"Holiday...Celebrate....."

Sweet! This is my big reward for going out shopping this Sunday at the Disabled Veteran's Store!!! Many others shopped Black Friday or visited the mall...not me, I was at the thrift store and the deals were flowing! I say it is truly a higher form of re-cycling!

This very special, 1959 copy write, 7th printing ( 1968) cost me twenty-five cents! Yes $0.25!!! and it is in perfect condition!!! I love it!! And just in time for the Holidays!!! Wow, I am a lucky girl!!! ( my husband thinks he is a lucky man to be married to a gal that shops the flea markets and is thrilled with a 25 cent cookbook!)

A wonderful addition to my vintage cookbook collection!

"Holiday"..take some time to celebrate! Click on the Grooveshark link!

Boat Owners

Have you heard the comment, "The happiest two days in a boat owner's life. the day he bought it and the day he sold it!"???

Well, bye bye little boat. Today it went to a buyer out of Minnesota. He was absolutely thrilled! Drove all the way from Minnesota to buy this sweet Laser Vaga. And my husband was equally thrilled, because now he gets to start looking for a replacement boat. Those of you that know Doc, he love to negotiate a deal on a boat as much as he loves to sail! I have actually lost count of how many boats he has bought and sold!!!

And then there is me, who likes to hang on to things forever....like my 1959 Winnie, case in point!!! It made me sad to see the boat pull out of the driveway but my husband's smile and excitement over beginning the next boat search balanced the moment!!!

So stay tuned! I would predict, by the spring 2010 sailing series, there will be another boat in our life!!

Click on Sloop John B "Hoist up the John B sail, see how the mains'l sets"

"Away from Her"

"Away from Her" , a movie, was given to me by a friend. Wow....watch it, she was right...it is a powerful movie, guaranteed to open some dialogue between you and your husband, significant other and/or family.

Being a nurse, working with Alzheimer's patients, I thought i had reviewed every angle but this movie provides even more insight into the strange and disturbing disease..how will your family cope if it should affect you?Probably a good thing to talk about and explore, even as painful as it may be.

click on grooveshark "Helpless" Crosby Stills Nash and Young

Thanks Sheryl # 777... a soul stirring movie!

Hippy Chick!

When we were riding out bikes through Key West recently, I spotted this RV. I looked everywhere for the owner, because I already knew...I gotta have it!!! I wish I could have seen the inside, although it was probably pretty rough! A fixer upper I bet!!!

I took this pic because now I am inspired! I have decided this is my next purchase and in fact I have even found the RV... just haven't told my husband yet!!!
And I was really hoping to wait one more year..it fits into our time- line much better!!!

I have found an older model like this one, low mileage in really good shape! But I know there will be lots of opportunities to find one...it seems they are very available! I think families purchase these recreational vehicles with high hopes of hitting the "open road"! However, often life gets in the way, we put our plans n ice, at least temporarily and sometimes permanently.

I have used my little Winnie far more then I ever thought I would. I can say I am almost obsessive about planning and wishing for the next trip. Tonight I brousing the internet, looking at the Missouri State Parks and laying out camping plans for 2010. One float trip already scheduled and a lot of camping in the early planning stage.

"Baby, you can drive my car!" ( RV!!!) Click on Grooveshark!!!

Trudy, my friend, a police widow

This is Trudy! ...she has a beautiful smile. But she has a sad story..she is a police widow. Her husband was killed in 1998 by a drunk driver, who injured three other people in his drunken killing spree. His blood alcohol level was greater then three times the legal limit one hour after the accident! And he has served 10 years of his sentence..he is seeking parole, he has not shown remorse, taken the alcohol abuse classes or accepted responsibility for what he did!! We believe he should serve his entire sentence, for justice to be served. Officer Tom, put his life on the line every day to serve his community and ensure our safety. Now it is time for us to ensure that his killer serve his sentence as decided by the jury in a court of law. PLEASE click on the web site and sign the petition..it only takes a few minutes!!

Think about Officer Tom..what if he had been your husband? Your brother? Your son?
Let's send a strong message that our judicial system must prevail!! Let's keep the drunken drivers off the streets!!!

Her letter:
On January 12, 2010 our family has the unfortunate experience of facing another parole hearing for inmate Larry Bittick. On January 14, 1998 at 10:54 AM Larry while driving approximately 80 mph and 3 times the legal limit killed my husband Officer Thomas R. Meyers with the Kansas City Missouri Police Department. We feel it is extremely necessary that we work hard to get the support of the community with this being a 12 year hearing. Missouri Department of Corrections Division of Probation & Parole has agreed to accept our website of names as an acceptable petition. There is additional info/links on the website concerning Officer Tom Meyers and the inmate, if after reading you feel that you can support the Meyers Family we would be enormously grateful. Please forward this email to family, friends and Tom’s Law Enforcement brothers and sisters. State of Missouri accepts signatures from out of state and country

www.saferbehindbars.com click over to the right for a direct link!!!!

THANK YOU for your time.
Trudy Meyers
trudy.meyers@policesurvivors.net

Our "Place" in Key West

Most of you now how much Doc and I love Key West. A few years ago we received notice of a really neat promotion on property in the island. And made of brick! Of course Doc was all over it, bought it sight unseen and couldn't wait to show it to me!!

It was an anniversary present and I was totally surprised!!! Also, I was very happy to find out that Doc had only spent about one hundred dollars instead of one million dollars! I don't know, call me crazy but it just seemed to fit into our budget more comfortably!! LOL

Our property.. a brick in the park by Mallory Square!! And the proceeds from the sales of the commemorative bricks were dedicated to the upkeep and restoration of the statues in the park.

So when we travel to Key West, this is always one of our first stops! It just feels good knowing we have a little "place" there! Some where to go visit and stay a while!

Click on "She's a brick house!" and get ready to boogie down!

St Mary, Star of the Sea

St Mary Star of the Sea....."Since it first shed it's light in Key West it has like a star of the sea to the wandering mariner, been a star of hope and comfort in times of despair and sorrow and a star of joy to those who have lived in it's teachings"


The Star of the Sea Catholic Church....so pretty, we always make a point of riding our bikes over, walking the grounds and peeking in the doors, between Mass. It is considered the oldest Catholic Parish in South Florida.

On October 25,1901, Father Friend S.J. purchased a parcel of land for $8,000, on Windsor Lane. The new Catholic Church was dedicated on August 20, 1905. The stone blocks used to build the church were cut from the coral rock, dug from the ground where the church stands.

On May 25, 1922 Sister Gabriel designed a Grotto out of natural rock which was gathered on the school grounds just adjacent to the church. Sister Gabriel had survived three major, devastating storms ( 1909,1910 and 1919) in Key West. She built the Grotto to seek protection from Our Blessed Mother Mary against any further storms or hurricanes. She said, "Key West would never experience the full brunt of a hurricane as long as the Grotto stood". There has not been a devastating storm on the island since that time, 1922!

When you visit the Grotto you will find many candles lit with prayers for protection of Key West. It is a very touching memorial.

A very pretty "Star of the Sea" by Mediaeval Baebes, click on Grooveshark

Friday the 13th

No pic tonight...I am just going to sleep and hoping next week will be different..note I did not say better, I said different!!! This is an interesting song click on Groove shark..it will keep you wondering for a while and make you forget that I didn't write tonight!

Grooveshark "numero trece" remember your highschool Spanish? Number 13? uno, dos, tres, quatro I really do want to become fluent in Spanish.... it is on my bucket list and I am going to to get started TOMORROW!!!

I love this electronic sounding music!

Someone's singing, Lord!

Can you listen to this song without singing along? I doubt it! Try it, go ahead, you know you love a challenge! If you can make it through the song, without singing along, let me know! I will by you a "non-alcoholic beverage" or a candy bar, your choice!!

Oh my goodness! As soon as the children started singing along I was there!!! Immediately transported back to summer of 1967, sitting in the church van, traveling to Camp! Our van was called the "Holy Roller". No kidding! I went to a very cool church! It was a full size van, a 350 Econoline /12 passenger van. The van had been professionally painted with "Holy Roller" on the back, the church info on the side...we had a lot of good times in that van!!!

We would arrive at Little Grassy Lake Church Camp, in southern Illinois, ready for adventure and fun, some of it even of the religious nature!! We did our little bit of trouble making but never too much because we were afraid we wouldn't be allowed back the next year and it was the highlight of our summers!!!

Last weekend Doc and I saw this boat in Sunset Marina on Stock Island. Doc immediately broke into song, of course, he grew up in southern Illinois. In fact, he even went to summer camp at Little Grassy Lake. We always wonder if our paths crossed at that time?

Click on Grooveshark..I dare you!!! "Kumbaya Lord, Kumbaya"

Veteran's Day 2009

This has been an poignant Veteran's Day. So soon after the incidence at Fort Hood, it has caused us to pause and think about and value the commitment of both women and men that have served, are serving and will serve in the future, to ensure our freedom and the great liberties we enjoy and so often take for granted.

Tonight scrolling through Facebook, I was overwhelmed reading the posts of so many expressing their thanks, prayers and kind thoughts to Veterans, Active Service and their families. I felt a chill of humility when I read over and over as writers expressed thought from the heart. It gave me faith that our country will survive the many challenges that we are facing.

I am very proud of my family's part in serving our country. My father, Nelson, served in the Army as a young Private, during the War. My brother, Lee, served in the National Guard, during the post Vietnam Era. My brother-in-law, Dale was a Navy Seal in Vietnam. Brother-in-law, Bobby served and was wounded in Vietnam. My father-in-law, Glen, while serving as a pilot in the Army Air Corp was shot down over Germany. He survived, but was held for one year as a prisoner of war, in a German prison camp.
After he was reported as MIA and suspected as dead, his wife Mattie Lee never gave up hope. He returned home to Mattie and the two of them raised five children and had a full life. It was his retirement years before he would talk of the war and his prison experiences. He had the POW license plates and proudly wore his POW ball cap.

His son Jim, my husband, served as a Corp man in the Coast Guard. Our son, David is a Lieutenant in the Coast Guard, our daughter-in- law, Krysten, also a LT is in the Coast Guard Reserves, having just completed her Tour of Duty.

My list could go on and on to include Uncles and even Aunts, who served in the Wacs! Recently, I learned a sad fact....a friend of mine lost her college sweetheart/husband when he was sent to Vietnam and was killed in action.

I wanted to write this tonight to think about how many lives have been touched directly by those who have served their country. I believe in my heart there is no more noble calling then those who choose to serve their country and offer to pay the ultimate price for our freedom.

May God Bless and Protect the Military and their families!!!

"And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free......"
click on Grooveshark Link

Key West Aquarium

One of the oldest attractions in Key West is the Aquarium. It was built between 1932-1934 by the WPA ( Works Project Administration) the government thought it would help draw tourists to Key West, to improve the economy. At that time, Key West had become very depressed, having once been the richest town in Florida.

The Aquarium was one of the first and largest at the time....it is now nearly twice the size as when originally built, since the addition of the Atlantic Shores exhibit and the large outdoor holding tanks.

The main draw to the Aquarium is the historical significance. It is small and rather quaint, but very charming...especially the Shark feedings which occur daily at
11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm and 4:30pm!!!

They also have shark cams!!! Check out the web site www.keywestaquarium.com

although it was pretty quiet tonight, when I last looked!!!

And don't forget the "Jaws Theme" click on my grooveSHARK link!!!

Blue Heaven

The gals are already planning to make this an "official" sisters trip for 2010, so talk to Sharon or me right away, if you are interested...Key West books up fast that time of year....Parrot Head Weekend!

Our trip is over, I am in the Chicago airport waiting for the last segment of my journey to Kansas City....and as always I am in no particular hurry to get home!
I sneaked my husband on this last "girls" trip. Being in Key West, it was perfectly acceptable for him to cross-dress and fit in as one of the "girls"!!! NOT!!!!
just kidding, LOL!

Actually, he realized that he would be in Florida at the same time I was, so I convinced him to come on over to Key West for the long weekend! I gave up my space at Casa 325, where the other gals were staying and elected to stay with my hubby at his hotel! So my usual force to return home, missing my husband, didn't apply on this journey..so to re-state the obvious...

I sure wish I were on the way to Key West instead of returning home today!!!!!

The weather was windy, sunny and warm. The seas were too high for water sports, so we concentrated on long bike rides, dips in the pool, museums and shopping.

We even saw a play at the Waterfront Theater, "Shut Up, Sweet Charlotte". It was a funny, twisted, comedy which we really enjoyed.

With a heavy heart....from Key West

So much sadness today regarding the tragedy at Fort Hood. Hard to believe there can be such insanity and violence so close to the ones we hold dear in our hearts. To those who have chosen to serve our country..I pray for your safety and thank you for your brave work. It is shocking that the enemy is even within your numbers, ones that you thought you could trust and rely on....one can only believe that this man was insane, beyond help..there is no other explanation for such disrespect and waste of human life.

I am so sorry that those that have passed will never get the opportunity to enjoy another day of beauty and sunshine, of a meal with family and friends...simply because this weak, ill man took it upon himself to end their lives. They, the fallen, will never get to experience the beauty of a tropical vacation or a day on the beach. May you rest in peace and know that you are not forgotten and you are greatly grieved.

Florida!

I love Florida! My love affair started when I first took my boys to Disney World. Kevin was just two and a half, David was seven. It was just the three of us taking on Mickey! We had a really good time... we rode the rides and ran all over that park. My favorite was "It's a Small World". The boys liked "Pirates of the Caribbean" The next day we visited Sea World which I enjoyed as much or more then Disney! The third day we drove to the Ocean and visited the Space Center and then played on the beach. Kevin, the baby, got surprised and knocked down by a couple waves but then he figured it out!

When I married my husband, Doc, we took the entire family, my boys, his girl on our honeymoon! We got married in the Keys, on a sailboat in Marathon, stayed there a while and then back to the mainland for another visit to Disney. This time Kevin was nine and David was thirteen, Ashley was twelve. It was an "interesting" fun trip as we all became a blended family.....the kids were the only ones at our wedding, with the exception of Nelson, David's best friend from back home and the Captain and his wife, who performed the ceremony. Hope it was all legal! LOL!! Nelson happened to be in Florida at the same time ( another story) and came along as our camera man..to film the event. By the way, he did a very nice job....thank you, Nelson!

So, back to Florida being one of my favorite places.....later we moved our sailboat ( I hate to call it a Yacht, because it sounds so pretentious, but it is what it is!) to Naples and then to Key West. We spent a lot of fun time there, with the kids and also just the two of us! Our yacht served as our floating motel, party barge and portable galley. Grilled fresh fish became our favorite meal. The kids would jump into our inflatable dinghy, with the little motor and tour the area, whether we were anchored out in in a marina. We saw shark, manatee and lobster....frequently all the same day! We did a lot of snorkeling and all became PADI Scuba certified...good times!

Now, we have a lot of good memories and love to visit Florida every chance we can, it is still our plan to retire on a "yacht" and join the modern day Gypsy's, aka "yachties" or "liveaboards"

And this weekend..Key West..the most favorite of our Florida destinations!

Key West..here we come!

Janetsue blogging from Lake Perry Marina at the firepit, next adventure.....

Thursday morning we are flying to Key West for the Meeting of the Minds...aka Parrot Head Weekend. It will be a busy crazy time in Key West..there are nine of us going and planning on a really great extended weekend doing the Duval Street Crawl!

I am really annoyed with myself for procrastinating on tanning and for not losing 10 pounds before this weekend!! After all we have been planning this trip since February..it didn't just sneak up on me! So you won't be seeing me blogging from Key West in a swimming suit, but you might just get a glimpse of me on the beach..fully clothed, of course!! According to the weekend forecast the weather may be a bit on the cloudy side and perhaps even a little rain but it won't slow us down.

But life goes on Tan or not!! But no "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini" for me!

Phantom of the Night

Had a fun time at the Golf Club..Mulligans



Wow! Great Halloween Weekend!

"The truth isn't what you want to see
In the dark it is easy to pretend
That the truth is what it ought to be"



See the Grooveshark link, to the right