Ring out the old

Another year is about to end.  Sometimes I wonder where the time goes.  It's been a very good year for us.  Jim has recovered from him procedure and regained his strength and mobility (even if he doesn't think so).  We've gotten to know Sonsearae and Chris as a young, married couple.  They both have a strong work ethic but know how to relax and play too.  Living next door to them I've gained a better knowledge of our son in law.  He's a fine man, with a sense of humor and loves our daughter with his whole being.

At times it has been boring/lonely being far away from our lifestyle.  I'm not a very sociable person but I've discovered I miss being near like minded people and folks our own age.  Just the other day we were exploring local campgrounds trying to find a place to winter next year.  We like this area and it would be nice to return.

On Christmas Eve morning we decided to go exploring.  Jim had a destination in mind taking back roads and we found a couple parks in Indiantown.  Big Mound Park was located in a neighborhood and appears to be a family park and it must be wonderful to live that close and use the grounds for family fun. 

Timer Powers Park a bit further down the road turned out to be an Equestrian Park with plenty of space to park trailers along side an arena for events.  It's located on the St Lucie Canal where we saw this catfish

And a couple of boaters creating wakes.  See the boat on the right?  We'll see him again at the locks!

We continued our drive and ended up at the 

St Lucie Lock and Dam

Have you ever watched a lock in action?  I found it fascinating and took a gazillion pictures but only a few are included here

It didn't take long to fill this space with water

Before long the Wanderer was floating through the gates

And look who came in from the opposite direction

The Far Niente is the same boat we saw earlier on the canal

We didn't stay to watch his departure.  It was quite sunny and we figured we'd gotten our Vitamin D for the day

We had been here before so didn't explore the visitor center or campground.  We both have expressed a desire to stay here. Of course the campground has a 14 day restriction.  But it would be fun to watch the river traffic

We've noticed an increase in traffic as we drive about.  A lot of out of state license plates.  So I guess the Snowbird season is upon us and I expect it will get worse once all the after Christmas snowbirds arrive.  We've also seen more birds as the weather turns colder up north.

Speaking of weather, it sure has been troublesome for some folks.  I hope you're not one of them.

We wish you beautiful moments, treasured memories and all the blessings a heart can know

Happy New Year

How was your Christmas?

I sure hope y'all had a wonderful Christmas.  Our day was quiet and we had a lovely dinner out.  

Jim was very generous!  He bought me a Pandora bracelet with two heart clips and a Fleur de Lis bead.  It's quite Lovely!

He checked my Amazon wish list and also bought me a set of mixing bowls,  two CD's, Andrea Bocelli's Sacred Arias and Kenny Chesney's Greatest Hits which will sound real good on my new iPod!  Jim is currently uploading our CD's to his computer so he can load them on the new iPod.  

I gave Jim a mustache trimmer so he had a gift to open.  You may recall that he got a new iPad Air not to long ago and that was his Christmas present.

Chris was the duty Warden and spent the day driving to all of his facilities spreading cheer and making sure all was well.  Sonsearae spent a good part of her day cleaning and doing laundry. She also baked some Snickerdoodle cookies at my request.  Jim had been wanting some and I thought this would be a nice present.

Before we went to dinner our two families exchanged gifts.  Our gift to them was food!  A pizza making kit that included the flour and dried spices for pizza.  The other was a kit for soups and bread.  Jim was gifted a knife from his Amazon wish list and I was gifted a Flamingo Charm for my new bracelet.

We went to Spoto's for dinner.  They put on a buffet  that was chock full of delicious goodies.  I believe we all enjoyed our meal!  Since the restaurant is located on the St Lucie River we were able to watch the full moon rise into the night sky.  Clouds kept it covered, off and on, but it was still lovely to see.  

After dinner we walked out onto the pier and I used my phone to take pictures of the moon but alas I didn't think they were good enough to share.  We almost made it back to the car before the rain started.  Drove home through a light, misty rain.  No matter, it didn't spoil our Christmas

On one of our walks along the river we were entertained by this Blue Heron.  He had caught a fish but was struggling with him.  While he waited for it to die he dashed it to the shore and when it moved he whacked it with his beak, then without pausing he snatched it up, head first and swallowed it.

This crab barely held still long enough for me to take a picture!  We see them all along the rocks but when you get close they scuttle into a crevice

This furry little guy needs a haircut!

There has been some scary weather the past few days and I hope you're not in it.  If you are, stay safe!

All is right in our world

A Visit from St. Nicholas

BY CLEMENT CLARKE MOORE

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds;

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;

And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,

Gave a lustre of midday to objects below,

When what to my wondering eyes did appear,

But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer,

With a little old driver so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:

"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;

So up to the housetop the coursers they flew

With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too—

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a pedler just opening his pack.

His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath;

He had a broad face and a little round belly

That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight—

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

Little bit of this and that

Tuesday I wanted to pick up last minute items at the grocery store so we headed into Stuart and to walk the river walk.  It was a little bit warmer this time but still very pleasant. We came across this Great Blue Heron struggling with his dinner so we stopped and watched until he swallowed it.  The fish was still alive and the heron deliberately dropped it and when it wiggled he whacked it with his beak!  Stunned it enough to turn it so he could swallow in head first

Nature up close and personal.

After our walk we headed downtown and walked some more.  I wanted to check out some of the shops.  Oddly enough I haven't seen all of them!  I found a lot of things worthy or purchase, but nothing I needed.

By this time we needed some lunch and stopped in at Duffy's. As it turns out I had a freebie on the loyalty card so we got Dolphin Fingers (fish sticks) to start with.  I forget what Jim had but I had shrimp scampi bringing half of it home.

A stop at Publix was next, then home.  Once home Jim took a nap and when he got up I continued with laundry.  I had stripped the bed before we left, so I finished with that and got the bed made, slowly.

Wednesday was just a day at home.  Jim did the breakfast dishes.  I got my presents ready for Christmas which took all of ten minutes.  :-)  I generally don't wrap gifts.  I use reusable bags and tissue.

I fixed some Gardein Turkey Cutlets with gravy, potatoes and peas for our lunch.  Jim took a nap, I guess fake turkey makes you sleepy too.

Life is good and all is right in our world

How's your Health?

This time of year will find us all tempted with the goodies our friends and family will ply us with.  I have to remind myself that just because it's there, it doesn't mean I have to eat it.  But oh how tasty some of these treats are!

Sonsearae brought over two cupcakes last night.  She was sharing the goodies she receives at the post office.  I indulged and had a cupcake.  Within three bites I had a sugar headache....but did I stop?   Nooooo, I finished the whole thing.  Not sure if there is a correlation but this morning my blood pressure was 157/92.   <<<

I've also indulged in salty foods and a box of chocolate covered cherries this past week.  I should know better!

Yesterday was a stay at home chore day.  Besides my usual chores I ironed some clothes that we'll wear Christmas day.  

Jim and I walked to the mailbox to mail a couple cards then extended our walk for a bit because it was so nice outside.  Back at the house Jim headed to the garage and did something that must have tired him out because he took a nap before lunch.

We watched the Saints game until halftime then went to bed.  Judging by the final score they did better during the second half but still lost.  I think the whole organization needs an overhaul.  

There was a beautiful sunrise this morning while I was doing some yoga.  This is my first day doing yoga (again) and I want to continue practicing it every morning.  Along with meditation everyday I probably turn into a hippy!  Won't you join me?  :-)

Back to Normal

The  weather is what I'm referring to....not us.  Not sure we were ever normal to begin with.

Our high today should be near 80.  That's about ten degrees higher than our 'cold front' gave us.  Sure liked those cooler temperatures for sleeping.

We drove into Stuart yesterday to check out the Farmers Market.  I didn't buy anything.  My fridge is full of goodness.  Next up was walking the river walk.  We headed over to the marina and this part of the walk was good, the wind was at our backs, blowing south across the St Lucie River.  Jim wandered all the piers while I halted after one.  My Antiquarian loves to look at boats.  And by doing that he gets an extra mile in his walk.

Walking back to the truck found us facing into the wind and it was refreshing to say the least.  I should mention that it was about 69 degrees outside.  Not exactly cold, but not what everyone thinks is South Florida temperatures.

Our next stop was the Treasure Coast Mall.  This is where we go to walk when the weather is bad.....but we just walked!  Jim needed to Christmas shop so I got to people watch.  Boy were there a lot of people shopping and milling about.  After a while I got bored and went to the Brass Tap, very convenient to have a sports bar right in the mall!  I had just got my beer when Jim showed up so we had a bite to eat because it was way past lunch time.

Next up was Target.  Not to shop and I was glad of that because the store was packed with customers.  I just needed to make a payment on my card.  Quick and easy.

Then we headed home.  Sonsearae and Chris went to see the new Star Wars movie and when they got home Sonsearae and I left to go to Publix.  I didn't need anything, I just went along to keep her company.  She's been working long hours and we haven't seen much of her.  I did manage to buy a bag of grapefruit and a bottle of wine....both on sale of course!

Do you meditate?  I'm trying to devote some time everyday to meditation.  It isn't easy with my pesky dog.  So I try to start my day with some me time.  It isn't as easy as you'd think it could be.  There I am breathing in, breathing out and all I can hear is the CLOCK ticking. :-)  I'm told it should be easier with practice!

Watched some football then PBS in the evening.
  
All is right in our world....I hope....Jim went shopping for my present today  :-)

Not much to blog about

We've just been doing normal things retired people do.  We have our chores.  We read and play games.

Now and then we grocery shop.  Generally when this happens we combine trips.  Like Friday, I wanted to see the decorations at Palm Gardens Mall.  It's about an hour's drive from here.  This is what I call a Posh Mall.  When was the last time you saw a store for Jimmy Choo?  A lot of designer stores along with specialty shops.

We strolled both levels admiring the hanging ornaments.  The area where Santa was set up was really ornate.  I wonder if the children notice?

We stopped and had lunch in the mall at Brio Tuscan Grille, our holiday indulgence.  It was quite tasty.  Jim had Lasagna and I had crab cakes...we both had a salad and skipped dessert.

On the drive home we found some rain which was disappointing as the truck had been detailed the day before.  Between showers we stopped in at Publix for a few items.

Saturday was a stay at home day.  A cold front managed to get this south and it was blustery and cool.  When I got up it was 56 degrees.  We didn't do much.  Jim is still futzing with his new iPad.  We played games and watched TV...Dirty Dozen and Football later.

We're still dealing with mice and yesterday Chris loaned me an electronic trap.  You bait it with peanut butter, turn it on and it's ready to kill mice and rats.  Within a few hours we had a mouse!  Just checked and nothing overnight.  But I sure slept good last night without the sound of a critter under the bed.

All is right in our world

Staying busy

We've been keeping busy with small chores around the house. Jim recaulked the kitchen sink and it looks ever so nice.  He also emptied the black tank.

I've done laundry of course, yesterday was bed day.  I managed to get my Christmas cards addressed and sent.  With all this warm weather it's hard to get into the spirit of Christmas.

Found a box of cereal that the mice had gotten  into. But nothing to report on sightings or trapped.  This is good! I think something is living above the living room.  Most mornings I hear them scrambling about.  I wonder if those gadgets that put out pulses actually work at driving mice away?

Jim is getting a new iPad Air and it was supposed to come yesterday. It requires a signature and UPS went to the wrong house and left a note.  Kind neighbor brought us our packages and the note.  So perhaps today it will come.  I know he will like it, I've had mine for a year and use it daily.  Compared to the original one it is lighter than air.

Sonsearae is working long hours at the post office.  This time of year is hectic and we don't see a lot of her.  Sunday we were all together  and she popped over last night when she got home.  It was a lovely way to end our day.

We're still drying out but we've not had any rain for a couple days.  I guess I better check the plants to see if they need a drink.  The last couple of mornings it has been foggy, it makes the trees look ghostly.

Are you ready for Christmas? Do you decorate? I guess I should dig out our tree and set it up....but that means I'll have to clean.

All is right in our world

Family Day

We headed out Sunday around 1030, Jim driving and Sonsearae and Chris riding in the back of the truck....not really, they sat in the back seat.  We stopped to get sandwiches and headed to Hobe Beach.

We sat under the pavilion and enjoyed our meal but fought the wind!  We had to anchor each flimsy item in order for it not to blow away.  No matter the 'breeze' was wonderful and it wasn't raining.

As you can see in these pictures the surf was churning up the beach and one intrepid soul was trying to surf.  There were quite a few people enjoying the day but staying out of the water.  Red flags were posted and I believe there was a rip current to contend with

Next stop was Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee.  We had some sprinkles while we drove through but since you have to leave your windows up and stay in your vehicle it didn't matter except when I wanted to take pictures

Ostrich

you will notice some pictures are a wee bit darker.  these were probably taken through our tinted side windows

Lions...Unfortunately it was raining and the males were under cover

Asiatic Water Buffalo

Nilgai

Wildebeest and black ibis

Grant's Zebra

a wee baby zebra

Giraffe

This young one was very close to the truck

One of the fatest iguanas I've ever seen.  I think he enjoys being in the monkey enclosure

Sarus Crane

Flamingo

double yellow headed parrot

Cockatoo

At the Lorie enclosure Jim made a new friend.  We think the Rainbow Lorie liked his blue shirt

they sure are colorful birds

Blue and Gold Macaw

Tortoise

Scarlet Macaw

Porcupine

Sonsearae wanted to pet some animals but all they had at the petting zoo was goats so she found this semi friendly critter.  She backed off once it spit at her!

We did encounter some rain while we strolled the grounds but sheltered under an overhang.  The Jungle like atmosphere of the amusement park is beautiful and there is a lot for everyone to see and do.  

Our drive home through the sugar cane fields was uneventful and we encountered very little traffic.  It was a wonderful afternoon

And the Saints won!  I guess we should leave home and not watch the game so they can win more often

We watched PBS and I got to see an episode of Downton Abby!

No more mice caught....perhaps they've gotten the message and moved on.

Today was an exciting day....Jim went to Walmart for an oil change.  He dropped me off at  Sam's Club and I walked around trying to find something to buy.  

Went to lunch at Mikata Buffet, our first time there.  The usual mix of Asian and American dishes.  We both had a beer and lunch only cost us $21...not bad....

Back home Jim laid down for a nap and I read for awhile.  Fed Boo and potted up a couple plants.

All is right in our world

Critters under the bed!

Friday was a busy day for us.  We had breakfast, Jim did the dishes and I made the bed.  That's when I discovered mice had a party, overnight, under the bed.  I keep my pillow under the bed and when I got it out the night before I didn't see anything out of the ordinary.  

A quick look and I could see droppings everywhere!  But I couldn't find the source of their food.  We had already made plans to go back to Home Depot to return a toilet seat so we added traps and storage bins to our list.

At Home Depot I also picked up a bag of potting soil so I could plant up a couple pots.  But I needed plants so after we left Home Depot we headed to a nursery we've passed many times on our drive into Stuart.  I was in heaven! Pinder's is jam packed with everything you can imagine in the plant world. I really want to go back and look around.  Anyway I found a mint and parsley to put in the pots.  Now I just need to take the time to pot them up.

Back home it was time for lunch and a clean up.  I quickly turned on the oven and we had spring rolls for lunch along with some leftover slaw and some raw veggies.  

I started pulling out items from under the bed while the oven heated up.  That's when I discovered the food source!  I had a big bag of dog treats and the mice had chewed a hole right through the tough plastic bag.  What surprises me is that with the evidence of activity there had to be several mice and not one of us heard it.  Not even Boo!

Oh well, I needed to tidy up under the bed and with the new bins it's more organized under there.  All food items are stored safely.  And traps were set.

For our dinner I made a Tuscan Kale Stew that was delicious!  The recipe says it serves four and there's enough left that we can have it for dinner tonight

Saturday we both got up around 0730.  I spent the night before listening for mice and didn't sleep well.  Made some grits for breakfast.  There was evidence of a mouse but nothing in the trap.  Once again I cleaned up the droppings.

On Saturday's Jim and I weigh in.  I lost half a pound, he did not.

Jim was busy doing the black tank and other outside chores.  Sonsearae was off from work and she and I went shopping. We ladies headed to BJ's and had a good time looking at a lot of items.  Sonsearae needed to pick up a couple toys and I found the selection interesting.  It's been a long time since I've looked at toys!

We left that store and headed to Target and found more things to buy!  LOL  

By this time we were both hungry and we went to Flanigan's for a quick snack.  I ordered some onion rings and a cold beer while Sonsearae had the fish dip and water (she was driving).  Her dip came with tortilla chips, crackers, celery and carrot sticks and a little container of jalapeno slices.  Enough food for a meal.  My basket of onion rings was enormous also.

Back home Jim helped with unloading our purchases and putting some away.

Later, while relaxing in front of the TV Boo decided to go nuts.  Barking and carrying on enough that I got up to see what was the matter.  Upstairs he was sniffing along the bottom edges of the doors and dresser and foot of the bed.  So I had an AH HA moment and we checked under the bed.  Found two traps had been sprung....no party for those two mice!

Fixed some popcorn for us to enjoy and we spent a quiet evening on our computers while watching Alaskan shows.  Those folks are welcome to Alaska.  Might be nice to visit but I don't want to live there.

Jim is still in bed so I don't know if we had overnight visitors...

all is right in our world

Dare I say it?  I'll probably jinx us....but I must say it was very nice to be out and about yesterday and it didn't rain on us!  We did drive one area where the road was still wet from a shower but we, personally, didn't see any rain.  It may have sprinkled over night because the picnic table is wet.  As I type this I can see some clear skies but to the east there are banks of clouds obscuring the rising sun.  

It doesn't make much sense to wash the windows when you have to do it daily.  But they are so water spotted it's depressing to look through them.  Last Sunday Jim raised the front jacks to get the water off the slides and it needs it again.

This day was a laundry day.  I stripped the bed and got busy right after breakfast.  I could just remake the bed with clean sheets but then I'd have to launder the soiled ones and fold them.  I find it more convenient to just wash and put them back on the bed.

We had an appointment to get Boo groomed yesterday so we dropped him off at PetsMart just before lunch.  Speaking of lunch that's what we did next, went to lunch at Sake Too.  It's one of our favorite places, they serve Japanese and Thai foods. Jim ordered a Bento Box with tempura and I tried something new, a Thai veggie dish with tofu.  We both had hot green tea and the meal came with miso soup.  We brought food home.

Our next stop was Home Depot.  Jim had been looking for a hose splitter connection for about a month and he needed some clear silicone to redo the Kitchen sink.  I wanted some plants.  Sonsearae has two hanging pots that have hung out front since they arrived.  There was spindly pathos in them that died from lack of attention.  I was tired of looking at them so I replaced them with New Guinea Impatiens.  The purple flowers and dark green leaves look pretty.  I wanted to get some herbs for the empty pots but didn't like the selection.  I'll have to look elsewhere.

Our next stop was Sams Club to fuel up.  What are diesel prices where you live?  We paid $2.24 per gallon.  That's wonderful for this area and Florida in general.  Since we were here we went inside to see if we could find dessert.  And we did!  Coconut cake was being passed out and I must say the sample we got was mighty tasty.  Perfect size and we didn't have to buy it.  Made a couple purchases from my list, then we left.

Headed to Publix next for the remainder of my list and soon we were killing time over at Bed, Bath and Beyond.  We strolled around the store looking for something to buy (Jim's Words).  I get mobile coupons and it was about to expire so I picked up a box of Tazo tea because I was out of it.  Then the call came to pick up Boo!

All of our shopping was done so we headed home.  Took us a bit to get our purchases unloaded and the plants hung.  By then it was time to feed Boo and have afternoon coffee.  Jim did while I abstained.  I rarely have coffee in the afternoon these days.  Sometimes I don't even finish my morning cup of coffee.  I continued with the laundry and eventually made the made.

When we walked Boo and checked the mail I retrieved my camera from the truck.  I try to take it every time we head out because you never know when an opportunity for photos will present itself.  Any way I was wandering around with it in my pocket when I spotted the Painted Bunting on the ground searching for food.  So I filled the tube feeder and he must have been watching because as I put the container away he settled in for dinner.

Not the best photo but you can see the vivid colors this little bird wears.  He definitely is a bright spot in any day

All is right in our world

will this rain never end?

Yesterday was a busy day for both of us.  Jim did the breakfast dishes and the lunch dishes!  Laundry for me and making the bed.

I picked up the big rug, set it outside and vacuumed the living room.  While I was doing this Jim shook the rug, came inside and in that space of time it started to rain....so I took the rug next door and popped it in the dryer.

Our lunch was easy.  Leftover fried rice from my luncheon.  I also made a cabbage slaw and used a ginger dressing....and Jim did the dishes, again.

While Jim napped I got out some supplies and made some Christmas Cards. When he got up we walked Boo and checked the mail.  The rain showers came and went most of the afternoon.  Nothing heavy just annoying.  Did have a couple rainbows.

I fixed Enchilada stew for our dinner....I stubbed my toe on the chili powder because it was almost inedible.  I had a bowl but I doctored it with a quarter cup of guacamole and a lot of corn chips.  Gave the whole thing to Sonsearae.  I'll make it again because the flavor is good and most of the time I'd have the ingredients on hand.  It's basically spices, beans and corn, broth and tomato sauce.

TV was on all evening and we watched reruns of Castle and Tiny House Nation.  Jim was on his computer playing a game and I was doing the same.  I did the evening dishes

I'm not a huge fan of Spanish Moss because wherever it hangs it kills the tree.  But this was pretty impressive at the Heathcote garden

All is right in our world