Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Dogs, Fish, and Gardens

Is there anybody in there??? Pardon me Roger Waters for changing the lyrics just a bit, but I have been awol for quite some time! I always think, "if I just finish this or finish that" then my life will calm down and be serene. Serenity has yet to show itself. Not that the activities of late haven't been fun. They have. But, I keep looking just beyond that horizon for a simple, uncomplicated life. I have a glimmer of hope that it will materialize. Stay tuned to this blog and we can find out together if that ever happens.

Now, what have we been up to. Well, several weeks ago, Jordan and I graced our local theater group for a performance of The Secret Garden. It was really quite good. I don't think Jordan enjoyed it as much as I. She teased me for crying at the end. I loved the book as a child and I continue to love the story as an adult. She enjoyed the book, but I don't think she understood the musical aspect of the production. I am sure she will as she gets older.

On Saturdays we have begun going to the dog's morning out. We take Zelda mostly, because even though she is a bit shy, she is not as aggressive as Cassie. Cassie did go with us last week and as one gentleman pointed out, Cassie is not being aggressive. She is merely saying in dog..."Get out of my space!" All that attend are dog people. There is something about that connection. The whole "must love dogs" thing I guess. We are in a bit of difficulty right now as the park where we meet has been made off limits to pets. We are looking for a temporary spot until the new dog park opens. I have been in touch with my local commissioner and hopefully with the efforts of other group members contacting the people in government that they know, we will soon have a place to take our animals.

And finally, we went to the aquarium. I had been wanting to go so much. It was wonderful. From the dramatic belugas and whale sharks to the ever so cute otters and penguins - every exhibit was spectacular. Afterwards we went to Atlantic Station for coffee and dessert. And then we swung by Hapeville to look at lofts that are being converted from an old school. In fact the whole area is to be revamped. And, according to a friend of mine, the soon to be closed Ford plant will hopefully be turned into an Atlantic Station-type area. If we are going to move, we had better do it soon before property values are overwhelming. If I didn't have Jordan, I would probably go for the loft. But, I think a single family home would suit us better.

And one more thought (does this chick ever stop talking???). More and more I want to get away from a "desk" job. Even though I work from home - which is great...I still want something different. For many years I have toyed with an idea that is now predominate in my head. I have always wanted to take several of my best dishes and do a weekday lunch delivery for local businesses. It would be classified as catering and I have pursued what must be done. Unfortunately, in order to procure this occupation, I must have a separate kitchen from my family kitchen. It seems the state and the county have some crazy notions about public health. It seems, so far anyway, that I run into a roadblock at every turn. I am not giving up however. It's a good idea and there are others who have succeeded before me. I need cash...the hard, cold kind. I am exploring avenues to gain this elusive wealth and will keep my dear readers up to the minute.

"Try to live your life so that you wouldn't be afraid to sell the family parrot to the town gossip." Will Rogers (1879 - 1935)

Saturday, June 03, 2006

Finally

Well, we finally made it to the Renaissance Festival! The last couple of weeks have been so busy and I haven't had time to blog and I miss it! My sister had surgery last week and is doing very well. She had a condition I call droopy brain. But, her brain is now lifted and it's quite perky!

The festival was great. So many interesting people and things to do. We watched the joust and some very funny jugglers. We shopped and then shopped some more! I really wanted to buy a "wench" outfit complete with bustier, but they were extremely pricey. Maybe next year. Jordan got a wooden sword and shield combo. She is such a tomboy sometimes. I guess that's better than having her be all frou, frou. Girls that act silly and are high maintenance drive me crazy. I always told Josh when he was growing up that I would like any one he brought home as long as they weren't a bimbo. I am so glad he is dating Jenn. She is getting her biology degree and has her head on straight.

I have had some observations in the last couple of weeks. One is that there are times that I feel like I am God's favorite. I will see or experience something and I am sure He has done it just for me. I really don't believe this is true, but it feels that way at times. Of course there are those other times when I am sure He is extremely mad at me for my behavior and He is going to take my name off the list. But, then I get another glorious sunrise or sunset, the mountains, the ocean or those geese flying in formation and I remember that He really does love me. Speaking of the ocean - I just love it. And you can't experience the ocean in a picture. You have to feel the spray and wind on your face and taste the salty air and hear the seagulls and the waves. I really need to go even if only for a weekend. Everyone needs the "beach" experience when they can get there.

Observation dos. The other day I was flipping through the channels and I stopped on a Braves game. I closed my eyes for a few moments and I was taken back 35 or so years to my Grandparents house in Hapeville. My Grandfather used to listen to the "ballgame" on the radio. He always called them "ballgames". And you didn't bother him during those times. He loved the Braves long before they did anything great (well, in Atlanta anyway). You also didn't bother my Grandmother during Lawrence Welk. I miss my grandparents very much. It seems like the family is shrinking day by day.

Observation tres. Okay, this one is kinda negative. A new Publix shopping center opened near my house. I love going there because it is so convenient for me. The negative thing is that in this shopping center there is a mailing store and it is called - are you ready for this??? Goin' Postal. Now if that ain't the tackiest name for a store, I don't know what is. And I looked them up on the internet and they are actually a chain! Get your tacky-named franchise here!!! I have a sense of humor, but some things are just bad taste. Do a Monty Python sketch, but don't put a sign above the door!

"Go through your phone book, call people and ask them to drive you to the airport. The ones who will drive you are your true friends. The rest aren't bad people; they're just acquaintances." - Jay Leno