***** NEW BLOG ADDRESS *****

As it turns out, error code 403 means that I have used too much bandwidth and reached my limit on my current blog. So, I have started a new blog that is called "two wagging tales 2" ... and this is the new address to reach it. This is where all future posts will be. I heard from several Palma concerned, when they couldn't find us over Christmas on the blog. I apologize. It took a while to research why I was having the error code and how to fix it. Here's the new address:

http://twowaggingtales2.blogspot.com 

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 23, 2015

Ho Ho Ho ... Our shopping is finally done! What a crazy, runaround month it's been! Today is going to be just as busy ... our RV is ready for pickup as a start to the day. Then there's a food order to be picked up at Publix ... and K's arrive about 1 o'clock. Wow. 

Randy and Dawn's dinner party last night was great. We met her cousin Laura and husband John from California, in Florida for a few days. Brittany, Allen, Makenna, Charlotte, Mary, Brandon, and little Brandon all arrived about the same time. We kept an eye on Robbie to make sure he will get along with the kids, but no problem. Randy cooked Chicken Marsala which was, of course, excellent. The kids opened a couple of presents which required batteries. Dawn ran to the store   as she didn't have the right type batteries in the house. Haha. 

So we came to GRW for our Grand Junction. Too bad, so sad. The jack wound freely but not under load. Drat. So, we'll have to leave it for another go at the problem. 

We're finally caught up and ready to Partay!!! Sue & Wayne will be here for happy hour! 

Sue and Wayne arrived at 3:30, and Randy arrived about 4 o'clock for a visit. We sat in the coach and had a couple glasses of wine before going to Stavros for dinner. As we were getting ready to leave, Sue was insisted Randy take garlic bread for Dawn. In the process Randy knocked over Sue's wine ... and that resulted in wet pants. It was quite hilarious.

We came back to the house and thought we would watch the photos Crystal had put together for Gregg's celebration of life service. However, we couldn't figure out how to work our Blueray! Sue suggested that tomorrow we sit in the Escalade and watch it. I guess that's how it will be done.

I'm still having a problem with an error code and could not load any photos onto the blog. I hope that the next update will clear this. Ta ta till tomorrow. 

TUESDAY DECEMBER 22, 2015

Good morning. My Blog app is acting up. Not fun! Error code 403. Blah. I signed on Mark's phone to see if the latest iPhone update is the culprit. Well, it's not just my phone, so Blogger must be having an issue.

Anyway, we're off to the dump with a load of kitchen cabinets from Sue and Wayne's Orlando rental property. After that, we're going to Walmart for a little Christmas shopping. We're OK with everyone else's gift, but we haven't bought anything for each other. There isnt a darn thing we need, and one of our gifts is going to Tulsa to pick up Belize next month. Also, Mark wants new tires for his Mountaineer. Life is good. No complaints! How often do you hear that nowadays? 

SUNDAY DECEMBER 20, 2015

What the heck happened to my blog? It was here, now it's missing. I googled how to get it back from drafts, but no luck. Also, I get code 403 when I try and upload a picture. Text works but no photos. What the heck!

MONDAY DECEMBER 21, 2015

Good 65F morning! We were up before six and got ready to take the RV to Giant Recreation World for repair on the front leveling jack. After that, it's off to work at the Orlando house again. 

Well the fun continues! Our prodigy brake controller didn't operate on the way to Giant. It's very possible it was damaged by either Jerry's RV in Alabama, by charging our battery without disconnecting the Prodigy, or by Advantage Dodge by replacing the computer brain in our truck. Oh well, what's done is done. So, we need a new one. Ka-Ching!

Today was super satisfying painting over crud. LOL. Really! Sue laughs ... she'd be horrified at the bugs and dirt. It's fun to see the spiders scurry out of the paint brushes' path. LOL. 

Today, our wee lass, Belize, was spayed. Bonnie said she tends to be a drama queen and is soaking up attention. Poor little sweetie. We hope she'll feel better tomorrow! I wanted to post her picture but, alas, I'm getting "error 403". WRF?

Well that's our day done! Tomorrow, a trip to the dump with the old cabinets ... some Christmas shopping then dinner with RanDawn and her cousin! 

SATURDAY DECEMBER 19, 2015

Good day, eh? I caught up on the news, local, national and International (via Rick's  blog!). It's great to hear they have Sharon and family with them for Christmas.  (This year, it's just going to be the 8 of us. Easy-peasy!)

Mark and Lew went hunting this morning ... a bit chilly, but they bundled up. I caught up on chores and set the table, all ready for Christmas. Then, I had time for my little snuggle honey bunny Scottie on my lap! Bonnie phoned, confirming my favorite diet Sunkist. She's planning a special drink for our Mexican Dominoes night. Fun. I'm obviously excited to be adopting a new family member but also to see my good friend again. And, it will be the first time I meet her husband Roger. :-)))

Sue & Wayne posted their Christmas picture, or rather their Shizzles, as Mark says. 

Sweet picture! That's Julius in red and Shorty Hot Pants in black. LOL

That's it for today! Work tomorrow! Ta ta. 

FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015

Oh how I love the sound of the rain on the roof. It's been a while since we've had any precipitation. One does get tired of perfect sunny days, you know? Haha. Well, different weather is in store for us when we get to Oklahoma in January. Brrr. 

It was a fun party last night at the Hideaway but we left early! We were up at 5:30 to prep for our Orlando job. It is so nice to have our Dodge back and running perfectly. Chrysler did an outstanding job of troubleshooting, and fixing our problem. The call to Customer Relations paid off handsomely as Chrysler paid over $1800 toward our repair bill. The cause was a myriad of problems. First there was the leak down into the solenoid which shorted it out. Then said leak traveled to the wiring harness and shorted that out which caused a problem with the TIPM which ruined the PC; the brains of the engine. Advantage Chrysler had their transmission technician on the phone with Chrysler head office. Although it took some time to get it done, our truck came back in pristine condition, nicely cleaned, looking and driving like new.

Well that was one busy day at work. Robbie barked at some kids getting off the school bus, and at a husky towing a boy on a skateboard. It was very exciting. Ha ha. Mark worked on the garage, removed the rotten gate, hauled 1/4 ton of trash to the road, loaded our truck with 3/4 ton for the dump plus patched holes in the garage. Me? I painted and I painted and I painted. Then, I hung a wreath on the door and declared the doorway done.

After loading the broken screens into our truck, we set off to drop them at H & W 11 miles (and 2 tolls) away. We stopped at Taco Bell to pick up lunch. Mark ran in to place an order. The girl said what's your name. He replied "Mark." She said, "Is that with a B???" But it was too late to correct her as she already sent the order back as Bark. LOL. (Mark Mark said hairlip dog)

At 3:45, we took an exciting ride to the dump. We have a lot of construction debris to drop off. Tomorrow, Saturday, Mark is going hunting with Lew. That will be my chance to get our house tidied for Christmas. Yahoo. Sunday, we will go back to Orlando and remove the old kitchen cabinets and make ready for the new cabinet install sometime next week.

Today, Sue and Wayne went to Wayne's company luncheon at Blue Moon Fish Co. on the Intracoastal in Fort Lauderdale. That's a very nice location for their Christmas party. (The food has always been spectacular there.)

Randy and Dawn went to the Hideaway's Elvis show tonight. It's going to be a bit chilly! If we weren't so tired ...

We always manage a few laughs during the day. This morning, Mark asked what I thought of him removing (an empty) electrical box that was screwed to the wall with gray conduit going through the ceiling. I said to take it out. Mark removed the screws from the "u" brackets and the pipe fell from the ceiling. LOL. It wasn't wired ... just poked through the ceiling! WTF?

That's the mystery box on the right. 

That's it for now. Ta ta. 

THURSDAY DECEMBER 17, 2015

Good morning y'all. Mark and I spent our day grocery shopping and catching up on chores! Imagine! It's just a week until Christmas and, food wise, we're ready!

Tonight, we're meeting RanDawn at the Hideaway for a Christmas party! 

Cheeky, isn't he? LOL. 

It's was a fun evening of music, dancing and good food. We left just as the party was really taking off. Work tomorrow ... and we've got to drive home. 

The Hideaway was beautifully decorated.

Dawn & Randy with Tommy Dee singing.  

Mark and I tried to fuel up the Dodge on our way home. One station was out of diesel; and the next was closed! 

Oh well!!! Ta ta til tomorrow!

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 16, 2015

Happy 5th Birthday to our sweet Robbie the Bruce! We love our handsome boy!

March 2011 with our wee lad growing up in the RV while in Oklahoma City. 

Near the end of January, we are going to T-town, Tulsa, to visit Bonnie and her husband Roger. They are going on their (delayed) honeymoon while we dog-sit a plethora of Scotties and Percy, a Westie. When we head for home after the 7th, it will be with the newest member of our family, Belize, aged 2. She is retiring from the dog show circuit and 1 litter of pups to become our precious new Scottie girl. 

Cute, isn't she ... and yes, he's very handsome. 

Today was a work in progress sort of day. Tomorrow is a day off and a party at the Hideaway! Randy & Dawn are going so we are assured of a great time!

My first haircut. Thanks Auntie Bonnie. 

Easter in Tulsa, 2011

Robbie had chicken, pizza bones, pretzels and a new ball for his birthday. Aroooo! 

TUESDAY DECEMBER 15, 2015

Good morning! We're up and ready to roll by 7:15. Not too shabby after a long day yesterday! Haha ... I paint in my sleep now! I dreamt the garage door was painted. Not. So, it's off to the Depot for a gallon. We're into our last (full) week at the house. Once the kitchen cabinets are in, we'll do the backsplash and countertops to finish it off. 

Before & After of the kitchen floor ... 

Mark and I had the biggest laugh on the drive to Orlando today. We saw a young black man riding a way-too-small bicycle, with his pants drooping down and his plaid underwear showing. When he stood to peddle faster, his pants slid down to his knees. He was trying to pull up his pants and maintain control of the bike. We missed a good picture! LOL

The work day is done and we're enjoying a glass of wine ... and Mark is cooking al a vodka sauce with pasta and a side of chicken. Randy phoned in the middle of it and Mark told him he'd been a painter, a plumber, a carpenter and a candlestick maker today. LOL

I was the vanity refinisher ... 

Before & after ... Mark painted the peaks ... me, down low and garage door. Teamwork ... and a few laughs. Just a couple more full days and The kitchen cabinets will be ready for installation. Well that's our news for today. Tata

MONDAY DECEMBER 14, 2015

Ho Ho Ho. Last night, Randy and Dawn dropped over for drinks after dinner. 

We sure wondered what was up when Dawn came in lugging an overnight bag and PILLOW. LOL. Randy had forgotten to tell us they were staying overnight. Dawn laughed when she found out Randy hadn't mentioned it. LOL. (They need a septic tank pump out, pronto!)

This morning, Randy and Dawn were up and off to breakfast by 7:15 as Dawn had to open shop at work. The last person ready for work was, as usual, Robbie dog. Mark and I had plenty of things to get at Home Depot for the Orlando property. Robbie came in the store and rode around just like "K's" Shizzles. LOL

Our new Kia is loaded to the hesdliner with sinks, toilet seats, a pressure washer and supplies. I guess we will be finished the big job before our Dodge is ready! The parts haven't arrived yet. 

We ran short of paint to finish rolling the stucco! Drat. It's looking good. Tomorrow, I'll paint the garage door and the front door jamb white. 

We arrived home in the dark. I don't like this time of year for that reason and wish we kept daylight savings yearly. Mark cooked a nice dinner while I did out paperwork. Tonight, relax and watch the news. Ta ta. 

WORKDAY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015

Lovely 64Fthis morning as Mark tied the new bedroom door to the Kia roof rack. Yes, we're the Clampets again! It's going to be a day of odds 'n soda. There are doors to be hung, shelving installed in the hall closet, a board cut for a cabinet base; etc. It was a nice drive with no rush hours traffic. 

Doesn't this recipe sound great? I might whip it up for Christmas Day dessert! 

We kept busy til 5 when we closed up for the day and stopped for burgers and shakes on our way home. 

Tomorrow, a few supplies from Home Depot and mostly working outside the house. Alright! We're getting it done!

Sue took a car load of donations to the Shizzles Rescue this afternoon. 

It looks like there will be some cozy doggies over Christmas!

Randy and Dawn have been busy at her Fruitland Park home today. She had a water leak and needed some repairs. They are going to drop over for a visit tonight. 

Homeland is on tonight, and then it'll be straight to bed after that. Well, that's the plan. 

SATURDAY DECEMBER 12, 2015

My recurring Christmas nightmare begins about July every year. It motivates me to prepare early for the big festivities. Well, this year, my nightmare is true! I'm nowhere near ready! Whhhaaatttt? LOL

I awoke at 3:30 ... then 3:45; well you know! I gave up and started wrapping Christmas gifts at 4 a.m.  Mark planned hunting with Lew and Ben, so no problem there; he was ready to get up. Of course, he had to tease me by wringing his hands like my mother would do. Oh No! I'm not ready for Christmas!!! LOL What a household. Anyway, by 11 a.m. I'd wrapped and written a few Christmas cards, now an archaic practice with email  and Facebook. Mark dashed in from hunting at 11:30 and went to the post office to mail 1 eBay parcel, a little something for my pal in Tulsa and the cards. I guess EVERYONE was up early with the same idea! There were 17 folks in line already! 

Well K's are ready to load their sleigh, er Escalade! Go on, add to my nightmare. LOL

Bonnie (and Roger) are very busy bathing  7 puppies who are learning to eat "solid" food. 

Apparently, someone fell in. Cute!!! 

Speaking of Christmas cards. Yesterday, Mark and I received our first two in the mail. One from Jack and Carol and the other from Randy and Dawn. 

LOL ... They are identical ... Mailed the same day and received on December 11th at our house from different ends of Florida. 

It's such a gorgeous day we sat on the front porch for happy hour and FaceTime with Bonnie. Robbie grunted and growled (talked) to his auntie. He's a very unique Scottie. We're planning a road trip "before spring" to T-Town for a visit ... and to bring home retiring show girl, Robbie's half-sister, Belize. Obviously she's a beauty, but more importantly, she has personality plus. 

Happy hour Granola Milkbone & cheese  Robbie's a perfect character himself and a little serious. He needs, we need, Belize. Yay. 

We're off to bed early tonight having skipped a Christmas party. It's back to work at the Orlando house as the carpet was laid today. Git er done! 

FRIDAY DECEMBER 11, 2015

Good morning from sunny Central Florida. It's a bright beautiful day, again. Last night, before bed, I checked my phone and found we had a couple of eBay sales. Yay. It's been extremely quiet. So, this morning Mark had to box up a French easel while I got a car charm packaged. We're going to be late for work today as the post office doesn't open until 830 in Ocoee. We wont be starting work until 9 o'clock. Oh boy, I hope we don't get fired. LOL

Oh my aching (fill in the blank). 

Mark is on his knees doing baseboards (still) while I'm rolling bedroom and hall closets and bathroom ceilings. The place is looking tight. 

We still have doorknobs to tighten ... door stops to screw in ... but we will be ready for carpet & vinyl flooring by the end of today!!! Then ... the front door project ... the room removal project ... pressure washing ... replacing bathroom sinks ... Caulking tubs and vanities ... washing exterior windows ... maybe freshen paint on front of house ... then the kitchen cabinets should be ready ... find a countertop company and be done? I'm sure there are other little things that will come up ... another week or so. 

Front door ... new hardware & "Deep River" paint. 

Tomorrow, we're invited to Sharon & Art's  Christmas shindig, complete with entertainment. I must get some gifts wrapped and put under our tree; write a few Christmas cards and be ready for more fun at K's Orlando property come Monday. 

Well, that's it for tonight. We're looking forward to Randy's homecoming tomorrow. I bet it's been a trying week for him. It was so nice he went for Gregg's service.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 10, 2015

Good morning. It's still dark outside and here I am sitting drinking a glass of water not DSO! What's with that? Actually, I woke up with aching hands. Thank heavens for Biofreeze ... and, a day off from painting. LOL. You see, tonight is Yaya's here, so I must prep the house for it. We are exchanging cookies and gifts

... and of course drinking wine and eating pizza. Fun!

Waiting for the Ya Ya's ... 

I wonder what Mick Jagger was singing about ???

By 1230, we had the house dusted, vacuumed, Xmas party lights on and plywood (and tablecloth) over the pool table for a big wine bar. I just heard of three more joining the Partay!

CHRYSLER just called to discuss our Dodge's transmission issue. Apparently the dealer replaced the TIPM but that didn't cure the problem either! Now the entire PC must be replaced! The good news is we are only responsible for the first $1250.00. (Great!) The part won't be in until Monday ... let's hope THAT fixes it. There will be a warranty on the work. 

What a big laugh we had this morning! Mark made fried egg and cheese sandwiches for our breakfast plus cooked an egg for Robbie's plate. (We only give him half saving half for another morning.) Mark prepped Robbie's meal, cut the egg in half, opened a cabinet and pulled out a Tupperware to save it. Well, a horrid stink came out when he peeled the lid back! Half an egg had been saved before but put in the kitchen cabinets instead of the fridge. LOL. Mark tried the blame game but we know who needs 2 cups of coffee before he wakes up fully. Haha. Phew!

Ya Ya's was a blast. Robbie greeted everyone then found a safe spot under the dining room table to watch the festivities. (He did sneak out of his hiding spot when Pat opened his cookie jar "accidentally"!) Yes, he sat up for a cookie!  Haha. 

Linda stole the cute snowman from Alice!

Pat & Meredith harmonizing on Xmas songs! 

We had a fun evening. I'm pooped. 

Mark came home and helped tidy up. We're ready for work tomorrow! Ta ta. 

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 9, 2015

Good morning! We were up early (5:30) for our workday. Even Robbie is getting in the new routine! Well, he stayed in his bed until breakfast was ready. It's a dog's life! LOL

Well, Bonnie and I had a great laugh over one of my posts from last week. Do you recall the pic of Diana and her puppies? I commented on the background of snow on her back deck ...

but was told IT'S NOT SNOW BUT SCOTTIE (and one Westie) NOSE PRINTS. Bwahahaha. I guess that's what happens when you have a dozen doggies about. Hee hee. 

Last evening's news had a story about 2 burglars who had been plaguing an Orlando neighborhood. Well, the police have been after them for about a week. Finally, they arrested one who had been clearly caught on an owner's surveillance camera! The other burglar met a grizzly demise.

You see, the burglar, in an attempt to flee the police, jumped into a Florida neighborhood pond. His remains were found yesterday, well, what was left of him. Yep, gator chow! 

It was a good work day and we're both covered in paint. This was a chunk of caulk Mark dug out around the front door. 

LOL. Every little task becomes a big one ... but we're enjoying this! Really. We love renovating! (Masochists!) LOL

Well, we're home now and Mark is making pasta for dinner. We are using basil from the plant Ruth gave us. Plus our Rosemary from the garden and meatballs from Stavros! It'll be awesome.

So that's it for this evening. The rest of the agenda includes hot tub, wine, and Advil. Ta ta. 

TUESDAY DECEMBER 8, 2015

Good day, eh! Brrr, it's chilly outside! I know, I know ... We've been waiting for some cooler weather. LOL

Donald Trump is really stirring the ethnic and religious pot by inflaming 5 - 12 million America citizens! Donald, you're crazy cuckoo. 

I spotted this on Facebook after posting the Hitler spoof, above. 

We had a busy day at the Orlando house,

hanging blinds ...

and curtains then painting again. There's still plenty of baseboards, closets and cabinets to paint. 

On our way home, I talked to CHRYSLER head office about our Dodge transmission debacle. Maybe we'll have good news tomorrow ... like maybe a lower repair bill. 

We picked up a pizza at Stavros ... just to tired to cook. That was our excitement for the day. Ha ha. As Rick M would say, "Julie, you write a blog even when there's nothing going on!" YEP! Ta ta. 

MONDAY DECEMBER 7, 2015

Pearl Harbor Day ... our neighborhood block captains were busy in the wee (foggy) morning hours putting up our flags. Nice!

Meanwhile, we're off to work with our sleepyhead Scottie. He doesn't like eating breakfast before 9, nevermind 6 am. He slept the entire hour drive. Haha. "Where am I ???"

Happy Birthday to cousin Debbie (with hubs Del) celebrating yesterday in London. 

In Pompano Beach, Wayne hung their Christmas lights and a new addition, Snoopy! 

It's now 7 in the evening and we're heading home after a big day of "housework". LOL. We didn't intend on working "overtime" but had to change the locks. We had a nosy eyeballer checking out the house today ...

It may have been the former tenant's son. Hmmm, better safe than sorry, as the saying goes. 

Randy's at the airport waiting for his 9 o'clock flight to Winnipeg. Ike Vickar, a friend and boss from Randy's car sales days passed away over the weekend. So, Randy now has 2 funerals to attend! 

Wayne phoned tonight to say he ordered the Cherry kitchen cabinets for the house! I think they'll look great. 

Well, that's it as we have a date with the hot tub and a glass of wine AFTER Robbie gets his dinner and a big walk.  Ta ta.