Day 8

Went to our rec center for a bike auction and rodeo. Honestly, I don't know what I was thinking. Stayed for about 15 minutes. Said hello to some friends and left. I must say that this was one of the most boring things I ever decided to do.

Tomorrow is the last day of my staycation before I head back to the hell hole. Wonder what my desk looks like. I really don't have to wonder. I know what it looks like. It looks like every other time I go on vacation. My boss will swear that it was sooo busy. Correction, he was sooo busy. I know I should be nice. He was busy telling people to just put the paperwork on my desk and she'll take care of it when she gets back on Tuesday. Oh the bitterness.

Today is the fifth year of my moms passing. It doesn't seems like five years. It was Memorial Day 2004. She basically gave up after my brother died in 2001. She just sat in her chair and lost all muscle tone in her legs. She then fell and ended up in the rehab center. She ended up liking rehab center. She was surrounded by people and made many friends. I think because she liked it so much, she didn't put the effort into the rehab portion.

Many months passed and she still couldn't walk on her own. Many fights happened over this. Then on Valentine's Day in 2004, my Aunt Mae, my moms best friend, was hit and killed instantly by a drunk driver while vacationing in Maine. This sent my mom into a depressive state. Then the health issues started. She once spent 30 days in ICU. There were many hospital stays after that. She finally gave up the fight on May 31 at 10:30 PM.

Anyone who has lost someone knows all the paperwork that happens next. My favorite story was when I stopped at the Social Security Office to inform them of her passing. They informed me that she was not entitled to the check for the month of May. I asked them why? They told me 'because she wasn't alive the entire month.' You have to be kidding me. She was alive all but an hour and a half of the month and she's not entitled to that check. Yup. Unbelievable.

So now I am an orphan of sorts. I have no immediate family. I do have good friends that I cherish. What I have learned through all of this is this. Get mad a family and friends, but never stop talking to them. You never know when they will be gone. Live every moment to the fullest. You never know when that moment will be gone forever. Live is too short. Make the most of it.

We are experiencing a small thunder shower. My baby and Ralphy are almost huddled together. Neither one was afraid of thunder before. I don't understand why they are now. My 17 pound big boy is a wimp. He is crying and shaking with fear. I have tried to comfort him, but he is really freaked out.

Anyway, I don't know why the mood. I think it's time for me to go and live my wise words.

Day 7

Woke to a gray foggy sky. Imagine that. Well after I got my butt in gear, I headed to grocery store. Took the scenic route. Driving along I spotted a very inviting yard and had to turn around for some pictures.

Drove along the bay. Not much to see there for all the fog, but the rock pile.
Even further down was a lonely picnic table.

Next stop was canal park. This was very eerie with all the fog.

Across the canal, I caught a glimpse of a brave fisherman making his way to the end of the rock pile.

Going out was one of our whale watcher boats. Don't no what they expected to see with all the fog.

Then I heard a loud horn and turned to see the ferry coming in the canal and the whale watcher boat passing the ferry on the left side. (I wasn't fast enough to get a picture of that.) I know that if I was on the whale watcher, I would have been shitting in my pants.

Later in the day, the sky cleared to a beautiful sunny day. Until evening. We had a couple thunder storms roll through. Not as bad as some we've had, but interesting. I love thunder storms. My cats don't. My baby hid behind the sofa and Ralphy came running inside with his tail between his legs. What a big strong male he is.

After the storms, Ralphy wanted to go back out, where his sister was waiting. She's the only brave heart of the bunch. My baby spent the entire night in bed with me. This was very unusually. She hasn't done this in a very long time. Maybe the storms really scared her. Or maybe she just wanted to be close. Either way, I enjoyed the closeness.

Day 6

This was definitely a lazy day. I went to the bank and came home. My only outing for the day.

The natural gas company is running lines. This is creating havoc on our only main road. So people are being detoured. Today was my street. It has been very interesting watching all sorts of trucks and cars. Not to mention the beer tracker trailers, other tracker trailers, New Jersey Transit buses, school buses, etc.

I did notice a Coca Cola truck too. That got me to thinking. I haven't seen a Pepsi truck in a very long time. Has anyone?

The only pictures I took today was this morning of a zinnia bud.

The white things are not bugs. I noticed it when I loaded the pictures and went and checked.

It is just white fuzz.

Almost there.

I can't wait until it is in full bloom.

These will be my first zinnia's.

I got the plant from the high school.

The students grow all sorts of plants through

the year. Then they hold a plant sale.

I did not get these at the plant sale. These came from my favorite garden center.

It was very wet in the morning.

And the dewdrops were very pretty.

Day 5 of Staycation

Was cloudy when I woke up, but not raining. A good sign. Decided to go to a new place that someone told me about for pictures. When I got there it was foggy, but nice. There was a long path with wetlands on one side and a pond on the other.



I seen something moving across the pond and zoomed in as far as the camera would let me.

A glossy ibis poking his/her head up.

Walking a little further, this little one was just too cute.

I walked the path some more, but the bugs were getting bad. I decided to turn back, telling myself I would come back another day when hopefully the bugs were gone.

There was this call up ahead. I slowed down and walked as quietly as I could, (the best part about vacation for me, no socks and shoes. Just flip-flops.) So anyway, walking as quietly as I could in flip-flops, spotted this guy/girl.

What a cutie he/she was. I think it is a sandpiper of some sort, but I have no idea. I tried looking it up in the bird book, but to me they look the same.

Deciding to take the long way home to sight see, came across some people fishing in the fog.

Continuing along, the skies started to clear and what a beautiful day it turned out to be.

Shellbay Avenue.

There was a work truck parked next to me. He told me that there were deer along the edge of the phragmities. I did zoom in and was able to get one picture before the went behind the phragmities, but it wasn't a very good picture at all.

Anyway I spent some time here. It was quiet and peaceful. The birds were enjoying themselves too.

Hearing a familiar call, I looked to the sky. The one shorebird that I do know.

Least Tern.

(This isn't a very good picture, but I like the other Least Tern in the bottom of the photo.)

It was fun to watch them. They would hover, looking down into the water and then dive for a meal.

All in all, it was a good day. No rain, the sun shining and pictures taken.

Day 4 of staycation

As predicted it's raining and the temperature is around 59 degrees. Love the temp., but hate the rain.

Like the past couple of mornings, Ralphy has made himself comfy.

Fat little thing isn't he? But for all his girth, he is the sweetest cat. Couple months ago, he decided he was spending the night inside and on my bed. I fell asleep and a little while later was awoken to a loud bang. It was Ralphy falling off the bed.

Anyway this isn't about him. I went to the DMV this morning to pay my registration. $71.50 to be pissed away by the State. There were two receptionists when I went in, a guy and lady. The guy looks at me and said, 'it must be raining outside.' Me: 'Of course it is. I'm on vacation.' The lady says, 'all week?' Me: 'Yes.' Her: 'remind me not to take off when she's on vacation.' You see the forecast is for rain all week. Having a drought were you are? Let me know. I'll come vacation in your part of the world and take care of that drought for you.

Went to check on two osprey nests. And they're nesting. Yip-pee. Bobbie and I went last year in June to find babies in both nests. We'll be going back this year hopefully to more babies.

Click to enlarge and you'll see her hunkered down in the nest. She does blend in.

Papa was close by. Eating I think.

You looking at me.

The two photos above are from nest one.

The three below are from nest two. I was out of the car for these two. Very windy and rainy, but I think they turned out pretty good.

Papa on a near by post.

Mama looking at me as if to say, 'Back off. You're too close.'

How's that for a profile.

They are a very beautiful bird.

I did get a couple of pictures of papa in flight, fighting the wind, but they weren't very good.

I'm hoping that the weather forecasters are wrong about tomorrow. I am itching to go to a couple new places for pictures.

Day 3 of staycation

Same as yesterday morning. My baby coming in to wake me. Feeding her, starting the coffee, feeding the kittens, getting paper and quiet Ralphy.



Again in bed. Again not making the bed.

Hey, what's that thing?

Ahh. Come on mom. Let me just lie here awhile longer.

I have been talking about doing yard work, but not showing you the final result. So a little tour for you.

My side yard all mowed and weed whacked.

My back deck.

Part of my front deck.

Under my living room window.

Welcome to my home.

Went to Lily Lake in search of the swan family. If they were there, I couldn't find them.

Ended up taking a nap. I guess the two day in a row outing was more then my old body could handle.

Grilled myself a hamburger and hot dog before the rain started. It looks like my time off will be a rainy one. Every day this week they are predicting rain. Another rainy vacation. Just what I predicted.

Day 2 of staycation

At 5:30 in the morning, my baby thought it was a good time for me to get up and feed her. I didn't think so. She got the hint after about five minutes and went away. Half hour later, she tried again. She won out this time.



So my baby fed I went out to feed the kittens and get the paper. Ralphy has now made a habit to come in after he eats. Sometimes he pests to be petted. Sometimes he is just content enough to lay down on his bed in the laundry room.



All cat owners out there know that cats are just like kids. The quieter they are, the more trouble they are getting into. Well it is pretty hard for Ralphy to get into trouble. He is such a good cat, but he has become very comfortable.



When I went to check on him, he wasn't on his bed. He decided my bed was more comfortable.

He could have at least made the bed.

Finally got the yard done. Weed whacked and mowed. The yard always looks so good after.

Also got myself some sunburn. The back of my neck and shoulders got the worst. Do I ever think to put sunscreen on? Nooo. Oh well in a day to two, it will be tan.

Went to my friends again. Had a fried hot dog. The outside looked horrible, but it was actually very good. Later on we had hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill.

That's about it for day two. Sounds pretty boring, but we all had a good time.

Day 1 of staycation

Made my way to my favorite garden center. Got a couple packs of flowers and mulch. Weeded my front flower beds and planted the flowers. My friend also gave me some elephant ear bulbs that I also planted. Then mulched. Fully dirty from that.

My neighbor came home and was on crutches. Asked her what happened. Last Sunday she fell down the front steps and broke her leg. I feel bad because she said she was yelling for her daughter, and I didn't even hear her. Anyway she's in a cast for the next seven weeks.



Because it was a beautiful day with a breeze, I was going to weed wack and mow. I had came inside for a drink of water and noticed a message. My friend down the street left a message for me to call back. I called and was invited for a drink. Telling them I was going to weed wack and mow was not going to work. So I figured I would go down for a drink. Stay for an hour and leave. Didn't happen. Ended up leaving around 8:30. I'm going back today for hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill, but not before I get the yard done. The weather forecast is for some rain and possible thunder storm today and rain tomorrow.

A good time was had at my friends house. And I except another good time will happen today.

Enjoy your weekend.

As of 3:30 yesterday afternoon

I'm on vacation. I'm not going away. This is a stay at home vacation. Just what I like to do. I enjoy working in the yard and doing a day trip for pictures.

So on my staycation, I hope to find places like this.

And find lots of critters out in the open. Except snakes of course.

And if the critters are not out in the open, I'll have fun trying to find them. My message to the critters, you can run and fly, but you can't hide.

Usually my vacations look like this.

And if it does turn out like that, I hope there is this.

Wishing everyone a fun and safe Memorial Day.

Name that photo contest

but unfortunately, there's no prize. Just have fun.

This was taken this afternoon of Ralphy & Yipper. (click to enlarge)

Now remember that they are brother and sister.

And as Bobbie pointed out to me on the phone, it looks like a heart between the two of them.

Not much of anything

Not much has happened this past week. I was disappointed that Ty was eliminated from Dancing, but I guess it was to be expected. I don't care what anyone says, that man gave everything he had. Without a doubt, he was the most improved. I give him credit for doing something way out of his comfort zone.

Don't forget that tonight is the season finale of Survivor. I'm rooting for J.T.

I received a letter from the State saying I owe taxes for cigarettes that I purchased outside the State. The letter references an invoice number, but the letter does not tell me how much I owe. It gives you a website to go to. Then fill out the worksheet with the date, number of cartons and amount paid from 2002. Be for real. I don't have this information. I contacted the place I purchased the cigarettes. The girl was very nice, but told me that she couldn't tell me anything. She said that they were waiting for a manager to tell them what they could and could not say. She told me I could call back and ask for a manager and several would be available to speak with. I called the next day and spoke with another girl who told me that a manager wouldn't be available until afternoon. Nicely but firmly I insisted and guess what, a manager was available. He told me that they sent names, address and order information to the State. The order information had the date, number of cartons and amount paid. He is going to send me a print out. Turns out I started ordering from them in 2005. Three years after what the State is requesting.

I am going to send the State a letter requesting the amount of taxes I owe. After all, they don't hesitate to send a nasty letter saying you owe 'x' amount in taxes. What's different this time?

I called about jury duty Friday. My service to them is complete. My next time of service is 2012.

I went food shopping this morning. They had advertised a six pack of lemons. They weren't marked with the sale price, so I asked a guy who works in the department. He said they were the one's on sale. After I checked out, I looked at the receipt. Sure enough, they didn't charge me the sale price. I went to the customer service desk with receipt and circular. The girl was very nice. I don't know if this is store policy, but she gave me my money for the entire cost of the lemons. I questioned her, but she said, 'we overcharged you for the item, so I am giving you a full refund for them.' No argument here. I thanked her very much and left.

I have bored you enough with nothing but a bunch of ramblings. So I leave you with some pretty pansy pictures.

Happy Mother's Day

Rain, rainbow, hummers & other stuff

We haven't seen the sun since Friday. Late in the afternoon, a portion of the sky clouded over with the other bright and sunny. Huge raindrops fell. Perfect for a rainbow.

This rain was very short and soon the skies brighten.

Mr. Hummer came out to feed and guard his feeder from the others.

Sunset was beautiful.

This was the last sunset we have seen. It has been overcast, drizzle, rain, downpours, thunder, lightning and some fog at times.

At times we have been graced with the hint of sunshine and blue sky, but all too soon it is taken over with gray clouds.

We are getting tired of this shit. We need sunshine. Checking the weather for the coming days doesn't looking promising. It is saying for Sunday, abundant sunshine. I hope they are telling the truth this time.

I have been told twice in the past two days that the professionals are saying we are still down four inches in rainfall. How can this be? Winter was wet. We had a lot of rain and snow (over eight inches of the white shit). And so far this spring, it has been wet. Ahh this is probably another one of the news people doom and gloom stories. They have to find something negative to talk about. Heaven forbid they should actually talk about something good.

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Last Saturday was our high schools prom. I went to my friend's house because their son was going. Oh how handsome he looked. His date had a beautiful pink gown on. He says they are just 'best friends', but from the looks they gave one another and body language, they are more then that.

I did take pictures, but one, they didn't turn out as good as I had hoped. And two, I don't like to post pictures without permission.

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All the Dancing with the Stars fans out there, what did you think about the elimination Tuesday? I was surprised. As much as I love Ty and think he is the most improved, I thought for sure he would have been the next to go.

I had said in a previous post that Ty was my favorite. I really hope he goes all the way. I just think that he is what this show is about. Doing something that you have never done before and way out of your comfort zone.

And how can you help but not love him. He has a great quiet personality and great expressions.

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Did I mention that our swallows are back. They've been here for about three weeks now. I love to hear the chitter-chatter and watch them fly.

Bobbie came across a humming bird nest webcam. If you would like to watch, click here.

And don't forget about the Bald Eagle cams. The link is on my sidebar at the top. There is three HUGH babies at Sidney. And two small babies at Hornby. Very fun to watch.

Haven't seen the possum since Sunday. I hope that she found a place, not in my shed, to have her babies.

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Well. That's about all I have. Until next time, if you have sun where you are, think of us and try to send some our way.