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

Fun Afternoon

Yesterday started out sunny and bright.  We had a leisurely morning that included chores and breakfast.  Around 1100 we departed for the Honda service department.  Sonsearae needed to drop her car off for some diagnostic and repairs.

Our next stop was lunch at Spoto's Oyster Bar in Stuart.  Do you sign up for loyalty cards at restaurants?  I do, mostly for the freebies!  Since my birthday is just a few days off the offers have been rolling in, most give you an appetizer or dessert.  Spoto's gave me a free lunch or dinner option.  This restaurant overlooks the St Lucie River so it's ideal for lunch.  Sonsearae ordered fish and chips, I had shrimp scampi and Jim ordered a hamburger.  I had a delicious bloody Mary while Jim had a beer and Sonsearae drank water.  My scampi was delicious and I brought home some of the pasta.

Three of the employees brought out my slice of birthday cake and sang for me.  Then the waitress took our picture!  My first thought was they have a board somewhere where they'll post it but before we left they presented me with said picture to remember the moment.

It had been our intention to walk the boardwalk but when we went outside it was spitting rain.  So once again we didn't get to walk and we all could have used the exercise to help work off lunch.  Next we dropped Sonsearae off for her hair appointment.  While she was being dolled up Jim and I went to Barnes and Nobles.  He found some magazines to read and I strolled around trying my best to find something to buy.  Happy to say nothing appealed to me.  While inside it rained.  I was reading my book when Sonsearae let me know she was ready to be picked up.

Our next stop was the Humane Society Thrift Store.  We dropped off a large box of goodies then went inside so our pretty red head could play with the kittens.  Again I strolled around this store but didn't find anything I couldn't live without.

After this we headed to Publix to take advantage of a sale and while driving there we encountered our first rain storm.  It was pretty much over when we got to the store.  Jim dropped us off at the door (I think so he could get more steps than us!).  

Shopping done here and the cooler loaded up with the frozen food we headed over to Target.  We wanted to see if they had the vegan ice cream from Amy's.  They did not.  Sonsearae found a couple items and while she was checking out Jim and I stopped in Starbucks and got some beverages to take on our drive home.

On the drive home more rain!  We had to take our purchases in through some sprinkles but none of us melted so all was OK.

Boo was glad to see us, it was past his dinner time and almost dark.  Only a bit after 1700 but with the cloud cover it seemed later.

I finished off my pasta for dinner and Jim had some apple pie.  Spent the evening watching TV

All is right in our world

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

Weekend of Fun

What did you do Valentines Day?  I hope you spent time with the one you love.  We were expecting Sonsearae and Chris for the weekend and decided on a spaghetti dinner at home.  Along with a glass of wine we had a quiet dinner.

Shortly after dinner I rushed to get the dishes done as they were arriving any minute!  As soon as I got that chore done we headed for the cabin they had rented and made ourselves at home....I'm not sure, but I think Chris thought he was in the wrong place!  Sonsearae had sent a King Cake from Gambino's Bakery in New Orleans and we all enjoyed some dessert.  After sending a text, Kathy and John joined us to eat this treat also.

We didn't stay long because both had worked and it was a long day and they looked tired.  Besides, we had an adventure to go on tomorrow!

Saturday the six of us piled into two trucks and headed to Carrabba's in St Augustine to have a wonderful lunch before embarking on the adventure.  So much good food that we all took some home.  Why do restaurants serve such large portions?  We had such a good time talking that we almost forgot the time!  We had to hustle to make it to the Alligator Farm so Jim and Sonsearae could do the zip line obstacle course!

This was Sonsearae and Chris' birthday gift to Jim.  Perfect way to celebrate his 71st birthday!  While they were gearing up and getting instructions (and signing their lives away!) the rest of us entered the park and started wandering around looking at the exhibits.

The whole course is above the ponds and exhibits of gators and crocs!  Not sure who came up with this idea but I'm sure it brought some life back into the Alligator Farm along with a boost of revenue.  

Most of the older gators look fat and happy and I'm sure if someone fell in they'd probably meander away annoyed at the intrusion!

This poor fella didn't even have teeth!  He'd have to whip you to death with his tail.  :-)

There were several varieties of crocodiles and they were in small enclosures, most by themselves.

Here they are getting ready to the first zip...Jim has done this before but it's a first for Sonsearae!

After this adventure we four did some shopping at Target and then headed home. I can't remember the last time I was in a Target!  Kathy and John headed off on their own.

Saturday evening we had tacos at the cabin with all six of us contributing to the dinner.  It was a good way to end the day.

Sunday my dear birthday boy was a wee bit sore!  I put together a pan of French toast and baked it.  Sonsearae came by for a cup of coffee.  Then the three of us headed back to the cabin for breakfast.  I had told Chris I would make it for him.

They lingered awhile longer then they had to get on the road for the drive back to Lake City via Jacksonville for a stop at Whole Foods Market.

The rest of Sunday we just chilled.  Jim was a bit achy and wasn't up for much.  Where's a good football game when you need it?? 

We’ve seen some birds the past few days. A few are Red wing black birds, mockingbirds, Kiskadee, great tailed grackles and a hummingbird. When the weather is cold they show up to be fed. I don’t have feeders out because the black birds empty them in seconds, it seems. But I do have a window feeder and of course the hummingbird feeder on the window. On the fence we have a peanut butter log that a mockingbird guards with a vengeance. A little Carolina wren has visited when he can slip by the mockingbird.

It looks like today will be warmer. I know Jim likes that. He has always said he wants the weather warm enough to wear shorts and go barefoot. We haven’t had much of that this winter.

Last night we went to a pot luck dinner/party at Jeni and Don’s (managers, Bentsen Palm Village RV Resort). Six couples and we all brought good food to eat! Jeni grilled some pork riblets and we had salads, macaroni and cheese, ham and beans, a pasta and chicken dish and cake for dessert. Terry brought a cooler full of beer that we helped to drink J Thanks Terry for letting us bring home the leftovers! A couple of hours later we broke up and headed home.

When we learned the flea market wasn't open today Jim asked if I'd like to go visit Marilyn and Ed over at LLano Grande in Mercedes. We've spent the past two summers with them in Colorado Springs and consider them good friends. Of course I said yes! And then I asked if we could go out to lunch too! Of course Jim said yes....

So we changed into city clothes and headed out. Our first stop was Target so Jim could look at the patio chairs they have there. I picked up a chair the other day for me and he likes it. Then we headed to Kumori for a delicious lunch. I had shrimp tempura and Jim had Beef something or other. we both had hot green tea. We both like this restaurant but I wish we could find a Japanese restaurant that doesn't use butter in everything.

After our lovely lunch we headed east on highway 83 to visit with our friends. As we passed McAllen we noticed a traffic jam on the west bound side. Traffic was backed up for a couple miles and we decided we'd head home the back way when we left Marilyn and Ed's. Shortly thereafter we arrived at our friends home on wheels and found Ed outside setting up the patio. After a few hugs we were enjoying some cold drinks and the company of our dear friends. We chatted about everything under the sun in an effort to catch up with our lives! Of course we talked about future travels. (the fact that we read each others blogs has nothing to do with this!)

They were expecting more friends to arrive from San Antonio and Sherry and Rick called when they arrived at the resort. After giving them some time to check in and set up we drove over to greet them. I'm sure we met them in Colorado Springs but no matter we met them again and the six of us decided to have a bite to eat at Fat Daddy's, a bbq place that people line up to eat at! We got there just before crowds arrived and had some mighty good food. What more do we need? Good Friends and good food...as Ed would say, Life is Good!

Once home we were invited over to the Scotts for dessert! More food!!!! So I made a cup of coffee, fed Boo and the three of us headed next door. We sat talking with Anne and Scotty for about an hour....


Once home I showered, Boo is sleeping and I'm watching a show about Freaky Festivals on FLN



He who eats alone chokes alone. ~Proverb

Dreary weather and we're tired of it!

Just because we're in south Texas it doesn't mean we're warm. Today was another rainy, misty, dreary day. I don't think the temperature reached 55 today.

Yesterday our friends Karen and Dave arrived late afternoon. They had planned to stay longer in north Texas but the weather chased them south. Anne and I had dinner for them but first we had to go to the movies!

Pat and Vern, Anne and Scotty plus Jim and I went to see Avatar late yesterday. I think the movie started around 1630. It was a long movie! I couldn't sit through it all because of my back and missed about 10-15 towards the end. We all loved the special effects and can only imagine what it looked like in 3-D. At Tinseltown on Monday all movies are $5. We got home around 1930 and dropped Anne off to 'wake' Dave and Karen so they could come to dinner. They traveled 12 hours! Mac and Cheese, ham, some steamed veggies and corn muffins. We sat and talked until 2100. We split up heading to our rigs to settle in for the night.

We both slept well last night with just the comforter and an exhaust fan. When I get up I usually turn off the fan and turn on the furnace. This morning we were in the upper 40's outside.

Jim has been reading a lot to pass the time indoors. Today Anne and I got haircuts and then we went shopping. We hit Target and HEB, not buying much but enjoying our time out of the house.

We had spaghetti and a Cesar salad for dinner along with a glass of Merlot. Jim is still reading and I'm watching PBS, Escape to Dreamland: The Story of the Tamiami Trail.

It would be nice to see the sun again......

Falling Behind!

Not sure why I can't seem to keep up with nightly blurbs...just lazy I guess.

We've been staying busy and that does tire my brain. Saturday we stayed close to home. I don't like shopping during the Holiday Season, not even for groceries. In the Morning Jim and I went to line dancing classes. Not as easy as it looks! But we enjoyed trying. I wore my boots and my feet were tired when we finished.

We went to happy hour over at Pat and Vern's. Pat's mom and friend were visiting and we brought some guacamole and chips but when we arrived it looked like a catered affair! Red beans and rice was a main dish with lots of savory and sweet snacks. I enjoyed some excellent Chardonnay and once home had trouble seeing the Saints lose to Dallas......perfect season for the Saints has ended! :(

Jim and Scotty have been working on the roof problem. Measuring, buying, discussing etc.

Sunday we went to Pepe's on the River. It's a favorite of the Winter Texans and I think just about everyone else in the Valley! We arrived early enough to get tables set up for ten of us on the 'patio'.

This was the view some of us enjoyed, the Rio Grande River and Mexico on the far side. As you can see it was a beautiful day. We all brought jackets and some of us had to shed them once the sun came around to our side.

Jim, Vern, friend of Pat's Mom, Pat's Mom!

Jeni, Don John,Diana, Anne and Scotty. I didn't get a picture of Pat because she was taking pictures too. Not everyone ordered food. Jim and I had catfish and shrimp and it was good! We had been told that the top shelf margaritas were good so Jim ordered one and it was very tasty! I had a beer.

Yesterday Anne and I did some grocery shopping and I can't begin to tell you how crowded the stores were. First stop was the Dollar Store where we picked up some glasses for New Year's Eve. Then we stopped at Target where I wanted to check on food items. I had printed some coupons and used them there. Then it was HEB! Mad house! LOL But I picked up the ham and other items for Christmas Eve dinner. We shared a basket because we only needed a 'few' things. Well it has half full when we left!

While we were gone the guys were working on the roof. I'm not sure what all is finished but Jim mentioned it would take a few days for the sealant to set up. Meanwhile we're watching local cable TV.

We sat outside for a short while before Anne headed off to CPR class at the clubhouse. I still had a mess in the kitchen so I cleared it up and fixed Jim some dinner. I bought mine! Sushi....

Once the sun went down we just relaxed and enjoyed the evening.