  Yes, it stinks that we had to turn it on but its ... a "dusty" smell. Haha. He thought we'd better make sure it works. So far, we've just used our livingroom fireplace and bedroom electric one. 

The Chinese "year of the horse" starts today! Those born under this sign should have a great year, according to Chinese horoscope. Horse people are warmhearted, able and smart… Born 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942, 1930, 1918…

There are more than 260 horse breeds!  Some of the more popular breeds may be familiar ... enjoy these gorgeous creatures!

The Clydsdale ... bred in Scotland originally worked hauling and in agriculture and stands 18-19 hands high! They are available in many colors and widely known in America as "Budweiser horses". The classic color is roan with black mane and tail with white "feathered" fetlocks. As you can see, other colors are acceptable. Clydesdales are known as the gentle giants. 

The Gypsy Vanner ... was bred to pull the colorful gypsy caravans across Europe. This beautiful breed has a good following in America. 

The American Quarter Horse ... was bred and used extensively for ranching and is the fastest horse in a sprint race. 

The Andalusian ... (or Pure Spanish Horse) is a breed from the Iberian Peninsula. This strong, yet compact horse was used as a war horse throughout Europe and ridden by royalty. It is a breed thousands of years unchanged. 

The Thoroughbred ... a highly developed 1,000 lb racing machine on four skinny legs capable of carrying a heavy load. This photo is Northern Dancer from Canada who lived a healthy 39 1/2 years having won international fame. 

The Icelandic Horse ... was brought to Iceland by Scandinavian settlers in the 9th century. No other horses have been allowed into Iceland making this a hearty, long lived breed with resistance to disease. 

The Spotted Saddle Horse ... an American breed created by crossing the Spanish Pinto with Tennessee Walking Horse. These horses make a delightful light-riding partner with a smooth gait. 

The Mustang ... because our American wild horses are descended from domesticated Spanish horses, they are listed as "feral horses" by our government. As such, they are under the control of the Bureau of Land Management and constantly under "herd management" controls. Nevertheless, Mustangs are strong, healthy horses and a national treasure. 

Obviously, I could carry on with registered horse breeds, and there are plenty of beautiful, sound horses of indeterminate (backyard) breeding. "A horse is a horse, of course of course!"

Happy (Chinese) New Year! (Hey, if your "resolutions" failed from 30 days ago, this is a fresh start.). LOL

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014 - BLACK MOON RISING

It's a chilly 44° with rain this morning! Mark and I went to our new Waffle House for breakfast ... food was good; screaming babies, not so much. LOL

After our breakfast, we drove to Walmart to shop for a new TV for the RV basement. No luck. Once again, Walmart disappoints! The smallest TV Wally had was a 46 inch; too big for our needs. I'll order what we want online.  Next, I tried to buy shoes. I found a pair I liked, took them to the checkout and discovered TWO shoe SIZES in the box. Haha. No sale. 

Meanwhile, at Walmart, Mark found a fantastic "Gators" hat. LOL. No sale either. 

It was a good day in that we saved $.43 a gallon on diesel thanks to Winn-Dixie gas points!  After grocery shopping, Mark and I took some things to Leesburg Humane Society store. We've donated so much the last few months that their store is looking like an annex of our house. LOL

So, today is a "special" day ... (no wonder things are off kilter!)

CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL sang about the phenomenon in their Bad Moon Risin'

I see the bad moon arisin'

I see trouble on the way

I see earthquakes and lightnin'

I see bad times today

Don't go around tonight

It's bound to take your life

There's a bad moon on the rise

I hear hurricanes a blowin'

I know the end is comin' soon

I fear river's overflowin'

I hear the voice of rage and ruin

Don't go around tonight

Well it's bound to take your life

There's a bad moon on the rise

Alright

Hope you get your things together

Hope you are prepared to die

Looks like we're in for nasty weather

One eye is taken for an eye

Well don't go around tonight

Well it's bound to take your life

There's a bad moon on the rise

We're staying home tonight with a warm fire. It's now happy hour ... enjoy. Tomorrow's a warm-up trend, we hope ... what a crazy weather-month January has been!  

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2014

Good morning everyone. It's going to be a beautiful day, around 80° with sunshine!  BUT, there's always a BUTT in life, LOL, a cold front will move through tonight. I see Mark has 3 logs by the front door for a nice fire tonight. :-)

During the night, I had one crazy-ass dream; threw the sheet back, punched the mattress and hollered to Mark that I'd caught a scorpion. WTF was THAT about!!! Mark rolled over and said, "No you didn't ... it's just like your spider dream ... go back to sleep!" So, I went back to sleep but Mark lay awake, traumatized. LOL. No wonder some couples have separate bedrooms. Hahaha. 

We had plenty to accomplish today. Mark washed the truck and the RV roof. A big job on a 40' roof. I finished unloading and washed the fridges ... it's ready to be vacuumed tomorrow when, hopefully, it's cooler outside. 

Just when you think you have all the toys, something new comes on the market!  Rick Moir spotted a rig similar to this while cruising the intercoastal waterway. 

Now, Mark wants one of these ... $40,000 give or take. LOL. It sure looks fun. I'm afraid he won't get one unless he wins the lottery. Haha. 

Linda and Randy are popping in for a visit shortly ... 

MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2014

Oh yeah !!! It was a "par-tay" last night! LOL. Easterlin is a lovely South Florida RV park ... or it was until WE disturbed the peace. Hahaha. Sue, Wayne, Ruth, Rick, Maggi and Larry joined us for lasagna dinner. It was good fun with plenty of laughs. 

Rick took this picture from the Escalade; ... Mark and I had just plopped down after organizing the dinner and poured some wine! 

Wayne, Ruth and Rick arrived 10 minutes before Sue, Maggi and Larry; despite Sue's "shortcut". 

Larry wasn't able to eat lasagna, apparently, so brought a tenderloin steak for himself. At that moment, I couldn't think where our gas grill was, so ...

Larry gleefully fried it up in my RV kitchen. Sue thought this hilarious and snapped the picture. 

Plenty of "old stories" were retold with lots of laughs!!! At one point, Mark noticed the security guard driving about and tried to quiet us down. Haha. 

I saw this sign on Facebook and thought it applied to our group. 

As the evening progressed, everyone was mellowing down;

Sue and Wayne; lovey-dovey ...

Rick and Ruth, lovey-dovey ...

Larry and Julie, DIVORCED 40 years ago ... LOL. (Mark gleefully took this picture!)  

There were lots of laughs!!! We had such a good time. By 8 o'clock, Sue rounded everyone up and away they went. We're going home today to "dry out", haha, it's been a party non-stop since last Thursday. 

Today, we're away at 10 AM for a 5 hour home. It's beautiful and sunny and should be an easy drive.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2014

Yesterday, Rick and Ruth joined us for a day at the South Florida Fair. This year's theme ... New York. 

One of the events we watched was an 85'high dive into 9' of water. Not quite a dive into a pail, as advertised. LOL. Ruth wanted to see it because "everything from New York is fantastic!!!" LOL. Being Mark is from upstate New York, he found Ruth's comment hilarious. The young woman commentating had a terrific singing voice, and sang "New York, New York". It was good entertainment. Ruth and I even found a spot to sit, front row center!!!

It was fun walking around and going into the displays and petting farm. We ate chili cheese fries and sausage peppers 'n onions 'cause that's what 'you do' at a fair. 

       Ruth & Rick          Julie & Mark

Ruth and I were disappointed there weren't more draft horses! We wanted to see Clydesdale and Belgian horses. However, this beauty was large enough to frighten Mark and Rick. Haha. 

The highlight of the fair occurred in the parking lot when an osprey flew past with a fish in its talons!!!

It was a big fish, and the bird was flying low!!! 

Ruth invited us to their boat, at Sue and Wayne's dock, for wine. Diane and Kris had just left and we found Sue and Wayne opening anniversary gifts! "What a take!", as Wayne's friend Sid would say. LOL. So much for putting "no gifts" on the invitation. 

A bevy of thoughtful gifts ... I think only Mark and I followed their "no gift" wish ... Wa waa waaa. We will take them to dinner in Charleston, South Carolina on our joint upcoming RV adventure. 

Tonight, Sue, Wayne, Ruth, Rick, Maggi, and Larry are coming for lasagna dinner at the RV park. Tomorrow, I will post some pictures of our dinner. 

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 2014

Good morning! Well, that was a GREAT anniversary party for Sue and Wayne's 40th last evening!

Sue and Wayne, looking fit and trim. 

The decorations were beautiful!!! Each table setting was done with white tablecloth and chair covers accented with red bows (Ruby Anniversary), and red roses surrounded by rose petals. 

Lovely decor ... Red was THE color of the night. 

Julie with Jim Gauthier. Larry Flett and Rick Moir in the background. 

Dinner was Caesar salad, rolls, roast turkey, prime rib beef roast, potatoes and Red Velvet Cake! Most delicious. 

Sue awarded Wayne with an engraved "metal" for 40 years of wedded bliss. LOL. 

The Jamie Mitchell Band played for hours ... everyone was dancing!

The Tawns girls were all enjoying the evening. Julie, Linda, Susan, Diane. 

Diane with Rick and Ruth Moir. 

Maggi Flett was in good spirits behind this table ... Sue, Heather, Bruce and Wayne, sitting. 

Julie and Larry got along ... who knew? LOL

Oh oh ... it's well beyond "wine:30". Haha

The "couple of the evening" was a surprise ... LOL ... Bruce and Les. 

Meanwhile, Lynne and Wayne sipped wine. 

Line dancing began ...

And Mark's "sausage" fingers got into this pic. LOL. 

Kris and Diane had a good time. 

And folks, this is what a few of us felt like this morning ...

LOL. 

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014

It's the big party night! Sue and Wayne are having a party at the Elks Club in honor of their 40th anniversary. We're looking forward to seeing friends we haven't seen in awhile!

Yesterday, Mark and I went to Old Time Pottery, again. I bought a 7 foot silk ficus tree and wall art for the RV bathroom. Mark found a casserole dish with insulated carrying tote he wanted for the RV. (When we travel with Sue and Wayne, we share the cooking duties.  The insulated tote is very handy!)

Of course getting a 7 foot tree into our truck cab was a challenge. LOL. 

The tree will ride home safely in the RV. It's destination is our cottage living room. There's a perfect spot for it now that the TV is over the fireplace. (THAT was a good project!) 

Last night, we had dinner at Sue & Wayne's with friends in town for tonight's big bash. It was a fantastic time.  Rose, Heather, Bruce, Lynn, Les, Jim, Randy, Ruth, Rick, Sue, Wayne, Maggi, Larry, Mark and I enjoyed Bella Roma lasagna and salad. It was a fun gab fest. Great times with great friends. 

Today, Mark and I are relaxing with our Scotties after being out 3 nights in a row. They are great pups and "hold the fort" while we're out, with no fuss and never a mess. 

Robbie the Bruce and MagPie Rogers