Goodbye Vacation

We've had an absolutely lovely vacation! I think it was the most relaxing and well-timed respite we've had in a long while. The weather was magnificent. We were able to clean out the garage and work in the yard - but we didn't overdo it. Did dinner with friends and had a basketball game party today to watch Florida defeat Temple - Go Gators! Yes, we're well aware UConn is up next. But the win was good - we needed that after the way we finished the season.

We walked with the dogs and by ourselves. Took Peanut to the park for some good exercise and ball fetching. We had no demands on our time and it was wonderful. I do feel energized and am looking forward to the rest of spring.

Gotta go - there's more basketball to watch!

Spring is here...reprise

Potted a bunch of flowers yesterday - they are so pretty...enjoy.

Happy Birthday, Mir

Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday to Mir.
Happy Birthday to you.

Love, me

Lisa it's your Birthday!

Please join Bart Simpson and me in wishing Lisa a very Happy Birthday!
Love ya!

Spring is here....

We're on vacation this week - worked in the yard this morning trimming back bushes and spreading mulch...this old body feels...old.

Sunday we cleaned out the garage - took a truck load of stuff to Leveda Brown, the transfer station and the dump. My dream car is a Miata - but it can't haul loads like the truck can. Guess the Miata will have to wait.

The orange tree is in full bloom and the fragrance of the blossoms is heavenly. Wish you could scratch and sniff.

Vote NO on Charter Amendment One

The election is Tuesday, March 24. Early voting beings March 16 - 21 at the Alachua County Administration Building (12 SE 1st Street).



I take this amendment very personally, please vote NO.

Brrrr...March Couldn't Come Soon Enough

We visited the in-laws in Ocala this weekend. The picture is of a poinsettia mamacita is growing in her screened porch.

It's been a quiet weekend. The women's basketball team lost to Georgia today. They're still going to be 4th seed in the conference tourney - but their skid at the end of the season does not bode well. Coach needs to find a way to make this team play with intensity and get fired up.

Since we took Peanut with us yesterday to Ocala, we took the big dogs on a walk today to NE Park and let them run free in the ballfield. It was a beautiful day even with the chill and wind.

I've been trying to do some research on the history of our house. I've been able to get some info online using some digital records, but I'm afraid I might have to hit the library to get a look at microfiche or something. Members of our neighborhood association are interested in learning more about our homes - our goal is to put together a web site with the information we find and share with those interested.

Time to iron clothes and get ready for the week.

The Wonder of Wonder Bread

Last week we had the unfortunate occasion to test the wonder of Wonder bread.

Boxer, our oldest and, we used to think, wisest, decided that he would attempt to eat the foil grease catcher from the grill. We're not actually sure which dog removed the pan from the grill. Mind you, this grill has been sitting in the same spot, covered when we're not using it, for years. For some reason, one or two of the dogs decided to go underneath the cover and remove the pan. All Miriam knew was that she saw Boxer licking at something and went to investigate. What she found was the tin foil pan with the bottom gone. It was nowhere to be found - the logical conclusion was that it was now in Boxer's stomach.

A call to the vet resulted in a run to the store to get a loaf of Wonder bread with orders to feed one half of the loaf to each dog that ate the foil. Supposedly, the bread would wrap itself around the foil and, hopefully, protect Boxer's innards from the foil as it passed through his digestive system. Just to be on the safe side, Peanut was also fed the bread in case she had also consumed the tin foil. Watch for diarrhea, lethargy and vomiting we were advised. I worked from home that day so I could keep an eye on them.

Friends, Romans and countrywomen, Wonder bread is an amazing product! Two days later, Boxer was pooping tin foil beautifully wrapped by other fecal material. And let me say that this tin was stiff and sharp. Boxer was very fortunate to have been able to safely pass this stuff.

So, all is well now. We have determined that Boxer isn't as smart as we would like to believe he is - but he is, still, our Prince.

Welcome, Gator!

Congratulations to my niece who was just accepted to the University of Florida!

Throat is Sore and Hands are Swollen

Well, gator fans, if you did not see the game then you missed a humdinger - it was fantastic! A crowd of over 8000 showed up. And we were loud! I do believe that the crowd noise was a huge factor the last six minutes of the game- especially for the Florida defense.

Oh, yea, we won 66-57. We still can't get over it. Fantastic. Here are a few shots - we need a better camera - one with a faster shutter speed and response. But, for now, this is what we got.

Sha posed for a picture during warm-ups.

Sha stopped by the club tent before dressing out for the game.

Join the Backcourt Club! we have lots of fun all season long.

We were too busy watching the game to take any game shots. It was fun, mon.

It's Saturday Morning

Miriam's gone to work. I'm sitting here paying some bills and downloading some ringtones. Psyching myself up to start laundry and clean the kitchen.

Hey gator fans - don't forget tomorrow's game against Tennessee. The game starts at 5pm but the gates open at 3:30pm. Yes, I'll be there when the gates open - I want primo seats. The picture was taken at the last home game from my phone. It's a timeout huddle. See the empty seats? We want them all filled.



I'm getting ticked off with the Gainesville Sun over their lack of coverage for the women's team. This team is breaking all kinds of records - and I wouldn't be surprised if Amanda Butler wins coach of the year. (Last year Van Chancellor won coach of the year and even he indicated it should have been Butler) But the testosterone laden sports page of the GSun seems to treat the women's team as an afterthought. Several years ago I wrote a letter to the sports editor and he was very pissy - I'll do it again this year and if he's still pissy I'll cancel the subscription.

I've procrastinated long enough - laundry here I come.

Faint of heart? Avert your eyes...now...do not look at the picture!

I'm fascinated by my finger injury. I've gotten over the emotional trauma of it - well, most of it, I think. I still have a ways to go before the finger function is back to "normal" - I'm hopeful that the sensitivity will improve with time because I have lots of plans for this little digit.

The appearance of the finger is something I'm getting used to - especially now that the nail is gone. I've been advised that there is a small chance that it could try to grow back if all the nail cells weren't removed. Let's hope that doesn't happen.

My next task is to straighten out the finger and the two surrounding it. I'm forgoing conventional physical therapy for therapeutic massage therapy. I went to a physical therapist but had little improvement. I went to a trusted massage therapist and made measureable progress. Interstingly, I've never been an "alternative" medicine type of person. But when I had my frozen shoulder, it was massage therapy that worked, not physical therapy. So, my eyes have opened a little wider and I'm less likely to just go the traditional route if a better, but alternative, route exists.

I've rambled on and I need to get back to work. Here's a pic of my finger taken last night. Click on the picture to get up close and personal.



Later.

A Little Disappontment

I am back from the doctor. My stitches are NOT ready to come out - need to give it another week! I was so disappointed. The good thing is the bandages are off - I was able to view the site - kind of interesting looking. I don't have to put my hand in a ziploc when I shower - so, that's a good thing. But I was ready for this to be over. I'll just keep some light dressing on it and look forward to next Wednesday when we'll try again.

It's quite cold outside - not even the dogs want to stay outside for too long. At least the sun is out.

Did I tell you that we subscribed to Netflix? We're working our way through Boston Legal. Netflix was cheaper and more convenient than driving to a video rental store. Since the mail is going to be delivered anyway, why not throw a dvd in there. We've also enjoyed watching some movies and tv shows online. Maybe cutting cable will be in our future?

My lunch is finished and it's time to get back to work. No picture today - sorry, I like visuals myself. But I need to take the camera out - didn't think to take a pic of my finger - maybe I will next time I undress it.

Later.

This and That

Tomorrow I go to get the bandage and stitches removed from my injury site. I'm looking forward to it being over with. I know that I will need months, maybe a year, before sensation returns to normal (if it ever does). My guitar sits in a corner forlorn and neglected. Miriam said the sweetest thing to me the other day, "I miss you playing." I've found a finger pick that may allow me to play classical again. Soon, I hope, soon.

The UF women's basketball team is playing so well this year. Thursday they play Alabama at Alabama. Then they come home Sunday to play Tennessee. ESPN2 is going to carry the game nationally - hey fans, game starts at 5pm, but doors open at 3:30pm. We'll be there when the doors open. There will be special reserved seating for BCC members - and remember to stand for the first four minutes. Go Gators!

I'm one of those State Farm casualties. Have had both home and car with State Farm for about 18 years. They've never paid a claim on my behalf. And now, they're ditching me. Nat, correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the whole concept of insurance was to spread the risk. And yet, it appears that State Farm, along with a bunch of other companies, has actually concentrated the risk by creating a separate Florida company. Anyway, I'm am starting to look around - both lines of business will be moved - State Farm will lose my car, as well. Bastards. It's my blog - I can say this. Apologies to the children


And now to top it all off, Microsoft has fired the Flight Simulator developers! What is the world coming to?

Later gators.

Secretary Clinton's Welcome to State

I was sitting here recuperating today and I decided to do what most people would do and surf our government sites. I was particularly amazed at the very warm reception Sec. Clinton received upon her arrival at State. To me, it's an indication just how very difficult things were under the previous administration. I encourage you to view, at least part of, the video.



I think most of us have felt what these people felt with the inauguration of President Obama.

Hail to the Chief!

Why are my clothes tight?

Click the image to view larger size so you can read it.

Go Gators!

'Nuff said.

Friday At The Park

We took Peanut to NE Park in order to get her some exercise. It was a lovely day and she got a good workout.

A couple of weeks ago we watched the show "Boston Legal" for the first time. A friend of ours had recommended it a while ago - and now we know why. It's a hoot! We've rented the first and second seasons and have enjoyed every episode - with no commercials! If you've never seen it - and you like witty dialog - do yourself a favor and watch an episode - you'll be hooked.

Miriam has requested dinner at 5pm, so I'm off to the kitchen to prepare the wings and sauce - yes, we're having buffalo wings - yummo!

Later gators!

Happy New Year!

We're optimistic that 2009 will be better than 2008. Let's all think collective positive thoughts for this year.

Mir and I have had the week off - overall, it's been pretty nice - the weather has cooperated and we've been able to relax quite a bit - after this past year, we needed some real relaxation time. Unfortunately, Mir has to go back to work tomorrow, but I'll keep the home fires burning.

We've been able to walk the dogs everyday. This pic is from a walk we did around Lake Alice - it was a beautiful day.

The UF Women's basketball team has been playing very well so far this year. If you get the chance, go watch some of their games. We've finally started going again - and always have a great time.

The lights come down today. New Year's day officially ends the holiday season for us. We didn't do a tree this year and decorated minimally - so, cleanup will be a snap - just how I like it.

For New Year's Eve, we opted to stay home - had an invite to a party but worry about the dogs kept us home - and a good thing we were there - the fireworks were greater this year than last and the doggies got anxious - so, I sat with Peanut and Mir sat with the big dogs - after about a half hour the worst was over. We watched movies and drank some really good champagne. Not a bad ending to 2008.

Well, I need to take a shower, get dressed and take the doggies for a walk.

Best wishes for a happy 2009!