§ LOST but Not Forgotten

Have you ever been in this predicament? Something of little monetary value, but valuable to you, is lost? Well, for weeks, I had lost something that is just that, little to no value, but valuable to me being that they were my favorites! I searched high and low, in pockets, purses, jackets, car glove box and gear box between the driver's seat and passenger seat, drawers, shelves, trinket boxes....even got so desperate I dumped all my stuff from my jewelry box and scattered them in front of me, searched through every piece, bit by bit! Still nothing. They were gone. And, I was almost in tears.

Recently, as I was taking out clothes from the washer to put them in the dryer, a light bulb came on.  I checked all the drawers and doors of my jewelry box, but I NEVER lifted the top lid that has a hidden mirror to guide you when you put on pieces of jewelry.  As soon as the clothes were loaded, I went to the jewelry box and started taking things off the top so I could open it...Did I find it in there?  

No!!

In fact I didn't have to OPEN the top mirror.  As I was taking off the stuff from the top, I opened my cat music box to listen to the title song from the musical, CATS, and there they were!!  My cardinal cloisonne earrings... All snug as a bug in a rug!  Funny thing, I now remember placing them in there for safe keeping so they WOULDN'T GET LOST.

I'm so relieved.  Now, should I wear them?  Or will they fall out of my piercings and I not even realize it 'til it's too late?  I do tend to catastrophize..  In fact that at times could be my middle name.  Anni Catastrophize Blogger.

§ *Pearl of Success!!!

As I mentioned in my previous post about stopping at the island’s tourist traps souvenir shops [one of many] to look for some more owl earrings and finding only the kind I already had…I ended up buying some zodiac trinkets for us. Two of Aries, one of Aquarius, and one of Taurus. They are in gift boxes. And they’re all called “Love Pearls” Each one of the zodiacs are a silver depiction of the symbol. Ours, Aries, the Ram…Taurus, the Bull, and Aquarius, the Water Carrier. I like to tell my family [remind them a lot], that they couldn’t survive without me….water!!! Of course they ‘clam up’ and ignore me completely!!!

Anyway, the Love Pearls…in each box there is an oyster [real] floating in liquid alcohol mixture. Release the oyster from its sealed container and pry it open with the tool provided. You will find a real pearl [yes, it’s real ‘cause once opened, there is oyster meat inside] also…kinda sicky/slimy looking…and I sure as heck refused to smell it!!!! There are different colors of pearls. Each symbolizes different things…

WHITE: wisdom

CREAM: success

PEACH: health

PURPLE: wealth

BLACK: love

I’ll take you through the steps to find what’s hidden inside mine….

The oyster


The pendant [Water Carrier - Aquarius] and the warning label on the oyster container. "Ya, like I'd try to eat this? I don't think so!!!"


Oh, lookie, lookie!!! A pearl!! I'd say cream colored*, wouldn't you?

All cleaned and ready to place inside the love pearl pendant. [somehow...I haven't got that far yet.] It'll take me a while to figure out how to unsnap the pendant and latch it without the pearl falling out.

That was fun! I've always wanted to go searching for a real honest to goodness pearl. Mine's rather shaped oddly....but, that fact is fitting, I'm odd and been called worse.

By the way, the purple flower at the beginning is a butterfly bush blossom....at the walkway to go to the mermaid fountain outside the shop.

§ You Don't Know Jack!!

Most often my routine is to stop at the neighborhood market after my walking. Just so I can buy me a deli salad with delicious roasted turkey and cranberries atop the leafy greens. Well, the other day, as I was walking through the store, heading to the produce aisle, I spotted this very odd, kinda ugly in a peculiar way, and unusually shaped 'thing' on the shelf by the organic foods! Something I've never recalled seeing before. I had to stop and check it out. Have you ever seen them? Perhaps you have seen them....and EATEN the fruit? They're called Jackfruit. They grow on trees, and from what I've read online after getting home that day...they weigh an average 35 [kilos]-80 pounds!! The ones on display were huge. About the size of a LARGE whole watermelon!! Now if my math is correct, at the going price of $118.40 per fruit, the next day refuse [if you get my drift] is worth more than a grilled steak and fixins' at a posh restaurant!!

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Next up is something that we've had for decades! Bud made this for the holidays one day while I was at work and it was his day off from his job. He took some barbed wire we had saved from his folks ranch when we had a house built on the land. The way it's stored is usually rolled. He took that roll of wire and decorated it with a western theme along with some holly and natural dried plants, put a rope bow on it and a couple of resin cowboys...placed it on our large entrance gate by our driveway to our home. When we retired and relocated to Arizona, we had it out for Christmas on our stone wall. Then, moving to Texas....it hung on our garage wall ever since....for nearly 12 years. I told him, even tho the barbed wire had a sentimental value, to either clean it up and revamp it or 'Let's toss it!'. He cleaned it up and we now have it on our living room wall along with all the Texas/Old West theme. And by the way, the wreath weighs about as much as the Jackfruit!!

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Another project was to get 8 more photos of birds processed and framed in  a collage frame! My last one to hang on the bird sanctuary wall was this one...


top left to right:  Carolina Wren, Vermillion Flycatcher, Bald Eagle, Ring Necked Duck.  Bottom Left to right: Blue Headed Vireo,  European Starling, Golden Plover and Black Phoebe

The last one that was processed and framed yesterday [I don't have it up on the wall yet] was this one:



top left to right:  Yellowheaded Blackbird, Grasshopper Sparrow, RARE in Texas Sooty Tern [it took me 4 trips to Rockport Texas to find it and get a photo of this all pelagic* tern] *pelagic meaning seabird -rarely on land- and I have scheduled MORE photos of the tern to be found at I'd Rather B Birdin' at noon today, Hudsonian Godwit, Monk Parakeet, Blackpoll Warbler, Spotted Sandpiper, and Clapper Rail.

By the way, my bird fetish is not held to just photography...I read bird books, I have bird T-shirts, and many many pieces of jewelry with birds. While in Rockport, after Bud spotted the sooty tern, we stopped and shopped. I found two new sets of earrings. [not as weighty as the Jackfruit!]





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Above the garage door exterior, I have another revamped project done. One I've been putting off for a couple of years. The LARGE butterfly next to the house numbers was cut from wood by Bud and I painted it....only for the fact over the years, the sunlight has badly faded the details. While Bud was cleaning the barbed wire wreath, I figured I best do something worthwhile also, afterall, the garage door was open, the heat was penetrating inside...what better time? I got the ladder set up, unscrewed the butterfly from its perch and started repainting....it's now recognizable again. [I think maybe it would like the Jackfruit pulp?!!]

§ Just for the Hell-uv-it

This post is truly nothing but random photos and thoughts! So, leave if you must, or stick around. Maybe you'll find something a bit fun, oddball, or way out of the park. Here goes. Remember, just eclectic, random stuff---

I was fascinated and stayed around to view the images taken by this little drone!!!  May be a good way to get nature noted photos that no one can see by just standing alone on a path!!!

If you're into photography [or birding like I am], you may come across someone with a new 'popular' toy! It's actually a robot camera....video or slide photos. It's called a drone. A few weeks ago, when I was on one of my solo outings when Bud stayed home instead, I was intrigued by this couple at a birding refuge. Of course, you are supposed to get permission to fly these from the FAA. Most people probably don't realize that. The drones can become a liability suit with the government agencies and there have been known incidents of harming other animals AND pedestrians. So, be aware of the rules.  With this husband and wife duo playing around with their new hobby, I viewed the photos taken from the drone that loads the images to the laptop computer instantly.  I must say it needs a bit of improvement in quality photos, but it may be a good investment if you're into something like this.  Who knows.  Me? I'd prefer a first hand look and get better angles and zooming in when I want....with a hand held camera.  You can buy them online.  But I caution anyone who is thinking of purchasing these...Read the Rules of the FAA or your laws of your country first!!!  Fines, lawsuits, jail time may not be in your best interest.




I find it a bit "odd" that Mexican Tradition, like Day of the Dead, and their seasonal/celebratory jewelry is MADE IN USA while American Tradition [like red white and blue fireworks] are MADE IN MEXICO?!! *Yes, I bought the ring AND the earrings. At the Jazz Festival!!




...speaking of Jazz Festival. This year it was a bit of a disappointment. The bands, while we were there, weren't playing the "good" jazz of our era, like Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington...but, the music at the other stages set up for the festival, were for the most part way too modern and more rap tempo than jazz!!! Several areas with the likes of the rose garden, etc. were cordoned off to 'non-members'...why? And unless you're musicians, a lot of the grounds were fenced from us commoners. The only open areas were of the vendors and seating areas around the stages unlike those in years past. Oh well. That's a sign of the times I guess. But, I don't have to like it.




...this 'side show', seen below,  I liked a lot. Such a cutie. And she entertained us with her jiving and clapping. In sync and full of rhythm!




Monday I was not home all morning. But I wasn't birding. I was test driving new cars. I finally picked one out of those I drove. What a hassle. In my teens, I used to like the fast sporty cars and loved driving them, racing them, checking out the new models that came out each year. Now, at my age, a car is a car. It isn't the need for speed and the sleek, shiny look any more; it's the need for comfort more than anything. lol Blah, blah, blah. Cars and all the computer gadgets, on star, syncing my phone to verbal commands, etc. The car I now call mine even has heated seats!! In South Texas? Why? That might be well and good in the snowy wintry Colorado...but here? I'd much rather have cool air, from the seat, blowing up my arse for SUMMER!! I say, who cares about all this extra stuff that is sure to break down once the warranty expires? As long as it's reliable and runs. No need to 'sell me' on all the extras. And the price of one automobile...my goodness....back in my teens, I could've had TWO homes built for the price of one front bumper on a car today!!! And they're not built as sturdy or last as long as they did back in the '60s either. :::sigh:::

....more oddball stuff coming right up!!


Here is a new beer Bud and I tried. Bought it for the jug more than anything. Just 'cause. It's called Mississippi Mud. "Little Brown Jug How I Love Thee"! Oh, maybe you're curious of the taste?!! Smooth, dark stout - pilsner. No bitter after taste. I recommend you try it, if you like a cold icy beer with your deli sandwich! That is, if you can find it in your area. By the way, have you heard about the pirate who went into a bar>>>>

A pirate walks into a bar and orders a drink. The bartender looks down and says "You know that you have a steering wheel in your pants?" The pirate replies "Ay, it's drivin' me nuts!"

 Ready for another?  I'll leave it up to you to figure it out.
A termite walks into a bar and says "is the bartender here?"



...Argh!! That 'bout does it fer me message this day, matey. woe ye enjoyed ye visit. Don't be a scurvy dog!!!

pirate translator







*bar  tender

§ Updates...

I'm hoping today or for sure first thing tomorrow morning, for a while, I can sit down at the computer and stop by to visit some of you!! It seems like eons since I've been online for any length of time. For now, just to get away from the gloom and doom of the past week, I'm gonna share a bit of color...from my window!!

Yesterday, the sun was bright and shiny! Unlike this morning...it's yucky again!! But, when I woke up from my nap, I was nearly blinded with all the bright!! It's been nearly two weeks since the sun has broken through the heavy cloud cover. The other day, the county and surrounding counties were under severe flood watch...altho, I don't think anything drastic happened. The creek that is nearby, it was NEARLY out of its banks...but quickly subsided when the sun came out from behind the gray, heavy clouds. For that, I am thankful. With weather, it seems that we go from one extreme [drought] to too much rain [flooding].

Even tho I stay home on any NORMAL day in March because of Spring Breakers, I read that the college revelers on South Padre Island are still taking a break and enjoying the beaches despite the rain and cold. Good for them. More power to them. Me? I'll stay home, away from all the hoopla. LOL Staying home and reading health literature and my novel, I am Abraham. Also, watching an HBO Series on John Adams. This series is making me want to read more on our 2nd president. Maybe someday. I'm not much on reading history, but if I can find something worthwhile, I may delve into it.

Bud took my Sister's Day Package to have it shipped to my sister for our 'private' celebration. That can be checked off my list of things to do for the month. Also, there is a birthday...got that card sent to our grandson. Stopping at Walmart from the Post Office, to get a few things, he came home with a cute little pair of earrings for me since I won't be doing my usual decorating. What a sweetie! I will get out something green and shamrocky now! LOL Also, I have to catch up on magazine subscriptions...I still have a couple. Both are Woman's Day. Of course, all the Easter ideas will get my attention.

Okay, color me outta here for the day. I'm gonna stretch out on the couch and watch another episode of John Adams and then figure out something healthy I can munch on. I think I am gonna have a big problem with food...changing my eating habits. Ewww. No more fries and cheeseburgers. Well, at least often. Maybe once every month. Can I do that?

§ hi ho the derry-o, a beanin' we will go...

Like Alice of Alice in Wonderland, I seem to have lost some of my 'muchness'!!! I am having a difficult time coming up with 'new stuff' to post. Lately, it's been all about birding and health issues and the sultry weather around here. And I KNOW you're all bored to smithereens with that. I think perhaps, at least for this month, the drought has been broken. We have had some good downpours and street flooding lately. The yard has been saturated in the recent weeks to where we have had small ponds here and there. I'm not complaining. Tropical Storm, Ingrid, off the eastern coast of Old Mexico is supposedly going to be hurricane force by this weekend; which will perhaps give us MORE rain. Bring it on! Maybe, just maybe we'll have some water in the dried up tidal basins once again.

Taking a short drive to the islands the other day, we decided to go beaning. For the past three years or more, the drift seeds [even sea shells] have been very scarce on the beaches. We walked a few miles round trip and found very little that I could use to make some of nature's jewelry... [ link: a necklace I made from sea beans and glass]. The Sea Heart Bean [shaped like a heart] is what I really tend to search for, but they've been very elusive for a long time. I did find one that is reportedly 'coveted' by seed collectors; and that is the "Sea Purse" [or saddle bag] bean. Supposedly, again stated on web sites, this is an Asian seed....staying afloat across the oceans for up to four years!!! I personally think that perhaps the origins of the sea purse seed could be Asian....but I don't agree that the ones that end up in the Gulf of Mexico actually came from Asia!! Now here's my theory -- the sea purse floats along the ocean's current to land in Old Mexico, taking root there. And then, when the seed pods burst --in Mexico they then drift up to the coast of Texas. Just my thought. None-the-less I was pleased as punch to actually find one. The photo I share is the "Sea Purse" in my fingers. The ones laying down are a small collection from the day...the sea heart bean being a couple of them. By the way, the sea purse is very similar to the 'hamburger bean'...but more variegated and much larger!!


Oh, and y'all have heard of cicadas, right? When I was a kid, living in Nebraska along the river [oh we had a home, not just nomads and homeless...lol], in the long hot summer days the cicadas were so noisy sometimes it was deafening. I grew up hating them 'cause nearly 'round the clock they gave off that ear piercing mating song high up in the trees along the bank of the rivers. And up until we moved to Texas I had never ever seen one up close and personal. This past week, when I was out walking, one of those boogers flew right up into my face and glanced off my cheek to land on a branch. Luckily, I had my camera and zoomed in on it. I still don't like hearing them. Legend has it that when they start their noisy ritual there will be rain coming soon. I would much rather hear the raindrops falling from the sky!!

§ What do you see by the sea? A bit PUZZLED?

Well, I had a picture puzzle here from a jigsaw puzzle generator found online...but when I published the post today, it wouldn't load quickly enough; even with cable connection...so I 'axed' it. Here is the Watery image I had as a puzzle. I did some re-editing on the post and will just forget the idea. Live, and learn---




This plain o' image loads much faster. rofl



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- - -



HODGEPODGE



1. St. Patrick's Day will be celebrated this coming Saturday...what's a favorite article of clothing you own that contains a touch o' the green? I have a beautiful, soft, dark green, short sleeved, cowl neck sweater [shown on the left] that I wear often when the weather gets chilly. By the way...the necklace is one I made from glass beads and a drift seed [sea heart] I found on the beach ---the string is black leather. I posted about making it, and the steps I took to finish...with close ups HERE.


2. What's a favorite 'green space' in the town, state, or province where you live? Well, I can't say it's a favorite, but it's very serene and tranquil - and I love returning there often. [THE BEACHES are a favorite of course; the reason we moved here, and I just can't pick any beach as there are hundreds of ways and places to access certain areas] Anyway to choose a specific area, this park is a GREEN SPACE - with green. LOL And it's surrounded on three sides by urban development with open prairie on the fourth side - along with a slow meandering river and ponds. Birding observation decks, picnic tables along the riverside. Quiet and peaceful. The place is about 30 miles from home..it's called Hazel Bazemore Park.

3. Do you wish you were taller, shorter, or think you're just about right in the height department? If I want more height, I just wear shoes with 2-4" heels!!! I'm short, but I'm okay with that.

4. What's the surest way for someone to pick a fight with you? Simply put...there is a wrong way, a right way, and Anni's Way!!! I think that's kinda self-explanatory, don't you?

5. Broccoli-Spinach-String Beans-Peas...of the four, your favorite green veg? (Or the one you dislike the least if that first option's too hard. I just know there's some veggie haters out there.) Anything but Spinach. I'll let Popeye have my lifetime share!! I can eat spinach fresh, in salads, but once it's cooked and slimy like boogers/snot....NO WAY! Of the choices given, I would have to say broccoli is my favorite.

6. March is National Women's History Month...besides friends, neighbors and the women you're related to, who's a woman in history you admire and why? So many I admire. Helen Keller, Ayn Rand, my mother, those three come to mind right away. And all I admire for different reasons yet similar reasons...they are all strong-willed, brilliant, and never let life's barricades stop them from accomplishing their goals!

7. [fill in the blank] Keep Calm and carry on. Kinda like 'speak softly and carry a big stick'. Remain calm for sake of avoiding controversy. BUT!!---If there is a reason to protect myself verbally or physically........I'm prepared to take action if necessary. Does that make sense? If not, see #4.


8. Insert your own random thought here. This past weekend, I was flattered, and honored, to be part of the first issue of a weekly series from Jerry's Blog!! The weekly feature is entitled "A Sunday Drive". If you're of my generation, you can relate to going back in time and remember those days where the family would hop in the car, and take a leisurely Sunday drive to who knows where. Sometimes, for me, it would be just driving around and perhaps stopping for an ice cream cone. While sitting in the car, enjoying your icy treat, we'd watch the people walk by in their Sunday Best outfits. Or maybe drive to a park in the mountains and enjoy a picnic in the hot summer days to get away from the heat of the city only to cool off in the high mountain air. Then, again, perhaps go for a long drive out in the prairies of the front range...so many memories. Good memories of just being a family without spending an arm and a leg - being together. Do you remember anything like it? I do. And this concept was something that made me feel quite at home. Jerry writes:

Back during my childhood, our parents would often load up my brother and me after Sunday morning church services for a leisurely drive around where we lived. Even though we were seeing mostly familiar sights, it was still good to see them, and this is why “A Sunday Drive” sounded about right for the name of a weekly series revisiting familiar sites that are well worth seeing again and again.

Do pay a visit to As The Crackerhead Crumbles and say hello to Jerry sometime soon. And I wish to send my thank yous for being part of a site that Jerry feels worthy of paying a visit on a leisurely Sunday afternoon...."a familiar sight". The screenshot graphic above is of Jerry's Blog; linked to the inaugural Sunday Drive post of which my blog is included along with others.

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§ Stars are Bright...big and bright...deep in the heart of Texas---

Join by clicking on Book Blurb Button

BOOK BLURB





This is the 'book cover' from the week's posted photo. Upon viewing this, the challenge for this meme is to write a blurb [the inside cover flap] that will entice the reader to drop down their VISA on the counter and purchase the book and enjoying it. It's to be either fiction or non-fiction. For all the rules, just click the button above; then, participate!!

Here goes---







book title:
*:*:Eidolon:*:*: [pronounced EYE-doh-lun]

You won't find Eidolon on any map; ever. Yet, some have decided to stay and become residents. Travelers can stumble upon it at any given time, at any spot between other towns, on any desolate highway!! Eye witnesses have proclaimed its existence around the country. But, none notice a lane into the Eden. It's been said that it covers acres of land, while others proclaim it is a quaint, small, family spread. There's folklore of markers with "Eidolon - Population....growing". Dozing at the wheel, Franklin swerved when out of the barrow ditch a girl clad in granite blue-gray, beckoned him with her amiable waving hand. The car heavily damaged, through trickling blood from his wounds, Franklin imagined a cemetery of size never seen before. He dreamed now, turning cold and ashen, waiting for help. Will he survive? Or does Eidolon have a new resident?

[144 - Word Count Tool]


Book Cover designed by Anni...
In its entirety, plus text,
[with the exception of photo and/or credits]
is copyrighted by law.
see copyright on sidebar
© 2011




FRIDAY FODDER


A bit of history before I show you my gift from Bud...

Texas blue topaz was designated the official state gemstone in 1969 and in 1977 the lone star cut was also recognized as the official state gemstone cut. The Lone Star Cut, designed by two native Texans, is a special gemstone cut that reflects a five-pointed star (the lone star of Texas - Texas's nickname is the Lone Star State). You can read how the stone is cut into the specific facets so it will be a Texas Star, The Lone Star, at this site. Several years back, after I found out the special cut in a gemstone existed, and reading that the blue topaz was the official state's gemstone, I wanted one. But....oh so beyond my budget!! Topaz is only found within the borders of the state in Mason County. It occurs in granite outcroppings and soils. It is usually found in stream beds and ravines but occasionally can be located atop the ground. Topaz resembles quartz and the best to represent the state, the color is sky blue. Early settlers called the topaz stones that they found 'desert ice' because of the frosted surface, which is produced by tumbling in streams and rivers for eons. Topaz in Texas is not mined commercially, so the only way to obtain stones is to buy them or to hunt them yourself.

I was hoping that the beautiful pendants seen in jewelry store catalogs would go down in price, but the market remains steady. While walking the area around a street fair this past Spring, jewelers from Austin [the capital city] were showing some of their custom designed works of art. As we walked by, I noticed the small advertising sign at their booth that they had on hand the Texas Star...I knew then, I had to go in and see them in real life. Just to ogle and dream. Bud secretly bought a pendant, and gave it to me for our anniversary this past May. I spent months searching for a unique gold chain and finally found something, I wanted something unique as the stone cut, I think I like this; not completely sure tho [I'm thinking it's a bit too long], I may just continue looking and if I find something I like more...well...


After several photos taken [it's very difficult to capture the 'star' in a photo unless the light is hitting it just right], this is my Lone Star Cut pendant. Two top photos are the 'front' view, while the third, bottom photo, is from the back side---

§ It's 'fruitless'...well, in this case, meatless!!!

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SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY




Shadowed horn cleat along the downtown Marina
[the other object to the right of the cleat is seaweed, LOL]









SUNDAY'S SUMMARY




Again, this week was no different than other summer weeks. LOL By that I mean, it's cooking a huge pot of something that'll last the two of us for a couple of days, so I have a day or two to not be in the kitchen preparing a huge, heavy meal for dinner. This week, it was a meatless pasta dish. On the side of stroganov, but with mushrooms only. So I call it meatless mushroom stroganov...and it's a recipe I just threw together years ago, after Bud and I retired. We both liked it...and altho I never write down a recipe of my own, I attempted to make a recipe card for anyone wanting it. [just click on the image for better viewing and saving] Trust me, it's filling, quite healthy, and still very little calorie consumption. Best of all.....it's so simple to make. I serve this steaming hot, with chilled pickled beets and as always a tossed green salad. Bud has two slices of bread with it all [he NEVER gains weight], but if you're counting calories, you may just not want the extra. And, it even tastes MORE delicious reheated. Also, I've been known to make some variants to my own recipe: Adding leftover Thanksgiving Turkey, precooked and chopped Chicken Breast meat...even sautéed some cut up cubes of sirloin to the mushrooms and onions as they cook.... To get the approximate calorie count, I took all the ingredients in the recipe, and multiplied that with the amount of servings listed on each container/bag...added them...and then divided by six ---being six large servings...give or take a few calories if you use the richer butter/sour cream. Another project I started out of boredom this week since I've been indoors so much, because of the heat index outdoors, is another Halloween project...an afghan for Irene. She too loves Halloween as much as I do, if not more...I think I've stated that before. This afghan is done in one large piece with a flying witch and kitty on a broom in front of the moon. I'm going to do it with Halloween colors of orange, white, bright devilish green with a black bordering. That'll keep me busy on those days ahead. Just one day this week we got out early before the temps reached the inferno 90+ degrees and walked about a mile on the beach one way...two miles total. By the time we reached the mile marker on the beach, it was getting pretty darned hot and humid, so we turned around and returned to the car. It feels good getting outdoors and with nature. No combing the beach, nothing on the shore that is worth looking for this time of year. I also have made some plans and am searching for pieces of beads so I can make another sea bean necklace to wear during the winter months with sweaters. Oh and speaking of jewelry [hint]....I finally found what I've been looking for for that is special gift Bud bought me a few months back. I've taken some photos of what he gave me and what I finally found to go with it...so, I'll get those photos up shortly, maybe, hopefully in my Friday Fodder post. I know I keep posting about it, but I just haven't had the time here of late with the death in the family and all...the photos ARE on the cellphone, it's just getting them published on my blog. LOL