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!