Issac....the 'Cane'..

This will be our 1st hurricane since moving to SWFL.  I must say the news can be at times very scary.  They are very intense, but one has to be, so it is understandable.

We do not live by any beach, so there for we do NOT prepare the same for surging waters, but since we are inland, we prepare for flying debris.  Thus we and a select few of our neighbors, put up some paneling. 



We only placed these on the front & back of the home, with the storms direction our sides should not be effected.  I've notice this morning, that a few more neighbors are bringing their panels out.  A category one is a small storm, but 85 minimal winds are not to be messed with, in my opinion.  The winds also produce tornadoes, irrelevant to have panels on our home, if one of those bad boys erupts over our head....which there is a strong possibility.  

So, since this is our 1st 'Cane', we went to the grocery store, bought items to fill our pantry, not refrigerator in case we lose power.  Water, bread, peanut butter...We are told to fill our tubs up tonight with water, we have propane to grill after the storm.  Basically, you prepare for the worse and pray for the best.  If the storm gains in strength as it nears our area, (category 2) we will still stay, but I'm out of here category 3 or higher.  So we have gas in the car, ready to scat at a moments notice.

The lake has got lil white caps starting to erupt, the winds have just started to arrive...very small pockets of rain.  Issac is still a far away, but he will gain power in the warm waters of the Gulf...

Will keep posting, back to preparing...

I love Gravy......

Po-boi has been given a gift.  We are excited, elated, humbled by the amount of gravy or as I like to say AWESOMESAUCE, cuz after all, gravy by definition is the fat or juices that drip from cooked meat. YUmmm, how could you NOT like gravy...or as I like the old slang gravy relating to MONEY aka Awesomesauce!

Mind you we are not driven by greed, it is driven by MUST.  I also use the word Awesomesauce when rewarding my fellow associates at work.  Telling management the associate did great, the old pat on the back if you will.   I know, I know weird, but hey we're not all the same...I would much rather hear a complement, so if I like receiving them, why not let others have some Awesomesauce as well....back to Po-boi oops cant call him that anymore either...

Back to the beginning...no not GENESIS beginning...geeesh....lol

Po-boi received a phone call mid July from his old asst coach...Want to intern for us?  Po-boi holding bills in one hand, recent job rejection letters in the other response....How much does it pay????  

Coach: ...NOTHING, nil, na-da, zilch, You'll get to be with me tho gain experience....lol 
  
Po-boi: ...ok....

Off to school he goes...Po-boi lined up a small part-time position, we were feeling so elated that the job opened up allowing him to at least pay for his apartment, then a buddy calls needing a room, Po-boi had a spare, now we were feeling great, cuz his expenses are now cut if half. We set up an apartment, during this time Po-boi is told by the same coach.  

Coach: Want to make this a paying job??? 
 Po-boi...duhhh.   

Coach: How about you G.A. (Grad Asst) for us...
Po-boi: ...aaahhhh  awesomesauce....
Coach: What???
Po-boi: Yes sir, I would love to be a G.A.


The next few weeks, were a bustle of activity.  Football camp has started, Po-boi working 15-18 days with camp, plus a few extra at the part-time job...Living on bread & butter, no food in the pantry...Then a day here/there meeting with Campus executives (the President, Athletic Director, Deans) interviewing him for the G.A. position.  The Universities take this very very serious, after all they are backing you for your future.  Basically a Grad Assistant is a paid position by the University for a student to continue their education in (Masters program). So, he will get his Masters paid for, plus additional monies to live on....GRAVY.....

Po-boi (aka Grad-boi) heard this week.  He is the new G.A. for the football program.  He will have a list of duties with football, the players will refer to him a Coach, he has be given an area for recruitment (FL) is among the states on his list.  He is continuing his education in Phys Ed, which is an inside joke (I always called him my P.E. teacher) ......to receive all this and not give thanks to our Lord, for his abundance he has given us.  I cannot give more praise...it is TOTALLY AWESOMESAUCE!

I think I will close this blog or at least change it's name....Wishing for my turn just doesnt fit the need anymore......

Bumpy ride, hold on...

Slyvester (left) & Mercedes, checking out the Turtle on his morning stroll.

We are back from "moving" Po-boi into his 1st apartment.  We left in the wee hours of the morning, tugging along a 12' trailer packed to the gills with junk from Po-boi's room.  The trips were long, loud, and very bumpy.  I feel as tho I've been bustin Brahma bulls.  The weather on this 900 mile journey was pleasant for the ride to, but fro Oh boy, just some advice here folks.  When the weather service reports a VERY DANGEROUS storm, you should probably pull over, but since we were only going 30 miles an hour, it seemed ok...it was after when hubby had to have his hands pried off the steering wheel, we elected to eat inside a restaurant to take a breather rather than plow thru....whew! The idiot that attempted to speed  pass us then went sideways for a second, they elected to apply their brakes, and follow behind safely for a few miles...The TN & KY smokies are beginning to show signs of fall.  Pops of color here/there.  The weather was very cool for us FL folk.  We awoke to mid 60's, highs of high 70' low 80's.  I packed expecting to have humidity, nope it was absolutely perfect.  We had a blast in Gatlinburg, TN.  I would recommend this to anyone!  We missed the crowd, the kids all are back in school, so it was virtually a ghost town, spoiling.

We got Po-boi settled in to his apartment.  He is SOOOO lucky to have us as parents. Working 18 hour days currently with  football camp, giving no time to unpack boxes, rearrange furniture, grocery shop...etc  He was too exhausted to notice the first night, he just walked to his bedroom, zonked out.  The next morning when he awoke, a lil confused because he was not on the floor on a deflated air mattress, did he realize how lucky he is to have us as parents. lol  Part of me just wanted to dump his stuff, turn about walk out his door, but common sense prevailed.  I have witness 4 yrs of dorm living, I  could not trust his judgement to unpack a single box.  I withheld from taking pictures of his place after I had it all set up.  Guys dont take pics of their living arrangements.  I rolled the bath towels, arranging them in size & color. placing them on a nice lil bookcase we had brought, when Hubby burst my bubble, stating, You think it will ever look like this again?  I gave a shrug with my shoulders, replied I can dream cant I?  lol  When we went grocery shopping I purchased all the stuff that eats up too much money, but is necessary, tp, paper towels, dish shop, laundry shop...etc
We know we have gave him a great start on single living.  It felt good for us to do this, Po-boi is very grateful to have received, this, he didnt expect anything.  We are just as lucky to have a great kid.

a brothers revenge...

Po-boi is interning with his college football team.   Early last week, Po-boi reported to the Football coaches, he brought along Eldest.  Everyone is familiar with Eldest, but Po-boi just wanted to let the coaches know, that his brother would be helping him out in the equipment room. 
Eldest loves the Head Coach, chats with him like they are old time buddies.  He informs Coach, what he needs to do, who should be doing what, never mind, that the HEAD COACH did not ASK for HIS OPINION, nor wants, needs or has to even HEAR it. He is a respected figure at a UNIVERSITY, but to Eldest he's just sharing his VAST knowledge of what should be done, if the Head Coach had any sense at all he would trust in Eldest's opinions.  Oi Vei! indeed.

A few days, had past, Po-boi needed to report to the Assistant Coaches office, so he & Eldest run over to the Football bldg on the campus, since it was hot, Po-boi tells Eldest to come inside, wait in the reception area he would be back in a few minutes....

Eldest could hear the head Coach talking in his office, this must have perked his ears right up, he decides to just sash shay right on over to the Head Coaches office.  He ignores the fact that Coach is holding a meeting with another coach, (they're reviewing film) such a grand opportunity, for he plopped right down in the next chair joining the meeting.

When Po-boi is finish, he comes into the reception area to find no Eldest.  HUM, he wonders I just left him a minute ago.  Where would he have gone?  He starts to panic, then he hears Eldest voice,  follows the sound down the hallway.  He stops at the doorway to Coaches office, discovers his brother.  Po-boi asks his brother. What are you doing here?  The Head Coach, turns in his chair, replying to Po-boi.  We're reviewing film, and you interrupted.
Yeah, replies Eldest.  Po-boi eyes Coach fearing for his life, Coach gives a hint (ever so slight) of a grin,  Po-boi proceeds to remove his brother from the meeting...exhaling a breath of relief.  

When they arrive outside, Po-boi asks his brother.  Why did you go to his office, You can't just interrupt his meetings. Eldest's replies.  I had to I was curious. Po-boi thinking to himself.. Ok, that's a new word in my brothers vocabulary.  Ma's going to blog about this one for sure....lol

Now to get to our blogs title...A brothers revenge....

This group of "men" using the word ever so slight.  Are a tight knit, fraternity type, one must expect pranks to occur.  The next day at the football field, they're work day was coming to an end.  Eldest had been working his tale end off assisting his brother.  Po-boi decides this was an area of opportunity to get back at his brothers day before behavior of interrupting the coaches meeting.

Po-boi asks an assistant coach, for a diversion to occur.  He understands immediately calls out to Eldest to make his way over to him, he needs to ask him a question.  Eldest arrives at the Assistant side, the Assistant points to an object in the opposite direction, distracting Eldest from the impending doom.  Po-boi rushes over with the 10 gallon jug of water,  BLAMO drenching his brother, soaking him thru and thru....Eldest has an immediate reaction to this, Yells at his brother...You Bastard!

Po-boi....thinking to himself, ok another new vocabulary word, from my brother.   Ma ...lol

Oi Vei...indeed...

A moment alone....DRAMA QUEEN

We have experienced some very grown up moments lately.  We are talking about Let go, and LET God moments.  Eldest has some challenges in life.  He does not lack confidence, nor is he shy, withdrawn.  The traits of his personality are his greatest strengths, some would give an eye tooth to have these abilities.  As for his disabilities, (which we all lack something) it is safe to say, existing without the help of others on a day to day basis, would be very  extremely difficult.  He is an dependent independent soul.  A gift from God, truly.

Eldest has been "vacationing" with Po-boi.  Po-boi has moved 900 miles away (again) leaving hubby & I "empty" nesters for a short period.  Po-boi has 2 jobs, one for financial support, the other for the experience to gain a lifetime of financial support.  He's interning with his college football team.  While they've enjoyed the easy life, sleeping on a blown up mattress, existing on cheese & crackers, beer, (oops Po-boi drinks the beer) Eldest prefers flavored drinks, ie Gatorade, Propel to name a few.  The "rough" life has been thrust upon him, honestly about time.  

The financial job that supports Po-boi is a night auditor for a hotel, thus leaving him the time to intern.  We (meaning all of us) thought that Po-boi would not report to that job until this coming weekend, we knew of day training would occur. That is why we (meaning Hubby & I ) agreed Eldest could go with him on his trip 900 MILES AWAY.  3 days ago about 630 pm, I receive a call from Po-boi (tho college educated not very intelligent)......it went something like this..

Po-boi - Ma, worked called, the manager asked if I wanted more hours, I said sure...great huh?  Anyhoo I will be reporting to work in a few hours, they asked me to train on the over night shift, and....and... Eldest will be by himself for the first time ever in his life alone, in the apartment 900 miles away from his mother , but everything will be alright ...
  
MA - I'm sorry Po-boi what was that??? Did you say that Eldest will be, let me get this right... by him.. HIMSELF FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER IN HIS LIFE, ALONE...ALONE IN THE APARTMENT 900 MILES AWAY FROM HIS MOTHER!!!

Po-boi -  but everything will be ok?  MA??? MA??? let me talk to Pops...

MA- (ballin my eyes out) I'm  alright, I I I just have to breathe right now....WHY DID YOU CALL ME?  Have I tortured you sometime in your life??? (CALGON!!!!)

Po-boi - Ma, he'll be ok, you're such a drama queen (ok, so he didnt say the latter, but we all know he thought it)

Ok, so Eldest did for the FIRST TIME EVER SPEND the night alone 900 miles away from his mother.(sniff, sniff) (breathe)....hey,....what a sec, Eldest spent the night alone????  How awesome is that! another grown up moment...for me!

Bear rasslin....

I shot out of bed this morning, ready to take on a bear.   When I looked at the clock, I believed it to say, 9:45.  So I run make my cup of joe, hop in the shower, empty the dishwasher, make the bed, start a load of laundry, all to find out that I read the alarm clock incorrectly, it must have said 6:45.   lol

Yesterday was relaxing, hubby took me for a joy ride.  We both needed to get out of the home.   We had lunch at  Buffalo Wild Wings .  The men in my life, love the sports atmosphere, a bazillion tv's with every sport know to mankind playing.  I like the wings!  lol  Plus you can play various poker with other customers in the bldg.  You just ask the wait staff to bring you the lil electronic game device to your table, each player needs his/her's own device.  I had a pretty good game going, one guy kept betting, raising, and really challenging me with my cards (We were playing Texas hold-em) the whole time. One time he went all in, thinking I was bluffing, I was in a way, cuz I needed one card on the turn to get a straight...and Yay for me I won...YippY!  I know, I know this looks really bad, drinking in a bar ( Bloody Mary's I only had one), gambling, gorging myself with food, on a Sunday no less...guess since I awake a sinner everyday, some days my sins are greater than others...God only gives us what we can handle...tho I "Wish" he would let me handle spending a thousand dollars a day, relaxing in the sun, reading a book by the pool, being fed grapes by Channing Tatum...lol

Ok, now that I'm awake, I had better stop dreaming a finish out the day..

..

Sunday Sayings....

God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with him.  Jim Elliot


God sleeps in the minerals, awakens in plants, walks in animals, and thinks in man.  Arthur Young


The old RA crept in...It always seems to arrive Fri, ruins my Sat, and I'm plain exhausted by Sun.  Each time it passes I claim victory.  It rose it's ugliness in the tendons of my right foot, it knows I'm weak in the feet. I literally could not wiggly my toes, motion my foot up or down, and forget about walking.....rotten crud..The pain is so unbearable, I'm afraid to give in to it, showing my weakness, or if I "depend" on hubby to help, I feel bad cuz he works his butt off, the last thing he needs is to take care of me...but, it is what it is for better or worse, in sickness or in health...With my feet doing so poorly of late, it makes wonder if I'm able to go back to work at all, am I ready for the wheel chair? Scary stuff...I used my walker all weekend...I hate that blasted thing, but had to pull the old girl out, cuz I could not put any weight on my right foot...Gosh I sound like such a big baby...I loathe this disease. Enough giving it attention...

Today Hubby is taking me out to get some fresh air, so sweet.  Even a drive to nowhere is better than sitting at home...

Enjoy your day "Wishing" you the best.
God bless ya'll

mission REACTIVATE....lol

Facebook update...


Hubby tells me...why not 'REMOVE' the friends that are causing the drama.   DING light bulb moment...but if I do that wont they be mad at me?....Hubby...Oi!


I guess the lack of children in the home, worthless ankles, and a lil bit (just a smidgen) of hormones got in the way with my ability to make sound judgement. 


The crud that has been appearing on my fb, just drives me nuts...not just the games, but rude comments, fingering pointing, I'm also getting some pictures (cartoons) that are too ugly for my taste..sorry I like to keep it clean...nothing wrong with seeing a lil Norman Rockwell..gosh I love his stuff... so I started to narrow it down the list, really it was 5 ppl..whom are always posting...so I cleaned them out...hopefully this works, then I can go on about enjoying fb again...who knows..


I went shopping today. I was so excited to buy new sheets, why this even remotely makes me happy I have no idea..I should be oogling over jewelry, purses..dont get me wrong luv those too, but sheets..nothing better...lol  I did peruse the other departments, got a couple shirts uber cheap...last winters stuff 80% off, with the A/C on all the time I freeze inside all the time, so it's nice to get long sleeve shirts.  I'm also going to attempt to bring my nook, when I next go grocery shopping.  I found an app with recipes.. It will give me a list of items needed for the recipes I have previously selected prior to my shopping trip.. I could have used this a couple of days ago..tonight hubby wants stuffed peppers, he likes mushrooms in them, guess what I forgot...geeesh!

God bless ya'll

Deactivation underway....

The power of a human...deactivate!


Oi! I just got done "deactivating" facebook.  It's so freeing.  I set up the acct to connect with Po-boi when he first went to college, but now it's just one drama after another..really? I don't need that, I have enough on my plate, so I'm dieting (deactivate)...lol
I miss my little blog, I can control EVERYTHING...moohaha ..ok, so I can't control EVERYTHING, but I can at the least enjoy my time on the WWW...


Hubby & I are still staring at one another, poor guy, he has had a very rough work week.  One employee is on vacation, the other just decided no call no show..he's handling the stress of it all tho..


I made more of the lil cupcake size egg breakfast treats.  This time I added sausage, Hubster loved them..Since my feet are demanding attention, I bought a new floor pad(mat) to stand on when slicing & dicing in the kitchen.  I'm so happy with it, I got it at the The Kitchen Collection, when we went shopping for Po-boi.  He needed a cast iron skillet for his new digs...

Oooh the timer went off.  Coloring my hair (again) this grey is coming in faster, and more of it, it's getting harder and harder to cover it up, but I am human I will prevail I am in control...lol


"Wishing" you the best! God bless y'all!

Olympic fascination ...

 
Well, Po-boi moved out, he has taken eldest with him for 3 wks...Hubby & I are lost without them.  We stare blankly at one another, confused by the "empty nest"....by the time we get used to the idea Eldest would have returned.  So I guess we should start hoop/hollerin it up....lol
Thank goodness for the Olympics. I do enjoy the "odd" sports.  Table tennis, archery, skeet, badminton just to name a few...you just dont get to see this everyday so why not enjoy.  Hubby thinks I'm completely bonkers.  I also enjoy the fav's swimming, diving, gymnastics...
I've reported in at work, my medical leave will be over mid Aug.  These darn ankles.. grrr.. the Dr says you have  ARTHRITIS, as well as, gout, thus causing the tendons to flare, resulting in TENDONITIS....I respond, yes, and what can we do about the PAIN...he says, STAY OFF IT....lol  I'm working with the HR to "reposition" me...They mentioned an off-site job, that would require 6 - 8 wks training.  She is going to recommend me to our manager, I'm keeping my fingers crossed, and faith in God to be done what he wants me to do...I like the excitement of learning something new, so w'll see..I'm wearing an ankle brace on my left foot.  Seems it is further along in the "weakness" than the right...I'm probably going to buy one for the right foot before I go to work...Oh you should have seen my at the Medical supply store.  I was ooohing & aaahing at all the orthopedic stuff.(..sad really, so pathetic )...I gave a mean glare at the scooters tho...I told them to stay away from me...hopefully I scared them off, so's they'll stay away from me.....lol
OOOh boy's beach volleyball is on...got to run!  I know I know...I "wish" I could run...I heard ya!  lol

Remember these???? Sunday sayings....

 

 

 

The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own.  No apologies or excuses.  No one to lean on, rely on, or blame.  The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of it.  This is the day your life really begins.  ~Bob Moawad

Thought this was appropriate, since Po-Boi is moving out...  I will be heading to the grocery store soon, seems the inventory has been depleted once again..I'm going to make appleslaw and hotdogs for lunch.  Baked banana bread earlier. Dinner Po-boi is wanting chicken fried steak fingers, with mashed potatoes & gravy.  Hubby & I have to skip the mashed potatoes, I'll substitute mashed cauliflower for us. 

Physical therapy is going ok, I know eventually I will be reporting back to work, the men are going to miss all this home cooking, I'm not sure what my duties will be since I'm now limited in my walking.  I see the Dr on Monday, we will be scheduling making orthotics, I need to check out  some ankle wraps too...ugh! This will not look good with shoes....lol how the heck am I suppose to accessorize wraps???  lol

"Wishing" you the best †

next day

 

 

 

 

 

 

What a difference a day makes, whew!  I'm totally through with packing.  Oi!  I've offered my best advice, but keep getting my head bitten off, so I'' zip my lip and start crocheting, guess someone is a tad stressed with the fact he'll be living on his own soon....lol

 

Physical therapy has been tough.  The therapist is the best I have ever experienced.  He really enjoys the pain he thrusts upon his clients,   It is not out of the pleasure of pain, but he can see his clients getting better.  He was born in Hong Kong.  He messages, cracks, twists, you name he has done it, but we keep coming back, because after a few hours of healing time, we feel so much better than we have in months, even years.  I see the podiatrist next week, he will be impressed with the reduction of swelling in my ankles.

 Last night I made Shepherd's pie, served it with a nice salad and a slice of zucchini bread.  I had made a couple of loaves earlier in the week.  With Po-boi leaving next week, I think I'll run to to store make some more goodies to bring for his freezer.  Won't hurt to fill our freezer too! lol

"Wishing" you the best!

†

Here we go again.....

 

Seems as tho we have been down this road once (twice, thrice) before... Po-boi landed himself an internship at his old University.  He will now be among us tax paying citizens, supporting himself in a real live apartment, working 7 days a week 2 part-time gigs as well as the Intern job, he will probably feel as tho he never has enough money to feed himself or do anything, but will enjoy every minute of it.  Ya'll remember the g'friend Lil-bit... she's ecstatic to say the least.  We (hubby & I) will be learning the next stage of life...the "cut-off"....Oh how I dread this phase.  We know he must fly on his own, and we do need to respect he's privacy.  When he was C-boi, we still had some control, but now we'll be "advising" if asked more so than guiding...Ugh makes me sad, but we'll muddle thru.  Let the excitement begin...

Today we are getting the Christmas stuff down, we have always set separate trees, Po-boi has some ornaments, so we'll have to repack these for his trip.  You can see the sadness in our eyes, he is realizing that we will not be together this year for Christmas , but one must move on when moving out....I'm extremely sad too.  Our lives are taking a turn....

This is one of those times I'm not "Wishing" for......

 

 

CJ's Blueberry Lemon cake

CJ's Blueberry Lemon cake

2 cups pancake mix
1 bx lemon instant pudding
1 egg
1 cup milk or so
*** batter should be as thick as muffin mix ***
*****
Fresh blueberries
*****

2 tbsp lemonade cool-aid  instant mix
 1 tsp sugar


Mix batter  together,  pour into a grease baking dish, drop a handful of fresh blueberries.  Bake at 375 for 20 mins.  Mix together lemonade/sugar in small bowl.
When cake is done baking, sprinkle sugar mixture on top while cooling....
Enjoy with vanilla ice cream or cool whip!



Eldest & I were mad scientist this afternoon making this cake.  We didn't have a cake mix, nor the right ingredients to make one from scratch, so I had pancake mix, and thought what the heck...It actually turned out pretty good.  "Wishing" we will be able to repeat.....ENJOY EVERYONE 

BOCA GRANDE 'sun'day.....

†

 

Grabbed this pic from Pinterest.  Too cute, reminds me of my sisters...

 

Beach Sunday... We enjoyed exploring today...this lil church is located right on the beach.  In Boca Grande, can you say cute!  †

 

 

 

 

then we saw a seagull.. love these guys

 

 

this is hubby!

 

 

the grass

 

Manatee's...OMGOODNESS, they were so close, they could nibble your toes!  I bet there had to be about 5 maybe 6.  1st time I have ever seen a Manatee..so exciting

 

 

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The waters were super clear, lots of boats nearby, great fishing, grouper, tarpon, saw a ladyfish, I thought it was sea grass... lots of shells, perfect weather. We will be going back!

 

we continued our adventure, we stopped by a hamburger joint..South Beach...typical beach scene. They had a guitar player, really good tunes Jimmy Buffet type...Hubby ate a chicken club wrap, I had a portobello sammie, layered with mozzarella, basil, roasted red pepper, on  toscano bread..Yum..  I opt for the sweet tea, but really really wanted a bloody mary, I crave bloody mary's at the beach...

not a bad 'Sun'day!  "Wishing" you were with me!

 

 

 

 

†††

BOOM BOOM BOOM...

A good time was had by all...no injuries I'm glad to report as well.  Poor-boi (Po-boi) (Cboi's new name, cuz well self explanatory) did a BANG up job!
  wonderful to sit at your own home enjoy, family, food, & fireworks! We had hamburgers, turkey burgers, hot dogs, tater salad, roasted cauliflower, grilled peaches, green salad.  Oooh, and for dessert I made blueberry/Angelfood cake......

Here's the recipe.  Borrowed from...PINTEREST...added a few strawberries!


Our neighbor did NOT disappoint.  The sky's literally light up.  Someone even lit the floating lanterns, like in Tangled (pic below) not as many as these, just 4 or 5 I think so fun to watch...
 

I "wish" we had a few of these to light, maybe next year...hum....today back to PT, and dentist appt for the "boi's" and clean up duty for the back yard.  I hope everyone had an enjoyable 4th!


"Wishing" you a great day!

Hotdogs & Hamburgers....

 

YAY! 4th of July

Today is bitter sweet, Gma would have been 102 today, amazingly enough she was 101.  Love and miss her....

this year's inventory...oh boy Cboi-(Which I have been reminded is no longer Cboi) has brought home more than sparklers this year....We should have a fun time tonight. It's so pretty watching the fireworks over the lake, we have several in the neighbor that participate.

 

 

I was forgetful yesterday, I didnt post the Egg muffin recipe.  It's real simple.

1 pkg refrig biscuits (not the Grands)

eggs scrambled

bacon, anything else you want in your eggs I chopped jalapeno's & topped with cheddar cheese

Preheat oven 350, Spray muffin tins with non stick spray

Divide biscuits in halves.  Place in muffin tin pat down until flat.  I scrambled 10 eggs,  pour into muffin tin

add bacon & extra's.  Bake 8 - 12 minutes...BING! orders up!  I used suran wrap when they cooled down, wrapped them in 2's, placed them all in a baggie, store in the freezer...

(to thaw zap in the microwave about a 1min)

this batch made 18 muffins (I'm sure you could stretch it further if you wanted)

Hubby works very early in the morning, this is great for his morning commute.

 

Now for Cboi.....hum what should we call him????  Million dollar baby, cuz that's what college seemed to have cost us???? lol  Maybe you can think of some "Nick-names" for him....

 

As for me...I'm doing fine, hobbling around, I do believe a beach day is itching to come out of me, that will have a HUGE effect on my mental attitude.  I'm blessed to have the ability to walk, I just wish it wouldn't "sting" as much as it does. Have a safe, enjoyable 4th everyone! 

"Wishing" you the best!

STOP THE PRESSES......

 

Are you stinking kiddin meh?  My poor lil blog so neglected.  Where do I even begin...Our C-boi has graduated college, ..Eldest, well he's the same, Our 29 wedding anniversary, Hubby's brother came for a visit, my left foot has a black bootie attached to it, and the right foot hates it!!!!!

 

Cboi's graduation, one word...AMAZING!  For all the troubles, tribulations, surgeries, car problems, etc... To watch him walk across the stage, receiving his diploma ..... Now, pray he gets a job.....lol

No, seriously pray....

 

Eldest is fine, same ol same old..Just a great joy to be around!

The hubster and I celebrated 29 yrs of togetherness.  It really only feels like yesterday...really.  I guess when it's right, it tain't hard.  Don't get me wrong, not every moment in those 29 years have we gotten along, (come on now we are humans), but I do remind him on those occasions, he was the one that proposed, which he reminds me, he would do it again(((awww)))), then we're back to happiness again...He's momma raised that boy right!

 

Hubby celebrated a birthday.  His bro came for a visit, they played golf, golf, thru in a deep sea fishin trip, then finished with more golf....yawn!

 

I have been......busy.  As the CEO of this facility, operating the day to day activities of the household have kept my attention to it's fullest.  It finally caught up with me at the beginning of June.  My ankles are my enemy.  They do not care for 9 hr shifts, walking on concrete floors tends to irritate them I guess. 

One day early June I had enough, only lasting 2 hours into my shift, I left, went to the Dr, he put a boot on my left foot, and said see ya in a couple of weeks...ok, I thought, went to work the next day with boot in tow, lasted less than an hour, we back to Dr.  He says what happen, I said left foot aggravated, right foot dang angry....Dr said, you're out of commission for a bit....I concurred...one has to have a sense of humor when dealing with RA, either that or crying and I would rather laugh....Anywhoo, I have physical therapy 2 - 3 times per week...now this is where I have lost all marbles....I pay, Yes, I pay my good honest hard earn money for some dude to torment and torture me.  This "dude" found (basically)one of my tendons to be binding up another, thus why the left foot did not like acting like a foot moving up/down when operating it, add in the lil arthritis in the ankle, just a happy ol time to be had at therapy. If there is one thing I have learned you don't want the Cuboid messed up in the foot.

  The Dr says it's pretty rare happening the stars have to be align when you twist your foot just so, then right it at the moment of God knows when...Apparently I did that to the left foot, leave it to me to find something rare.  So since the left foot had a boot apparatus, the right ankle decided to say, Hey what about me guys, let me join in on the fun.  I was lucky with the star alignment, no Cuboid mess up, just plain RA..So here I sit probably until mid- Aug...great Vaca, except for the torture part and the no pool, no shopping..just great!.... I have crocheted, and oh, crocheted some more, played on FB, PINTEREST which I love.  I made this egg muffins from a recipe I "pinned".  They're pretty good, hubby likes them for his morning commute.

I have neglected this poor old lil blog.  Will see if anyone is still reading the dare thing.  I guess i"ll get off of here and get caught up on y'all lives...

Smellin cactus...again.........

It's amazes me.  We are literally counting down the days to Cboi's graduation.  Such a pivotal moment.  We are on the brink of no more financial support...could it be true???  really??  I mean, we might just might get to breathe.  Oi!
So he doesn't have a job lined up, tho he has had a few interviews, always a good sign, and we know he will be employed sometime in his life, it's not like he'll be living with us forever...right????  Oi!  lol  all we can do currently is let go, and let God.


Our day to day lives are packed full of "things" to do, but no where on that list do I see STOP and smell the roses, or  daisy's, heck I'd smell a cactus, if I'd make the time to do it.. but, somehow it never seems to get on my "to do" list.  I have got to get to the beach soon, or I'm going to explode.  All I need is an hour, maybe 2 tops.  I think I have asked this before, but I will ask again.  Who were the responsible people deeming it into law, that 40 hours is an appropriate work week?  Couldn't I have earned the money at 20 hours, thus leaving part time people only 10 hours....Really, come on now, who's with me on this theory.  We would have enough time to smell the cactus then, am I right?

Crochet anyone?

 

Have you ever been in a mood, and you find yourself doing a zillion crafts at one time???  I'm like a crochet fool right now, booties, potholders, sandals...I'm oohing & aahing over shawls, cowls.  Then I see jewelry I want to make, charms, pins, earrings. Angel Christmas ornaments, bookmarks, rugs.....etc   STOP STOP STOP....ok maybe I can just rest a bit, cuz I really want to make all this stuff.  I have no extra time, for this, I suppose it's better than the chain smoking habit I had 12 years ago, but dang there is SUNSHINE outside I need to enjoy it.

Ok, that's my lil blurb for today...and by the way Cboi graduates in 6 weeks.....CAAAAALLLLLLLGGGGGGOOOOOOONNNNN!

101 reasons I'll miss you....

As most of you know, our beloved Grandma died this morning.  She lived 101 years.  I have had her picture on my blog, since I started writing.  She was brilliant, alert, healthy.    We were fortunate that she was able to socialize, no ill effects of aging. 


She was an awesome bridge player, loved Mexican train dominoes, games, games, games. A hard working Irish country girl.  She love us grandchildren & great grandchildren the same....Unconditionally, no strings attached.  


We were able to get an abundant of history from this gal.  Think back the last 100 years, you get the meaning blessed life. She had no indoor plumbing as a child, no tv, television only came with my parents generation.  The wars, Presidents, foreign leaders. Horse & buggy,  Model T's, to highways built across our nation. Electric washer & dryer. Icebox to Side by side refrigerator. Microwave ovens. Computers to SKYPE.....imagine.  Yep, God has blessed us, we were very lucky to her in our lives.


Miss you Grandma  ((((hugs))))

This little piggy went to.....the butcher???

I have had to "deal" with various mild, to extremely serious situations. 

 I remember my 1st panic attack.  

 I was a young mother, I was traveling with the boy's to visit my parents, they only lived an hour away, the weather turned bad, Cboi was crying for a bottle, then the check engine light came on..I remember the feeling of...I'm going to pass out..I get off the highway, find a phone booth...(yes a million years ago no one had cell phones)...call my mom, she understood my dire need for help and came to my rescue.  

It's a miracle Cboi is living. When he was about 6, he choked while eating a hot-dog. I asked him, can you talk? He nodded no. Only then did I do the right thing, after my 3rd attempt of the Heimlich, the piece that was obstructing came spewing out...I was crying the whole time, just telling myself, breathe please allow us both to breathe....thank you Lord...

My sisters death.  I was with my parents when we got the news.  God blessed us with my friend Cheryl.  She was with us as well.  She gave us all instructions that day.  My niece survived the accident, barely, she was at a hospital 2 hours away in the ICU.  I had to drive my parents to the hospital. I was following Cheryl's car so close it felt as if we were being towed. We were really, God was helping the whole 2 hours.  We arrived at the hospitals parking lot, everyone was going inside. Told them to go in without me...breathe, Lord please allow me to breathe...

Cboi (again) age 11..broke his thumb, while playing basketball.  He was helping the Special Olympians, one of the boys fell off his crutches, Cboi went to aid his fall...The Olympian outweighed him by 40 pounds of so...squeesh went the thumb.  I calmly grabbed our stuff, gathered the boys, told the other moms goodbye, I'm leaving, I believe Cboi has broken his thumb.  The girls said take him to the hospital..No hubby is home, he will take him...Goodbye... drove home.  Told hubby here's your son, they left for the hospital...

Recently with hubby passing a kidney stone.  This man was in excruciating pain, and had to tell me to get him to the hospital.... 

I've explained these scenarios, because it's a known fact with hubby & the boys I really just do the craziest things when it comes to emergencies.  My mind goes blank.  I try, really, but the bits and pieces of information of what might be required of me become scrambled, I self doubt, then I panic.  I mainly depend on direction, I can follow instructions, I just need the guidance. I understand anxiety, and panic attacks are serious, but sometimes you just have to laugh at yourself for the silliest things you do, and giggle at the stupidity of it all... Hubby say 911 is there for a reason....  I really just need to listen to hubby...

Yesterday afternoon, Eldest & I are in our normal routine making dinner. Eldest likes to be in the kitchen, as he calls himself The Master Chef, lol  anyway, it was Taco night. 

I just got off the phone with hubby, he was going to be delayed a bit longer, so we were to start our meal without him.  I thought we should preheat the oven, to keep hubby's food warm.  I asked Eldest to remove the Pizza stones I keep in the oven as I was setting it to preheat.  Well, I meddled.  No if, ands, or buts about it. Why I cant leave well enough alone?...ugh!

 In the middle of my meddlin, one of the stones slide off the other, and landed right on his toe.  Eldest begins to hop around, poor thing, it had to be stinging...

So, I get him to settle down, I prop his foot up on the tall kitchen trash can, remove his sock, then........

................................... blank.........................

Now, since I just got off the phone with hubby, my next thought was..Take a pic with my phone send hubby the msg, lets see how serious this is. 

 Yes, this is what I did...very 1st step. Did I tell ya...Oi.  2nd step call hubby to find out what to do. 

Since hubby had not got the pic, before my immediate phone call, he had no instructions for me...PANIC....BLANK BLANK BLANK OCCURRING.....

I hang up get 2 cotton balls, and gauze.  Why 2 cotton balls??? no explanation....hang in there with me people..  

Meanwhile, I have wrapped his toe (not the baby toe, but the next one to it is the damaged toe) as gently as possible cuz blood is spewing out, the nail is completely purple, and the formation is flat as a pancake...now, Cboi just happened to call hubby, hubby tells Cboi what has happened, Cboi tells hubby he better hustle cuz Mom's alone with Eldest, and who knows what could possible happen with Eldest.  

During their phone conversation, I have taken it upon myself to call my sister, she is in town, she will help...I think I am only mildly hysterical at this point, my conversation was...

I dont .....BLANK.....dont know what .............to do next... 

her response:  Regarding?????

me: His toe....blank........

her response: Who's toe? What?

me: (full hysterics) brief explanation...

her response: I'm coming...click

Whew, finally help, I turn to Eldest..Oh, you need to eat something...I make him 2 Tacos.. (I told you previously, I'm not good in these situations)

Next thing I know, the hysterics are upon me, cuz the gauze is soaked in blood, my phone rings....CBOI...yay..

Cboi: Ma, you're going to have to clean the toe, get Peroxide...then soak his toe in ice water, get ...(he's giving me instructions)

me: I have gauze and 2 cotton balls???

Cboi: Ma, listen...

me: ......blank.....(hysterics, full on crying fit)

Eldest: Ma it's ok...you're ok?...

me: Oi! crap...I should be comforting him, why can't I do this...GEESH, look at all that blood...Oi!

Cboi: Ma, let me talk to Eldest while you clean his toe.

me: He's eating his Tacos..

Cboi: MAaa...(more instructions)....

me: Oh, ok, hold on....I come back, ask Cboi if he can SKYPE, so he can see the toe...

Cboi: MA...click..

Soon after my sister arrives, she examines him, wraps his toe properly,  says we have to take him in he'll need stitches, and it's probably broke...

Me: To the hospital????

sister: Yes, dont worry I'll drive...

me: whhew, ok....

We are on our way to the hospital, I call hubby tell him to meet us there...We are in the ER for about 5 minutes, when my whole world changes....HUBBY arrived...all worries are gone.  He can now handle the situation...I tell sis, time to take me home...What? she says, You're not staying?

Hubby & I simultaneously: Nope.. she's/I'm done...

Eldest received 3 stitches, and has a broken toe. The ER doc gave instructions.  It is now time for me to change the gauze, apply the antibiotic cream, re-wrap in gauze.....

I need a brown..  paper bag.(lol).....breathe...just breathe..

"Wish" me (Eldest) luck...... 

hum.....

 

I received a Nook for Christmas, I've had a grand time with it too...I have actually read more books these last few weeks...Oh, the joy, now if I obtain the other "MORES" listed what a happy camper I would be!

What's on the agenda today..Super Bowl Sunday
on a menu...hum... Oi
I'm trying for healthy  stuff, that aint workin by the way.lol..after sheddin all this weight, maintenance is difficult, but I have stayed the same weight for 6 weeks now, I am very proud of myself...if I can maintain another 5 months I will have succeeded.... now back to the menu..
so far I've planned...

Mozz/avocado/tom basil snack
probably carrot/celery sticks, and chicken wings...and for the sweet tooth, these..

Whoopie pies, Strawberry butter cream filled heaven.... I also want the cheesy dips, sub sammies, and oooodles of choc to boot......lol
...our next Chapter is approaching fast..
Cboi will be graduating college this year,...aaahhh  Unbeeelievable...anyway, announcements need to be order..soon..Of course this means involving Cboi..grr, boys just dont think of things like this...  I found a new dress for the ceremonies...cute red number, now for shoes, and extras!!! ..well I'm off got to shop for the Bowl menu...
toodles!

My poor lil blog...

Oh, how I've neglected you so, my poor lil blog, I really have missed you, more than you know, my poor lil blog, Is it time to release you and let you go?????


I've neglected more than this blog of late I'm afraid.  My nails, hair, the house cleaning can be added to the list.  Speaking of the house, we've been battling the home insurance people, seems as tho they "forgot" to send the proper paperwork to the mortgage company.  For over a year we thought we had insurance, then our mortgage company says we did not...We followed up with the insurance once we were told, they're in a quandary as to what has happen, meanwhile the mortgage has slapped a HUGE  amount of money onto our monthly payments, which we feel is not our responsibility to pay, the fault lies with the insurance company, long story short, we are probably going to lose the house. We are just the lil guy going against 3 major corporations...all pointing fingers at each other, we've reported it to all the important people to report it too, so we'll see, I'm really done with the complete deal.....ugh!  We've had more problems with the purchase of this home, and the lender...of course we have no control over the lender, as soon as we bought the home, we've had 2 different lending companies...Oi! How come they have the right to trade liens like they do???  I keep reminding myself, God's will, and we are meant to go thru whatever all this is, he will reveal it to me sooner or later, so am I upset of losing a home, yes, but is that all that matters in life, no...So whatever happens, happens...blah!
other news....
Cboi is in his last semester of college...Can you BELIEVE it...where has all the time gone????  I started my lil blog because of him moving away, oh so many memories.  Just before Christmas break was over, we went to a new beach up the road a bit, about an hour away.. to share some lunch, and sunshine.  It was a beautiful day, the gulf waters were a chilly 68 degrees, some people were actually swimming in it...brrrr  The boys and I walked along the shore, searching for the "right" shells, it was a blast.  Maybe we can find a home there?????  hum????