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!

Setting the traps...

  I've been donning my pesticide hat lately.  Rainy season is upon us, thus bringing the ants inside.  Oh, the joys of lake livin!   I called the local pesticide company requesting they come earlier than the regular quarterly schedule to spray the outside. Come to find out they overlooked our previous routine appt 2 weeks ago.  No wonder Ive got a problem, but all is well no worries.  We have 5 large trees surrounding the property, ants love trees.  So, I have gone around room to room spraying away, now the little critters are popping up in the oddest places.  I had hubby run out last night a buy the inventory of ant traps...lol  Ok, maybe just 3 boxes.  LOl  The pesticide company arrived yesterday, spraying away.  What a sight  for sore eyes,  I was very happy to see him.  

I ran a few errands yesterday....freedom!!!  We are a one car family now, so hubby usually has the vehicle.  Unless I get up early take him to work. I get the car. He also does not work the weekends, so if I want I can usually do my stuff on Sat or Sun.   Since, I no longer am able to work I am fine "stuck" at home.  Since Oct I can count less than a dozen times Ive actually used the car.  Arthritis has settled in my hands, making it difficult to grip the steering wheel. At first, I thought ...Whoa, I will be giving up a lot of my free time.  I won't be able to do this or that...but with all things you just adjust.  Now, I look forward to when hubby gets off work, to run our errands together.  Plus, it's kinda nice not driving.    Yesterday was one of the rare moments that I drove around town during a workweek.  I had lunch a Panera.  Oh, my word I luv the Poppy seed Strawberry salad.  So, much so I made a fruit salad last night, ate some more fruit this morning.

 I still didnt make it to the library, so I need to get that checked off my list.  Our old acct will soon expire.  I recently downloaded a ebook to my Nook.   Fannie Flagg's - All girl filling station last reunion. 

I luv Fannie Flagg.  She is a favorite author.  I would recommend any of her books.  

Time to get the traps set....grr   lol

Tinkering kinda day...

Isn't Eldest cute riding on the mower.  He likes to help out with chores.  He's a tad nervous about the mower tho.  We told him it was like driving Mario kart, but he still only made a couple of passes then jumped off.  Im glad he put on the brake first tho!!!!    We'll keep encouraging him, never stop trying!!!!  He's got to pull his weight around here!  LOL

 

I got a new drinking cup yesterday.  I just luv it.  With the humidity around here the condensation builds up so quickly.  I have poor hand grip, so usually I'm spilling my drinks.  Saw this lil baby at the local drugstore.  It resembles a soda can, holds hot or cold liquids.  I just luv it.

This Aloe plant sprouted a flower!!  When we moved to this house we brought 4 plants from our other home.  I luv Aloe, especially for burns.  Great facial masks too.  Speaking of facials...lol   I had one yesterday!! It was wonderful, gosh, my skin feels wonderful.  Probably going to go again.  Po boi was at his job, when a client came in.  They started gabbing, she liked him, told him to come in for a facial, he declined, but said I would like one, she told him, Sure here's my card, next thing I know I have an appointment for a facial.  I asked Po boi how much, he say zero, she's giving it to ya.  I couldn't refuse!  Yay!

Just a cleaning day, got me doing bits of everything.  I even wrapped some coin.  I have a lil bowl on my desk, that just started to collect all the change.  Then we added a coffee mug, started separating the pennies for the big $$$  lol.  I went searching for the wrappers.  I only had big $$$ wrappers no pennies.  :(  Oh, well, guess I need to get penny wrappers next time I'm out and about.  So, it barely put a dent in the "coin" collection plate, since the majority were pennies.  LOL  This had me thinking do I only wrap my change & bring it to the bank??  Let me know people...

Coconut pie recipe...

Converse high top slippers

I crocheted some slippers for Po boi.  Ive made plenty of these as baby booties, but never attempted the adult size.  Its a very quick easy pattern.  Im the type of crocheter, that I need the time to do a project.  I don't want to "feel" pressure or an obligation to get something done.  This took less that 10 hrs total to make.  I didn't finish them for a month or so.  Currently Im working on a granny square Christmas tree skirt.  About halfway thru the project, I changed my mind, now I making it an Afghan. I found another Christmas tree skirt I wanted to make.   I looked into providing blankets & booties to nonprofits or hospitals, but alas I have cats so I can not give my stuff to them.  Very understandable really, I would hate to give a child an allergic reaction to a blanket I made.  

I will check with some local churches, they might not mind I have cats.  Will see.  Again, it's the time frame/obligation thing...no pressure Im not a production shop...lol

Coconut custard Pie

 Here's the recipe for the Coconut Custard Pie (Impossible Pie).  It's referred to as Impossible, because it makes it's own crust.  If you like the flavors of rice pudding, you will luv this pie. 

Preheat oven 350.  Grease & flour pie dish.

Ingredients:

      2c milk

      1c shredded coconut

      4 eggs

      1 tsp vanilla

      1/2c flour

      1 stick butter (soften) 

     3/4 c sugar

     1/4 tsp nutmeg

In a bowl blend:  coconut, eggs, vanilla, butter, sugar together.  Add flour mix thoroughly.  Add Milk slowly to mixture, blend all together.

Pour mixture into a greased & flour pie dish.  Sprinkle nutmeg on top.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 - 50 minutes.

Serve warm, but needs to be stored in refrigerator.  

      

Well, that didnt work....

Venetucci barn

Love this yellow barn snagged it from Pinterest.  It's located in Colo Springs.   The Venetucci family held a pumpkin give away for the kids around town.  Great place.  Proud that Colo Springs has still continued this event. 

The other day Po boi took me out. We had to break in the new ride.  So, we go tootlin around town.  I had some yarn I needed to get, he wanted stuff from the electronic store.  I tinkered around the hobby store for a while. 

Gosh, I can just lose myself in a craft store.  I luv thrift stores too, as well as antique shopping.  I try to get away from all the testosterone.  These men love their sports!

  Anyway, I got into the "craft" zone, Po boi was very patience I must admit.  We finished with the grocery store.  I needed to stock up, so I knew I would be a bit.  About, 3 aisles into my shopping, I started to feel a little dizzy.  I said to myself, Hey, you feel a lil dizzy.  What's the time? Maybe, I need a sometime to eat........

(Now, this has happened on occasion.  We all get light headed when we skip a meal or two.  I've learned what works best is snacking on something all day.  No, I'm not diabetic.  With the medicine I take, it's best to follow a good diet.) back to my story.

.....I knew I would miss lunch, but what I didnt realize was the amount of time I spent "losing" myself over yarn....lol  When, I checked the time, I said.  Gosh, I spent alot of time at the craft store.  I will just make this quick, get home and snack on something....Well???  about 4 more aisles later I start to perspire a bit.  Now, being a "woman" of age, this too happens on occasion.  Did someone turn off the A/C???  The next aisle I see spots.  White ones to boot.  I previously sent Po boi on an errand a couple aisles back cuz I missed about 2 or 3 things on my list. (forgetful who isnt??) I keep moving along, when the white dots start to aggravate me again. 

 Po boi is now at my side, I tell him I think, but I'm not sure, just maybe I need something to eat, but,I want to finish my shopping.  (sidenote: He majored in Sports Med/Health science by the way).  He sees my appearance.  I told him about the white dots, he says yep, and you need to sit down.  So, I proceed to sit. Not here, we are in the dairy aisle. I know, it's cool.  He grabs a protein shake, thrusts it at me DRINK! He then walks me to a bench at the front of the store.   

Here's where it gets a bit fuzzy.  I did enjoy the protein shake, the bench was comfy and Po boi was checking out the groceries while keeping a close eye on me. This all seemed to be running in slow motion.  The other people didn't need to be looking at me tho, I was just sitting there sipping my protein shake. I start to come out of this other zone....I begin to have reason....WHOA!  What the heck???  Well, that didn't work as I planned.

So the story goes... we age, we lose our sight. We age, we lose our time, memory, agility....blah, blah blah....Ok, now I'll pack a snack bar, try to pay better attention.  I'm grateful Po boi was with me. I'm glad I didnt pass out.  I AM going for blood work again next week, normal with the meds every 2 months like clockwork, which will so no sign...just a temporary setback with bad judgement. 

  

BING!!   Oooh the timer just went off....Here's what has been in the oven while Ive been blogging....

Coconut custard pie