The end of 2010!

We love chewing Mom's flowers, but she isn't so happy about it.....

 All this holiday stuff just tires us out!!

It has been quite a year!   Retirement, summer rental in Boston, trip across country, and now settling in to our new life spending winters in Florida!  And on to 2011, and a new photo blog!

Food Fight!

Fisherman had thrown a piece of fish to the waiting pelicans, and they were fighting over it.  I did not even realize until I looked at my shot here that a little gull had gotten in on the fight!

Clem and I had gone to see  the manatees who are harboring in the warm waters of the power plant, and though we could not get to where they were, we enjoyed a stroll in the cool sunny day on a dock in Riviera Beach.  Folks sitting out having lunch with their jackets on!  The sun is so warm , despite the record breaking cool temps.

Weather

Flights cancelled, snowing in Atlanta, blizzards in northeast and damaging rains in California. Florida is not escaping completely, as we once again dip into record low temps and pull out the sweatshirts! The manatees are gathering by the hundreds at the power stations where the waters are warm Daytime high today predicted 58 degrees. But of course there will be sun......and warm sun. Stay in it and it feels lovely. Wind on beach not so fun! :-). It was extremely windy yesterday with this front moving in. It usually only lasts a couple of days at most but last January had long spell. Hoping that is not the case this year. Told Clem this morning maybe we should go to Caribbean in feb after all!

Now for West Palm Beach, FL (33410)

Temp: 37F
Feels like: 29F
Clear
Humidity: 56%
Wind: WNW at 14 mph
Updated: 12/27/10 5:45 AM EST

Sign in Delray Beach

Went for an organized walk today, and saw this sign at the museum where we were to meet the leader....pretty cute!

Was searching on line, and found a site called "Meetup", and signed up for a walking/hiking group.  You then just register for walks and meet the group at the designated area.  Took Clem with me today, as it was only 4 miles and an urban walk.  Met several very nice folks, chatted as we walked, then had breakfast at a local restaurant.  Looking forward to several events in January.  

Another birthday treat!

Sister Kathy is also a sweetie, who always bakes
me a special cake when I am down here for my
birthday.  This one was on a special plate, which was a gift to me.  Really cute Christmas plate, that inverts to a chip and dip dish.  And after we ate enough of the yummy cake, a cute reindeer appeared on top!
Red Velvet with a coconut frosting....yum!

62 this year!  Eligible for social security....sure does not seem possible. Cindy and David called first thing and sang to me for my big day!

Christmas Morning surprise!

An early knock on the door.........Santa???  No, my sweet neighbor across the street with this mini chocolate cheesecake and candle, and a gift bag for my birthday!  Her husband has a birthday on Dec 28, and she said he and I get short changed, so.....  A very big surprise, and a lovely gesture!

Christmas Eve

Friends Jack and Clare at the Open House that Jim and Joan hold most every year at their home.  We were outside, and the evening started cooling off a bit more than normal, and jackets were donned by several.  It was cool enough to allow me to wear my Christmas sweater, which was pretty neat!   Jack and Clare were planning on spending Christmas Day at the beach, and turns out they had lots of company.  We stopped by in the afternoon to visit with them in their  condo, and could not believe the cars at the beach lot.  

Today's tale.....

This afternoon was sunny and warm, and we decided to check out a beach we had not been to on Jupiter Island.  The entrance was lined with a canopy of sea grapes, and the beach had stone, which I guess is sand stone, which we had seen only farther up the island at Blowing Rocks.



It made for great tide pools when the water came in, which  these two young boys were exploring.

 The waves moved in on me when I went for some shells!  Got some nice ones....different than the beach we normally go to.  And the water was surprisingly warm.  Wind was blowing, and though warm inland, was cool on the water!  

Three Wise Men

I was having coffee yesterday morning, when the sun came up, and I noticed the light shining on the statues.  Could it have been the star beckoning?

I had painted these long ago as a gift for my Mom.  We were living in Chicago, and Chris was very small.....so many years ago!  They normally hold candles, but I like them even like this.  It is nice to have them now, with so many memories attached.

I kept forgetting to take a picture of the lawn ornament I made.  How is this for a Florida greeting?!
Hard to tell from the photo, but he stands nearly 6 feet tall.  Caused quite a stir from the neighbors when I put him out.  Several had the first impression that someone must have had a baby!

Walk in wetlands

Warm temps have returned, and I took a walk in an area I had not seen before.  You can tell there is a slight drought, as the cypress knees were often visible along the trail, instead of in water.  The trail ran between a swamp and a marsh, and many of the trees played host to epiphytes, like the one on the left.  Unlike parasites, they are only supported by the host, and live on moisture and dust from the air.  We have air plants in our trees here, but you have to get into these wild areas to see orchids and bromeliads.  I would love to see them in bloom.   West of Miami is an area called the Fahkahatchie Strand, where they supposedly abound, and it is on my list!

Shortest day of the year today.......that means tomorrow spring is on the way!

Morning coffee by the pool

A week before Christmas!  Can't beat that!  

Had quite a cold snap, which damaged crops, and sent the natives scampering for warm clothing, and visitors buying hats and gloves.  Early for that kind of weather, and hoping it does not mean a cold winter here again this year.  Of course, the sun continues to shine, so it is not all bad.

This photo was taken a couple of months ago and just forwarded to me. Lovely brunch to celebrate friend Fran's seventieth birthday.

Baby it's cold outside............

...but it sure is snuggly on the couch in the sun!

Weather Conditions from The Weather Channel

Now for West Palm Beach, FL (33410)

Temp: 37F
Feels like: 30F
Clear
Humidity: 57%
Wind: NW at 10 mph
Updated: 12/15/10 5:25 AM EST

Wow! Talk about crazy! And there was a warning for low humidity for about 4 hours today. Initially seemed very funny, but I guess that, with winds and warming temps during the day makes for fire danger. This front is effecting most of the country but fla is usually the place to escape to! Visitors in Orlando are buying hats and scarves! Always cooler there. I should see how cold.

What is THAT??

This was one of the first days the guys were exploring around the lanai, and a flock of ibis landed in the yard.....thought Loki might have a coronary!  He had already done a nose to nose with a muskovy duck, but this was something else again!  They are loving going outside, and in fact, each morning have their breakfast, then go to the door.  Which normally would be open, but with the cold the last couple of days, it is closed.  So they sit and stare at me....please, mom.....can't we go out now?

Florida Snowman?

Went to a sand castle contest at the beach, and turned out it was
a pretty amature event, instead of the intricate things you see.  This was apparently
someone's idea of a sand/snow man.

This was several weeks ago.  Last night, and tonight, one could probably make a real snowman, should there be some precipitation!  We are experiencing record breaking cold temps, that were set in  1962.  It is very dry, however....and sunny, as always.  Quite pleasant this afternoon, in spite of chilly start.  Jean and sweatshirt weather, to be sure.

Girl at the front desk at the gym is FREEZING!!  I should knit her
a scarf!

Boat Parade

This is a big event here, and several towns run their own.  There were 50 boats in this one, and it was VERY difficult getting photos!  A few ended up modern art!  I knew this would be the case, and just took the little point and shoot, not knowing if I would even try,  But these give you an idea  .  

It felt very cool sitting on the water, but was actually in the low 60's, which by most areas of the country would be really nice!  Funny...we cannot figure if it is the contrast of the heat, or a difference in humidity, but these temps are quite cool.  The parade was the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  We have been so busy, I am way behind on photo organization, and in fact, have not even taken many photos!  Getting settled in the house, adding things we need for a longer stay, and of course all the things needed to do for Christmas.  I think I am catching up finally!

Cold Front!

Yesterday afternoon the mercury started falling and went from 82 to 72 in a matter of hours. This morning it is a chilly 51 degrees! Highs the rest of the week in low to mid 70's. Sounds pretty good to me!

Everyone gearing up and decorating for the holidays. They even bring snow in for some of the events! But the funnier ones are the tree lightings with pony rides or sand castle building. Every weekend there seems to be an outdoor art and craft fair. And saturday is the 16th annual boat parade. This year the boats range from a 124 ft yacht to a twelve footer. I can't wait!

Carol
Sent from my iPhone

Florida Christmas decorations

Was on a long bike ride and came across these decorated palms.  Looks so funny with the big bright balls hanging!  I do like the lights along the trunks...will have to try to get a night photo of them.  Looking forward to the boat parade!  

and the bulge......

Check out the bulge in the neck!!    He was soon fishing again!  Must have been hungry!

Gotcha!!

I was walking around a little lake today getting some exercise and enjoying watching the wildlife, and this little green heron, in particular, fishing.  I went back to the car for my camera, but he was bothered by my "stalking", and kept moving.  I was just giving up and walking away, when I heard a splash!  He got one!  And I got several photos of him picking it up, and maneuvering it to swallow whole.  This resulted in a big bulge in his neck!  I may post that one as well , but thought this was the best of the lot.  Had my wider angle lens on, so have cropped and zoomed here.

Settling In

Although still a bit nervous in new surroundings, the cats are settling in.  Interestingly, they come around more in the evening, much as they did in the RV.  They must think this is the new routine.  I keep telling them we are not moving.......

Weather Conditions from The Weather Channel

Now for West Palm Beach, FL (33410)

Temp: 75F
Feels like: 75F
Partly Cloudy
Humidity: 67%
Wind: E at 12 mph
Updated: 11/20/10 10:05 PM EST

Full moon. Gorgeous day and evening.

Carol
Sent from my iPhone

Weather as we hit California in RV

We are into warm weather! Beautiful sunny day for travel. Mt Shasta was spectacular as we drove by.
Now for Sacramento, CA
Temp: 75F
Feels like: 75F
Sunny
Humidity: 43%
Wind: CALM at calm mph
Updated: 11/2/10 4:25 PM PDT

Mapping the trip

On a gorgeous day last recently, we mapped out the upcoming trip while enjoying the sunshine on the deck.  Over the weekend, it started blowing and raining, and now it is certainly time to hit the road!

  Had dinner here for friends last night, and made a stew in a pumpkin.  It is so neat, and really very tasty.  And I blew it, and didn't take a photo!  Have to admit I had some difficulty getting it out of the oven, so was distracted by that.  Next time!  Have not made it in years, but decided I should make it a fall standard. Warm stew on a blustery night, in a festive pumpkin....very fun!  

My new app!

This is an actual photo taken at dinner last night with toon camera. Fun no?

Pumpkin Experiment

I have always been intrigued by the special cutters they sell, and finally decided to put it to the test.  Not too bad for the first try.  Wish somebody else would clean out the pumpkins for me, and then I would do more!
Also experimented with photos, of course!

Booooooooooooo

I have this thing for Halloween, and I am missing not having my decorations out this year!  But since we hit the road on November 1, I didn't want to have to take everything down before we leave, or have it still up when we return!  But I did find this cool stick on for the wall that I could not resist!  The neighborhood kids will wonder where my yard ghosts are this year!

October Sunset

Fall is definitely upon us, with warm sunny days, and chilly nights, and some spectacular sunsets!  We had a pretty bad September, with uncommon rainy days, but October is  rewarding us with sunshine.  This is a photo off the back deck.   I often remark that I have so many of these, that I could paper a room with them. Each one seems better than the next, however, and I always run for the camera.  Have been here since 2001, and I never get used to them, or get enough.  I need to set up a tripod and see if I can get a photo of the twinkling lights in the valley once it is dark.....I never tire of those, either.

Fruit Loop

Click on this photo to see my album.

Pluot

A WHAT?  It's a cross between a plum and an apricot, and so sweet and delicious!  Got them on the fruit loop drive last weekend, and had to take a photo before I finished the last one!  (hope I can find them at the grocery store.)  Also, notice my book titles!  Have been spending lots of time with tour guides and the like planning our cross country trip, which starts in just a couple of weeks!  

Cat Nap

Retired for a whole week now, Clem enjoys his little naps in the afternoon, especially after a round of golf!  Sasquatch is always nearby!

Adventure for the day ........

The Hood River Fruit Loop!

Click on the link above......photos to follow!

Polish Festival

The entertainment was secondary to the food, but it was a lovely day, and fun to attend.  Got some great photos of little ones dancing when we went a couple of years ago, but I loved the braids and colorful skirts of these gals waiting for their turn to perform. 

 I was reminded of the years I did  Slovak folk dancing with the gymnastic organization, Sokol, that I belonged to.  Those costumes were family heirlooms, and loaned to me for performances.  The owners would literally come and dress and undress me to watch over their cherished possessions.  They were beautifully embroidered, and had layers of underskirts.  I loved doing the dances, and was honored to be allowed to borrow the costumes.  

Race for the Cure Sept 18

More than 40,000 attended here in Portland, the second largest in the country, and third in the world!  The rains held off for us, after the downpour of the following evening.  It is incredible to see the number of survivors in their bright pink shirts.  And sad to see the names on peoples backs in whose honor they walk, who have not made it.  

The bride was radiant despite the weather!

  Outdoors in September should have been wonderful, but mother nature has been pulling nasty tricks on us here in Portland.  I have to say, the white umbrellas that the whole wedding party used to walk through the field and under the tent, added a certain touch!  

This is our friend Don, of Don and Patty, and their daughter Terri.  Note the cobalt blue shoes!  Ceremony was really nice...sometimes touching, sometimes spiritual, and often downright funny!  An entire parade of their toddler nieces and nephews, all under 8 years of age,  marched in pulling the tiniest in wagons, and carrying signs of love and hugs.  SO cute!  

The Farm is that of a local restaurant, who has opened to special events.  And one could have watched them cooking, had we not been hiding under our own tent at the reception!  It was blowing and pouring! Waiters were drenched going back and forth.  A memorable day, for many reasons!  

A picture may be worth a thousand words.........

....but it can't relay the scent!! We had a dinner party Saturday night, and one of our guest brought me these roses from her garden. They are lovely, but the scent is amazing!!

Yummy Yogurt!

Loki waits patiently until I am finished, and then enjoys licking the container. When it is ice cream, he does not wait patiently, but rather sits in my face and tilts his head, and grabs my hand as it goes to my mouth!! Silly cat! They sure did miss us while we were away. They are my little shadows....even more than normal.

Deep breath.................

Pre walk down the aisle jitters showing plainly on friend Paul and daughter Angela! Had to chuckle.....definitely my photo of the day!!

Flourless Chocolate Cake recipe

www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/the-essence-of-emeril/flourless-chocolate-torte-recipe/index.html

Having a dinner party tomorrow night, and looking for a dessert that will pass for one of my guests who has celiac disease...ie, no gluten. Now, I have this habit of researching MANY recipes, and changing my mind, and sometimes making a couple of desserts! My favorite course. My motto is "life is uncertain....eat dessert first!" This one may make the cut!

Seamans Bethel

New Bedford Massachusetts has a very interesting history.  Now a mainly industrial town, the historic district has been saved from demolition and preserved, thankfully.  It is so sad that many of our historic buildings have been demolished in the name of progress.  Often a lonely sign is erected...."once the sight of...."  But an organization realized the significance of a whole area in this town, and saved these great places.  This was one of my favorite, placed close to the shore along cobblestone streets, in what is now a National Park.  This was a whaling town, and became the whaling capital of the WORLD!  Being a dangerous profession, the sailors were blessed before going out, and they eventually built them a non denominational chapel for that blessing.  Beth - El, two words from the Jewish language, meaning house of god.  Herman Melville came here often, and just before setting out as a young man on a whaling voyage.  A pew inside is marked where he always sat.  10 years after his voyage, he wrote Moby Dick, and this place is mentioned in his story.

"Ogunquit".........Indian for coastal lagoon

We are back home in Oregon, and getting caught up.  With photos and life!  The kitties are very happy to have us back home.....following me everywhere, if even a few steps across a room.  This photo was taken in Ogunquit, Maine.  the girls were tempting the waves as they got a closer look.  The rocky coast there is beautiful.  It was a gorgeous day, and we walked along what is called Marginal Way, visitied some quaint shops, and then they played at the beach.

I have remarked to my Oregon friends that the Indian names in the east are very different from those of the west, and I made note of some of them to remember.  One I especially liked is "Winnipesaukee", which is the name of a lake in New Hampshire.  The word means "smile of the great spirit."

A good book I really enjoyed....you may, too!

The Art of Racing in the Rain


Click on the link to be taken to a synopsis and review. Everyone I know who has read 
this book loved it.


Because I am leading the discussion at book group tomorrow, I was looking up info on the current book I am
reading, and noticed I could share links to reviews, so, here is an experiment in that! I keep learning new
things about blogging, and enjoying the possibilities. Hope you enjoy the book!

Practicing Retirement!

Clem opted for a quiet day where it is cool, and has been reading.  However, he just remarked, "what am I going to do with all this free time?"

We did start the day early , before the heat hit, with a bit of tennis, then a putting contest, followed by a dip in the pool.   All this, however, took place inside of two hours!