Winter’s warmth

I know it seems that all I think about lately is how hot it is here but there is just something unnatural about it!  It’s snowing in South Texas…can’t Mother Nature just give us a little taste here in South Florida?  I’m patiently waiting on the cool front forecasted to blow through tonight…it’s 79 degrees right now…waiting on the 50s! 

In the meanwhile, here’s what I do.  I put on Christmas music, turn the A/C down to 72 degrees and create winter-inspired photo mosaics.  (Really, I do have a life. I’m just preoccupied because of the heat and humidity). 

Let is snow…let it snow…let it snow…

(A girl can dream, can’t she?)

 

Catching up

I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted.  I really have no excuses.  I guess that’s a good thing…that means I’ve been really busy, right?  Nonetheless, I’m back today.  I will do a better job of posting – Scout’s honor!

I thought I’d create a list of 5 things I really want right now just to get things going. 

1.  COOL weather.  Apparently, a cool front will be here in sunny south Florida this weekend.  I can’t wait for highs in the low 80’s…  I know, you have no sympathy for me.  I live in Paradise, so I’ve heard.  Sure, if I lived in Fargo I would probably be hoping for a little sunny south Florida weather…but I don’t.  Therefore, I’ll wish for cool weather. 

2.  I really would like it if someone would come up with some no-calorie, no-fat, no-unhealthy-anything pizza.  Pizza is one of my favorite foods and I make it about as healthy as you can – using reduced fat cheese and lots of veggies…but sometimes, I just want the real thing.  It would be the same with hamburgers, fries – basically anything considered unhealthy or fattening but I won’t be greedy.  I’d just like a healthy pizza today.

3.  I’d really like a new car.  My 2005 Suburban is still fine, don’t get me wrong.  However, as long as I’m wishing…I’m wishing for a new car.  I want something a little sportier (wouldn’t that be basically any other car than a Suburban?) and something that wouldn’t guzzle so much gas.

4.  I would like Aggie, my almost-11-year-old daughter, to pick up after herself and put everything where it goes after she’s used it.  Oh, I almost forgot…without me asking!  That’s the clencher.  I ask and ask for her to pick things up.  It’s just her nature though.  She’s like Hansel and Gretel – wherever she goes, she leaves a trail behind her – only it’s not because she needs to find her way out of the forest. 

I have to add a disclaimer here.  Of course, I’d like world peace, as well as no more environmental pollution or polar ice deterioration, and even no more abused animals and children.  However, this is a “for fun” list…so there you go. 

5.  With that said, I’d like my own personal chef.  Sure, the chef could create meals (and healthy snacks) for the rest of the family – that would be fine.  Wouldn’t it be great to have someone do all of that thinking and preparing for you and your family?  What a time saver.  A girl can dream, can’t she?

Now that I’ve put together my list of 5, what are yours?  Come on…just give me 1!

(P.S.  The disclaimer applies to you too!)

 

Growing my own

I think it’s time I took matters into my own hands, literally.  I’m going to have to grow my own vegetables…and maybe get a cow.  Here’s why:

dangerous foods

 

Unfortunately, I don’t have a particularly green thumb…nor do I have room in my back yard for a cow.   Now what?

 

A rude awakening

This morning, I woke up as usual after 2 punches of the snooze alarm.  Still following my usual routine, I let the dogs go outside to take care of business while I filled their bowls inside.  It was then I heard the dogs making some terrible noises (in addition to a few barks here and there).  It wasn’t quite light outside yet, but I could Lucy jumping on the fence in the back yard as if she had something in her sight.  Jackson was behind Lucy, supporting her efforts with his guttural noises.  As I looked more closely, I saw what they were after.  It was a possum – about 1 1/2 feet long. 

photo source

What a sight!  That thing was frozen…but it wasn’t rolling over to play dead since it was precariously walking the tightrope top edge of the fence.  As Jackson (aka “the big dog”) jumped up on the fence, the possum decided it was time to move…or lose.

 

Lucy, the little dog, who started it all

Jackson, the big dog

The possum moved forward along the top of the fence until it was able to escape into some palm trees at the end of the line.  You never know what you’re going to see in you backyard here.  Now, THAT’S what I call “getting your morning going” …South Florida style!

 

A daily dose of dog fun

It’s been a while since we had a visit in the pool by a giant iguana but we can hardly walk out the door without seeing lizards dash away to avoid our steps.  Our dog, Jackson, has come to love lizards.  Unfortunately, the lizards don’t love him.  They don’t have a chance against his relative Godzilla-like size and force.  Jackson simply cannot control himself when he spots a lizard though.  Lizards most hold the same attraction for dogs (well, at least Jackson) as does catnip does for cats.  Lucy, our younger dog, is interested in the lizards but is not obsessed like Jack.  I think she actually prefers watching Jackson chase the lizards.  She enjoys “hunting” squirrels and the occasional stray cat on the neighbor’s roof much more than the numerous tiny reptiles. 

Here’s how a typical day goes for Jackson. 

 

Jack thinks he has spotted a lizard  – note the intense gaze and initial panting as he prepares to dash outside.

Where is the lizard?

This is the poor little guy on the back left corner – how does Jackson even notice him?

I think Jack has doggie ADD – he’s already distracted by something else….but his attention eventually returns to the sofa and out the door he goes!

“I know I saw him…where did he go?”

“Was he in the basket?  Oh yeah, that was yesterday….”

“I’m getting the scent…he’s here somewhere!” 

“Getting warmer….” 

“This is it!  This is the spot – wait, where did he go?  I must be too late…what’s that over there?…”

“Wasn’t there a lizard here last week?  Let me look again…” 

“A little help, please?”

Here’s the best part – although I took these photos 45 minutes ago, Jack is still out there ‘hunting.”  I can at least say he knows how to entertain himself. 

(Please note:  No lizards were harmed in the making of this blog).

 

I’d like to teach the world to sing

…in perfect harmony…  grow apple trees and honey bees and snow white turtle doves…

Remember that song?  For me, it always brings back memories of the 1970’s commercial for Coca-Cola.   That is something Coke does well – marketing.

We participated in one of Coke’s more interesting marketing strategies while in Atlanta, Georgia recently – The World of Coca-Cola (aka The Coke Museum).  This is not a place to go if you dislike pop culture or Coke products.   On the other hand, it’s a fun place to explore and enjoy some memories.   However, it does feel as if you are walking through one giant Coke commercial, so be prepared.

my favorite pop art!

a little nostalgia

 

even the exterior is artistic

an ode to Texas

American Gothic, Coke-style

Have a Coke and a smile!

 

Ready to roll

Today we are getting ready for a road trip! 

We’re heading to Atlanta for a day where we will visit the Georgia Aquarium as well as Coca-Cola World  – and whatever else we can fit in.  I’ve never been to Atlanta so I’m really looking forward to seeing the city.  After Atlanta, we’re on our way to Nashville, Tennessee to visit family.  We will have our two dogs in tow for the trip too, so I hope all goes well.  I’ve got my fingers crossed.

If only they are THIS calm…

If you have any last-minute suggestions for Atlanta, let me know!

Just thought I’d share a website with travel games for the car if you are traveling with kids. 

I’ve already printed out a few for our trip.  http://www.momsminivan.com/