Inside my Brain

It's not a Sailor's Life for Me!: Saturday 10 November 2011 10 a.m. the USS George H...

2011-12-10T00:07:00.000-05:00

It's not a Sailor's Life for Me!: Saturday 10 November 2011 10 a.m. the USS George H...: Saturday 10 November 2011 10 a.m. the USS George H.W. Bush returns to homeport in Norfolk, VA. The Navy LiveStream Channel takes family and ...

It's not a Sailor's Life for Me!: Closer to Home

2011-12-07T20:06:00.000-05:00

It's not a Sailor's Life for Me!: Closer to Home: I'm your Captain Chances are good many sailors - especially the older ones - will be humming this classic Grand Funk Railroad song. We'r...

U.S. Fleet Forces Command has officially announced the USS Bush’s homecoming

2011-12-06T21:53:00.000-05:00

Pilot Online’s Kate Wiltrout reported:

Saturday will be joyful for thousands of local families welcoming home sailors from a seven-month deployment.

The aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush, destroyers Truxtun and Mitscher and cruiser Anzio are scheduled to return to Norfolk on Saturday, the Navy announced Monday. The carrier strike group, which includes nearly 6,000 sailors, departed May 10.

It was the first deployment for the Bush, skippered by Capt. Brian Luther. And it was also the first time that a woman, Rear Adm. Nora Tyson, commanded a carrier strike group.
The ships and nine squadrons of aircraft that make up Carrier Air Wing Eight supported U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and conducted security operations in the Mediterranean and Arabian seas, the Navy said in a news release.

About 150 aviators are to fly in to Oceana Naval Air Station and Norfolk Naval Station on Wednesday. The fifth ship in the strike group, the cruiser Gettysburg, is scheduled to return to Mayport, Fla., on Thursday.

The first comment on the story:

Welcome Home

Submitted by RicM25798 on Tue, 12/06/2011 at 7:51 am.
A hero’s welcome to the Bush Strike Group. What better way to celebrate the holidays.
P.S. – clean and functioning toilets await you!

The Daily Press also reported on the ship’s return.

Nearly 6,000 sailors from the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group are scheduled to return to Naval Station Norfolk Saturday after a seven month deployment, where they supported troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Returning to Norfolk will be group’s flagship, the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), plus the guided-missile destroyers USS Truxtun and USS Mitscher, and the guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio.

The homecoming will mark the completion of the maiden deployment for the Bush, the newest addition to America’s carrier fleet.

The USS Gettysburg, another ship in the strike group, will return to homeport in Mayport, Fla. on Thursday.

Separately, 150 aviators from Carrier Air Wing 8 who were deployed aboard the Bush will return to Hampton Roads on Wednesday, the Navy announced.

A total of 44 F/A 18 Hornets and Super Hornets will land at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach. Four E-2C Hawkeyes, three C-2A Greyhounds and eight MH-60S Knight Hawks are due at Norfolk Naval Station’s Chambers Field.

For more news of the armed forces, visit hrmilitary.com, home of Hampton Roads Recon, the Daily Press military blog

Again, the first comment refers to the unfortunate fact that the “perfect system” is flawed.

luigi1 at 7:48 PM December 05, 2011
they’ll be here as soon as they can dump the waste from the toilets, unless they are to clogged.

To some, the situation with the heads is a laughing matter. That’s because they have never worn Real Bellbottoms or a Dixie Cup!

More than ever, I am proud to call myself a Navy Mom. I know the deployment has not been an easy one for any ONE on the ship, due, partly to the flaws in the VHCT system. Deployments are not pleasure cruises. Sailors expect some hardships, but the officers and enlisted personnel alike have endured much unease as a result of the system failure and some as a result of the press brought about from my blog. I would not change how I have conducted myself, however there could have been different ways to handle the situation – there are always many ways to deal with problems.

One reason I am proud my son joined the Navy is that it does its best to take care of it’s men and women, as a whole.

The official website of the United States Navy even issued “a standard operating procedure that can help keep the holidays merry and light.”

For the returning sailors and for all of us, this is good advice.
“The holidays can be a hectic time for many,” said Lt. Cmdr. Bonnie Chavez, Navy Behavioral Health Program director. “A lack of money, a lack of time, and the hype and commercialism of the season causes increased stress.”
Surveys indicate people in the United States are more likely to feel their stress increase rather than decreases during the holidays, according to Chavez, who offers this advice:
* Take advantage of leave periods and relax for a few days by doing something you enjoy. Holiday stand-down periods provide flexibility for much needed rest to recover from the demands of Navy life.
* Be a good listener. Holidays are short and demands from friends and family for your attention will be high so try to give the gift of good company.
* Keep to your shopping budget. When it comes to holiday gift-giving, find creative ways to save money and remain in your budget. Racking up credit-card debt over the holidays may only cause further stress when the bills come due.
* Plan ahead and allow for plenty of time for holiday travel. Expect lines and delays in airports as the number of travelers swell. Prepare your car for road trips and know you’ll be sharing the highway with higher numbers of travelers. Getting plenty of rest can make the journey less stressful and help you arrive safely.
* When tensions begin to rise, pause, take a deep breath, reflect and evaluate if the source of tension is really something that should be causing stress.
* The holidays are a time of excitement and exhaustion for young children. Overtired, over stimulated children are ripe for a stress inducing meltdown. Plan accordingly to anticipate disruptions in children’s routines and exercise patience. The holidays are supposed to be merry.
* If deployment or geographic separation will keep you away from family and friends, plan your own observance upon your return or for a future date.

Chavez reminds Sailors to look out for their shipmates, too. Deployments, work-ups and separations are simply a fact of Navy life, and Sailors are good at welcoming shipmates into their homes and including them in celebrations.

“Don’t underestimate the positive difference you can make by taking a little extra time to care,” said Chavez. “The things you do every day to make connections, to encourage, and show people how they are valued and belong, can help in small but important ways for the people around you.

I’ve been fortunate enough to see a homecoming ship make that final turn before docking. It is, without a doubt, one of the most impressive sights. Parents, sweethearts, brothers, sisters, cousins, friends and children will all be there, some waving flags, some holding flowers, but all with arms waiting for hugs they have missed for more than half a year. I will have to wait a little longer for my hug. I won’t be able to be there to welcome the sailors home – some of them might not be too eager to see the Blogging Mommy, anyway – but I will be watching the live stream and I will be looking out for my own.

It's not a Sailor's Life for Me!: Sheep, Wolves, and Sheepdogs

2011-12-05T21:20:00.000-05:00

It's not a Sailor's Life for Me!: Sheep, Wolves, and Sheepdogs: The University of Washington's student senate, in 2006, voiced objections to having a statue erected in memory of Medal of Honor recipient U...

It's not a Sailor's Life for Me!: Veteran's Day 2011

2011-11-10T22:36:00.000-05:00

It's not a Sailor's Life for Me!: Veteran's Day 2011: As noble as it can be to honor our fallen veterans, it's also honorable to protect and speak out for those who are actively serving our coun...

It's not a Sailor's Life for Me!: Chamber Pots and the Space Age

2011-11-10T08:37:00.000-05:00

It's not a Sailor's Life for Me!: Chamber Pots and the Space Age: When the United States Navy was first formed, hundreds of years ago, sailors did not have space-age, vacuum toilets on their ships, but this...

Malfunctioning toilets on the US Navy’s most modern ship threaten morale

2011-11-07T23:05:00.000-05:00

UNITED STATES 5^th FLEET/MELBOURNE, FL

November 6, 2011

After Hurricane Katrina demolished New Orleans in 2005, media outlets reported on the intolerable living conditions in the Louisiana Superdome, a structure never intended to be an evacuation shelter nor built to withstand Category 3 winds. The massive influx of evacuees to the “refuge of last resort” resorted to using boxes for toilets when the facilities in the Superdome were backed up beyond use.

Six years later, another deplorable living situation faces American citizens, all members of the United States Navy, one of the world’s most impressive military powers. Morale is declining and the health and safety of thousands of deployed military personnel is at stake.

The USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), a Nimitz-class super carrier of the United States Navy, is the temporary home for about 6,000 men and women who are serving their country – leaving behind their loved ones and the comforts of home. They all knew when they joined the Navy that life on any ship would be different, and adjustments are expected, but the current situation on this ship’s maiden cruise is unacceptable.

The Navy contracted to have a Vacuum Collection, Holding and Transfer system (VCHT) installed on the most modern ship in the 5th Fleet. This is the same type of vacuum-operated, human waste disposal system currently in use on cruise ships and airplanes. There have been problems with the system since the ship deployed, but the enlisted men and women feel no one cares, especially those in a position to make changes. The leaking vacuum system shuts down half of the ship’s toilets. Some problems are caused by members of the crew, as evidenced by the miscellaneous items found in the pipes while troubleshooting clogs. However, the majority of the problems stem from chronic vacuum failures, which forces the closure of multiple units.

Captain Brian “Lex” Luther, the commanding officer of the George H.W. Bush, ordered locks installed on the doors to the non-functioning toilets, forcing every sailor onboard to search for a useable toilet, sometimes taking up to half an hour. The head in one berthing was out of order for more than eight days. Sailors are complaining that the ship is unsanitary and has been in this state since the beginning of their deployment.

The skipper proclaims over the shipboard public address circuit daily, “It’s a glorious day to be at sea!” It may indeed be a glorious day for him since he likely has a properly working toilet in his berthing. The men and women who are onboard this ship, doing their duty to serve their country, are complaining daily that there is a problem that needs to be resolved, but the skipper places the blame on them.

It is doubtful that the President for whom the ship is named has a clue how this “modern system” is affecting the morale of the enlisted personnel. If he did, he might demand his name be removed from the floating cesspool. As a taxpayer, I am demanding that our sailors be given the little comfort and luxury – nay – the necessity of working, sanitary toilets while they are required to be at sea for months at a time.

The official website for the USS George H.W. Bush states that its guiding principles are:

Like our namesake, we are professionals who serve our country with integrity.
We maintain our warfighting skills and fight as a team.
We improve the material condition of our ship.
We ensure GEORGE H.W. BUSH Sailors are set up for success.
We understand the importance of family readiness.

How can the sailors be set up for success if they can’t find a working toilet on the ship that claims to improve its material condition? If the men and women aboard the ship must search for working toilets because the one that worked earlier is now locked, how can they maintain their warfighting skills and fight as a team – especially if they are losing respect for their leader by the day? Perhaps the guiding principle may be to understand the importance of family readiness, but how ready can the sailors be when their basic needs for basic body functions cannot be met? Where is the integrity in professionals who place locks on toilets rather than making the necessary repairs?

Check your sea legs before arguing that our Naval military personnel have a better or easier life than do their land-deployed counterparts. Sailors who have been attached to Marine squadrons that deployed to desert areas know that digging a hole is easier than what they are currently forced to do onboard the USS George H.W. Bush. Also, check your air space. Nearly one third of all military personnel deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan are Navy personnel and Navy pilots provide valuable air support while ships such as the USS George H.W Bush maintain the integrity of the land deployments from sea. This isn’t a debate over which branch of the military is more disadvantaged. It is a concern about the living conditions aboard the ship known as “the centerpiece of the forces necessary for forward presence.”

The taxpayers should be as outraged over the living conditions of the men and women onboard the USS George H.W Bush as they were to discover how the survivors of Hurricane Katrina had been forced to endure their hardships. Six years have passed since the Superdome was evacuated and the people lived there without fully functioning toilets for several days. The sailors on the USS George H.W Bush have been suffering the indignity of locked toilets for nearly six months. Don’t make our sailors find boxes for bathrooms as Katrina evacuees did inside the Superdome. It’s time to flush!

Just an hour

2011-07-31T12:36:00.000-04:00

Just an hour a day, every day, for the rest of my life. All I need to devote to my passion is one hour – taken from my other responsibilities and joys. One less hour to watch television, movies or the paint dry. One less hour to read a book or e-mail the people I only know by their dot coms. One more hour to write, to compose, to contemplate my characters means one less hour to cook, clean or go for walks where I take photos of common elements in uncommon ways. One less hour to chat online with the boy I crushed on in high school – the boy who is now a grandfather, or the girl from grammar school I didn’t really like much, but now that we tweet and FB and network online, I simply must keep up with her routine life so my mundaneity seems less ordinary.

But I don’t have an hour to spare, do I?

Is this really my passion or just a passing fancy? Maybe a hobby I think about from time to time and not what I truly love to do. Can I spare a single hour each day to devote to doing what I love to to?

Many days to catch up...

2010-03-07T18:13:00.002-05:00

Visit my Facebook for the new photos...it's tax time!

Days 160, 161 and 162

2010-02-27T22:09:00.000-05:00

Day 160

2010-02-25T19:29:00.000-05:00

Day 160
2-25-10

You tell me

Day 149

2010-02-25T19:28:00.000-05:00

Day 149
2/24/10

Rain

Hail

Harder Rain

Then I can go to work

Day 157

2010-02-23T19:50:00.002-05:00

2-23-10

Money in pocket = snack stop!

Day 156

2010-02-23T19:39:00.000-05:00

Day 156
2-22-10

What AM I doing out in the world at this ungodly hour of the day?

Day 154

2010-02-21T16:39:00.000-05:00

Day 154
2-20-10
Quiet as a balloon

Day 154

2010-02-19T20:54:00.000-05:00

2-19-10

Scrabble for the first time in years. Matt won. Very cool game. I hope the first of many.

Day 153

2010-02-18T18:43:00.000-05:00

2-18-10
Day 153

The only way to drink beer is from a glass!

Day 152

2010-02-17T23:01:00.000-05:00

Day 152
2-17-10

Zakary's gift is on its way to him.

Day 151

2010-02-17T22:59:00.000-05:00

Day 151
2-16-10

Day 150

2010-02-17T22:53:00.000-05:00

Day 148

2010-02-14T00:37:00.002-05:00

Day 148

2-13-10

Mirror image

Day 147

2010-02-12T18:35:00.000-05:00

Day 147
2-12-10

My first (and probably only) Valentine's Day gift came from Cheri!

Day 146

2010-02-11T22:03:00.000-05:00

Day 146
2-11-10

Even the most devoted golfers cover up when Florida turns cold!

Day 145

2010-02-10T23:31:00.000-05:00

Day 145
2-0-10

Day 144

2010-02-09T22:32:00.000-05:00

2-9-10

My friend, J.J. White has two stories published in this anthology. I am SO jealous!

PS: Way to go, John!

Day 143

2010-02-08T20:57:00.000-05:00

Day 143

2-8-10

I wanted to cry when I saw this tree, tied up and tortured.

Day 142

2010-02-07T22:13:00.000-05:00

2-7-10
Day 142

Even with a bottle of "Rich, dark chocolate Ensure," my day ended with me exhausted, drained and remembering why I stopped struggling to "make coupons work" years ago.

My time is valuable and worth something, too.

I spent three hours online last night, looking for coupons for food my family eats; today, I drove more than an hour searching for the Sunday paper and looking for store-specific flyers only to find they are in the paper anyway; then three more hours clipping and organizing the coupons before I went shopping.
I was as organized as I could have possibly been and still my shopping trip took nearly three more hours.

I read each coupon to be sure I put the proper brand, size and quantity in the cart. I searched for the teensy-tiny expiration date to be sure I was in compliance and even stopped by customer service before I started shopping to determine if I could use competitors' coupons - not at Wal-Mart! This means Wallyworld has seen the last of my grocery buying. Publix is far more coupon-user friendly...if I decide to use them again.

Even after carefully reading and just as carefully separating my usable coupons, I had to hurry back to get another buy-one-get-one-free item, because the cashier would not simply give me half off for the deal. Any coupons that were clipped a little too closely were returned to me and doubles? NOT there!

By the time I returned home, I felt I'd put in a 12-hour day. Thankfully, my guys all pitched in to bring in the food and put it away for me.

How much editing could I have done today, if not for these blasted coupons? How many publishers could I have submitted short stories or poetry to and how many chapters of my novel might I have completed, had I channeled my energy toward that, instead of trying to save money?

I have heard some women claim, "couponing is my part-time job." I'm not willing to earn less than minimum wage doing something I already detest - shopping! I'd rather be a cashier taking your coupons than to spend another Sunday searching for a way to save a few dollars.

I started my day off with Ensure. I'm ending it with Cabernet Sauvignon!

Day 141 Down the Rabbit Hole, Alice!

2010-02-06T22:04:00.000-05:00

1-6-10
Day 141

Saturdays have always been for sleeping in. From as long as I can remember, I have loved to lounge around on Saturdays and do things at my own pace, without interruption or distraction. When I was younger, Saturdays meant catching what was left of the cartoons, what cereal remained after my siblings had all had their fill and squeezing into whatever space remained in front of the family's one, small television set.

As a young teen, Saturdays were for catching up on sleep lost to late night studying or reading for my book reports. Once I landed a job, my Saturday morning sleep fests ended. As a young mother, I couldn't sleep in any longer, either. My sons required my attention. Then, they grew up and I wasn't a young mother any longer.

Now, I can sleep in most Saturdays until my body has had its fill, like a vampire whose teeth have found a fresh neck to feed upon until satiated. Today, I woke on the stroke of 10 a.m. and wanted to bury my head under my pillow for a few more hours. I almost did, before I remembered that I'd promised to enter some important data. When I looked for the information - I was certain I'd brought it home yesterday - I realized I brought the wrong files.Yikes! So, rather than getting an early start, I began working at noon. The slow process ended four hours later and I had barely an hour of sunlight calling me outside.

The sky was a brilliant, beautiful Florida Blue, but the gusts of wind meant I'd have to wear a jacket. I chose one that was too light, but I walked fast as a result. That is, until I saw the shadows in the park. There were so many angles from which to photograph them and as the sun started setting, I wanted to linger. I tried sitting at a picnic table to meditate and soak up the sun, but the shadows seemed to call me to my feet. As I was walking around one tree, searching for the one angle where my own shadow would not be in the frame, I stepped onto the edge of a hole and nearly lost my balance. Even though there don't appear to be any four-leaf clovers here, I was fortunate enough that I didn't step into the hole and break my leg.

Since the sun was starting to set, I decided to return to the sidewalk and avoid any further "pitfalls."

* I apologize. It's been a long day.*

Day 140

2010-02-05T21:06:00.000-05:00

Day 140

2-5-10

When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bob-Bob Bobbin' Along
When the red, red robin comes bob, bob, bobbin' along, along
There'll be no more sobbin' when he starts throbbin' his old sweet song
Wake up, wake up you sleepy head
Get up, get out of your bed
Cheer up, cheer up the sun is red
Live, love, laugh and be happy
What if I were blue, now I'm walking through, walking through the fields of flowers
Rain may glisten but still I listen for hours and hours
I'm just a kid again doing what I did again, singing a song
When the red, red robin comes bob, bob, bobbin' along
When the red, red robin comes bob, bob, bobbin'
When the red, red robin comes bob, bob, bobbin' along
There'll be no more sobbin' when he starts throbbin'
There'll be no more sobbin' when he starts a throbbin' his old sweet song
Wake up, wake up you sleepy head
Why don't you get up, get up, get out of bed, cheer up
Live, love, laugh and be happy
What if I were blue, now I'm walking through fields of flowers
Rain may glisten but still I listen for hours and hours
I'm just a kid again, doing what I did again, singing a song
When the red, red robin comes bob, bob, bobbin'
When the red, red robin comes bob, bob, bobbin' along
Along, along, along, along, along.

Written by Harry Woods in 1926

Day 139

2010-02-04T21:50:00.000-05:00

2-4-10

My shadow after Senior Day at Melbourne Square Mall. I was too busy playing Wii to do much photography. I am sure I will pay for it tomorrow.

I spent four hours, not quite non-stop, demonstrating almost every activity on Will Resort Sport to seniors or tutoring them on how it works. Everybody's favorite to watch me? Canoeing and Kayaking. My favorite to do? Archery! Their favorite to do? Bowling or Golf.

Day 138

2010-02-03T21:34:00.000-05:00

The car's packed and I'm ready for tomorrow's Senior Fun Day!

Day 137 Waiting in line

2010-02-02T20:12:00.002-05:00

Day 137 Waiting in line

2-2-10 The only thing harder than waiting in line is waiting for someone who is waiting in line. I sort of wish I'd been sitting farther back in the room so I could have taken a shot of the whole line.

Day 136

2010-02-01T22:23:00.000-05:00

2-1-10

The first day of February brings warm El Niño rain - all day.

Day 135

2010-01-31T23:30:00.000-05:00

1-31-10

Matt needed a haircut - I needed to get out of the house.

Day 133

2010-01-30T00:22:00.000-05:00

Day 133

1-29-10

This tree caught my attention quickly and I'm glad I stopped long enough to make its acqaintance.

Day 132

2010-01-28T19:45:00.000-05:00

Day 132

1-28-10

Makes my job more difficult.

Day 131

2010-01-27T21:02:00.002-05:00

Day 131
1-27-10

Deadline week always makes it a bit difficult to go out and find a great photo. Some days, during deadline week, I forget to take a lunch break or even go outside for a breath of fresh air.

Today, I didn't have many opportunities to explore or take exciting photos, but there was a package in my chair when I came home from work. My sister Jane had sent me something for my birthday.

This is one view of it. Others are in my overflow folder.

2010-01-26T22:23:00.000-05:00

Day 130

1-26-10

Thank you Cheri! They were delicious.

Day 129

2010-01-25T23:13:00.002-05:00

1-25-10
This is the best picture of my day....a counter.

Day 127

2010-01-23T22:00:00.000-05:00

1-23-10

Today was beautiful. Matt and I took the top off the Supra and went on a rideabout and a modified walkabout.

We first went to the Viera Wetlands and after only a few shots, I realized I'd left my memory card home, so I did something unique - I just enjoyed the day! No photos, no digital images, just my son and me.

We didn't see any gators, but we saw many other sightseers, some Great Blue Herons, Anhingas, ducks, dead fish, Ibises and other birds we could not identify.

Matt blew me away when he said, "I don't know what that one is. I'm not an ornithologist," because I just learned this word myself last year.

After the wetlands, we stopped by his workplace, then drove to Rotary Park where we saw many more dead fish, including catfish, blowfish, stingrays and a few flounder and some we didn't know. We enjoyed the time to be together in nature before we took off to look for a computer headset for Matt. Three stores later, we found the one he wanted and picked up dinner.

Before I filled up my internal memory, I managed to snag a shot of a GBH up close! Great day with a great guy.

Day 126

2010-01-22T21:08:00.001-05:00

Day 126
1-22-10

Rainy day

Day 125

2010-01-21T21:04:00.000-05:00

Day 125
1-21-10

Thanks JLynn!

Day 124

2010-01-21T00:22:00.000-05:00

1-20-10
Need I say more?

Day 123

2010-01-21T00:17:00.000-05:00

1-19-10

Today was an odd day for me. After having a great weekend, a good beginning to my work week, I found myself in the midst of a "spell" and had to go home midday. My vision was blurred as if I were about to have a migraine, but no pain. A good nap and I was back to work, but this is how I felt.

Day 122

2010-01-20T23:53:00.000-05:00

1-18-10

Back to work...more or less as usual.

Coming back after such a pampering, luxurious weekend to a deadline with proofing, editing and all the unexpected activities that go with the job, I ended up working until 6:30 to be sure everything was in place.

I stepped outside just as the sun was setting with just a sliver of the moon showing.

Day 121

2010-01-20T23:39:00.000-05:00

1-17-10

The skies cleared in time for our return trip home, which went so smoothly, we were home long before anyone expected to see us. Curtis wasn't ready for our weekend to be over, so we went to the Viera Wetlands to see whatever was happening there.

We watched Great Blue Herons mating; watched an Anhinga work on his nest; saw hundreds, of not thousands of white billed ducks; got near alligators and saw dead fish floating in the water.

The way the sunlight played on the camera gave me some interesting photos. I think the most intriguing is this one of two ducks, untouched - just downloaded from the camera as it was.

Oh...I did have Chocolate Madness for breakfast!

Day 120

2010-01-20T23:16:00.000-05:00

Day 120
1-16-10

After a laborious breakfast of waffles, bacon, hash browns, fruit, juice and tea, Curtis and I walked about a quarter of a mile to Island Grand for our "classic" massages, then back to Sandpiper where we nearly melted into the sofa for an hour or so before we left for the Salvador Dali Museum. By the time we finished and walked along The Pier (mostly looking at sailboats) it was threatening to rain.

I "needed" to test out the hammocks before leaving in the morning, so we ambled out to the beach just before the lightning show started.

Curtis said, "It's starting to storm and here we are underneath some pine trees."

We were fortunate enough to have ample awnings to Piper's Patio, which was right below us. We'd been smelling what turned out to be leek soup all off and on throughout the day whenever we were in the resort. Piper's dinner was good, but alas! No dessert other than Key Lime pie. Looks like my departure breakfast may have to be Chocolate Madness.

It truly is a tough job, but if I don't do it, who will?

Day 119

2010-01-19T23:06:00.002-05:00

1-15-10

It's a tough job, but somebody has to do it. Drive for three hours in beautiful weather from the East Coast of Florida to the West Coast of Florida for a weekend of pampering, great dining experiences, museum visits and to top it off, we were "forced" to stay in a room with a spectacular view of the Gulf of Mexico!

Please don't pity me, it's all part of the job and I LOVE IT! :)

By the way, we ate at Palm Court - one of THE best dining experiences we've had in five years! Daniel and Donna are the servers to seek.

Day 118

2010-01-14T21:44:00.000-05:00

1-14-10

Day 118

Somedays, I just get a hankering and I have to satisfy it, or my day isn't complete

Day 117

2010-01-13T23:02:00.000-05:00

1-13-10

When you see the signs that command, "Don't feed the wildlife," please pay attention and don't feed the wildlife!

Some well-intentioned individuals saw raccoons doing what raccoons do. They were scavenging, but they were doing it at a local fast-food restaurant's garbage dumpster.

They must have said, "Awww, poor things; they must be hungry," and before long, dozens of dogfood dishes somehow ended up in the wooded area nearby. More and more dishes with more and more food have been placed out every day. Generations of raccoons have come to depend on humans for food in this area and each generation, the wild animals have come to associate slow or parked cars with their food source.

The longer we sat there, the more raccoons came waddling out of the brush, until they started fighting to be among the front line, because they knew the people who have food will feed it to the ones at the front of the line. They came so close to the car, I think Matt could have reached out and petted them if he had tried.

Please, don't feed the wildlife!

Day 116

2010-01-12T22:02:00.002-05:00

Day 116
1-12-10

When I left for work this morning at 8:30, it was 31 degrees outside. My car was covered in icy frost.

Day 115

2010-01-11T23:30:00.000-05:00

Day 115

1-11-10

Leaving work at 6 p.m.

Day 114

2010-01-10T23:56:00.002-05:00

1-10-10
Day 114

Another frigid Florida day! After a day of food shopping with Matt, and dropping him off at work, I went to the Viera Wetlands alone for a drive around.

The scenery was beautiful, but icy. I stepped out of the car from time to time to get a closer look at something, but I certainly didn't linger outside.

I noticed one car just sitting while others drove around it and naturally, I wanted to know what the attraction could be. I'm glad I was curious, because the small grove of palms was like a honeymoon suite for mating Great Blue Herons. At times like this, I really wish I had a camera with a fast shutter speed and a zoom lens, but most of the time, my itty bitty pocket camera works just fine for me.

Day 113

2010-01-09T21:01:00.002-05:00

Day 113
1-9-10

In Florida, we are accustomed to sunny days, balmy sea breezes and blue skies. We've had none of that today! We've had precipitation all day: rain, sleet and believe it or not, snow! The one snow flurry we witnessed lasted less than five minutes and we probably could have counted the snowflakes if we'd tried. The one snowflake I photographed on Curtis' jacket could have been a flake of ash from someone's fireplace for all I could tell. It did melt when I touched it, but so did the tiny flakes of sleet.

Today was a day for staying in, bundled up, near loved ones. It was not a day for going outdoors hoping to capture snow on the camera. The rain, when it fell was very cold, so I didn't want to stay out long. With temperatures dropping, who knows what this water will look like tomorrow?

Day 112

2010-01-08T21:34:00.000-05:00

1-18-10
Day 112
Today was a bit warmer and there were things I needed to do that can only be accomplished from the office. A little after noon, I ventured out and this was the sky that greeted me.

Day 111

2010-01-07T22:49:00.000-05:00

1-7-10
Day 111

The only thing worse than waking up to frost on the ground in Central Florida is going to work to discover the temperature is four degrees lower than it was the frigid day before! Yesterday, I worked part of the day from home because the thermostat read 68. Later, the landlord came in and turned on the heat for the first time this season. I expected to see at least 71 or 72 when I came in this morning, but instead, I saw 64 and if I'd tried, I might have been able to see my breath.

After waiting over an hour and working in my coat and gloves, the boss told me to work from home and I felt like I was in a toaster oven - very nice. I am grateful for technology like call forwarding and email that does not tie me down to one location. There are things I cannot do from home, but they can wait.

Landlord called after 4 p.m. with "good news, bad news and good news." The heat is broken (bad); a tech is coming tomorrow (good); it's supposed to be warmer tomorrow (good). Since the tech is scheduled to come out sometime "between noon and 3," I will be working from home again tomorrow - at least half a day!

Day 109

2010-01-05T21:15:00.002-05:00

1-5-10
Day 109

Lunch

Day 108

2010-01-05T00:12:00.000-05:00

1-4-10

The first day after either paper drops is always a busy day. If that day happens to be a Monday, the administrative tasks double - the Monday after a long weekend - yikes! Web updates, notifications, mailings - oh and let's not forget the random weird calls that seem to come in on these days!

Today, I was the only person in the suite and it was icy cold! The thermostat stayed at 70 or 71 most of the morning and I had to go home for chili and a sweater. Once Milo arrived and he started making soup and coffee, the building warmed up some. Of course, the warmth could have come from the rising sun, too. By the time I went home, the ambient temperature inside had risen to 75.

When I stepped outside to go home for some warmth, I heard laughter and saw a group of cyclists on the sidewalk. Their outfits made a striking contrast against the dark green trees and the brilliantly blue sky that I had to take just one picture of them. They were halfway to my house before I was able to get my car started!

I started working on the website updates shortly after 3 but didn't finish until 6:30. By then, it was dark outside. I was grateful that Milo was working late this evening, so I didn't feel all alone when I went home. My new car air freshener truly does glow in the dark. It smells nice, too.

Coming home an hour and a half later than normal, the entire household was set off balance. By the time I called my mother, changed into comfy, warm, snuggly clothes and spoke to the family - we were all hungry and nothing had been started for dinner. By the time I finished my pork chops, sauteed onion gravy, rice, corn and omigod-good caramelized squash, Matt was home from work - so we were able to have the entire family together for dinner.

While doing the dishes, Stu remarked that he found a gecko today on the grill Curtis and Matt brought home (thanks BMS!). We all went out to see if it was still on the grill. The tiny reptile was still hunkered down on the side warmer tray, trying to stay warm. As soon as Matt picked it up, the rascal dug in. He wasn't going to leave a 98 degree hand for a sheet of metal that was bound to be heading down from 40 degrees. No way!

We drilled holes in a clear Ferrar Rocher box and lined it with a paper towel, put some water in a shallow jar lid and made a home for the little fellow. Then, we looked online for a similar gecko and we think this may be a non-native reptile from Africa, south of the Sahara. If this is the case, we can't set it free, so I contacted Critter Man Chris and sent him a picture. He'll tell me what my options are.

I don't know what would happen if Kenny gets his claws on him. For now, Matt is guarding him in his room.

Day 107

2010-01-03T23:45:00.002-05:00

Jan. 3, 2010

Stu and Kenny entertained me this morning with a little orange "worm."

Day 106

2010-01-02T22:29:00.000-05:00

Day 106

01-02-2010

"Nothing says lovin' like somethin' from the oven" and this might be the only time in 2010 that I tell my family "I love you." I might bake more, but I might not.

Day 105

2010-01-01T22:53:00.002-05:00

The first day of 2010 was either raining or overcast, all day. Great day to stay inside and catch up on some editing.

On my way from one place to another, I passed this place and had to stop. I've passed it numerous times before and I knew it is a government building. According to the sign, it is the place for citizens to find the Commissioners of District 4 and 15, the County Manager, the Property Appraiser and the Supervisor of Elections.

I stopped because of the reflection pool. The first time I noticed the pool, the sun was shining brightly and the building was crowded with nine to fivers. Today, being a holiday, the building and parking lot was vacant, but the only sun in the sky was setting and most of that was obscured by clouds. Still, I wanted to investigate the pool.

Despite the lack of sun, the pool still provided an interesting reflection of the building and now, I'm planning to return for future photo shoots. I think it will be interesting to see how the reflections react to different lighting situations.

Day 104

2009-12-31T20:18:00.002-05:00

Day 104

12-31-09
Still searching for the perfect daily planner for myself. This was not it. Each month had its own spiral book. Somehow that piece of information was omitted from the sales spiel when I ordered this online last year.

Day 103

2009-12-30T18:54:00.000-05:00

12/30/09
Day 103

During a bike ride, my seat when haywire, so Curtis and I limped it home where he fixed it and made it even better than before.

Thanks!

Maybe tomorrow, instead of doing all the chores I probably should do, I'll go for a long bike ride instead.

Day 102

2009-12-29T22:12:00.002-05:00

Day 102
12-30-09

Do you know what this is?

Day 101

2009-12-28T20:47:00.002-05:00

12-28-09
Day 101

Today, Central Florida became cold. I walked briskly for a short while, then spotted this cactus.

Day 100

2009-12-27T22:53:00.002-05:00

Day 100
12-27-09

I hoped today, I would have an extra special photo to mark the 100th day in my 365 days of photos.

Today was Matt's first day working in Florida. Mazel Tov! Stu was with his mom, so Curtis and I worked on moving my computer out of my "office" to give Matt his own bedroom. Then, I remembered that I haven't taken any photos.

My new "office" is surrounded by the family. I am literally in the center of the house and may have to start using earphones when I need to concentrate. It's worth it, though. I want Matt to have his own space until he gets his own place.

I decided to photograph my old desk in my new area. There are Christmas lights and my cup of tea and little else around my keyboard. That will change in a few days.

Day 98

2009-12-25T23:14:00.000-05:00

12-25-09

How am I supposed to select just one photo to represent this day? There were moments that stand out and will be told in family lore for years to come. We'll reminisce about the time Mike "borrowed" his mother's can opener to add weight to the package with a single gift card and told her, "It'll probably show up around here a little later," when she asked if he had seen the can opener. Likewise, he put a log in another package for Curt. By the way, this was the first Christmas in a decade that they did not light a fire and turn on the AC. The orange tree in the yard is bearing fruit!

Since I was the one to help Barb use the auto timer on her camera, I was the one who had to run and find a place without blocking anyone's face. All the tall people were in place and I had to squat down to be sure I didn't block anyone else - but we got our obligatory family photo completed.

The formal tree, as always, was beautiful and the heritage tree was overflowing with sentimental ornaments and gifts. This year's wild goose chases weren't as elaborate as in years past. Mike only had to go fetch his from a closet since it was too large to fit under the tree and Stu's chase consisted not of clues to new hiding places, but wrapped notes telling him his gift was truly under the tree somewhere else. Those notes made him smile in a way we haven't seen often.

I have an adorable photo of Matt in a Santa hat - not goofy or silly, just downright adorable. Curtis suggested my photo of his foot might be the photo of the day, and while there are gifts in the background, I don't think it qualifies and although Barb's formal table etting is beautiful, the photography isn't spectacular enough to be my photo of the day, either.

In the end, I chose to focus on one single ornament.

Day 97

2009-12-25T00:03:00.001-05:00

12-24-09

Today was a fantastic day! A phone call was my morning alarm and since I had errands, I took care of them first thing this morning. Still need to find a UPS outlet for Stu's Xbox.

By 1:00, the family was in the Cressida heading to "the beach," but with so many beaches to choose from, we opted for one with free parking that seemed the farthest from what appeared to be an impending storm. Curtis and Stu opted to sit on a bench while Matt and I went for a walk. I discovered that walking and talking requires more energy than I expected, but we enjoyed our time together.

Matt and I were discussing how much more we should walk before returning to the others, when Stu appeared from behind us. We'd already walked about an hour, and Stu ran to catch up to us. Curtis had gone to sit in the car. We all walked on a bit more, and I got a great photo of the Stu and Matt sending gulls a flying. I also took photos of sand sculptures and vacationers. We started seeing many blue and pink blobs on the beach. We decided they are Portuguese Man-o-War and took the appropriate photos. We all agreed this was a great way to spend Christmas Eve in Florida.

Stu wanted to smash all the sand sculptures he saw as we returned to the parking lot, but Matt insisted he should allow the tide to do it, instead. We found one that seemed partially destroyed so I said he could attack it.

In the end, even Stu said he enjoyed walking with us. The kid who usually "hates the beach" had fun.

Day 96

2009-12-23T22:49:00.000-05:00

Today was proofing day for Viera Voice. I had to go to Suntree to take some photos of some of the award-winning houses and saw this angel in the yard of a house that was minimally decorated.

Day 96

12-23-09

Day 94

2009-12-22T21:04:00.000-05:00

Still not feeling great, but good enough to go walking with the family to see the neighborhood lights. Some of our neighbors go all out for Christmas - one even won an award.

Still, I was fascinated by the tree that had huge balls hanging from it outside. The reflections were amazing.

Day 95

2009-12-22T21:03:00.000-05:00

The office Christmas tree....

Day 93

2009-12-20T17:11:00.000-05:00

12-19-09

I felt good enough today to go shopping with Curtis today. The last Saturday before Christmas is always a mad rush. What was I thinking?

We also went to an Agnostica Party and took Stu and Matt with us. They had a great time. I was designated driver. The house was packed with people - interesting, funny and bizarre people. Matt found friends; Stu wasn't bored. He ate cookies, since he could not drink.

Agnostics love holiday lights, too.

Day 92

2009-12-20T17:06:00.000-05:00

12-18-09
I had to drive Lumpy to work today.

Day 91

2009-12-20T17:03:00.000-05:00

Day 91

12-17-09

I've been on my herbs a week. They have helped tremedously, but I am now coughing violently. I am not sleeping well at night, and my coughing disturbs everyone else.

Curtis drove me to Bo's and here is what he prescribed for me. If I'm not better in a week, I'll go back! I sure hope this works, because it tastes even worse than the other broth.

Day 90

2009-12-20T17:01:00.000-05:00

Company Christmas Party and all I could muster was a photo of the ceiling decorations. Being sick sucks.

12-16-09

Day 88

2009-12-20T16:55:00.000-05:00

12/14/09
Day 88
I went back to work after missing two days and sleeping through most of the weekend. Curtis would not leave me to get Matt, because he was worried about me. He finally left sometime this afternoon, after a few glitches, but he is on his way to get Matt.

A deep fog rolled in around 4 p.m. to match my mood.

I'm still not very hungry and still am very tired. After a little food and a nap, Stu and I decided to put the Christmas tree up. We listened to Daft Punk while he worked and I watched. He's never seen such a tree - this one is much older than he is! He's accustomed to the fiber optic trees with pre-set lights, so to assemble a tree and put lights up was a new concept to this kid.

He made me laugh and I appreciate that. Laughter is great medicine. In my case, it makes me cough and I need that, apparently.

Stu clowned around for me with these beads, courtesy of Richard's first Mardi Gras in New Orleans, about 10 years ago.

The tree may not be up to some standards, but it is up and when the house is dark and the lights glow, nobody can tell what's wrong with the tree.

Thanks for your help, Stu!

Day 87

2009-12-20T16:42:00.000-05:00

Day 87

12/13/09

Day 86

2009-12-20T16:40:00.002-05:00

12-12-09

My appetite has returned - somewhat. Curtis and Stu prepared chicken broth and a grilled cheese sandwich. I made some tea. I sure hope I feel better tomorrow.

Day 85

2009-12-20T16:38:00.000-05:00

12-11-09

I'm sick. I don't get sick often, but when I do, I am usually very ill. I hope this doesn't last long. I forgot to take any photos today, but when I came to plug my phone in to charge overnight, I saw the camera and took a shot of my guys at the table. This is the extent of my day today.

Day 84

2009-12-10T17:50:00.000-05:00

12-10-09

Day 84

This is the prescription for what ails me.

People all around me have been complaining of colds, flu-like symptoms and general sickness. I've been bragging that I don't get sick. I lied. I don't STAY sick, but I do catch viruses from time to time. This is one of those times.

Yesterday, just before time to come home, I felt like someone punched me in the nose. I came home, drank ginger tea and rested. That wasn't enough.

This morning I called my doctor and he personally told me to come in at 9:30, so after working 15 minutes, I left. Three hours later, I'd returned home and brewed a batch of herbal broth. I must be sick, because it actually does not taste too bad. I don't know what most of the ingredients are, but I do recognize the fresh ginger slices.

I slept a lot today and have been drinking my "tea" so I expect to feel better tomorrow - Saturday at the latest.

When you walk around in a balanced state of health, the least little upset rocks your world. Many people have been dealing with their colds for days and days and coming to work in spite of feeling ill (maybe this is why I caught it?) but I can't handle more than 24 hours with a pounding heard, sniffly nose and sore muscles. I can't and I don't have to, thanks to Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Day 83

2009-12-09T23:24:00.000-05:00

Day 83
12/9/09

First batch of Christmas cards are waiting to be picked up. Curtis will be bringing one of my gifts home this Sunday.

Day 82

2009-12-08T23:11:00.000-05:00

Day 82, we went to dinner at Uno and had 2 for 1 entrees, so three of us ate for the price of two. We had a great time and it was really nice to see Stu and his dad talking on adult terms. I love watching boys turn into men!

This window separated us from a table on the other side of the wall and I thought it was neat how the colors played on it.

Day 81

2009-12-08T23:05:00.000-05:00

Day 81
12-7-09

Yummy, Bourbon Brownies!!!

Day 80

2009-12-08T23:01:00.000-05:00

12-6-09
Day 80

Epcot, here we come! With days left on the tickets from Richard's visit and time running out before they expire, we decided to visit Epcot. We had a fabulous time!

Curtis, Stu and I met the Beardon Boys around 3. The weather was "iffy" at first, but turned sunny. We carried jackets that were at times too light and at others, too heavy. It never rained while we were there.

I'm so lucky to have a supportive family who understands my love of photography. A few times, Curtis decided to pull up the rear so he'd know when I went off on a tangent. He got tired of turning around to see me walking off, "chasing butterflies."

I used up my battery on videos and borrowed Rob's camera until the fireworks started.

We tried all the rides - Ed was kind enough to watch our jackets because he does not care for the more adventurous rides. He did join us on our little Time Travel Trip - too cute - the way it ended. The Test Track was a little less tame, but nothing like Mission Space.

According to Disney's website: "Mission: SPACE utilizes a multiple-arm centrifuge that spins and tilts to simulate the illusion of speed and gravitational forces. Realistic sounds from overhead and vivid video images only add to the experience of the simulation. As an astronaut in training, you are given the choice to be a part of the Orange Team or the Green Team. The Orange Team is a more intense training session and is the original version of the attraction, where you will experience forces up to 2.4G—more than twice the force of the Earth's gravitational pull. The Green Team has a less intense experience. You do not feel forces up to 2.4G when choosing this option. If you are prone to motion sickness, you should opt for the Green Team."

We chose the Orange Team. By the time we finished that ride, the sun was beginning to set and the Brothertons were beginning to be hungry.

The Beardon Boys wanted to take us to taste Beverly, a drink from Israel, at the Tastes from around the World. Ed told me it tastes just like Heaven. He wasn't far off the mark. A concentrated ginger ale, it was just what my ailing stomach needed after that G Force!

We made our way over to the Country exhibits and watched a few presentations about various holiday traditions. Rob shared some Skool Bread from Norway with us and then Ed and I had our photo taken with the Monkey King before the Double Dragon Acrobats from China held us spellbound.

I saw a duck. We posed beside the largest, most beautiful Christmas Tree I have ever seen and the "boys" bought goodies from a really large Gingerbread house. Between the food booths and the great photo opportunities, we kept distracting ourselves until we finally "arrived in Japan," where we ate dinner. I could have stayed in the garden for hours! We heard the chorus, a waterfall and quiet conversation. Paper lanterns were our only light. We were all tired from walking and just enjoyed each others' company. When we walked out of the garden, we were back in Epcot. It felt like culture-shock to be among the crowds again.

The Japanese gift shop must be the largest shop at Epcot and we remained there quite a while. Curtis found a quiet Zen garden, surrounded by photography that I found inspiring.

Then, we walked over to Morocco and I felt transformed. The music, the aromas, the colors, shapes and history swept into my heart and made me long for Spain. The guys also enjoyed this area and none of us wanted to leave until we realized we needed to start finding an appropriate place to view the fireworks show. As always, it was astounding.

Now, we need to find two more free days for our remaining tickets!

Day 79

2009-12-06T02:21:00.002-05:00

Day 79
12-5-09

Tornado warnings last night - dark dreary morning today. The clouds moved just before sunset and illuminated the buildings.

Day 78

2009-12-04T21:14:00.002-05:00

12-4-09
Day 78

I don't always take breaks during my work-week. It's my fault. I love what I do and I enjoy my work so much that I often don't even realize that the lunch hour has passed. I might eat at my desk when I'm hungry, thinking that as soon as I complete my current project, I'll take a break - but I don't.

Today, I took a longer lunch break than usual, but when you consider that I'd only taken two lunch breaks in more than 10 days, it all comes out in the wash.

My mother-in-law invited me to be her guest at the Brevard Symphony Orchestra Guild's holiday lunch at the Eau Gallie Yacht Club. The tables were decorated with small nutcrackers or Santas at every place, with a larger Christmas centerpiece.

After two students sang Christmas songs and a business meeting, we were served lunch. Following the soup, I dined on rare prime rib, stuffed baked potato and delicious broccoli. Dessert was chocolate cake with chocolate mousse. I did not wait around for tea. I needed to return to work.

Day 77

2009-12-03T23:07:00.000-05:00

I have achieved many of my goals, including that to be an award-winning writer. Two years in a row, NAMPA has deemed my work worthy of top honors. I think it's time to recalibrate my goals and aim higher!

Day 76

2009-12-03T23:01:00.002-05:00

Day 76 of 365 brings wardrobe color coordination.

Day 75

2009-12-01T21:42:00.000-05:00

Day 75
12-1-09

One of these things is not like the others, one of these things . . .

Not that the one thing out of place does not belong, but I do have to wonder why my two closest neighbors' trashcans are neatly placed side-by-side, upside down, while mine are not only lying in the gutter, but one is nesting inside the other.

What's up with that?

Day 74

2009-11-30T20:06:00.000-05:00

Day 74
11-30-09

Part of my neighbor's outdoor display.

Day 73

2009-11-29T20:53:00.000-05:00

Day 73
11-29-09

I spent my morning working one last edit for Senior Life, then prepared to check out the "Really, Really Free Market of Melbourne."

The Realy, Really Free Market of Melbourne is where people bring whatever they have from home and leave them out for anyone to take. You can then go around the park and take what has been left out by others.

People of all walks of life meet from 1- 4 on the last Sunday of each month at Holmes Park, sometimes called the Manatee Park, because of the Manatee sculpture. It's on Melbourne Avenue, just west of the train trestle.

At a Really Really Free Market, goods and services are available at no cost. Like a garage sale or swap meet, but better. Everything is free. No charge, no haggle, no hassle.

Musicians played near a communal food table and every time someone new came with bags or boxes of items, people flocked over to see what treasures had arrived. Holmes Park is ideal because it has wonderful surfaces ready for items - no need to bring tables or blankets for display, but of course, if you want to, you can. There are no rules and everyone there has a generous spirit.

I carried books, scarves, ties, some stained glass decorations, a few baskets and within an hour, nearly everything I'd brought was gone.

People exchanged information, business cards, ideas and tangible products. The idea is that once a month, people will come together to share what they have. Massages, face painting, surplus garden items, soup. Whatever suits your fancy will suit someone else, too.

It's perfectly fine to bring nothing but an appetite and curiosity. It's like a fair and a communal feast it is only as good as the people who support it and attend.

Day 72

2009-11-28T19:18:00.002-05:00

Day 72

11/28/09

The best part of Lancade is laughter. Today, we met up with Colby aka Zero Cruel of Ruin (left) and Rocky ask Lone Rhyda for lunch. We shared stories of knifings, sticky grenades, noodle jousts, birthday noodlings, aliens, wars in other dimensions and hurricanes.

We REALLY need to plan another reunion.

Day 70

2009-11-27T00:30:00.000-05:00

Day 70

11-27-09

Thanksgiving Day in America. If I were with the Wordens, I'd have made lots of food to carry to my mother's house, but since I was there last week, I spent this day with the Brothertons.

My mother had all four sons, Bernadette and two more generations in her home. Jane, Donna and I were not able to join them. Everyone brought food and I'm sure they all had a great time. Lunch was planned for noon. I am eager to see photos from there.

We slept in today. At noon, I showered and at 2, we started toward my in-law's. Barbara always makes a great presentation and has her rituals. We dress nicely, light candles, eat from fine china in the dining room and drink wine. Barbara doesn't cook much from scratch, but what she does cook is always good. I don't think I have ever had homebaked dessert there unless I brought it, but I don't mind. Family is what counts.

She offered me a glass of wine within moments of our arrival and then ordered me and everyone else out of her kitchen.

Curt asked Curtis to carve the turkey, today. I think he was passing on the torch.

When the meal was ready, we stood around the kitchen table, where the food was to be served buffet style. Curt read a devotional and asked each of us to tell why we are thankful. I have so much for which I am grateful that I choked up. Tears flowed as I listed some of the many things that enrich my life: family, health, love of literature, the freedom to drive to see my mother, sons and grandchildren among others, good running cars, a great job that I love. By the time I got round to my job, my tears clouded my vision and I handed the gratitude gauntlet to Mac.

After dinner, Barbara announced that it was time for the ritual group photo -her way to document family gatherings. We finally determined how to set her camera's self timer and both cameras did their jobs.

Stuart enjoys thwarting my attempts to photograph him, but he has an eye for art and together, we created this.

Day 69

2009-11-26T23:54:00.000-05:00

Day 69
11-25-09

A slow photography day means Stuart hides behind a bottle of NOS.

Day 67

2009-11-24T21:47:00.000-05:00

11-24-09

My kind of office supplies!

Dove dark
Dove with Peanut Butter
Godiva Dark
Ghirdelli

Day 66

2009-11-24T21:43:00.000-05:00

Day 66
11-23-09

Since Viera Voice was at the printer, I devoted myself to working on Senior Life edits, between managing the office activities. Katie and I took a break for lunch and enjoyed ourselves at Uno Chicago Grill before we resumed our pace at the office for the afternoon.

Even though Monday night is Family Night at our home, I called to see if Patty would be at the salon after 5. Since she said she'd be there until 9, I called Curtis and Stu and told them I'd be late for dinner. I NEEDED my hair restyled.

This was what I saw as I left the office and I remembered why I love living a mile from the office! Tail lights, road construction at the entrance to I-95 is not how I want to spend my evening commutes. Coming home was worse, because the exit was almost completely blocked!

Day 65

2009-11-23T00:29:00.000-05:00

11-22-09

With Kenny on my lap, I spent the day uploading photos from last week, after I paid bills.

Day 64

2009-11-23T00:15:00.000-05:00

11-21-09

I leave South Carolina today.

Sharon and Richard prepared an elaborate breakfast of French toast, ham and scrambled eggs before I left. Just like yesterday, my departure was bittersweet. Although I did not want to leave the grandchildren; I was ready to return to my Florida family and eager to see them again.

I crossed ancient bridges, rolling hills and when I neared I-95 in Colleton County, I saw a once familiar Saturday morning sight: deer hunters on the side of the back roads. My scenic route home led me past football stadiums, old country houses and cotton fields.

I’ve seen cotton fields before, but I’ve never seen a bale of cotton, nor have I seen cotton bolls just lying on the side of the road. Yes, I said bolls, not balls, because raw cotton, prior to processing, consists of bushes, stems and bolls.

I ran into a few roadblocks and detours – seemed to be the course for the week, but I still made great time getting home.

The best part about going on a trip, sometimes, is the return home.

Day 63

2009-11-23T00:06:00.000-05:00

11-20-09

My last morning at Momma’s began with a thick fog and a bittersweet sensation. We were both happy to have shared a week of mother-daughter time, interspersed with visits from other family members. We’d shopped, dined out, cooked and taken long country-road drives in the afternoon sun. She and I had laughed and shared jokes; we gossiped and giggled; we grew even closer than we’d been only a week earlier.

Today, I had to leave – again. My departure would lead me to more loved ones, while leaving her alone until someone else stops by to visit or until she dares to drive.

As I drove toward Richard and Sharon’s home, I wondered what kind of reception I’d receive. I need not have been concerned.

“Hey, Grandberry!” Three-year-old Zakary rushed to my car. “Where’s your kids?”

“Your daddy is one of my kids,” I told him, “and your Uncle Matt is another one.”

He tried to look inside my back seat. “Yea, but where’s your other kid?”

“I had to leave Stuart in Florida,” I told him. “He had to go to school and couldn’t come with me.”

With his hand on his hips, his big blue-green eyes stared into mine and he said, “Grandberry, that will never do!”

I had a marvelous visit with my new daughter-in-law and the grandchildren before Richard came home. We went shopping and the kids the camera and I entertained one another with a funhouse-type mirror at a shoe store. We celebrated Christmas after dinner and I enjoyed watching the kids open their gifts. Once the children were in bed, the adults chilled out in front of the fireplace.

Day 62

2009-11-22T23:59:00.000-05:00

11-19-09

Momma and I took the scenic route to Cracker Barrel today for lunch and were treated to free dessert after we talked with the manager. Whoever made my salad put the core to the lettuce head in.

“What can I do to make this up to you?” the manager asked.

Momma told him, “You’ve listened to our complaint. That’s good enough.”

I said, “I just want to know that you talk with your staff to be sure this doesn’t happen to anyone else. No real harm done.”

“Just so you know,” Momma said, “she’s a reporter for a paper in Florida.”

He returned with our check – the beverages and salad were free. He said he also wanted to give us each a slice of pie. Yummy!

After lunch, we visited my cousin, Stevie. I took some photos of his farm equipment and some of the old trees surrounding his home while I talked on the phone with Matt. We had a pleasant visit with Stevie, though I spoke with his sister, Linda (my best cousin) while there, too.

When we returned home, the sun was just beginning to set and had formed some interesting shadows. I spent another hour or so walking around her property taking photos of the fall colors and shadows.

We plan to enjoy our last evening together.