Higher and Higher

When you're hot, you're hot!  As each day passes our temperatures climb.  Lately we've been reaching the upper 90's with the nights in the 70's.  During the day the humidity drops and by afternoon we're enjoying fells like temperatures of 100+.  So we don't go outside unless we have too.

Jim has been getting up at 0700 so he can get his chores done outside before noon.  The pool needs tidying everyday what with debris from the trees (wind blows almost constantly.  And the past few days he's been pressure washing the Club House so it can be painted.

The crew that keeps up the grounds were busy the first week of June cutting and trimming all of the bushes.  Don't worry, they'll be back and looking gorgeous by the time the winter season starts!

Upper left is our rig in the 100's.  

These pictures were taken on the 8th of June.  As you can see it's looking pretty bare.  Already I've seen new growth around the resort

After Jim does his morning work he comes home and showers.  Sometimes he naps as he's lying on the bed cooling off.  Sometimes we have our midday meal together before he naps (not good for the waistline!).

I read, make cards, snooze during this time.  When he's gone in the morning I'm usually busy with housework, meal prep, bathing and trimming Boo.  I even squeeze in craft time.

Netflix is our choice for afternoon viewing.  We like England's BBC TV shows and we're enjoying some dramas, comedies and a show Grand Designs (I think) about building or rebuilding grand houses. Fascinating!

Let's see, In the past couple weeks we've mostly stayed at home.  Venturing out only for groceries.  One day we headed to the mall so I could get a haircut and we both got some steps in.  One grocery run found us at Costco and we walked all over that cool building.  I walked all over Barnes and Nobles while Jim reads magazines and that day I managed to get more steps than him.

Yesterday we went out to lunch.  Decided on Chili's because we had a gift card.  About the only good thing I can say about Chili's is they have good margarita's and cold draft beer.  Why is everything they cook so greasy?

All is right in our world

Fun, Food Filled Weekend

Have you ever gotten tired of eating out?  Me either!  LOL

Saturday Boo had an appointment for a haircut at 1230.  Alrighty then, it takes about 30 minutes to get there so that didn't leave much time to eat and do dishes before we left.  So after dropping Boo at Petsmart we had a nice lunch at Sake Too.  I managed to bring home some leftovers.

After lunch we headed to a local campground to check it out and decided it was up to our standards if we can get a site.  We still don't know because of the holiday weekend.  All the sites were filled and we have to wait and see if someone leaves.  The main section has sites that backs up onto the swamp (it's a nature preserve).

We headed back to kill time waiting on Boo and got some Starbucks coffee and don't you know they called.  Boo looks ever so much better

Sunday I ate my leftovers for breakfast...The guys had originally planned a boat ride for us on Valentine's Day but cancelled due to the chilly temperatures.  But the four of headed to Osaka for a Hibachi lunch.  It was delicious and again we brought leftovers home.  Still need to eat those!  Afterwards we stopped at Small Cakes for cupcakes which were not needed but tasted oh so yummy.  No dinner for us but I did make popcorn!

Monday was Jim's birthday.  Sonsearae treated him (me too) to lunch at Chili's where he enjoyed some ribs and fries.  We ladies had a black bean burger.  Of course we had some Presidente Margaritas because they were only $5 in honor of Presidents Day.

Then we headed to the theater to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Quite entertaining!  We both enjoyed it.  Now I can't wait for the next one....

We stopped at Publix on the way home for a couple items.  Eggs were needed so Sonsearae could make brownies and Jim needed ice cream for said brownies

Once home she got busy and when the brownies were ready she brought them over, all nice and warm.  That was basically our dinner.  I did have a piece of toast later.

Jim got to talk to Scotty and John.  So all in all he had a good birthday

Today he has a stress test and once that's over we can relax and plan our departure.  Of course it rained all evening and into the night so we are soaked again.  Hopefully it will drain off quickly. As I type this the sun is beginning to come out

Traipsing around Stuart

Tuesday turned into an errand day.  I mentioned to Jim that I wanted a haircut.  I decided the Treasure Coast Mall would be the place because Jim could walk while I got groomed!

Once Jim got up I started my chores.  I always do a load of laundry while we both have breakfast.  Once my food was gone and I had checked emails etc I headed up to get dressed and made the bed.

Then it was over to visit with Sonsearae.  She had me watch a segment of Ellen that had a very young James Bond fan.  He was so cute dressed like Bond.  He was also a very lucky fan because Ellen sent him to the Premier in Mexico to meet Daniel Craig and watch the  new film.

Back home Jim was shaving and getting dressed while I did dishes.  We discussed all the places we wanted to visit and the list kept getting longer.

First stop was the mall.  Master Cuts was empty, perhaps I was the first client of the day.  In any case I got my fur removed and I look much, much better.  Jim managed to do two circuits of the mall before calling it quits.

Next stop was Chili's for some lunch.  We had a gift certificate that covered our meal.  We both had water to drink.  From the lunch menu Jim ordered a couple of pork tacos and he had a bowl of soup.  I ordered a chipotle chicken bowl and went with a green salad for starters.  We brought home most of my chicken.

Next stop was Target where I dashed in and paid my bill.  I have one of the cards so I can save 5 percent when I shop there (which isn't much).  I pay the balance off each much.

Then it was off the the Humane Societies thrift store where I scored a Serape, two regular size pillow cases and a book of postcards for only 6 bucks.  The Mexican Serape was $2.50 and for some reason they called it a beach towel, I suppose it could be used as such.

I also popped into Habitat for Humanity's store across the street.  I don't recall ever going into one and I wanted to see what they carry.  This particular store had a lot of big furniture with bits and pieces of construction stuff.  Alas I left empty handed because the tub I had my eye on would not fit in the rig!

Our final stop was Nobile Shoe Shop.  Jim wanted to see about getting some inserts for his shoes.  We've stopped in before and they are most helpful with matters of the feet.  While we were there they built up his new insert to support his arch better.  I hope this helps his foot and his painful Plantar Fasiitis.

What are you reading?  I'm re-reading the Outlander Books.  Kindle offered them up for $1.99 awhile back and I snapped them up!  Having all 7 books makes me very happy.  Didn't get any reading done on this day

Back home Jim had to get the pine sap (remember I said the truck was parked outside?) off the truck and ended up washing it.  It's been parked under cover again.  It was 83 degrees outside when he did this task.  

We watched a few recorded shows.  Trying to catch up because we have to replace the DVR which arrived yesterday.  I guess the shows are IN the box and not IN a cloud.  I don't know.  We also watched NCIS,  Gibbs sure is looking scruffy not like his former Marine self.

During the night we had a rain shower.  Nothing heavy but it woke me and lulled me back to sleep.  When your roof is only a few feet above your head to tend to hear it when it rains.

All is right in our world

Rain and Movies

Jim and I both worked Friday!  He cleaned the cottages while I stayed home and stripped the bed and did laundry. 

The day started out overcast and stayed that way most of the day.  But no rain...  I'm not sure if the rainfall we've had this summer is normal or not but we've had some rainy days.  Long ago when I was stationed in Jacksonville I remember it raining daily around the time  got off from work.

I fixed a simple meal of couscous for our dinner.  You know, one of those boxed preparations.  I added peas and mushrooms and baked some corn muffins.

I'm hooking again....no, not what you're thinking... I'm playing with yarn and my crochet hooks!  Just using up yarn but it feels good being crafty again.  I did buy a kit but you'll have to wait to see what it is...

Saturday when I woke up I could hear the boats on the St John's river....and a gentle sprinkle of rain on the roof.  After I got up I started hearing the distant roll of thunder and it started getting darker.  By 0800 we had rain.  According to the forecast we have a 40% chance of rain for the next three days.

After breakfast and morning chores we changed into city duds and drove into Palatka.  Jim needed something or other at Walmart and I wanted to drop off a bag of goodies at Goodwill.  It being Saturday we didn't linger long inside Walmart.  I did find some groceries to buy!

Then it was time for an early lunch at Chili's where we enjoyed their $35 special.  Did you know if you sign up for emails they send you coupons?  Well, we had one for $5 off.  For $33 we had an appetizer of chips, salsa and guacamole, Jim had the baby back ribs and I ordered chicken fajitas.  And we got a dessert of peanut butter molten cake.  Oh and two Presidente margaritas.... we were stuffed and a wee bit happy when we left!

One more stop at a farmers market for tomatoes and then home.  Once home I put everything away, Jim took out the trash and then we both snoozed for a bit.  Jim took the bed for a nap and I checked my eyelids for leaks with Boo on the lounger.

The day has been mostly overcast with splashes of sunshine breaking through.  But no more rain after this morning.  Around 1700 I heard the thunder and thought for sure we'd have rain...and shortly after 1800 the gentle rain started.

We watched an interesting movie, 1911 with Jackie Chan..about the founding of the Republic of China and Sun Yat-sen.  If you don't like reading sub titles, then skip it.

The rain continued off and on all evening.  Nothing heavy.  We watched another movie, Erased.  I fixed blt's for our dinner

Thus ends our Saturday.  How is your weekend going?

Daily Grind

We don't really have a daily grind...we can pick and choose what to do on a daily basis.  Of course there are daily chores that need to be done to make life livable.  But everyone has chores!

Wednesday
I needed to go into Palatka and stop by the VA to pick up a form for travel expenses.  My eye appointment is the 6th and I have half a dozen papers to fill out!  So, since we had to go to the 'big city' we planned on several stops.

After waiting 10 minutes or so at the VA we headed to my least favorite store, Walmart. Jim needed car cleaning supplies and we picked up a few groceries (after all they are cheaper there).

Then we crossed the parking lot and had lunch at Chili's.  We had some money on a card and it was burning a hole in my wallet!  LOL We had a great lunch!  Jim had chicken quesadilla and I had shrimp tacos.  He enjoyed a margarita while I tried the Watermelon cooler (pretty tasty).

One more stop before heading home was Publix.  It's the only local store where I can get Earth Balance spread, our 'butter'.  We also tapped the ATM for some cash.

Once home I think Jim napped (he usually does this daily).  Since it rained I made some bean soup for dinner served with the yummy bread we just bought.

Thursday
Jim bought the shocks for the truck a couple weeks ago and today was the day to have them installed.  He had a 'date' for 0930 and was only gone a short time. And it only cost $40 for 1 1/2 hours labor to install them!  You gotta love small towns! He was home in time for lunch which for him was leftover seafood from Corky Bells

We planned to cook out for dinner but a thunderstorm with pouring rain cancelled that!  It seems to happen a lot...so we had soup again for dinner.  For me it was tasty but I'm sure Jim was looking forward to his steak.

Because of the storm we had trouble with Netflix.  Direct TV was fine and we watched a bit of the nightly news and Jeopardy...can't remember the last time we did that. And I also can't remember if this was Wednesday or Thursday night!  The memory is the first thing to go.....

Today is our 39th anniversary....most didn't think we'd stay together!  But here we are, an old married couple just enjoying our lives. 

Jim is working today and I should be....still have my morning chores to do and I need to get dressed.  So if you'll excuse me I'll stop typing and get busy....or would that be, busier?

Repairs

Monday we headed to Lowe's to order the Wash machine. Pretty simple process, we told them what we wanted and they ordered it, then we paid for it....really nice getting the 10% discount they offer for Military.

After that chore we headed to Chili's for lunch.  We both had soup and half a sandwich with fries washed down with a draft beer.  All to soon lunch was over and we headed into Walmart for tomato cages, vitamins, bird seed and solar lights.

The afternoon warmed up to the middle 80's and we both were ready for naps when we got home!  I didn't nap but you can guess who did  :-)  We had our afternoon coffee outside and then we did yard work.  Jim filled the feeders and I watered plants.  I couldn't stay out any longer because of the no-see-ums.  I need to find something that will keep them from biting me that doesn't involve chemicals!



Hard to see because I took this through the window but there is a hummingbird on the left hand side of this picture...can you see him?

On Tuesday Jim spent a lot of time outdoors fixing this, doing that and washing the truck!  first time this year!!!

Wednesday we hung around the house all day waiting for a repairman to pick up the Microwave...if you recall he'd been out and 'fixed' it once...but it didn't take.  We knew it might not.  So a part was ordered and now the oven is in the shop, hopefully being repaired.

Off to the grocery store for a couple items because we expected some rain.  Once home we had some coffee and indeed we had some rain.  For most of the evening it was a steady rainfall and I know all my plants loved it.  We never heard any thunder and right as we snuggled in for the night it started raining harder.  I love the sound of rain on the roof and soon I was asleep

Today we're supposed to get more rain and the pot luck dinner has been postponed until tomorrow.  So far it's just been overcast.  Jim is working and I'm holding down the fort!

Why do I eat cheese?

I know it will clog me up and prevent me from sleeping, yet I still eat it!

Yesterday I went shopping with Anne, even though I didn't need much of anything.  Our first stop was Dollar Tree where I managed to find seven things I didn't know I needed!  It is a great place to pick up Charro beans, both Jim and I like those.  And I love buying hand and body lotions for only a buck.

Next stop was Kohl's where we strolled the sales racks and looked at just about every piece of women's clothing in the store....I found five tops that I considered buying.  One was red and gorgeous and fifty bucks!  I did not come home with that one...But I did find three t-shirts I did bring home.  At less than twenty five dollars.  Alas I did not spend enough to earn any Kohl bucks, should have bought that red blouse!

By this time I was starving and even Anne was ready to eat.  We still needed to stop at HEB.  So we decided on Chili's because they have 'fast service'.  Hah!  Apparently not on Sunday.  We got our drink order quickly, but then we waited for the waitress to come back to take our food order and we waited and waited.  Finally!  We ended up ordering nachos (cheese!) and even that simple order took some time.

Next time you're in Chili's look at everything on the menu.  If you're trying to stay away from meat and cheese there isn't a lot to choose from!  I should have ordered a salad but even those come with meat and cheese and I'm sure it would have taken longer to get a special order.

Don't get me wrong, the nachos were good, but meat, cheese and sour cream are not good for me!

Of course we know better than to go to HEB on Sunday but we both needed a few things....well more than a few it turned out.  So we filled our baskets and found a check out lane that wasn't to busy.  We arrived back home just before 1700.

Boo was happy to see me, it was past his dinner time!

Spent the evening watching a Star Trek movie on Fox.  Not a bad way to end the day

cleaning and setting up

Another day, another beautiful sunrise. Yesterday we did our morning chores and then dressed to head into town taking Anne and Scotty with us.

We stopped by Camping World to inquire about replacing our awnings. Right now they have a special going on. No labor charges. Jim bought a couple items and Anne got a new patio mat. Then it was on to Harbor Freight because they're having a sidewalk sale. The Scotts picked up some items but we didn't.

Since it was lunchtime we stopped at Chili's on the way home, they have 2/$20 going on. Jim had ribs and I had a salad.

Once home Jim headed outside to do more chores. He removed the bike rack and hitch and he set up the patio with the mat. Looks better with the patio mat!

We had leftovers for dinner. Afterwords I headed out for a walk with Anne but we didn't get far! Pat and Vern were walking their dogs and stopped for a chat, then Don stopped by and we all just stood outside watching the sun go down and the swallows pass by over head.

After the sun went down Anne and I saw fireflies. Of course the mosquitoes chased us in but not before we heard the coyotes! From the sounds we heard it's a bigger pack than last year.

Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico pt 2

Yesterday I was up at 0545! I really dislike changing time zones it messes with my sleep. :)

The ground is so hard here that Anne couldn't plant the Flamingos! So Felicia and Frederico had to settle for my herb pot. The wind blows as hard, if not harder here than in the valley and my palm is having a hard time staying upright.

After breakfast the four of us headed to Carlsbad Caverns, Scotty drove and the wind was just whistling across the car and every window sang us a tune. Because we have the Golden Age Pass it didn't cost us anything thing to get into the Caverns. Jim did get an interpretive guide.

As we were walking down to the entrance I saw these buildings, have no idea what they are but they looked right at home on the mountain side.

These flower bushes were dotted about on the hills and it looks like a wisteria to me.

another cluster of 'wisteria'

this tree is in bloom but I've no idea what it is. It would help if the park would put signs but the plants and cactus

This yucca has reddish 'blooms'. As we were driving through the canyons we noticed several that looked red and wondered if it was a different species. But I think when it first blooms it has these reddish flowers

All of these pictures were taken by me and my camera is only good on close shots. I don't think I have repeats but you never know. We took a gazillion pictures and some had to be left out. Again, there's no way I can describe the formations or colors. Just enjoy looking.

After we left the Caverns we stopped at Chili's for late lunch. Anne and Scotty split a rack of ribs, Jim had ribs and I had half a turkey sandwich with a cup of soup. While Jim enjoyed a margarita I had a Sam Adams. The Scotts had water.

We made another stop on the way home at a Dollar Tree Store. All four of us found something to buy and I managed to get out of there spending only 5 bucks.

Once home we retired to our own homes. I think it was around 1700. Jim and I both uploaded our pictures and sorted through them. He spent some time reading about his camera and learning stuff about how to take pictures while I started the previous blog around 1800 and watching Dancing with the Stars. It took forever to load the pictures and after all of Jim's shots it wouldn't take any more.

I watched a show about King Henry VIII on National Geographic, quite interesting. Then we showered. NCIS was the last show for the evening. We were in bed around 2200 and despite the wind and thunderstorms and the train I managed to get some sleep. As I type this Jim is still sleeping as it's only 0730.


"If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies. ~Author Unknown"

Shopping with my Honey

I didn't get up until 0800 this morning! One good thing about this cold weather we're having....it makes for good sleeping. After I made my coffee I woke Jim.

I had breakfast then started on my chores. Today was bed day and I started by stripping the bed and getting the sheets washed. I also did the dishes.

Yesterday when we returned from our outing Jim had mentioned he forgot to shop for a long sleeved shirt. So today I suggested we head out to the Outlet Mall. I figured we might be able to find something out there and it would get us out of the house. This nasty, cold weather is driving us all nuts!

We headed out around 1030. Wandering around the mall wasn't as cold as I thought it would be. But we took advantage of the heated stores and kept warm enough. We found a salt mill for me at a kitchen store. Jim found a shirt but didn't find a hat like he wanted.

You know what happens when you walk around in the cold air? You get hungry!! So we popped into Chili's for the two for one dinner. Jim had ribs and I chose shrimp taco's. Our appetiser was onion strings and for dessert we (Jim chose it!) had cheesecake and I must say I made a pig of myself!!! I can't remember the last time I had that much cheesecake...

On the way back to the resort we stopped at Starbuck's on 10th Street and I bought a ceramic travel mug. Then we wandered into Chico's to see what I couldn't live without....but alas, they didn't have anything I wanted...

Next stop was Home Depot to pick up some potting soil. I have a couple pepper plants that need some space to grow in. Since another freeze is predicted I don't wont to put them in the ground. Our next stop was an RV place whose name escapes me, but Jim needed some light bulbs for out interior lights. Then home!

As we were getting close Jim got a call from Ed Dray...I only heard half the conversation but I gather Ed ordered a new bed cover for his truck and it's like the one we have. :) I also heard South Padre mentioned, it needs to warm up for that!

Once home we changed into our comfortable clothes and had some coffee, played some games and watched TV. I finished up washing the bedding and with Jim's help we have clean sheets to sleep on tonight.

No dinner for us! Jim had some toast and I had some broth with veggies and mushrooms. We watched NCIS and the NCIS show that followed and now I'm watching Chopped on the Food Network.

Dreary Weather

It's been cold and dreary the past couple days. We mostly stay indoors and watch tv, read, play games on the computer or in my case crochet.

Yesterday Anne and I went out and one of our stops was the Veterans Memorial here in Mission. It's in the Convention District behind the the Convention Center. We were both impressed by the size of it! It covers all the conflicts our country has been in. There's no way I can do justice to it with these few pictures. If you're in the area be sure to stop and see it.

There are statues of women

and Men

Some of the bricks are engraved with names of the fallen. There are walls of names of those who have fallen. I want to go back on a sunny day to get a better look at all of it.

I think I mentioned our bike ride in the state park the other day. I took these pictures and forgot to post them

The butterfly population has dropped but if you're patient you can still find them and get some pictures.

The park didn't suffer much from the freeze we had and seeing the green against the blue sky was simple gorgeous.

The palm trees are pretty

Today was a good day to stay inside. Mid 50's and no sun. Anne, Scotty, Jim and I went to the movies and saw Old Dogs with John Travolta and Robin Williams. Funny movie! The four of us laughed a lot...I laughed so much I had tears running down my face. Good movie to see on a dreary day!

After the movie the four of us had dinner at Chili's and we got home just before 2000.