Greybeard and Magoo captured in Art by Krazedone. Thank you Krazedone for coming into our lives and doing this for US!
My pride and my joy are my children. Sean and Ryan still live in Canada. I love them dearly, and miss them every day.
My Sister Brenda, isn't she cute!
Feeling stresed,
There are some awesom bubbles that just sorta relax you. It's cool!
you are paleturquoise #AFEEEE
Your dominant hues are green and blue. You're smart and you know it, and want to use your power to help people and relate to others. Even though you tend to battle with yourself, you solve other people's conflicts well.
Your saturation level is low - You stay out of stressful situations and advise others to do the same. You may not be the go-to person when something really needs done, but you know never to blow things out of proportion.
Your outlook on life is bright. You see good things in situations where others may not be able to, and it frustrates you to see them get down on everything.
On July 1, 2004 Canada will celebrate it's 137th year since Confederation. Before 1982 Canada Day had been known as Dominion Day, First of July, Confederation Day, and July the First. Canada Day celebrates the events that occurred on July 1, 1867, when the British North America Act created the Canadian federal government. The BNA Act proclaimed "one Dominion under the name of Canada," hence the original title of the holiday, "Dominion Day." Dominion Day was officially renamed "Canada Day" by an Act of Parliament on October 27, 1982. This change reflected the policy of successive governments to down play Canada's colonial origins.
Canada's national celebration is always observed on July 1, unless that date falls on a Sunday, in which case it is observed the following day.
All Canadians are entitled to Canada Day off work - although some people have to work. (like policemen and firemen).
I am not exactly sure why, but for some reason I am or was feeling very Canadian today. One of the Condo's owners was standing at the front desk upon my arrival this a.m., and as we talked he said "Margo, where do you originally hail from?". I of course told him I am Canadian, came here in 97. He then started on about the election going on in my home land. Now this surprised the crap out of me. All thought it shouldn't have considering the man I was speaking with is not just a Lawyer, but a very well travelled man, very knowledgable, and very, very into politics. He then wanted to know why I had not procured my citizen ship here in the USA. Why should I. What will that gain me. I am not living here because I wish to change my Citizan ship. I am living here because Mark doesn't like snow. I would move to Canada in a minute if he said he would come with me. I am and always will be Canadian...and damn proud of that fact. I do not vote in Canada either as I feel I do not have the right to do so not living there. I gave up that right of my own accord when I moved here. Becoming a Citizen here, would gain me the ability to vote...whoppie eh!! oh yes, and I could apply for Government jobs...again...yippie!!! I have gone through the proper channels with the INS system, I have paid a good sum of money to obtain my "green" card and my Permanet Resident status ID card. This does not come cheaply, not to mention it took me some 2 full years from start to finish. A very stressfull 2 years too I might add. I do have to say that when dealing with INS people in person, they were extremly friendly, courtious, and helpfull, was that because I am Canadian....could be. At any rate, when I left Canada I was of the Conservative following, now I am not so sure. There have been times over the past year, when I found myself reading up on the political status of my home land. Today, we talked about the last time I remember the Conservative Party being in power. I do believe Joe "who" (Clark) comes to mind. Believe it or not, this man knew exactly of the time, and that put me in awe of this man yet again. I have been asked about Canada's relationship with Britan, and whats with the Queen deal. I do the best I can to explain the political facts, however I am far from the ability of doing a good job on that subject, but I do try. While I am not a lover of the Qeen, I loved Princess Di, and have my ideas of how she met her death. Sooo......here I am feeling Canadian. Mark has the idea of painting our shed 'red, white, and blue'. We bought the paint in only the red and white colors. Maybe I should get him to paing the side of the shed with the Maple Leaf!!! what the heck eh! just for me. What do you think of that Greybeard?!
Thought for the day: "Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it's time to pause and reflect." - Mark Twain (1835 - 1910)
I am not quite sure that I ever had the pleasure of being on an Elephants back before. If I had, you would think it would stand out in my mind, and it would be a place I would travel back to and enjoy. One of the many places Mark brought me to visit when I first came to Pensacola, was the Gulf Breeze Zoo. At that time Eley, and African Elephant young, was living at the Zoo. Before I knew it, Mark had paid for me to have a ride on Eley. It was awesome. Eley was wonderful animal, she also was a great painter! The following year she was taken away in order to mate. Eley did have a baby, however she has not returned to her home her in Pensacola. I often go back to that ride on her. What a feeling to be on such a powerful animal, while at the same time how sad to have to care for these animals that are not intended to be in this part of the world. This picture shows a huge smile on my face, one that a child would have when enjoying something they truely love. My family, espically my husband, will tell you I am a bit anal when it comes to Elephants. This past March, while my Sister was here, we were turning off the highway into the Flea Market which is directly across the street from the Zoo, when Mark and I noticed that the sign for the Zoo sported an Elephant, and stated that in fact there was two Elephants currently residing there. Needless to say we just had to pay them a visit. We walked through the flea market with me wanting to get across the street. Everyone was hungry so we had a bite to eat at the flea market before getting into the more expensive Zoo area. We walked throught the entire Zoo, with me enjoying every step of the way, and then finally we were at the point where off towards the Elephants Sanctuary we headed. I believe I stood and just watched the two young Elephants play with their trainers for what seemed to be 15 minutes. Then the one trainer came over and talked to us. Tina and Mary are African elephants visiting The ZOO while their new home is being built at the Montgomery Zoo in Alabama. They will be guests at The ZOO through August. Beautiful animals. Here you see Tina and Mary doing what the truely enjoy doing....making the crowd around them tell them how pretty they are, and how smart they are. Yes, you could see the sparkle in Tina's eye, when I and everyone else praised her. Feeding her ego! hahaha...I could have stood and watched them for hours, however my hubby reminded me that the others were getting a bit restless, and maybe it was time to move on. hahahaha...like I said, I am known to be a bit anal when it comes to certain things. We have not ventured back to the Zoo since then, however we have gone to the Flea Market once or twice. Right now we are overwhelmed with 'house' projects, and while time is of the essence for us to get some things done, I would really love to get out to see Tina and Mary once more before they are moved to their new home. I am going to be working on a blog dedicated to Elephnats in the near futrure....watch for it....a story of my collection ONE Elephant at a time.
Well, no Hooters race this evening for "Mark" the lightning Rod Rathbun!!! hahahahahah
We had quite a storm early this morning with pretty gusty winds. Woke me up from a sound sleep. Around 6:30 this evening the rumbles started, and the TV showed tornado warnings for surrounding areas. I stepped outside and "WOW"! :!: :shock: The sky was like unreal. I could see the funnel clouds trying to form, the wind took over and blew them apart, and you could see them start all over again. Some where there was real bad weather, you could tell from the color of the sky. The lightning drove me back inside the house, just as Mark pulled into the driveway. It had to seem a very long run from his car to the safty of the house :!: tonght. Now at 10 p.m. it seems pretty quiet, until the next burst of storms roll through which should be in an hour or two. It was quite an easy day at work. Staff members complaining about each other. The guests are good the staff take over...always something...geesh :roll: Schatze is begging to be played with. She managed to get covered in wet yuck this evening before Mark got home. I had to dry her off several times, and she just went out again. At least she has not done her business IN the house this past two weeks. There might be hope for her yet.......mmmmmmm.....who am I kidding. A tornado went through Marks Mothers home town yesterday. It missed her place, yet was only a couple of blocks down. She was with out power last night when she called us on her cell phone. Every one is having such weird weather.....have you all seen "The day after tomorrow"????????????? ahahahahahahhahahahahahah ah.....scary eh :!: :?: :!: :shock: :? Now tomorrow is day one of my two days off.......what do I have to do..... 1) laundry, about 5 loads should wrap that up 2) ironing as I have not done that yet 3) cleaning the two bathrooms....BIG time 4) vacuuming 5) dusting 6) cleaning up the kitchen.....again 7) emptying the dish washer 8) sweeping the front porch Mark has purchased wood to start building a shed out back. That will contribute to a dirty kitchen, fighting a lost battle in that dept. I might start taking the cloths down in our closet so we can get that organized. Tomorrow is supposed to be a rainy day, so indoor stuff will be looked after. Now it is time for me to hit the sack as I am tired, and my hands are starting to cramp up, and I have been fighting a charlie horse all frigin day in my right calf. Whats up with that eh!!! geesh.
Thought for the day: This is for all my Tblog friends that are going through hard times dealing with their inner self. "I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is the victory over self." - Aristotle
A good day at work, NO lightning, there fore no unhappy guests :!: the indoor pool was full again today. It is so hard to get some of the Condo owners to understand that the indoor pool is used just as much as the out door pool in the summer if not more. The sun shone brightly all day, phew...what a relief 8) I went shopping with my the Property/Association Manager, his wife and one of my Front Desk girls. We were looking for a "tropical" print shirt to use as a Staff shirt for work. We failed in our plight :cry: , however we did have fun. I purchased a two piece terry outfit to use for walks along the beach, just so happens it is in the same color as my swim suit :!: :!: how perfect is that :?: :wink: Of course I was dragged kicking and screaming into [url=http://www.harryanddavid.com/...]Harry and Davids[/url] , for those of you who don't know, it is a terrificly expensive candy store, which my hubby and I just love. I only purchased licorice today...I was very good :!: :oops: We did not go into every store at the Outlet Mall, only a select few. Brian bumped into one of his 7th grade Teachers, that was pretty interesting in that it had been 10 years since he last saw him....wow what a small world. We then stopped at Franco's for dinner. It was very good and "thank you" to Brian and Mandy for the treat. I did not get home until 9:30, poor Mark was so lonely with out me....hahahahahahaha....I can dream can't I LOL!!! There is a great display of lightning again this evening. The humidity was hanging in the air today, making for a some what low visability level out over the water. Errie in a way. Mark purchased a truck load of materials to start the building process of a two level storage shed out back. It will be one of at least two sheds for storage and equipment. Then the mess will be moved OUT of the garage and into these buildings! hahahahahahaha..... Mark is getting ready to call it a day, as should I. Happy tomorrow to all....I will visit everyones blogs tomorrow or by Saturday a.m. at the latest, I promise.
Thought for the day:
"The days come and go like muffled and veiled figures sent from a distant friendly party, but they say nothing, and if we do not use the gifts they bring, they carry them as silently away" - Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882)
sorry folks, but I just can't sit here when the lightning is shooting out all around me here. The sky is very busy, and the thunder is non stop. Such it is to live in Florida on the Pan Handle on the Gulf Of Mexico.......wow.....I neve thought I would be living here.... ok, ok, I gotta get off here, but before I go....
VOTE FOR BLOU!!!!! IN FEATURED BLOGS PLEASE....
Thought for the day:
"Absence extinguishes small passions and increases great ones, as the wind will blow out a candle, and blow in afire." - Duc de la Rocherfoucauld
this is for my Jenny...... "Most Texans think Hanukkah is some sort of duck call." - Richard Lewis
The sky is once again filled with a beautiful light show! Yesterday afternoon we had a hugh storm pass by, which seemed to stay for about 30 minutes, leave for 15 and then return with more anger. The lightning was enourmous! We were with out power here for 3 hours. It was cooler outdoors for a short time then it was in. Mark cooked us up steaks n shrooms on the barbie....mmmm they were good. This afternoon again the lightning was enourmous and we had to shut down the indoor pool at work. I suppose it lasted for the better part of an hour as well. This evening once Mark got home we watched Harry Potter and the Sorceriers Stone. I get so 'into' the movie I feel like I am 'there' if you know what I mean. This is a short n sweet blog this evening, tomorrow I will do better as soon as I get home. My sister [url=http://blou.tblog.com/]Blou[/url] is running for Featured Blog. I ask that all my visitors please go and pay her site a visit, and then venture into [url=http://www.tblog.com/featured...]Featured Blogs[/url] and vote for her.
Thought for the day:Now this is fitting, seeing as I just got a call from Security...seems someone who does NOT have a reservation wants to get a Condo for the night...we are NOT a hotel....and I am not getting dressed because some idiot called to check availability eariler in the day and did not commit! Their outa luck! Best Western (and what a dump it is) is down the road! "The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem." - Theodore Rubin
As it was the first of my two day off break, I laid in bed for as long as allowed. Between Schatze and Markus, the first "roust" came around 6:45 a.m. :shock: then at 7:30 a.m. Mark got up made coffee and took off to get a load of sand to distribute in the pot holes of the front yard. I woke myself up by enjoying a quick shower, getting ready for my what appeared to be "cleaning" day. All dressed and ready for my second coffee, I dialed my sister "Blous" number. Now it is only 9:30 a.m. in Canada so why is she not answering the phone. I know from experience that she can't be OUT working on that garden all ready!!!! She maybe a "Martha child" but she aint anal about it.....well.....hahahahahahahah thats another blog day! (come on Sis, that was funny) As her answering machine picked up I start with the time of day, and where the heck could she be, and "hellllloooooo"....and then I hear a weary voice.....hahahahahah she is STILL IN BED!!!!!! I think we talked for almost 40 minutes. We tend to do that, and quite easily, before we know it almost an hour has gone by. My youngest son is in her town visiting OUR Dad his Grandfather for the weekend. Supposidly making or helping to make an addition on the dock. My morning and part of my afternoon contaained laundry, some 5 loads there of, and I still have ironing to attend to. I vacuumed, dusted and cleaned both bathrooms. Cleaned the kitchen and the laundry rooms as well. The 'wicker' room also was put in order, which consisted of taking down the baby crib. We are going to need that room to some degree for storing kitchen items, and I do believe my boys may be coming South the last part of July :D I made a lunch for Mark when he was finished throwing sand around the front yard. He looked exhausted as the humidity level was near 90% today. Again I cleaned up as he soaked in a "COLD" tub of water. He laid down and slept for about 30 minutes when the young guy from across the street knocked on the door scaring him half to death. Schatze barking did not help matters, and I was in the back of the house so I was not able to assist in warding off the fright. He moved onto the bed, that is when I knew his head/neck ache was a little worse then he let on. Not sure if he was just trying to please me, but he got up and we prepared to take off shoppping. OUr first stop was to Sallys Beauty Supply for shampoo, conditioner and another hair product for me, as well as two items for groming the doggies :!: I wanted to go to the World Market as it is a new and awesome store in one of the better Malls here in Pensacola. I purchased a bottle of wine which for now will just be added to my collection. We walked through the mall, and like always the Discovery Store is another one of our haunts. Mark purchased a Recorder, which he says in his younger years he was able to play.......time will tell, I will keep you posted on that endeavour. The Body n Bath shop was having a great sale, again Mark had the money out and picked up two glycerine soaps. We ventured into Best Buy, dreaming over the Flat Screen TV's, some pretty good prices right now, almost tempting.......almost. I was the one with the coin out this time, to add the Harry Potter "Sorciers Stone" to my collection. Being as it was late, we went to Steak n Shake for dinner....yeeeessss I had a chocolate milk shake, cause MY GAWD they are good there. Into Sams Club we went after eating, and then into Win Dixie for the rest of our grocery needs and home. Things put away, tea made :!: jammies on, here I sit. Phew...my poor feet are so so sore. I know am tired, and need to veg for a time before I turn out the lights. ***yawn***** boy what a day!! where did it go....and this was a day off....geesh....
Thought for the day: Because this made me chuckle....just a bit.....
"The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds; and the pessimist fears this is true." - James Branch Cabell
Some of you know my age, some don't, and some don't give a crap...hahahahahaha..... I have been told several times and by several people that I don't look old enough to have a 25 year old child, and I certainly DON"T act as OLD as I am. geesh!!! that makes me feel grand eh :roll: When the condo is 'full' to capacity, my routine in the a.m. is to walk the grounds and check things out. I look at the indoor and out door pools, I check the grassy areas, and the parking lot. I walk out onto the board walks and look back at the building observing the balconies and the property as a whole. I take note of any issues I think should be dealt, and most importantly I make my self visable to guests and staff, greeting them on such a wonderful day :!: I am known for being overly 'cheery' in the morning, I have been asked "what drugs are you on", and I have been told "you make me sick always smiling so damnd early" :!: :oops: hahahahaha....and I chuckle which makes those shake their heads as they walk away with our free coffee, back to the secure safe condo they can hide in until they are really ready to face me again...hahahahah geesh. Today, I was standing watching the surf, and the great numbers of people out on the beach so bright and early claiming 'their' little spot for the day. The Baseball Team was getting ready for their morning practice, all gathering in the lobby area. Standing on the board walk, holding my coffee in my hand, I was humming a song, "Good day Sunshine" yes, a Beatles song. I must of been swaying to my inner band, as one of the young 'beach boys' bringing ice out to the snow cone shack came up behind me ....."Miss Margo, I have heard you sing to Led Zepplin too....you can't be that old"......of course I'm not....Plante is much older then I! hahahahahahah.... I believe that one is only as "OLD" as they allow them selves to be, or feel. Our 'grey cells' happen to be the keeper of our ability to stay young. I might be a tad over 40 (cough...cough) but that does not mean I am DEAD, or can't have fun, can't laugh, or can't sing....(now Sis, stop it....I am not as bad as Cody!) My roll in life seems to be one of no matter what is going on, I must find a way to enable people to smile. Even in my own life, I will find that one thing that will get me to chuckle..............last year on the day I was at work and decided that I had to leave that very day for Canada as Mom was very sick, I stood in my office, eyes red from crying, looked at my front desk staff and said...."it is snowing in Canada.....I don't have boots or mitts, I am going to freeze!" It was said in humor, ment to lighten the mood, which it did. That is me. Not sure what got me off on this note tonight, other then I find listening to music a great joy, and I mean the Beatles, Led Zepplin, Blue Oyster Cult, Pink Floyd, Joe Walsh, I could go on and on.....hahahahahaha...However, having said that....my energy level is not that of my Sisters, Blou. I can't do the work out doors any more, my body aches too much when I give the rake a few pulls over the grass. My feel sweel, and I end up not being able to breath as my allergies start to give me shit!.....BUT.....who wants to do that crap when they are my age anyways!~!!!!!! better to at least have an excuse..and a good ONE.....hahahahahahahaha Mark has allowed ME to be ME....I do not have to hide who I am, I do not have to put on heirs....I don't have to be afraid him wanting to run and hide....he just shrugs and says..."thats my wife". Aint that just grand!
Thought for the day:I found this and thought it would appropriate given that I am supposed to be wearing ear plugs when around 'loud' noise, in wind and god forbid water!!!! Ear plugs....hahahahah thats what I wanted to buy today! ooopsy "The amount of noise which anyone can bear undisturbed stands in inverse proportion to his mental capacity." - Arthur Schopenhauer
This has been a busy day for me. I don't do well going up the stairs at work, and as we have 11 floors it is not the best option for me in this high humidity, however coming down them is at least a lot easier. If I need to go only to the 3 or maybe 4th floor, I took the stairs cause waiting for the elevator tried my patience :roll: Tonight my feet are asking me not to walk on them anymore, and my legs are in agreement to that request. On the way home I stopped at the grocery store and picked up Pillsbury biscuits and some Chocolate Peanut Butter Chunk ice cream! :!: :!: :!: Dinner is over and I hear the ice cream calling me. hahahahahahahaha...can't you hear it hahahaha :?: I want to be able to just veg this evening, with out having to think of anything special but most importantly I want my body to relax. While things are going a lot smother this June compared to last June, there is always "something" that comes up to test me. LOL!!! Picture me in my great big leather chair......with ottoman. It is a comfy place to sit and watch the telly, and enjoy ice cream!
Thought for the evening: "A wife lasts only for the length of the marriage, but an ex-wife is there for the rest of your life." - Jim Samuels
ahhhhhhhhh what a wonderful day....not sure where it went, but the 'work' part is over with. Today was hubbys turn to cook, which he did, and I hope he cleaned up the kitchen as I got up from the table and did not look back at the sink! hahahahah smart woman eh! Man it is so humid here. The condos are prespiring big time! The floors get damp just from opening up the main door. The water was just beautiful, the surf was up slightly which brought out some [url=http://www.legendarysurfers.c...]surfers[/url] . I love watching the water, never tire of it. There was a lot of air traffic today too :lol: [url=http://www.blueangels.navy.mi...]The Blue Angels [/url] were up in the air this morning, and all sorts of Army/Navy air traffic. The [url=http://www.uscgaux.org/~0810107/lighthouse.html]Coast Guard [/url] helicopters were going up and down the coast line all day too. Not looking for anything, just doing what they do....spend tax payers money training for the "just in case" time. This will have to be a short post as my fingers are telling me enough is enough. I suffer with [url=http://www.sover.net/~devstar/]Fibromyalgia[/u rl] , and for what ever reason, this humidity today has gotten to me. I am enjoying surfing others blogs for a change, seeing some pretty kewl backgrounds and templates I might add. I only leave a comment when I can leave a positive one. There is a saying "if you can't say anything good, then say nothing at all" and I believe in that as far as the internet goes. Mark is busy typing away on his puter in his office.....he had writers block at work today, which means he will be on the computer for hours doing his research and his typing. He was rummaging (is that a word) through his old family photos drawer...so it will be interesting in what he is going to post. He now has been at it for an hour at least. God, is there some one out there that needs a writer!? or and Editor?! cause he sure has missed his calling for as good as he does on here. Ok, away I go to get into my jammies and take my meds to ease my achesnpains.
Thought for the day:
"Every great mistake has a halfway moment, a split second when it can be recalled and perhaps remedied." - Pearl S. Buck
After a good long day at work, Mark picked me up ( I just didn't want to drive Buddy over the bridge in all the wind this a.m.) from work at 3:30 and as we entered the house I just thought of going to a movie. Schatze was going crazy as only Schatze can.....she is quite a trip that dog. We both changed cloths, gave the dogs more treats then I have had in a week! hahahahahahahah *clearing my throat here* and took off to see [url=http://harrypotter.warnerbros...]Harry Potter[/url] and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Last night I watched my newly purchased Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. I still want to find the first DVD, Harry Potter and the Sorcers Stone. and when the Prisoner of Azkaban comes out .....I would like it too. I am not sure what it is about Harry Potter, but I just get all absorbed in it. The movie I watched last night was what I expected it to be from reading the book, and the movie we saw today was fantastic. It is so weird how some scenes were exactly as what I had invisioned while readin the book, espically when Harry saw himself saving himself. (oops don't want to give anything away) The book and most definately the movie, grabbed me and I found myself wishing or wondering what it would be like if "wizzards" really existed. Like how cool would that be eh...can you imagine! Any way there could not have been anymor then 25 people IF that in the theatre tonight, however it was showing on some 5 different screens still. As much as I wanted to see Harry Potter, there was NO way I was going to be standing inline to get tickets, and fighting the crowds to get our favourite seat, which is right in front where the railing is there for your feet to rest on with NO heads in front of you! I will dream of flying and casting spells tonight! I can't wait for the next book to come out! Hurry hurry please. The sun came out just before noon today, and it turned out to be quite humid and warm, well it was that when pouring rain!! Tomorrow is 'hump' day, phew, can't wait for the weekend to see Shrek II.
Thought for the evening is in honour of Harry Potter: "Courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees all others." - Winston Churchill
Last year we paid about $8 a month to subscribe to [url=http://wwwa.accuweather.com/a...]Joe Bastardis [/url] Tropical Weather updates and weather forcasts. He is like ohhh so good, and right on the money. One of his sayings is..."if it looks like a duck, quack likes a duck, sounds like a duck....ITS A DUCK!" These guys say this system that is over us right now is NOT a tropical depression one minute, the argue the point the next. Bottom line....there is LOTS of rain, far more then one lousy inch which is all they are saying we are going to get in two days, and it has been raining NON stop since 9 p.m. last night! The wind gets pretty blustry at times, espically out on the island where I work, again....I keep saying the [url=http://www.wear3.com/]WEAR TV[/url] needs to put a camera and wind meter up on our roof cause there info is like WAY off base when it comes to the Key. But what do I know...I just live out here and work out here and oh ya.....I am a WOMAN!! I am a little ticked as security gave a guest my home phone number....actually I was more then just ticked. I called him and gave him a small piece of my mind as after this past weekend there ain't much left. hahahahah...and I will call his office tomorrow. I drove Mark to the Dental Surgeon today, all in vain as they did not remove his tooth. He needs to get on an atibiotic first as there is some damage to his bone structure, and then the tooth will be pulled the first of July. Waste of an afternoon for me in reality, but it was nice to come home after sitting in the Dental office for 1 and 1/2 hours waiting for Mark to come out with only a piece of paper in his hand and sitll the broken tooth IN his mouth. We got home and had left over ribs and fixings from last nights dinner. It was good and we both ate more then needed. However it was the only meal we ate all day, and we have not eaten since, cept for a piece of bundt cake which Mark also made yesterday. Oh he is like "oh so Martha, or [url=http://www.emerils.com/emeril...]Emeril[/url] " at times..and I wish he was more like "[url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/nak...]the naked chef" [/url]!!!! Oh Ya Baby!! hahahahahah It is now time for me to hit the sack, I am ever so tired lately, and have not gone visiting my friends on here today yet. Sorry guys, tomorrow is another day and I promise to catch up.
Thought for the day .....
"If you think women are the weaker sex, try pulling the blankets back to your side ." - Stuart Turner
Well we have our first [url=http://playlist.yahoo.com/mak...]Tropical Storm[/url] of the season in the Gulf of Mexcio. It will bring bands of rain, however it is expected to move towards the LA state other then to the Panhandle of Florida. Enjoy a weather update from Accu Weather.com from the link above. Now is the time for us to get out our 'storm' box and check for candles, batteries water and other such supplies. Cause ya just never know what Mother Nature is going to do to us this summer in the way of Tropical Storms and Hurricanes.
We are going to watch "Haunted Mansion" and veg as Mark was up ALL night doing his ribs in his new smoker. We had a good family dinner. The kids are all home ward bound now so we can rest for the remainder of the evening.
My thought to ponder this Sunday, is actually more of a personal feeling. Family....and Friends, the combination of the two important elements of our lives. Please take the time to enjoy and be thankful for both, and never, never take either for granted.
Not a long week, but I for one am glad it is Friday. I am waiting on Greygoat as my Sister calls him now to come home from work so we can run off to the car races. Mark works till 7:30 this evening....long day for him.
Because of our evening activities, this post is going to be short and to the point. My dogs are in the need for attention, espically Schatze who keeps pestering me to play. I think she needs kids to keep her occupied or at most get her tired.
Again this morning at 6 a.m. Schatze comes bounding up on the bed expecting to wake us up. A resounding "NO SHCATZE" comes from Mark, which startles the crap outa me. The one thing she has going for her is she is cute. Before Mark makes his way into bed at night. he makes sure Schatze has been outdoors to do her 'potty'. He stands out there with her because she is either night blind, or just affraid of the dark! or a combination of both. This has me feeling sorry for her.
Thought for the day is rather a fitting one for me: "If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich." - John F. Kennedy
Charles died of acute liver disease at his Beverly Hills home at 11:35 a.m., surrounded by those he loved.
Blind by age 7 and an orphan at 15, the gifted pianist and saxophonist spent his life shattering any notion of musical categories and defying easy definition. One of the first artists to record the "blasphemous idea of taking gospel songs and putting the devil's words to them," as legendary producer Jerry Wexler once said, Charles' music spanned gospel, R&B, soul, rock 'n' roll, country, jazz, big band and blues.
Charles, who was divorced twice and single since 1952, was survived by 12 children, 20 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A memorial service was planned for next week at Los Angeles' First AME Church, with burial afterward at Inglewood Cemetery. (Associated Press writer Dave Zelio contributed this report and I found it posted on Yahoo...this is not the entire report)
It is so very sad when we loose such a talent, espically when it is the likes of Ray Charles, John Lennon, John Denver, George Harrison to name just a few. Some struck down in the prime of their lives, others having lived a full life with many hardships along the way.
Music is the ONE thing that connects time with event, we remember our past through music, at least I do. I hear a song, and my mind slips back to another place in time when that song was first popular, or I first heard it.
Music makes us smile, laugh, and cry all at the same time. Music can heal the deepest cut, and can damage your heart for ever.
I love music. I enjoy humming a tune, and there are days when I can start singing a song off the last word you speak. (well Mark enjoys my singing!) I have been known to get into my PT Cruiser, turn on the tunes, and drive just to listen to music.
Remember this great man tonight, and some of your favourites that have gone before him.
Thought for the day: "Every murderer is probably somebody's old friend." - Agatha Christie
Come on now.....this is a FAMILY blog!!! Thank goodness the middle of the week has past us and we move on to the day before TGIF!!!! :shock: The phones at work today were non stop. The poor girl on the Front Desk was beside herself :!: I ordered pizza with cheese bread for our lunch...however between the two of us...we ate COLD pizza, and I don't care for cold pizza :? The weather was beautiful, the Ocean was awesome today. Not a lot of waves, just enough to let your mind wander :roll: which mine had NO time to do. Upon coming home I ignored the kitchen floor. Yes, Schatze has dirt every where, however she is ignoring the frayed ends of what flooring remains. Guess thats good, but now it would be nice to have her continue ripping up the floor so we don't have to...hahahahaha...see never satisfied am I :roll: I tried calling my two sons, but they were not home from their work day yet. My youngest had sent me an email which got me wanting to hear their voices. My Dad in his effort to inform them about MY Uncle John being very ill,(their Great Uncle, brother to my Dad) confused them into thinking it was MY brother that was sick. Worried that I was the one mistaken (yess our family does get things all screwed up at times) called Blou to make sure it was Dad's misinformation and not my mistake.......phew....did you follow that...hahahah Well my oldest called me first. Sean sounded very satisfied and happy. Things are going very well for him, and for that I am so pleased. I called Ryan for the second time, and caught him just before running out to get "food" :lol: They were going to BBQ I believe. I set him straight, which while it made him feel a bit more at ease that it was not my brother, it made him understand how Grandpa seemed frazzled the last time he was talking to him. Ryan is going to be coming here the end of July, and he said Sean mentioned coming with :!: :!: :!: :D like that would be just awesome. Away from the puter I ventured to sit and relax for a few hours. I found my self watching the placement of President Regan in the Rotunda for the next 30 plus hours. I watched Nancy sitting listening, well trying to listen. She looked so very tired and worn out, and old. I know she is 82, but the last time I saw her on the telly, she did not look old, today she showed her age. This extra ceramony has to have a toll on the family. I feel for them. Mark is wanting to know what to cook in his new smoker on Sunday, he has invited the daughter in laws over for dinner....Jenny with Hoot, Dianne with DK. The boys are out at sea. We need to get together more as a family. Having said that, with us starting to rip up our kitchen, I am not going to want to have family dinners here for a while. Now to contend with my boys being here the end of July will be fun....thank god we have the trailer! I am wanting to hit the bed early this evening. My ear is more uncomfy now then it was when I first got home, so going to bed will be and end to a busy day and ear ache if lucky. Have a wonderful rest of the evening, and in case I don't see you.....a super duper tomorrow.
Thought for the day:
"Jogging is very beneficial. It's good for your legs and your feet. It's also very good for the ground. It makes it feel needed" - Charles M. Schulz
A peacefull day, and to be able to say that given where I work is something :!: :roll: There is always something going on, and sometimes it is a good something and sometimes it is a something you would rather NOT be around for. Working for a Condo is never a dull moment, espically when it is ON the Gulf of Mexico. Today my hubby called and could not get a hold of me, so left a message with the front desk clerk that there had been a shark attack down the beach from us at another Condo. Well, needless to say before she delivered the message to me, she called her son. We heard the sirens, saw the helicpoters fly by, and as it turns out...some sorry piece of crap called in a hoax. Now this shit aint funny, and we only hope that they are able to catch the low life that made the call. Since I have lived here in Florida, I have been working ON the beach. My first job here was running a little store selling ice cream, sodas, snackies etc. It is amazing how many people would ask "are there sharks in the water today".....Noooooo we locked em up just for you....only let them out after 5 to feed.....what the heck people....are ya nuts! This is the truth....there are a large number of tourists that believe the marine life only comes out after or before the sun shines down on us, or that the marine life is only in a "certain" area. The shark attacks that have occured since I have been here, happened because the swimmer was in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you are in the water and see a lot of what we call "feeder" fish swimming around...GET OUT, something is chasing them. Do not swim around sun set, and do not swim around those that are fishing. And, it pisses me off when fishermen set up their lines around swimmers. Don't get me wrong, I am not making light of this issue, I am trying to put it into perspective. The big fish is hungry, it is chasing it's food, you get into the middle of it's dinner, and YOU become dinner....makes sence to me. Last summer we had a case where this woman was walking along the shore line. She felt that she was being followed. She stopped and noticed a large fish off shore, as she looked harder, she became aware that it was a shark. She was not shaken, as she was only ankle deep, but stepped back up onto the pure dry sand. She continued her walk only to become aware that it was the shark that was following her. She stopped so did the shark. She thought it was time to head back, she turned around....SO DID THE SHARK :shock: Straight to Mark's little hut she went and reported this. Now the same week, I had a man and his little one playing along the waters edge. The little one was making a castle just along the waters edge. The man noticed a shark just about 15 feet in front of his little one....just there .....not moving, watching, or so it seemed to be watching HIS little boy.....the man pulled the child away from the waters edge, the shark swam away.
Thought for the day: =http://img31.photobucket.com/...%20n%20Bars/imaster.gif
"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow." - Helen Keller
We have not seen this movie yet, my sister Blou has and she loved it! Do you prefer the trailer to open intantly or do you prefer to click to go to it? Let me know please!!!!! Today was a "MONDAY" at work, and thats bout all I care to say bout that! hahahahahahah Mark works late so it was a peanut butter sandwich for me this evening, I paid the bills, folded the last load of dry cloths, should sweep the kitchen out as Schatze has again enough sand in there to pot a small plant!!! We are deffinatle going to clear out the garage and put a small A/C unit in the window for the dogs to reside in over the summer....I am not going to have to contend with this for the rest of my life with Schatze, not going to happen, I will ship her to WI to live with Marks Mom first!! hahahahahahah I don't feel great, been not 100% all day, sinus issues and my ears, I can take one or the other, but not both at the same time. I am sucking on Cheetos as chewing them hurts my ear. oh well, as my Memere would say...."c'est la vie".
Thought for the day:
"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I intended to be." - Douglas Adams
Van Helsing Watch a slideshow of the storyboard for the opening sequence from 'Van Helsing.' This modern-day "creature feature" stars Hugh Jackman as a world famous monster killer, and Kate Beckinsale, who has inherited a serious monster problem. I have removed the self loading trailer as I can only have ONE working. This should take you to the trailer online: [url=http://playlist.yahoo.com/mak...]LINK[/url]
hahahahaha not what you would think peoples! Mark got him a new "New Brunswick Smoker" today :lol: He is all excited now. Next weekend we will have the girls over for a BBQ or shall I say...dinner..and I know it will be something smoked :!: We went to Lowes to get this smoker, and got caught in the rain on the way home with the new smoker in tow strapped down in the back of Marks 350 Limo! hahahaha The sun did come out and is is humid as heck. Our shopping all done, I am doing laundry. I have not finished my house work, and cringe at the thought of pulling out the darn vacuum cleaner. I have gotten at least our bedroom dusted and the bathrooms cleaned. The wash will be all done however the ironing will not. Whats wrong with this picture here! hahahahah Mark and I enjoy quite often watching "[url=http://www.g4techtv.com/show....]The Screen Savers[/url]" a show not just on computer stuff, but much of the up and coming Teck gadgets. I fond Leo Laports blog site and on it found this kewl Beatles link. It is a flash video with them singing [url=http://62.210.133.184/melon/c...]Come Together[/url]. You must go see this, it is so kewl, turn up the volume enjoy the music and watch them preform ....llet me know what you think. Have a great evening, and in case I don't see you.....a wonderful tomorrow.
Thought to ponder on this fine Sunday evening: "If you do not tell the truth about yourself you cannot tell it about other people." -Virginia Woolfe
What a nice day. Mark and I started off once again with breakfast...well at least for me....at Cracker Barrel, yep I had the pancakes with hot apples and whip creme, while Mark went for the coutry fried steak, or was that country fried chicken...any way it was yummie, long wait, but yummie. Can't wait for the darn tourists to GO HOME :!: :roll: We went to Lowes, but had to run home as Mark and I forgot the one drawing that was needed to speak to the cabinet people. We met with such a wonderful woman when we returned to Lowes. She spent 4 hours with us, and went over everything. Wow, they have a great person in her. We made the right choice sticking with Lowes. We had ventured into Home Depot, and the guy tried to catch us, but we did not bite. I am going to be so happy with this new kitchen I think. The colors and everything are great. It is the place one spends the most of their time in when home, and it is the one thing that everyone entering the house will see. Any way, it will take a couple of weeks for things to firm up. We are watching the hockey game, it is in the second period of overtime, so I must run while I can. In case I don't see you, have a safe and happy Sunday.
Thought to ponder this fine evening" "Don't go on looking at me like that, because you'll wear your eyes out." - Emile Zola
We went to see the movie [url=http://www.thedayaftertomorro...] "The Day After Tomorrow"[/url] this evening. I thought it was just an awesome movie. Of course Mark and I enjoy those schi fi types of movies, and the 'what if' movies of the future. We had a great discussion of what we would have done being in that situation, and found ourselves burning furniture instead of books! hahahahahahah...I mean really :shock: It is a must see movie in my books. WOW the people lined up to see Harry Potter was like ...crazy. There were more cars there then I have ever seen :!: parked up on the grass, and where ever a place could be found with out getting a ticket...cops all over the place too I might add. The movie we saw was almost empty. I believe Harry Potter was on 6 other theaters, of course the Rave is like up to some 30 theaters under one roof now. Awesome place the Rave! Tomorrow we will get up and I think go out for breakie again......those pancakes with hot apples and whip creme are calling me.....can you hear them....are they calling you too....hahahahah shuddup Sis:!: Well it is tea time here in the Rathbun home, so I must get it as Mark is lost in his writing,,,,,what else is new. I am going to have to put a lock on his door in order to get any work done IN MY KITCHEN! Maybe we will see Van Helsink or what ever....or Shrek tomorrow....hahahahahah....after we go and talk to the guys at Lowes about ordering kitchen cabinets eh.... Ok, have a great evening, and in case I don't see you...a super Saturday!
Thought for the moment:roll:
"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." - Henry David Thoreau
Sorry all, it is late and we are watching the hockey game, I snuck in to have a washroom break and the puter called to me....reeeely I could hear it saying...."Magoooooooo you neeeeeed to post somthin" So here I am postin. 8) Wow today was a wicked day :!: We got this storm that sort of s n u c k up on us, and the wind gusts were like in the 45mph range :!: Couldn't see the Ocean for love nor money.....(wow, where did that come from....MOM are you here with me?) I did not feel like cooking when I got home, tired, and just felt yuckie, not to mention the ears were throbbing just a bit, so good old Ceaser salad kit was opened and tossed and thrown in front of poor Grey. He had a bowl of popcorn tonight so he aint gonna fade away :roll: hahaha and he shares with the puppies...Schatze is a PIG!!! Now, enjoy the thought for the day, I am going to try and mkae this a routine post here.....and have a great rest of the evening...GO FLAMES!!!!! and in case I don't see you...Happy Friday to ya'll :!:
"I never drink water - look at the way it rusts pipes." - W.C. Fields
Thank you islandArtist for the rendition of ME.....Lucille Ball...funny you say that...I have a Lucy doll. I posted it waaaay back when my sister was here in March. She cleaned it all up for me and brought it here. Anyway, this is kewl that you thought to draw Magoo! Wednesday being what they call 'hump' day is finally over with. I had my Dr's visit today to go over my MRI. They found nothing...well of course my brilliant brain...but nothing that would turn a light bulb on and show them what is causing my ear aches. I got a little upset, and got rather verbal with this ENT Dr. at which time another Dr. entered the room. I simply told them that I was IN pain, and it was my understanding that no one leaves with out being treated for pain....and damn it I need some help. hahahahahah.... Well as it turns out, my ear has scare tissue damage, which in turn is being irrated by my sinus issues which are all flared up! Drops, for nose and ears, Allegra by mouth ( like they really had to spell that out for me) NO water in my ears, not even when showering...like that will be NOT fun, and ear plugs to be worn when windy or subject to loud noises :!: :shock: This is helping me??? The Dr. did say I did not have to go through family practice any moer to see him, that I could just call directly and make an appointment when I am having discomfort....or things are not improving. I am at a loss. I will try the drops, and the plugs, but frankly, these are going to be a pain in the @ because how do you measure what is loud :?: or too loud :?: :!: I am no further off now then I was back in January when this all started, the only thing that came out of today was.....I have a Normal brain, and not the Abby normal brain.....I was reading the print out from my MRI scan waiting on the Dr. and the word I was looking for out of all the words that seemed to be 34 charaters in length was 'normal' and I could picture Marty Feldman with his buggy eyes....saying..."this brain belonged to Abby Normal".....hahahahahahahaha I know I am sick, but everyone that knows me is aware of that fact. Have a great evening, and if I don't see you....a wonderful tomorrow.
Thought to ponder: couldn't believe this came up today of all days!
"Do not trust your memory; it is a net full of holes; the most beautiful prizes slip through it." - Georges Duhamel
Markus, this award is for you. You have touched many people through your blog. Not all leave comments, but the traffic that you have been getting is obvious word of mouth has served you well. You have put your heart and soul into your transcripts, and have been loyal even on the days when TBlog was going through some difficult issues. One never knows what will be written, one can only be sure it will be informative, well thought out, and will get the "grey" cells working. Even the humour is deep! Congratulations Mark, keep up the
We have had it pretty dry here in Paradise lately. No rain at all, and the few bits of rain we did have was only a tease :!: The problem is, with things being SO dry, when we get a storm with [url=http://www.azstarnet.com/anub...]lightning[/url] the strike starts a fire. Last year we had two major fires start due to lightning strikes. On one we lost power for the better part of 48 hours. That fire was started under a main power tower, and of course it happened on a busy holiday weekend, resulting in unhappy vacationers that paid good money to have fun on the beach in a relaxing Condo..now with out power! Oh well!!! Any way the point of this is last night and ALL of today, we have had some good, and very much needed rain. The thunder boomers are HUGE too I might add, the ground trembles under foot for several seconds. The loud bangs are the kind that make you jump and if you were a cat...end up with claws into the ceiling :shcok: I spotted a few [url=http://www.usatoday.com/weath...]water spouts [/url] today, they are pretty kewl to watch spin and form, only to break apart and start to form again. Again, no matter what the weather, the beach is so very pretty. Mother Nature has a way to keep the awe in every thing she does :!: :roll:
A thought to ponder..........
"Puritanism- The haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy." - Henry Louis Menchken
Check out the new Baby Elephant born April 22, 2004
I love Elephants. My fasination with this animal has gained me some 500 plus collectables of many different kinds. I have glass, wood, porclin, silver, bronze, copper, jade, crystal, clay, stuffed elephants, not to mention my jewellery and dresses and oh yes purses.
I love Elephants. My fasination with this animal has gained me some 500 plus collectables of many different kinds. I have glass, wood, porclin, silver, bronze, copper, jade, crystal, clay, stuffed elephants, not to mention my jewellery and dresses and oh yes purses.
CLICK HERE!
On July 1, 2004 
I am not exactly sure why, but for some reason I am or was feeling very Canadian today.
"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it's time to pause and reflect."
I am not quite sure that I ever had the pleasure of being on an Elephants back before. If I had, you would think it would stand out in my mind, and it would be a place I would travel back to and enjoy.
Here you see Tina and Mary doing what the truely enjoy doing....making the crowd around them tell them how pretty they are, and how smart they are. Yes, you could see the sparkle in Tina's eye, when I and everyone else praised her. Feeding her ego! hahaha...I could have stood and watched them for hours, however my hubby reminded me that the others were getting a bit restless, and maybe it was time to move on. hahahaha...like I said, I am known to be a bit anal when it comes to certain things.
Well, no Hooters race this evening for "Mark" the lightning Rod Rathbun!!! hahahahahah
A good day at work, NO lightning, there fore no unhappy guests :!: the indoor pool was full again today. It is so hard to get some of the Condo owners to understand that the indoor pool is used just as much as the out door pool in the summer if not more. The sun shone brightly all day, phew...what a relief 8) 
Some of you know my age, some don't, and some don't give a crap...hahahahahaha.....
ahhhhhhhhh what a wonderful day....not sure where it went, but the 'work' part is over with. Today was hubbys turn to cook, which he did, and I hope he cleaned up the kitchen as I got up from the table and did not look back at the sink! hahahahah smart woman eh!
A peacefull day, and to be able to say that given where I work is something :!: :roll: 
Thank you islandArtist for the rendition of ME.....Lucille Ball...funny you say that...I have a Lucy doll. I posted it waaaay back when my sister was here in March. She cleaned it all up for me and brought it here. Anyway, this is kewl that you thought to draw Magoo! 
Markus, this award is for you. You have touched many people through your blog. Not all leave comments, but the traffic that you have been getting is obvious word of mouth has served you well. You have put your heart and soul into your transcripts, and have been loyal even on the days when TBlog was going through some difficult issues. One never knows what will be written, one can only be sure it will be informative, well thought out, and will get the "grey" cells working. Even the humour is deep!