Well, well, well....It's been quite a span of time since I sat down to compose a blog entry, which was mainly caused by my biggest obstacle - tortuously slow wi-fi here at Elite. After complaining and whining to George for over six weeks while watching my screen attempt to open up my browser, open an email, download or upload, I bit the bullet and ordered Internet from the local service provider, Spectrum. Now, I'm once more spoiled with dedicated, high-speed Internet connectivity! One of my tag lines reads, "Life is Beautiful," and now, it's beautifully FAST. Ahhh. The little things that make me smile.
We have spent the majority of our time here in Florida enjoying the bright sunshine, warm weather, listening to the mocking birds' endless impressions, continuing the upgrades to our lot and enjoying the company of friends - mostly New Yorkers!
Today finds us enjoying a much-welcomed rainy day. The grass is sucking it up faster than it can reach the ground due to continued drought conditions in Central Florida. All of the retention ponds are either dried up or look like small puddles, so you shouldn't hear too many complaints about the clouds and drizzle.
Since the conditions are so dry, the fire departments conduct regular "controlled burns" to eliminate, what they categorize as, "potential fuel," which is actually multiple acres of dead trees, branches and over-growth. While there is controversy about the practice, it does make sense to eliminate it prior to a lightening strike or human induced fire, but the smell can be disturbing when it's close to our vicinity.
To change to a prettier subject, the Mocking Birds are an interesting absurdity and distraction. Most people here complain about their constant daytime and nocturnal singing, but it is the only bird I ever hear in this area, so if I had to pick one bird, it might as well be one that can mimic dozens of birds.
Mocking Birds are about 7" long, mate for life and live about eight
years in the wild and up to 20 years in captivity. They are the State
bird of Florida and males do most of the singing. Amazingly, a male bird was once
observed to have a repertoire of over 200 different bird songs.
Click below to hear the Florida State Bird in action.
Our lot is coming along quite nicely thanks to the fact that George got a job at a local Lowe's store. We purchased a bunch of stuff utilizing his Employee Discount Card and ended up spending his first four paychecks even before receiving the first! Here are a few before and after shots...
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| "Before" |
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| "After" |
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| Better photo of "After" |
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| Dim-able lights. |
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| Not pictured on the lot, but our new Griddle Grill.....So far, loving it. Made some wicked bacon and eggs on it. |
The new job at Lowe's is going well. George likes the fact of "having a reason to get up and get going," which he was beginning to actually miss since retiring. I've made it a point of setting an alarm and getting up earlier also. Today, the extra time and rain afforded me the opportunity to share this update.
Besides by beautiful metal crane depicted above, here are a couple of other "new additions" to the lot.
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| New Red Hibiscus and two wooden & metal birds. |
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| George's choice: Yellow Hibiscus with red center along with a fern and Croton Plant. |
Deep thought for the day: Credit goes to the talented David Ruffin of The Temptations, "You may find it hard to understand, how I wish it would rain."
Click the link below to be awed and impressed...and for some, reminisce about days long gone.
The Temptations - I Wish It Would Rain
PS: R.I.P: Kathy Merz's mom (whom I unfortunately never had the chance to meet) and Alfredo Tresgallo, a hard-working immigrant from Spain who should be the role model for all who enter this country seeking "The American Dream."
