Kitty Kat Dance Party…

Yesterday just happened to be National Taco Day and I happened to be able to stuff my face with tacos at the Ossineke Eagles club.  I was up north at my family’s for a quick visit and also to settle in Hazel at Granny Nanny’s Kitty Kat Daycare.  Spoiled brat that she is, Hazel has never been left home alone and usually travels with us but she loves her vacations at Gramma’s.  

Randy and I have two trips coming up so I will be without my little buddy for about a month.  It sort of feels like when the kids are back in school and you get that little breathing room.  And like when Randy goes hunting: I am happy to see her go and happy to have her home.  Be a good girl for Gramma, Hazel.

Strong wishes for friends Don and Shannon as they make their way to Florida.  The most selfless people I know, are headed down with a truckload of relief items to help in any way they can.  How wonderful is that?

Have a great week!   XO

Black Dog...

 

I am pleased to introduce the newest member of my extended family. 

 Meet Reba!  Also known as Ms. Reba, Reba Mcentire, Reebs, Reba the Love Sponge, RebaSaurus and Rebaderci.  She is a seven-year-old black Labrador that lived without much human contact for her whole life.  Our niece Nicole changed all that by taking her into her home and loving her hard.  Once a wild, unmannered dog, she now is learning basic commands and no longer jumps on people she meets. (Other than me, cuz I love it.) 

 Reba is easily the most loving dog I have ever met and that says a lot!  She loves to cuddle and gives nice kisses in an effort to make up for lost time.  Nicole has spoiled her within an inch, with monogramed bowls, special toys, and numerous bandanas.  Her days start out with an over easy egg, then retrieving the ball and maybe some hammock or porch time and her nights are spent snuggling on a California king size bed. 

 She, like our old Mickey, has scratched the winning lottery ticket with her new life!  Reba loves to visit us at the beach and enjoys swimming, long beach walks, bonfires and lots of treattreats.  With her glossy black fur, snow white toofies and brown expressive eyes, she is irresistible and has won over all of our hearts.  

This weekend She will be visiting Auntie Day Care where the spoiling will continue.  I hope Reba has as much fun as I will! ❤️🐶

Good Vibrations....

This week when I got my oil changed on Lux, I left with a very satisfied feeling.  I was responsible and did the right thing for her engine.  They put the little sticker my windshield reminding me to do it all again in 5,000 miles.  I get the very same feeling when I get my teeth cleaned.  Responsible.  These are necessary tasks and a part of life, and I am always sort of relieved when I've accomplished them.  Even going to get groceries and hauling them in and putting them away.  Satisfaction knowing that I am stocked with what we need.  Same goes for putting away the last of the clean laundry.

But now, the responsible, satisfied feeling has a name-'adulting.'  Huh?  You mean just slogging thru the day doing what has to be done?  As opposed to what?  Childing-where you wear diapers and drink from a bottle?  Or teening-where you stare at your phone and constantly take pictures of yourself?  Sheesh...I think it's ridiculous.  

And I understand 'good vibes' or 'good vibes only' and I think I rode that slang train back in the 70's.  Positive energy and thoughts can manifest good things and Lord knows we need all the help we can get.  But now, everything is a vibe.   My outfit-it's a vibe.  That paint color-truly a vibe.  My clean closet-a major vibe.  It's a thing maybe, but a vibe?  Not so sure.  I fear that the vibes good intentions have fallen into a sort of all-encompassing word for anything you may have to describe or comment on.  How about, 'your outfit looks great, the paint color is appropriate for this space and that closet is killer organized?'  Or you could just say that it's a vibe.  Good, bad, or ugly-the shit is vibeing.  

So, what's my rant about?  Am I just crabby due to adulting all day with very little vibe?  Not sure, but I know that as I consider my days accomplishments with Hazel purring loudly on my lap,  all is good.

And that my friend, IS a vibe!  XO

Jolly Roger...

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 It was a Labor (Day weekend!) of love as the Dale's hosted an end of summer bash.  It had been years since our last beach party and the time had come for another!  The decks were swabbed and the flags were flying, and blessedly, the skies were clear.  Themed as a Pirate and Mermaid party-friends, family and neighbors turned out in all their finery.  Bar-b-que and grog was enjoyed by all the scallywags and strumpets.  The amazing Rocky Trop band played live for an astounding six hours! 

 The night ended up at the bonfire with some very tired Dales.  I would like to thank all of you who participated in our nonsense and for the delicious food that was contributed.  Also, the crew that manned the grill and those who cleaned up on Sunday morning.  (Lord knows, I was moving a bit slow.)  And also to Pup and Stephanie for the fabulous entertainment-I can't get enough of you!

Arrrrr, Matey's and Happy Fall!  
XOXO

Strawberry Wine..

 As an avowed wino, my illustrious history goes way back.  As an underage imbiber, my girl gang and I awoke our palates with none other than Boone’s Farm and probably sipped it on an actual ‘strawberry hill.’  We thought we were the epitome of class and quite possibly the inspiration for a country song.  When TJ Swan introduced ‘Easy Nights,’ our fickle selves paid the additional 25 cents a bottle and enjoyed some very easy nights. (Mornings-not so much….) The next step-and it was a big one-was the land of white Zinfandel.  Even the name sounded exotic and I felt totally sophisticated sipping the pretty pink swill.  With a brief foray into Zima,  I have settled on Pinot Grigio as my drink of choice.  It’s light and easy and again, has a bit of the exotic sound.

So basically I enjoy white wine, but when friends treated us to a bottle of Caymus, I was all in.  Luscious, smooth and velvety, sort of like a liquid chocolate, it pairs well with seafood, pork or veal.  

Or crunchy cheese curls….What can I say-I’m Strawberry Hill girl at heart.

Thank you to Jim and Debbie for the fabulous taste sensation.  You are friends as fine as Caymus! XO

Rebel Rebel…

 I’ve been called a rebel all of my life.  Not in some civil disobedience kind of way, but more as a personal way of life.  If my Dad were here today, he’d surely corroborate!  Much to his chagrin, I was the defender of everything he was not.  I spouted naive half-truths and interrupted his logic with my sassy mouth and always had to have the last word.  (Sassy was also my nickname.)  I fought hard for equality and women's rights and would have burned my bra if only I had one on.  I pushed dress codes and curfews just because I could.  I took all dares and expressed my opinions whether you were interested or not.  I love a good debate.  But…so….does that make me a rebel? Well, these days with my adult tact in place, I like to imagine myself as aware, strong willed and free spirited-and not nearly as sassy.  

I’ve learned the lessons I was trying to be taught.  Shut up and listen.  Think before you speak, or sass.  Walk a mile in another’s shoes.  Be compassionate and considerate.  Don’t take things so seriously-or personally.  Do the best you can.  I’m still an old school rebel and I always will be.  

How am I doin’, Dad?  I’ll let you have the last word.   Signed:your sassy rebel.   XO

Two Pink Lines…

I’ve always had a fascination with flamingos.  Their vivid pink color with the crazy body porportions make such an exotic look.   A few years ago, after many years of searching, I spotted a flamboyance in the wild.  My brother and I both gasped as we noted the hot pink color against the aqua water and green mangroves.  It was truly a beautiful and rare sighting. 

At Cheeseburger in Caseville on Saturday, I hooked up with with these little birds.    Did you know that a flock of is called a ‘flamboyance?’  Isn’t that the coolest?  Flamboyance was in overload as we saw people turned out in all the finery for the event.  Decorated golf carts, cars, and many doggo’s sported the tropical theme.  Lots of good viewings as we munched our cheeseburgers and sipped our libations.

  Cheeseburger is a fun event and I recommend going if you ever feel the need to ‘flamingle, ‘. (I think I just added some ‘cheese’ to the festival!). That’s the Case(ville!).   Have a flamboyant, exotic and pink filled week!   XO