Alicenoneland

Ending the old year with old friends, little animals and insects. Here is a small frog inhabiting our agave in the front yard, what a cutie.  I know why he is probably here. In the fourth pic down you can't quite make them out but there are dozens of bees going in and out of the dull green flowers.  This plant that is in the front yard attracts soooo many bees its incredible, it has no smell as far as I can detect but attracts bees somehow.  I'm sure this little frog is hoping some or at least one of the bees stayed the night in the Pollen Hotel. Yum.  these palm trees are a perfect silhouette for the setting sun, they also make nice roosts for the birds and they say the snakes also, but I try not to think of them living up there.... what if one fell...on my head?  UGH!!! We have quite a few evening creatures here in central Florida, luckily not the type they have over closer to Orlando; bears, Yes, they have a bear problem.  I'll take the hu

Charlie and I took a lovely trip to historic Putnam county last week. We had a yummy picnic when we got there at a nice little park along the St Johns river.  I don't know the exact facts but the St Johns is one of the biggest rivers in Florida. Whenever you hear about the Manatees they are usually in the St Johns river. People usually go and see them when the weather gets cold and they move into the little creeks to be warm that are formed from natural springs that flow into the river. These creeks maintain a constant temp of 72 degrees year around. ( I do know this because I have gone there and seen them)  Sorry, I digressed a bit.   We were actually in Putnam county to go to a parole hearing in their courthouse, involving an inmate friend of Charlies that was hoping to be released (he sadly was not. The hearing was suspended to a later date due to lack of some testimony) . Its a very sad story that took place in the 70s under old Florida law. The then 17yr old was i

What fun. I haven't been to a pajama party since forever! What a great time.  It was a movie night at our clubhouse in the community I live in. We watched Polar Express (and I guess you always watch it in pajamas). Can you believe I have never seen the movie before? Yup, its true I never have, so going to the movie night was so much fun for me not to mention it was the day before Christmas eve.  I bought a new pair of pajamas just for the event (great excuse for a new pair) That's our leader up in the front, with her arms in the air hawking popcorn, shes a hoot!  These events are free except for the popcorn a measly fee of $1 cant break the bank with that.  Its always a "bring your own drink of choice", lots of fun.  Below you can see our TV its a nice big size and the best part is the surround sound "very theater like".   I really do like these movie nights mostly because, I just can't sit still and watch a movie at home; I sit

Yup! That's a Christmas tree on the beach.  Yes, those are snowmen costumes and of course lots of Santa and elf hats.  Charlie pitched in and helped cook the hot dogs and meat.   It was breezy (windy) and nippy (chilly) For our Christmas feast. That's Patti pictured below our central hostess,(possibly the only shot of her sitting still all day) she and her daughter of equal ambition are the spearheads of this awesome feat.  So much decorating and food!  They also had a treasure chest fort he kids in cars or walking by with their parents. Each were invited to pick out a toy and some candy.  And EVERYONE driving or walking by was invited to come have their photo taken with the Frosties and the tree. Gosh, there must have been a dozen people that got their pics done in the couple hours I was there.  Its a nice surprise for lots of the people visiting on vacation and us because they tell where they are from and we get to share the Christmas cheer.

I don't know how or why you read books or maybe you don't even like reading, that's OK; I don't like jogging and I'll probably never do it.  But. I do like reading books but not for all the normal reasons, like the "calgon take me away moments", yes they are nice, not for the mysterious adventure or whatever. I like to read to learn about new, unusual and different things and places that appeal to me.  Today I'm going to talk about a book that I chose for the month of December its rather "Chrismasy", but the truth of it is the setting an different cultural daily customs appeal to me. Winter Solstice - setting London and Scotland.  Lets jump right into the tea. They don't drink just any TEA in this story, its special; Lapsnag Souchong! Seriously.  (The author) goes on to extol the virtues of this particular tea, of course.  And fits of all fits you certainly can't just go to the local grocery store here in America and

Here are a couple close ups of our car. Charlie decorated it all by himself and I must say did a great job!! Very creative!  Our park has a golf cart\vehicle parade each year giving away prizes to the best decorated vehicles.  (Spoiler alert) We did not win but that's not the point really, everyone just has fun, driving up and down all the streets spreading Christmas joy. A lot of the homeowners come out onto their lawns and wave and take photos, its tons of fun. All the vehicles are playing Christmas music and tooting their horns (Charlie has been holding out on me, he has an excellent tune tooting skill- he can toot out all sorts of Christmas tunes on his car horn!)   Below, our pic with Santa ! don't you love my shorts? (over the slacks, it was a very cold night) I'm even wearing my Uggs!!  Even the Easter bunny couldn't resist a festive ride around the park! We even had a decorated motorcycle! We have imagination dow

I finally took a ride to the library on my bicycle.  I used to ride at least three times a week the first couple years we were here in Florida, see what a car does, makes you lazy.  I had a good time reconnecting with all the sights on the way, its a pretty nice ride.  I have to watch myself when I finally get to the library because I see so many books I want to take out but have to remember they need to fit in my basket, and can't be too heavy.  Its hard to steer the bike when you have a super heavy load in the front LOL!  Back at home I can sit, read my books, and have a wonderful cigar. Probably doesn't sound excellent but to me its my "special Florida treat."   Looking at me sitting here its hard to believe I finally finished sending out my Christmas gifts, and addressing and sending most all my holiday cards, Phew! Even though its all sunshine and warm air.      It is still the Christmas season and I've gotta work it all in, Ha Ha A

Innocently walking along on my way to do some Christmas shopping at our local outdoor mall complex, (not to Christmasy looking, except for that light pole) minding my own business and i look up and see this... I'm thinking "what is this?" A cat supply store? A cat grooming place? think think??  I walk closer, OH MY GOSH!! Its a CAT CAFE!! Just like in Japan and NYC.  I'm all gooses bumps thinking "my daughter would LOVE this!"   This is a pic of the inside, they had just opened for the day and I was the first there. This pic was taken through the little circle holes between the lobby and the actual cafe where the cats are.  You pay $5.00 and can go in and sit for an hour; although the owner said some people sit for lots more than an hour. You can bring in your own drink or buy what they sell there, it all looked so cozy and sunny.  the following are pics of some of the kitties. There are up to 38 a day. The cats are from our l

Hello Santa!! When I saw this vehicle the first time I was truly moved, and happy at the same time. Its the coolest vehicle on the road, and that says a lot down here.  Santa waived hello! and he looked like a real Santa, how amazing. It always amazes me when i see the park homes lit up at night, they do an amazing job.  Check out the little dog in the front, so cute.  If I were inclined this would be the extent of it, a "star shooter" shown below, lots of the homes have them, they are quite fun to watch.  This is more my style, decorations by the window over the sink.  And of course the ceramic Christmas tree! a must have for me. Thank you Mark and Jackie for inviting us over while a garage sale next door had this fab little tree for sale, its a keeper! Christmas is here in the sunshine state !!!! Alicenoneland