The Amazing Mr. B.

The building process begins with Lola and Sadie watching Mr. B. work.

Mr. B. and I decided on 'The Flair'- the hot tub model, that is, that's called the 'Flair'.  All hot tubs have show-stopping names, so I found out.  The Flair will be arriving at our house in a week and now Mr. B. has another project.  Build a deck off the deck we have, to accommodate our new 'Flair' hot tub.  This past weekend was spent on the deck: measuring, sawing, and hammering.  Mr. B. surprised me and built an outdoor shelf on our new deck for a radio, television, or whatever. What a guy!!

Framing Done

The deck beginnings....

These railings will come down for an opening to the hot tub.

Listen

Sit down, relax, put your feet up and pour yourself a large glass of iced tea.  Listen--listen really close to this http://prn.fm/2012/07/26/occupied-territory-united-corporations-america-072612/#axzz21fXZGzS9

Page down under the flag and click to play July 26th podcast.

                                       and
After you finish listening to this talk radio broadcast from Mike Feder on Progressive Radio Network you
may need a stronger drink.  You will need a stronger drink.                                    If you've ever tried
to figure out politics, wondering who to vote for, or why our economy is the way it is...then
you've got to listen to this.  

"They call it an American Dream, because you've got to be asleep to believe it." George Carlin  

To Stain A Deck

My washed out deck in need of a new stain

Cosmo inspecting the old stain.

It's time to stain my deck.  It took me what seemed like forever to choose the stain color.  My last house was painted with lots of vibrant bright colors; with this house I have been leaning towards black, anything dark, inside or outside.  Too many decisions to make.  Did I want solid, semi-transparent, or transparent stain?  The stain colors are never ending now--perhaps too many choices.  I finally left the store after an hour and some minutes, with two gallons of Sherwin Williams Black Alder solid stain.   Mr. B. had washed the deck two days ago and after a quick sweep I got to work.  I started at 8:30 a.m. and thought I would be done by noon.  Boy was I wrong, those damn railings took forever to do.  Many hours later-I finished the first coat.  But it doesn't look black to me.

It looks brown-gray to me.

Mr. B. says the color reminds him of GunMetal Gray paint.

I am not happy with the color-but there is too much deck to redo.

Maybe the second coat will change the look.  Looks like Betty Boop is in need of some touch up too!

Hot Tub Shopping

Lola and Rosco on a raft in the pool

I know I sound redundant, but this summer has been really, really hot.  I miss my swimming pool.  I have to wonder was it this hot last summer and I just didn't notice because I was always in the pool cooling off?  Regardless, we have no pool or running water of any sort in our backyard at the yellow brick house, and it has been hot.  Close to 100 degrees on many days, which makes me want to stay inside.  I run outside to water my flowers and vegetables, then run back in, shut the doors, windows, and drapes and enjoy the air conditioning and fans.  Mr. B.on the other hand, has to work in this hot, humid weather.  Yes, he works outside.  Sometimes his job takes him inside, which isn't too often, and the building usually doesn't have air conditioning.  Mr. B. won't say it, but I know he misses the pool to cool down in after work.  Last summer, on a daily basis, Mr. B. would jump in the pool as soon as he arrived home from work.         So guess what he suggested we do last weekend?  We went hot tub shopping.  We contemplated a swimming pool, remember the pool salesman that came to my house and asked for money?  Well, forget the pool, we are going to go for something that is usable year round.  Now we just have to figure out which one.  I didn't know you can get a salt water hot tub now.  They also have music, massage therapy, televisions, light therapy, wow, hot tubs have come a long way since the 1980's.  Hm-m-m which one?A 3 person hot tub?             or a 5 Person Tub?

Maybe a 6 Person Hot Tub??

Missing Cyn 1095 Days.

Today, July 25th marks 3 years since my older sister left this earth.  Her name- Cynthia Ann- was known to her friends and coworkers as Cindy.  To me, she was simply Cyn, but the best big sister ever.    To say she has been gone 3 years is an understatement.  It's been one thousand ninety-five days.  I think of her every day.  My heart still races when the phone rings because I think she is calling.  But then I have to remember, breast cancer took another life too soon.  

Happier times for all of us.  My brother and sisters, Cyn second from left with her pretty smile.

You will never see me supporting the pink ribbon campaign.  All that money that pours in from pink ribbons, has saved how many lives????  It's a pink wash tidal wave.  The cancer industry is a 200 billion dollar industry.  All those pink t-shirts joining in walks and runs are throwing billions of dollars right back to Big Pharma.  They don't find a cure. That money should be saving lives.  My thoughts are; if a pill is good, it will improve someone's health.  Big Pharma's philosophy is; if a pill is good, it will generate revenue.  Better education is needed for cancer support, as well as zero tolerance for toxins, pollution and bad, unhealthy food.                                    Miss you Cyn, still do, always will.

A Bird Smile 4 You

Have a Blessed and Peaceful Week Ahead of You !

Dog World

If my dogs could talk......I can only imagine what crazy things they would say.

Sadie, "I always sleep with one eye open."

Cosmo, "I always sleep with my mouth open, maybe someone will drop some food in when they walk past."

Rosco, "I always sleep with one watchful eye on the squirrels out my front window."

Rosco, "Okay, I get it already.  I know how to start the engine. Let's just GO!"

Rosco, "I mean, can we go ....please?"

Cosmo, "Give it some gas, let's go already!  I need some wind on my face."

Let It Pour.

The rain is here.  Finally!  It has been raining all night, as well as all day Thursday.  We're happy to welcome the rain back.  Our lawns, flowers, birds, gardens, rivers, lakes, animals, crops, well, just about everyone and everything is happy to have rain again around here.  Yahoo!

The green in my grass is starting to reappear and the flowers are bursting back up to welcome the rain.

On Break Again?

These are the two employees always on a break.

There is a dry cleaning business in town that I drive by quite often.  Every time I do, I see the same two employees sitting outside on a bench.  I thought maybe it was too hot inside the building and they needed a break outside in the fresh air.......or so I thought...until I pulled up in the parking lot!

Hungry? How About A 25 Pound Hamburger?

Would you eat a 25 pound hamburger that had a whopping 45,661 calories?  Apparently Burger King does let you have it your way, because a reporter ordered a whopper with 1,000 slices of cheese.  http://www.delish.com/food/recalls-reviews/whopper-with-1000-cheese-slices  Wow!  Some people really like cheese!  Or...some people go to extremes with "have it your way."  Watch you tube:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/13/whopper-1000-slices-cheese_n_1672165.html

The Velveteen Poodle

My velveteen poodle poses for a picture

Cosmo just got a haircut.  We took him to the pet beauty salon this time.  He was shaved down with a number 10 blade, which I normally use.  But he feels and looks like velvet this time.  His coat is so smooth, soft, and shiny.  He's beautiful and velvet to the touch.

Look how smooth and shiny he is!  

My beautiful velveteen poodle!  He knows how handsome he is!

a hike, a wedding, and a camping trip

Mr. B. , Cosmo, Rosco, and Sadie waiting for me at the showers.

Last weekend we headed up north in our new-used RV, Mr. B. and I plus our 3 cute dogs.  It was another hot and humid weekend.  We walked on the trails, walked along the beach, watched a bride and groom on the beach,  and found money at the beach. 
Just didn't swim at the beach, it was too swampy, rocky, and rough.   All in all, still had a good weekend.

Our hike through the woods.

The unknown bride and groom heading to the beach for pictures.

Mr. B. with Cosmo and Sadie at our campsite.  Rosco in forefront, the lake in the background.

Nap time for an exhausted Rosco!

And Today.....Will Be a NO Paint Day!

The mascot at the restaurant Coco and I went to.

My plan was to go to Coco's house yesterday on her day off work, to help her paint her living room.  She suggested instead, we tear down the wallpaper in her foyer and prep the walls for paint.  I said,  "That's fine, I'll do anything, I just want to come over to help you with one of your many house projects."  Coco's house has been undergoing renovations since February, I know she appreciates any and all help she can get.   Coco changed the plan and then wanted to sand the new drywall in the dining room.   I put my foot down at that suggestion.  "No, sorry, I don't do drywall.  I hate drywall, especially sanding."  Memories of drywall sanding in my yellow brick house are still fresh in my mind.  Drywall dust is still lurking in corners and hiding on my knickknacks. "Worse job ever, but anything else is fine with me."  I said cheerily.  Coco responded with, "I know what we could do.  How about helping me tear up the carpet in the hallway to get the floor ready for the ceramic tile?"  
"Sure" I said enthusiastically.  "Anything but drywall sanding."

I left my house the next morning with my toolbox, paint clothes and paint brushes and arrived at Coco's house just after 11:00 a.m.  Coco met me at the door and asked if I would mind going to the lake for lunch.  I said, "Sure, are we going to start painting when we get back?" 

Sailor's Alley just a block from the restaurant.

Coco enjoying her ice cream cone on a walk through town.

Coco answered with, "No.  I need a break, there will be no painting today."  I told her I could remove the wallpaper really quick and then we could go to lunch.  She said no, she wanted a breather, and needed to get away from all the work.  She would be working on the house that evening when her friend came over to help her finish the tiling in her bathroom.  This was one of her two scheduled days off work and she needed an afternoon off, the never ending work on the house was wearing her out.  I had to agree, I knew exactly what she was talking about.  So off we went to enjoy the day.  Turned out to be a great afternoon to play hookey!  

Even the geese were relaxing this afternoon.

 A picture perfect postcard town we thought as we sat by the water.

Our view from the restaurant we had lunch at.

What are we going to do without Nora Ephron?

Nobody writes as well as Nora Ephron.  If you don't know who Nora Ephron is, than you probably shouldn't read this post.  Her memorial service was Monday in New York.  She passed away on June 26th from complications from leukemia, only close friends and family knew of her illness.  Her death came as a shock to the many actors that attended.  Nora Ephron, acclaimed writer-director best known for "When Harry Met Sally" and  "Sleepless in Seattle" wore many hats.  She was a director, filmmaker, producer, screenwriter, blogger, journalist... Whew!  Let's just say, she was very talented with words. 
Like I said, now what do we do without her?  Frankly, I'm fed up with these vampire movies. I'm going to miss Nora Ephron's sharp, edgy, witty romantic comedies and interesting characters with memorable lines. Now what??  Or who can fill those shoes?  No one can--Nora Ephron--legendary--one of a kind.

Nora Ephron and one of her famous movie quotes:  “I always read the last page of a book first so that if I die before I finish I'll know how it turned out.” — Billy Crystal to Meg Ryan in “When Harry Met Sally”

Meet Carms!

Carms and her favorite stuffed animal.  She carries it around the house in her mouth meowing!

This is Carmeila. And this is her story--- Mr. B. was on the golf course one sunny summer day and noticed three little kittens chasing golf balls.  Some golfers were getting very annoyed by the antics of these playful kittens.  Mr. B. caught this one tiny, hungry, playful one pound kitten and brought her home.  She has been Coco's cat ever since.  It's been five years now.  Isn't she beautiful!! 

Carms--The Queen of Coco!

R.I.P. Mayberry R.F.D.

Andy Griffith passed away on Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012 at the age of 86.  Kind of ironic that he passed away so close to an American holiday, as he is such an iconic American actor.  "The Andy Griffith Show" ran on television from 1960 to 1968 and was one of the best shows, if not THE Best Show  in television history.   Andy Griffith  made Mayberry R.F.D. famous--(the RFD stands for rural free delivery which is a postal depiction of the quaint rural community of Mayberry, North Carolina).  The show's characters- Andy, Opie, Barney and Aunt Bea all played some part in our baby boomer lives.  My favorite character was Barney Fife-actor Don Knotts-he made me laugh and laugh and laugh long after his scene was over, but he wouldn't have been as funny without straight man Andy Griffith with his easy-going personality and unique comic style. As I said before; we baby boomers were so fortunate to have had so many great talents and great television shows that formed long lasting memories in our lives.   Mayberry, NC  may be a fictional place for some that we all hope to visit some day; but in the meantime,  I  read about a unique bed and breakfast in Wisconsin called, 'The Taylor Home Inn'-that is true to Mayberry style.  Check out this link: http://www.mayberryreflections.com/id13.html. 

On The Road Again...This is How The Morkie Does It.

Rosco and his Kangaroo...On The Road Again!!

Rosco found a comfortable spot for traveling in the RV.  This way he can keep an eye on us, the road, and his favorite toy of the moment!

Ah-h-h   All this traveling makes a Morkie so sleepy!