Run for it....

The above pic is from a Bougainvillea taken a few years ago.  I luv the bright colors.  My favorite is the Gardenia, they smell heavenly.  

With the menfolk sprucing up the yard, a few creatures had come out of their homes to find out what all the ruckus was occurring.  Hubby shown here is holding a little lizard with part of his tail missing. 

The little guy wasn't afraid at all.  Immediately after snapping the pic he hopped up onto his shoulder.  I high tailed it inside screaming like a banshee. lol 

I'm trying to be Stellas best buddy.  I need to revisit this issue.  She displays all kinds of affection with the menfolk. The guys receive sweet meows, followed with minimal hissing.  On occasion I receive a quick sarcastic hello, usually followed with a hiss.  More often than not I receive a hiss with a look that says stay the heck away.  I had an opportunity to show hubby what I was talking about with Stella loving him more than myself.   She wanted to go outside, and started to rub against hubby, sweet meows pleading her case.  Hubby walks away, and I walk over near the door.  I wanted her to rub me, and plea her case.  Which for a moment she did, then growled, hissed walked away.  I knew what she was thinking, thus proving my case to hubby.  A few minutes go by, the guys are inside eating lunch, I go out to the lanai, alone with Stella.  I walk over near the door, maybe I think to myself, just maybe she'll ask me nicely when hubby isn't near. Behold she is proving my theory to be true.  She comes over sweetly pleads her case, I fall weak in the knees, throw open the door....EEEEEEEKKKKKKKK.

The above picture was provided by the web.  

EEEEEEE KKKKKKKK I continue....less than a foot away, a 5ft black racer snake.  Stella goes in for a closer look, I hop up & down,  EEEEEEEKKKKKKKK I continue.  It runs towards the dock, escaping the frantic human, and killer cat.  The snake got away.  Stella got to go outside, I hurt my ankle hoping up & down, and I seriously need to rethink why I'm  trying so hard to bond with this cat?????

Just another day...

Well the seasons are slowly changing.  Today you can feel the heat and humidity.  Which means we need to shut all the doors & windows close up cuz summer will be fast approaching.  It has been an awful winter for me. My RA has kept me indoors more often than normal.  We have a huge covered porch.  My favorite spot to drink coffee, watch the happenings.  Saw a cardinal the other day.  It was hiding high in the tree, so I could not get a clear pic of him. 

Stella has had her cone removed.  She has recovered well.  She still does not like any of the other cats.  I can see this will take a while, if ever.  I'm going to get a dog cage from my sister.  That will be Stellas spot on the porch to live, eat and enjoy life until everyone gets along.  Cats are so territorial, and she has every reason in the world to be scared.  She's also, still a kitten so best to train her now.  She doesn't eat with the others, that has left her in a state of needing to "protect" her space.  The other 3 just are curious, and want to included her in their shenanigans...lol Oh the joys of rivalry.   

The guys are cleaning out the weeds around the dock today. It has been neglected for several years.  If we owned a boat we would be unable to get it to the dock.  The homes owner was an elderly woman, left due to an illness.  She moved in with her daughter, she has since passed away.  Her "kids" took over the responsibility.  They rented once 2 years ago, then it sat empty while the "kids" (they're our age) tried to sell it before we moved in.  Even tho we are renting it, we do like to keep up the appearance.  Hubby luvs yard work.  The neighbors appreciate too.  Maybe after the dust settles with our current situation we can negotiate a lease option.

The guys want pork chops of dinner. Im going to make cole slaw and cranberry apple sauce to go along with dinner.  

Snails and puppy dog tails or Otters?...

 

The above pic is, standing on the dock looking down the canal. Love the lily pads.  None are currently blooming, but they display vibrant coloring when in season.  The bush carries a variety of concerns.  Being so close to the dock, when nearing we are alerted to be cautious with our approach. Any number of creatures could reside within this great camouflage. Yesterday morning hubby noticed something glistening, reflecting the early morning suns rays.  Upon closer inspection he found this.... 

  

In the center of the picture you will find a snail.  Rather larger I feel.   The neighbors tell us, this is a delicacy for the otters.  Otters??? I didn't know we were hosts to otters.  Oh, yeah, they reside in the bush on the banks of the canal.  They come out at night primarily.  I thought I was to look for gators.  Oh, we have those too.  So, I will be on the look out for the elusive otter, if we see any beady eyes at night, maybe no promises, I will snap a pic...lol 

The guys enjoyed their time at the golf shop.  Eldest got a new driver, only $35.00.  Listed at$95. Thus why hubby enjoys going to this yearly event, the savings are crazy.  Still no news with the jobs, two more interviews last week.   Waiting is brutal.  Passing the time I crochet these high top booties for our niece.  Shes expecting the 1st week of June.  Very fun project.  Now, back to reality...gots some chores to do...lol

Warm bread...

The menfolk are out shopping for Golf supplies.  A Local Shop Yearly Clearance....  leaving me to my own To Relish with the solace, and silence I elected to bake.  I made Banana Cranberry Walnut Bread.  I added the picture of our daily infused water.  I change different fruit combinations.  If I don't add the fruit, they won't drink water. Today's flavor is tangerine. Hubby is the worst offender of non water intake. grrr

  

Many happenings around the home.  Our newest resident Stella has had "surgery".  Hopefully this will help her get along with everyone.  We found out she is 5 months old.  Pretty big kitteh...lol  She also showed the vet how feisty she can be. Tho she's technically a stray, "she does show feral tendances" he told us.  We went to pick her up later in the afternoon of her surgery.  The vet mentioned,  all went well with her surgery, but she's still a little groggy, so he would like to keep her overnight.  We said sure, see ya tomorrow.  The next day, the vet informed us what really happened.  Stella is very ornery & a fighter, she bit into all her sutures, and had practically bled to death the previous day.  So the vet didn't want to scare anyone or have us worry.  He elected to give us the information the next day.  Since she "misbehaved" she was sent home with the cone.  Preventing her from any undue harm.  She tolerates it as best as she can.  She will get her cone removed Monday.  Poor thing, wonder if she's regretting jumping into the moving van yet??

 She's allowing us to pet her and scratch her ears, which is more than we were allowed before.  The "others" are to remain distant while she recoops. They have obliged.  Whew... 

Time for me to think about dinner...I'm feeling red beans & rice....

Hello kitty...

Sharing a story.....

Stella, our newest addition, is smart, savvy, and scared.  Imagine all you wanted was a warm, safe, environment.  Away from the dangers that lurk in every corner.  Another bitter cold night lay ahead. The local bullies in the neighborhood out to rid you from existence.  Your belly is empty....

All I want is one door to open.  Knock knock, Hello anyone home? Silence. Gosh, it's cold out.  Even with this fur coat I feel bone chilling.  I'm not sure I can handle another night.  What a way to start out on my own, abandon from my family.  Tossed to the curb like a piece of trash. Here it comes again, that familiar empty pang.  I'm hungry.  I can't remember the last time I ate. Maybe this next door will open.  Knock knock,  Hello?Anybody?  What kind of life is this? Having to beg for a meal.  Freezing from the below zero temperatures.  I need to refocus. This bitter cold has me wishing for a tropical place. A place far away.  I need to get out of this town.  The local gang has made it well known I'm not wanted. Last night was brutal.  I was lucky to leave the scene with only a few scrapes, and bruises.  Tom, he could be so mean and nasty.  There was no reason for his fury. He just snapped. I wonder if he regrets the mess he caused.  Stop it, stop thinking of him.  He has made your life a living hell Stella. That's why I'm running.  It has only been eight months since I opened my eyes to this world.  Living in the dark abandon alleys and streets.  Your family leaving you alone, no reason.  I tried calling everyone I knew. No answers, just silence.  I will find my family.  I need answers. Approaching another door, I can see a light coming from the cracks of the doorway.  Somebody,  please be inside.  Knock knock, Hello.  I hear the rattle noise of someone unlocking the door.  Could this be the night I finally get a chance?  The door opens slowly, a gush of warm air hits my face.  Tears welling up from the shock of the heat brushing against my eyes.  I look up. He's a young male, with kind blue eyes.  This is it.  The opportunity you've been searching.  No hesitating Stella, just ask.  One night that's all you need.  Hi, my name is Stella. I was wondering, do you have a room I can stay in for the night? It's so bitter cold....

The new gang is about as accepting as the old one. One female, 2 males. The boys I can handle.  The female, well she's another story.  She's a bit older than me, but I can take her, I think.  If they only knew my background.  I've been hanging around this new family a week now.   The female her name is Mercedes.  She thinks she can just barge into my room unannounced.  I gave her full warning not to entry, and when she ignored my calls,  I attacked.  Full blown cat fight.  Neither the victor.  I can see this will take some time.....

(back to reality...)  I love cooking this meal because it's quick/easy.  One of my go to meals.  The guys love this meal.  Probably all the starch I serve with it....lol  Enjoy everyone.
Cranberry meatball
1 c Cranberry sauce                   1 bag frozen Italian meatballs
1 jar Chili sauce                          1 - 2 TBSP Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 tsp Garlic salt                      1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper
1 TBSP  Minced dry onion

Preheat oven 350.  Coat casserole dish with non-stick spray.  Place frozen meatballs in dish.  Mix remaining ingredients.  Pour over top of meatballs.  Bake for 30 - 45 minutes, until meatballs are fully hot & bubbly sauce.

       

Team building, and Stella...

Everyone is adjusting living under one roof.  Hubby & I are transitioning to non parent mode, which is trying at times.  Po-boi doesn't need parents guidance, or correction with errors.  He needs us to just be. Now, with that being said, we added a new "family" member to the mix.  Everyone meet STELLA.

This is her riding in his Jeep for the moved down.  She adopted herself.

 A week before his move, the Arctic temps once again hit KY.  Early one evening a small scrappy street stray came scratchin at his apt door.  He took her in gave her a safe, warm place.  I informed him after he gave us this story, that she was not allowed to come to FL.  He understood, no worries Ma.  Hubby arrives a few days later, they pack the moving truck, clean the apartment.  Stella is running in/out of the apartment all day.  The landlord comes over for the inspection.  Stella greets him (Po-boi, had a no pet policy) Hubby explains the situation.  Landlord says he's got a barn full of mice that needs tendin to, Stella's ears perk up, just as they're about to pick her up, she makes a mad dash to the open moving van, scampers to the top bunk.  hiding herself between the couch cushions.  Let us just soak the moment in.......(lol)

Ok, ready to continue???  The truck is cram full, the only way to get to Stella is to unpack.  They are not leaving until the morning (early) so they decide to get food.  Closing the van they make there way to the store buy food & such.  Come back, set a bowl of food, water and litter box for her.  Maybe they can get her in the morning before they leave.  Early morning arrives.  Let us remember, Stella is street wise, she has had to scratch, claw,  and bite her way into the world.  They open the door, she is still crammed between the cushions, gives them a lil hello, but she ain't movin.  The menfolk now face a moment of dread....Cuz someone is going to have to explain this to Ma.  They point fingers at one another, close the door, take off to FL.  They drive about an hr, pull over for a cup of coffee, check Stella, as soon as they open the door, she lept out directly into Po-bois hands.  Guess she had enough of the loud, moving truck, and decided for better moving arrangements.  The above pic is her enjoying her 1st road trip...to FL.

Next story will be Stella meets the gang....Oi!


Today's recipe.  Green smoothies.  I know, I know,  heard it all before, but try it.  Great way to add veggies/fruit to the diet.

GREEN SMOOTHIES 
1 bag fresh spinach    1 bag collard greens
3 bananas sliced          3 apples chopped
1 c pineapple               1 pint strawberries sliced
smoothie mix (optional)

The fruit can be any combo you like.  The pics below show this combo.
Fresh or frozen also.  Clean/dry all greens and fruit.  Assemble: Hand full of greens/spinach (1/3 to 1/2 cup) add few pieces of fruit in each sandwich baggie.  This batch made 20 bags.  Place in the freezer, use when ready.
To serve:  Grab 1 bag of smoothie greens, add to blender or bullet mixer.
add 1/2 c to 1 c Orange juice.  ( substitute: Water, or Apple juice, Cranberry works well too)  for additional sweetness, my boys prefer a smoothie mix, I add 1 tsp of the dry mix before blending.  Blend until smooth.  You really want to blend a minute or two.  Add more liquid if needed.  Serving size 2 cups.

Enjoy!
      

Here nor there....or maybe there???

The current goings on...

With the broken engagement Po-boi (cuz he's flat broke not cuz Poor him) is living with us again........Oi vey!  He has been away from home living on his own for a while, when we moved him to college, everything he owned fit into the back of his Jeep.  Now, to say we are busting at the seams is an understatement....lol  This will be a short lived arrangement tho, he has been in touch with a military recruit thus I feel he will be leaving us by the fall.  No paperwork yet, so we will see.

Eldest is same old guy, staying busy around the house,  helping me out happy as a lark.

Hubby, was called by his employer to transfer closer to his territory.  Since we were losing our "forever" home, we packed our bags moved to the middle of nowhere FL.  5 wks later, he was placed on a severance pkg, release from his job.  "RE"structuring ....(again)  remember this happening to us 5 yrs previous when we first moved here.  This 2nd go around, I'm calmer.  God has steady my nerves, and I trust completely.  There are days I falter, but hey I'm human.  I have a network praying for us, thus the nerves being steady.  Thank you all, he is listening to your prayers.  Hubby has had several interviews, 2 going forward, but no offers proposed at this time.  So when we pay all the bills thru the month, we do a little dance, celebrating food in our belly & warm(cool) house to live in....blessed  ♥

Me, well let's just say I'm in discussions with my RA.  Living with this disease for 18 yrs has taken its toll.  I can no longer work, even house work has become a challenge, thus the "discussions" with the disease.  I   negotiate minimal pain, it answers back with 3 - 4 joint flares.  I figure this is a good compromise, rather than dealing with 5 - 8 joint flaring simultaneously. lol

Made this dump cake the other day...I luv how the sweet cake smell coming from the oven.  So warm & inviting..recipe below the pic:

This recipe is from one of my all time favorite cookbooks.  You know the ones the church group puts out.  Everyone listing one or two of there best dishes.  So happy I bought this book some 30 yrs ago...

A lady by the name of Linda Blume published this recipe:

1 cn lg crushed pineapple                      2 cn apple or cherry pie filling

1 box yellow cake mix                             1 c chopped nuts

2 sticks of butter (chilled)                       1 c coconut (optional)

In a 9x13 pyrex greased dish, spread the pineapple.  Spoon pie filling on top.  Sprinkle cake mix on top of that, the nuts & coconut.  Top with butter.  (I pinch off sections of butter, placing them all around the cake)

Bake @ 350 for 1 hour.  

I have also seen the recipe minus the butter, and substitute a lemon/lime soda. Pour 1 can over entire cake mix. 

Enjoy with ice cream, or whip cream or solo.

  

Pen and paper

 I'm going to pick up the pen again.  I really have missed writing. So many negative things have happen since my last post. Maybe if I start this again good stuff will come our way.  I never ever dreamed that we would lose our home to foreclosure, prepare ourselves bankruptcy,  while hubby being laid off again.  FL has been a tough, crooked road for us, but we will prevail.  We also experienced a grief emotion when "college" boi (who graduated) fiancée broke off the engagement.  This was truly a blindside for our family.  Seriously, I know we do not want any more crud.  I was afraid to admit our foreclosure/bankruptcy issue (tabu) but what's going to happen???? It's life you can't predict it. Losing our "retirement" home is gut wrenching.  What a way to start re-blogging, therapy really...lol
Lots more to tell, praying for plenty of time to tell my tales!  Thus Wishing for my turn.