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Stuff and Nonsense

I went with the kids to Renae and Bob Miller's Boat Parade party at Jason's rental house in Pompano- pre Christmas. They have made the house very homey. That was the good news. The bad news was in spite of tripod, I got about two decent pictures. This is one of them. It was a visual and audio spectacular. I enjoyed it.

Yesterday was my final medical checkup of the year with Dr. Cohn. We were both pleased. Tests and exams showed improvement or holding my own. I had experienced a couple of gouty sessions. He prescribed an anti-inflammatory drug, Colcrys, which has been around for a long time. You often don't know how much pain you have been carrying until it goes away. I like it and though it has a load of potential side-effects, I seem to be tolerating it well.

Greg lost his canine companion, JJ, a few weeks ago. He made her last days as pleasant as possible-and loved her. He was really torn up about it. Still is kind of a mess. (been there, done that) His constant loyal companion of 13 years is sorely missed. I encouraged him to get another one-it is a compliment to the passed dog that it was so important in your life that you don't want to do without a canine companion. He texted me a picture of the pup today. I am anxious to get my hands on it.

Didn't feel very energetic after my Doc visit. I charged all the batteries on my cameras and called it a good day's work. Today I decided to fix a garden ornament that Lori gave me for Christmas. It was broken out of the box. It is a kind of wind chime with glass marbles on a chain inside it. The chain was broken. I decided super-glue was my best bet. First I glued my fingers to it. Then I glued it to my shirt. Then I tried UGlu tape and it seems to have done the trick. Of course it has been cool for a couple of days-time will tell.

Jason sold the "project house." He got his asking price. I have new neighbors- Youngish transplants from New York (some time ago) by the name of Figueroa- Reuben and Susan. He does ad layouts for (gasp) the Enquirer. Seem like nice people.

Matt is contemplating a possible move to Bend, Oregon to assume the director's office there. He is being encouraged to apply by headquarters and his boss. Many things to consider-more money for sure, house? Audrey? It is all up in the air right now. No easy decisions. Bless him.

Kill The Bug 2011

Christmas is in our rear view mirror. Lori has staked out the morning of Christmas Eve for her "Kill the Bug Party" the tradition among the Polish being that to have a good snort and a nosh on Christmas Eve morning keeps you healthy. We should have plenty of healthy friends and neighbors on 6th Avenue and 8th Avenue. I helped this year by running to Costco and cooking quite a bit. All great fun for me. The party runs from 8 a.m. to Noon so "come in your jammies" is observed by a good percentage of the attendees. Mimosas, Bellinis, Bloody Mary's, Screwdrivers and wine and plain Champagne grease the skids. This year Mark Jaden performed acoustically on his guitar and was spectacular. A highlight for me was when he sang an original song that has "And you have a fantastic a__. as a lyric and the churchgoers as well as the heathens were out there shaking it. Jason took the video.

Next door neighbors (to Jason and Lori), Steve and Mariela, dressed (and cooked) for the event.

My nephew Chris and his longtime friend Mia attended. Her folks live in Palm Beach so we get to see them once a year. They live in Los Angeles-Chris is in the movie biz.

My neighbors, the Pattens, attended this year. A nice family-Matt is a Sniper for Broward Sheriff office. They do a lot together -he wins the "Clark Griswold Award" for over the top Christmas decorations in the neighborhood.

My across the street neighbor plays the tambourine and dances. Trish dances in the background. Though the party was supposed to be over at noon it was still going on at 5:00 p.m.. We missed David's Christmas Eve Party because things were still going on and Lori was sleeping hard- until 10 p.m. at which time she arose and went to 1:00 a.m. with Trish and Lori's niece. We counted 80+ attendees most of whom we knew. One of the last to leave was the Baptist minister's wife. Kind of makes you feel good.

Cleanup continues. We are anticipating the New Year's bash at David and Jacqui's.

Not to Worry!

Anxious enquiries from the frozen tundra-my lack of blogging has imaginations running wild. It is really very sweet of them. I feel good but one of my meds, Amiodiorne, which keeps my heart in rhythm, is notorious for having an effect on memory and my short term memory is measurable in nano-seconds by the evening. So I forget until I am too tired to string three sentences together. During the days I am fairly functional. I have been attending various parties and functions which the kids are kind enough to tag me along. I try hard not to embarrass them, though my pants fell to my knees at the Pompano Beach Boat Parade. Belt problems. Not more than 7 or 8 people saw it. Serves them right, too for looking.

Below was the reunion party for what is left of our little group. Rene and Therese were with us in our thoughts and reminiscences. We need to get Therese down here somehow. The Westphalia is on the downward side of its useful life and Therese doesn't feel all that confident about it. It was not a gloomy review of times past because we all laugh uproariously about everything. Below Andre models a T-shirt I made him using a picture of Nicole's sailboat. Nicole needs long sleeves so I have a re-do but they liked them very much.

Jeanne went over the top with the canapes. We almost killed out appetites.

Nicole and Jeanne hoist their generous cocktails.

Nicole made Boef Bourguinon and a great supper for our little reunion at John Prince Park. The campground is looking good. I saw lots of faces I know. Wish I could say the same for their names!

I made it home by 10:30. My sweet children walked my dogs and turned on my Christmas decorations to welcome me home-all unbidden-just thoughtful. I am looking forward to a good "season."

Thanksgiving Redux

Jason decided we needed a family Thanksgiving after Lori returned. Going out for Thanksgiving as delightful as it is to taste other folk's traditions, does have the drawback of no leftovers, also. So Sunday at 2:00 Trish, and Jason and Lori and moi gathered for a Turkey and trimmings. Jason produced it all- prize winning mashed potatoes, dressing, turkey, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, home cooked rolls. It was delicious. Trish, who originated in England, brought one of her fabled "trifles" for dessert. It was delectable- We asked about the recipe. As soon as she said "peel two pounds of grapes," Lori and I said "Stop!" We knew full well that peeling two pounds of grapes in our kitchens was a non-starter. Not to mention the whipping cream from scratch and the cognac. Made it all the sweeter to savor on the occasion.

Nana's china was overflowing! At least mine was. We started to go into post-turkey coma even after strong coffee. Lori suggested we take Trish to see the kitchen Jason did-as she wants to re-do hers. We all went on a dogwalk in my neighborhood which helped postpone nap time. When Jason delivered leftovers just in time for the 8:00 p.m. munchies, I learned that I was not the only one who required a nap. We got our turkey sandwiches!

Thanksgiving 2011

Click here for pictures https://picasaweb.google.com/100084609630476316946/11242011FLThanksgving#
Thanksgiving celebration with Bob and Marcia.

Early Snowbirds

Jeanne and Marc finally arrived after a forced 15 day stay in Cecil, Georgia. Their transmission tribulations were finally ended with a remanufactured tranny from Ford-guaranteed for three years. Needless to say, they were very relieved and happy to finally be in their winter home. They treated me to a very pleasant evening-canapes, sparkling wine, and a chicken dinner. It was very nice to see them. It had been months since I was in good old John Prince Campground so I took a little spin around the place. It is only just starting to fill. Many happy days spent there but I have to admit setting up and tearing down were lots of work. I like where I am and can go visit.

I have been finding plenty to do around here. Nu-Turf nursery got three visits. Sodding some places where otherwise, the doggies like to dig themselves little depressions in the dirt to rest their bones. That is just fine until they come in the house. Florida has the dirtiest dirt-it is like silt. The pups like their grassy spots too. I can't seem to go to the nursery without leaving with some extras. The Mandevilla vine isn't doing much. The Morning Glory is really taking off as they are wont to do. Some rose bushes are doing all right.

I have been doing experimental cooking- rice cooker and steamer are getting most of the action as eating healthy suggests alternative methods and foods. I'll try to cook for my friends healthy, tasty stuff.

Lori and Trish are in Texas for Thanksgiving. They wanted to see Casey play basketball and have family time. Jason is here, in the final throes of selling the house next door. The inspection suggested some minor fix ups so he is doing those. He got his asking price and the new owners are ecstatic with it. They sound like they will be good neighbors. Time will tell. He and I have invitations for Thanksgiving but we may still bolt and cook our own.

I have been reading from the Classic Mysteries Collection and am kind of fascinated with Mary Roberts Rinehart. Plots are kind of melodramatic but she is excellent with character and culture and mores, and human nature. She was widowed fairly early in her life and became a literary powerhouse-like Stephen King except in the early part of the last century. She got into publishing-she is the Rinehart in Holt Rinehart and Winston. Quite a lady she was.

Time Warp

This blog entry is coming from the "fair Elante." The old HP computer is now on my network after days of trial and error  It feels very familiar and is a blast from the past. Wind and rain and mists swirl around the camper. Living so close to the ocean has its good points and a few bad ones.

I am hobbling with a bout of the gout. The dietary constraints of my conditions make eating at all precarious. My friends too have various dietary restrictions. Greg and Lew showed up. Greg is still mostly on soft food. They did a great job of restoring his face but the underlying plates are still not quite firm. Lew is still suffering from the prostate operation in ways you don't really want to know about. The doggies got their walk this morning, nonetheless. It was a stately stroll. Two bad moments: A blonde head was bobbing in a lap in a car we passed. Honey chose that moment to do her doody. Then as I was gingerly limping my way down the block,a great big guy came out of his house walking the same way! I was not mocking anybody I swear.

11/11/11

An anniversary of sorts. I never remember the bad dates but my son and Seattle Sooz and Bon remind me that a year ago was the first day of the rest of the trouble. Was on a life flight to Casper after Thayne hauled my sorry ...self to the hospital in Riverton. I am not living the life I expected to be living on that morning but I am living a fine life. Mind bending still in some ways but gratitude bubbles up for the support and joy I still feel in everyday life. 

I celebrated by cleaning out the Chevy van I got in Nebraska after the Ford collided with a deer on my way here to Florida. I found the owner's manual and spent some time checking out features I didn't know I had and fixing a few things. It is a nice van. The RV is about as fixed and cleaned as I can make it. Right cozy. Target being so close, I replaced a few of the shabbier linens. Put lipstick on the old pig. She is still the fair Elante to me.

Cooler days now: the ones I come to Florida for-and the pups agree. They are energized and outside most of the day. There are no prairie dogs to chase but there are squirrels to tantalize them and lizards to chase when they aren't wrestling. Buddy makes stuff up to get Honey exercised. He creates emergencies. She is so patient with him. She could end his little life with one snap of her jaws but he is all over her, leading her around by her ruff and biting her hiney. She just sits down and wrestles with him. The highlight of their day is the evening walk with cousin Juneau. They just go nuts when Juneau hits the ground barking and Jason hits the door. Sometimes Lori comes and everybody has a dog. Of course we get the benefit of some brisk walking too.

Animal Abuse!

Lori bought a Santa outfit for Buddy. He didn't seem to mind it at all and Honey seemed to "get it." Big mistake on Buddy's part not to make a fuss-I am sure more outfits are in his future. Lori gets so tickled.

I am feeling like the head skunk of the blogworks. One factor is a Galaxy Tablet computer-handheld 7 inch smartphone thingy my phone company made irresistible. It is great for browsing, reading the email etc., but does not lend itself to typing paragraphs. The big computer gets less time. Then I am going through mundane days which are satisfying bur nor particularly newsworthy. The RV is looking better all the tme- a cozy guest house or retreat for me when guests overflow the household. I am starting to think of the property as a "compound." I seem to be creating little places to be.

I have turned into a "South Florida Weenie." It was 56 degrees at 7:00 a.m. one day last week and I was bundling up to walk the dogs. My fingers hurt just like they did in Wyoming cold. Hurricane Rina sent lots of rain our way when she broke up and the days are cooler. My plants are enjoying it too. Jason is aiding and abetting-he texted me a "curb alert" that somebody discarded a bougainvillea. My plant rescue efforts are impressive if I do say so myself.

The snowbirds are wending my way. Poor Jeanne and Marc lost a transmission in Cecil, Georgia-one traffic light. They have been there about ten days. Greg called-he and Lew did Christmas for "the kids." They will be here by the 15th and Greg sounded chipper this time. Ongoing medical problems for both but after a certain age, who doesn't have them? Nicole and Andre for two. They survived the upheaval after the Turkish earthquakes and are home in Canada after 44 days abroad. They are doing early Christmas celebrations for their near and dears. They now would like to delay their departure to Florida but they reserved early to get their favorite site. We'll see.

I am feeling well enough- my naps now seem obligatory rather than optional. When I am busy I forget but I do feel better after a midday rest. Promotes kidney action. I am measuring input pretty carefully these days. My weight is down but it may just be water.

The kids are just great. They come for the evening dogwalk and I get to cook for them once in awhile.

Halloween Party

The link is here: https://picasaweb.google.com/100084609630476316946/10282011HalloweenDAndJ#

I had originally planned to dangle a potato out of my shorts and go as a "dictator." I went so far as to rent a Qaddafi-style hat for $35.00 then Qaddafi had the bad taste to get himself killed so the whole prospect seemed over the top. So I went to the closet and ironing board and purchased a $19.00 Hippie costume. My  25 year-old Afro wig somehow had made it to Florida! I was under-dressed as you can see from the other's costumes. Some of the costumes must have rented for hundreds. Nonetheless I enjoyed seeing people and noshing with them-taking pictures, as is my wont.

I left as the poker games -Texas Hold 'Em, were beginning. Dennis and Jason split an $1100.00 pot, kicked in to the "house" for the food and were well-satisfied with the evening. Lori had a good time. They brought breakfast sandwiches this morning and we held a post-mortem on the party and  decided it was a winner. Dress up a little and people "get beyond themselves," and are generally fun.

It has been monsoonal here. Hurricane Rina broke up but sent massive rain and stiff winds to South Florida. The streets are often flooded. Walking the dogs requires long term planning to avoid getting soaked-either feet or from rain.  Toweling them off leaves them fluffy and sweet smelling although Honey always smells good-Buddy not so much. The water is a blessing in the right places. I have found from my plantings, that it is impossible to fill a hole with water down here. It hits the sandy layer and flows swiftly away.

I had breakfast with the Stephensons across the street per their invitation. They are kind and cheerful people. They don't celebrate Halloween but were able to advise me on how much candy to get for the neighborhood.  They "bug out" Rick says.  The transmission on their Honda Odyssey is kaput. I worry about them-they seem to live modestly and got way underwater on their home in Boynton. They are renting here.

Speaking of transmissions, Marc and Jeane are in some obscure KOA  campground in Georgia. The transmission they had repaired here last year went out again. Their warranty was dependent on the vehicle being presented back at the Lake Worth shop. So they shipped their transmission to him. They have a large RV but they also have a SuperDuty Ford 350 so they should have plenty of truck. Dunno, but will get here eventually.  Nicole and Andre were in Istanbul when the earthquakes rumbled through Turkey's hinterlands. We have heard nothing from them but they are resourceful. 

I have two "local" football teams-the Denver Broncos and the Miami Dolphins. They both stink. I am looking for an adoptable team.  The World Series finale games were great fun though I do not follow baseball very much.

The Reveal!

Jason took pictures of his project house and listed it today.  The link is here: http://www.postlets.com/res/6460250

He should be very proud. It went from being the unoccupied  local haunted house to a happy yellow bungalow with all new trappings. The back wall was literally falling off. He did it very economically using his network and doing a lot of the work himself.. The neighbors are delighted because it enhances property values in the neighborhood. I think he is lowballing the asking price but he knows about these things-I won't second guess the master. He is very modest about it.  I find it amazing. I am proud enough for both of us.

Meet the Neighbors

First, the kind gentleman at WalMart who said my creamer would be in Saturday is a Big Fat Liar. I am suffering withdrawal and am on a search for something else that I might enjoy.  My trip was not a total bust-I got an assortment of nuts and bolts that I could have used in the past and will use going forward. 

As I walk the neighborhood with the dogs- and Jason or Lori often accompany me, we are meeting the neighbors. To my right are Michael and Vanessa. He trains dogs, ostensibly, and is gone from early to late. Vanessa recently moved in in time to have their baby. Young folks- kind of slackerish, if you catch my drift. To the further left is the sniper for the Broward Sheriff's office. Wife and three kids who all look like mom. First time I saw him-no uniform, I thought-gay,gay, gay! Jason had the same reaction. Hmmm. 

Across the street are Rick and Trish and two kids and spectacular toys. I think Trish is rolling in it-they came home with a big fancy Jeep last week. Trish said she had paid off her Cadillac so they have cash to add to their collection- GMC Suburban to haul the boat and the airboat. They do use them constantly so I am glad for them. They are living life to the fullest by their lights. Certainly having fun.

Also across the street are Sharon and Rick, Josh, Caleb and Ben-homeschoolers with religious convictions of the higher type-they seem to live it. The kids are polite and bright. Rick works outside the house and does all the cooking too. Sharon told me last week, that she told Rick she needed "a date night." They didn't go anywhere so I guess that might be code.  He cleans the bottom of boats-dives. She is getting into the bodywrap business. Jason thinks she is flirty but I am obtuse about that as well as past caring. 

Next to them is Jordan-a young firefighter who has a female roommate and a girlfriend and is enjoying his new home by hosting parties that last long into the night. Glad to have youth and dissipation to balance the Fundamentalists.

Across the street from Jordan is Tom and Lisa and three kids. Tom is a painter and looks as if his head was smashed badly and put back together not quite right. He is very nice. His wife Lori is a homeschooler, Fundamentalist, mom of three who apparently is bipolar. I have met the nice Lori-not the one that stands in the middle of the street and screams. These people like to put cards on windshields exhorting people to find Jesus when the neighbors have parties.  LOTS of pizza boxes in their recycle bin.

Next to them is a "laidback couple" (Tommy T's assessment) I have never seen. I have met their British -born, surfer, dissipated houseboy/lawn guy. They own the old trailer park that Honey likes to escape to and frolic.

Next to them is a guy who goes to work in a white shirt and tie and comes home and puts on his Harley- Davidson duds and ride around. They own the bouncing poodles who go crazy when we walk by.  Pleasant people.

Across the street from them lives Michael and ? I hollered across the street about how cool their Halloween decorations are. He came across the street to meet us.  I was thinking very masculine woman. Then he told us his name was Michael. Jason noticed the "French fingernails," (I don't know French fingernails from French fries!)  Transvestite at the very least. Very nice and friendly. 

I could go on about the guy who puts his Confederate  flag out, the clown who has chartreuse hair, the fellow dog-walker who says she has a plumbing business and wears spandex tops which are very revealing-"silver dollar?" but I will save some for later when I know more.

All of which I find refreshingly diverse!  It is so interesting. No meanness discerned yet.

Internet MAGNATE !

I received a check from Google for $107.59.  All from people clicking through the ads on my blog. The text of my blog gives Google's computers some sense of what I am writing about and picks ads to post on my blog. The money just flows in-I can barely keep up with it. Seriously I am pleased to have the check and suspect it may be another few years before I see another. I will spend it on something computery.

Lori came over fairly early and we cleaned the project house-it is getting very close to finished- although an older property is probably never completely done.  Jason and I were talking about it-"refurbished" is probably a good word.  It is a great house. Somebody is going to get a great deal and a nice home. Pictures will be posted when Jason says it is time.

Without my Southern Butter Pecan creamer, mornings are just not liveable. It is only found at the Wal-Mart on highway 441 which is a boundary of the Everglades and a pretty good drive. They were out! A very nice man put his parka back on and went in the back of the refrigerated unit to search for some. No dice. Some should be arriving by truck tonight. As much as I hate to, I will make the trek again.  It really pays to go there. I use Jenny-O turkey ham as my sole lunch meat because it is lowest in salt of any alternative. Publix gets $6.49 for 2 pounds, Winn Dixie 5.99, WalMart $4.90 to name one example.

Domestic god

Thursdays are my "domesticity days"-wash, clean, fix, organize, etc. Watered all the plants, outside and in, because it has been hot and dry for a few days. With the kids back in town, a cleaning service is available. Michelle is fast, efficient, speaks English if New York-ese is, in fact, English.  I have a compulsion to clean before she gets here. She called in sick last Sunday, Very good, but reliable? We will have to see.  I washed windows-finally resorting to good old vinegar and water to get rid of the streaks. Took the doggie nose prints off the picture window at 3:00 p.m,; they were back by 7:00 when Lori came for Juneau's daily walk in the burbs. She was hungry for pork from La Granja which is just around the corner. It is Brazilian or Cuban, we haven't figured it out, but the food is quite tasty. They treated. A very nice unexpected surprise.

Matt says Audrey is now reading bedtime stories to him. She is loving first grade and is in the top reading group. Well ,she IS my grandchild.  He is paying some attention to his health and got more tattoo-tribal. It looks very nice but I have to confess, I don't "get" tattoos. He has also dropped some weight-size 36 waist, working out with some insane workout protocol. Nothing by halves with Matthew-nor with Jason.

The house project is moving apace. He is plumbing, etc.  He doesn't seem to want any help.  The kitchen turned out fabulous. 

I have been busy with my projects. The garden house has been reconstructed. It was taken down once by rain, and once by wind. Each time I re-engineer, making it better, I hope..  I had to cover some of the greenery I bought. The sun was killing it. Others are doing fine.

My Wyoming blogger friend posted some pictures of hunting camp and it made me homesick. It has snowed there, though so I am being happy. The snowbirds, feathery and smooth (for the most part)  are starting to wend this way. Jeanne and Marc will be here later this month. Lew and Greg mid- November. Greg is still not 100% and may never be: he has  lost feeling in much of his face. Still on a soft diet. Lew is getting tired: Says Greg hasn't gotten of the "effing couch" for four weeks.

Sunset Cruise with Marge and Carl

Eye Candy-bless cameras with long lenses!

Carl, Marge and Lori with Lighthouse point in the background. Margaret is Lori's aunt on her father's side. Lori favors her which is good news for her. Marge is a nice looking lady at 67. She taught Elementary school for 25 years. Carl had a State Farm Insurance Agency that his son now runs. They have a beautiful home and run a few cattle in southeast Oklahoma. They had a nice visit and I think they will be back next October. Which is good, because they are fun.

My Internet connection is back and running. There was a power bump and something went awry. It was just on the laptop because the iPods were working fine so I could play my opponents with Word.

I have been working on my "garden house" or "Fortress of Solitude." There was about 8 feet between my toolshed and the 8 foot wall at the back of the property. It's attraction is that it stays pretty cool until noon whereas my back patio catches the sun as soon at it comes up. It has a canopy, and I have planted some vines and plants so the effect, someday, will be that of sitting right in a garden. It is lit by solar lights at night and is (of course) wired for music.

The kids come by either to work on the project house or to walk dogs. I enjoy the company. They made a very nice dinner last week and I made a very plain dinner for them last night. At least they didn't have to cook after being so busy. The project house is coming along swimmingly. The kitchen is very nearly done, the bathrooms are coming right along.

Doggies and master (ha, ha) are doing well. The heat is lessening and we are all out of doors more. Rode my bike to the Salvation Army yesterday to buy old curtains to shade my tender young plants. Reading lots and lots.

The Deerfield Heat

The neighbors across the street Home School. Joshua, Caleb and Benjamin are the boys, Sharon is the mom-tutor, Rick is dad and Defensive Coach. They invited me to a football game about three blocks from here at the Middle School Park Complex- a very nice complex with playing fields, an Olympic sized pool and other well kept amenities. The Deerfield Heat played a divisional team-mostly black, bigger, and faster, with the results you would expect. I left when it was 24 to 0 and the visitors were putting in the second and third string. Joshua, the eldest neighbor kid is fearless and skilled. He either made or was in on every single tackle. His hero is Tim Tebow who was also home schooled here in Florida.

The Heat even has a pep band-not bad. It took me back to my Steamboat Springs days. With graduating classes of 32, you made do with what you had and it was amateurish but great fun.

Some great rainstorms have broken the heat a few times-it is muggy but it does not slow Jason down. He dry-walled the kitchen in the "project house." He can do it all. Flower beds are in. I rode with him to pick up the Mercedes today. He had a rental car while the Mercedes was in the hospital (His neighbor, Vickie, backed out of her driveway and creamed it.) Got to Drive a Ford Edge from Margate-it is a very nice car. Fun to do. I went to Home Depot to get materials for my own project which is more or less trying to salvage another project which set a record for going south in less than half a day. I'll take a picture when/if the project is finished.

A gentle nudge

A gentle nudge from the Wyoming home folk is producing this Blog Entry.  I enjoy blogging but I have to admit that many of my days are remarkably similar providing little fodder for comment these days.  I went to the beach to take pictures to post yesterday but there was yellow "caution tape" strung from one end to the other. The whole of Sout Florida is girding its loins for the onslaught of the snowbirds. The beach is getting a facelift so it looks really crummy right now. The good side is I am starting to hear from some of my snowbird friends (Nicole and Andre are in Croatio now. Email finds me and if I had been home I could have had had a Skype call from Croatia.  But I will see them before too awfully long.  Jeanne and Marc are due any day. Skrables have reservations.

Got a call from from Greg with shocking news. He was four wheeling and a man bumped them from behind three times and he and the girl tat was riding with him went sailing. He has several titanium plates and a box of screws in his face and head. He was flown to Syracuse. The girl had a broken shoulder. Greg had been to their attorney on the day they called. He is still unable to chew and has great pain. I feel so badly for him.  Lew will know when to go see the doc if he starts to slide.

I'm lucky to see the Florida kids pretty often. Jason works intensely at whatever he does and the house is no exception. It is looking great. Before and after pictures soo. While he has some really good tradesmen to do a lot, he still is wallboarding, wiring, landscaping and plumbing as well as tail-twisting on the crafts people. Tom the painter left for the Bahamas to paint a railroad car/ofice yesterday. Max the cabinet guy left for Bermuda today to do a high-end job.

I am staying pretty busy too- I help Jason when he'll let me (not often) and working at my projects around the house.  Juneau comes for the evening walk sometimes.  He is a stitch.

Lizard Poop

I found a night-time deposit on my garage carpet. Lizard Poop.I have declared environmentally correct war on the little varmints. They have practically denuded one of my Bougainvillea bushes. I bought a bottle of Iguana-Rid at Ace.  The active ingredients are garlic oil and cinammon oil. It is environmentally non toxic but to lizards and humans it stinks. It does seem t have reduced the number of the critters in front. The dogs terrorize the ones in back sufficiently-so far. It makes their lives interesting. They leave the chute at a dead run to try and catch a lizard.

Jason is going after the project house intensely. I asked him if he were enjoying it-He said yes. The carpet went in today. It did not match the sample.  He was upset. Lori was there and I suggested we go to my house for awhile and look at it fresh later. He decided it was O.K.  The inside painting is done except for a little touch-up. It is going to be a handsome house. Wish I had taken "before" pictures. 

Friday has become housekeeping day: dry mopped, vacuumed, damp mopped, dusted, washed a couple of windows and did three loads of laundry...and cleaned up one pile of lizard poop. Place looks spiffy.

UN-E-VENT-FUL

Went for my three month checkup on the pacemaker/defibrillator.  They take the history from it and I was cardiac event free.  Rob was doing something over there and I asked him if he was messing with my heart-I felt it. He fessed up and said he was done. The computer says my battery is good for 7 years. Kidneys will probably crap out before the heart does. Oh well.  BP was 114 over 65 at the doctor's Cardiologists love these low numbers but I sometimes feel like I can't get enough compression to get up the hill. 

Went by the ReStore on my way home from the doc's. Nothing big I needed but I got Jason intrigued. He went this afternoon. I bought a tile and two of those things restaurants use to hold the bags of sweeteners-sugar Splenda, and Sucralose.  $3.00. 


Lori got back yesterday. I was keeping mum because she told Jason she wanted three days to hide out and de-compress. They came over this morning and I was so glad to see her. Gave her the tour of my efforts.  She makes me smile. The doggies were delighted to see her, too. 

Pouring

You may have to click on this photo to see the rain but I am telling you it was impressive. Just the day before I had put a canopy over the two tarps already on the patio frame. Mixed results-the original tarp had a blister that held water and drip irrigated my plants. The blister popped and the patio was awash. Jason came over afterwards and parts of the original tarp were hanging down. I told him no one else had a patio cover like mine and he belly laughed. He is very sweet - Mr. Do It Right meets Mr. Make-do. Since he is re-carpeting the project house next door I asked for remnants of the old carpets. He cut them to order and delivered them- said it would keep me out of the dumpsters! I had to laugh at that one-because it is true!

So I have a carpeted garage and some carpeting for the RV- I have always covered the carpets in it to preserve them. Keeping busy doing projects. The mulching is done for now-I doubt that mulching is ever completely done. Jason continues to demonstrate craftsman skills. We hung a ceiling fan and cleared carpets. He powerwashed the garage. Tommy painted it today. He is nearly done. This is Tommy the handyman, not neighbor Tommy whose bid came in at $6000.00 which was about double what Tommy the handyman is charging. Some neighbors we have! The economy down here is rugged but some of these folks need to wake up.

I have been reading quite a bit when it gets too hot outside. Very enjoyable. Mostly old books because they are often "free. ninety nine." As long as I haven't read them-or forgot that I read them, I am happy with them. We also have ongoing Word games on the web. Networking with family is mostly what I do. The games are a little bit addictive. Win some. lose some.

I have to check in with some friends-Natrona County High School's reunion this August. Fiftieth, I believe. I want to get the scoop. How bad do they really look? Just tell me about the ones that look worse than I do. The lucky genes were apparent at the Fortieth -many others were unrecognizable. This is the way of the world.

Labor Day weekend in the Tropics

Tropical mornings with the scent of the earth and vegetation to enhance my morning coffee. And we have had a little coolness break which won't last but gives hope for more. I have been fiddling with plants and garden-re-potting, positioning, mulching -in spurts because of soaked shirt syndrome. When you come in to cool off, the air conditioning makes a sodden shirt, an ice shirt.  I've watched Jason sweat too. Both my boys have wide skills-Matt gardens, builds fences, decks, gazebos etc.with great success. Jason, it seems has a wide array of skills also. The prospective contractor for the house next door gave me an estimate of $12,500 plus. Jason hired two Billys. One Billy was white but as brown as a berry-he and Dustin did the teardown and restoration of the sun room next door in a day sooner than expected and for $1500.00 plus materials. The other Billy was Black and 68! He arrived with a crew on Sunday and commenced to stucco. Then they put in about 4 hours this morning and were happy for a little more than a thousand. So the work the contractor bid for was accomplished for $3500. Considerably below the Integrity Construction  estimate with the "fish" on the card.  I had admired Black Billie's fancy huge Chevy truck. Then I was kidding him about doing such good work on Labor Day making him rich. He said he was rich but didn't have much money. He had taken food to his mother before he showed up here-she was barbecuing for the Labor Day Feast. Guess maybe he is rich.

Jason has been doing landscaping, sprinkler repair, tearing out carpets, powerwashing. directing the laborers, and consulting with Tom Taylor, a neighbor who will get the painting contract if he doesn't try to hose anybody. In spite of my offers to help I haven't done much except relay messages and babysit Juneau who loves to come to Grampie's house.

I had the monthly hour and a half with Dr. Cohn on Thursday. Longitudinal testing makes a diagnosis of Third Stage Renal Failure evident  I have mulled this over the weekend. He took pains to tell me we were doing what's needed to be done to keep from getting worse-blood pressure under control, blood sugar mostly under control, exercise, and appropriate meds.  It is a condition, not a disease that inevitably gets worse. So maybe we can keep it where it is. He is optimistic so I will be too. I don't feel any worse than I did before he told me and that in fact is feeling pretty good.  Got a B-12 shot.

Matt goes to Salem, OR for law enforcement training for 4 weeks.  He received a commendation from the regional poobah- quite a nice compliment.

My cousin Hial has lost his son-in law (48)  to a massive heart attack that occurred in a marathon race, a couple of months ago. Hial's wife, Patty Ann (nee Cunningham), recently  became seriously ill and went into hospice for a mercifully brief time. We all got the email for her death and notice of the funeral. His brother Jim who lives in Casper, and Susie dutifully trekked from Casper to Denver Saturday and were scratching their heads about why nobody was at the church. Made a quick call-they were a week early. SENIOR moment! Don't laugh too hard, your turn is coming...or not.

Dribs and Drabs

Jason has been sweating his hiney off on his properties. The Pompano place is pictured-it just gave up its tenants and is going to be rented or sold-whichever comes first. It is a fabulous property. Marble floors, jacuzzi, cedar lined walk-in closets-three bedrooms, three baths, lots of space-two car (at least) carpeted garage. I had not seen it. It overlooks the Intracoastal waterway.

Juneau knows what pools are for and takes a dip whenever. He then got his feet dirty. Jason told him to wash his feet before getting into the car-he did! He is scary smart. Don't try to fool him by spelling-w-a-l-k or anything else he has an interest in.

I was overdosing on my Coumadin. I have two prescriptions on file at Walgreen's and filled the 5mg instead of the 3 mg. Dr. Cohn called me from Orlando where he was attending medical meetings (at 7:00 a.m.!) and told me I was at 6.5 on my Protime. That is about 3 times too high. Today, after a vacation from the stuff, it is ideal-2.2.

The bad news: Heart medicine Spironalactone evidently sequesters estrogen. Consequently my breasts are enlarged and sensitive.
The good news: They are perky.

Leaping Lizards: I have lizards of all sizes-the one who sings is one who is missing a chunk of tail. Other lizards are getting same: doggie fashion with a twist. Some of them seem amenable to interspecies discourse. They seem to bask in my gentle vocalizations but scoot at any attempt at physical contact. One tiny guy likes to sit on his chair and watch me sitting in mine. Any sudden move prompts a mighty leap into the nearest plant which happens to be the only plastic one on the patio. The big green lizards tend to poop on my pavers-not appreciated. They are so dinosaur-like that I wonder at the leaping ability of dinosaurs. They would be formidable. They are also fast. Buddy is very quick but I know of no catches.

I put nice red mulch on my wall garden- 14 bags and I could use another two or three. It looks very nice though.

Just When You Find a Local Dive you like

My favorite dive burned down early this morning. The food was exceptional, the waitresses tawdry, Thursday night was biker's night, Wednesday was Karaoke. One dollar draws. A bit of old Florida.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/deerfield/fl-crabby-jacks-fire-20110828,0,7965591.story

Bah!

Good Night Irene!

Hurricane Irene brushed by-pretty strong winds and torrential rain on and off today. We had some tree limbs to step over on our evening walk. The morning walk was a little late because I had to go to LabCorp to get three pages of tests. We did not get too far before a drizzle started, and it became rain before we made it home. The dogs are fluffy tonight- me not so much. Scratchy throat tonight but I am betting on allergy origins.

Being a rainy day it was perfect to clean house except the floors didn't last very long. But the rest got done and is holdng a little better. The cleaning ladies down here tend to favor Fabuloso cleaner. Now that scent signifies clean house much like Pine-Sol used to.

Eve sent me a picture of Audrey who got French Braids, gratis, while Eve got her hair cut. She seems to be trying to admire them. I have to keep in mind she is only 6. I seem to recollect turning my head real fast trying to see my ears.

Facebook, Verizon wireless and email brought me greetings far and wide for my natal day. It is very nice. Rich called tonight. He has lost 42 pounds! Val has lost several. Protein diet that is going around. Rich just did mostly Atkins diet which has worked for him before.

Lori's mum survived her surgery for a knee replacement and is on the mend. It doesn't sound like the Pampa hospital is too shiny a place. Nothing like the Good Samaritan in Kearney-even stacked up against Boca Community, Good Samaritan shines. I've been inside a few of those places this year. That is over. Lori will be good medicine for her mom-she already has visiting shifts organized.

68!

My 68th birthday was celebrated with a few friends at JB's by the beach. Joe, Karen, David, Jacqui, O.F., Trish, and Jason was behind the shutter. The food was delectable but I fell down on the job for the entrees and so have only dessert pictures to show for it. Three of us shared a couple of nice bottles of red wine-the others enjoyed their cocktails.

Jacqui's Key Lime pie, above. Trish's fresh berries below.

Jason's hot apple tart ala mode below. David and I had Coconut banana cream pie. Mine came with a candle. It was a real treat. Very congenial people and exellent grub. A very nice celebration engineered and carried through by Jason.

After the events of my 67th year it is clear that each day is a gift to be celebrated birthday or not.

Standing Tall

Jason and his nephew Casey made the trip from Pampa to Deerfield in record time. Casey said the Beamer just goes 90 all by itself-you don't even know it is that fast

Juneau enjoys his Florida pool. His Texas pool has a water slide and lots of nieces and nephews to play with him. He lost 6 pounds this summer.

Standing tall-Casey at 17 years is on top. I am shrinking but gravity has had its way with me for 67 years. It takes it's toll. Makes your stomach big too-that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Of course the men will stretch when the cameras come out. Casey is a delight and he is enjoying his Florida vacation before school starting. Jason enjoys being an uncle. He and Lori are really good to those kids. Lori is still in White Deer. Her mum goes for a knee replacement Monday in Amarillo. She will assist her for a few weeks, then fly home. I really miss her. The doggie reunion was both funny and touching. Honey kept kissing Juneau. Buddy went nuts. They were really glad to see each other.

Jason invited Trish over to eat some of her Alaska caught salmon last evening. Trish brought wine and NY style strawberry cheesecake. I made salad, veggie and got some good bread. It was very enjoyable. Trish brought her cameras and we downloaded the pix and watched them. Whether unwitting or not she took some movies that are hilarious.

Bad Boy, Bad Boy, Whatcha Gonna Do?

The days have mostly had a quiet rhythm to them until today. I was in my study and I heard a sound that was like a book hitting the floor. I could see nothing on the floor. Then I heard a helicopter-it was circling so I stepped out the front door and watched as it circled my neighborhood and moved westward. Then I noticed a police car at Jordan's house-just sitting. Then several cars arrived, then a detective, then a Broward Sheriff Supervisor. We gave them the little information we had about our new neighbor: name is Jordan and he is a firefighter. They told us to stay inside-that meant my garage to me. The neighbors had been alert; a guy at 518, up the street thought these guys looked suspicious so a patrol car was already in the neighborhood. Jordan's back neighbors saw them breaking and entering his house and called 911. There were three of them-two ran and one was hiding in the back yard. They caught all three and hope it ends a rash of five similar burglaries. The miscreants had stashed their bicycles in front of my northern neighbors. Yes, they were black. That didn't even come up-what did come up is we all hope they are charged as adults.

Needless to say, we all reviewed our security measures- I found out who had guns, beside me, and we resolved to trade information-work numbers, etc. Neighborhood Watch without the meetings. Jordan joined the "Porch Light Club" tonight. Several of us, including the SWAT officer on the corner keep our places well lighted up. I turn on the porch light at Jason's next door property nightly. Those CFL lights use so little energy and cast a lot of light. Cheap insurance.

Walking in the Rain

This morning it was overcast and we left the house at 7 sharp and had a good walk. That is good because about 2:00 the heavens opened up with a good squall. I was napping when it started. We walked in the drizzle tonight but not very far. I had a good workout in the morning and took a trip to Target. Got to the checkout and discovered the debit card was not on my person. The clerk was ever so nice and she checked me out while I retrieved the card. After the gym, I  had stopped at Jerry's Artarama where I had left Nicole's gift of a watercolor to be framed. They did a nice job:

It hangs in the "solarium," "Florida room," or whatever you call it. A nice space with morning sun anyway. The photos don't really do it justice.

After clearing much of the garage yesterday I "created a space." From my walks I had noticed many people use their garages as a second or third patio. There is wisdom in this in that with the east-west layouts of the neighborhood. You tend to bake on one side in the morning and the other side in the evening. I had a doggie enclosure that I put across the open space so we can sit by the side of road and watch the occasional passerby. The space is evolving. It was enjoyable to watch the deluge from a dry spot.  I still need a garage space so it will not evolve too much. Fortunately after experimenting with placement, my "MyFi"- Verizon wifi device reaches the RV, the garage. the living room, and the office. The Fuji camera has an "Eyefi"card in it. These pictures were transmitted from the camera to my computer wirelessly. They just show up. Way cool.