Cat Toys With Gekko

Continuing our series on what I see and take photos of on my bike rides, I give you this series of a cat and a gekko. Now, I must tell you that what you see on television in the GEICO ads is unlike what we have by the hundreds around here. They may be interesting to look at, but cute--no way!

Here is the cat in attack mode:

and here he/she is in full toying mode:

and while you may be getting a little grossed out by the above, you may be heartened by the following photo:

I don't know which one thinks he's the boss, but it looks like for now there was a happy ending!

Now they tell me! Tell you what Gail? The title of the article I've linked to is something along the lines of "Can Washing Dishes Help You Live Longer?" Check it out!

I've finally finished reading "Gold" by Chris Cleave, which is no "Little Bee" I'll tell you that much. The subject matter was interesting enough, but for some reason, it was slow going. I wish I'd started "In the Kingdom of Men" by Kim Barnes sooner because it is some fun reading. Although some of the reviews on Amazon are pretty scathing, I'm enjoying it--sort of like Peyton Place set in 1970's Saudi Arabia!

This morning I took my ride up to the shopping center, discovering that the new Peach Valley Cafe is finally open:

and the exterior of the Publix is nearly complete:

Next to the new Applebee's they are starting work on turning the old Albertsons into a Wal-Mart Neighborhood Center,  or some name like that. I stood on my bike pedals, hung onto the construction fencing, calling out to two men wearing hard hats standing nearby. What's happening? Today begins the demolition of the Albertsons so this is the last look we'll have of it intact.

For many years, while the boys were still home, I relied heavily on the bargains to be found at Albertsons, however a new generation of Mothers will be finding their good deals at Wal-Mart beginning in early May. Or, so I presume.

Finally, later in the day yesterday I kept thinking of different titles I could have used yesterday, such as "Cross-Dressing Dog Takes it to the Street", or "Small Dog in Big Dress", or maybe, Roaming Dog Dares to Wear Christmas Clothing Before December." Any titles come to your mind??

Roaming Dog Wears Christmas Dress in Mid-November

One never knows what one will come across while riding ones' bike. This one saw something so funny yesterday that I could hardly wait to show it to you. So, I'm riding along and out of nowhere I see this:

Seriously! I'm thinking instead of saying Ho Ho Ho, the, ahem, "dress",  should say No No No! I mean seriously, who puts a dress on a boy dog? Not to mention Christmas is still seven weeks away! 

Think what it will do for its self esteem! Apparently nothing to date, as this tiny dog acts like it owns the road.

It still makes me laugh looking at the pictures. Don't ask me why that guy is holding a large stick because I've no idea, however, he did tell me the dog tries to follow his owner to the elementary school down the street. This is the kind of thing you just can't make up my friends.

The new oven has been christened without incident. Here is what a brand new, never been used oven looks like inside. A few weeks from now, after cooking the Thanksgiving turkey, I'll have this photo to remind me of the formally pristine interior.

I did have a little learning curve on how to use the digital controls, but all's well that ends well. Our art business group met yesterday and one of our assignments was to bring food for the group. Because I had a whole chicken in the fridge I cooked that using my favorite seasoning from Nandos. I can't get enough of that stuff, and neither can these folks. 

This post may be a bit short for me because I MUST incorporate some of the things I'm learning. I so much happier taking photographs and writing, rather than making a spread sheet, or improving my website, but if I want to succeed in business, I must make at least some effort. After the official meeting was over I convinced Brandy and Renee to have a little photo shoot. It was totally their idea to get silly, with Renee even doing a cartwheel! Oh to be young again! Duh Gail, you couldn't do a cartwheel even when you were young!

I can ride a bike however, with the odometer rolling over the 700 mark this morning. You might think I do it to keep my weight down, but the truth is, I was having some hip issues and decided to give riding a try to loosen them up, or something like that. Just so they quit hurting, and they have. Woo hoo!

My garden is looking pretty ragged at the moment, however, one bright spot is this blooming dahlia whose color is quite different from previously.

Come to think of it, I planted some new bulbs six weeks or so ago, and perhaps it is one of them? Either way, I'm pretty sure this is not the time of year for blooms, but I'll take the color pop any time they want to show their pretty heads.

Thinking about the future, when perhaps I'll have a space to keep all my stuff, Bruce bought three bar stools at a garage sale which are quite nice. I put this one in the house because I like it, plus, it is just the right height for Angela to take a seat while we are chatting in the kitchen.

The sale was advertised as "upscale" as were the prices! Negoitiating with the folks they agreed to take our old microwave as part of the deal. Sorry Goodwill. 

A few weeks ago I bought a new orchid from Jim and Kathy at the market. As he's taught me, I bought one with lots of unopened buds which are now starting to open. You and I both know that it is impossible for me to have such a thing around the house without photographing it, so here's one version, however, as you can imagine, before the blooms are spent, there will be more.

All righty then, let's call it a post, shall we?

Working Girl

THIS IS A WARNING--PICTURE OVERLOAD FORTHCOMING!!!!!!!!!!

Regular readers may well be wondering where I've been, or, maybe not. If so, I'm back. Instead of my usual lollygagging ways, I was working my friends. As in, I had to be places on time. Or close to it anyway! So, let's go back a few days and I'll show you what I've been about.

Wednesday afternoon, before mowing the lawn and setting up at Darden, I did my bike ride. As is most often the case, I ride different routes to keep things interesting. After riding down Bliss Street and turning around, as I approached the stop sign at Pershing Avenue,  I saw a little bird on the ground. A cute little bird that was not moving....:-(  My handy-dandy bike basket holds my camera, so, hopping off the bike, I started taking some photos, getting closer and closer.

He, and I'm only calling the bird he because I don't know the sex, had his little eyes closed. Seeing no obvious signs of injury, I circled him and took this funny shot:

He's opened his little eyes! I can almost hear your sighs of relief....

Well, I'm not really one to pick up animals because even though I like them, I'm a tad squeamish. I knew however, that no self-respecting bird lover could leave a bird in the street. God forbid someone should run over him! Looking around I found some dead palm limbs with one of them was shaped just right with a little V opening. Scooping the little cutie out of the street, I placed him in the grass, wondering just what was wrong.

After depositing said bird safely in the grass I took off riding the last four miles. Still, I wondered. I couldn't resist riding back to see if he was gone and indeed he was! One person who heard this story suggested perhaps he had flown into something, and was only stunned. Sounds plausible to me!

Normally we set up around 3 in the afternoon before the first day of the show, however, this time there was a meeting in the room until 5pm, which as it turns out did not get out until a little later. After they left, all the tables and cloths had to be arranged, so killing time,  I watched the sun set.

The new Darden headquarters have a beautiful nature-filled setting with several lakes and loads of trees surrounding the property. Adding character to the property are a pair of Sandhill Cranes that roam wherever they darn well please. Apparently, earlier this year there was a baby, which according to some, was killed by a car. :(  In this photo they are doing their best to get folks to come out of the cafeteria (on the other side of the glass) to feed them.

They are so accustomed to people that walking right up to them, they remain unfazed. Eventually though one of them turned around:

That's quite a wing span isn't it? If cranes don't do it for you, how do you feel about alligators?

There were loads of classes in our hallway for the new Managers in Training, many of them from all parts of the country, who had never seen an alligator sunning itself on the bank of a lake. Cell phone cameras galore!

The actual room isn't all that exciting, and truth be told, there is a fair amount of goods that would not hold your interest, but in this photo, the lady in the green plaid top is Bruce's assistant, Denise:

She is heading to my table to tell me that Bruce has left some items in his old office space that need to come home. Where he will put them is another matter, but home they came after we closed up for the day. Things went well, with 42 prints finding new homes.

Friday morning, as I was leaving a little after 7, Bruce and I crossed paths in our driveway. Taking the red eye Thursday night you would think he would have come home to sleep. You would have thought wrong....he worked all day long and into the night. When I arrived home just before 5, this was what was going on at our house. The old dishwasher is the closest to the lawn (notice the green!!!), the old oven is on the dolly, while the new oven's backside is facing us. 

The installers sent by Southeast Steel were a young married couple with two children, both of whom were quite nice, and more important, skilled. By the time both the dishwasher and oven were installed it was both dark, and getting late. Bruce took over in the kitchen, cutting the cabinet apart,

using a special tool called a plunge cutter. He took the bottom off, cut down the middle support, routed a new groove in the doors, re-attached the bottom, AND made some new trim for the wall and cabinet. Stained no less. Me, after begging him to quit for the night, after all, he'd had no sleep, went to sleep. I only learned this morning that he'd stayed up until 11 finishing the job!

These all wood cabinets are the original from 52 years ago--rock solid. It takes a gifted person to cut that straight. Oh wait--you already knew he was gifted . Originally our delivery was set for between 3-4 Saturday afternoon, however, I was so excited after waking up and finding a taller space, I called to find out if they could get here sooner. Between 2-3. Great!

In the meantime I busied myself by cleaning out my entire spice cabinet, all three shelves full, my pantry, and the cabinets under the counter top adjacent to the dishwasher.  I then tackled the freezer! Two large garbage cans later, and my cabinets are organized once again. Everything went swimmingly with the fridge installation and we were on our way. Now--how do you load it efficiently? So, here is our new look:

Both Bruce and I are loving the LED lighting in the fridge and freezer AND having the food we most use on the top! Fantastic!!

The new wall oven matches the stainless hood nicely, and here's the dishwasher and new microwave:

Bill came by later to see it all and was a tad envious of the sleek front of the dishwasher. Now, I must retrain myself to use it! You see that basket on the counter? Why, that would be my magnet collection, mementos of our travels, which, if you'll recall, covered the freezer door. No longer. Why? Because they do not stick to stainless is why. You should see the side of the fridge though....covered. That said, I put them on the side facing the stove because, really, I'm the one who loves them the most. I imagine that for a few weeks I'll be all paranoid about getting fingerprints on the appliances and after that I won't even notice them?

After all the excitement and working I was worn out, but happy. Sunday the market was super good again. This nice young couple came looking for an over-the-couch grouping;

they seemed to be quite pleased with their choices. Then there were these crazy young ladies:

It's a complicated story, which I know you are only too happy not to hear about, but the one in the middle, at the urging of the two bookends, bought my 30x30 peacock canvas! Woo hoo!

Following supper we finished up the evening by watching the finale of "The Men Who Built America." Very enlightening. It reminded me of my days as a young girl reading all the biographies in our elementary school library. Love that kind of stuff!

This morning my friend Mirjiana and her husband took the Iceberg away to its' new home in their garage. Happy days!

Happy indeed, except for one tiny little thing...I got the email saying I am not accepted for the Mt. Dora Art Festival in the spring. Bummer. Well, all I can say is, I'm glad that I got in last year because it was my sales at that show, and a few other events here and there, that allowed me to have a "new look" in the kitchen......

A New Look

Let's just start this whole thing off with something beautiful shall we? 

While our country was deciding if we wanted a new look for the government, I was buying a new look for my kitchen. Although I was warned that not using my dishwasher would lead to problems, I largely ignored those warnings. Well, not so much ignored them, but just didn't follow through as I should have. Thus, my dishwasher is once again kaput. This got me to thinking about everything else in the kitchen. Should I, or shouldn't I? I did.

It was my second trip to Southeast Steel to see what, if anything would fit into my preordained kitchen spaces. Anymore, most everything built is for a larger kitchen than mine. Before I made the second trip, I headed over to Ikea, thinking perhaps they would carry a 24"oven, but according to the nice young woman who helped me, no one bought them, prompting Ikea to no longer carry them in their American stores. Plus, I learned Whirlpool makes all of their appliances in case you are wondering. Along the way I took this to update you on the new Performing Arts Center going up:

Once I arrived, I pondered anew what to do. Our former neighbor and the salesperson we've always used, Craig, showed me my options. Limited, that's what they are. On my first visit he gave me the number to GE so I could call and find out just how old my wall oven is. Turns out it was made in July 1986 which is a pretty long time ago. The thing is, it still works beautifully, but at that age it could probably go any time. Finding parts would prove challenging. According to Craig an average life span for an oven is around15 years. Looking around my kitchen I realized it is the only thing I've never had break down. The one thing about needing smaller appliances is that they are decidedly less expensive so that's a good thing. When Angela came over last evening she exclaimed, "You're getting rid of the Iceberg?" What pray tell is that you ask? Meet the Iceberg:

She is more than delighted that Saturday afternoon, this refrigerator will be heading out the door to make way for a stainless steel version, which will not stick out like a sore thumb, or an iceberg, if you use Angela-speak. It too has served me well for 13 years now, but hey--gotta keep the economy moving right? I hope, hope, hope I like a bottom drawer freezer!

Southeast Steel has been in town forever, adjacent to the Lynx station (bus) and the railroad tracks.

Why am I showing you this? Because the Bankruptcy Court purchased a night version taken from this very corner!

After finishing my purchases I had lunch at home, grabbed by license and sample ballot, and rode up to the polling place on Ferncreek. This is the first time in my voting life that I can remember tables set about a large room with people sitting two to a table voting. I'm still really puzzled by this as there were no barriers between anyone. As well, when a neighbor came by later in the day, he told me there were four to a table when he was there in the morning. The ballot was exceedingly long, made ever more so with the Spanish translation under each item. I have no idea why in the future they couldn't have two ballots, one in English and one in Spanish, sort of like when you have to push one for English and two for Spanish on the telephone. Outside signs, signs, and more signs!

Last evening while watching the election results on CBS, I went through magazines, tearing out recipes, and putting them out for recycling. As well, I finally got to my continuing education articles and quizzes, completing two--one on sleep disorders and one on pancreatitis.  Although I've kept my license up to date I'm wondering if now it is a fruitless endeavor. There is no doubt it would be next-to-impossible for me to get a job taking x-rays again, what with all the younger and less expensive graduates coming out of Valencia. Decisions, decisions......

Speaking of recycling, I put a notice on fb about the fridge--free to a good home. I've found a taker--an artist friend with three teenage boys in the house. A situation close to my heart for sure. I remember those days when there was never enough room for food in the fridge. The Iceberg is moving to Hunter's Creek on Monday!

Around 5 today I'll be setting up for my two days at Darden, hoping for a good turn out. I like doing this show because I see the ladies, and they are mostly ladies, only once a year. so there is much to catch up on. Others show quilts, pottery, jewelry, Christmas decorations and knitted articles. It should be fun.

Forward we go...
Gail

Further Afield

Yesterday morning I rode further afield, in part because I wanted to see what I could see, and too, I missed riding both Saturday and Sunday. I rode up to the bank at the corner of Orange and Gatlin, down Orange Avenue and turned near Michigan, riding on some back roads to get to Summerlin and home. Lake Jennie Jewel, seven doors down the street from our side yard looks one way from our side, the second half of the lake is on Orange Avenue, and it looked like this early yesterday as the sun was on a slow rise.

The one and only fish I've caught in my life came from this lake. I have no patience for fishing unlike Bruce who has the patience, just not the time. By the time I pulled into the driveway I'd clocked nine miles, a record for me. When I woke up this morning I was thinking I might ride over to our polling place and vote first thing but on further reflection I've decided to let those who need to get to work take the first places in line. I am sure I am not alone in thanking God the election is finally here.

In what I imagine will be my last two pieces of campaign propaganda (oh wait, didn't they used to call it literature?), came this morning. One was the sleeve of the newspaper, and the other was laying on the front porch. Oh, if only any of the claims were true. Speaking of elections, history, that sort of thing, I came across the most fascinating program on the History channel. After watching a few hours of The Men Who Built America I learned some amazing things that if I knew previously, I'd completely forgotten it. It was a good reminder of both how far we have come, and how far we have to go. Rough and tumble back then with a few holding most of the money--somewhat like today. What I also learned is that the powerful men were very much in competition with one another--Carnegie, Rockefeller, JP Morgan, all trying to one up each other. It made me think that Bill Gates and Steve Jobs were the modern day equivalent. High profile--competitive, and cutting edge. Catch it if you can!

So, I did FAVO on Friday night with not as much monetary success, but certainly fun and interesting. My sweet friend Bev came before her night out at the theater.

Although I've known Todd Fox for some time now, meeting him about three years ago at the slowest art show I've ever done, he's worn a ball cap every time I've seen him which is generally at the market. Who knew he had no hair?

He laughed when I asked, where's your hair? I took this early on before his fans started showing up. My space looked nearly the same with a few new additions:

Following the pack up, I made a quick stop at Mr. Roger's to pick up some prints, and that was Friday. In the morning I went out to the Winter Garden market because Fiesta in the Park forced the market to close. There was a corn festival with hay rides, a maze, and games for the children. I met some new folks, and some old friends, including a visit from the Goldsmiths who hail from Long Island. TJ's brother lost his home in the Sandy mess, claiming once it is re-built, he's moving down to Florida. Torey, the youngest daughter is enjoying her blue ice on the grass:

They are sure happy they moved to Florida a little more than a year ago--barefoot in the grass in November--indeed!

We met Steve and Barb for dinner later, however, after our drinks were served, Barb began feeling light-headed and nauseous, prompting an early exit. She has recovered which is more than I can say for Mr. Bruce. He's still exhausted from last week and is on the road again. Poor baby.

Because we had a rare Sunday off we decided to visit Park Lake Presbyterian Church; our take-away? We both miss setting aside part of the week for worship and thinking about something greater than ourselves! 

With that in mind, let's talk birds for a minute, shall we? Although I said last week that the bird sightings were scarce, I spoke too soon. While on the phone Friday Bruce was looking out his window, calling to me in the back of the house--come see a big bird across the street! He apologized to whomever he was talking to, explaining that his wife liked birds. Rarely have I ever seen a hawk this close:

Grabbing my camera I kept my eye on him as I walked across the street--he was perched on our neighbor Wanda's fence. Surprisingly he did not move allowing me to get relatively close. If I could judge distances I'd tell you it was 100 feet or something like that but I can't. Trust me on this. Moments after taking this a stream of bird poop came out and off he flew!

Another day since I've last written I saw this darling Carolina Wren through the front door:

They are just the cutest little birds. Saturday I also saw the return of the red-winged blackbirds, as in more than two, multiple doves, finches, and tufted tit-mice. So there.

Speaking of further afield, our son in London, Matthew, wrote this piece for a website, founded by several of his Northwestern classmates, explaining what the Defense of Marriage Act means to him. After reading it you will wonder why I am the one doing most of the writing in the family!

This time tomorrow we will have either the same President or a new one. Half of the American people will be either delighted, or disappointed. The funny thing is, whatever happens will one day be on the History channel, with viewers amazed at either our brilliance, or our ignorance. Raising my boys was both fun and challenging, with this mother oftentimes repeating to herself through the trying times, "this too shall pass Gail", and it did, as everything does. What most we need in our country right now is compromise--let us move forward--discussing our differences while finding solutions to the challenges of our day. Forward--pretty please?

Playing Catch Up

I totally forgot to tell you about another odd experience I had recently at my own home. The evening before I left for California, as I was walking home from Angela's house with Baxter, I heard someone calling out...."Can we pet your dog?" Turning towards the sound, I saw a mother pulling a red wagon holding two children. "Sure," I called out.  Ava, the little girl jumped out of the wagon as they got to our yard, rushing up to pet Baxter who was duly unimpressed. She began talking a mile a minute with her Mother barely able to get a word in edgewise. Eventually Ava asked if she could see our house to which I consented. Scampering through each room, she kept talking and talking. After maybe 45 minutes I told them I was leaving for California in the morning so I had to finish up with my preparations. This did not stop Ava. She wondered if, when I returned, she could come over for a "sleep over." During our conversation I learned that the husband has multiple small jobs, and at one point the Mom said she really needed a haircut but couldn't really afford it. I could so empathize with her situation. I remember the days with small children, not enough money, and the weariness of it all. Because I'd just purchased a pineapple which would have gone bad in my absence I asked if they would like it. I gave each of the children a print, and after doing a little photo shoot in the yard, off they went. I've not seen them since.

She was quite the character, so much so, her name is the only one I remember out of the group!

Because I didn't know I was going to California on Wednesday, I made a cake on Tuesday. A marble cake. Ever made one? I hadn't, and I'm not so sure I'd do it again because it is pretty messy. You make the batter, scoop out a bunch and combine it with the chocolate mixture you've made in another bowl.

Following the Martha Stewart recipe, you layer the separate batters in a loaf pan, making, what she describes as a checkerboard design. All very messy and sticky as is evident on the sides of the pan below!

And, here is the finished product which I think looks pretty good and tasted it as well.

These days when I bake I pass it around to our neighbors, in this case Angela wanted only two pieces. I got a text from her while I was gone asking for more, which she found in our refrigerator.

It's that time of the year when the flocks of birds are overhead at dusk making their way to parts unknown--a sight I never tire of.

It appears in the last week or so Obama supporters are indeed playing catch up in the yard sign wars. Here's some folks who apparently don't throw much out.

This sign say Forward in great big letters, however, the ground securement must not be that great because it is falling backwards in the middle:

These Republicans are making it known they are voting Democrat in this election:

There have been a few letters to the editor complaining about yard signs. I say lighten up folks--it is a time-worn tradition. In more ways than one I am sick of political correctness. Anyway, I don't know what prompted this little addendum to the Obama sign, but I am in no way in favor of mean-spiritedness!

My sweet husband took the red-eye flight home last night, arriving here about 8 this morning. He wanted to come with me tonight to FAVO. I love that man! After unpacking his bag, I scrunched his dress shirts into a plastic bag, put it in my bike basket, and rode up to the dry cleaner. Along the way I saw this sign pasted on the empty Shell station.

Believe it or not, this used to be the nicest gas station anyone could ever see. Clean and neat, the landscaping was a marvel. Closing around the time Obama was elected, it has been empty ever since, growing grungier by the day. So sad.

Because this blog has been around a while I just checked my 2008 post President Obama's election. Here's what I had to say.  Not only did I write about the election in that post, I wrote about my illness which seems so foreign to me now. Thank the good Lord!

Who can believe Thanksgiving is merely 20 days from now? Oh how the time flies when you're having fun. Speaking of which, I hope you have some of that this weekend....