There Goes the Neighborhood...

In the last week or so, there has been a Cardinal around my yard. He has been pretty vocal about something. Mr Cardinal flits from branch to branch, chirping to beat the band. Everyone in the house has had it with him. I pleaded with him this morning to tone it down a bit. Mr Cardinal refused. I spent about a half hour in the yard and determined his warning calls are due to cats. My cat, my neighbors cat, any cat really. I went to find my cat, Travis, to bring her in. I found her hanging out with her cat friend, Ted. I grabbed up Travis and came inside. Moments later, I caught a glimpse of Ted sitting in the Window Box Planter at my front window. Then the window box fell off the house and Ted went plunging to the ground. He hit the ground running. I heard Mr Cardinal bust into laughter as Ted sped away.

My window box is shot. I cannot repair it and I'm not replacing it. Ted has peeped in my window for the last time and he can just find some other place to spy. I am going with Decorative Planters and Garden Planters instead.I want something a little edgy, un-traditional. I'm looking for ovals and curvy shapes. I want a more High End Planter for this project.

I went strolling through the yard to see if my vision needed refinement. Ted showed up but did not apologize for breaking the box off the house. I mentioned to him he might try to exercise more, a longer walk about the yard perhaps, or a climb up a tree. When I mentioned the tree to Ted, Mr Cardinal swooped in close to us and resumed his annoying chirping. I don't think Mr Cardinal appreciated that suggestion one bit.

Skywatch Friday - Another Cool Spot...

Skies from all over our planet!

This is Union Church. It was built in 1855 and I've heard it could be our county's first non-denominational church. I love this church for different reasons. I love the Gothic architecture and that the church has no running water or electricity.

One of my favorite things about Union Church is the graveyard. The memorials in the churchyard date back as far as the church and there are some very recent graves too. But to me, the best thing is that the churchyard is very park-like. There are great shade trees and old stone walls. The narrow roadways throughout are not paved. Walking through Union Cemetery gives me a sense of time and timeless-ness. The place seems very familiar and comforting, and I know it hasn't changed much in the last 155 years.

Check out more Skywatch Friday!

I Think Mum Will Like This!

It's no secret that I've had a hankering to visit a seriously fabulous Myrtle Beach hotel. Well, I still have that wish. I just decided to plan this trip and I'm taking Mum along with me. Mum has been to Myrtle Beach a couple times, but she has never been able to stay at the beach. Last week I learned that she really wants to play a few rounds of golf.

Not too long from now, I will be sitting on a great beach, at a great resort, after getting one of the best Myrtle Beach vacation deals of all time. I can't wait to see Mum's face when I tell her where we are going. I can't wait to see her reaction when I tell her we are going to stay at the beach!

But I think the best part will be when I tell Mum we get to play golf too! I went to http://www.grandeshores.com to book this fabulous deal. The package is just what I was hoping for, the resort of my choice, with golf included. Mum hasn't played golf in quite awhile. Just to be on the safe side, I will make sure we have drinks at lunch, plus a few on the course.

If Mum still has game, I'll do my best to make sure it's a bit tipsy!

I Think Mum Will Like This!

It's no secret that I've had a hankering to visit a seriously fabulous Myrtle Beach hotel. Well, I still have that wish. I just decided to plan this trip and I'm taking Mum along with me. Mum has been to Myrtle Beach a couple times, but she has never been able to stay at the beach. Last week I learned that she really wants to play a few rounds of golf.

Not too long from now, I will be sitting on a great beach, at a great resort, after getting one of the best Myrtle Beach vacation deals of all time. I can't wait to see Mum's face when I tell her where we are going. I can't wait to see her reaction when I tell her we are going to stay at the beach!

But I think the best part will be when I tell Mum we get to play golf too! I went to http://www.grandeshores.com to book this fabulous deal. The package is just what I was hoping for, the resort of my choice, with golf included. Mum hasn't played golf in quite awhile. Just to be on the safe side, I will make sure we have drinks at lunch, plus a few on the course.

If Mum still has game, I'll do my best to make sure it's a bit tipsy!

Cool Spot...

Yesterday, it was really hot.

On my way home, I decided to check out some shade.

So I took a walk through a quiet spot.

As I was leaving, I felt like someone was watching me.

I turned to look and there was a shy deer at the edge of the wood.

She used her ninja skills of invisibility to disappear.

Web Hosting Hub Reviews - Save Time and Hassle!

Once again, I've been looking for different options for web hosting. A couple of years ago I created a website for my friends business. I'm not real keen on the service I'm currently using. So I've been searching around looking for something that is a better fit. I haven't progressed very far, I've only managed to confuse myself.

Since I've been search here and scouring there, I've found dozens of places that look good enough, but I can't make heads or tails of the varied options all these hosts offer. I need someone who does web hosting hub reviews to help me sort all this information out. I'm just mired in facts and figures. I need help!

I know what I want, I know what my friends website requires, I just need to find it. There is so much information out there, I just can't seem to wade through it all and find my way around. I know my perfect web hosting service is out there. I have confidence there is also a place that rounds up a whole bunch of web host services and reviews them! I will be so appreciative of the help from a hosting review site! I've got my eyes and ears open! Hey wait, I think I've got it!

Wish me luck!

Address Plaques - Location, Location, Location!

Not long ago, I relayed to you my wish for a mailbox at the end of my driveway. I wanted the mailbox, so the newspaper delivery man could deliver my newspapers to the box, as opposed to the puddle nearby. US mail does not come to the house, but to a PO box. I felt certain that when I erected said mailbox, so one could pull up to it, painted it green and put "newspapers" in yellow letters on it, my papers would remain dry.

Last week, my papers began appearing in the puddle opposite my house. Not my puddle, but my neighbors puddle. I called the delivery company and inquired. "New driver" I was told. I asked that further papers be delivered to the new box, explained its proximity to my neighbors puddle and asked the nice operator to confirm my address

. In her file, the address that corresponds to my name is 740 Hauser Street. I live at 704. 740 is a mile away. That still doesn't explain why my papers now get delivered across the street to a different puddle.

The nice operator asked me if my house number was clearly marked on the new box. Ashamed, I admitted it was not. I told the nice lady I would rectify the situation immediately. My shiny new address plaque is on its way to me now. In the meantime, I've made a temporary 704 for the new box.

Naturally, I shopped for address plaques from here in my chair. I found a nice whitehall address plaque that can be one or two lines. The one I picked has a dark background with white lettering. The new address sign will be firmly adhered to the enormous post the new box rests on. Once done, I expect no further issues with the delivery of my newspapers.

I'll keep you posted.

In Honor of Someone Special...

Thom is away this week.

I think it's because he knew Quilly

would let the cat out of the bag!

But I miss him and today is the day to wish him

"Many happy returns of ye day to you my Friend."

microfiction Monday # 40...

The idea is to create a story in 140 characters or less...

Biscuits, a lobster and herbs. Hmmm...What can I make? How about lobster bisque?

I must not cook the lobster too long, it will get rubbery!

Float on over to Susan's place at Stony River for more microficton Monday!

While you're there, don't forget to check out the fabulous Irish Cottage for Sale!

Great Accommodations and Golf Packages at Myrtle Beach!

I am always talking about hitting the shore at Myrtle Beach. I like to play golf even though my game leaves a lot to be desired. I've played bunches of courses near where I live, but I've never had the opportunity to play any away from the south shore of Massachusetts. Today a fantastic opportunity presented itself. My neighbor Dolly is traveling to visit her folks in South Carolina and asked me to go along! Dolly has some frequent flyer miles and we can both fly for a song!

I told Dolly I will pay for a hotel room with golf packages. I'm hoping she can convince her Dad to join us on the links. I was looking around for a decent hotel and found a great site that features six fabulous looking properties! I checked out http://www.myrtlebeachseasideresorts.com/ and there I was able to see pictures of each place, lists of amenities and check out golf packages. I also learned I can get a one-on-one training session! I really need help with my stance and my swing and my follow through. Okay! I admit it! I need help with my whole game!

When I looked at www.myrtlebeachseasideresorts.com, I found an answer for every question I had and I also found a great resort with golf packages, the main reason for my visit. I called my sister and told her my plans. She is sad, she isn't able to join us. I thought, "Sissy, you play Myrtle Beach twice a year!"

Flashback Friday...The Things We Say

Our host, Linda:

What sort of sayings, colloquialisms, or proverbs did your family say when you were growing up? When were they used? What do you find yourself saying that you vowed you would never say? What do you say that drives your kids nuts? Is there a regional aspect to your speech? Do you have an accent and were you ever teased about it?

One time, long ago, I went to visit my brother Peter in San Diego. I traveled with Pete's twin Jonathon. We took the trip to attend Pete's wedding.

The Southern California natives laughed at our Boston accents. But the fun didn't really start till the twins decided they needed beer and whiskey.

We got in the car and while Jonathon drove, Pete acted as navigator. We made a short detour to pick up Javier, Pete's best man.

Javier and I sat in the back and laughed as the twins fell into their old habit of arguing about everything.

But after awhile Javier asks me "Where we goin?"

I said "To the packy and the grocery store."

And then...

Javier: Packy? What's a packy?

Me: A package store.

Javier: You need to mail something?

Me: No, they want beer and whiskey.

Javier: What do you need a package for?

Me: No. They're going to the packy. To get beer and booze.

Javier: But what do you need packages for?

Pete from the front seat: We're going to the liquor store!

Javier: Why didn't you just say so in the first place?

Me: I did!

After the successful trip to the packy, we head to get groceries.

Javier and I sat in the back talking , while Pete tried to get Jonathon to the grocery store. This became a study in terror. The twins and I come from a very rural area and our home city of Boston is not at all like San Diego. Jonathon was not used to the traffic of San Diego or the left turn lanes.

With all the yelling between the two of them, I just tightened my belt and my grip on the armrest and kept my eyes out my window. Until I heard Pete yelling "Expletive Expletive! Bang a you-ey! Bang a you-ey expletive expletive!

Javier: What is going on now?

Me: I'm not sure. I wasn't looking.

Javier: I don't think he should be banging anything on this car. It's a rental!

Me: Huh?

Javier: He said bang a you-ey! I don't think he has that much insurance on this rental to be banging into things!

Me: Ahhh, no. We need to make a U-turn!

Safely make your way over to Mocha with Linda to see more Flashback Friday!

Who'd A Thunk?

This morning I checked out Quilly's blog and found this quiz. I submitted 11 different things I've written. Four of the things I submitted gave this result:

I write like

David Foster Wallace

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

Three of the samples gave this result:

I write like
Charles Dickens

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

And the next submissions gave these results:

I write like
Dan Brown

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

I write like
James Joyce

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

I write like
Kurt Vonnegut

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

I write like
Stephen King

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

I had never heard of David Foster Wallace. After looking at the Wikipedia entry for Wallace, I wonder if I should see a shrink? I'm hoping this quiz is totally random...

microfiction Monday # 39...

The idea is to create a story using 140 characters or less.

Whooo!

That Lydia Pinkham sure knows what she's talking about!

I feel no pain at all!

Stumble on over to Susan's place at Stony River for more microfiction Monday!

Working in Hospitals, Scrubs are the Best Uniform...

It seems I know a lot of people who work in hospitals, doctor and dentist offices. I also know four people in nursing school. These folks wear scrubs all the time. They actually own the scrubs they wear and shopped and paid for them. I thought you could only get scrubs if you worked in an operating room, and when done with them, you would have to give them back!

My sister works in a doctors office and she can wear a nurses uniform, but medical scrubs suit her better. She said they are easier to clean, cooler and much more comfortable. Sis said medical scrubs are much less pricey than a nurses uniform. She likes to be able to choose fun colors and a size that actually fits her.

Of the folks I know in nursing school, one is a guy. He wears medical scrubs too, because he doesn't like lab coats. The others wear nursing scrubs. All of them are new to working in hospitals and never knew nursing uniforms at all. The girls say with all the lifting and pulling and hauling they do in a day, they cannot imagine having to wear the polyester nurse uniform of the old days.

Two of my nieces are studying to be nurses. Both told me that the jobs they do are messy and can be physically draining. While rewarding, the jobs are stressful and neither one wants to worry about clothing while they work. Both girls like scrubs because they offer comfort and ease of movement in a busy working day.

A Good Way to Manage Pain...

I've been suffering from neck and lower back pain for quite some time. After an examination and an MRI, the doctor assures me that the bulging disk in my neck is minor. He also claims the degenerative disk disease in my lower back should respond to physical therapy. The neck pain I can keep to a minimum by not lifting anything too heavy and not carrying things on my hand like a waitress. The back pain does respond to physical therapy, but my insurance only covers that for a certain number of visits. After that, I'm on my own.

The physical therapist I went to used a couple different methods during my therapy. The first being a series of exercises and stretches. After that TENS Units. Both worked quite well. The therapist also suggested a Muscle Stimulator. But my therapy sessions ran out and I felt pretty good. I knew the exercises and the stretches. I felt like I could move on without more treatment.

Some time has passed, but not enough to get my insurance company to pay for more physical therapy. I'm looking into getting an LG-TEC Dual Combo TENS Unit and Muscle Stimulator

of my own. This unit is safe, easy to use and priced right. These units are widely used in hospital and sports clinics, so I'm willing to use one at home to help with pain.

After I Visit LGMed Supply Online, I'm going to do my exercises and check out the online customer blog and then get on with my day. I think I've found a great way to manage pain and I'm looking forward to more pain free days and nights.

Weekend Reflections - #42...

James at Newtown Area Photo hosts Weekend Reflections.

Zip on over to see more...

More New Friends...

We had a few visitors today. We welcomed them, laid out a nice spread and encouraged everyone to make themselves comfortable. And they did.

Some more than others...

Dude - Facebook Published Your Phone Number!

Your phone number may be accessible through Facebook.

Login to Facebook. Go to the top right of your screen, clickAccount then click Edit Friends.

Go to the left side of your screen and click Phonebook. Everyone’s phone#’s are now being published. Please re-post to let your friends know this is happening so they can remove their phone #’s by changing their privacy settings= (Privacy Settings – Phone- Customize -Only Me)

This news came to my attention in a message posted by Quilly.

Check out some fabulous vintage phones at Sweet Bella.

Water Conservation - Consider Rainwater Harvesting...

Here at home, we have well water. We don't pay a water bill, but we are responsible for maintaining our own well and pump. Two years ago, my pump crapped out. It lasted 22 years, I can't complain. After the pump rebuild and the new well point, I decided water conservation might be in order.

We have never been ones to let the water run or take super long showers. But outside we do use water. A good amount goes to watering gardens, filling the pool and water for animals. While I will still want fresh water for the rabbits, I've been considering rain harvesting for my gardens.

A rain water barrel would be a great help when it comes time to water a vegetable garden or flowers. The practice is also environmentally sound. Water is a scarce resource. Nearly half of the water that is used in a home goes down the drain and ends up wasted. Since a third of that water goes to gardens and lawns, it makes sense to harvest rainwater with rain barrels.

There are many styles of rain barrels for sale at very reasonable prices. You can choose from ones that look like a wooden barrel with metal hoops or very decorative ones that double as planters. There is certainly one that will look great in your yard and help you to collect rain water and use it wisely.

A Very Cool Dictionary...

When I was a kid, I spent an incredible amount of time in the movie theatre. I could walk there, I was allowed to go by myself and it was a great way to escape the chaos of my mother's house. I spent even more time in the library. When I could not pay the price of a movie ticket, I went to the library.

I read all kinds of stuff at the library. I read books the librarians would not allow me to take out. I would sneak them into the stacks and sit on the hard floor till my bum ached. But my favorite thing to read was a dictionary. That dictionary was huge. It had a unique odor to it and its own stand with a tall chair next to it. I'm sure I would not have been able to lift it. I learned to spell using that dictionary.

I don't have a huge dictionary at home. I have a couple little ones that I never look at, simply because I've found something far superior and much easier to use. I like the Bee English Dictionary because it not only gives a standard definition, but uses the word in a sentence as well. It also has Common Errors in English and the Most Searched Words. If you want to try your hand at a challenging Crossword Puzzle, there's that too.

I'm impressed with this Free Online Dictionary. I think you will be too.

I stole this comic from http://www.toothpastefordinner.com/

My New Best Friend!

Temperatures here in southeastern Mass have been unbearable. Today it was 100 degrees in the shade at my house. Just now, at 6pm, it has cooled to a wicked hot 90 degrees. Luckily for me, Manda and Lacey brought home my new best friend...

I was a little sad when the girls said they got a blow up pool. I was thinking kids paddling pool. So Manda and Shawn Carr set the thing up. To my surprise, it was bigger than I expected. Then it sat for a week sans filter and chemicals.

Last Thursday, when I realised I had no work for the next few days, I applied the filter and added chlorine and adjusted the pH. The water was crystal clear and icy cold. Friday, after consulting with Tam, a seasoned pool chemist, I added shock to the pool. Everything was fabulous for about six hours.

While Manda and Colleen shopped, I lounged inside with the A/C. Upon returning home, Manda informed me I broke the pool. I went out to investigate. The water was green. I almost cried.

After some investigation and further consultation with Tam, I discovered that shock kills live organisms suspended in water, hence the green. Green is the color of dead organisms? Whatever. After two days of vacuming and rinsing the filter,

the green has almost gone.

Here ShawnO demonstrates the excellence of my new best friend.

Six Word Saturday - July 3, 2010

It's time for a dump run!

Check out more Six Word Saturday over at Cate's!

55 words About Patriotic Memories...

Flash Fiction 55 and Flash Back Friday!

For Flash Fiction, you write a story in exactly 55 words.

For Flashback Friday, reminisce about the old days.

Carver circa 1990: Atwood Field

Carver’s bicentennial. Part of the celebration included a gigantic flag that had recently flown over Mt. Rushmore. It took over 100 patriotic people to unfurl and display the flag at Atwood Field.

Carver circa 2010: Atwood Field no longer exists.
It was sold to a developer. Now it’s 15 houses.

It was love at first sight when I saw this furry feline...

Thanks to my good friend Lena Casarez for the post.

One Saturday morning I was surfing online using my sataliter internet in MAconnection. I love to browse the different websites on hughes net in my area that have postings of pets that need homes. On this particular morning there was one cat that caught my eye and I knew I needed to make him a part of my home.

The shelter that I went to houses only cats. On the day that I visited there were over 200 cats waiting for their new homes. It's so sad that all the kittens go so quickly and nobody seems to want the more mature cats. I looked around for the feline friend that I had spotted on their website and quickly found him. It was love at first sight. The employee took him out of his cage and put him into my arms. He took his front paws and wrapped his arms around my neck and held onto me as if to say please don't ever let me go. He started licking my face and just wouldn't stop. I asked what his name was and they told me Raymond. I asked why the name Raymond and they said because "everyone loves Raymond". He has been a part of my home ever since I laid my eyes on him and I can't ever imagine my life without him. It’s crazy to think that without hughsnet, I wouldn’t have my great cat.

48 Hour Tee Times - The Next Big Thing...

Early Monday morning Pete and Jess began a road trip to visit Gramma. They will travel from Massachusetts to Florida and plan to stay over a night or two in South Carolina. Pete wants to get in a round or two of golf while Jess visits with her college roommate, Hillary. Before leaving home, he was able to book tee times at www.48hourteetimes.com.

Jess called the other night to say she was meeting Hillary for brunch and Pete was very happy about his great luck in finding tee times that suited him and Hillary's husband, Carlton. Pete booked tee times at three different courses over two days. Carlton was psyched about being able to play quite early in the morning and then late in the afternoon on the same day. Pete also booked an early afternoon tee time on the second day. Hillary and Carlton wished to take them to dinner at a swank restaurant that evening, so it worked out well.

I'm planning to visit Myrtle Beach myself soon, so I was interested in 48 hour tee times. It's pretty straightforward: go to http://www.48hourteetimes.com/ and choose a golf course, then choose a time. The results show courses that have tee times available and the cost of the round. There are many courses to choose from and Pete and Carlton were impressed with courses themselves. Pete said he was quite challenged by all the courses they played, and Carlton said Pete was just a challenged golfer.

Jess and Hillary had a great time at the 19th hole of the last course Pete and Carlton played. They shopped the Pro shop and had lunch. Hillary was able to sneak home the putter she bought for Carlton's birthday next month. Jess said Pete being able to play golf made having to clean out Gramma's gutters and flower beds so much better!

Room with a View - Myrtle Beach...

My two favorite things about summer are lazy rivers and golf. Travel is a favorite too, and I haven't been on a trip since I visited family on the west coast last summer. Today, I'm planning a trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I've heard great things about the resorts there and the golf courses in the area. So today, I'm checking out http://avistaresort.com. Since the Avista Resort is centrally located to wonderful golf courses and has not one but two lazy rivers, I'm intrigued.

I think I will invite Quilly and Amoeba to share my Myrtle Beach hotel. The Avista resort is steps away from a beautiful beach. While Amoeba and I play a few rounds of golf, Quilly can explore the beach and capture the splendor on film. There is internet access in the common areas and the guest rooms, so I can keep in touch while I'm away.

I'm looking forward to my stay in one of the resorts in Myrtle Beach. With one, two and three bedroom condos, complete with kitchens , balconies and great views of the seaside, we should have a fabulous time. We can eat in or dine out at the restaurant on-site. Room service is available as well and I can order up a late night snack.

My golf clubs are clean and shiny and ready to go. I got new spikes last fall, so I'm set to get out to the links. I have a new swim suit and a big beach towel. I have a brand new card so I can shop 'til I drop. Everything is in place, so I'm off to make reservations and book a flight!

O Joy! O Rapture!

I do not have to work today!

I do not have to work at all 'til TUESDAY!!!

This is very different for me. I generally work at least part of every day.

EVERY DAY.

It goes without saying that a small part of me is happy about this. A very large part of me is nervous as hell. I'm nervous because while I won't be working, I also won't be earning.

I'll worry about that another day...

I'm off to water my garden.

Skywatch Friday - July 2, 2010...

Skies from all over our Planet!

Check out more Skywatch!

That Old Sad Sofa Guessed It's Fate...

It's time to redecorate! We haven't had proper living room furniture in years. The last sofa we had was atrocious and stayed only a short time. It was an awful green color and I could tell it felt sorry for itself. Our dog didn't want to sleep on it. Just now, we have an Italian leather armchair that we love, but it's seen better days and only seats one.

Shopping for furniture has always been difficult for me. I know what I like and I can easily identify it, but it's always a challenge determining if it will fit in the space I have. I love the minimalist approach to contemporary furniture. Function and size will win me over every time. Our space is small and oddly shaped and best served by something sleek and stylish. Our dog isn't picky about where she sleeps, but she does prefer a brand new sofa or loveseat.

I will also be exploring modern bedroom furniture. Again, the size of the space and the furniture will be key. We have so much stuff crammed in our small bedrooms, its impossible to see the floor. We often use the space under the beds as storage. There is so much stuff under beds in my house, the dog got stuck under a bed last week. We had to move a bunch of things to get her out. I'm going to explore the platform beds with storage underneath, hopefully keeping the dog from a hostage situation.

So begins my quest for functional, stylish and comfortable furniture!