TMI

Too much information. 24/7.

I don't know about you, but, frankly, I'm tired of it.

Although I've raised four sons, I still don't understand the male mind any better than when I was growing up in a houseful of girls. I do have one brother, however, he remains a mystery as well.

What is it with powerful men??? Jerry Sandusky. Need I say more? I could list many more, as I suspect you could as well, but let's not. PLEASE make them stop.

The other day I was saying to Bruce that there is much wrong with this new world we're living in. I believe one of those things is 24/7 news coverage which, to my way of thinking, only makes people anxious and depressed. It's not like I can do a thing about the debt crisis in Greece, or the floods in Bangkok, or anything for that matter. All I can do is worry about my own actions and hope my children behave themselves.

Jobs. Where are the jobs? Gone by way of the internet. The New York Times posed the question--are cookbooks becoming  obsolete? Isn't everything?  I know, I know, the internet has created jobs, just not nearly enough. My normally optimistic nature is cracking a wee bit. Of course, without the internet I would have never been able to write, something I've always wanted to do. A two-edged sword perhaps?

Enough with the crankiness! How about we do some sunlight, shadow, and reflections today? You're not interested? Skip the rest!


As I sat at my desk yesterday morning, this light spoke to me..

Inside, after opening the front door the light shone on my little pretties,

Remember I told you about those damn squirrels knocking over the bird feeder, spilling hundreds of sunflower seeds? Nice--they are sprouting in between the bricks....

Now, that's one thing, but more importantly they have actually gnawed a HOLE in Bruce's kayak!!!

Can you believe it??? Matthew is bringing me a super duper bird feeder from England this month when he comes to visit, guaranteed to keep squirrels away. Wonder if he has any ideas on how we can keep them from eating even more of the kayak!!! (This picture doesn't fit into my stated category, but I knew you'd want to know the latest.)

Sewing was on yesterday afternoon's agenda. I'm making some Christmas gifts.

Once again, my neighbor's big truck woke me this morning as he was leaving at 5:30. Hmmm....

With such nice weather, walking Baxter is great, that is if he'll keep up a pace faster than a dawdle. The best way I know to achieve success on that front is to take him to a park; today it was the Urban Wetlands Park off  Mills Avenue. The park is filled with Cypress trees which are just beginning to change color, from a very bright green, to sort of a burnt orange. Not all of them though, especially ones in this shady area:

So, you notice the water is that weird green? Covered with a good type of algae. As well, take a look at all the bare limbs. All over the park, aside from this area, I saw piles and piles of clipped limbs, which give the trees a decidedly different look.

I took this when I first got to the park, prior to seeing the piles. No wonder the trees looked so different.

I was really hoping to see some birds, but that was not to be. Except, I did see this heron, a little different type than I've seen before.

I sure wish I'd not cut off his reflection. I'm thinking you won't mind.

You may be wondering how it is that I'm writing when I should be playing bridge. Sadly, we once again do not have a foursome. Lots going on with the ladies.

Finally, I received an email regarding a picture I took of the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. My response was that I'm happy they are still using it, and even happier that I have no need to return!

Hope you're having a happy day,
Gail

Do You Agree?

Try This at Home
Every family has it's adages as far as life goes. Kitchen wisdom is usually passed on, be it true or false. I remember our mother putting oil in the boiling water to keep pasta from sticking together. I've been skipping this route of late with no sticking problem. I wonder if that came about when people were cooking pasta to near death. I'm glad to see he's given the ok to rinsing mushrooms. I try not to but I'm with him, a little moisture is preferable to dirt.

Used to be we learned most things from our families and teachers; seems like today there are experts on everything. That includes lots and lots of useless information. The more information available the more suspect it becomes in my book. How about all the health information bombarding us daily? Our paper wastes a whole day in the Living section on alleged new health information--like you should exercise. Duh? Speaking of myths, I've recently read that drinking eight glasses of water a day will only make you have to run to the bathroom, no particular health benefits at all. Today one thing will prolong your life, tomorrow it's something else. All the drug advertisements on television and in print for various ailments are enough to convince anyone they have a problem. It's sick, which is a bit of irony wouldn't you say?

The prints are on their way to Gainesville which is a big accomplishment. This morning I wrote out the inventory and a consignment agreement. I believe I mentioned that they are paying the shipping costs didn't I? I can hardly believe this is really happening. I mean, can you imagine my prints are going into a store? Whether or not they will sell only time will tell.

This morning I felt well enough to take Baxter to the Urban Wetlands Park near the house. For those of you unfamiliar with Florida, these are Cypress trees that grow along the shore in water. The water is covered with a green growth which I cannot remember the name of. My geology professor mentioned how it is good for the water but how, or why, I can't recall. At any rate, it is somewhat surreal looking--kinda like green ice. It must multiply like crazy as it was not there on our last visit. It's a great place for him to get his exercise; of course my camera accompanied us. The bird is a blue heron--notice the very long legs--designed to walk in water looking for food.

Bruce's turnover in Virginia went beautifully this morning--no surprise there. He insists it is not true, but he's the best Project Manager at the company. I'm not the only one who thinks so either.

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