Kitchen is done, except for junk drawer and a few decorator items which seem to defy packing (I think they hide when the boxes/tape come out, and return when I say "eff-this, I'm done for today").
Good news from yesterday, yours truly has a graduate assistantship at my new university! Bonus +2 is I will a) get paid and b) get some tuition and fees paid. Woo to the Hoo! The best news about this is that it is minimal (10 hours per week) and I will be scheduled around my class time (very good news).
I have been writing thank you notes to coworkers here at the current job. My last day here is July 29.
I had a raging bout of insomnia last night - dreamt of a huge-ass spider crawling on me (in the dream, it was the size of my hand and HAIRY), so I was in no great hurry to shut my eyes again. I think I passed back out an hour later or so.
Hoosier Guy has sanded, stained and poly'd the wood floor in our living room/office area. I am dying to see it, but will see it August 2, so trying to contain my need to know, albeit unsuccessfully.
Am giving a few furniture items to a coworker - she is a single mom, living on her own for the first time since her daughter was born a couple years ago. I know what it is like to move into a place with jack-shit-nothing, so giving stuff to her seems like good karma for the future, no?
It is hot here. It is always hot here. Repeat these statements daily from April to October.
Showing posts with label Florida. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Florida. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Monday, June 29, 2009
Weather ... etc.
It's funny, this place. The weather here is consistent day-to-day, same average temperature, same humidity, same afternoon thunderstorms .... yet ....
I find people telling me it is more humid today than yesterday (really? You are that talented as to discern a 1% difference?), more hot (again, a matter of + or - 5 degrees) than x day or bigger thunderstorms than last week.
For me, the real difference has been in the thunderstorms. For one, it rains sideways. Yes, nearly 90 degrees. In Indiana, it rains "south" while here it rains "west to east." Umbrellas are only useful for your head, the rest of you is soaked through.
Also, thunderstorms here seem closer. Like the thunder is 2 feet above your head rather than miles overhead. The first time I heard thunder outside here I probably jumped three feet straight up. It is LOUD.
Living here is a dream come true. I love it ...
I find people telling me it is more humid today than yesterday (really? You are that talented as to discern a 1% difference?), more hot (again, a matter of + or - 5 degrees) than x day or bigger thunderstorms than last week.
For me, the real difference has been in the thunderstorms. For one, it rains sideways. Yes, nearly 90 degrees. In Indiana, it rains "south" while here it rains "west to east." Umbrellas are only useful for your head, the rest of you is soaked through.
Also, thunderstorms here seem closer. Like the thunder is 2 feet above your head rather than miles overhead. The first time I heard thunder outside here I probably jumped three feet straight up. It is LOUD.
Living here is a dream come true. I love it ...
Friday, December 12, 2008
Theft.
I'm currently stealing wifi from a neighbor of Dad's. I have a theory as to who it is but it isn't like I can go up to their door, knock and announce just how much I enjoy stealing their internet service :)
Today's agenda includes a trip to Beall's (a Florida department store chain that is a cross between Kohl's and Stein Mart) and a fish fry dinner at Granny's, a one-location local restaurant that serves some wonderful food. Fattening? Yes. Enormous portions? Yes. Good? Oh Hell Yes.
Other than that, I'm just relaxing here at Dad's. Sister hates this part of the trip, the sitting around. When she is here she wants to go to the beach every day. Considering today's high is all of 63 degrees, I am fine with being here.
Honestly, staying at Dad's is a vacation in and of itself. I just relax and read a great deal while I'm here. I wander around the yard, looking at flowers. I sleep late and go to bed early. I fit well into the Florida retiree lifestyle, I must admit.
The latest projects around here are a white picket fence around the front yard so that Elmer the wonder dog can roam freely. He seems to have a habit of running away when off-leash. Also, a new kitchen, completely remodeled by Dad. He really has a knack for woodworking, tileing and remodeling.
Life is good.
Today's agenda includes a trip to Beall's (a Florida department store chain that is a cross between Kohl's and Stein Mart) and a fish fry dinner at Granny's, a one-location local restaurant that serves some wonderful food. Fattening? Yes. Enormous portions? Yes. Good? Oh Hell Yes.
Other than that, I'm just relaxing here at Dad's. Sister hates this part of the trip, the sitting around. When she is here she wants to go to the beach every day. Considering today's high is all of 63 degrees, I am fine with being here.
Honestly, staying at Dad's is a vacation in and of itself. I just relax and read a great deal while I'm here. I wander around the yard, looking at flowers. I sleep late and go to bed early. I fit well into the Florida retiree lifestyle, I must admit.
The latest projects around here are a white picket fence around the front yard so that Elmer the wonder dog can roam freely. He seems to have a habit of running away when off-leash. Also, a new kitchen, completely remodeled by Dad. He really has a knack for woodworking, tileing and remodeling.
Life is good.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Florida Countdown Begins Today
22 days until I see beaches and sand again.
22 days.
3 weeks, one day.
528 hours.
31,680 minutes.
1,900,800 seconds.
Not that I'm counting or anything.
22 days.
3 weeks, one day.
528 hours.
31,680 minutes.
1,900,800 seconds.
Not that I'm counting or anything.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Florida ... in pictures.
Toes in sand -- Blind Pass Beach, FL
Looking for sharks' teeth -- Blind Pass Beach, FL
Bradenton Beach, FL
Athena's happy place ... Bradenton Beach, FL
The first of the 'fuckload' of chickens. About 15 chickens live in this makeshift cage.
The second of the 'fuckload' of chickens. Note the four small black chickens and two geese in the cage behind it.
The third 'fuckload of chickens' ... oh yes, there are more, many more. This cage contains both chickens and guinea hens.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Shopping, the Beach, Beer.
So my stay in Florida has been a lot like this: shop, eat, sleep, shop, go to beach, drink beer.
I am practically jello at this point I am so relaxed.
OH OH OH ....
I swear I saw Kitty Ducharme at the beach today!!! Now it was the 'retired, living in Florida for 30 years' Kitty Ducharme, but truly, it was. I could not get a picture of her, but trust that she was blonde as blonde can be and extremely tan.
We went to Blind Pass Beach today which is about an hour south of Dad in Sarasota County, FL. It is a very nice, not very crowded beach with lots of sharks' teeth to be found. I found a monster one today and I was so very proud of myself. I also found plenty of little ones. It was a good day.
Tomorrow we head to Bradenton Beach. More sun, more sand, more happy Athena.
All is good.
I am practically jello at this point I am so relaxed.
OH OH OH ....
I swear I saw Kitty Ducharme at the beach today!!! Now it was the 'retired, living in Florida for 30 years' Kitty Ducharme, but truly, it was. I could not get a picture of her, but trust that she was blonde as blonde can be and extremely tan.
We went to Blind Pass Beach today which is about an hour south of Dad in Sarasota County, FL. It is a very nice, not very crowded beach with lots of sharks' teeth to be found. I found a monster one today and I was so very proud of myself. I also found plenty of little ones. It was a good day.
Tomorrow we head to Bradenton Beach. More sun, more sand, more happy Athena.
All is good.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
"And a fuckload of chickens"
Ah, Dad, so eloquent.
Dad was describing his next door neighbors' menangerie of geese, a pig, dogs, cats, guinea hens and the aforementioned 'fuckload of chickens.' I asked if it was a technical term and he assured me it was.
I am in Florida. I will take pictures of the menagerie for your amusement and mocking.
Today I have flown from 38 degree weather to 83 degree weather, had seafood, drank beer and saw water. I am completely relaxed and happy. Tomorrow I head to the beach in the morning.
Life is good.
Dad was describing his next door neighbors' menangerie of geese, a pig, dogs, cats, guinea hens and the aforementioned 'fuckload of chickens.' I asked if it was a technical term and he assured me it was.
I am in Florida. I will take pictures of the menagerie for your amusement and mocking.
Today I have flown from 38 degree weather to 83 degree weather, had seafood, drank beer and saw water. I am completely relaxed and happy. Tomorrow I head to the beach in the morning.
Life is good.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Went to Church, Elderly Woman Passes Out
Seriously, the roof did not fall in but an elderly woman a couple of rows ahead of me literally slumped to the floor during the Alleluijah chorus. I am not sure if this means God had a misfire on the bolt of lightening ... as I walked out (that was the last song), at least five members of the church's 'medical team' were assisting her.
I haven't been on the inside of a church in I have no idea how long. I am thinking the last time may have been Christmas 2004 when Hex was singing at the Cathedral downtown but I am not for certain. That seems about right though.
As for why I went: the idea called to me all week. I suppose as a person that grew up in the church, Easter holds a special place in my heart. It is a time of renewal and rebirth and I think that appeals to many of us as we consider our lives.
Today's message was, as expected, centered on Jesus' resurrection. The pastor who gave the sermon had some style in his presentation and even included a recording of Ernest Hemingway in the sermon. Fascinating.
As for the church itself, I went to East 91st St. Christian Church, a place fairly close to home. I chose the 8 a.m. service because I was awake and I didn't think there would be the hordes of people that would go to later services. It was busy, as expected, probably 300+ people there (last week's attendance was 4,700 -- wow). I went to the 'traditional' service as that is what I am comfortable with. Growing up Baptist is just about as traditional of a service as one can get and when I find myself at more contemporary services I feel completely at loss and confused. To put this all in perspective, this wasn't the largest church I've ever attended (that was in Lexington, KY at my cousin's church) but it was a lovely experience.
I am curious to know this church's position on matters of social and societal issues. In my personal life I don't believe anyone should be shunned on the basis of their sexual orientation, race or other mitigating factors so a church that subscribes to those beliefs would not be the one for me. There are a number of events at this church which could enlighten me on their belief structure and I may take advantage of them to learn more. It would be nice to have a church close to home but distance is no overarching factor if intolerance is preached here.
I am curious what this week's attendance will be. 4,700 on Palm Sunday is seriously big. To put that in my perspective, that is 1/4 of my hometown showing up at the same place on Sunday morning. Whoa.
*****************
This afternoon I'll be watching the Butler game with Xena and Maestro. I am so looking forward to this.
*****************
Talked to Dad today and reconfirmed my trip to FL at the end of April. He is excited, as am I. He's finished a number of projects since I was there in Dec (screened porch, remodel of master bathroom, remodel of master bedroom, fence ... etc.) so I am looking forward to seeing all of his work. I am also looking forward to some beach time and sunshine. Ahhhh.
*****************
Have a great day. :)
I haven't been on the inside of a church in I have no idea how long. I am thinking the last time may have been Christmas 2004 when Hex was singing at the Cathedral downtown but I am not for certain. That seems about right though.
As for why I went: the idea called to me all week. I suppose as a person that grew up in the church, Easter holds a special place in my heart. It is a time of renewal and rebirth and I think that appeals to many of us as we consider our lives.
Today's message was, as expected, centered on Jesus' resurrection. The pastor who gave the sermon had some style in his presentation and even included a recording of Ernest Hemingway in the sermon. Fascinating.
As for the church itself, I went to East 91st St. Christian Church, a place fairly close to home. I chose the 8 a.m. service because I was awake and I didn't think there would be the hordes of people that would go to later services. It was busy, as expected, probably 300+ people there (last week's attendance was 4,700 -- wow). I went to the 'traditional' service as that is what I am comfortable with. Growing up Baptist is just about as traditional of a service as one can get and when I find myself at more contemporary services I feel completely at loss and confused. To put this all in perspective, this wasn't the largest church I've ever attended (that was in Lexington, KY at my cousin's church) but it was a lovely experience.
I am curious to know this church's position on matters of social and societal issues. In my personal life I don't believe anyone should be shunned on the basis of their sexual orientation, race or other mitigating factors so a church that subscribes to those beliefs would not be the one for me. There are a number of events at this church which could enlighten me on their belief structure and I may take advantage of them to learn more. It would be nice to have a church close to home but distance is no overarching factor if intolerance is preached here.
I am curious what this week's attendance will be. 4,700 on Palm Sunday is seriously big. To put that in my perspective, that is 1/4 of my hometown showing up at the same place on Sunday morning. Whoa.
*****************
This afternoon I'll be watching the Butler game with Xena and Maestro. I am so looking forward to this.
*****************
Talked to Dad today and reconfirmed my trip to FL at the end of April. He is excited, as am I. He's finished a number of projects since I was there in Dec (screened porch, remodel of master bathroom, remodel of master bedroom, fence ... etc.) so I am looking forward to seeing all of his work. I am also looking forward to some beach time and sunshine. Ahhhh.
*****************
Have a great day. :)
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