another day in paradise

In memory of "The Sarge"

2012-01-29T10:57:00.002-05:00

Charles Cordle, aka "Sarge" slipped to his reward, quietly, in his sleep, with his bride of 44 years holding his hand. surrendering the final battle to agent orange induced cancer.
She, tells me he had a great evening this week laughing it up with his poker buddies, and won too!! Had Chicken and dumplings. AND a cute nurse to rub lotion on his feet, it made him giggle. In his last post, he says he regrets only not being able to see Obummer get voted out. That my friends is a life well-lived! I wish I only had one regret.
Sarge is the man I would call up when the political machine was propagandizing, and ask him what the real story was. He always knew, he would tell ya like it is!

I know my friend Empress Bee, will have some tough times ahead, she was in LOVE with that man and still is, but she is made of good stuff ( I knew her mom, too) and I know she will be OK

U.S. Bridges, Roads Being Built by Chinese Firms | Video - ABC News

2012-01-29T08:06:00.000-05:00

U.S. Bridges, Roads Being Built by Chinese Firms | Video - ABC News

Bye sweetie!

2012-01-26T07:52:00.002-05:00

15 years after being rescued from an abusive home, with drug addled teens inflicting terror on this sweet face, Miss Ginger was humanely euthanized on Tuesday. Her little mind had become unstable, and her failing eyes and ears made her situation to much for her. She was getting lost... in the house, in her own yard, just standing somewhere looking frightened. poor girl. so at the tender age of 16 Ginny was allowed to be at peace. Bye, honey, you are a good girl!

Another Sucess Story!!!

2012-01-21T21:42:00.000-05:00

Sweet Mollie, a little white Westhighland white, and Maltese cross dog. Abandoned at PB Animal care, and pulled by my group, SOS 4 Paws.

Mollie was spayed and put in foster care. Unfortunately Mollies spay was traumatic to her, and she developed a hormonal crash that led to menopausal symptoms. She became an old lady overnight, with a leaky bladder. Poor thing dripped and at night she would get all soggy. YUK! The vet put her on pills, and the foster decided they were "poison" and stopped giving her her pills.
In short this poor thing has bounced to five different homes in a very short time. Twp people tried to adopt her, but never got her past the stress of being uprooted and into some state of security. Well naturally, she came to my DOG house, and integrated to my dog pack. I gotta say, Terriers are quick witted, savvy little creatures. She was "one of the girls" in no time, and began doing things in a strict routine, as my girls do. She got her meds, and I added some holistic herbal drops too. She began to get better! My neighbor, and co-worker, Vinny and his roomie have fallen for little Mollie, and we are now doing a "soft" transition. She has gone from spending hours, to a whole day, and now is having her first sleep-over at their house. They are to call me if she become stressed in any way, and I can bring her home, so she can pile in the dog pack and sleep with her buddies.

They have a little dog, a wire coated Chihuahua named Taco, that is being friendly and gracious to her new companion. I will continue to help the transition, with training, and acclimation tips. a ways to go yet, but they are calling her "our new dog", and that's a GOOD thing!!

Strange Sensation

2012-01-15T17:43:00.001-05:00

Today was the last performance in West Palm of HAIR, the musical. As you can see I went as I used to dress in that time in my life. I even had on square toed boots, a handmade leather fringe bag, and of course beads.

I had a great aisle seat, and got hugged and kissed on my head by the lead guy, and his bare chest hovering over me! (sigh)
What surprised me was the fact that the actual theme of the show, the Viet Nam war draft, would be so unsettling. I sat through the end with tears running and a queasy feeling in my stomach. I could wax all philosophic here, ( because I came home feeling very troubled) but nobody understands my rambling when I do that.
So suffice to say my observation was this. As bad and F**cked up as we thought things were back then, and as hard as we got our pot induced reality CHECKED. The draft was good? bad? I dont know???? the war was certainly life altering for my generation..... I have to say this. Looking at how far we, (meaning our Government, and humanity in general) has come, it was far less scarey than what is happening now. To compare the naivete of that generation, and the goings on of today just leaves me sad, and feeling unsettled, what ,indeed, is next?? can this turn around??? or is that as much a pipe dream as we had back then??

New Year, Old Hippies

2012-01-03T21:50:00.000-05:00

One thing I LOVE about me, is the total commitment to impulse decisions. Like that "lifestyle lift" I decided to PURCHASE (meaning NO refunds when you are sober), whilst recovering from my shoulder surgery, (read, Sounded like a good idea while loaded on pain meds). That is one I look back on and smile at my naivete. But there have been TONS more that have taken me lots of places and done lots of things on the spur of the moment. That is one great thing about being single, nobody has to check anything, I can just GO!!
So tonight when I was watching TV, and the ad for HAIR, The Musical came on again ,off I ran to the computer. TV's+computer+credit card= FUN!! and stuff, (right Bee???)
I had smiled and said "I should go see that" every time, but NOW, I am the proud owner of an orchestra, center, aisle seat at the last performance, Sunday Jan15, My seat, Ironically is J2. my initials are JJ or Jx2, J2, how funny, ironic, moronic is that. Whatever. I am happy about it. And I am going to the THEE-ah-TAH all by my bitty self, probably to dinner afterwards too' Yes, I will also dig up some bellbottoms, and tie dye, you know I will!!

Welcome to My Year !

2012-01-02T08:39:00.000-05:00

I just found out that this is the Year of the Dragon. Yours truly was born in the year of the dragon. I guess that means this will be MY year! big whoop! A whole year, dedicated to my benefit......

please dont think for a minute that I am so self absorbed, but it is rather fun to imagine! Happy New Year!! Health and Prosperity to ALL!!! (and me too).

new image, did not mean to step on anyones toes

Old, Tired, or BOTH!?

2012-01-01T16:24:00.001-05:00

With the end of the Holiday season, I took five days off between Christmas and New Years. So I worked two days for News Years eve, and now I have three more days off. What I am wondering, is why I am enjoying celebrating the New Year by spending the day in my jammies. Is it because I am working my butt off lately, or am I just going 'round the bend??
I actually went back to bed this morning after letting to dogs out to pee, and woke up at 11. Woke up with a smile and a feeling of having beat the rat race, yet again. I had leftover pizza, nice and toasty in the toaster oven and a great big Cuban coofee, watched two movies and I am still jammied.
Happy New Year

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-10T22:07:00.001-05:00

yeah, I know, I am not a good blogger any more. to few too far. But a LOT of things have been happening in my little slice of heaven. I feel like I have finally made the step into what I believe will be a solid, reputable future for my business. I had a few years of rocky road (not ice cream either!) The worst of it was finding out that the gal I thought would appreciate her position the most, and someone I had promised the ownership of the salon to when I retired... actually hated me and did her very best to malign me and hurt the business behind my back. After all the bad seeds were let go of, got the hang of analyzing the "fit" of potential team members, and I rather got over feeling bad about letting go of the ones that were not going to benefit the salon as a whole.
WELL, I have been rewarded, big time. I have a fully functional, remarkably talented and responsible TEAM of stylists now. two part time and two full time, plus me makes for all four chairs full and productive. This week I watched as Essie, who had really not done anything that day give a walk-in to Vinny, because he was slow, too. So tonight in great appreciation for these wonderful people, I took them all out (including spouses) to a local bistro for dinner. we had a great time. The lovely blond man is Vinny, he is wonderfully talented. He works Tuesday and Wednesday, and the rest of the week in Ft Lauderdale (but he live up here) He is my neighbor!
Vinny is a deaf man, and watching him relate through sign and text is cool. His focus is amazing. When Vinny cuts hair, the world stops spinning, he is totally focused. The girls love him, as you can see!!

Essie is the blond, Neysi the cute Latina, Vinny, and me. Sandra, who also works on Friday only, did not attend as she lives in Port St. Lucie

Update from the trenches, (not really)

2011-11-13T14:13:00.001-05:00

Mini is on the rebound! She is on a tiny dose of Prednisone, so she is eating like crazy, and gaining weight well. I have been trotting by the vet's office a couple times a week with whatever cash I have from the day, and I have paid off two thirds of the bill in just two weeks. YAY! Right now Miss Mini is hanging out in the yard with the other dogs for the first time since she got sick. She has eaten more than a dozen eggs during her "episode" and I believe she has a fondness for warm food. I dont know if I will have to mash it properlee (like Jeter demands) but I am happy to see her go after her egg/rice/cheese&dry dog food mix.
At work, Neysi and I are really working our booties off! I had hired a new girl, but I could not keep her. I liked her personality real fine, but skills-wise; I have seen more people come back for "fixes" in three months than I have in three years. More to the story, but lets just say, "It didn't work out"

I went to BJ's wholesale and got some groceries. Tonight I am cooking slow-roasted beef short ribs, mac and cheese, brussel sprouts and butternut squash. I have a fresh gallon of milk to break into as well. NO, darlings, no dessert, I am still trying to behave myself!!
diet wise, Saturday I had the first bite of (forbidden fruit) pizza that has crossed my lips since February!!
I had artichokes, eggplant, black olives and sundried tomatoes. OmG!!! It was good!!!
Gonna go finish cleaning my kitchen so I can mess it up again when I start cooking. I think I need to mop the floor too, crap....

Mini is STILL Puny.

2011-11-06T18:23:00.001-05:00

Mini got REEEEally sick. She has a gastric issue that has her little tummy all inflamed and angry. She dehydrated twice. She was in the vet's from Monday till Thursday, I brought her home and had her right back on Friday. They gave her more fluid, another Dexmethasone (steroid anti-inflammatory) shot, and put her on a couple more pills. She still has to be convinced to eat, even though she is on Prednisone. She is eating ground chicken breast and scrambled egg. The only time she gets interested in her food is when I put cheese on it. SO cheese she gets. My little 10 pound dog is down to 8 pounds. For me that would be like losing ALL the weight on my quick weightloss plan in one week! no good!
The vet was very kind and caring toward her, and I appreciate that. After a full week (minus one day) in the hospital, I just do not want to know how much I owe him. I asked if I could just bring cash three times a week, and when he gets enough, tell me "You're done" ...he said OK.

So Mini is still a little puny, she will get checked tomorrow, and I will turn over another hundred dollars. I would rather spend that money on a cold nose than a new outfit, ANY DAY!!!

Rob Peter, Pay Paul

2011-10-30T18:39:00.000-04:00

I was about as busy as I have ever been this week. A couple of the clients were barter, but I was still quite busy and had a good bankroll by the end of the week.
Saturday, after I finished I came home with my aching tired hurting feet to relax ( I thought)

I found that Mini had not eaten one single bite of her food that day, and I am not sure of the day before, cause I didn't check. Of course, I checked her and found her gums, and mouth tacky feeling and she looked gaunt. I offered her different things, she turned her head away. She would not take food, water, milk, nothing. I watched her for a while. She was trembling ,but she is afraid of the rain (which brings thunder). I noticed her breathing was shallow and a little rapid. SOOOOOOO off to the Emergency Vet Clinic. Everything was normal, except a few minor things in her blood work. More tests come tomorrow, but we determined that she was in no danger of organ failure or a fatal event. Here I sit, Mini is in her bed, under my desk. She has a Sub-Q Ringers solution on drip to keep her going until tomorrow morning. There is the suspicion of a Hypo-adrenal disease called Addisons. SO, that is where all the proceeds of my busy busy week are going. Face it I would have bought clothes and shoes anyway. Better have the money to pay them, than have to find a way to pay them later.
Poor Mini. She is 12 and I have to make sure I dont let anything go untreated at this age. I know all to well that old dogs dont bounce back like they used too

Pet Adoption

2011-10-25T11:04:00.001-04:00

Recently I offered my design and computer (limited) skills to a friend's pet Rescue, SOS4PAWS.
A dog came our way, Lacey had belonged to a homeless man, kind of drunkish guy, but he loved his dog, and cried as he turned her over to us. Lacey was fostered and neutered, vaccinated and put in the best of health. She was offered up for adoption a few weeks ago, and a family from Tampa drove all the way across the state to see her. They had promised their children a dog for some time, and chose Lacey to "interview" first.

They all fell in love and here are the pictures of a very proud dog , who is now the owner of two very lovely children.
This is what makes pet rescue so rewarding.
You can almost hear Lacey saying "look what I got!"

I waited....

2011-10-24T11:15:00.001-04:00

On my last post, my "issues" with AT&T again had reached the boiling point. I called, I explained, I filed a billing dispute, and included all the details.
I waited the mandatory 5 to 7 days. I called today to find out why I had not been contacted by the dispute person.
WANNA KNOW WHY??? because the agent that took my complaint, and even gave me a confirmation case number.... did NOT FILE THE DISPUTE! thats why. Nothing came up under the number when I called today. Even when she filed a new dispute, it did not come up as a duplicate. She told me that if a case had been filed, and she tried to initiate a new one, that it would come up then..... nothing. No dispute filed, me waiting (not so) patiently for contact from a representative.
The guy that took my non-renewal, also MIA; six phone messages, two emails.... no response.
To be clear, this is a landline, business account. I was trying to get this phone service down to a reasonable rate (less than $50 per mo.) Now I am still sitting on a bill of 937$ and waiting for AT&T to probably ruin my credit. They have the tools to do it, they obviously care nothing for their customers. My only recourse is fight back AFTER they hit me.
When I filed the non-renewal; I called to make sure it had been received, Then I called the main customer service and asked if it was noted on my account. (I was told it was). Then, I waited a month to see if my bill went up 13$ (the amount my "contract" saved me per month),it went up.
This is like being in a pissing contest with a giraffe. Seems like there is no way I can win

THIS is why I hate AT&T

2011-10-18T09:46:00.000-04:00

Do you remember when I ranted about bering so glad to be getting rid of AT&T once and for all, by switching the salon phone out to Comcast?? Here is the prime example of why I just absolutely cannot stand that company. Even now I can't get away from them!
Back in February, I called and asked how and when I could terminate my contract. (which, by the way, renews one month BEFORE your contract period expires. You MUST notify them, in writing via "non-renewal notification form" between 60 and no less than 30 days prior to contract start date. I marked the date and waited. I sent for my form, I printed it out, I signed it, I faxed it back. I called to make sure it was recieved. I waited a week and called the customer service and checked the status of my account. They said "no, you are not under contract" my bill went up the following month, which reflected the loss of my whopping 13$ contract discount.
I made the big switch, and signed with Comcast, of course, they have a contract too, doncha know.

YESTERDAY, I got an E-bill from, guess who?? AT& (F@#!)T for $950 !!!!!!. That is the early termination fee. WHY in Hell would I wait until my two year contract renewed to cancel?? If I had just said "F" them and switched out ONE MONTH earlier, it would have only cost me 20 or 30 dollars. I have called the customer service rep that is listed on the non renewal cover sheet three times and no answer, no reply to messages left. I have filed a billing dispute. AT&T random customer service says, according to your account, your contract RENEWED in Sept. THIS, my friends, THIS is why I hate AT&T.

The funny part of this story is that after changing my cell service to T-mobile, I have not been happy with the "service", that is, the actual phone reception, and missed calls, messages not showing up for days. That kinda stuff. I was actually thinking of going back to (you-know-who) and SIGNING UP with them again, getting a new phone, and starting out fresh. HELL NO< NOT NOW. I'll go with a Metro phone first!

I'm pooped!

2011-10-15T21:24:00.001-04:00

We had a BALL today. I am, of course, POOPED. I am also invited back tomorrow for their brunch. I really want to go. I will try, but I am reeeeeally tired. We gave the restaurant six gift certificates, and we rocked the pink hair, everyone loved it. A lot of the people there acted like we were trying to pick their pockets , they wanted to keep their money (for beer, I guess).
The waitresses, on the other hand, were ready to partay! notice in the pics, how many of the "customers" have name tags on. We invested about $150. and made back over $300, so $150 went to the cause. YAY!
We had a good time, and actually made `a few contacts with potential customers who live right in the area we are located . here are the pics I promised

Fun Stuff, for Sure !!

2011-10-13T21:24:00.001-04:00

I was asked to participate in a Breast Cancer Awareness fundraiser!! Saturday at the TIKI Bar and Gril, at the Riviera Beach municipal Marina. The event is being promoted by WIRK radio station. The restaurant manager said she was looking for a Salon to do pink hair extensions, and she wanted pink flowers for sale and whatever I could dream up ! ( I can really think up some silly stuff!! SOOOOO I now have 80 strands of pink mardi gras beads, 80 pink hair extensions and I have spent the last two night dying feathers pink to make pink hair feathers.
I wanted a banner with the salon name on it, so I could play and still promote my salon. I called the guy who did my car and asked him, but the estimate was high. So I told them how much I would spend, and they said it would be ready tomorrow.
I will have pink carnations, pink roses, pink beads, pink hair, and pink feathers!!! I have two volunteers, and we will all wear PINK!! doesn't this all sound like more fun than running or walking for miles and miles??? A portion of all food sales during the event, and a portion of all our sales (minus expense, I mean) will go toward the charity.

Check out my banner! Isn't it cool???

No wonder they are angry!!

2011-10-07T21:58:00.004-04:00

Sorry to be neglecting all my bloggie buddies, I DO miss you. But I have been SOOOO busy lately. Not only at work, which, I must say, is surprisingly active, but I have been terribly busy at home too! loading little birdies in slingshots and killing pigs!

SO many piggies, so little birds!

BUSY BUSY BUSY!!

2011-10-03T10:01:00.002-04:00

Everyone seems to love the mini-makeover at the shop, YAY! the room looks bigger, and balanced. The storage benches are a hit. Now I have to get things like a file box or two for my papers, and then one for supply catalogs and other professional stuff we all need, then actually (UGH!) organize (EEEEEE!)
Last week I was ,I do believe, busier than I have ever been off-season! I made what I usually average the week before Christmas! The new stylist is working out well, and I even splurged on a couple ads in local free newspapers.
We are doing feather and tinsel hair extensions for the season, and they are very popular.
It is so refreshing to see things moving forward, and a staff that is appreciative and helpful. It seems like shaking out the dead wood, (J.S.) and getting the negativity she doled out to the other girls on a daily basis, OUT of my business has created a happy, positive environment. When the girls pay me their chair rent at the end of the week, they thank me!! Neysi always says "thank you so much Joanne, I love you!" and gives me the customary Latin peck on the cheek. What a way to end the week! a kiss and a check.
Yesterday I was kinda lazy, but got a couple of errands run. Today Comcast is at the salon to switch the phone over, and install a new jack. Not much news in that, huh?
OH! and I found out that Miss (I's SO Special) Veronica is now being disliked by her co-workers at a Haircuttery way west of town! And is ALWAYS 20 minutes late. Big surprise there, at least she not a Denny's (yet!)
So that's about the size of my gloat for the day.... The bad apples a gone and good riddance, (yes, I hope they see this) the salon looks awesome, and the money and good vibes are flowing freely!!

I'm BAAAACK

2011-09-16T21:36:00.001-04:00

didja miss me??
My friend Jorge got on my case the other day for not posting. I HAVE been a busy girl.
I still dont have all my old photos and programs off my old computer, and to tell the truth, I haven't had time to fool with it. But I will.
A lot has changed around here, besides my little girl being back home.
I hired another stylist, and I think she is going to do well. Except now the rumor is that I kidnapped her from another salon. Sort of, I guess, maybe, sorry (anyway, she had interviewed with ME first!).
I have made THREE trips to Ikea (torture) and remodeled the salon floor plan. It is sleek, clean, and has more of what we needed, work space, and reception seating. I spent ALL of last weekend working. From Saturday night till Monday night, I was there. I have ordered up some advertising too, to launch the new girl and her skills.
The September slow has kicked in, but I don't really care, I know it will only last a little while and then we will be right back to crazy.
Bee, cant wait for you to see my hard work!Tonight I was able to catch up a little at home.
I scrubbed up the kitchen, cleaned out the fridge, bought 150$ in groceries, and cooked Catfish filets, mac&cheese, and endamame salad for dinner with a big glass of milk.
I love the feeling I have right now, and I dont get to enjoy it very often. I am relaxed, not exhausted, ready to go to bed a little early, and get e good day's work done tomorrow. My biggest chore this weekend is going to be finding something fun to do, and making sure there is no work involved. Has anyone noticed that the morning air has a hint of kinder temperatures in it?? I have, and I am dreaming of camping again!!
I love the salon's new look! I am glad tomorrow is Saturday, and after work tomorrow I AM NOT GOING TO THE SALON AT ALL, till Wednesday.
YAY for me!!

By 6 AM This Morning

2011-09-06T11:50:00.000-04:00

by daylight this morning,I had 1,1/2 hours sleep. I was walking the neighborhood again, calling for her. I had FOUR Craigslist postings with pictures of her, Lost report at the Humane Society, lost report at the Pound (both with pictures); listed on a local radio station, announced on air and posted on their blog and a listing on the Palm Beach Post , lost and found (with pic). I Was talking to the homeless guys in the park. They told me that Mini had "chosen" a young man, and was following him everywhere he went. He took her home when it got dark. He said she jumped in his car when he opened the door, and she SLEPT WITH HIM!! (and on the first date!)
So by daylight, I had Mini's picture all over town, all over the internet, and the kind young man brought Mini to my salon, and the girls called me. We are home, I am dead tired and I am going to bed and sleep
All's well that ends well.

This Could be the Worst Week in a LONG TIME

2011-09-06T01:04:00.000-04:00

I was trying to catch up today. I moved all the furniture out and got busy on the floors. (long overdue). When I got done I let my dogs back in, took a shower, and went to Deb's house for dinner. I came home around 9. So, I was gone about 2,1/2 hours. Apparrently Mini had dug out of the yard again, and I didn't catch it when I let the kids back in. I came home, and NO MINI.

I have driven around the park too many times, I have walked, called, cried, made my LOST DOG poster, and the F%&king printer wont work. I have knocked on doors at 10 pm ,and just about gone insane. I cant lay down, I cant even put my jammies on. I keep thinking if someone nearby has her, then if I walk and call her maybe she will bark and I will hear her. Since Lupi came along I have not given Mini the attention she is used to, but she is still all lovie and happy with me. Except now, someone has taken her. How will I get through this night?? I cant even print my posters and go put them up till tomorrow. I have already made my report at Animal Care and Control, The poster is ready to print, crying doesn't help, but I cannot sit and do nothing. I am thinking of driving to the shelter and see if she is in the night drop cages. I want to sit outside on the porch all night and wait for her to come home. I dont know what to do, and I cant just sit and DO NOTHING. So I will ask for prayer that little Mini is safe, that someone has the heart to let me have her back. I guess I even have to pray that if I cant have her back, that whoever has her will take good care of her. Oh shit, this is gonna be a long unhappy night

I HEARD IT ON TV

2011-08-28T10:41:00.003-04:00

I know Miss Bee likes to use these little snippets, and keeps a lot of folks chuckling with them. Maybe I discovered her source, or maybe I have a new source for her, who knows?
I was watching a cable show called "Lizard Lick Towing". It is a "reality" show that takes place in Lizard Lick ,North Carolina. It is about a couple 'O Bubbas that own a repo company.... Bee I am ORDERING you to look it up and watch it once (at least)
Recently heard on Lizard Lick........
"Nuttier than a squirrel turd"
"Ugly as sin on a sidewalk" (huh?)
"Sweating like Whitney Houston going through customs"
"No matter how you clean a skunk, he's still gonna stink."
BWAHAHAHA, more later, as I hear em

AWWWW MONDAYS #90

2011-08-15T17:47:00.002-04:00

This is my "girls" the newest rescue is the tiny Lupita, in the middle (4 pounds of determination)
This image will appear in this years issue of "Palm Beach Pet Society"

PS I can hear you "awww-ing from here!!

I miss by bloggie buddies

2011-07-28T18:37:00.002-04:00

and not one single person has emailed me to ask, "where have you been?"
boo hoo hoo, I feel so unloved!
My main computer got a cooked motherboard. which led me to understanding WHY they call it a motherboard. when I found out computer no workie no more.... MOTHER was actually the first of the two words that immediately sprung to my mind.
So I brought my little laptop home tonight to let my few readers know that I have not been abducted by aliens, or committed to a nuthouse

I'M BEING STALKED!!!!

2011-07-15T12:05:00.002-04:00

My absolute glee in dumping AT&T is somewhat (or completely) diminished, and the tingling of anxiety taken it's place. M y Non-renewal on the shop contract is signed and accepted, my home service tucked away with Comcast, and my new relationship with T-mobile suffices (altho ,not completely happy with the frequent absent notification of messages untill two days later ((WTF)).).
SOOO, as I am perusing Sam's club, I see a hot offer from T-mobile that I ask a few questions about, The salesman informs me that, of all things..... AT&T JUST BOUGHT T-MOBILE!!!! are you freaking kidding me? I am so glad I waited to try out the service without any contract. I feel like the "killer deal" I got with T-mob was just a scam to get as many new customers in order to drive up their worth so when they sold out, they could get top dollar. Jeezy-peezy this ticks me off! You know as soon as ATT takes over , they will force me into another contract.I know a lot of you like ATT, but I dont. The cell service is good, OK, Great, but the CUSTOMER SERVICE stinks, plain old STINKS, and they will bait you, trick you, and once you are hooked (contract) you can wiggle yourself to death. Because, as always.... "I'm sorry mam' there is nothing I can do"
Lookout Metro, here I come

It Happens Every Time

2011-07-10T15:05:00.001-04:00

First, I need to remind you that when you live alone, there is no critism about your housekeeping.
Second, like all women, I like clothes and shoes (preferably NEW!)
I have clutter, and normally a few dishes waiting for the dishwasher.
I am not very motivated after a long week's work, and enjoy lazing around on Sunday.
Point of this story is that I have found a MOTIVATOR.

it is called Hoarders.
Most of the people on the show are women, but there are guys too. A lot of the women are single.
Last week Deb and I watched two episodes back to back.
I went home and cleaned out my closets, she cleaned out her kitchen cupboards. we laughed.
So today I am lazing around in my jammies, and Hoarders comes on, I start to watch. And then up I get and grab the broom, sweep out my "office, then scrub and mop the floor. That show is like magic I tell ya!

I AM SOOO In Love With My Water Garden!

2011-07-08T07:41:00.004-04:00

First day, early morning after rain, click to see the details!

third day, full bloom

Hairdressers are NUTS!

2011-07-05T23:07:00.000-04:00

I said I was going to post the pictures I took at the hair show, and here they are. I tried to get the two "worlds" in my trade. The everyday, gals, like me; and the over the top, weird-ass, can't help but stare at them, platform heel wearin manufactured ones.
Here ya go!

Nick Arroyo, I love to watch him work. See how he moves the hair around with his hands to see what it will do? I do that, that is probably why I love to watch him work. He is my favorite stylist, and he does makeovers on "What Not To Wear" on TLC

NOW we will go into the "dark side, or the OTHER side, but I wonder what the hell is going on with these folks, I do, I really do. Or maybe I dont care at all, I just giggle at them!

duhr?!

Never fall asleep on a wet pair of jeans!

WTF?

and the point of this is....???

RAWR!

reminds me of ribbon candy when I was a kid at Christmas!

NOW we will go into the "dark side, or the OTHER side, but I wonder what the hell is going on with these folks, I do, I really do. Or maybe I dont care at all, I just giggle at them!

A feeling of more trouble coming

2011-06-29T23:37:00.000-04:00

There was a lot in the news here about our new Governor Scott signing a bill that will allow insurance companies in Florida to increase rates, seemingly without restraint. "They" are forcasting rates that may increase by 100%.
Every few years I am rocked by another insurance malfunction, and I am either "sold" or thrown away by my homeowners insurance. Back and forth between Peninsula and Citizens like a bad penny.
So I guess here comes another slap in the face, and I need to go check my renewal date and start saving for my shortfall (again).
The thing that also bothers me about this is that there are so many people who are hanging on to their homes by the skin of their teeth, barely getting by. I am feeling uneasy about the prospect that another heartbreaking wave of foreclosures will begin, further jeopardizing our tax base, our neighborhoods, and our local economy. As Families continue to struggle and sometimes fail, I wonder..... What if!???????
is it just me or are we on a toboggan ride to hell?
My thought on the matter was this..
Why cant homeowners who are REQUIRED to purchase property insurance opt for a "mortgage protection" policy instead? Like the loan insurance you can get for your car loan. So that if the car is destroyed they simply pay the loan?? then we can go rent an apartment in the projects and get on the dole with rent control and food stamps.
I am kidding about the last part ,of course, but this shit is getting scarier every day. I am watching the Government, federal and local, closing down. No armed forces, no space, no new cops, no more LOTS of things.
Pretty soon it will be us and our guns, against the crack heads and bill collectors.
B.O. you started this shit, the entire freaking country is in the crapper, we are just swirling around waiting to go down the drain

Blessed

2011-06-26T11:02:00.001-04:00

I have done this before and sorely regretted going on so about my good fortune. But I am bone tired this morning, and glad to be home relaxing, so I guess I am not thinking right.
This week was without a doubt, the busiest week for a summer month I have ever experienced. Neysi was busy too, and we were sometimes hard pressed to keep up. The week before we were slow, but decided to take advantage of free time, and spend a little more time at home. Were we ever blessed for not fretting!! WOW
My poor fingers are a little puffy and stiff , and I am probably going to stay in my jammies today (I can do that because there is food here for a change)
Speaking of food. I am still monitoring my weight and food choices, but I had to put the diet on hold for a bit after losing over 30 pounds. I need to get used to maintaining this weight, I think, and then I want to shed another 15 or so.

Lupita,(Lupita Rosita Conchita Gonzalez) is doing great!! her scant fur is growing in and she is perfectly capable of maintaining her "space" in a pack, all of them out-sizing her by 3 to 15 times her tiny four pounds. When I fix her dinner, she stands impatiently at my feet and barks at me to put a move on with the groceries. I really WANT to find a nice stay-at-home mom for her, she deserves the attention, but that is going slow. meanwhile, I saw a tiny T-shirt on Ebay that is red and has "thing 1" or "thing 2" all the way up to whatever you pick. I laughed and thought there would be tiny Lupi with a red T-shirt "thing 6". Funny, but still too many. Ginger is 15 and wont be around much longer, but I STILL NEED to find a home for Lupi. (right? I do, right??)
That was all the energy I have for right now, time for a snack and a nap, BYE!

LUPI has friends!

2011-06-18T10:48:00.002-04:00

I was up way too late last night. I was lending a helping hand to my friend JoAnn Goodrich, who is a volunteer co-coordinator for a brand new rescue based here in S.E, Florida .
S-O-S 4 Paws.
Lupita was their very first listing. Lupi still needs bloodwork, vaccines, microchip and rabies. I was busy this morning, early, listing a few more of the many dogs that are in need of new homes, and in some cases, vet care.
I am going to ask each of you who read this to go to the link above and use the Paypal button to donate ANY amount you can to help with these medical expenses. A printable receipt with their tax ID (non-profit corp) will be sent for your tax purposes if you like. how can you say no to this face??

Lupi has good taste!

2011-06-14T21:51:00.000-04:00

Lupi is so tiny! her skin is thin and she has some hair loss, so I wanted a very non-scratchy collar for her. She decided that my bracelet would be just the thing, how can you argue with somebody so cute?

SUCCESS!!!

2011-06-12T21:56:00.001-04:00

Little Lupita was removed from the streets tonight around 7 PM. With the help of a few good gals, we were able to bring Lupi home. She is bathed ,fed, and is curled up in her carrier until she sees the vet tomorrow.
Upon looking her over, I find she is a senior, and has less than half her teeth, so the canned chicken goes down real smooth for her!

She is timid, but tame, and has handled her rescue very well.

Another Rescue in progress

2011-06-11T06:59:00.000-04:00

This tiny Chihuahua, is living right under everyone's noses, on a dirty matress, behind a warehouse, right on the railroad tracks. Terrified of human contact, she remains a hard little girl to get near. I am visiting her every day with a small amount of food, and I have set a humane trap (which she will have NOTHING to do with, despite the abundance of food inside).
She seems to have an eye problem, and is very thin. her coat is dull, and she has broken my heart. I have named her Lupita (little wolf) She appears to weigh about three pounds

these idiots better be quiet tonight!

2011-06-05T22:44:00.002-04:00

Last night some silly girls in the room next to mine had a into-the-night giggle fest, squealing and in and out of the room just about until I could not stand it. at 1:30 I called the desk and complained. I heard the phone ring, and then hear one of them say "They said we are being loud" and then a long conversation about that, I guess, I finally drifted off to sleep. Until 3 AM when one of them was in the hall, yelling into her phone "well, where ARE you!", bla bla bla. My angry sleepy face jerked the door open and demanded to know if she where crazy, and then dutifully reminded her of the time. BAM! my door slammed, and then hers, and finally it was quiet.
SOOOOO at 7 am I set the alarm to go off in two minutes, and then set the clock right up against the wall, and went and took my shower, while the "beep beep beep" demanded through the wall (for ten minutes) that they too, should wake up! HA!
I took lots of good pictures for you, but dont have my cable so they will have to wait.
I treated myself to dinner at the high-roller's restaurant called "The Everglades Club" I had a salad with fresh raspberries and a blood orange vinaigrette, the butter was molded into little alligators, I ate one. There was a fresh made tapinade that I could have eaten a lot of, but there was a BUNCH of fresh chopped garlic in it, and I didn't want to stink myself out. I had roast venison chops with another raspberry merlot glaze, fresh spinach, baby 'taters, and a tomato and caramelized onion tart, finish the meal with a scoop of (yep) RASPBERRY sorbet. can you guess I like raspberries??
Now I'm thinking that I really have NO DESIRE to go to the Paul Mitchell "white" party, and that I am soooo placated, I will just see if anyone wants to buy my ticket and I will blog, and then watch some TV and hopefully get some sleep tonight. That ain't gonna happen (sell the ticket) you wanna know why??? I DONT HAVE THE STUPID TICKET!! I have gone through my bags, my purse, by billfold, all three, several times. I gotta laugh at me, big dummy. That was a thirtyfive dollar ticket. oh well, I am jammied up and blogging. That's usually what I do on Sunday night, so I guess all is right with the world.
I know one thing though, diet or none, that was one excellent dinner, dark bread and butter, tapenade and all, right down to that scoop of sorbet!
Now if House is on tonight, my life will be complete! goodnight all!!!!
OH!! I decided to ask for a room change (so I didn't have to sleep in jail!)!

Weekend Fun!

2011-06-04T23:41:00.001-04:00

Well, here I am again, it is the annual Premier Beauty Show in Orlando.
I brought my good camera, and the card is empty ,the battery is full.
Right away, I am seeing the different personalities swirling around me.
Example; three milky-white folks, all wearing Bermuda shorts, T shirts, ankle socks and sneakers (think Reebok, not keds) one of the women has topped off her outfit with a cheap straw cowboy hat. They are openly staring at the black hairstylist that is wearing all white and has cherry-red weave hair on the top, with long black hair on the rest. I mean turning around, with mouths hanging open ,staring.. Funny, cause I had been staring at them,(Bubba, Shirley and her mom Sylvia... I made that part up)
Then, there are the different types of hairdressers. The young, long-legged glamor girlz (like Veronica) that come here wearing everything they own that reflects light. They look like walking disco balls in high (DAMN HIGH) heels. Here are these cuties wearing tiny minis two yards of leg, big platform heels and a ton of jewelry and makeup. They got their hair colored, nails done, some lash enhancements, new bling, and an Iphone stuck to their heads

The convention center is two blocks long and it is jam full of manufacturers, and classrooms, stages and booths. HOW the hell are these little things going to walk around all day in that show in those shoes??
Then there is US, yep me, and every other hard working hairbender in the state. We have on capri pants, flip flops or other falt comfortable shoes, our hair is a mess, and our nails are short,and we dont wear much jewelry, and especially NO rings. OH.. and we look a little tired.
We are NOT here to par-tay.
We want our samples, the "deal sheets" some new product info , someplace to sit down and eat, then we want to go home. haha.
Tomorrow I will get some pictures, so you can see, and identify (we'll have a quiz!) the two groups, (I am going to leave out the ankle-sock crowd)

WHO CAN I CALL?????

2011-06-03T22:06:00.001-04:00

As I have aged (none too gracefully) I have had problems with a bad hip that I am told was from (A) many years on horseback. and (B) several car accidents. my right knee is a little worse for the wear, too.

I usually go for the tall toilet in the "special needs" stall. The one with the handrail, which takes the hurtin off my knee when I get up. WHY, tell me WHY is it that every time I go into a restroom, NO MATTER WHERE.... if I have to wait while someone is in there. Out comes a store, (restaurant,fill in the blank) EMPLOYEE??????
Does any one else ever witness this?? Do employees think that is their private break room??? Does Home Depot and Lowes, Walmart, Big Lots, Marshalls, Macy's, Dillards, and TJ Maxx hire the handicapped?? Who can I call to ask them to send a memo to employees and ask them to leave the freaking special needs stall to folks that actually HAVE special needs?
Or should I just get my fatass stuck on the 14 inch toilet with no pull-bar and sit there and holler for someone to pull me up off that "stool"
OHHHHH Now I know why my 6'3" dad called it a "the stool".
Anyway, it happened again tonight. EVERY time it happens, I swear I am going to tell the manager, and I dont. Should I??

A Big Heart

2011-05-23T19:54:00.001-04:00

Roscoe's heart is enlarged, more than my vet thought it would be. The pulmonary arteries are also enlarged. I do not have the information to form an educated opinion of what all this means. My vet said that he does sometimes see this in dogs with heartworm. Here I am, about to say something I thought I would never say...... Man, I hope it is heartworm. I will know tomorrow.

UPDATE: Heartworm test was neg. Blood values all normal. This means that there is a congenital heart defect. The next step is an evaluation of the xray by a veterinary cardiologist

Surprise Ending

2011-05-20T22:11:00.002-04:00

In a prior post I detailed the problems my Pit bull, Roscoe is having. He is fearful of people places and things he is not familiar with. He is also threatened when people come into HIS house. Is first reaction is to jump up on me. It reminds me of a small child begging to be picked up.
I have been working on his leash manners, and I had thought getting him out more would help. It did not. Roscoe expresses his fear by snapping. Not a bitey, but a "move away!" snap of the jaws, that in all likelyhood could lead to a serious issue, if he does not find the security he needs.
So I made an appointment with a Veterinary Behavioral Specialist. Roscoe's initial visit was 3 hour session, and I learned a lot, (again).
The visit ended with a physical exam, and bloodwork was ordered, to check his metabolism, thyroid and CBC, so the vet could put him on the right meds, to chill out my trembling pitbull.
I was beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel, when the vet checked his heart, she stood up and said "I think he has a heart murmur", checked him again, and decided that he certainly does. Now his treatment is postponed until he has a chest X-ray and his blood workup is done.
I came home sad, very sad. The possibility that Roscoe will have to take regular meds the rest of his life may become a reality. If the xray doesn't tell the story he may need an ultrasound.
Since he had a bath today, I have decided to let him sleep in the Mom's bed with me tonight.

because we all know that love CAN heal a broken heart.

For My Adoring Fans (both of you)

2011-05-18T19:45:00.000-04:00

The girls were teasing me about my cheesy home snapshot of me on my salon website. So I went to our Neighbor photographer, and asked him to shoot me (not the way you're thinking, that's not nice!)
so here is the result of a little hairstyling, makeup and shedding thirty pounds
Hot ain't I???

The Question of the Week is.........

2011-05-16T21:32:00.001-04:00

WHO DO I THINK I AM???!!!!
My latest adventure as a salon owner was by far the funniest, but in the end.... another one bites the dust.

The girl I took on , right out of school, who claimed to be ready to "do it all" quickly showed me what she was made of. After being the singularly MOST unreliable of my failures , she developed an attitude that rivaled a seasoned Diva Stylist. At the same time, I was beginning to worry about my liability , once she began to lose interest, her work got worse and worse! I saw one too many heads that I was embarrassed to have leaving my business.
SOOOOOO.....
This past Saturday, my protege failed to show up for work. One excuse at 9:15 and then a whole new one at 11:30. A prom Saturday too. I turned over 100$ in business right out the door, so Miss Thang could attend to her personal life.
Then I boxed up her stuff and held it until she paid up on what the Salon was owed (this is were it got funny)
There we stood, her saying "give me my stuff and I'll give you your money" and me....... "give me the money and I'll give you your stuff"......
We went a few rounds of that, and then I was accused of being immature, of course I am, I know that, but I am immature in a good way, and street smart as I need to be (dont let the soft serve fool ya, I dont miss much)
Anyway, she demanded that she would have things HER WAY! then she asked me "WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE!?"
I said to her with a big smile, "I am the OWNER of this business, you little dipshit!"
Whereupon, I got my money and she told me, (yes, TOLD ME) to put her stuff on the bench on the sidewalk.
Obliging sweety that I am, I took her stuff out of the car and set it right there in the street.

WHO DO I THINK I AM FOR CRIIPES SAKE?????

WHO DO I THINK I AM!!!!

How many Smiles to the gallon??

2011-05-07T22:10:00.001-04:00

At last, the wait is over!
My Smarty is back home and all dressed up!! The guys worked on it till well into the night last night, and delivered my car to my house just after 10PM.
On my way to work this morning, I noticed a strange phenomenon(thank you spell check!).....
Everyone seemed to be smiling!! yep, every person I passed was smiling!
looking at my retro happy hippy car and smiling, grinning, chuckling, laughing.
Now it is REALLY worth the money !!!

biggify the last photo and see my car has matching jewelry!

First day of school

2011-05-03T21:32:00.000-04:00

Roscoe had his, (OUR) first class today, and even though I thought myself above the level of beginner, and I knew alot of the stuff he was saying, I learned too.
Some of the things I knew were explained to me in such a way that I saw simple things more clearly. That was good.
Here is what he explained....
Your dog has two parts of his brain that control how he behaves and reacts.
The first is genetic, that is instinct. similar to our "gut reaction".
When he doesn't know what to do he relies on instinct, and as this is effected by genetics, can be flawed. Roscoe's certainly is.
The second is conditioned, or learned. That is where I have failed Ol Roscoe.
So what I am told is that by insisting on absolute obedience, I can cause him to be less willing to react by instinct, and more willing to obey my command. It made so much sense to me.
They use positive reinforcement to train. That is treat-training. As much as Roscoe loves me, and loves to be petted, he is much more focused on those treats! It was very easy to keep him focused, and he did well.
I have to learn some new words, and use those commands exclusively, no substitutions. At this point ,I may have more to learn than the dog!

weird day

2011-05-02T21:57:00.001-04:00

I started today with a laundry list of things I had to get done. Some of them had time stamps on them. Those are the ones I will usually dump on if I am not in the mood to be terribly productive. I didn't though, I bit the bullet and made my rounds.
The very first thing I did was drop the Smarty off at the shop, and got a look at the vinyl graphic. It looks AWESOME!
then I picked up my truck, noticing a nail in the tire (which turned out to be nothing serious) After my banking, I picked up Roscoe and drove to Palm Beach Gardens to meet a trainer.
Roscoe has been worrying me with some very upsetting stuff. He is nervous around anyone but me, and if anyone moves fast, he will give a little warning nip and then retreat. So far he has "tagged" three of my girlfriends, and my cousin. A good healthy pinch that left a deep purple bruise on all of them.
So He has appointments with the trainer, and a veterinary behavioral specialist.
Understand that, to me, he is a big lovey slobbery kisses giving softy, but my Pitbull is actually insecure around strangers. So it did not make me happy to have to take him to these guys to be analyzed.
When we got there, he decided he LIKED the guy, and did all his tricks, (2) and wagged and behaved, never raised a hair. The guy asked me.. "so where is this nervous wreck you told me about" go figure. Before we went there, I stopped to let him chill out from the car ride. I happened on the nicest little nature trail. I saw a gopher tortoise in the entry to his burrow. I saw another den of some sort, probably Raccoon, cause opossums are arboreal (didja know that?)
Know what I blew off? just didn't do?? that's right, I did not go to the fat police and weigh in. I was one bad mama yesterday and made potato salad and slow grilled boneless beef short ribs, grilled squash and peppers. I ate MORE than the allotted portion, and it was good. I have lost thirty pounds, and I am damn sick of dieting. later on I just could not get enough milk, skim of course, but I had to have some, then more, later I tipped the jug for a few snorts.
I know avoiding the fat police helped me feel out of sorts, but... it happened.
I can start again tomorrow.
Roscoe is sleeping, and goes for his first session tomorrow , the kitchen is clean, the trash is out, my money is in the bank and I paid all my bills online. I suppose it was as good as this day was going to get.
look how sweet my baby is sleeping, looks like a good idea....

goodnight

OOPS!!!!

2011-04-24T18:10:00.001-04:00

Damn that was good!

I may have to walk to work next week... :-(

Easter Eggs!

2011-04-24T11:23:00.001-04:00

I bet you're thinking... "HA! I knew she would blow that diet!"
WRONG !!!
We had Easter Eggs this morning, yes we did.
I made scrambled eggs for breakfast and decided to treat the whole "gang" to some eggies. So my two eggs turned into a big bowl of half a dozen. When they were all scrambled up nice and fluffy, we divied them up according to size (means I got the most!) and all five dogs had some eggs on their breakfast crunchies.
I had so much fun last night, I think I will bath my dirty boy Roscoe and take him out again.

Happy Easter to all!!!

A Mighty Fine Weekend

2011-04-23T22:45:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow is by far and away ,my favorite day of the year. A long time ago on a very lonely Easter Sunday morning, I got up and went to sunrise service, then breakfast at Wags (which had great food, but is no longer with us) I went home to ponder all the to-do going on at churches around the world. The rest is history, but it was a tearful happy day that has resulted in much peacefulness in my life.
Today, and pretty much all week we were jammin at work. all of us were busy and happy. Vee got back on track after we cleared the air (it seems former bad girl who quit had been spreading evil(by phone) My business is no longer any of HER business anyway) So we all made good money and left today tired and happy, ready for a wonderful Easter!
Tonight, after dinner, I put big dummy Roscoe in the Smarty, put the top down and headed out for some socialization, which he desperately needs. We went to Petsmart for dog food, then rode down to the "downtown" area in Lake Worth. There are lots of cafe's there, and many people walking and sitting around eating. My boy made me proud, he was a little excited, but behaved, walked well and did not seem to nervous ( he is high strung). he got lots of compliments, and I made sure he did not get to stressed. Pitbulls are a strange breed, but can be the BEST dogs. Roscoe has been home alone WAY to much, and seems nervous when put in new situations, yes, even frightened, of new people and other dogs.
Tonight a tattoo'd guy with a mini-Dachshund let his tiny dog come up to Roscoe. He sniffed once and then jumped up on me like a kid begging "PICK ME UP!!!" I told the guy "he;s scared" and we laughed . A nice spinkling of rain sent us toward the car, and back home.
I am sure Roscoe feels very special tonight, you know, date night with Mommy and all, hahaha.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend, and find much joy on Resurection Sunday.... my favorite holiday.
Happy Easter!

PEE ESS I have lost 28 pounds!

OMG! OMG! OMG!!!!

2011-04-15T21:34:00.001-04:00

My Smart car has fast become one of the funnest (yep FUNNEST) things I have ever bought myself. Outside of being just damn fun to drive, it has a fine audio system, and after installing my satellite receiver in it, I am pretty much a happy camper-driver. I have B.B.King's bluesville on ,a nd cranked up a little. happy happy, joy joy.
Today at work, I had a chance to check my email.... what do you suppose was there? (what!? you ask)
It was from the graphic design company I asked to do a layout for my Smarty, using a design I found online, which is retro, Peter Max, cool. One company said they could not do it because of resolution, bla bla bla, and sent a generic image (not even close to my design),which was YUK!
So I open the email, askeered it was gonna be another loser..... and OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
it is perfect, I mean awesopme and amazing, now I can't WAIT to tweak it and get that baby on my car.
LOOK AT MY CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

plus

equals......

I am going to change a few minor things but over all............

OMG!!!!!!!!!!

I DO STOOPID THINGS!

2011-04-06T22:51:00.001-04:00

Like, frantically looking high and low for my supply receipts, so I can beg a certain Sarge for a little hair/return trade. That is normal stupid for me though, only sissies do their taxes in January (and people getting refunds)
The OTHER stupid thing I did is really wearing me out, I mean REALLY hurting my brains!

I had asked the Paul Mitchell sales rep for some of that free education they are always telling me they give. As I have a new girl, fresh out of school, I decided to have a cutting class. DUMBASS that I am, I sat down and said I would be a model for a LONG LAYERED new hairstyle.
I am now in possession of the worst F#ing weird-ass, upside down, makes no sense at all, BUTT UGLY haircut you have ever seen on the face of the earth. To top the whole thing off, my formerly two foot long pony tail is a mere ten inches long, and "texturized" (means chewed on) with interior layers, (means short (FREAKIN SHORT!!) in the middle and long on the top and bottom. This haircut showed one thing to my stylists, how a BAD haircut can ruin the way a person feels, how they see themselves, and EXACTLY how crabby a woman with a shitty haircut can get.
Tonight I went out and bought a human hair fake ponytail, so I can pretend I still have my hair, I will be going for the world record in pretending because the BE#otch cut off one foot plus of my long hair.
Even though I did not take very good care of it, I felt my hair was a very significant part of what I find appealing about myself.

Right now I feel like a fat -ass old woman with a shitty haircut

Tip of the Hat to Jorge

2011-04-04T16:43:00.001-04:00

I have afreind who sometimes sends me cute emails.... here is the latest

I receive lots of wonderful pictures of dogs, cats and other adorable animals.

I always like to forward the cute ones.

This one is especially touching!!

At Last !?

2011-04-01T20:02:00.000-04:00

Ever optimistic soul that I am, I have looked to a sparkling future many times in my Salon adventure.
I HAVE been disappointed, taken advantage of, lied to ,and stolen from, on many occasions after reaching out with people, to move forward.
Yes I know, "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him take a bubble bath" I got it.
Now that J.S. has quit, I am wondering if the common denominator to the dirty looks and bad attitudes is gone, because so far, it seems to be.
Veronica, who is just out of cosmetology school, is already taking in as much as J.S. did. Furthermore, she comes to work SMILING!
Lovely Sandra, (who works only on Friday, from Stuart) has been recommending a girl she used to work with, she has been trying to get her with me for almost a year. One of my clients knows the same girl and has been working on the girl also.
FINALLY< last week, I got a hold of her and we talked, made an agreement, and she is coming to work with us!! She starts next week. I am going to add another chair, and the salon will be full!! J.S. and I had 12 years of history, but I guess bridges burn, and there comes a time that things change. I am glad they have.
J. had the same open animosity for me that T. had, and lots of clients felt it, and have remarked that they are glad she is gone. At any rate, another new chapter begins for "A Couple Gals Salon" . I have three lovely latina girls working there. Two things I have noticed... my latina friends
(A) take care of their looks
(B) like to make money
(C) like their environment CLEAN
I may be a very happy camper if this goes as well as my rose colored glasses see them going!

Invest in your future.... buy ammo

2011-03-20T11:27:00.002-04:00

yes Virginia, I'm packin heat!

Thanks to Jorge, who reads but never comments! maybe this time?

SOOOOOO SMART!!

2011-03-14T21:06:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to ME!!!! happy birthday, happy birthday , HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEEEEEEEEE.
well in two weeks exactly, anyway.
I have lost 18 pounds, I had salad for dinner, I feel good.
Sunday I selected the activity for the day was to roll around all the car dealers and try on tiny cars. With the major Japanese plants shut down, and gas headed to the moon, .... why not?? I ask you WHY NOT??
I drover a Mini Cooper, a Smart car, a Nissan cube, the Kia Soul (there is a reason there are hamsters in the commercial). I have been toying with the idea of a small car for running around town. Not for camping, or Home Depot, or my trip to Orlando that is coming up in June..... But for the trek to work and back, errands, and general, around town running.
I was in no hurry to buy another car, no way.
Something happened though, laugh at me if you want, or think I have made an error in sound judgement, I'm OK with it.
I AM HAVING FUN, BABY!!

I am IN LOVE with the Smart Car.
Designed and manufactured under the Mercedes Group, this little ride is the hot diggity- bomb!!
yep, I got the exact model in the picture, the Smart fortwo Passion Cabriolet
You can have your car skinned, add your business stuff, and you are driving a tax deduction, and fun to boot!. I am hoping to get my Smarty skinned for the salon, soon as I figure out what I want on it

UPDATE!!

2011-03-08T21:07:00.000-05:00

A post or two back, I fessed up to my ACTUAL WEIGHT, Yep the real numbers, and it was scary for me.
I had signed up at Quick Weight Loss centers, and prepaid for the long haul... I need to lose 50 pounds. YES, It was expensive, but my darlings, it is working.
Altho I have renamed the diet to "Death By Chicken" I am doing well. As of this morning, I have lost 16 pounds since I started , exactly one month ago.
I HAVE cheated, but not like you think. Sometimes I sneak a tablespoon of reduced fat peanut butter on my daily rice cake (OH! I an SOOOO bad!)
Or maybe just a little more than the 1/4 cup of brown rice I am "allowed"
But the BIG issues, my beloved cheesecake, and sodas, and ice cream , and pasta, bacon, and about a million other foods besides CHICKEN BREAST (ugh!) I am learning to live with out.
I can bend over AND still breathe, and I am riding my bike again.
I guess I am motivated. I like the fact that the numbers continue to go down when before they only went UP.

They told me I would be down 20 pounds for my birthday, which is in just under three weeks. I think, I mean I HOPE I will be down more than 20. That would be a nice birthday present, huh??

If You Cant Be A Good Example.... Be a Terrible WARNING!!

2011-03-01T19:40:00.001-05:00

I would venture a guess that Gary might have a few words of "wisdom" for Mr. Sheen.... that is, if he can still make a sentence.
I have enjoyed countless episodes of 2,1/2 Men in the past years, but this interview, has totally ruined the humor that Charlie was able to purport. I now see his as the narcissistic, ego maniacal brain-fried idiot that he truly is.
If this idiot doesn't wind up OD'd in a Vegas Hotel, I will be surprised.

WHAT A WEEK!

2011-02-19T21:31:00.000-05:00

The very coolest part of this week was seeing my childhood partner in crime, my cousin, Alan. Even though not under the best of circumstances, (his brother's passing) it was good to see him, nutty as ever.
We cleaned out his brothers "stuff" had a yard sale in Hobe Sound, and another in West Palm. We managed to sell his boat and his truck, and have a couple offers on his property, which is in the hands of a probate attorney. We found over $700 in jars of coins, all of which paid Alan's travel, and the cost of David's funeral home expense. In the meantime, we got to talk about the good(?) old days, and bicker like family does and cheat on our diets. He is on his way to Orlando for a Saturday night of partying at a club there, and flies out tomorrow morning.
IN OTHER NEWS, my little traitor has flown the coop! She started off the week by returning about 2/3's of the stuff the nail girl stole. Not like I didn't know she was in full knowledge of what Olga did, when and possibly before (who knows) she did it. I was gifted with her chair rent check and her key , as she told me "I'm gone!" my only thought, which I expressed, was "COOL!" Saved me the trouble..... She obviously had no concern for the salon at all, as her cabinets were filthy, as was her station. The trim on the counter is beat to hell. I was waiting till she left to have the new ones installed, so now I can go ahead and clean the place up and enjoy my salon again.
I have had a tough time with recent employees, but only the ones that this girl befriended. making her the common denominator in the equation of surly attitudes and disrespect. I wont make that call, but I certainly do wonder.
No hard feelings , I'm glad you're gone, missy!
Rumor was that she wanted to get a chair put in down at the nail and facial salon in the same plaza. That cracks me up... that woman hasn't kept an employee for more than six months and she has been there ten years.
I know I have high expectations when it comes to my salon, but attitudes and service are to close together to not feel the sting when salon clients complain that they were turned out the door, or that their messages were not received, calls not returned, etc.
SOOO the workweek ends, my house empty again, the dogs not wondering "who is this?!" The salon is at peace, and I am too. I sense another one of those "sleep like a baby" night, and I look forward to chilling out tomorrow, and working in the salon on Monday cleaning and getting the new counter tops ready to install. OH yeah, I had a nice steak and a (HALF!?:P) baked potato, followed by a tiiiiny bowl of apple-pear crisp with buleberries and cranberries in it. No wonder I am so happy!
Goodnight!!!!!

Time for a change

2011-02-08T17:50:00.001-05:00

I have had my share of ups and downs since I bought my salon. Some VERY stressful relationships, and now another one is over. My struggling nail tech has been quite the cause for concern with bad attitude, poor quality work, and lots of client complaints. Yesterday, she walked out. Monday, while the salon was closed she came in and packed her stuff..... then she packed MY stuff! equipment and supplies she had no right to. I will be gathering the receipts and making a list of the hundreds of dollars worth of equipment and supplies she stole and filing charges against her as soon as I get the police report back.
That, however is NOT the news.... this is.

Yesterday I decided to change my life. I cannot afford to get unhealthy because of my weight. My mom is Diabetic, with bad knees and hips. I am on my way. My always low blood pressure is now slightly high. My blood sugar is elevated and my cholesterol and triglycerides are also out out range.
I visited Physicians Weight Loss Center, and signed up. I don't like weight watchers because nobody reeeally knows what the hell a point is. I wont eat frozen preserved diet MRE's either. At PWLC you eat fresh food, I like that. You also take supplements and drink 80 ounces of water a day.
Week one I can have all the RAW vegies I want, and any kind of meat, I also have to drink two metabolic boost kool-aide-type drinks (they are yuck), and they have some caffeine, so I did not really miss my morning coffee (who woulda thunk it??, not me!). Tonight for dinner, I have a catfish fillet, yellow squash, cilantro and lemon for seasoning.. Next week I can add more foods, and some cooked veggies, but off the list is milk, cheese, CAKE!!!, bread ,rice, pasta
wanna know why?? here is my confession. I weight 246 pounds, I have never been so big, and I am stiff, uncomfortable, and unhappy about the way I look. I avoid mirrors. I am promised that if I follow the eating program, I will have lost 20 pounds by my birthday in late March. I will (by their estimate) reach my goal weight of 190 by 4th of July.
If I add exercise, it will go faster. Wish me luck. It is February. I walked into the grocery store and was greeted by endless boxes of candy, and every imaginable baked good, all iced in pink, my favorite color. That shit was ALL OVER the entire store.
I did buy some pink stuff...... watermelon!

SAD....

2011-01-31T20:29:00.000-05:00

I got sad news last week. A quivering voice on the phone from accross the miles stating that his brother had passed. My partner in crime as a kid, Alan, my first cousin was calling to ask if I would go and check on the house and conditions and secure his brother's property till he could get here from Nevada. Of course I would, right?
I did.
My cousin, David had fallen and from what I saw, had bled quite a bit, and was not discovered for two to three weeks or more.
Armed with the tools they use on TV, (rubber gloves, face masks and Vicks to put in my nostrils, I braved the unknown.
Searching for his Wallet, and valuables, so that his possesions would come to his family.
My cousin was an alcoholic, and from what I found, a very desperately out of control depressed one. Out of respect for his brother, I will not share the details. After two days work, I found his cell phone and wallet, and removed some tools that hold value, deep sea rods and reels. everything is covered in many years worth of dust. This poor soul had lived in a spot on his sofa for what looks like years. The rest of his little place was straight out of hoarders, with a powder coating.

In my own house, as the shadows fall, and the light gets soft, the shadows, for me, appear to be dust now. I am shaken, and fearful, as if the dust is lurking there, has followed me home somehow. I hope in the coming days, this will fade. I cannot get the feeling of dust off my skin. I have washed my hands, arms and face so much, my skin is dry, which makes it feel like there is ,you guessed it, dust on me.
Alan, I love you, and I am here for you. If this post hurts you, I will remove it. This blog is where I put my troubles to bed, you know that, so please, dont be upset with me. I am here for you when you get here, and will assist you as needed. I will heal, we will heal, and this too, shall pass

Closing in on the end.

2011-01-23T17:08:00.001-05:00

If you think about this in the right way, It MUST seem like AT&T cant see the customer right in front of it's giant ego.
For a clear 28 years I had home telephone service with AT&T then I went with Comcast, and it is working out great, I wanted out of the contract at the salon, which I was tricked out of and now have to wait , because the contract never EXPIRES, it auto-renews.... without my consent. That sound wrong, any way you look at it.
My cell service is still with AT&T for one reason, my plan is old, really old, so old that when I got it, AT&T actually had GOOD customer service, and offered me 800 minutes for 39.00(plus tax and fees+$43) with long distance, free moble2mobile, and free long distance. The same plan today would cost me 69 dollars! I got my cell about 15 years ago. It was ATT then bellsouth, then ATT, the cingulair, then back to ATT. this incarnation, ATT has the same level(none) customer service as the landline .
Yesterday I got a letter, stating that "in the upcoming months, we are upgrading our system, and a small percentage of customers will lose their service, unless they upgrade to a new plan, and a new phone."
I have done all the research, on rates and coverage, and here is the deal. Metro PCS will flash my existing phone to Metro software, and give me unlimited talk, text and web, plus free directory assistance, all for $45 taxes and fees included.
How many customers do they think are gonna just double their rate and still get crappy AT&T attitude? not me, thats for sure. Now all I have to do is wait out the salon phone contract another six months and I walk away from them three phone numbers.. for good. They wont miss me, they are too busy lying to new folks who are not familiar with their rude, inhospitable, "I'm sorry , there is nothing I can do" attitude.
Metro coverage used to be pretty bad, but they now have 90% coverage nationwide, and are starting the 4G service too. I have never really heard anyone complain about Metro in years. I'll let ya know

Forest is Chucho

2011-01-21T16:58:00.001-05:00

A lot has happened to poor Forest since yesterday. after being chased down and drugged, he was carted off to "jail". He is reported to be in top health.
His microchip led ACC to his owner, who claimed to have given the dog away to an unknown co-worker (B.S.) But she wants him back.
Here's what goes with that.... a short trip to "nooterville" vaccinations, license tag, citations/fines, and she must post her property as "dangerous dog" territory. See, Forest/Chucho was involved in a dog aggression a few years back, where he and another dog took on a smaller dog. Even thought the injuries to said dog were not severe, the owner made a case against the two aggressors, and there ya go. He is labeled as "potentially dangerous".

It will cost his Mom about $400 to get him back,(she has already paid half of it) and ACC will be making home visits to her. So today I went and visited a not-too-happy, formerly free , doggie inmate.
Meet Forest, AKA Chucho
Look how clean and healthy he looks for a dog living in the streets for four months!

The homeless guys are sad, I'm certain Forest isn't too happy, and I am uneasy about the whole thing too. But what can ya do? I can't own them all (Laura!)haha

Run, Forest, Run!

2011-01-20T20:23:00.000-05:00

Today culminates a four month effort on the part of the City Park, Animal Care&Control, and Myself (resident dog know-it-all). I am not happy about the outcome, but I know it was necessary. I fought hard to catch a gorgeous big male Pitbull that had been living in the woods surrounding the park by maintaining a humane trap and baiting it, releasing the captured cats and raccoons. Before that Animal Control had spent numerous hours trying to catch this elusive, street-smart boy. He spent his days in the dense woods adjoining the park, and leisurely roamed the park in the early morning, and nightime hours. He had loads of fun I'm sure, turning over the trash cans, drinking from the pond and generally living large. One night I followed him , and saw him wait patiently at the corner for the traffic to clear, and then trot safely accross the street. Man he is smart!

But I knew his reign as King of the Park must end. I became an observer of said dog, and found out that he had many fans. The homeless who reside in the same woods, and other dog lovers who walk their own dogs in the park, would regularly feed him. Through them we found out our friend's daily routine, and set up and waited.
Two nights ago I finally managed to catch him in the trap. That lasted all of thirty seconds at best. A terrible racket woke me, and I jumped up thinking I had him. What I had was a trap that had been destroyed. My hero had eaten the barbecue, and hit the trap door so hard that it just bent right out of the frame, and he was gone.
Yesterday the ACC officer brought four guys and a tranq dart gun, and waited for him to show. everybody knew of the dog, no one knew if he had a home or an owner.
He showed up like clockwork, right when the homeless guys said he would (5pm) the dart guy sat in his car and waited for him to walk by, the dog got within 15 feet and then stopped looked around, turned around and went the other way. Dart guy then drove around and tried to cut off his point of entry to the woods. My Hero the Dog, saw him coming and broke into a trot. Me and the homeless guys said, "he's gone". He disappeared into the woods, and out of sight (they cannot dart an animal unless they can successfully track it when it falls) the homeless guys where calling softly... RUN! RUN! RUN!. one of them looked at me and asked "what was that guy's name in that movie?" "Forest I said, and RUN, FOREST RUN was called to their friend, he was gone.

This morning Animal Control, and Dart Guy were out early. They flushed my friend out of the woods and into a neighborhood, where he was cornered in a backyard, darted, and hauled off. EVERYONE is sad that this lovely strong FREE animal has lost his freedom, even though we all know it had to happen.
I was able to argue successfully with Animal Control, to allow this dog more than an immediate verdict of euthanasia. He did have a microchip, meaning he had an owner at one time.so for at least a week, until some kind of contact is made with former owner, and an evaluation is made and his issues assessed Forest is saved from the needle. I will continue to gather funding to pay for his care, and maybe a rescue that will take him out of the Jailhouse setting that animal control provides. I have visiting rights, and I cant wait to go and see him. Even the Dart guy (ACC Lieutenant) likes this boy and wants to see him saved.
It;s like Free Willy, but opposite. I hope he is not freaking out tonight.

Cleanin' up my act

2011-01-09T18:31:00.000-05:00

OK, I lived through the RSV Bronchiolitis, and was back to work for a full week. I slept through the ENTIRE New Year weekend Fri, Sat, Sun.
Monday saw a new water heater in the shop and 700 dollars fly away with it! (It was in the rafters, so installation was slow and scary, and cost more than the heater.
Then you guessed it, home and back to bed. Same for every night after work, all week!
This FINE lovely Sunday morning, I woke up ready to do some cleanin!
I sterilized all the dishes and OJ cups from my down time, and did some laundry. The afternoon was about as perfect as a day could be, and I dragged the hose inside my screen patio and hosed the dust off the screens and frames. time for lunch and a movie.
I just finished changing the filters in all my fish tanks, they are happy little fishies now.
I think this evenings entertainment will be sorting and tossing old mail and junk I thought I might get to.
Last week, more than 30 minutes of activity left me wheezing. I feel pretty good tonight, and the activity made me feel energised for sure.
I am officially over the hump!
YAY!

Happy New Year..

2011-01-03T16:45:00.001-05:00

Krappy new year ;
snotty flu yeer,
happy A-CHOO year
my head is a big red ball year
what day is it??
I'm going back to bed
I love Alka-Seltzer PM cold fizzies

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2010-12-26T19:14:00.000-05:00

From Piglet and Mini (and their MOM)

Hyperbole and a Half: The Year Kenny Loggins Ruined Christmas

2010-12-23T20:27:00.001-05:00

I have made many many claims that I am perfectly in touch with my inner child......
But I have, in fact, met the master

Hyperbole and a Half: The Year Kenny Loggins Ruined Christmas

An Open Letter to AT&T

2010-12-20T16:16:00.001-05:00

First dear reader(s), Maybe you remember not to long ago I was so happy to DUMP AT&T at home. I like Comcast's VOIP telephone service just fine! I decided to get it for the salon to and get AT&T out of my life totally, entirely, for good! dream on....
Their latest provision, in the service contract (translate=SCAM) states that when my contract expires, I must notify them no less than thirty days before the renewal, or the CONTRACT will renew for another term, equal to the original contract. I was advised to put a post-it somewhere I could see it with the date by which I must cancel the NEXT renewal. In plain english, I am chained by contract, to AT&T til July. Good choice, Independence day, I can remember that.
SOOOOO,
my open letter to AT&T would simply state, for the world to read.......

DEAR AT&T;

YOU SUCK,
IN JULY WE ARE GETTING A DIVORCE. I HATE YOU.... DIE!
signed ,
your former customer for 28 years,
Joanne

Unexpected Pleasure!

2010-12-13T20:01:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was the long anticipated trip to Miami for Cirque Du Soliel's show, Kooza. Debbie and I headed south with a mind to Valet park at a hotel across the street form the show and hoof it through Bayside Marketplace, then head back to the Hotel for dinner, and then a short walk across the street to the cirque. It's funny how life is, isn't it??MY memory will be different than I expected.
A month I waited for Kooza, and in one day I searched out a place to park safely and comfortably. The tables got turned.

It was bright and breezy, we walked through Bayside , and didn't buy a single thing!

Bayside was no thrill, so we walked back to the hotel to chill out on the big leather sofas, put our feet up and enjoy the view and have dinner.

The Tempo Hotel, newly remodeled; is sleek and modern, with exotic stone and wood everywhere. From the restaurant on the third floor we watched the early show let out, and all the folks go home, (while we ate!) in the backround, Bee's home away from home was waiting patiently for her to return

Our barmaid/server ... Orietta (Ori) was a peach. We had something to drink and began to discuss the VERY interesting menu.
We (um, maybe "I") decided to ask Ori to let the chef decide what we should have. SURPRISE........... out came the oh-so-friendly Chef Danny Wells !

They both said the signature dish was the "inside out BLT". with the other dishes and savory seasonings, it was imposible to say BLT (not with roast duck and pomegranite reduction on the menu!)
We started with panko breaded fried goat cheese with pistachio pesto and crab salad
we followed that with the roast duck breast (toasted risotto and veggies)
for me ..........

and Deb had the chile rubbed skirt steak with watermelon/jicama slaw. as we ooo'd and ahhhh'd our way into this feast out popped Danny with a complimentary inside out BLT. honest to God, it was so good, there is no picutre. we tore it up in three seconds flat!
we picked through the tasty meal leisurely, until we realized, as we finished, that the show was starting in less than a half hour!
We squared up with our generous chef and Ori, and made our way to the Big Top

(that's the hotel,, the tallest one)
we settled into some awesome seats, four rows from ringside, and for the most part the show was good.

But THREE acts were not in the show, acts that were in the trailer. One of them was the main act, the double "wheel of Death", billed as the highlight of the show, and I wanted to know why. Shame on Cirque for not even letting on that anything was amiss. Debbie was at her first Cirque Du Soliel, and in her own words..."I was expecting more", and she was right. I will have to twist her arm to get her to another one (at $100 a pop)
in a nutshell, if Tempo and chef Danny were closer, I'd be checking out something on that killer menu right now!!

Resolutions......

2010-12-10T20:37:00.002-05:00

Not what you think!! haha
In my past rants, lately I have mentioned the diservice rendered me by Suntrust Merchant services (the salon credit card processor) and Sleek Medspa, a conniving con artist posing as a spa.
First resolution... Suntrust. After contacing my bank and finding out the only way to prevent unauthorized debit activity by these crooks was to close my bank account, which sucked (big time) I did not do that. I kept calling and demanding printed (hard copy) proof that my account was closed and that NO FEES were pending. The first ten calls I was told "we dont do that" the final call I made, I told them I was entitled to a hardcopy of my account status, and if I didn't get it , I would contact the Florida Attorney General. I recieved my full account printout withing five days, stating that my account was closed, early termination fee waived, and nothing due, nothing overdue,account status-CLOSED.
Now, if anything "unsuspected" happens, I can dispute any charge at my bank and they will remove the charge and charge-back to Suntrust!....... Thank you, check that off my bitch list.
Item #2
Sleek medspa, and the $1275 they owe me for taking my money and closing the store (September 6th). I kept harassing them and I can tell you, they play you out like a big old fish! I complained and demanded to them EVERY monday and Tuesday morning for two months. Last week I told them I want to know whats going on, and there WOULD be consequences . I got no reply, so I went ahead and filed a complaint with BBB. Guess what avid readers! I got my money credited back to my card today! hahahahaha.
I celebrated with a massage at the Chiropractor, as I am a hurting, tired Hairbender right now. then Greek spinach pie at my favorite diner
AND CAKE!!!!!!
I'm home and have a sense of accomplishment in having fought so long and finally persevering . I have chocolate on my breath and peace in my heart. Merry Christmas
Sunday I am going to Miami to see Cirque Du Soliel. I am going to have a good dinner down there too, something special I hope.
Right now, I am going to bed early and give 'em hell tomorrow at work.
PS the Christmas sock is saving Christmas tips for my fututre trip back to the rainforest!!!

How's Yer Punkin?

2010-12-07T19:57:00.001-05:00

Mines got a little frost on it

It's freaking cold here by most people's account. I can stand the cold outside better than I can stand a cold house. Mainly cause I can put my heavy leather jacket on and love it! I feel stupid inside my house like that! haha
I bet Empress Bee has on the heat AND two pairs of flannel jammies!!
If she went anywhere today, I bet she looked like this..........

As for my Bro and sis-i-L I know they are stokin the fireplace tonight

Completely unessesary Post Script.
To add to pleasure of having ALL the windows shut tightly.... poor Roscoe is farting like he has a permanently installed whoppie cushion where the sun dont shine! JEEZE DOG!!! gimme a break!

For Sarge

2010-12-05T10:01:00.000-05:00

Hey Sarge, I picked that Elephant just for you and your party, har har har
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

My New Toy!!

2010-12-03T20:26:00.001-05:00

Everyone knows how much fun I have watching my dogs play and act silly. I take a lot of pictures of them too.

I saw the Flip pocket video cam on TV, and looked into it. I began to see options for these toys, and I picked out the features I would haveon my ideal pocket video cam. and I found that there are many such toys on the market. Some with internal memory and some with memory cards (up to 36G) some work on AA batteries, some have fixed, internal (I didn't care for those options). After days of research and looking here is the one I chose.

Life's an adventure. Soak it up in HD.

Be fearless with the Kodak PLAYSPORT. The rugged design enables full 1080p HD video recording in just about any environment. It can plunge up to 10 ft under water and record it all in full 1080p HD. And you don't need to worry about blurry footage when things get a little shaky. With built-in image stabilization, the Kodak PLAYSPORT will stay steady as a rock. From the waves, to the slopes, to the mud-soaked trails, this baby was made for the extremes.

Waterproof rugged design enables full 1080p HD video recording capable of shooting up to 10'(3 m) under water and in just about any environment
Record up to 10 hours of HD video with expandable SD/SDHC card slot (32 GB)
5 MP 16:9 widescreen HD still pictures
2.0" (5.1 cm)vivid, high-contrast color LCD
Built-in electronic image stabilization
Kodak's LCD Glare Shield feature gives you a couple filters to choose from that help you see your subject on the display screen in reflective outdoor situations
Share on FACEBOOK, YOUTUBE, TWITTER and VIMEO sites with ease - built-in software and USB cable make editing and uploading simple
Smart face tracking technology
Rechargeable Li-Ion battery with in-camera charging

I got it on Amazon (on sale, of course!) and it came in the mail today. It is on the charger right now, getting all juiced up

YIPPEE!

A Word About Auto-Debit

2010-11-28T20:06:00.002-05:00

I had a recent experience I would like to relate to THE ENTIRE WORLD, but I will start with you guys, here.
Subject: auto debit.
when you hook up with a service that enables auto debit, and asks for a voided check to verify your routing number, . Think twice, or at THE VERY LEAST educate yourself right here.
Once you authorize "them" to auto debit from your checking account, That door remains open. Unless your account enables you to STOP auto debit, which you MUST remember to do before you close your account. AND insist on something in writing. I had an account with Suntrust merchant service, and the fees were withdrawn from my account monthly. Suntrust has behaved VERY POORLY, and refuses to give me a written proof that I have closed my account.So, I am unable to prove to anyone, that my account is closed. AND, no way to prevent them from hitting me (obviously in error!) any time they wish .
The (my) bank tells me there is NO WAY, ( I am serious, no way) to stop the auto debit feature. my only option is to close my bank account and start over. Then I will lose my billpay and account history, and have to start over.
I am told, that if you must authorize an auto debit, that I should have used a bank debit or check card, which is easily killed and replaced, without changing your bank account number. Of course, Suntrust did not offer that option, did they?
I have spent days on the phone with Suntrust, and quite a while on the phone with my bank. I am told that I should make an appointment with my branch manager, and have a request sent to the corporate office to allow account holder to STOP auto debits from being processed. I will, for whatever good that will do, but it certainly is a security issue. One of my girls just got popped for an $80 fee for "security metrics" almost one year after closing her account. We got the charge reversed, but it took a month!
I repeat, DO NOT offer a voided check for any "auto debit", use your ATM, or Debit CARD!!!!. This aint no joke, I know what I am talking about, even though you are saying "no way!"

My New Favorite Weirdo

2010-11-24T13:31:00.000-05:00

Quiet Thanksgiving

2010-11-22T00:59:00.000-05:00

I pretty much spent this Sunday just like last Sunday. I did make a visit to Sam's Club with my friend, but that was it. I watched Alice in Wonderland in Hi Def, that was fun.
This year, Thanksgiving is not going to be the usual celebration I get to enjoy. I have a long standing invite to a friends house, where she and her hubby lay out a mighty spread for all their single friends. I count myself lucky to be among them. This year the Thanksgiving and Christmas festivities have been canceled. Their son was found early this week, passed on in the kitchen floor, and not discovered for a few days, at the age of 43. Dennis was always a hoot at the gathering, and best known for devouring the deviled eggs, and burying his pumpkin pie under a plate FULL of whipped cream. His dad was a sad broken man at the service. They were both so sad and hurting that I got physically disturbed being there. My head got all tight and hurty, and my stomach was queasy, I simply could not stay through the whole service, watching my friend cry like that.
The salon is undergoing some difficulty too, and a longtime relationship may be dying a slow painfull death there. I am trying to do the right thing, and keep a good face on, but I am sad at work too. Other times a little angry. The stress is getting to me ,right at the busiest time of the year. I have decided to stop taking Monday and Tuesday off, and will be working Tuesdays for the rest of the season. Not happy about THAT< EITHER! But you gotta do what ya gotta do. Bee, got any corny sayings for that?? I could use one, cause I'm tired of telling myself that ygdwygd one.

I'm going to bed, it's after midnight.

grumble grumble harumph, grrrrr

I Have Learned a LOT From My Dogs.....

2010-11-15T10:45:00.000-05:00

For instance, I have learned exactly how to spend a Sunday afternoon after breakfast.

going out to play!

2010-11-11T23:59:00.001-05:00

I quite accidentally fell upon an advertisement that Cirque Du Soleill is coming back to Miami!
Last year I went (Hi Jorge!) and saw Cortero, at Bicentenial Park at bayfront, Right across the bridge from where Bee and Sarge board their Cruise ships. It is coming back again this year and the performance is called Kooza

I got online last night and searched every Sunday performance to find my dream seats. Again this year the show is in their very own Big Top tent, and I was quite surprised to see how small it really was! There is not a bad seat anywhere, but I am in the second tier about four roes back, on the isle. So I am actually only about 15 rows from the front . There is SO much to take in at a Cirque show that you need to sit back a ways so you can take it all in!I bought two tickets for Sunday Dec 12th the show is at 5pm, and I plan on browsing the Bayfront marketplace, have early dinner, and then hitting the show. Not knowing who might be going with me, I made a call to my girl-friend and asked her "have you ever seen Cirque Du Soleil?" her reply was "God, no, and I have wanted to see that for a long long time." The tickets are expensive,, (I guess because the venue is small) So I asked her if she was ready to pay a bunch to go and see them, she said "hell yes!" She was very excited to hear that the tickets had already been bought, and she was at last going to see the most fantastic, detailed, talented performance art I have ever witnessed in my life!! YAY!!!! I am going to the Circus!!!

I'm Bored

2010-11-10T20:43:00.001-05:00

I think I am bored with my profile picture, you know, the one that appears when I post a comment and on my profile page. I just happen to LOVE the one I have on my Feedjit thingy, where I am "Nacho Mama"

so I am going to use the following little snippets that seem to express my inner child. I really dont spend enough time with her, I know.
So I have decided to force my self to stay in contact by making sure she gets around a little. here are my "girls"

Can I go play now??

What The Heart Wants- Explorama, Explornapo Lodge, Peru

2010-11-03T22:33:00.002-04:00

In 2002, I decided to take a real adventure. Treehugger that I am, I found a book for International Expedition Travel. The FUUUUUURTHEST thing from a cruise ship Miss Bee will never see (except here)
I paid my monies and I tooked me chances. What I got was a heart forever broken, and in love with the rainforest. From time to time, I feel the longing to go back, I will, I hope.
From Miami, I flew to Lima, Peru, spent the night and got on a DC6 (bone Shaker) and flew over the strange mountains to Iquitos, the worlds furthest inland port in the world. A full 100 miles up the Amazon river.
After I got there, it was then to a boat and another hundred miles up the Amazon to the rivers that feed the Amazon, and the Peruvian Rainforest Preserve. there my group (six, I was a single) stayed at the Explorama Lodge and hiked and fished for Piranha ( The BEST fish I EVER tasted!!!) we used raw beef for bait.
At the lodge they cooked them for us and we didn't leave a morsel.
The air was a patchwork quilt of every gorgeous butterfly you have ever hoped to see, everywhere, all the time. While we were hiking, I saw some bare human footprints in the soft silt dirt. PS There seemed to be no rocks there, anywhere, that was strange.
I took off my shoes and left my very own white woman civilized footprints there in the damp soft trail, and continued to leave my prints as often as I could. I was constantly barefoot. I was totally in love with the fresh fruit and fish and wonderful food they prepared. I dug the hell out of the kerosene lamps, lit every night.
The lodge had rooms that had walls that went up about eight feet, and then opened into the enormous thatch roof that towered above. The windows in the rooms had a curtain, but no screen, they were for our modesty, while changing clothes, so funny!
I learned how to properly get into and out of a hammock, and just how to dangle one foot to keep the rocking going on.

Below is a pic of the dining room and the plaques ever group makes and hangs
I got to scratch that little Three Toed Sloth right under his chin too!

Nancy, the kitchen cleanup, a Tapir

the dinner bell

water taxi on the Amazon, which is brown because of the silty soil

Charlie, the Cappybarra, was tame like a little puppy and would fall right over if you scratched his back

where the locals live,

what healthy kids look like, No added sugar, no preservatives, no electricity or gameboys

A Blackwater river ,where the Piranha live

Victoria Amazonia, a water Lily that grows to ten feet across

the lodge walkway at night

I left my heart here, in the jungle

the rooms were a trip!!

At the end of the trip, when the boat docked back at Iquitos, and our guide Roldan said alright, let go, Time to go home. I felt like a three year old. I could not budge. I felt like the most appropriate action would be to make them drag me off the boat, with tears rolling down my cheeks I whimpered "I want to go back, I don't want to go home" My guide, looked at me and smiled and said... "OK< you can come back with us". Of course that pitched reality back at me like a fast ball, and I sadly tearfully dragged my backpack and duffel to the taxi for the trip back to the airport
Tonight, I happened to wonder how much it cost to go there, and got to looking at pictures. Now my heart is yearning again, and I looked at the places I had been and got a lump in my throat.
Each group is given a plank of wood to make a plaque to commemorate their trip. Ours had a snake and a Blue Morph butterfly and flowers, and our names. I want to go see how my plaque is holding up, I do, really really want to.

today.....

2010-11-02T15:36:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I bought a nice recliner for my lovely patio.I was to pick it up today. I called and told them I had put my low back out, and could not come and pick up the chair. The man working there said I was so very close, and they had a truck, he would be pleased to deliver it for me.
Very few people know Alice Cooper is saved. I do. I was wearing my Alice Cooper Tshirt, my gold sword around my neck, no other hints.
He says, I see you are a believer. For the next thirty minutes we talked, and he knows and likes the same people around here in the ministry that I know and like. It was like we had already been connected before even meeting.
Now, I have given up hope of finding a husband, but I occasionally worry about my old age, and the cost of my mis-spent youth. I really stand to be hurting, unless the Good Lord, sends me someone.
anyway, ever hopefull fool that I am, I am wondering if his invitation to "call me if you want to talk about the Bible", holds the potential for a friendship, hopefully more than the opportunity for him to hear himself talk.
All that to say, I enjoyed meeting this man, I wonder what is next??

PS of course he is coming to my shop for his next haircut, whatev!

A Shout Out to A Bunch of Crooks

2010-11-02T11:57:00.001-04:00

SLEEK MEDSPA. I am still waiting for my refund. After signing up for a series of facial treatments to deal with broken capilaries in my face, the store here, in West Palm , closed after my FIRST session. I got a call telling me I would be driving to Boca for the rest of my sessions. Mind you that would mean 45 minutes of travel each way for a 35 minute treatment.
I argued that the contract I signed was for the WEST PALM store, and that I could NOT drive that far, and invest that much extra time and expense. It took me quite a while (several weeks) to get them to agree to give me MOST of my money back (in my humble opinion, I thought that was better than nothing). we are now six weeks down the road, and I have not gotten my charge account credited, nor have I had a check mailed to me. I began to call the company again yesterday, left at least four messages with different departments (store, corp customer service, accounting, ETC) no response, even after the ONE girl at the call center said she would personaly go to accounting, get the status and call me back. DIDN"T HAPPEN. Should I fill up their voice mail boxes??, should I just continue to call and let the phone ring? or should I email them a linkto this post where I tell the whole world (again) that SLEEK MEDSPA is a crooked operation, the complaints in cyberspace are asstounding, and their business practice is that of the lowest form of life, scam artist. yes I think I will email this link to them.

Is it ME????

2010-11-01T13:35:00.003-04:00

I just love people who get through life with wit and a touch of sarcasm. Bloggers who are not afraid to laugh at their own inability to handle life's frustrations with out the F-bomb flying out of their mouths. I have found, and subscribed to several such blogs, and it would seem, the few that I find so outlandishly funny, have signed out for good, right after I subscribe to them. Humor IS the best medicine, (right Sandee?) and The "den of the dogman" had me rolling with his dog's account of Obama.
after reading that I read most of whatever came before that post ,I waited for every milkbonehead thought out of Levi. what happened? dogman went into hibernation, haven't heard from him since. Also same scenario for a hysterical sock puppet with a lisp, left me hanging after only a month, done, all in.
Now I jus found "DadGoneMad" and after a mere two posts into my RSS subscription, He's done too. I am going to develop a complex if this keeps up!
I am almost afraid to click on the "subscribe to RSS" on blogs I find, maybe it is the kiss of death, how do I know??

Modern Customer Service

2010-10-26T10:42:00.001-04:00

Today I did something I have been wanting to do for a long time.
I dumped AT&T as my home phone provider. I am now VOIP'd with comcast.
The story is a long one, and , I have put up with AT&T's crappy customer service for way too long.
I have antiquated phone lines on my house. They were so old the plastic insulation had begun to crack, and my signal would get very crackly when the humidity was high, or rainy. I was actually asked to pay $85 once to have a line repaired. I was expecting a new line. What I got was a big clump of tape on the existing old line. Now THAT pissed me off!

actual(weathered) picture of $85 repair!

. I argued and fretted and was able to get a credit for the charge, on the condition I sign up for the wiring maintenance plan, I did. Then I waited six months, and reported my faulty wiring again, thinking I had it licked this time. The tech came out and told me that MY wiring was TOO OLD for qualify for the maintenance plan. I would have to PAY (yep $85 per hour) to have the wires replaced, THEN my plan would cover any further repairs. Color me P.O.'d!!
So I ran a wire myself, and rigged a sloppy phone line myself. FINE! But I never got over the slap in the face that AT&T's customer service had dealt me.
So, now I am officially enrolled in Comcast's triple play package, and I had the pleasure of calling AT&T and telling them goodbye. They (she) seemed SO surprised!! "But Joanne, you have been with us since the early eighties!". That's right, II said, "and I thought you might have thought about that before treating me like you did" Thirty years, never late on a bill, and I cant even get a roll of wire out of them!
All water under the bridge! I have Comcast at the salon too, and next December, my contract with AT&T will expire, and so will my service with them. can't wait.

I guess there are enough new folks trying this and that to keep them rolling, but honestly, there are a LOT of people who say the same thing about AT&T..... they treat their customers like crap!
(that is probably why they scam you with a "contract" of two to three years in order to get their competitive prices.)

BYE SCAMMY GUYS!!!!!

HAHAHA, SIMPLE MINDS ARE EASILY AMUSED!

2010-10-24T12:17:00.000-04:00

I got one of those "FWD" emails this morning, titled "puns for the educated mind" some were cute ,one made me BWAHAHAHA (like Sandee does).....

I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.

what do you think?

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-22T18:15:00.000-04:00

I have found my inner child and she is a mean little be-otch! Here is my Halloween personna defined

Bee's desktop curriosity.... continued

2010-10-22T07:00:00.001-04:00

Hi Sandy, and Bee, here is my current desktop

My Weekend Is Different

2010-10-19T22:18:00.001-04:00

So my weekend starts when your ends. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday are my "weekend"
Being a hairdresser means not ever knowing what the hell is going on all over town on Saturday. I am chained to my chair until the last of whoever takes a notion to get their hairs did, is done with me. Usually I crawl home exhausted.

Last Saturday though, I HAD to go to the grocery, I was out of COFFEE!!!!! Sunday morning and no coffee at my house = angry bear in a cave=GRRRRRR!
When I got there, legs and feet hurting, I seriously eyed the scooter-carts. I was only afraid of one of my clients seeing me, so I toughed it out. I got my coffee, and they had HUGE chicken leg quarters, buy one/get one , and they had some nice country style pork ribs, got them too! cole slaw fixins, a jug of sweet tea bananas, (brownies/OOPS!)

Sunday started the usual, coffee, croissants& peace on my new "space" my patio. AHHHHH
about 11 a Hispanic party set up in the park. They had a DJ he was LOUD! I drove over and told them the residents (me) would be unhappy and call the police unless they kept the music low enough that we didn't have to party with them. He was SO NICE, and agreed to keep it low. He lied. He played a cowbell half the day.... on a microphone, over the thumping bass.
I lost my mind.
I and other neighbors called the police three or four times during the day. The Hispanic officer reported that he heard NOTHING, another liar. I emailed parks administration, my city commish, later I called them both, my whole House reverberating the thump thump thump of the bass. at 7PM ( yes eight hours of noise) and a lovely short haired female cop (with tattoos) drove by my house and said "I hear them, and I'm giving them a $250 citation" and off she drove. within two minutes it was quiet, and I sat down to enjoy my barbecued chicken and tater salad and pole beans.
Monday we were faced with a feral dog running the park, and animal care and I procured and placed a humane trap in the park, in hopes of capturing crazy/ frightened/ and/or sick animal. So far, no luck. I got a few more things knocked off the "Tuit List" and tonight I barbecued the ribs, and made southern style cole slaw, and ate it up, chased with (you guessed it) sweet tea (and maybe a couple of brownies)
checklist...
rest, check
yard, mowed and sprayed,check
well fed, oh hell yes!
dishes, DONE!
laundry,done
Banking and post office, check
dogs, two out of four are bathed.
Whatever the hell else I cant remember, can stay forgot.
My tummy is full and I am happy. I am rested and ready to take another week on. I haven't felt that way for a while. I know that I have been slacking real bad on taking care of myself. and seeing how much better i feel by being rested and eating a real meal, I just might start to cook more, hopefully

one of my favorite things!

2010-10-18T00:45:00.002-04:00

Miss Bee asked readers to share their favorite fall screensavers. the first is one that I took in Georgia,(one of my favorite shots)
the rest are my favs from Webshots...

jeeze Bee, from everything I can see..... I guess I AM a treehugger!

Round Tuit Day

2010-10-17T13:25:00.002-04:00

I guess today has become Round Tuit day.
I have been dodging (sleeping through) TV Church for several(many) weeks now, so I got up early and went to (watched) TV Church. I watch Turning Point, Charles Stanley, from Atlanta. As weeks go by, I find myself wandering past many tedious chores here, and making mental notes to actually DO, rather than think about doing, many things. old hoses that have been replaced are still laying around and never seem to find their way into the can. I need to spray the yard, I need to bla bla bla (insert long list of menial chores).
LO AND BEHOLD!!! I have already knocked three of them out so far ,four, if you count TV Church.. I have also put chicken on the grill and I'm making tater salad! I"M ACTUALLY COOKING!!!!!!
So, in honor of the fact that I am mad money deficient I believe it is in my best interest to stay home and designate today Round Tuit day!! So get off the freaking computer and go do at least one thing you have been meaning to get 'round too! Have an awesome Sunday!!!!

weird day....

2010-10-11T21:35:00.003-04:00

I posted my very large outdoor reptile enclosure in "Free Stuff" on craigs list. I got a bunch of replies, and the first person to see it said "I'll take it" (on Saturday) and told me he would come on Monday morning at 9 am to get it. He did not show. After calling him, he said "OH, I decided it was too big" I was pissed because now the whole weekend was gone, and six other people might have seen it or taken it, whatever. I reminded him (as only a woman can do!) that he COULD HAVE called and told me! By now the steam is coming out of my ears, and as I moved the phone closer to the cradle, I could still hear him prattling off his excuses. As the phone reached the cradle I said something that MAY HAVE sounded like F-Q. I got a call back from him and he left a message calling me names and cursing and telling me I had no idea who he was ,or how crazy he might be. So I did what any sound minded cyber geek would do... based on his phone number, I was able to get whatever public records were available. name address, DOB, spouse's name, and DOB, estimated income and the value of his home. I copied the info, and wrote back (very politely) with this message...
"your vulgar message cemented my feelings about you. BUT do not believe for one minute that you are a "mystery man". The age of information puts the world at our fingertips", and pasted the info, and emailed it to him. No response, Gee, I thought he would write back and tell me what a smart cookie I am!!!
Please dont tell me I should be afraid of this idiot, I am not and will never be intimidated by bullies, or crazy people. I feel that they count on us being afraid, that is their weapon, fear. I like bullets.
After that I had to go to work to do a client who is going out of town in the morning. We gave her the full treatment, haircut ,color , stlye, and Manicure/pedicure. During the time she was there I got a frantic call from a girl who had let her sisters (TWO of them) frost her hair. It was yellow, and one side was twice as blond as the other. I told her I could fix it easy, and I did. It was a MAJOR good job, and she was ecstatic! I think I have a new client.
THENNNNN I went to early bird at Alberto's (yes Bee, Alberto's) I hadn't eaten a bite all day,and it was 4:30. I ordered veal topped with eggplant and ricotta, baked Parmesan style. I was anticipating a wonderful meal!
When my food came, it looked good, and I dug in. The first bite, I had to saw through the veal, and it tasted so acid-y that it could have been soaking in lemon juice! I dumped the little bowl of pasta on the plate, and the half inch of water in the bottom of the bowl, sloshed into my plate. I tried another bite, and another. Still the taste of acid was overwhelming me. By the forth bite, my stomach had begun to churn, and the belching commenced. When the waitress came and asked how my meal was, I said "you are not gonna like what I have to tell you". She relayed my complaint to the kitchen and came back with.. "the owners wife said that the food is all fresh, and just because YOU dont like it, doesn't mean there's something wrong, and you have to pay for it" I gave her my "dont start with me: look and wondered how far it would go, cause I had acid indigestion after four bites and was belching uncontrollably. I WAS NOT paying $20 for that privilege! I wound up paying for the soup and salad and beverage. Ten bucks, and I am done with that joint for good!
After that I picked up my friend (who found out she forgot to renew her tag registration.... EIGHT MONTHS AGO!) and we went to Sam's Club and joked, while I belched, and we bought some Anti Monkey-Butt powder , and peaches, and lamb chops, and coffee,and laughed and belched all the way home.
to sum it up... a weird-ass day I pissed of a few, and got pissed off myself. I made a few people happy, and that made me happy too. Now that I have stopped belching, I feel good enough to get in the hottub, and go to bed wondering what weirdness tomorrow has in store for me

Cleo, Rescue Dog.1996-Oct 5, 2010

2010-10-05T19:09:00.006-04:00

I found Cleo digging around the dumpster at church. She was a little puppy, skinny, and covered in mange. I took her (and her sister) to Animal Care, and left a note offering to help pay for their care. I got a call telling me the puppies were too sick and would be put down unless I wanted to foster them, in which case, ACC would pay for the meds, and I would do the rest. After the girls got really cute and healthy, I adopted them out. a year later Cleo was featured on the news as the "Pet of the Week" her owner had left her at the Humane Society. I imediately went there, and after showing her adoption contract, she was returned to me. Cleo never left my care again, and was the best Yard Dog anybody could ask for. Every winter she grew a big fuzzy ruff around her neck and a matching Mohawk

Cleo and ginger, Christmas 2007
(note the Mohawk!)

I took a few shots of my Old Lady dog a few weeks ago, and you can see her fading away......

Last night Cleo was upset most of the night. She and Ginger sleep outside in the carport in a nice big doghouse, with a soft bed, she seemed frightened and kept yipping softly most of the night.
This morning I found her crouched behind the grill, she could not put weight on her hind leg, and fell over if you touched her. The vet said to give her a few hours to see if she recovered any, she did not. I put her down, and buried her where she used to dig her favorite hole. Cleo had lost her sight,now she could barely walk, and seemed so frightened , so I did what I had to do.
Bye CLEO!!!

A Random Attack on a Six-Pack Lesbian

2010-10-03T22:51:00.006-04:00

Every time I see the ads for Jackie Warner's "Thintervention", it shows a most distasteful looking scrawny lesbian (she's out on her own) with a six pack abs, and absolutely NO ASS at all. No hips, no ass, no thighs, no boobs. entirely only mascara and a wiener away from being a dude. I didn't know much about her until I started looking for some pictures of her for this post, and I found a picture of her on her birthday (TMI!! TMI!!!!)

I am a radically heterosexual, fat-ass, and I personally would prefer that to having everyone wonder where I left my penis

Another Sign of Fall in S.Florida

2010-10-02T23:03:00.000-04:00

I made no secret of telling how I spent all my hoarded savings. I mean, I am broke at this point and was really stressing about September. See, in south Florida, September is the month that ALL hairdressers wonder if they will have to get a "real" job after all! haha, we DO love our jobs, so it doesnt really seem like work untill I try to drag my weary ass out of bed to go there!
I'm off point.
This week another true sign of fall arrived with the cool morning air! A New York accent on the phone saying Jo-anne, I ba-ack!! When can you see me?
After the month of September, and my bout of spending, I was DELIGHTED to hear that voice! actually I had three "snowbirds" call this week! YAY!
We figure September is slow for two reasons.... parents are having sticker shock from putting kids back in school as the August credit card bills arrive, secondly people are counting weeks so they can have their color, or perm, or colorAND perm, all nice and fresh for the entire month between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Anyway, thats what it seems like. I try to laugh about it, but I really blew my savings between um, traffic tickets, paying off last years Christmas leather livingroom set, a screened in patio, and I'm sure there is some other random major expensive I have chosen to block out!

YAY SNOWBIRDS!!!! WELCOME TO FLORIDA!!!!! (bring cash!)

TODAY!

2010-09-30T07:53:00.001-04:00

I am officially marking today as the morning I woke up and felt actual COOL air outside when I let the dogs out! Just slightly cooler than inside, but cooler. Normally I open the door to muggy heat, this is an enticing preview of what I hope will be another cool "winter" like last year. I know Miss Bee will be whining, but I loved it!

I just found tghis on the Farmers Almanac site....

Annual Weather Summary: November 2010 to October 2011

Winter will be slightly colder than normal, on average, with the coldest temperatures in mid-December, mid- and late January, and mid-February. Rainfall will be above normal, with the best chance for any snow in the north in mid- to late January.

April and May will be rainier than normal, with temperatures above normal in the north and below normal elsewhere.
Summer will be cooler and much rainier than normal, with the hottest periods in early and mid-July and mid- and late August. Expect hurricane threats in June and early October.
September and October will be slightly cooler than normal, with rainfall below normal in the north and above normal in the south.

Temperature and Precipitation November 2010 to October 2011

productive as I get!!

2010-09-28T22:37:00.000-04:00

Sunday morning I felt the familiar "PING" of my low back going out, and the horrible pinched nerve feeling. All that was accomplished bending over to feed goofy Melon-Hed (Roscoe), so I assure you, I took it reeeeeeal easy Sunday. But Monday, I cracked the whip, Got the kitchen cleaned up and went to the Chiropractor for an adjustment and a massage. I was so stove up that I am still sore from the massage, but I feel worlds better.
I got the banking done, replaced the burned out rope lights around the top of the screen porch, put up my new authentic plastic bamboo roll up shades, got my stuff from Vitamin Shoppe, walked the entire Wellington mall (didn't buy a single thing!) went to Home depot and got my stuff to replace a broken toilet seat bolt, and fixed it. (No more potty rides!) and finally sat down and completed the online diver course for my lapse in judgement a month ago.. So I face the week with no pinched nerve, and rid of the swinging potty seat, driver course checked off, new patio lights, and clean laundry, clean sheets on the bed, and I even cleaned my desk during my downtime on the driver course (they INSIST you take four hours), and I got 98.5 on the test.
Except for the fact that Miss Piglet consumed the ear and nose pads off my reading glasses, I feel rather good about my weekends accomplishments!

BAD PIGGY!

Melon-Hed seems to have settled on Roscoe as his new name for a while at least. Gotta go look for a new frames for my readers on Ebay. G'Nite!!

Some of my Favorite Photos

2010-09-25T00:07:00.002-04:00

Since I like to see the little dots on my globe from visitors, I am posting a little incentive for you to say "HI!". Although I dont have the leisure time I had before I bought the salon, I still do LOVE to take pictures. I have three digital and two SLR's (film) .The SLR's are mainly relics now, but they are good friends and I cant see tossing them or giving them to strangers. Like I said, they are old friends. I am not as good as my sister-in-law, Laura but I do what I can.
So, since my digital glory days have begun, here are some of my favorite pics

make sure you Biggify the swan and see the drops of water standing on him!

It Aint Workin' !!

2010-09-21T17:44:00.002-04:00

I went to the boynton Mall today. I had to go to Sears to get a warranty replacement for my rubber garden hose. Great service there, no problems.

After I put my new hose in the car, I decided to walk the length of the mall and stop at Ruby Tuesdays and have their awesome salad bar.
What a sad shock I was in for. As I departed Sears and entered the mall, I was struck by the emptiness. Two old guys sleeping in the lounge area, I guess waiting for their wives.
I walked and began to count the empty stores, and empty kiosks. The next thing I see is a Dollar Store IN THE MALL, and then one of those All Shoes 8.99, run by (how can I saw this without sounding racist??)ummmm people for whom English is a second language? the Macy's was thread bare, just the basics. I didn't go in the other big stores, Penny's, Dillards, but counting 15 empty stores, and seeing the lack of customers, I see what Palm Beach mall looked like less than five years ago. There are smaller stores in the spaces where nicer stores used to be, with aprse inventory and no one shopping. I wonder how much longer until Boynton Mall faces the same sad demise of Palm Beach Mall. When I finall got to Ruby Tuesdays, hungry for the salad bar.... guess what, no guessing needed, IT WAS CLOSED!!!

I dont see any stimulus apparent at Boynton Mall, Seeing things like this frighten me. I am a business owner as well, and there but, by the grace of God, go I. please Lord....no

dear Mr president

2010-09-20T19:18:00.000-04:00

SAME TO YOU ! BUTT CRACK! !

I GOT ONE TOO!!

2010-09-19T14:06:00.003-04:00

This morning I got an email just lie the one that Emp. Bee got!!
I was told that my MSN email account was about to be suspended for security reasons, unless I clicked "reply" and entered my login information.
username,
password,
date of birth,
country or territory.
AND I only had 48 hours to comply or my account and all my emails would be suspended! YIKES!!.
in checking the properties of the message, I found the senders email is joh11d@yahoo.com,

so I dropped the a$$hole a note. I gave him some info, but I dont think it was what he was looking for, I truly don't!!

one of my soap boxes

2010-09-14T20:16:00.000-04:00

While you may not hear a lot of buzz about fermented foods and drinks, you have probably heard all the buzz about probiotics.
In fact, Dannon has gone a long way to talk about probiotics with their Dannon Activa™ yogurt. Dannon Activa™ is a lowfat yogurt that claims to decrease intestinal transit time. But does it deliver the health benefits that will build your inner ecosystem?
In this article, I will cover the popular probiotic foods and drinks on the market, along with the best probiotic products for a healthy inner ecosystem that promotes inner energy and outer beauty.

Probiotic Product Problems
Probiotic means "for life" and they do indeed have some important life giving qualities. Probiotics are the healthy microflora (beneficial bacteria and yeast) that keep you healthy and strong. With enough of them in your intestines, they can boost your immunity, keep you looking beautiful and help you digest foods.
But not all probiotics are created equal. In fact, some studies have found that only half of all probiotic products actually have the healthy bacteria listed on their labels.¹

Here are 3 key problems with many probiotic products on the market:

Not potent - 50% of products do not contain the healthy bacteria that they claim. Even those that do may not have the right mix of healthy microflora to repopulate your inner ecosystem.
Not effective - Many probiotic products (including supplements) are not prepared in a way that allows the most beneficial bacteria and yeast to thrive in your digestive system. Harsh stomach acids can kill probiotics, and if they do survive stomach acid they may not be the kind of probiotics that recolonize your inner ecosystem.
Not natural - Too many probiotic products are processed, removing much of the benefits of whole food. Additionally, they may contain ingredients that are harmful to your health, like sugar. While microflora use up sugar for fuel, too much sugar in any product has harmful affects to your health.

However, there are many GREAT choices for probiotic foods and beverages on the market! At Body Ecology, we have long promoted the benefits of all natural fermented foods and drinks. There are several very good options on the market, but unfortunately some very poor choices as well.

Choose Wisely: An Overview of Popular Fermented Foods and Drinks
Whenever I look at a probiotic product, I want to know whether it will build a healthy inner ecosystem thriving with friendly microflora without feeding pathogenic bacteria and yeast.
Here are some of the popularly known fermented foods and drinks, along with our Body Ecology comments:
Yogurt -The most popular fermented food in the US is best when it is made with "live active cultures." Some yogurts on the market are "heat treated after culturing," and this causes them to lose two major health benefits:

(1) The heat treated or pasteurization process kills the lactase, which would have made the diary more digestible
(2) Heat treating also kills the live active cultures.

Additionally, if the label shows less protein and more sugar or stabilizers, the yogurt is lower in nutritional value. Many brands of yogurt on the market today are more like processed desserts than beneficial yogurt.
Body Ecology Says: We are not big yogurt fans and really prefer that people drink kefir (see below for the reasons). The better-quality plain yogurt - the one with the fewer ingredients (e.g., just milk and live active cultures) has the most nutritional benefits (protein, calcium, live cultures, easier to digest than milk). Since most yogurts are pasteurized, we recommend making your own yogurt at home with organic raw milk from grass-fed, hormone-free cows. Add Stevia for a sweet taste that does not feed candida.
Dannon Activa, while containing live cultures, also has some pretty awful sugars including fructose, corn starch, and modified corn starch. There are other questionable ingredients added for flavor and consistency. Like most other yogurts sold in your store, it also is pasteurized. All of these things lower Dannon Activa's nutritional value and all that sugar will definitely feed pathogenic microorganisms, like candida.
Kefir - Kefir is still the leader in nutrition when compared to yogurt. While traditional recipes for yogurt contained live active cultures, the bacteria were transient beneficial bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus). These do not colonize your colon. The bacteria and beneficial yeast in kefir can actually colonize the intestinal tract, and this makes all the difference in the world since it's one key reason you are eating this deliciously-sour fermented food.

Kefir contains several major strains of friendly bacteria not commonly found in yogurt (e.g., Lactobacillus kefyr, Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. cremoris, and Lactococcus lactis subsp. diacetylactis).
Kefir also contains beneficial yeasts, such as Saccharomyces kefir, which can dominate, control and eliminate destructive pathogenic yeasts in your body. They do so by protecting the mucosal lining where unhealthy yeast and bacteria reside, forming a virtual SWAT team that cleans up and strengthens your intestines. Therefore, your body becomes more efficient in resisting such pathogens as E. coli and intestinal parasites.
The curd size of kefir is smaller than yogurt, making it easier to digest, which makes it a particularly excellent, nutritious food for babies, invalids and the elderly, as well as a remedy for digestive disorders.

Body Ecology Says - Making your own kefir at home with a fermented food and drink starter is the best way to get the most health benefits from kefir. We recommend adding kefir from cow or goat milk (raw is best) to your diet in stage 2 of Body Ecology.
Sauerkraut - Last year, BBC News reported that sauerkraut could cure the avian flu (bird flu) and other studies show it reduces the risk of breast cancer. Unfortunately, most commercially prepared sauerkrauts found on grocery shelves today are pasteurized (which destroys precious enzymes), contain vinegar and have added refined salt (mineral-depleted), which eliminates any health benefits.