I Survived Hurricane Irene - I'm Good!

There's been no electricity at my house since 9am Sunday, August 28, 2011.

Things like this happened all over my town.

Yes, I am counting the days, But I'm also counting my blessings. My house still stands strong. My trees have a few small branches missing, but nothing big. I have access to water, showers, electricity for powering electronicals and internet here at church. I'm freezing ice in blocks for my coolers. No electricity at home is an inconvenience, not a hardship.

This is a hardship.

Some good has come of the electric-less house. No dishes have piled up. The trash is not overflowing. Stuff is pretty cleaned up. We go to bed at a reasonable hour. I think we are sleeping better without the distraction of tv.  The fridge will get washed out. The freezer has already defrosted.
I read a book and a half.

We will have to go out today to do some laundry. I don't mind. I have a bunch of stuff to do today and luckily the dump, the laundry, the garden shop(i have to water plants), and the grocery are all on the same street.

I can start at one end and go till my errands are finished at the other end.

LIFE IS GOOD!

Smile Generation- Help My Teeth Please!

My friend had three teeth out last week. The dentist told her there was no jaw bone left holding them in. I think I'm going to suffer the same fate. It's probably time to Find A Dentist. Since I love to eat and eating requires chewing and chewing requires teeth, it's time.

I remember as a child being terrified of the Dentist. The first one I ever went to was not very good with children and he not only scared the crap out of me, he was very mean to me as well. I remember sitting in the chair crying and calling for mother, who I could see through the doorway. The mean man did not allow her to come to my rescue. I give thanks for all of the dentists I've seen since then who were very good with people and never mean.

I'm in search of an affordable Family Dentist. I would really like to get into a practice that is run by a family. But if  I find a good fit at any sort of practice, I'll take a swing by and see if the Doctor can save my teeth from years of sheer neglect. On my part. Yes, shameful, I agree. And I am still a little scared. But the dentist I'm looking for will help me with that. I think it's called sodium pentothal.

Six Word Saturday - 08.27.11...

Six Word Saturday

Stoopid Hurricane Irene, leave me alone.

In my experience if I prepare for a hurricane, nothing happens. 

If I do nothing, the power goes out and I can't pump water. 

That doesn't mean much till one tries to flush the toilet.

I've prepared, so wish me luck...

Hurl yourself over to Cate's to read more 6WS...

Six Word Saturday - 08.27.11...

Six Word Saturday

Stoopid Hurricane Irene, leave me alone.

In my experience if I prepare for a hurricane, nothing happens. 

If I do nothing, the power goes out and I can't pump water. 

That doesn't mean much till one tries to flush the toilet.

I've prepared, so wish me luck...

Hurl yourself over to Cate's to read more 6WS...

Carbonite Online Computer Backup - Easy and Inexpensive...

This post brought to you by Carbonite. All opinions are 100% mine.

Not too long ago, I had a computer malfunction and lost a ton of fabulous pictures of my vacation and some great gardens in my yard. I looked into an external drive and didn't like the price. Besides that, an external drive can fail too. I thought it was too pricey to risk it. I've been looking into inexpensive computer backup ever since.

I think I've found what I've been looking for, with Carbonite and I don't have to worry anymore.

Carbonite automatically and continually backs up irreplaceable files like my pictures and music whenever my computer is connected to the internet. It can also back up email and documents. It works with a PC or a Mac and it can be accessed from any computer or Smartphone. You can be sure your files are safe because they are backed up to one of Carbonite's highly secure and state of the art data centers.

You can get Carbonite's online backup  for $59  a year. No credit card is required and if you try it free for 15 days, you get two months free by using the BLOGAD offer code when you decide to buy.

My pictures and my music are very important to me and losing them once was bad enough. I won't make that mistake twice.

Sprint Customers - Take Advantage of This Cool New App...

This post brought to you by Sprint. All opinions are 100% mine.
What would happen if you lost your phone? What if your phone was stolen? Chances are you wouldn't get it back and you may lose all your contacts and miss important calls or messages. If you’re a Sprint Total Protection subscriber you’re in luck! Sprint has a cool new app that will help you find a lost phone. But you have to act fast because the offer is only valid until August 30, 2011. The Sprint Total Equipment Protection App is an inexpensive way to protect your valuable phone.
Let me tell you more about this offer. Even if you didn’t enroll in the Total Equipment Plan (TEP) within 30 days of activating your phone, you can still take advantage of this great offer. The cost of TEP is $8 monthly and by adding it now during the open enrollment period, the Protection App is included at no additional cost.

The Protection App is really cool because it gives you the ability to locate a lost phone by sounding an alarm or you can locate the phone on a map with network integrated GPS technology. You can also lock a missing phone remotely and wirelessly sync, restore or manage your contacts. There is a $50 to $100 deductible if you need to file a claim to replace a phone, but that is far less than the retail cost to replace an Evo or the LG Optimus.

Sprint TEP gives you a way to fast and easy way to replace lost, stolen, or damaged phone even after the warranty expires. So this seems like a no-brainer to me. Summer doesn’t end for another month, but this offer will end on August 30^th. So don’t take chances while you’re at the beach or the pool. You may want to take a dip but your phone doesn’t!
Learn more and enroll at www.tepenroll.com. And check out this video while you’re at it.

Tracfone - Great Plans to Keep You Connected for a Low Price!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TracFone. All opinions are 100% mine.

Everyone knows I've been shopping for a new pay as you go plan for mobile phones.  I've just run across another one that looks like a really good deal. Tracfone is the cheapest way to own and use a cell phone in America and they offer so many features.

Tracfones are jam packed with features like cameras and video recorders, full QWERTY keyboards,MP3 player and app capabilities. One can choose from brand named phones like Samsung, LG, Nokia and Bluetooth enabled "Smart" phones. Each phone offers fabulous nationwide coverage and excellent reception and connectivity. I can also get a simple phone, for simple needs with calling and texting capabilities all for under $10.00.

The really cool thing is the many choices of monthly plans. Tracfone offers monthly plans for 200 minutes for under $30 or as low as $9.99 for 50 minutes. Also available is the 1 year service card, where you can receive double minutes for the life of your phone and 800 minutes for only $119.00. "Double minutes for the life of your phone" is a feature that can be purchased for $19.99 separately, but it's included with some phones! I asked some real TracFone customers about Tracfone and got some exciting answers! I also found out Tracfone is the only wireless service that offers International calling for the same price as any other call. I can call folks in over 60 international destinations right from my phone with no extra charges of fee!  Tracrfone also offers the International Neighbors program.  With this I can provide my family and friends in Canada and Mexico a local number in those countries to reach my Tracfone in the US!

When it all comes down to it, we all want to spend less on phones and phone bills. These real TracFone customers will tell you what they've learned. If you've been looking for low cost phones and plans to keep connected with your kids this summer, give Tracfone a try. Tracfone has a phone to fit every families needs!

The Weekend in Black and White...

This weekend:

Three's Company...

"This light is just too bright!"

"Gimme your other leg, I'm still hungry."

"My cheeks are killing me."

Drag yourself over to The Weekend in Black and White to see more monochrome madness...

Interesting Visitor to the Garden...

I went out to my little garden the day before last and met up with this guy.

He was enjoying his lunch of fresh cricket.

I said have all the cricket you like, please leave the tomatoes alone.

This fellow hitched a ride from the greenhouses to the shop in Middleboro.
Upon arrival he told me he was having a late breakfast of stink bug.

(click the pictures to enlarge)

Help! I'm Lost!

I went to work in Middleboro for Gretchen today. 

When I got out of the car I heard this sorrowful call.

 It sounded like our kitten Nelle when she realises shes alone.

I looked around for awhile and decided it was a bird. So I commenced opening the shop, setting out the sandwich board and the wagons full o' flowers we put outside the gate. I put out the flags and dragged out the hose to start watering. I heard the sorry call again. I went looking again.

I saw the tail end of a tiny cat slip under the perennials.

 I spent an hour searching and calling to him. I made Shawn come from Carver to help me find and catch him. 

We weren't able to and Shawn went home.

I was guilt ridden. I worried the tiny cat got into the street or crossed the street and I'd never find him.

I didn't cry but I wanted to.

Later the guy next door came by and I mentioned it to him. He said he'd seen the tiny cat and left food out.

I felt better. I told him if he caught the cat, I would take him.

We're home now. Safe and sound.

Sad Skywatch Friday Season 5, Episode 6...

Skies from all over our magnificent planet...

These are the seasons of emotion and like the winds they rise and fall

This is the wonder of devotion

I seek the torch we all must hold

This is the mystery of the quotient

Upon us all a little rain must fall

It's just a little rain...

1972

Paige/Plant

Good night, Klaus.

Open your heart and find your way over to Skywatch to see wonder beyond your imagination...

Messy People and Pets Require Professional Help...

 We not only have people living here, we have pets. Lots of 'em. We also have carpets. It's safe to say pets and people do a number on carpeting. They track in mud and dirt and there's the occasional accident. The accident could be anything from a pet stain to someone dropping a cup of soda. Either way that stuff leaves a mark and a stink. Both are unacceptable.

I don't want to clean carpets. It's difficult at best. Heavy, bulky steam cleaners work, but I just don't think I have the experience to do a very good job with stain and odor removal. I'm never sure if I'm operating the machine properly or if I've used too much cleaner in the machine. That in itself can lead to more problems later on.

So, I'm calling in The Steam Team to do the job for me. Check them out here, http://www.thesteamteam.com/austin-cleaning-services/upholstery.shtml. They do everything. Rugs, upholstery, drapes, you name it and they'll clean it. I want to leave the dirty work to the professionals and leaving the mess makers outside might do the trick too. I'll just corral the dog and the cats in the kitchen from now on.  I can mop up after them!

Jungle Cat...

Busy watching Bees on the flowers...

Green Technologies - Serious Solutions for Serious Problems...

My brother has been walking or riding a bike to work for years.Recently he purchased an electric car. He said he prefers to stay dry on the days it rains. My brother is committed to doing his part to find green solutions to everyday living. I would like to do the same and reduce the negative impact my family has on this planet.

I've been looking into Green Technology. I would love to be able to take my house off the grid and it's a project I've been thinking more about lately. Buying gas is killing me, not just the money I shell out at the pump, but from the results of burning gas in an internal combustion engine. I also contribute to carbon dioxide being released into the environment by using electricity that is generated in plants that burn coal, natural gas or oil.
 
Taking the house off the grid would mean spending money. The initial outlay would be substantial but not out of reach. In the long run I would be more conscious of how I use or misuse resources. By taking the house off the grid and spending less or no money on fossil fuels, would not only help my pocketbook, but show my neighbors and community that there would be no significant reduction in the quality of life here at home. It's time to get serious about reducing the negative impact humans have on our planet.

Share Your Dreams at the UPromise Dream Wall...

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of UPromise. All opinions are 100% mine.
UPromise transforms little dreams into big realities!
We teach our kids every day of our lives. Manners, social customs and household chores are learned in addition to the things taught at school. A parent is the first teacher a child has and the most important one. When we teach our kids, we help them on the road to becoming the adults of the future. You probably have a dream for your child too, like a healthy body, a safe home and a college education. UPromise can help you and your child achieve the dreams of the future.
UPromise is giving away a boat load of money to parents who share a story about supporting their child's dream. This year UPromise celebrates their 10th anniversary! Over the past decade, UPromise members have received more than $600 million dollars in college saving through their rewards program. So in celebration, UPromise want to share all the ways they have helped to fuel the sparks that make kids and parents dream big and then realise those dreams.

Enter the sweepstakes by going to www.upromisetodream.com and submitting your story about the dream you have for your child. Check out other peoples dreams and "like" the ones that spark your interest. You may want to leave a comment to a story that speaks to you personally.  By doing so, you will be entered to win $1,000 or $10,000! You can see the dream wall official rules here.

Six Word Saturday...08.13.11

The Who: Isle of Wight - 1970

Rock on people...

I was 8 when this show took place. 

And unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend this festival. But it is my good fortune to be able to experience it on tv. Not as good as being there, but good enough. Click the link and you can see part of the spectacle too.

Trip on over to Cate's to see more SWS!

Net10 2 Will Keep You Connected!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Net10. All opinions are 100% mine.
Last night I dropped my phone in the toilet. The cost to replace it far exceeds my budget for such luxuries. My contract is up in a month and I decided not to renew it because I’ve discovered a mobile carrier that suits my budget much better. After paying way too much for cell phone service, finally I can see the Light.
Net 10 2 is a fabulous deal. I can get nationwide coverage, unlimited talk and text for $50 a month! More importantly there are no credit checks, no contracts and no surprises on my bill. Add to this excellent reception and connectivity and I’m sold! I’m satisfied with the phone I had, but I would like to upgrade. I see that Net10 provides phones from trusted phone manufactures like Nokia, Kyocera, LG, Samsung and Motorola. These phones are also priced to sell. They also have a model to suit the needs of everyone. I looked at slider phones, full QWERTY keyboard phones and touch screen phones with all the basic stuff I need plus phones with app capabilities, cameras and video and web access.
Here’s how it works: You decide how much you want to spend and Net 10 has a plan to fit your budget. The Easy Minutes automatic plan starts at $15 for 200 minutes. Pay As You Go plan minutes carry over with active service and Unlimited Minutes plan provides unlimited text and web for $50 a month. I can switch between plans each month to fit my budget and airtime needs and there are no fees or penalties to switch back and forth. I can buy airtime from a retailer nearby, right from my phone or online.

International Long Distance is also available to more than 75 countries. For calls originating in the US the rate is about 15 cents a minute. There’s a program for Canada and Mexico called the International Neighbors program. I get a special phone number to give to my friends and family that they can use to reach me at Net 10. So I’m pretty stoked! I can get a phone plan for my simple needs for $15 a month that includes text and calling. Or I can choose a phone with a camera, Bluetooth capability and mobile web for under $40 a month. I can also have it all: unlimited minutes, text and web for $50 a month.
Every real NET10 customer loves their phone and their plan and they are not going broke using Net10. They are actually saving money! Learn more about Net10 yourself, check out what Rob has to say.

The Weekend in Black and White...

This weekend...

ICE CREAM!

Kids? Who says only kids patronize the ice cream man?

Grab your frozen confection and head over to

  The Weekend in Black and White to see more monochrome maniacs...

Skywatch Season 5, Episode 5...

Skies from all over our planet...

Bolt on over to Skywatch Friday to see more amazing skies in action!

Six Word Saturday - 08.06.11...

First Saturday the shop's not open!

I should be happy but I'm not...

Trip on over to Cate's to see more SWS!

Skywatch Friday, Season 5 - Episode 4...

Skies from all over our planet.

I love blue, green and white together!

Blue Sky Scrubs for Women and Men...

Regular readers of this blog know that Manda is a huge fan of Blue Sky scrubs. She's been very happy with the quality and workmanship that are built in to each product she buys. I'm impressed that all Blue Sky products are made right here in the United States. You can check out Blue Sky scrubs here: http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/categories/Scrubs/Scrubs-for-Women/Original-Scrubs/

Anyway, I was walking through Jordan the other day on the way to visit a friend who took a fall. I was in the elevator going up when the elevator stopped to take on more passengers. In walked a nurse wearing the nicest burnt orange scrubs. This woman had a fabulous tan and a great complexion. The color of her scrubs really showed off her tan nicely. I commented on her scrubs and asked if she didn't mind telling me where she got them. We introduced ourselves. The lovely nurse's name was Jackie and she told me she got her fabulous scrubs from Blue Sky!

We had a great chat. I told her Manda had been wearing Blue Sky for awhile and some of the nurses at Tobey were wearing them too. Nurse Jackie said lots of men and women at Jordan had followed her lead and dressed in Blue Sky too! We discussed the fine workmanship and I asked her if she had a  beaded lanyard. Jackie pulled a canvas one from her pocket and said "This will be replaced with a fabulous Capetown lanyard with beige and mocha beads, just as soon as the delivery guy gets to my house!"

Ruby Tuesday...

In Which...

Daisy makes her grocery list.

Sneak on over to see Mary at Work of  the Poet and check out more Ruby Tuesday.

Hawaii Real Estate - My Dream...

When my friends lived in Hawaii, I wanted very much to visit them. I didn't make it there. But Iv'e been perusing Hawaii real estate and owning a property in Hawaii isn't really that far of a stretch. There are some properties within my price range and I could actually buy one.

There are some factors to consider though. The first and most important is my friends have moved to Washington. I wouldn't be able to have them go out and check out the property for me or hang out with them if I went to Hawaii. So I would actually have to get on a plane and do the checking out myself. While not a bad idea, I would want to make it a vacation too. I would like to stay a couple weeks so I could check out more than just housing. Jobs and income would really have to be researched before I made the final decision to move to Hawaii.

Owning a home in Hawaii is within my reach. But I thought up two new questions: should my Hawaii home be a primary residence or a vacation home? Will you vacation with me or come for a visit if I get a home there?

Monday Mayhem - It's August! Random News Stuff

Why Be Normal?

Monday Mayhem is hosted by Harriet from Harriet and Friends!

I was told no two Mondays stay the same.

That there would be an 'inspirational' meme.
So I thought "Ha! I'm in!"

The rules are simple, answer some questions! Memes will be posted on Sunday afternoon. Join up on the weekly linky 

and be sure to visit the other participants.

So here is Monday Mayhem and the first day of August- 

That's something EVERYONE can agree on!

Today we are commenting on the headlines from the news.
Simply finish the news headline the way you find best.

1. 'Octomom': I Was Drugged - 
     I Thought They Were Pulling Teeth!

2. Apple has More Cash than the Federal Government -
     Why Don't We Borrow from Them?

3. Hustler Offers Casey Anthony $500K -
       For the Next Beaver Hunt!

4. Hugh Hefner and Runaway Bride Patch Things Up -
     Only to Head for Mexico!

5. Hot Weather Persists in Central United States -
     It's August, Who Knew?

6. Extremists Flocking to Facebook for Recruits -
     Where Else Would They Find Them?

7. Top 10 Twitter Trends This Week -
     And You Thought You Were Safe from That Crap!

8. So Who's Gonna Post this Thing Next Week?
     Maybe Meme, Maybe You!