Good Lord!! My House Is Buried In Snow!

March 8, 2013

Good morning from sunny Florida.  Yes'm, I am loving the weather and temps here.  Joe just called me from back home.  Yesterday there was so much snow in our yard that he had to call in a plow to move some of it around.  This morning, he woke up to another foot and a half of snow in  the yard, and it is still falling.  He will be calling the plow guy to come back and plow again. 

Gosh almighty, I hope the snow is all gone before I get back home.  Right now, Joe says you cannot see my car.  It is just a big mountain of snow.  Oh goodie, goodie!  I just hope the snow plow does not plow into my car!

Today is Photo Art Friday, and I have a little something to share.   I used Bonnie's (PDPA)  "Scratched Lens" texture, and the "Difference" blend mode in Photoshop to alter my original photo.  I call this "Fandango" because it looks like those huge feather fans that strippers used when they danced.

And for the curious, here is the original photo.  As you can see, the wind was blowing, making this an interesting picture.

I took photos of my knitting project to share.  As I said before, I'm not sure yet what this will be when it is finished.  Only time will tell.   The closeup almost looks good enough to be cake frosting. 

Yesterday, we treated ourselves to a couple of small goodies from "Best Buy", plus the newest version of "Printshop".  Years ago, I used to make all my own greeting cards, and I'm thinking that I may just start doing it again.  This is the program that I used for my cards and a lot of other projects.

Audrey is making us another fabulous breakfast, and Pogo is trying to rush me through this post so that I can pay attention to him.   He's also been trotting to and from his food dish to let me know that he is hungry.   One day, he actually tried to bring me the dish but that proved to be too difficult a task.  Oh, he does try!!

Now I'm off to get dressed and start this wonderful new day.  Till tomorrow, Y'all stay safe and try to have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Finding Our Way Around

March 7, 2013

Good afternoon.  It's just lovely here this morning.  At the moment, we are enjoying a cup of coffee while we check on emails and such.  When the time comes, it will be nice to get home, but I sure will miss this. 

Yesterday, we went looking for a couple of parks in hopes of seeing some birds to photograph.   The first one appeared to be just a glorified doggie poo park.  Goodness, it was everywhere!  Pogo thought he had died and gone to heaven with so many goodies to sniff.  Wrong!!  We got back in the car and went to find the other park.  

Finally, we found the other park.  But, right at the entrance there was a sign "No vehicles allowed."  Well now, how are we supposed to get in there and where do we leave the car?  The entrance was the beginning of a dirt road.  We decided to ignore the sign and drive in.  This turned out to be good because we drove right into the parking area.  Oh well.

There was one egret here in the water.  While we were trying to get photos of it, a cute little duck swam by and I turned my attention to it.  Look at the amazing patterns on the water.  These are caused by the overhead trees and hanging moss.  (I think.)

The little duck swam toward a shadier part of the little pond, and I was able to get another great shot of the amazing colors and patterns on the water.

We may go back there today and try to find the turtles that we discovered in one of our photos.  We'll also stop by the local JoAnn's store to look over their fabrics.  Who knows what goodies we will find there.  I ordered a few jewelry findings on-line to make up a couple of holiday gifts.  See?  I think ahead!

I've also been knitting something really pretty.  I have no clue what it will be when it is finished though.  It can either be a fuzzy warm shawl, or a nice warm lap blanket.  It all depends on how long it takes me to work it up.

I was meaning to start up my photo classes while I was here, but I've been having too much fun to hunker down to classwork.  Maybe next week. 

Now it's time to get dressed and find some fun mischief to get into.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fabulous day.  Hopefully all that snow and bad weather will be cleared up before it's time to go home.

Hugs, Edna B.

Another Lazy, Sunny Day In Florida

March 6, 2013

Good morning.  The sun is shining and in a little while it will be warmed up.  We've just finished a tasty breakfast that Audrey made for us.  Mmmmmm.   Pogo had scrambled egg with wee bits of steak mixed in.   Now his tummy is full and he is curled up on a chair next to me.

This morning we will work together on some Photoshop stuff.  After lunch, or thereabouts, we will take a ride to one or two parks and walk around looking for things to photograph.   I know the birds are here.  I see them in the air all the time.  Now I just have to find them.

Yesterday, we spent the afternoon lazing about on the screened in porch.  The maintenance men were by to replace one of the screens.  Pogo found this so interesting and never took his eyes off the men.  When the job was finished, Pogo curled up on a chair and took a nap in the warm sunshine. 

I took a photo of the view from our screened in porch.   This is for you, Nani.  And of course, anyone else who needs a little sunshine.  As you can see, we are near everything yet still have lots of privacy.  To the right you see the laundry facility, and to the left the hedges are a privacy screen for the pool and hot tub.

Later in the afternoon, the three of us took a walk around here for a bit.  I did take a few photos, but forgot to change the white balance on my camera.   Here's Audrey and Pogo. and that's our rental car near our door.

 
You can see from the different way folks dress here, the type of climate they came from.  When I took this last photo, I was wearing a tee shirt and shorts.  Audrey, on the other hand, is wearing jeans and a sweat jacket.  I am from the Northeast, and Audrey is from Southeast.  Interesting.  

When we arrived here Sunday evening, it was quite chilly but there were folks already in the pool.   Most likely, these folks came from places way up North or from Canada.  Chilly here is warm back up North.

Now it's time for us to start our day.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fabulous day. 

Hugs, Edna B.

I've Been Busy Scrapping

March 5, 2013

Good afternoon from VERY warm and sunny Florida.   Audrey, Pogo and I just came back from the local Walmart.  We had to pick a few groceries, a new mouse for Audrey's laptop, and a memory card for my camera.  I went out without putting my card back in my camera.  I also left the spare cards back at the condo.  Gosh, I hope my brain catches up with me soon.  We took turns going in the store so that Pogo did not have to be in the car.

Last night and early this morning, I had a chance to make a couple of scrap layouts.  Audrey is becoming quite the marksman, so this first layout features her at target practice.

One day, I will have to dig out photos of Audrey as a little girl.  She did not dig in dirt, always wanted wear her little white gloves, and a pretty dress and shoes.  She was so very girlie girlie.  Who'd a'thunk she'd grow up to do taxidermy stuff and become a contender on the shooting range?  When I was young, I was a pretty good shot, but I never shot (with a gun) or stuffed an animal. 

At the same time, she is a loving mom and grandma.  Recently, she and Mac (hubby) took a trip to visit with their newest grandchild, Alena.  While they were there, we were able to enjoy a video chat online so that I could see Alena too.  Ah, the wonders of modern technology!  So here's my other layout of Audrey and Alena.

I used our latest collab kit "A Rose Is A Rose Is A Rose" for this layout.   I have a few photos of Pogo that I will scrap later.  Maybe later when it is a bit cooler, we can take a ride about town to look for some photo opportunities. 

Well, it's time to scrape together some lunch.  Pogo didn't each much of his breakfast so he's probably hungry by now.   He has been behaving so good, and he is a fabulous little traveler.

Now I'm off to rummage in the refrigerator.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Pogo Meets A New Friend

March 4, 2013

Good morning, good morning.  We have arrived safely in Florida.  What a long travel day.  It started early in the morning , about 5 a.m., and ended a little after midnight.  But folks, I have to tell you that my little Pogo is a fantastic traveler.  He made himself comfy in his carry bag, and slept through most of the flight.  Not once did he make a sound.

Our plane had been delayed for two hours, so it was late when we finally got our rental car and headed for the condo.  Before we headed for Kissimmee, I took Pogo for a walk on some grass.  The Florida grass must smell different from Massachusetts grass because Pogo was having the grandest time running here and there smelling everything he could.

After picking up a few groceries, we finally got to our condo.  But lo and behold, Pogo was in for a really big treat.  The folks who had been staying here before us must have gone home and left their little dog behind.  The fabulous part is that their little dog, (I've nick named him Pogogo) looks exactly like Pogo, even wears the same clothes. 

Pogo spent hours trying to play with Pogogo, and to let him know who was boss here.  Of course, he got frustrated now and then because Pogogo wouldn't come out from behind his window and play.  I took a couple of photos to share.

The dining area here has two large "floor to ceiling" mirror panels, and they are a constant source of intrigue for Pogo.  As you can see, he still has his jacket and shirt on because it was a bit chilly when we got here. 

Also, since we've been here, he has been very good about using his potty patch (which I brought along with me).   Just a couple of tiny misplaced sprinkles (all on tile, thank goodness).  I am so proud of this little guy. 

This morning, he is napping on the sofa while I type this post.  You'll notice, that even in his "sleep" he keeps his eye on me. 

Today is Mandarin Orange Monday, so I'll post this photo there too.  If you love photography, you should really have a look at this wonderful photo site.  Folks from all over post beautiful images there every week.  Maybe you'd like to join the fun too?

Miss Audrey is still sleeping, but later after breakfast and a shower, we shall head out for a wicked fun day.  Of course, a flea market is at the top of our "to do" list.  I just love flea markets!!  Audrey's mouse (for her laptop) took it's last breath last night, so maybe we can find her a new one today.  And I need new scrunchie ties for my hair.  I usually buy them here every year at the local flea market.

I also want to start going for walks every day too.  After getting a close up and unforgiving look at myself in these big mirrors, I think this is the time to get serious about dropping a few pounds.  There seems to be just a little too much fluff on this adorable little body.   Groan, groan, did I just say "adorable"?  I think I need another cup of coffee!

Well, that's my news for this morning.  I'll try to have lots more tomorrow.  Till then, Y'all have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

p.s.  I almost forgot.  Here's the page for March from my calendar.

Only One More Day Till Vacation Time

March 2, 2013

It's five o'clock in the morning and I've been up for at least an hour.  Sleep is evading me.  I guess I'm just too keyed up thinking of anything that I might forget to do before Pogo and I leave tomorrow.  I'm sitting here watching old re-runs of "Three's Company".  Some of these shows were very funny.

This morning I have to go to the bank to get some travelers checks and then I want to stop by Best Buy and spend my gift cards before I lose them.  Of course, this won't be such a difficult chore for me.  Best Buy is one of my favorite stores.  This is where I get a lot of my new tech toys.

Yesterday I managed to top up my Broadband 2 Go stick all by myself.  I may not need it, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.  It wasn't too long ago that I used to have to sit down by the dumpsters  to get an internet connection.  (While on vacation in Florida)  Sad to say that it took me most of my two weeks to figure out that I could have gone to McDonalds and used their internet.

I have a fun photo to share with you.  Wayne and his lady friend recently went to Puerto Rico for a vacation.  One day when they were sitting on the beach, a large bug crawled up onto his girl friend's toe, and Wayne took a photo of it.  Here's his fabulous bug photo!

I'm not sure what kind of bug this is, but I do love those big round eyes.  If any of you knows what it is, do let me know. 

Pogo's doctor had told me to try  giving him one of his "calming" pills here t home to see  how they would afffect him.  She gave us these pills so that he would be calm on the plane trip.  However, when I tried yesterday afternoon to give him one, he turned into a great big vicious fighting dog!  I swear that if he had teeth, I'd only have shreds left hanging from my shoulder.

So we'll just skip the calming pills on this trip.  I need that arm to carry Pogo.  And it's hard to knit with only one hand.  I've noticed too that sometimes Pogo has a bad dream, and if you touch him to calm him, he will jump up fighting and snarling.  I hope I never meet the person who did this to him. 

On a positive note, Pogo gets excited now when he sees me reach for his little jacket.  He does his little happy dance and then sits so I can put his coat on him.  Last night, he learned to jump up onto my chair to sit on my lap.   He even gave me my second "lick" kiss yesterday.  My little guy never ceases to amaze me.

It's beginning to get light outside now, so maybe I'll just try to catch a nap.  The bank doesn't open for a few hours yet.  I'll try to get up a short post tomorrow morning if I can.  If not, Y'all have a great day and I'll be back on Monday.

Hugs, Edna B.

March 1st, And It's Almost Spring!

March 1, 2013

Helllloooooo March!!  Good morning.  Unless the forecast has changed, today through Sunday is supposed to be a nice.  Oops, spoken too soon.  The forecast (which has just come on TV, has  changed to some rain and/or snow showers that whole time.  Wahhhhhhhhhhhhh!  Couldn't it wait for me to leave?

Well, my suitcase is half packed.  All the laundry is done and the bills are paid.  And I think there are only a few more things to do before it's time to leave for vacation.  In a couple of hours I will go to the service station up the street and have the new wiper blade put on my car.  This afternoon I will clean out the refrigerator.  Afterwards, I can finish the packing.

Wayne was here last night and cleaned a lot of junk from my laptop.  Did I ever tell you what a sweetie he can be?  When he was done, he set up my Xfinity account on my laptop and my tablet.  Now I can watch TV and movies on my laptop and tablet.  At the condo in Florida, the choices in TV stations is awful.  But now I will be able to watch my regular programs.  (on my laptop)

Today I need to put some more time on my Broadband stick for just in case.  I get rather testy when I find there is no internet when I am on vacation.  Actually, "testy" is being kind.  I get downright cranky!!  lol. 

Today is Photo Art Friday at PDPA, and the theme is "Vintage".  I used a photo that I took of the snow covered trees on my way home from work this past weekend.  This first photo is the original.

I used a "Vintage Color" filter from Color Efex Pro 4, and then applied PDPA's "Blue Missive" texture to the photo to get this result.

Now I think it's time for me to get dressed and start the day here.  Eddie will be here soon to do a bit of electrical work, and I want to get the last few errands finished up.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.