Disgusting

I was skimming this article in the Press of Atlantic City and read this paragraph, 'The governor spent $23.6 million through Friday, according to the reports, and raised $24.1 million. Christie has raised $11.7 million, including $7.3 million in public matching funds from the State, and spent $8.8 million.' Excuse the language, but what the fuck is this about.

These people should be ashamed of themselves. Raising and spending this amount of money. For what? The fucking title of Governor. A title so they can screw this State up more than what it is already.

Do they realize that there are people out there losing their jobs. Homes. How many people cannot afford health care. People who cannot afford the medications they desperately need. People who cannot afford to put food on their table. As you know, the list just goes on and on.

And what does 'including $7.3 million in public matching fund from the state' mean? I think it means that the good residents of this State forked out $7.3 mill. 7.3 MILLION DOLLARS. For what???

I know I could come up with ways to spend this amount of money. I can tell you it wouldn't be used toward some fucking title. It would be used for the people and for the good of the people

It's raining again. This is getting old. We have a couple days of beautiful sunshine, only to cloud over for several days of rain. Ugh. Grr.

Started the day with making beef stew in the crock pot. Nice comfort food for a rainy day. The recipe is quick and easy. I don't remember if I shared this or not, but here is the recipe. (I cut up the veggies the day before)

2 lbs. beef cubes
1/4 to 1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 cup beef broth
1/2 clove minced garlic
4 carrots
2 onions (minced)
1 stalk celery
3 potatoes (diced)
1 bay leaf (optional)

Mix flour, salt, pepper & paprika together. Put beef cubes in crock pot (use the slow cooker bags for easy clean-up), add flour mixture and mix. Add the remaining ingredients and stir. Cover and cook 10 to 12 hours low heat or 4 to 6 hours high heat.

I add more celery and potatoes to my stew. Along with frozen peas. I do not use bay leaf. Turns out wonderful every time. Enjoy.

Next stop, pick up fresh rolls. Then a ride along the bay front.

Not really much to see, but I did come across this moored sailboat.

Not very often that we see this in the bay. Was a pretty sight.

The annual luminary walk at Cold Spring Village is next Saturday. On my way to the eye doctor, I stopped to buy my ticket.

Cold Spring Village is beautiful this time of year. Rain or shine.

Hope wherever you are, the sun is shining. If not, I hope you are enjoying your autumn as much as I am enjoying mine.

Day at the beach

Most of the eastern shoreline has been in the depths of back to back nor'easters. Basically that means high winds, rain and flooding.

Friday the Wildwood bridge was closed due to flooding. I read in the paper that many more had been closed.

Ocean City didn't fair well. Speaking with a friend there, she said that most streets were flooded and there was only a very small lane to get on and off of the island.

I didn't go out at all yesterday, so the only thing left to do was housework. Oh joy.

I wasn't going to be kept inside, two days in a row. The winds were high and temps were low. So long pants(ugh), socks (double ugh) and flannel shirt (am I out of my mind? I'll sweat my butt off), gather my shopping list and camera. So first stop, Wawa for gas. When the weather is hot and miserable or cold and damp, I always tip the attendants. I tell them to get something cold/hot to drink. It really is amazing to see the expression (shock at first), then the smile and the heartfelt thank-you.

Anyway, next stop food shopping. Then Starbucks for my Pumpkin Spice Latte'. Then McDonald's for breakfast.

Next was Cape May. They have a pavilion there that blocked most of the wind. I met a very nice gentleman who came down to see the waves. We were both disappointed.

I heard a guy next to me say, 'is that a turtle?' I'm like, 'oh boy. I can take a picture of a sea turtle.'

Well here's the sea turtle.

I explained to the guy that this was a horseshoe crab. And explained to him and his wife a little bit about them.

In the distance was a couple who really knew how to have a good time.

'Kick up your heels and have fun.'

There were a couple good waves.

Next stop Cape May Point.

This clam shell was just sitting there. I thought it looked pretty cool.

The winds were definitely stronger on the bay. It had stopped raining so I took a walk on the beach. (Was I glad I wore the flannel shirt).


When I had enough of being blown around, I turned to walk back to the parking lot. Caught a guy taking my picture from behind. (Not my best side.) Instead of embarrassing the guy, I just grinned and asked how he was doing.

Next stop, Lily Lake. Came across this bird and managed to get a couple bad shots before he flew off. I have no idea what it is. If anyone does, please let me know.

Decided to ride around the Point for a while and came across another pair that knew how to have a good time.

I found a set of steps over the dune and seen a bunch of black dots in the ocean. Again I have no idea what type of birds these are. I zoomed in as much as I could. They kinda look like ducks to me. What do you think?

I must tell you I got lost. Now Bobbie I can hear you saying, "What? How can you get lost at the Point? There's only one way in and out." Well trust me. I got lost. So when your up to it, we'll go for a ride and get lost together.

So weaving up and down different streets trying to find my way out, I came across this path to the beach.

By then I was wind blown enough and ready to get home and put my groceries away.

So I hope the weather is better where you are. And you kick up your heels and have fun.

October happenings

For me it is always a toss up between whether I prefer spring to fall.

I do love spring with everything coming back to life and the vibrant colors all around after a long dreary winter.

But how I love fall. The changing colors on trees. The cooler temperatures (yip-pee). And the activities offered in the month of October.

Saturday offered the annual Oktoberfest in Ocean City. It is a ten block block party. Well really it is a ten block craft show. I like to be there when it starts at 9: AM. Generally not many people up and about then. This year I was wrong. There were lots of people. Too many for my taste.

People tend just to stop right in front of you to chat. Or instead of making their way to a booth, stop where they are. Instead of causing a scene and yell, I cleared my throat. Somewhat loudly. This actually worked. Of course by the time I got to the car, I had a sore throat. Small price to pay.

Anyway, my purchases included candles, (like I need anymore). The best cashew and pistachio nuts around.

I also stopped at a couple photographers booths. They did have some very beautiful pictures, but honestly, (and not that I am being conceited), some weren't any better then some of mine.

********************

Another happening on Saturday is the annual Lima Bean Festival in West Cape May.

I made my way there, but ooh the people. Parking was basically non-existence. So I decided to scrap that idea and go to one of my favorite places. Lily Lake.

There wasn't much activity around the lake this day. But when I came around a bend, I came upon this beauty.



We were having quite the photo session. When...


They were oblivious of me and my camera. They were taking pictures themselves. How could I be mad about that. But I did want them to move so I could continue my session.

They finally did move and that is when they noticed me. When passenger finally saw me and had the 'Oh shit. I'm soo sorry' look. Had to laugh at her expression.

So anyway, me and swanny resumed our photo shoot.

The 'shy yet coy' look.


The, 'I love the camera and to pose' look.

********************

Thursday night, I had a Planning Board meeting. The Chairman takes beautiful pictures and we do talk about the pictures we have taken.

He said that he was going to go to Hydrofest in Wildwood Crest. He said I should go. That I could probably get some nice photos of the boats and spray.

So yesterday, over I went. Again, lots of people. I had to park six blocks away and wondered if this was going to be worth the walk.

The first sight I saw.

The Chairman wasn't kidding when he said lots of spray.


Close race.


Another close race and more spray.

Four boats. Neck and neck.

Then there was the occasional break down.

Not a happy camper.

Whoa Nellie.

I wouldn't be standing that close to that boat.

This was their practice lap.

So not a lot of spray, but still very close.

Very close race.

This was the first time I ever went to the Hydrofest. And yes, it was well worth walking six blocks. I will be going back next year. Only I will be taking along a chair.

********************

Today I am going to a Zumba class. My friend goes and enjoys it very much. I understand that it is a dance exercise class. I also understand that it is non-stop dance for an hour. Hope I can last the full hour.

Well enjoy your Columbus Day.

********************

Zumba update: If you love to dance, I really recommend trying Zumba dance. It is a great fun workout.