A Little Under The Weather Today.

March 7, 2012

It's a beautiful morning here with a lovely breeze  wafting by every few seconds.   We've just finished having our breakfast (more like brunch) out here on the porch.  Oh my, I could do this every day.

My cold is quite nasty, and I tend to be a bit cantankerous when folks insist on talking to me or asking me for any input.  Then of  course, I have to break out the big apologies.  So because I'm not feeling so chipper today, I'm going straight to posting photos.

There are a lot of interesting rock formations everywhere here.  This is one not far from my condo. 

And here is one of the pretty flowering shrubs we see a lot of here, along with a close up of the beautiful flowers on it.

Now I think I'll have me a little nap so that I will be up to a walk later this afternoon.  Sorry for not being very chatty, but this cold is getting the better of me.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

An Interesting Day For Photos

March 6, 2012

Good morning.  It's a lovely sunny morning here in Florida.  Yesterday turned out quite nice, and today is supposed to be nice too.   This is good because today we will be driving north to visit with my son.  At the moment, Audrey is programming the GPS, and writing down directions from Map Quest for just in case. 

With all the air conditioning on everywhere, I have managed to pick me up quite a nice cold.  Just what I need right now!  I don't feel like driving all over the place today, but there's only three more days left to play so today it will be.

Yesterday, we checked out a few of the tourist places here, one in particular called Old Town.  It's a lovely little area that is decorated to take you back to the 50's, 60's and 70's.  Lot's of memorabilia and little shops to browse.

In the afternoon, we just drove around looking for places where there might be birds.  At one point, Audrey spotted something that looked like a nest on top of a billboard sign.  We drove as close as we could to wear the sign was, and took whatever photos we could get.  The sun was in our eyes, and the billboard nest was quite a ways up, but we managed to get a few photos.  It was an Osprey nest and it was occupied by a pair of ospreys.  We have no idea of whether or not there were any eggs.

Not too far from here, we found a little pond with a few Ibis, but sad to say none of my photos came out very good.   We did get a lot of beautiful flower photos though.  I'll save them for another day.

Now I think it's time to mosey on in to the shower and run a bit of soap and water over me.  We will need to be leaving soon as it will take us a couple of hours to get where we are going.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

I Can Alrmost Taste That Burger!

March 5, 2012

It's so good to see the sun shining this morning.   I don't mind a little rain, but I really need the sun to be motivated to get outside and do things.   Yesterday, we did not go out walking, but we did walk our legs off at two different flea markets.   So I guess that counts as exercise. 

We didn't buy too much stuff, only a couple of tee shirts.  The afternoon was spent watching a few episodes of "Project Runway" (last years episodes) that I had taped to DVD for Audrey.  Just before dinner time, we went to the supermarket for a few items plus some prized "Stouffers Macaroni and Cheese".  Nobody does it like Stouffers. 

Tootsie was having quite a bit of difficulty with her walking yesterday and last night.  I'm hoping that it will be improved somewhat  today.   We want to go out in a while and look for places that might have birds.  This year, the birds are so skittish.  Usually, they are everywhere.

I think today we will also have us some good old fashioned fast food.  My mouth has been watering for a burger.  Plus, sometimes there are lots of birds hanging around the fast food places.   A very good reason for us to enjoy a burger.

One of the pretty sights that you see all through the South is Spanish Moss hanging from a lot of the trees or draping on fences and walls.   Spanish Moss is actually an epiphylitic plant related to the pineapple.  It forms hair-like tufts of gray green strands up to 25 feet long on the trunks and branches of trees in the Southern US and West Indies.  It's not a parasite, but draws its food and water from the air.

Here is a pretty photo of a tree with lots of Spanish Moss draped all through it, and a couple of close ups of the moss itself.  I find it quite fascinating.

Today, Su and I will be posting our previews and links for the first two parts of this month's collab kit "Sing A Song Of Spring".  Here is my preview and the download links.

Download: 
EXPIRED

Su has not feeling very well lately and may be a little late posting her parts.  If they are not up when you stop by, do stop back later.  Don't forget to leave a thank you for her.

That it's for this morning.  Now I think I'll rustle up some breakfast.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day. 

Hugs, Edna B.

Oh No! Daughter Brought The Rain With Her!

March 4, 2012

Ah, good morning on this rainy, gray and rather wet morning.  Audrey got here around 9:30 last night, and shortly thereafter the rains came too.  Now I have to decide whether or not I should send her back home.  I want sunshine!!  And warm temps!!  (Only kidding folks. She's bigger than me!)

I'm watching the news on TV about the devasting tornadoes that went through the Southern part of the country these past few days.  The death tolls keep adding up.   One toddler in Kentucky was blown miles away and dropped into a field.  Her family did not survive the tornado.  The child is in the hospital now and will be taken care of by extended family.

To make matters worse, there is a father on TV whose son was injured during the war in Iraq.  The soldier has physical and mental wounds that will prevent him from  ever working or leading a normal life again, and Mr. Obama has once again cut the military benefits.  The Dad just wants to know, "Pres. Obama are you going to take care of my boy?"

I hate to say it, but this president has been really busy cutting benefits for anyone needy in our country.  Children, veterans and the elderly.  He's been so busy making sure that there is plenty of money to ship all around the world and to big business.  Why doesn't he cut the benefits and salaries of government workers, including his own instead?

Did he get my vote last election?  No.  Will he get it this upcoming election?  No.  I'm not sure any of the other candidates is much of a prize, but I've already seen what this president has done and I 've had my fill of him.  Sorry if this bothers a lot of readers, but we are all entitled to our own beliefs.

That's it for today's rant and rave.  Yesterday was a nice lazy day for Tootsie and me.   Aside from taking a couple of walks, we did nothing!    We met a nice lady on one of our walks, and she walked with us  for a while.   She was such a sweet little old lady, and a cancer survivor.  Then I found out how old she was.  A couple of months younger than me.  Oops!  Makes me wonder if I look like a sweet little old lady to other folks.

When we got back from one of our walks, I looked up and noticed the branches in the trees swaying in the breeze.  But one branch was swaying a lot more than the others.  And here's the reason why. 

There was a little squirrel way up on the end of a branch near the top of the tree, eating all sorts of goodies.   Isn't he just the cutest?    I also tried to photograph a butterfly.  But he just wouldn't sit still long enough for me to get a nice shot of his wings spread out.

I've taken hundreds of photos of the beautiful flora growing here.  I love hibiscus, and they have them in so many beautiful colors here.  Here is a light pink blossom.

That's it for this morning.  I think I'll make another cup of coffee and get dressed.  The rain has dried up and the sun is shining again.  I think we will visit the flea market again, and then ride around to find some birds.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Another Beautiful Day In Sunny Florida

March 3, 2012

Good morning.  It's a bit hazy outside with a tiny breeze, but the temperature is nice.  Not too hot yet, and not too cool.  This is the best time for walking, but only if you have your clothes on.  At the moment, I'm still lounging in my nightie.  I've been trying to upload all the parts to our March collab kit.  So far, I still have the last two parts to finish uploading.  That can wait till later though. 

I'm not complaining about the slow internet speed because I'm just thrilled that I have the internet at all.  What a difference it has made in my vacation time.  Last year was no fun being here alone without any internet.  This year, I've really been enjoying myself.

Yesterday morning, Tootsie and I went grocery shopping.  We had to replace a few items that had been frozen in the refrigerator.  Lettuce and cucumbers are so unappealing when they are frozen.  And you should try to eat a bowl of frozen jello.  YUCK!   When we got home, I had the maintenance man come in to adjust the temperature in the refrigerator.  I could have done it myself, but all the numbers were worn off the dial so I did not know which way to turn it. 

At 9:30, it felt as though we had been up all day, so we had us a nice little brunch, and then went outside for a walk.  I get so frustrated!  There are so many birds up in the trees here, singing away and chirping at each other.  BUT!  They are all hiding.  You can hear them loud and clear, but you cannot see them.  Every now and then, one of them flits quickly by.  You barely get to see it. 

At one point, I did get lucky.  I happened to see a bird fly into a shrub outside of someone's unit so I picked up the camera and just clicked away.  If you take enough photos, you're bound to get one or two decent ones.   Here's what my camera got when he was on the  ground checking out the place.

Then he quickly hopped back into the safety of the shrub.  See why it's so hard to get any photos?

A that point, he has spotted me with my camera, and came out for just a second then flew away. 

So I guess now I can't complain.  I got me a bird photo.  Alas, I am a greedy old lady.  I want more!  Maybe on our walk today, I will get lucky again.  Who knows? 

Tootsie and I did the laundry yesterday, so today is just for leisure.   Audrey will be arriving tonight, and then more fun begins.  We have a whole week to explore the area and find some bird habitats.  We'll even take a day to visit with my son.  He only lives a couple of hours away from here. 

We'll be doing the flea markets too, of course.  I still have a few "just because I love you" gifts to pick up.  Before I came down here, I found a huge bag of Dunkin Donuts coffee, and sent it to my son.  That package sure made his day a whole lot brighter!

Now I think I'll go and get my camera.  There's an adorable tiny little squirrel in the tree, just outside my porch and maybe he'll pose for a picture.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

It's Already Friday!

March 2, 2012

Good morning.  It's not quite daylight yet.  Tootsie and I awoke rather early this morning, so we decided to stay up.  Of course, we'll probably need a little nap later. 

I peeked outside, and it's so quiet.  Even the birds are asleep.  Speaking of birds, I can hear them singing and calling all day long here, but I don't see them.  The closest I've come to seeing a bird for more than a couple of seconds was when a cardinal perched on a fence for just a moment.  I couldn't get very close, but I did get one photo.

Yesterday, Tootsie and I found us a flea market, and walked around for about an hour and a half.  Did I find any goodies?  Of course!   I found some really pretty hair bows for my daughter Laura Jean, and a coffee mug for my morning coffee.  There is dishware here but I'm not crazy about drinking my coffee out of dainty cups. I like a mug.

I also found some candy called "Juicy Twists".  They are the same as Twizzlers, but are made with orange juice.  They're pretty good, but I doubt if I'll run back and buy another bag.   I also found another birthday gift, as well as a "Just because I love you" gift. 

By the time we got home, I was totally worn out.   We sat out on the porch and enjoyed a leisurely lunch.  I got caught up on some email, and did a bit of blog reading.  Then it was time to grab the camera and go for a walk.  An hour later, we were back home and in for the day.  My clothes aren't flapping in the wind, so I don't think all this walking is making me very thin.

Last night I got some gorgeous shots as it was getting dark.  I put them into Photoshop to crop them, and somewhere between then and now those photos got corrupted.  Don't ask me how because I can't explain it.   I'm just hoping that I get another chance to take those photos again tonight. 

Here is a mid afternoon photo of the sky as some dark clouds passed on by.  The rays are so soft.

I have another rather pretty photo of palm trees to share.  My friend Nani loves palm trees, so this one is for her. 

Next, I have a photo of the flowering hedge that grows here.  My hedge back home is plain ole green.  This one has beautiful pink flowers all through it. 

And here is a close up of these beautiful little pink flowers.  I would love to have these hedges in my yard back home.

There's really not much more news yet, it's too early in the day.  I'm thinking that maybe we'll do a bit of laundry today.   Maybe we'll go to the supermarket while it's still cool.   On that note, I think I'll get dressed and get started on this beautiful new day.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

The Days Are Flying By

March 1, 2012

Happy First Day of March!   Spring is almost here, and the weather is simply fabulous here in Florida.  So far, it's been wonderfully relaxing here this year.  Usually when I am alone like this, it gets quite boring.  But this year, Tootsie and I have been getting out and about, taking walks, and just enjoying things more in general. 

I'm thinking that a lot of this is mind over matter.  So it's quite possible that these past few years have been leading me into a depression of sorts, and now I'm coming out the other side of it.  What a nice feeling. 

Yesterday, Tootsie and I went for another walk, this time all the way down the entrance road to almost the highway and back again.  We stopped a lot to take photos, but the birds are still elusive.  We can hear them all around us, but try to find one to get a photo!

Here are a couple photos of the gorgeous sky here.  The clouds are like huge cotton balls just sitting up there waiting for someone to come along and pick one up. 

The view at the beginning of the entrance road near the highway is one of my favorites.  I just love seeing those great big American flags flying on high.  Is this not beautiful?

I took a few photos here and there around the property, which I will share with you another day.  It's such a pretty place.   What I would really like to photograph is the various birds that live here.  To do that, I will have to drive around and look for ponds and parks.  I will wait for Audrey to get here and we'll do this together. 

When Tootsie and I return from our walks, this is the view that greets us.  It is my rental car parked in front of the door to our condo.  The white Nissan is our car. 

Once we got settled inside after our walk, I tackled the email thingy.  Surprise, surprise!  Wayne had already taken care of it for me, and had put an icon on my desktop.  Just click!  Instant email!  Your kidding me.  I'd been sitting here for four days wondering how I was going to do this.  

I'm sure that when I get home, there will be tons of email waiting for me there.  If you sent me an email and did not get a response, don't despair.  I'll get to it at home.  Once I opened my email here, it only gave me the last 40 pieces of mail to come in.   At least I can stay current now till I leave here. 

Last night, I spent a few hours trying to get rid of a lot of the duplicate files on my external hard drive.  It takes a while because even though some folders look exactly alike, one may have files that are not in the other one.  You have to look into each one of them.   I guess I finished about a third of the files.  Oh goodie.  Such a boring job, and there is so much more of it to do.  At least it will keep me busy until Audrey gets here this weekend.

Today, I think Tootsie and I will go find us a flea market.   I just love browsing all the fascinating things that are on display.  And who knows?  I might find something that I just have to have!   Then later I think I'll work on the two new photography class assignments. 

That's about all the news so far for today.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.