A little of this, a tad of that....

I finished the beard/beanie for my grand nephew.  T-boi is six months old, he needs to keep those chubby cheeks warm this winter.  I love crocheting these quick projects. 

Mr RA has been showing his hand again.  I thought I was going to share a story about "no see ums" or "chiggers" is what my Gma called them. About a week or so ago,  I ran out to the dock  to gather a couple of items.  I elected to go without wearing my flip-flops or tennis shoes.  A super no no for me, cuz I'm that person at the picnic, beach or outdoors somewhere, and those dang pesky insects find me before anyone else,  ravish my body with their minuscule teeth. 

With no regard to imminent danger.  Exposed outside naked, in a since of not coating my flesh with bug-off spray. Barefoot, no foot ware.  Thus calling to all the venomous prey my available endless supply of sweet blood.  Here I am, come and bite me, one and all. ..... Sweet blood, come get your sweet blood a endless supply yours today for free....

A day or two later these little bumps appear around my ankles.  Curious, I say to my self?  Hum, what are these little itchy bumps?  When did I go....O U T side?  Seriously?  I was only out back for a few seconds, hardly a minute.  Dang, these little beasts of prey... I will call the pest control company again, let them know the beast exposed themselves earlier than our quarterly 'control' agreement.

A few hours pass, the song from Jungle book running through my head...

Bare necessities..... The simple bare necessities forget about your worries and your strife, I mean the bare necessities....

 As I swagger around the home rubbing my body on anything available to ease the intensity of those nasty itchy bumps.  They have now multiplied, creeping up my legs, and my arms now have bites on them.  I RAN OUTSIDE TO THE DOCK, just a couple of seconds...geesh!...It's not like I rolled around all over the ground for hours.  Why do these little guys keep biting me?  

By now I have purchased an antihistamine, along with cortisone anti-itch cream, lathering my body from head to toe.  Waking up every few hours to apply more anti-itch, doubling my intake of antihistamine.  Nothing, nada, zilch they keep coming in pairs of two.  A set on the right side upper arm. later to follow a set on the left side upper arm...mimicking each other.  What the heck????  Hold the phone..

Remember a while ago, I stated how I'm surprised to find out Rheumatoid is what ails me.  I will always make an excuse, that a pain in my joint must be because I hit it on something.  Find an excuse, until some mysterious light bulb appears...Oh, it's the 

RA...again...Stomach pains for day's and days...Oh, that's not gas, or internal bleeding RA is flaring my intestines.  Did I stub my toe again, nope here's Mr RA saying hello.  How about the time my eye was all bloody.  Yep, you guessed it.  Mister RA will ALWAYS show his nasty self in one form or another. Flaring joints, blood vessels, tendons, organs, skin rashes, this list goes on and on.  Such ego, what a drama queen Mr RA is, has to make an appearance whether payment has been met or not.

With the holiday upon us.  A doctor visit was out of the question.  The ER? Well, maybe if my glands were swelling, making it difficult to inhale oxygen, something I'm very fond of by the way.  No I've elected to slather my body with tubes of anti-itch.  I will make a call to my doctor.  I'm sure he'll want a visit. Praying he will give me a  steroid injection to tell Mr RA he has made too many encore appearances, time to take a hike off the stage, until his next unscheduled appearance.  Another new drug cocktail to mix.  Mr RA has grown use to the current supply, obvious showing his nasty self.

My immune system is weak, but Mr RA will not rob me of my sense of humor, though he has made it difficult I admit, but I will act as a Wimbledon champ, fighting every serve.  

Meanwhile, ....Now when you pick a pawpaw, or a prickly pear and you pick a raw paw......Oh, those bare necessities...

borrowed from the web

gotta humming that tune now eh?

Holiday finale....

With the holidays complete, we are slowly getting back to our daily grind.  We had a excellent Christmas this year, not in the way of gifts.  It's never about the gifts for me. It boils down to emotional health.  Last year was a deep pit of ebony darkness. 

This year is a vast improvement on our moods.  There are too many things that have happen to our lil family over the past 12 months, coming through a dark storm to see the light of day is remarkable.

At one point I thought about packing my marriage, for no other reason than to leave a ugly atmosphere of feelings.  I thought if I physically moved away from my family I could find peace.  Along the way this would/could bring happiness to them as well.  I was desperate to improve our emotional health.  Incredible how your mind works during a trying period.  I'm glad I did not act on those feelings of emptiness and despair. Why I gave this a seriously thought behooves me today.

Our Christmas day started with hubby allowing me to sleep in late.  Usually the gifts are all ripped open before the crack of dawn. Eldest loves Santa, he writes a note each year.  He talks about what Santa is doing, where he's going..etc.  We live with adult six year old. This holiday means everything to him.  He brings a certain joy to the our celebration.  So, with hubby telling him not to disrupt me, because I had a terrible night with my RA keeping me awake.  Finally when I awoke, I immediately felt sad that I had let them down.  I jumped out of bed, scurried to the family room. Only to find the boys smiling faces.  They all said good morning, hubby went to get me a cup of coffee.  Eldest told me he was waiting for me to awake to open the presents Santa had delivered.  He looked at all the presents under the tree, sharing with me the excitement this brings,  I had just received my 1st gift of the day.  To think that I had seriously thought about leaving this group to find happiness, realizing it's  been with me all this time. I just needed to open my eyes.  

Yep, 2014 was a good Christmas.   

Holiday cheer...

 It's that time of year, Christmas is here

Everybody's back together again

Spreading the joy, spreading the cheer

Toasting to another year's end

So thankful for all of my friends

'Wish' I could claim responsibility, but the above 
paragraph, they are lyrics from a  NSYNC Christmas song.

Just know that though the lyrics are not my own, the words ring true. I truly am "Wishing" you all joy. For your holiday.  I pray you or your loved ones have safe travels.

"Wishing" all the peace & love this season.  We all have our own issues to deal with, prayers for health, a healing heart, or if your bound with stress.  Know that it can be all taken care of with one pray.

'Wishing' Santa brings you the gifts you've been dreaming about, but let us remember the children, elderly, our soldiers.  Those that can not be with us, and pray for their healing or stresses that they have to endure. 

'Wishing' you all a Merry Christmas.

Holiday treats...

This year I'm stepping out of the comfortable "traditional" box.  EEk!  I will be making something different for our Christmas eve dinner.  I know, total craziness.

I have always made the same super size meal. Rib roast, mashed potatoes, gravy, fried green beans with bacon, sweet dinner rolls and to top off the desserts, yes plural desserts for our Christmas eve meal.  I told the guys this year, I am making it easy for myself.  Merry Christmas to me.  I will make baked ziti, served with a nice green salad.  Simple easy peasy.  

The menfolk were a tad concerned, but I did not mess with Christmas day meals.  I do know my limits.  For breakfast the traditional menu will be intact:  French toast casserole, sausage meatballs, fruit salad.  Egg nog, and COFFEE.   This will only last til mid day.  For lunch my plan is   hot ham/swiss sammies, chips & dip. Christmas day dinner will be  hot wings, french fries, fresh vegs.   

I not only broke with our traditional Christmas eve meal. I did not make the normal cookies, fudge, frosted flake wreaths, lemon tarts, and all the other sweet treats I normally exhaust myself baking the week before Christmas.  I must say I rather like this "easier" traditional.  I should have started with this easier version as our family tradition years ago.  What can I say, I guess I'm a slow learner.  I did bring out a old recipe this week.  I made raisin tarts. 

This recipe is from hubby's gma.   Though Hubby grew up in So California, his family is from Michigan, and Canada.  This recipe represents the northeast very well.  She shared her recipe with me when we were newly weds.  I rarely make this overly rich, sweet treat. Thus keeping them special when I bake them for the family.  Whiskey sure warms your inners, so I would recommend making them during the bitter cold wintry nights.

Recipe:  Raisin Tarts

1# raisins

2 eggs

1 c. brown sugar

1/4# butter melted

pinch salt

Soak 1# raisins in warm water (or whiskey if preferred) while making the pie crust.  

Roll crust , cut tart size portions, place crust into greased cupcake or tart pans. Mold accordingly.

Mix together eggs, sugar, salt and butter.  Drain raisins add to mixture.  Spoon mixture into pan.  Bake 375 degrees until crusts brown, about 15-20 minutes.

Makes about a dozen.

Holiday movies...

I generally enjoy movies year around, but especially so during the holiday's.  The corny romance finding Christmas love stories are the best.  Hubby laughs at me, wondering my fascination.  He will reply with; You were just watching the same story, but with different actors.  I know, but I like them.

 I would rather be entertained with romance, or comedy than anything scary.   White Christmas is a favorite.  Hardly a reach there.  Denzel and Whitney in the Preacher's wife is another with a perfect mix of love, laughter.  Miracle on 34th, It's a wonderful life.   I could go on and on.  Oh,  if the TV billionaire guys would create a Christmas channel that played movies year around I would be tickled red/green with joy.  Hallmark  has a variety of Christmas movies, always corny and cute.

It's not just the story.  With the older movies I love the wardrobe. The girls with their big shoulder pad suits, high waist pants.  Oh, my the accessories, matching furs, purses, shoes, hats.  Ooh la la.

We are nearly ready for our own Christmas movies.  I've dusted off the old digital camcorder.  Our little family Christmas will be filled with love, and a few surprises.  I see friends announcing they will be grandparents, some celebrating their 1st Christmas as man/wife.  Others excited about their 1st grandchild's celebrations. Some will even mourn their 1st Christmas without their loved one.

I love sappy corny Christmas love stories.....

Holiday projects....

 

I crocheted this Minion/Capt America afghan for a buddy of Po-boi.  He will be receiving it as a Christmas present.  Just big enough to snuggle.     

 This was my 1st attempt at a Graphghan.   I had to create the pattern, so that was a bit of a challenge.  There are a couple of websites that convert your jpg file to a graph.  I made my best guess on the size.  I'm marking this project as beginners luck, very pleased on the outcome.   I have been crocheting for 35-40 yrs. Generally I shy away from Afghans.  They are so time consuming, and the A/C must be running on full blast when working of them.  The weight of a blanket while living in Fl....Oy!   I like quick projects.  Not necessarily easy projects.  I have to change the stitching up,  otherwise I get bored.  For years I would only work with the fine thread material.   Doilies,  coasters,  or  wooden clothespin Angels. 

These angels  area at least 10-15 years old. I think I made 20 or so, attached them to Christmas gifts for family/friends.   I also made our Christmas tree skirt. Five panels of snowflakes. It's really pretty. I'm surprised it's still intact.   

For years Gma would make the scrubby pads you use to clean your dishes.  She would buy yards and yards of nylon netting.  Whip out tons of them at a time.  As she aged, the family started requesting them from me.  Which I'm reminded I haven't made any for a while, I better put nylon netting on my shopping list.  That material is awful to work with, so abrasive, wonderful for scrubbing pots/pans.

I found an organization that collects scarves for our troops.  After the holidays I will be making some to send for our troops.  I heard of the project through Home/Family on the Hallmark channel.   You can find other ways to donate.  Here's the link if you're interested.  

Operation Gratitude   

This was a fun project.  The online crochet group I joined, had this in last year's Christmas challenge.  Now our front door jingle bells when you open/close.  

Wishing you the best with your Holiday Projects.....Fa la la la la la 

Holiday sharing...

When I was in elementary school, I remember we had 2 girls (sisters) in our school whom taught us about Hanukkah.  I was so excited, once the school bus arrived at my stop, I ran home, bust through the door,  I told my mom I was Jewish.  I knew that receiving presents everyday sounded like a much better plan.  Mom wasn't shocked, she figured I had learned about the family up the street.  Told me to tend to my homework, and chores.

 Learning about peoples cultures, religions, heritage is logical to me.  Common sense tells me if I learn about you, I'm less likely to harm you or your loved ones.  I did not look at the girls any different, but came to understand that their worship was different.  They were very shy, intelligent and dressed impeccable.  Nothing remotely in common.  I was all tom-boy.  Give me a jump rope, soccer ball, or bicycle.  Dresses were worn for Sunday school, which I did not like, because I had to wear dresses.

We played a game.  It was a funny little blue spinning top.  That was fun, because playing games at school was way better than studying.  She also shared some food, I can't remember what we ate, but to this day I remember I thought it tasted so delicious. Give me a good meal I will always remember you.   She finally got around to lighting the candle thingy.  I related to this, because my own family would light candles during Christmas.  At first I thought advent was something only families of 5 such as ours we do.  Four red candles, and one white one. Thus giving each child the opportunity to light a candle every Sunday, saving the white candle for Christmas day.  My best friend never celebrated advent, but they only had 3 kids.  Later was bless to realize what our parents were teaching us.  So, when she explained the Menorah, I thought this is a great idea. I could be lighting more than one candle, given the opportunity to use more matches was thrilling.  All tom-boy remember.

  Unfortunately a friendship never evolved with those girls.  God did not place them in my life to become friends.  Their gift was of great importance. I was given a life lesson never forgotten.   I call that a blessing.

It's the Holiday season.....

Waking up to chilly mornings, Ahhh the change of season is so minimal in the land of tropics.  I love it.  Just enough nip in the cool morning air to give your body a little jolt awaking the senses.   Though each time we get a slow moving cold front, my RA says hello.  Every time I wonder why my aches/pains are stronger, lasting longer than the last.  Then when the front moves on I have an ah-ha moment.  Such is the case today.  The past 2 days were miserable, but grateful today I'm feeling better.  

Hubby finish stringing the lights around the dock. They make it so pretty.  I might be tacky enough to keep them year around.  We have our Christmas shopping done.  All the cards have been mailed out.  I need to complete wrapping.  I'm very early this year, but living with a disease that will change your daily habits, I've learned to get it done when capable, not when everyone else is doing things.

All the kittehs are enjoying the Christmas tree.  They are also partying around the house at night when all hoomans are sleeping.  I awake each morning to find an ornament or two on the floor.  Today the battery operated candles I have displayed in our front window were knocked down, and the angel in the Nativity set took a spill as well.  lol Oh, such joy.

Mercedes (background) & Bentley

 I took this picture mainly to get a shot of Bentley.  His very camera shy. So to see him cuddling out in the open I had to jump on the opportunity.  Usually he is under our bed sleeping.  I blame him mostly for the ornaments being knocked off the tree.  He bats at them more than the others.

Sylvester

Here's Sylvester wearing the antlers hat.  He's not too pleased, but I can get him to do anything for the entertainment.  I'm the only one he will not fuss at, anyone else he'll give them what for.  lol

Stella

Finally Stella wearing her winter cap.  Po-boi holding her, why she was somewhat tolerant of the portrait.  She's such a character.  We still need to keep Mercedes and Stella separate.  If Mercedes had her way she would rip Stella's heart out of her chest.  Stella understands this clearly, thus her trust issues when we bring her out of HER room.  Each morning after she's had her breakfast, I bring Stella out to the lanai.  Let her enjoy the day away from Mercedes.  Stella usually growls, fussing as I carry her.  I remind her I've got this under control, she stares back at me with a glaring a reply: You better hoomans! ftts, ftts.    lol

Sunday Fun day....

Sanibel Is

For each new morning with its light, 

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food, for love and friends,

For everything Thy goodness sends.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

 


The guys are out of the golf course.   They're "practicing" for next week's tourney..  lol  The smell of Autumn is approaching.  Tho the temps are still high.  I celebrated the other evening by opening the patio door!!!  This is a huge step we're taking.  I mean the A/C didn't even kick over for the 5 minutes as I held it open!!!!!! VICTORY.  Ok, people so I enjoy the small stuff.  The kitteh's are enjoying the outdoors as well.  Staying out longer and longer each morning  I'm aware of the temporary status regarding the current weather, but a girl can "Wish" can't she? 

We're going out on the lake this afternoon.  Busy weekend, so hopefully we can enjoy some time on the water.  The neighbor is away, wants us to take her pontoon out.  She's such a character, but hey if she "thinks" her boat is lonely, who are we to argue.  LOL

I made the boy's shrimp pasta salad.  Similar to the picture. They love it.  I can not stand seafood.  So I have difficulty making this, but to make the guys happy.  Here's the easy peasy recipe.  

Seashell pasta - boiled

shrimp - precooked, peeled

Mayo or Salad Dressing which ever you prefer. 1/2 to cup

chopped onion

chopped celery couple of stalks

tsp lemon juice

Tsp Dill

Celery salt (optional)

Salt/Pepper 

I usually boil the pasta early, the let it cool a bit.  This recipe is ALWAYS better the next day when everything gets a chance to blend a bit. Great Surf/Turf side.  

Done with Summer....

borrowed from the web

I'm completely done with summer.  Tho I know this statement is rather funny.  Hence we live in the land of summer year around.  So, correction to my previous statement.  I'm completely done with the sweaty, hot, sultry temperatures we are currently experiencing.  Today is a tad better, there is a breeze in the air.  So, this means "weather" is happening.  Cristobal churning in the Atlantic has no effect on us, none expected either.  What we are currently experiencing are the storms coming in from the Gulf.  Though hurricane season is currently happening, we start to pay more attention around this time of year.  Mid to end of August through November, things get serious.  We have family in Calif.  We were pleased to hear no one was affected by the recent earthquake, but that is the risk you take living in Calif.  We all have our burdens regarding mother nature. 

I made mini loaves of apple/cranberry nut bread on Saturday.  Shared some with the neighbors.  "Wishing" for fall to happen sooner I expect.  lol  

Time for me to make more granola bars and oatmeal breakfast treats.  My inventory is empty, and I can not have the menfolk mad at me. Lol  Hubby also mentioned something about the muffin egg bites.  I hate to turn on the oven with our temps so high, I will be using the toaster oven today....lol 

Sunday Sayings and stuff...

Aw, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it.  Russel Baker

Gosh, does anyone remember when I would always post Sunday sayings???  Oh, so long ago.  Speaking of which, this old computer of mine is going on 8 years now, still operating on Windows Vista.  Im now starting to have some issues.  Just that it will not take the updates.  It works well otherwise.  So, when I came home the other day I found Trend Micro did not want to work.  I went online to chat with the support guru's, they told me I have about a 8 months to a year, and my operating system will be obsolete.  No longer will be supported by Microsoft.  Just as they currently have removed support for Windows XP.  He told me that the powers that be at Microsoft, gave the users of XP a while to change their OS's before the obliterated it.  He doesn't think Microsoft will be as generous to the Vista users.   Ugh!  I really really, do NOT want to update all my pictures, files etc.  I need a computer guru to transfer all my stuff to hubby's computer.  He uses Windows 7 OS.  I have put some pics on disk, I guess I just need to "spring" clean my doc files....too boring, but necessary.   I also have to change how I balance the old checking acct.  I use Microsoft Money.  Which is no longer available.  How do you balance your accts???? The regular way with pen/pencil and statement? Or do you use a software program. I would love to hear your ideas.  I have used Microsoft Money forever.  Before the XP days when the world was afraid everything would end in 1999, fearing the year 2000.   Remember that mess????  Anyhoo, on to another subject...

The guys went out this morning to hit a bucket or two of golf balls.  It is SWELTERING hot here in FL.  So they were not out very long.  I was able to run real quick to the grocery store.  Pick up some vittles.  lol

 I came across this recipe on Pinterest.  Sammie Grinder I was able to have it ready before they came home.  I altered it a bit.  I bought Rye bread pre-sliced and made 4 sammies. I lined my Crockpot with parchment paper, instead of going thru my aluminum foil.  I basically use the recipes as ideas, then tweak them to my liking.  The menfolk gave the thumbs up.  So I know I will be using this again.    I love Pinterest, for me it's like looking through magazines.  I can like something based on it's picture.  Instead of ripping out a page, I just pin it.  Brilliant idea Pinterest guru's thank you for developing this site.   

Whoop teeth do.....

Not much going on in our Fl home.  Eldest is doing well.  His recovery has gone smooth as silk.  He's tolerance for pain is amazing, I must admit.  We discovered this when he was 7 or 8 years old.  The younger brother was getting regular visits from the "Tooth fairy".  Eldest picking up on this idea elected to take matter into his own hands.  

The Tooth fairy had completed his visits to Eldest, but this did not sway him the least.  He came home from school, I was reading his teachers notes regarding his day, and one sentence stuck out.  Did Eldest get injured at home, and lose a tooth?  We noticed it missing this morning, he told us something about Jean.  Who the heck is Jean? I say to myself, and tooth missing?  Wait a minute....

I immediate holla for Eldest.  Could you please give momma a smile.  He broke out the biggest grin.  I notice, a gab about the size of the Grand Canyon (ok, not literally) with his bottom teeth.  I calmly ask, ok I would like to think I asked calmly...  Aah, son can you tell me where, if at all possible, that you might recall the whereabouts ....

SON, WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED TO YOUR TOOTH????  It's missing.....

Yep, I pulled at it, and it's in my bed.  Excuse me?  You pulled at it?  Yep, come see.  Well, well now what do we have here.  Bloody pillow case check, yes, indeed that is a permanent toothers.  Hum, aah  son...Ma I wanted that Jean to come in my room. Jean? Yep, lil brothers Genie.   Ok, how about we go see mommas Genie first.  I call the dentist get in immediately, cuz how often do you get a call that an 8 year old pulled out his permanent toothers.  I gave the dentist his tooth, they took pictures. 

 Sure enough he must have been wiggling on that tooth a couple a days, broke clean from the jaw.  The Dr gave Eldest a very nice speech on how he wants the remaining toothers to stay putted in his mouth.  Eldest grinned, ok but, what about Jean?  No more Genies ok mom? Yep I got it. 

Now everytime we find a new dentist I have to explain why he has one missing member in his lower jaw.  Yes, he has a high tolerance for pain.  I am also glad to report no more reported pulled out.  I believe also, this might have been about the time I REALLY REALLY started to enjoy CALGON! lol

Hello T-No....

Hubby & Grand nephew

I luv UF. Im wearing Orange/blue...

Im sleepin...shh

Our niece, (my side) and her hubby had their 1st child at the beginning of June.  T-No (proud papa's nickname for him)(a combo of his first/last name).  Can you say ADORABLE??? too cute.  He made me feel so special, cuz his Great Gma, and my sister his Gma, both had a bit of struggle to calm his fussy bursts, but as soon as I held him, the results are clear.  Hubby even had him for a bit, and he was content.  

My niece and her husband both graduates of FSU, or what I like to call "The other university in FL"....lol  Lil background for ya, T-No's daddy is a baseball coach/teacher at a lil school in south GA.  He went to FSU on a baseball scholarship.  I don't care for baseball.  Football is the sport I luv, but I really really do NOT want my sweet Grand nephew playing such a brutal game.   Having learnt that thru our own child. I have loved UF Gator football, for a long time.  We are not FL natives mind you, but it's just the team I have always cheered for.........So, as I held their child, I saw an opportunity, and I just could not let it come to pass.

While holding sweet T-No I began to whisper softly, I love UF, I love UF, I love Gators, and golf. I want to play .....  about this time his Daddy, started to hear my sweet whisper sounds to his son....lol  Said, wait a minute.  My reply, What??? as innocently as I could muster. It's just a lil nursery rhyme.  Is there a problem, with his Great Aunt singing him a lullaby???  All kidding aside, his Daddy has a sense of humor. Whew, but boy let me tell you.  Every opportunity I get with T-No his Aunt WILL sing to him the sweet lullaby... I love U..F  always .........lol   

Made these hotpads the past week.  Gave them all away to the nieces and sis over the weekend.  The denim blue booties I made for T-No the day before we were going to see him.  They turned out ok, think I'll tweak the pattern a bit next time.  I luv crocheting.  I'm currently working on a sweater for another niece.  That should keep me occupied for a bit.

Stella

Stella girl is appearing regularly.  She and Mercedes tumble from time to time.  Personally, I think it's all talk (howling) no action, cuz as soon as it starts it's over, no injuries to report.  She still remains close to Po-boi's room.  In cat language "her" turf.  Mercedes, has issues cuz, the whole home is Mercedes "turf".  The boys Sylvester & Bentley are over the drama.  They come and go around Stella, if she hisses at them, they raise their ears a bit, then she settles down.  Guess, she knows she best not mess with them.  I can't believe I have all these cats...but we are use to vacuuming daily.  Speaking of which, best to get my chores done.  

"Wishing" you the best......♥

Day trip....

 We were a lil anxious, Po-boi wanted to put some miles on his new ride.  So we took a day trip to the east coast.  We traveled all the way down to South Beach which is Miami.

I loved this architectural display.  This is the entrance at the Convention Center, these might be bougainvilleas, but not sure.  I thought it was so unusual I had to share.  We traveled around a bit, before hitting the beach.  I was in such awe of the homes, and yachts I didnt snap any of those pics.  People are wealthy folks, just so you know. OMGosh, some of the yachts were bigger than our 1800 sq ft home.  These were private too, not the commercial ones, we saw those as well.  "Wishing" now I took a pic or two.  South Beach also hosts the Cruise ships, a couple were docked.  Probably getting ready to set sail later in the evening, but most were out to sea.

South Beach

Hubby and I have been to South Beach before, but Po-boi wanted to know what the hype is all about.  If you want the true experience, I would go on a Saturday afternoon such as we did. The time before was during the workweek.  Little less crowded, but it's still South Beach.  When we arrived the local Synagogue had ended their worship.  The people dressed so sharply.  Women and little girls wearing such pretty dresses, while the boys and men in their best suits sporting their yamakas. All were walking back to their homes, too cute.

The beach itself is wide, beautiful white powdered sand. Before the beach is the boardwalk.  Pretty palm trees,  green grass, plenty of volleyball courts, workout stations. Ocean Drive is full of art deco type hotels all with tiny cafes outside their door fronts.  Seating varies from three to 8 tables. Bumper to bumper traffic all fighting for the "best" place to park.  Everyone is honking their horn, either to get traffic to move along, or to alert of a cute girl walking by.  There were plenty of those.  The difficult part of South Beach are the beautiful girls.  It's hard to distinguish which is a lady for the taking, and whom is there to enjoy the beach for the day.  The menfolk as well.  The attire is optional on the beach itself, but streetsides it's held to a minimum.  We saw things...Oi!

Dash South Beach

Collins Ave is the Rodeo Drive of Miami.  Po-boi just got contacts the day before, so we had to find him a pair of sunglasses.  As we were walking by, I snapped a quick picture of DASH.  The Kardashian girls place of business.  I had never seen a store before, so I thought I would take a quick pic.  lol  Mind you I would never thought my blog would have their family in it...but hey...

 South Beach a place I would recommend, IF you want to see the hype.  It has the wealthiest/ poorest living side by side.  The sidewalks reek of urine, vomit and stale water.  You need to get in the ocean just to feel clean.  If you can find a place on the beach.  I know we will never stay at ANY hotel on Ocean Dr.  They may very well be clean, well taken care of rooms.  It's the thought of what walks around outside.  

Eldest

Po boi

The boys got an eyeful at South Beach. You like Po boi new sun glasses...lol  I have to laugh, because to the local South Beach "goer", we must of looked like the Waltons or something.  We were definitely out of place. lol  It's a great reminder of how the different cultures meld, and get along for one goal.  The enjoyment of the beach. Even tho there is a dark seedy side, it's out in the open.  I imagine NYC is the same.

Riviera Beach

 After South Beach, we tootled (is that right??) up the road a bit to Riviera Beach.  Typical beach community.  More my style.  The beach itself was red, sandy soil.  A mixture of tiny bits of coral and shells.  Crystal clean, warm waters.    The Atlantic ocean was perfect.  Could not ask for a better day.

We arrived at a shopping center.  Plenty of parking, various shops, beach knick knacks, little mom/pop restaurants.  Behind the center a tree lined grassy area, walk ways leading you to wood canopy types of bungalows you can reserve for your family to bbq, picnic have a fun at the beach.
Just past the picnic area was the washing stations, then this beautiful sight.

Riviera Beach

Riviera Beach

Riviera Beach

I mentioned to the menfolk later.  I will have to start keeping a record of the beaches we have been to in the state of FL.  East coast vs West coast, both have their separate beauty.  I love finding the hidden gems, the places no one goes.  Let South Beach have all the hype, but if I want a fun, clean family environment.  I'm going to Riviera Beach.

Funny side story.  When we finally arrived home.  Everyone was fighting for the showers.  We all needed to get the filth feeling of South Beach off us, but we didn't know everyone had the same feeling.

Little town humor...

I had to share a story about our lil town.  I was reading Sunday's paper, which is 15 pages total, double of the normal weekly paper.  Anyway, seems our local Postmistress had a responsibility to place the multi unit boxes for the businesses downtown.  Eliminating the need to deliver the mail door to door.   

Now, you have to understand, that our whole town is 3 blocks by 4 blocks. Not kidding. Small town people.   Our rural area however is a different story. Anyway, the Postmistress had her orders to place the multi keyed boxes, so they would save 31,000 a year.   Again, let me interject here.  My guess someone is losing their job. 

 She went out in Jan scouted a couple "central" locations.  Waited for the multi units to arrive.  They came in last week.  She instructed a person to give each business affected by the change in service, an envelope that contained a key, along with a brief explanation from the Post office effective immediately no door to door service.  The businesses were a little miffed, cuz no one told them this change was happening, but the kicker here is this side story.

The Postmistress did not consult the town's commissioner on said placement of the units.  One of the sights she directed was a very popular corner that's privately owned.  The owner of this sight was sued by the USPS in 2009, because he would not comply to stop handing out candies to the local kids.  He is a Lion member, and was teaching the kids about charity handing them pamphlets and candies.  Not creepy as it sounds, parents were aware.  The Postmaster just didn't want it done on the Post office grounds.  The gentleman stopped after he received a summons, the case was thrown out.  Later the "Lions club removed their bubblegum machine from inside the Post Office". (not kidding this is what was reported)  Ok, so that was 2009.  

Presently in 2014 the Postmistress starts to permanently place a multi box unit on HIS property.  He goes outside, asks the worker what is going on.  The worker explains, he tells the worker to remove the unit.  No one sought out permission, nor did he give an agreement for this to be done.  The worker was only doing what he was told, so the property owner called the police.  He told them, he would not be held responsible or liable for anyone getting injured on his property while they pick up their mail.  He did not give consent, so he is going to the hardware store, and will fence in the property.   Next thing you know the towns Commissioner is called in he discusses things with the Postmistress, and the property owner.  Conveniences the property owner to hold off purchasing a fence.  The Postmistress directs all multi units to be removed until further notice.  

Oh my goodness, I cant wait to see how this story ends.  It had me in stitches.  Can you imagine, oh I feel for the Postmistress, but in my opinion she did not use good judgement.  Have a plan people, seriously that's why you get paid.  You can not just say oh, place one  here, here, and over there.  She did not seek approval from any owner. Everyone was surprised this was happening, said the town's commissioner.  What was most shocking I thought was the reporter.  She quoted verbatim pretty much everyone in the story.  Even the employee putting the units in the ground.  He was saying it's a little ridiculous, and such bad mouthing the whole situation.  I hope he doesn't get in trouble with the embarrassed Postmistress and lose his job.  

Recipe from Gma ....

I made Rhubarb/strawberry pie.   The recipe came from Gma's recipe card book, seen pictured to the left.  The card book dates 1965.  Clippings from her local newspaper.  I luv going thru this recipe book.   The clippings are fragile, brittle worn newspaper.  The ladies of the town "sharing" their families secrets or best recipes...Blogging done 1965 style.  

Recipe:  Rhubarb Crumb Pie

Mrs J Schmiededbaner  Wichita KS

Preheat oven 350

1c flour

1/2 tsp salt

1c sugar

1c oats

1/2c melted butter

3c rhubarb chopped

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1Tbsp water

Save a TBSP of flour for rhubarb filling.   In a bowl mix flour, oats, 1/2c sugar, salt.  Add melted butter, mixed together until crumbly.  Take 1/2 of crumble mixture, press into a 9" pie pan.  Combine rhubarb, remaining sugar, TBSP of flour, cinnamon.  Stir ingredients together, add water.  Place on top of oat crust.  Take remaining oat mixture, crumble on top.  Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until brown & bubbly. 

Note:  I added strawberries to the rhubarb mixture, cuz I had them.  I imagine apples would be a nice mix with the rhubarb too.    I also, used brown sugar in my crumb oat mix.  I used white sugar for the rhubarb mix.  Just cuz I could.  lol

Hope you enjoy Mrs J Schmiededbaner  pie!