Travelin Along

2011-03-20T20:43:00.003-04:00

WHAT A WEEKEND!!!

I went down and visited Sandra on Saturday while out riding. Nice. She is getting out of rehab on Tuesday. A long journey for sure. The staff will miss her I am sure.

Today there were 2 charity rides. I could only do one and that pissed people off. I have to stay true to myself and do what I want to do. I refuse to have people dictate to me. The one I chose had 1500 riders. Two accidents, one bad. The bad one went down right behind me and I heard it and saw it. Lets just say that put a huge damper on the overlong run of 62 miles all around South Florida. Then I had to pull off and pee in middle of the ride when I realized that the ride was not ending anytime soon. Plus I was over the run by that point. When I tried to jump back in at the end after taking pictures the cops got nasty,wouldn't let me rejoin the group and threatened me. I got pissed and left.
I then joined the other group at their event and ran into one attitude after another. I took some pictures, got sick from the sun and had to get my core temperature down before I could ride home. And deal with the ex boyfriend all at the same time. He was actually nice and made sure I was ok. A change for sure from his behavior that made him my ex.
I am over the weekend and ready to go back to work.
The highlight of my week last week was the Kenny Chesney concert. Unbelievable.

Have a fun week. It is going to be hot down here.

2011-03-05T10:46:00.002-05:00

Last Sunday we had 25 woman on a woman's only ride to Clewiston, FL. Fun times. I took some pictures like always. I actually had some pictures taken of me. They are showing up on facebook.

If you want to follow me on facebook become my friend. carol guzik and you will find me and see some fun stuff.

The ride was fun. Gorgeous day.

They increased my work days to 4 in a row now. Long days. Lots of golfers right now who don't speak English. But I am having fun. And I think work should be fun.

My girlfriend Sandra is doing better. They won't spring her from rehab anytime soon. They figured out her left ankle was sprained and they had her using it. Gotta love it. So now she is wheelchair bound for a few more weeks.

Have a fun weekend.

2011-02-26T19:09:00.002-05:00

I am getting on my soapbox. PLEASE GET OFF THE FUCKING PHONE. STOP TEXTING AND DRIVING. PLEASE.

MY crazy Italian friend Sandra went down almost 2 weeks ago. The guy who cut her off was texting and driving.
When he realized she hit him. He came back and she said to him. No joke.

"WHEN YOU ARE DONE TEXTING CAN YOU PLEASE CALL 911"

She has survived surgery. Is now in rehab for at least 4 to 6 weeks. She propelled herself into her speedometer and crushed her pelvis. She can't use her right leg for at least 8 weeks. No driving, work etc for at least 4 months. She is a chef. The good news is she is alive.

I have visited her several times and the facility is just awesome. She is ruling the roost of course. Sandra is a character. the hard work has started and it will be a long process. Tomorrow the women ride and at the end of the ride we are going to visit her.
All 30 of us. We will rattle some windows for sure. She put this ride together. So we go visit. No excuses. Anyone who decides not to visit will deal with me. They don't want to do that. Trust me. I have a tendency to lead the rides and be the road captain.

OK. I am off the soapbox. Please tell your friends to put the f ing phone down.

2011-02-11T13:15:00.002-05:00

Gotta love The Chili Cookoff.

We had a good time. The crowd was insane like always.

The bird picture is of a burrowing owl. We have several spots on the golf course that are marked off because they have made our course their home. And they are an endangered species. Every once in awhile I see them out flying, but not often. I do know that they don't want you near their nests. They have a hissing fit. I wonder how often they get hit by a stray golf ball.

Have an awesome weekend. I will be out an about on my motorcycle all weekend.

2011-02-01T18:44:00.001-05:00

HAVE I MENTIONED HOW MUCH I LOVE LIVING IN SOUTH FLORIDA?

I REALLY DON'T MISS ALL THAT NASTY SNOW, COLD RAIN AND SLEET. NOPE. NOT ONE BIT.

I RODE ALL DAY IN THE SUNNY 78 DEGREE WEATHER. SWEET

2011-01-29T07:36:00.002-05:00

Busy weekend for sure.

This week was interesting. I went to Central Florida for a business meeting with my wusband. Interesting concept if it comes to fruition.

Work was kind of chilly. I tend to make more $$$ when it is between 65 and 80. It did make it to 70 supposedly. But the wind was killer. Next week I work 4 days. My lower back is going to be crying.

My wusband is in town for a medical conference and staying at the house. Lots of exposure to the wusband this week.

Today is my honeys birthday. He is flying and doesn't land before 8 pm. He didn't want to go out for dinner or anything. He is just going to a friends house for a party stop in. I am going to drop his gift off at his house so he sees it when he gets home. The party he is going to is a 90 yr olds birthday party. So bringing his gift there wouldn't be appropriate. Hopefully he will join me at the chili cookoff tomorrow.

Tomorrow is the annual Chili Cookoff. 5 country acts, over 100,000 people, the trailer parks are empty every year for this event. Crazy redneck central and a blast. Great music and people watching. Friends from Central Florida are coming down so we can all go together. They are bringing their toy hauler with their motorcycle so we can ride tonight and tomorrow. These are friends of my wusband who have become my friends. We are going to have so much fun. My wusband won't be able to make it to the concert. He has a class and has to head for home and be in a play tonight.

Then back to work on Monday for me.

I hope everyone is not snowed in and has a wonderful weekend.

2011-01-17T15:20:00.002-05:00

Yesterday my daughter picked up her boyfriends daughter and brought her over to help her with her homework.
I really think Brianna needs to spend more time with Lauren and O'Meil if they are going to get married one day. They are in no hurry but talk about it.
And Brianna needs more exposure to my family. She is a sweet little girl who is 5. She weighed a whopping 1 lb 4 oz when she was born. She only weighs 30 lbs now. I love the fact that she was here all day and is a pleasure to be around. Funny little kid. She took one look at my bike and wanted to go riding. But we made her ask her Dad when he was here on his break from work. ( he works 5 minutes away from my house) he said no problem.
She is so tiny that she slid into the space on my part of the seat. Too funny. She held on tight and didn't want to get off.

I usually ride all weekend but stuck close to home yesterday. My lower back is killing me. Today I am rained out at work.. It was freezing last Thursday so I didn't work. Some days I think I need an inside job. It would kill me for sure. I hate being inside.

Have an awesome week.

2011-01-14T10:25:00.002-05:00

Every December over 30,000 bikers ride for charity. Last Sunday the check was presented to the charity. Nicely done again. I have not figured out how bikers got such a bad name. Sure some of them look rough and can be rough. At the awards party all the biker clubs (gangs they used to be called) showed up in full force to get their plaques and a huge thank you for doing such a great job again. If it wasn't for the clubs all joining in and putting in so much time and effort the toy run would not happen.
The check doesn't reflect the over 50,000 toys collected and distributed to the kids.

The dog belongs to a friend. Her name is "Miss Pineapple" She is such a kisser. And an attention whore. And probably one of the most photographed dogs in South Florida. Her owner Gene is well loved in the biker community and battling cancer and going thru chemo. He is having a tough time. He felt up to being out on Sunday.

Work has finally picked up. Yesterday my bosses said it was too cold for me to work. Too funny. It was 46 when I woke up and never got about 60. With winds up to 20 mph. Chilly.

Hopefully it will warm up for the weekend so I can ride. It is way to cold for me to go to the beach. BRRR.

Have an awesome weekend.

2011-01-01T08:48:00.002-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Welcome to 2011.

I was in bed asleep by 9:30 last night. I wasn't feeling well and I fell asleep watching the FSU bowl game.
I was up with the chickens this morning driving my landlord to the airport at 6 am. Followed by watching the sun come up on the beach. The clouds parted a little bit when the sun crested the horizon. (pictures to follow)
My favorite way to start the new year every year.

My hope is for all to have an awesome and healthy 2011.

2010-12-26T17:20:00.003-05:00

I hope everyone had an awesome Christmas day. Our family and grand dog napped, ate and napped some more.
Everyone loved their gifts.
My "wusband" has been here since Wednesday and is leaving tomorrow. Family time. He was nice and gave me tour pegs for my motorcycle so I can put my feet up on long rides. Sweet. Then he put them on today. I gave him a sherpa blanket that matches his recliner that he passes out in all the time.

Today has been low key. A short ride and then we put the bike away. Windy and getting cold. Now I have made chili and we are watching football.

Next week I will be working most of the week. They will probably call me off tomorrow due to 40 to 50 degree weather. They don't like me getting that cold. Plus no one buys anything.

2010-12-14T10:25:00.002-05:00

I was at Disney World over the weekend. I can't decide which photo I love more.
I just love Disney at Christmas.

My friend Marlon and I rode our bikes up and stayed on them all weekend. COLD< COLD< COLD!!!!

Now it's really freezing down here. 33 this morning with a wind chill of 27. BRRR

Have an awesome week.

2010-12-09T08:37:00.003-05:00

LET THE RUMBLING BEGIN!!!!

The biker community in South Florida did it again last Sunday. Over 30,000 motorcycles rumbled along the highway for the kids. The annual Toys In The Sun Run was well attended and fun.

Over 50,000 people attended. That is $10 per person plus a toy for the local kids. It is the largest biker event for kids in the country. This year I got aerial shots by going on a helicopter ride. Thank You Bud for your generosity. Charlie Daniel's was incredible.

I smashed my finger at work on Monday and haven't worked since due to it being so cold. BRRRR. Tomorrow I am riding with my best friend Marlon and going to Orlando for the weekend and getting a little PIXIE DUST. My Christmas treat for myself. I love Disney at Christmas. I also love to ride so we are taking our motorcycles. It will be warming up.

Have an awesome weekend.

2010-11-29T07:41:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday.

The holiday weekend was fun and low key. Just the immediate family and my daughters boyfriend for Thanksgiving dinner.
My contribution was making the whip cream after dinner. I worked until 3 and dinner was almost ready for the table when I got home.

Friday my friend Marlon loaned my wusband his Harley for the day so we could go riding to Everglades City with a bunch of people from Miami. Nice ride for sure. Interesting group of people.

All in all I had a really nice and low key weekend. Peaceful. Watched some football.

Enjoy your week. The picture is a fun one of a really cool 3 seater motorcycle. The guy riding it was really tiny. Amazing.

2010-11-23T15:07:00.002-05:00

I LOVE MY LIFE.

The pictures are from the toy run and parties that we had all weekend. We raised money for several charities for the holidays with a toy run to Naples. Spent the night and headed home. This year was much tamer than last year.

The lady in red on the small bike is also the same one standing out of the roof in the truck. She is the owner of the bars that do all the sponsoring of all the events. Busy lady.

The two guys are my ex honey(tall) and my best friend(short). We had a fun weekend.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE.
I am working on Wednesday and until 3 on Thanksgiving. My daughter and my wusband are cooking dinner for the family.

2010-11-19T16:22:00.002-05:00

I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS WEEKEND IS HERE ALREADY.

Last year on the charity run to Naples I met a great group of people. It's hard to believe it has been a year already.
I met Bud and all the Big Dawg crew. This year on the run I am working for the biker magazine and in charge of the pictures for the weekend for the magazine. This is one of the big toy run and charity runs for the Christmas season. And the first official fund raiser. I am no longer with Bud as of a few weeks ago. Sad but for the better for sure.

The weather will be glorious and great riding weather. So Naples here we come again for another fun filled ride of over 100 motorcycles riding for the kids. Police escorted of course. I will be jumping in and out the whole way over and back taking pictures from bridges and anyplace else I think might be fun. Bud will be helping me stay out of traffic and not getting hit or falling off bridges. He volunteered.

2010-11-16T21:37:00.003-05:00

I have been out riding and having fun. The weather has been so great I am having problems staying off the bike.

Todays trip was with friends I haven't ridden with in a long time. Fun times.

We went to Islamarada down in the Florida Keys. The view was to die for. Next time we are bringing cooler clothes and taking out the pink limo. Too funny.

On the good news front the golfers have finally come out to play. The Canadians are down here early.

My oldest son has finally found a job since August when he was laid off after working in Montenegro all summer. And for $20K more than the last one. This is one tough economy. And I doubt we have seen the end of the economic meltdown.

Have a fun weekend. I know it's only Tuesday. But I have a busy week and we are taking off for Naples for a charity run and I am taking pictures all weekend. Busy.

2010-11-02T16:11:00.002-04:00

Here is a few of the shots from Halloween around South Florida. Some are from Fantasy Fest and others are from the biker bars. Interesting.

2010-10-31T21:49:00.002-04:00

Happy Halloween.

I have been in the Keys with my ex sweetie (as of last night). It was relaxing and Fantasy Fest was interesting. Lots of naked swinging body parts painted in interesting places. I am not so sure I know how long it takes to get all the paint off.

Last night I went out taking pictures at a few biker bars of their Halloween parties. Some of these costumes were really interesting. And really out there. My daughters boyfriend came with me to see what my other life is like. Mind you I don't usually go to the bars. But I needed to take the pictures for the magazine. My ex sweetie didn't want me to go take pictures and I don't like being controlled, hence he is my ex as of last night. I doubt I will be spending any more time with him. His alcohol is out of control again and I am not a happy camper with him like that. I have said he can no longer come over if he has been drinking and he said it wasn't going to happen. Oh well. It was fun while it lasted.

My late friend Nancy's husband Danny got married yesterday to a wonderful woman who waited for him to help Nancy thru the end of her life. Patience and love. I am glad he has found happiness.

I hope everyone has had a fun October. I sure did. Life's lessons learned the hard way.

Let the holiday season begin and lets remember why we like it so much.

2010-10-24T15:27:00.002-04:00

Weekends have been play time lately. And the weather has been so nice. Last weekend I rode and rode and rode some more. This weekend not so much.

We all found a new biker bar in the Keys. New owners. Cool out of the way place.
My honey took a picture of me up on a bridge on Cardstown Rd. Nice. I was stopped to take a picture of the group coming up the bridge.

Yesterday I was going to ride all day and got kidnapped and pampered at a nail salon instead. A facial followed by a mani and pedi. Now my nails are blood red. Just my color of choice.

This coming week Bud and I are playing hooky with some friends and going to pre fantasy fest in Key West. And get some fishing in also in the lower Keys. His friends want to go play in the Keys, they have a condo just outside of Key West. Pilots sure like to play.

Work is still really slow. Unbelievable. I don't care what anyone says in Washington. Our economy in Florida is in the dumps and getting worse. The restaurants are dead. No wait and no customers. Bars are dead except very late at night. I am in bed long before I see that. Nor do I hang out in bars.

Have a fun week, I will.

2010-10-12T08:29:00.002-04:00

I had such a great weekend. I was out and about riding with friends all weekend. Saturday I went riding with my friend Marlon. I love riding with Marlon. This was his first real ride since his wreck in June. I am glad he is back. Sunday he joined another group of friends of mine and we rode around Lake Okechobee. What a gorgeous day. There was 14 of us. We got attacked by little green bugs when we rode up to the retaining wall for the picture. We moved our bikes away from the flying mess. This spot is such a nice picture spot. The lake looks healthy and full again.

I am supposed to work 4 days this week. Yesterday was gorgeous and there is a tropical system moving in for the next 2 days. Go figure. At least I am starting to make money again. And it's cooler. Finally.

I am probably spending the day mostly in bed. My son Andrew had been really sick and I seem to have gotten some semblance of it. I am nipping it in the butt with a z pack early.

Have a great week.

2010-10-08T16:52:00.002-04:00

Last weekend I went to Key West with my 29 yr old daughter, her boyfriend and our very good friend Rheo.

Oh my. We had a ton of fun. Rheo wanted Key West to be gayer than it was. I am just not sure what he was looking for. It was a much quieter weekend in Key West than I have ever seen. Quiet.

The snorkling sunset trip was a blast. The weather and water was perfect. Rheo was getting water logged and I had to drag him back to the boat. He wanted the boys on the catamaran to come and get him. I just laughed.

The rain finally stopped and the heat dropped to the mid 80's. Now this is why we live here. I am riding all weekend alone and with friends. My honey is in Iowa with his boys. He has his hands full with the kids for sure. Both boys are having huge issues with their lives and the divorce. Very sad.

I hope all is well in your corner of the world.

2010-09-24T22:02:00.002-04:00

The Keys trip was fun.

The trip down was a nightmare. I had to remove my camera bag and phone and put it into the chase vehicle. I am glad I did.
I have no desire to ride across the 7 mile bridge alone in a feeder band of a hurricane again. I could see nothing. Including my honey behind me someplace and our chase vehicle. The only good thing was my rain gear kept my ipod playing. So I had great music in the driving rain with no visibility.

We had fun in Key West. I hopped a cab back to the hotel Thursday night around 11 ish. I was exhausted while everyone else stayed out until 4 am. Yikes. I did manage to stay out later on Friday night. It's a good thing I don't drink a lot. My friends all drank enough for all of us.

The ride home was nice and I ended up doing a photo shoot of everyone coming home down a bridge. Fun shot and I almost didn't get out of the way in time.

The rest of the week has been work and rain, rain, rain. My wusband is in for the weekend to do an early celebration of our daughters 29th birthday.

My oldest had a great interview in Bethesda and said he felt good about it. They flew him up. Good sign. They should let him know this week. Bethesda is far away but just a plane ride.

Have a fun weekend.

2010-09-15T16:10:00.002-04:00

It is time to go to the Keys for a nice long weekend with my biker friends and my honey.

I haven't been on this poker run in 2 years. Last time I went I bought a new motorcycle because I had a nail in the tire of a perfectly good year old motorcycle that I had put 10,000 miles on. Do not let me stop at a Harley dealership again.
I can resist the temptation. I love my bike.

The other picture is a family shot from my sons birthday last month. I took my oldest out to breakfast this morning. He is job hunting and waiting for an offer from a job in Bethesda, MD. If he gets it I hope they pay him what he is worth. I am glad he is looking out of FL. Smart kid but I will really miss him.

It has been a week of taking my boys out to eat one on one. Bud and I took Andrew out for Thai food the other day.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. I am going to have a blast in Key West.

2010-09-10T16:17:00.004-04:00

Happy Birthday to me.

My girlfriend Sandra had a small dinner at her house for myself and our friend Jackie. Our birthdays are 5 days apart. Sandra can cook for us anytime. She made a 4 course meal and outdid herself.

Saturday was my birthday and I spent it with my honey in the morning, beach with my oldest and youngest then birthday cake at home before the Toby Keith Concert with my friend Sandra and my daughter and her friend Jen. Awesome concert.

Sunday was a huge BBQ at my honey's house. His crash pad is his best friends house. ( since 5th grade) He rents the guest room. he has a great deal. He lives in a big house if he is in town and his friends get their utilities paid. He has an apartment in Iowa where his boys live. He is never there either.

Monday was a long day at work. It didn't rain until I finished and was unloading my cart.

This weekend Sandra and I are heading to Naples to go for a nice long ride.

On Thursday the biker world heads to the Keys and Key West for a huge bike event. Our group heading down on Thursday morning is over 50 bikes. Yikes. We will be creating a traffic mess.

Have an awesome week. I will.

2010-09-03T15:42:00.002-04:00

HAPPY LABOR DAY WEEKEND!!!!

Since it is my birthday tomorrow I am debating what to do all weekend.

I will start with a photo shoot at Sandra's this afternoon then she is cooking dinner for myself and another friend who has a birthday in a few weeks. Us Virgos have to stick together.

Tomorrow I will probably have breakfast with my honey who is working all weekend. He has so much going on the next few weekends he is getting all his flying in when he can. I will never tell him not to work. Even though I would love for him to be around. Hang out with my kids in the afternoon, maybe. Then off to a Toby Keith concert tomorrow night with my daughter, my girlfriend Sandra and another friend of ours. Weather permitting. Lawn seats are not fun in the pouring rain.

My idea of a good time. No fuss.

Sunday will be some riding and a bbq at a friends house. Weather permitting of course.

Back to work on Monday.. A long day on the golf course. Weather permitting of course again.

I am debating getting the long t-shirt. But I doubt the bikers would get that I mean everyone of them who drinks then gets on their motorcycles. I see dumb people all the time.

Have an awesome weekend and try and stay dry and be safe.

2010-08-28T17:19:00.002-04:00

SOMETIMES LIFE CAN BE SO SAD!!!!!!!

I found out today that a friend and former neighbors ( last year) 18 year old son was killed in a car crash yesterday morning.
So very sad. Sam was a nice kid. Graduated high school last year just before I moved. He had just called his Mom at 3 am and said he was on his way home. He always called his Mom to check in and let her know his comings and goings. A house rule.
Ten minutes later he was in a horrific car accident. The friend of his that was driving was drunk. I don't know the specifics but Sam was killed on impact. The driver managed to escape the car before it blew up. He is in critical condition.

When will anyone realize that alcohol and moving vehicles just don't mix. No matter what age you are. Now this young man has killed his best friend, has an under age DUI and manslaughter. If he survives he will go to jail without passing go. His life is ruined. Both families are destroyed. I know my friend Tammy. She is an accomplished artist and painter and lived her life for her 3 children. Sam was her baby. Her 27 year old daughter is mentally challenged. I hope and pray some day Tammy and her family recover. And come to live with this senseless tragedy.

Last weekend while my wusband was in town for our sons 32nd birthday. A so called friend decided she didn't like the fact that I can be friends with my ex. Hang out with him and get along with him. So she goes off the deep end because someone in some bar who doesn't know me. Told her something someone said.. Knowing her she was running her mouth at a bar close to where I was sitting on the beach with my wusband. He was sleeping. We were minding our own business doing what we have always for 36 years done. Hang out on the beach. Hell. We met on the beach in NJ in 1974 as teenagers. I love the fact that my wusband and I can be friends again. We do have a family together that we both love and cherish. Our family loves the fact that we can all be together without any problems.

Now I should mention that my boyfriend Bud loaned her a sum of money and she has to pay it back to me or him on a weekly basis. Now just him. It was time to pay and she was supposed to pay cash, no check and have it paid on Friday. Week 2 and late again. There is a reason I was a payee. I don't travel for a living and live down the street.

Lets just say that she is a drama queen, hot head with overblown fake titties, lots of tattoos and a really bad short fuse. Did I mention she is a bartender. I had called her out the week before for over serving my boyfriend and his friends and questioned the amount of the bar bills.

After threatening me with bullshit, I told her I had no clue what she was talking about. Still don't . She said she was going to call Bud and text him and destroy my life. She tried. I asked her to leave him alone since he was with friends on vacation. She didn't listen. I have issues with people like this. I really thought she was a friend. Well. No friend of mine treats anyone like this. Lets just say she may have caused some issues between me and Bud. She came out looking like the ass she is. Bud didn't believe a word she said but she managed to plant doubts. The weird thing is she told him nothing but lies and he knows me and knows I do not ever hang out in bars drinking and asking others to pay. That I am not cheating on him. ETC, ETC< ETC...

Now I have a cardinal rule I happen to live by. "DO NO HARM" I will never go up to someone and repeat something someone said about them. I don't interfere in others relationships and try and destroy them. And I would never intentionally set out to destroy anyone. Just bad karma. Now because I am non confrontational, people think I am a pushover. Nope. But I will not retaliate. Life and people like this get what they deserve. I don't have to do a thing.

There is a country song on the radio right now. I like it. " I Pray For You" It applies here.

I also believe we all deserve the right to live and let live as we see fit. Just because someone does not get my lifestyle doesn't mean it is wrong. It just may not be right for them. If those in my close life have no issues why would someone else have a say in it. The reason most people have no issues with me is they know me and that I will never do harm. I am empathic and feel way to much. I don't like conflict or angry words. I can't watch fighting or boxing, etc.

Said trouble making friend decided by text that she may have been wrong and over reacted and wants to talk and be friends.
4 hours after the text she got my very polite reply so she has no lingering doubt. NO THANK YOU> Loose the number and never interfere in my life again. I am not interested in any contact.

Now my boyfriend is not questioning this and it does make him getting paid back and issue. Not my problem. She violated my personal code of conduct. He gets that. He and I are fine. He is with me 24 / 7 when he is in town and has been since this has blown up and been a very learning experience in our lives. He is always with me regardless when he is here. Just how it is.

I guess some people just love drama. I am not one of them and keep it out of my life as much as possible.

Life can be sad. In the bigger picture of things. She and her opinions just don't matter in the long run.

Thank you for letting me vent in my own corner of the world. I hope everyone had a better week.

2010-08-21T08:22:00.002-04:00

My girlfriend Sandra closed her restaurant a month ago. Now she is doing cooking classes, wine pairings and cooking for private parties. She continues to amaze me with her resilience.

The wine pairing was fun to work. She needed someone to help. I love making easy money. It worked out well.

She found a kitchen appliance show room in Coral Gables that has the most amazing working kitchen in the show room. She rents it out for her functions. Her former customers love her cooking and follow her. Dinner was seriously yummy. I skipped the wine since I was there to work and pour all 5 different wines.

Work is seriously slow right now. I can't wait until this heat goes away just a little. Like lets get the heat index under 100 please. It has been dry and Africa hot.

Have a fun weekend. Mine is all family stuff. My oldest turns 32 tomorrow. The Wusband is in for the weekend.

2010-08-12T09:56:00.002-04:00

I am dog sitting again. This time the dog is the size I like. Sprigs fits in well and is enjoying not having little kids around.
He and Izzie scratch at the door to get in while Shiloh lets them do all the work. Too funny.

Shiloh has been loving her nap time like usual with Izzie hanging in the background. Sprigs sleeps on the bed at home but I refuse to have 3 dogs in my bed.

Last night we celebrated Sandra's 52nd birthday. Fun times. The food was expensive and not worth the money.
Maria and I sent back our rack of lambs due to being well done. Not what we ordered at $30 per plate. They came out and dropped menus because they said they ran out of lamb. Personally I think the chef just didn't want to deal with us because he can't cook meat to temperature ordered. Just my opinion of course. Now there was nothing on the menu other than the lamb I felt like eating. And I am not that picky. So I didn't eat dinner. It was really late by the time dinner came out and I was over it.

Maria is a back up singer for K C & Sunshine band. Man can the girl sing. She is also a blast to hang out with. She and Sandra were both army wives in Sardinia, Italy back in the day. ( like 1980's) The Italian flies, funny.

The weather has finally cleared and I am going to work today. Bring on the golfers who want to tip the cart girl. Please.

This weekend I am riding come hell or high water. It is supposed to be clear and sunny. So my weekend will go like this. Sun, beach, ride, ride, sun , beach, and ride. My honey is working and I am going to a drag show tomorrow night with the girls. A Brad Paisley concert with my daughter and her friend Jen. So I should have a great weekend.

My honey is also going on vacation next week. Have fun. It is the first real vacation with no children, not being married and having the ex call him non stop after 1 day to come home and handle something. (I think I will delete his number so I am not tempted to call him. I won't though. he gets annoyed if I don't text him good morning) He is driving his truck back to Iowa, stopping at another pilot friends house, flying into Vegas to be picked up by private plane and flown to another pilots ranch in Arizona for a few days. All Air Force buddies he hasn't seen in forever. I told him to go have some down time and fun. I get the need to go do things you haven't had the chance to do. I left 8 yrs ago and have been doing what I want ever since.

Have a nice weekend.

2010-08-06T08:53:00.003-04:00

Some days it pays to stay in bed.

Yesterday was such a day.

The gym was crazy weird people. Then off to work I go.

Dead. No money and I twisted my ankle. But the worst was biting into a hard pretzel and breaking a crown. I didn't just break it, it broke off my tooth. Now this is a crown I had put on in the last 2 yrs. The same tooth the endodontist had to work on for a root canal last summer. The same tooth my dentist charged me $900 to work on the tooth and repair the crown he swore would hold after the endodontist drilled thru it. I guess I was right in believing it wasn't going to hold. So I am calling this my $4,000 tooth. I am pissed. But being a silver lining kind of girl at least the tooth doesn't hurt.

My friends were all going riding last night. Nope. I wasn't chancing it. I had had a bad day and wasn't chancing it.

I have a busy riding weekend taking pictures for lots of events planned. But will my foot / ankle hold. I may have to tap my boyfriend to ride me around.

I am also watching a friends little dog for 12 days. Nice dog. My little Shiloh is not playing nice. I hope she calms down or it's going to be a long 12 days for sure. Right now I am rotating dogs around. Shiloh in 1 area, the other 2 in another, switch to outside, switch to inside front room. You get the idea.

Then add on menopause kicking in with hot flashes, night sweats etc. Guarenteed it had been creeping in, now it's just here.
I think it's not a good idea I am around people right now. I am just plain cranky.

Have a fun weekend.

2010-07-31T07:48:00.003-04:00

Peaceful.
I had a nice peaceful few days in Captiva.

The west coast of FL is so different than where I live. Nice.

The pictures are the gulf coast, The Mucky Duck, (yummy) and The Seamen's Chapel. That is where my daughter wants to get married and always has. Very cute and small. It is not open during the summer months. No air conditioning.

But back to the real world I came. Yesterday my Daughter in law called me while I was on the beach chilling peacefully. She wants me to drop everything and watch her dog AGAIN. She has to work tonight and doesn't want Tonka home alone. So I said ok to tonight even though I have plans. Then she says she wants me to keep Tonka for a week or more while she goes to Tampa to see her friend. I said NO THANK YOU> I am already watching someone elses small dog for 10 days and I won't watch hers also. I get a not so nice text from my son in Montenegro saying Thanks a lot for being mean to his wife. I chewed him a new ass. He is almost 32. Come on. he said I told her I didn't like her dog, blah blah blah.

Fact is the dog is a pain in the ass. I think I should have the right to say NO THANK YOU> I suggested a kennel. He wasn't happy. I suggested maybe her family could watch him since they have huge back yards. Nope. They only call when they want something. (sounds like it runs in the family) I only hear from her when she wants something. The girl is a serious drama queen. I asked my 27 yr old what he thinks and he said he had no desire for Tonka to be here again for any length of time.
Fact is I don't live in my house alone. Everyone should have a say since we all end up watching and walking the monster. We all said NO THANK YOU>

I want to go back to Captiva and hide out again.

2010-07-23T10:48:00.002-04:00

MY HOUSE IS CLEAN AGAIN!!!!!!

The monster finally went home. My dogs are at the groomers as I type. I couldn't get them in before today. My groomers moved this week into their own building. They have a lot of work to do for sure. And my house is finally clean.

My honey had the trip from hell coming east in his truck with the trailer. What he thought would be 12 hours turned into 26. The truck had issues in the mountains and it took forever. Going 40 mph instead of 70 makes a huge time difference. But he and the boys are at his brothers. While he slept a little yesterday his niece took the boys ATV riding, white water rafting. Fun stuff. His brother took the boys out on the big tractor with air conditioning into the fields. They had a blast. He will be staying there for a few days and then heading down here. Hopefully it won't take as long. He did say he tried to sleep on the pull out sofa from hell last night. Mattress on the floor tonight for sure.

My bike is still in the garage. I plan on riding with my friends this weekend. My friend has his new bike. But we are having a little rain right now. Tropical storm Bonnie is coming thru right now. Not so bad. The news just likes to make things worse. I do believe we have had bigger thunder storms.

I am going to Captiva next week with a good friend of mine for a few days. I need a break for sure. A few down days for good behavior watching the grand dog.

Have a fun weekend. I plan on it.

2010-07-19T10:18:00.002-04:00

WHAT A NICE WEEKEND!!!!!!!

I had such a nice time all weekend hanging out with my honey.
Lots of live music, outside activities, beach and bicycles, birthday parties. We were kind of late everywhere we went though.
We kind of had a total immersion weekend before he heads out for a 2 week vacation with his boys. He is finalizing his move east and home to Miami. His motorcycle, atv, etc are going on a road trip. He is driving cross country from Iowa with his 8 and 11 yr old. Stopping in NC at his brothers for some white water rafting, gold panning on a stream on his brothers property. Fun stuff.
Then down to Miami he comes for some fishing with some other Uncles at Stiltsville out in key Biscayne. The boys will have a blast with their Dad and Uncles for sure.

I haven't been out on the bike much. I have been having hand issues with my clutch hand. The down time has helped immensely. That and lighting up my gym time to 4 days a week and lighter weights. I think my body needs a break. It has also been so hot, it's Africa Hot most days. But tomorrow I am riding. A good friend of mine is getting a new bike and we are picking it up and going for a ride. But first he has to get his new drivers license with his endorsement.

I have also been watching my Grand dog for the last 2 weeks. My house is full of dog hair. The floors are filthy. My little Shits need a trip to the groomers big time to be un Tonkad. They smell like him now. He hopefully leaves and goes home tomorrow.. When my daughter in law comes home from Montenegro and a 12 day vacation with my son. He is staying over there for a few more weeks for work. They are opening up a new nightclub that he designed. I told her that was her birthday present. He is a handful for sure. But a 90 pound Old English Bulldog is a hand full and strong as an ox or a bull in a china shop.

Time for work. Have an awesome week.

2010-07-06T16:16:00.002-04:00

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND

We went on Saturday night to see KC and the Sunshine Band. Talk about fun times. Memories.
My wusband went with us, my girlfriend Sandra, who got us VIP seating. My son Andrew also joined us and had a blast.
The backup singer Maria has been with KC for 20 yrs. She and Sandra have been friends for 30 years.
I also have press credentials for the biker magazine so no one bothered me with my camera up front. Hence the awesome pictures.

It was mostly a rained out weekend down here. Water, water and more water.
The 4th the rain hit at 2 pm and stopped in time for the fire works. We stayed home and watched the neighbors set stuff off.
No traffic, no mess and we stayed dry.

Yesterday I got rained out at work. The course is under water again. Hopefully I will get to work some tomorrow and Thursday.

I am so over the rain. But at least the heat has abated somewhat.

Have a great week.

2010-07-02T19:42:00.003-04:00

Last weekend I was so busy for a biker magazine that I found myself taking pictures of thing so outside my life experiences. Nor do I ever wish to go see it again. Yuck.

I did enjoy getting my arm airbrushed at the tattoopalooza on Saturday. Then I worked our magazines birthday bash for the owner. Over 1800 people showed up. What a wild time.

Then came Sunday and a cancer fund raiser with bikers. Tommy got a new dental hygienist with Pineapple. This dog is so friendly he will kiss anyone. Tommy owns a custom bike shop. Nice guy even though he is a tad out of control.

I figured I would share a few pictures of my weekend.

I hope everyone has such an awesome July 4th weekend. My wusband will be in and we are having a family weekend.

2010-06-21T10:16:00.002-04:00

I had such a busy weekend taking pictures for biking events and going for a local ride with the girls on Saturday.

I have come to the conclusion that I am so over people who drink to excess and people who drink on their bikes.

One of my best friends dropped his bike last night and has no clue why he was in my town. I spoke to him this morning. He is sore, has a stitched up face and head. But he was with a friend who helped him pick up his huge bike and he managed to ride it home. Not far. But he was closer to my house. The bike is damaged, his face is damaged, his body hurts like a mother. I told him I would gladly come take pictures tomorrow when he looks like a black and blue mess and print it. I will do it too.
After he got home he called a friend who took him to the emergency room to stitch him up.

It has been way too hot to drink and ride your motorcycle. Stop the insanity. It's insanity to ride when drinking anyway. But come on. Use your brain.

The guy I had been seeing on and off for 6 months is gone for good due to his drinking also. Maybe I just have no tolerance for people who drink to excess.

Have a fun Monday. I have to get ready for work. Lets hope the storms miss our course today so I can work.

2010-06-18T21:03:00.003-04:00

IT'S THE WEEKEND ALREADY

I have a busy photography weekend for a magazine I take pictures for. And next weekend.
Busy, busy, busy.

But first I am going riding with the girls first thing tomorrow morning while it's only 90 with a heat index of 100.
I swear if it gets any hotter we will all start and believe we are in Africa. Wait. Africa is probably cooler.

First the winter was cold, now the summer is blistering hot. And it's only June. We had no middle.

The kids left to see their Dad for the weekend. I almost went. But work intruded.

I did manage to get in a little beach time today. Then the storms moved in from nowhere. I was so looking forward to evening out my tan lines from the course and bike. My friends couldn't believe how pale I am. On my body. My arms and face are good.

Enjoy your weekend. I will be going to bed early. I am tired.

2010-06-12T16:35:00.004-04:00

A day in the life on the golf course.
As I go round and round and round I go. I see pilfering raccoons, begging ducks, even the babies know how to beg now. And they are only a few weeks old. The squirrel cracked me up getting some shade by the clubhouse.
If you look really close in the grass shot you will see a burrowing owl. They are protected and will his and attack you if you get too close. I have counted 6 owls now between 3 protected nests in the middle of the golf course.

Today I rode up to Lantana to an very old restaurant with just the girls. What a gorgeous ride.
Fun ride for sure.
Tomorrow I am going around and around again from 7 a.m. until it either rains or around 7:30 pm. Long day. I don't usually work weekends. Someone is on vacation.

Have an awesome weekend. Go USA in World Cup Soccer. We made it thru the first game tying with England. Oh Yea.

2010-06-08T22:20:00.002-04:00

I am not usually very political.

BUT COME ON AND FIX THE PROBLEM ALREADY.

Now if we can send people to the moon, are you telling me they have no idea how to fix this disaster in the gulf.
And if that is the case, who let them drill there in the first place. The environmental impact is catastrophic.

2010-06-03T21:30:00.001-04:00

My poor flowers are not doing so well. The smaller pots died totally. I have half left of the big pot.

Help Kathy. I never kill impatiens.

2010-06-01T17:51:00.002-04:00

What a fun weekend.

I spent it in Isslamarada at a small place called The Drop Anchor Inn. Sweet.
We had all 18 rooms to just us with just our group of merry misfits.
All rooms were suites and we piled people in on the long weekend.

5 boats were trailered in, a jet ski, etc. The pool had a sign that said no pool toys. We filled it. It was just us.

I read all weekend sitting by the pool, floating in the pool and swinging in a hammock. Bliss.

We came back on Sunday before the traffic for work. Work was crazy busy yesterday.

Time to get back in the swing of things.

Have an awesome June.

2010-05-22T08:04:00.003-04:00

I have been busy lately and forgot to update the blog. Sorry. I have also become a facebook addict.

Last weekend my wusband and my boys and I went go cart racing at an inside track. Fun but really expensive.
My wusband also put up a really big ceiling fan in my bedroom for me. Now it's a wind tunnel so I can cool down at night.

Yesterday I got a new back tire on my motorcycle. I milked 14,500 miles on my 1st one. Unheard of for guys but since I am so lite I got away with it. Today is an oil change then my bike is ready for another big ride tomorrow to Marco Island with a lot of riders.

I also started training yesterday for a Muddy Buddy race in November. I need to start running and biking. Something I just don't do. It felt good. Today Bud and I are going shopping for bicycles to use at my house. I live so close to the beach that we want to ride for exercise etc. We are also trying to loose some of the weight we put on by eating out all the time. He is doing a much better job then I am for sure.

I am really proud of Bud. He stopped drinking 3 weeks ago. What a huge difference. He's feeling better, looking better, joined a gym. And we are getting along much better with him sober. The first 2 weeks were tough though. He was really cranky.

I also babysat my granddog. Tonka is such a monster. My house gets filthy because he just drags the mud in from outside.
He also thinks he is a lap dog. As you can tell. He is sweet. But I will take my little lap dogs who are not messy when they drink or eat any day.

All in all life is good. Work is good. Relaxing.

Have an awesome weekend.

2010-05-09T21:31:00.002-04:00

My kind of Mothers Day.

Beach day with me and my kids. My daughter in law had to work.
My oldest son took a long nap, (he had a party at his house last night)
My daughter read then fell asleep under the same umbrella.

Why couldn't they do that when they were little?

My youngest and I read all day.

Such a pretty day.

BBQ later at my house. Veggie burgers for the veggies, real meat for the rest of us. Buffalo hot dogs and burgers.

My daughter is clipping coupons lately and is now telling me what to buy. I think I just gave up being the MOM.

Happy Moms day to us MOMS.

2010-05-04T15:52:00.002-04:00

Last weekend was fun.

Friday night we did yoga on the beach. My daughter was the instructor and all her instructor friends showed up and everyone had a blast. Those of us that are not instructors tried really hard not to laugh at some of the positions. Let alone hold them and not fall over. I was doing really well not talking or laughing ( really hard for me) until I looked over and saw my adopted daughter and my daughters boyfriend mouthing "what the f*&k". I lost it.

Saturday a group of friends and I rode down to the Keys for lunch at Gilbert's. Nice ride, great friends and a new motorcycle enthusiast has been found.
My friend Mara got a ride for the first time on a bike and has fallen in love with it. My friend Marlon rode her all day and they had a blast. Mara and I train together at the gym and Marlon works out there also. Now that is the way to ride. We kidnapped her for the day and went to the Keys. Now who would mind that?
Sunday was just an unwinding kind of day with my boyfriend. He rode with us on Saturday also. Then back to work he went even though he wanted to stay home and ride some more.

Yesterday I finally got to work the beverage cart on a Monday. The first Monday in 4 weeks that it hasn't rained.

Tonight is a bike night right up the street that I need to work. The biker magazine I take pictures for is the host.

What kind of fun does everyone have for Mothers Day weekend?

2010-04-26T19:04:00.002-04:00

WHAT A FUN WEEKEND

I had a blast all weekend. The ride up was fun with The Dirty White Boys and several cars. Then off to Leesburg Friday evening for a few hours. It was just starting to kick into bike weekend gear. Then home to the house for buffalo burgers. Yumm.

Saturday we took off and went riding until it was time to meet up with the Dirty White Boys and all the others up in the area for the spreading of the ashes for Poppy. We had over 70 bikes for this solemn occasion and Poppy's last ride on a motorcycle. His family came up in one of the cars. We had no police escort, and just rode tight and had a nice ride. I don't think we had a permit to scatter the ashes. But off into the wind he went up on the mountain surrounded by friends and family and a lot of motorcycles. What a gorgeous spot overlooking the lake on a bright and sunny day.

Then off Chris, Sue and I went around the lake and all around the area for a ride. Sue took off in her car while Chris and I went to dinner with friends for a birthday celebration. 16 people who just crack each other up. I got my lobster dinner for free since they forgot to put the order in the kitchen with the other 15 dinners. Mine came out after everyone ate and they brought the birthday cake out at the same time and the birthday girl was right next to me.

Sunday I rode home with a friend of mine the long way. Sue took off down the turnpike while my wusband rode about halfway with us and headed for home.

All in all I rode around 800 miles in 3 days.

Last night we celebrated a friends birthday at a biker bar. With female impersonators. Large, black and male and funny as crap. I got great pictures.

Just an all around great weekend. I hope yours was also.

2010-04-21T17:37:00.002-04:00

My week in review.

Last Saturday night we celebrated my friend Walter's 45th birthday. We are so blessed to still have him. He is in remission from his acute milogenic leukemia. His girlfriend pulled off a great surprise birthday party and everyone kept the secret. The fact that he survived the last 1 1/2 years is such a gift.

Monday night I took pictures at a bridal shower. I got railroaded into it. The pictures turned out great. I don't know the bride that well, the couple are good friends with friends of mine. I am not the biggest advocate of marriage. I am not sure I really believe in it anymore. I do know I have no desire to get married again.

This weekend I am heading up to Leesburg bike festival with friends and new friends. I am staying with my Wusband. He is going to join in the fun. I am also taking pictures of the whole thing and getting paid for it. And writing a short story about it. I won't be getting paid a lot. But I will have fun. I will also be taking pictures of spreading the ashes of our dear friend Poppy. I will just take pictures of the gathering. I doubt I will stand down wind.

I hope your all having a great week. I have been working. I got rained out again on Monday. Learned the snackbar the last few days and have a cart shift tomorrow. They changed my in time to noon, and be on the course by 1. That really works for me. I can now go to the gym first. That makes me happy.

Enjoy your weekend. I will.

2010-04-16T15:20:00.002-04:00

Last Sunday we had a small intimate dinner at Sandra's house. It was pouring outside but we had a blast.
Sandra is a chef with her own restaurant. What an eclectic group.

The girl picture is( left to right) Maria (singer), Sandra (chef), me (photographer) and Melanie (nail tech and business owner)

Sandra is a chef. 2 ballerinas, a Harley sales guy (Sandra's boyfriend), a nail tech, a storm door sales guy, an accountant, a pilot ( my sweetie), Maria is has been a back up singer for KC and the Sunshine band for 20 years. Man can she sing. and me the photographer. But not that night.

Now the food was to die for of course. Yummy. The company was interesting and just fun. I love it when such different people get together.

This week I started working for the golf course. Much different than the last course I worked for. But laid back for sure.
A typical cart shift. Sun, wind, flying golf balls, with period of rain just for kicks. At least the golfers on this course don't take it so seriously. The last course in Orlando was a PGA qualifier course. Much different level of players.

I hope everyone has an awesome weekend.

Tonight is yoga on the beach with my daughter teaching the class. Tomorrow night is my friend Walter's surprise birthday party. He's the one with leukemia. And Sunday we are all supposed to ride for Poppy in remembrance of him. Sunday may just be a washout. 80% chance of rain and thunder storms. I do believe I live in South Florida.

2010-04-08T11:10:00.002-04:00

My version of an Easter basket this year.

You should have seen my oldest sons face. Priceless.

Easter was really nice, great food, great family and friends.

I have my motorcycle finally fixed. After many time consuming and frustrating hours they decided to put a new back wheel on my motorcycle. They took one off a new one. That works for me. The baring issues and the wheel wobble caused internal damage that was hard to find. It pays to keep complaining and calling corporate until they find the problems. I am vocal for sure.

Have a fun week. I am still waiting to start my new job at the golf course.

2010-04-02T14:07:00.002-04:00

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE.

What fun do you have planned?

My Wusband is coming in tonight for the weekend of fun family stuff.

I finally have my motorcycle back and fixed. I had bearing issues on both tires. I am lucky I didn't get hurt and that I pay such close attention to whatever I am riding or driving. The weather is sure pretty out. But alas, I really have domestic crap to deal with.

Dinner is leg of lamb (marinating now) for Sunday. My girlfriend who owns the Italian restaurant gave me the marinade recipe and will be coming on Sunday. She also bringing roasted veggies, some wine, dessert, etc. It's really tough having a chef as a friend. NOT!!! I think I am having around 10 people for dinner.

Tomorrow night a friend of mine is singing in Fort Lauderdale, I think the Wusband and I are going to listen.

Have a fun weekend.

2010-03-29T16:47:00.005-04:00

Happy Monday.

Saturday I went to Everglades City with a friend of mine named Marlon. Fun guy who loves to ride. We had buffalo hot dogs, stone crabs and BBQ. Followed by a few games of pool at our favorite pool hall / biker bar. Fun day and I ate a ton of good food. I gave up hot dogs a long time ago. But I gave the buffalo on a try. All natural, no preservatives, etc. Good. We found out where the locals got their stone crabs fresh and found it down a rugged pot wholed road. Worth the trip. Sat on the deck behind the market eating fresh stone crab. Then on the way home we stopped for BBQ. Great day.

Sunday Marlon and I were going to go out on his air boat. But alas the wind was blowing too much. So we jumped back onto the bikes and headed to the race track to watch some of his and his friend Brians friends race their motorcycles. Fun. Then off to Key Largo to Gilberts for lobster. Double yum. The weather held, just stayed overcast and we pulled in after 6. Two long days of riding. Over 400 miles in 2 days. My shoulders are killing me. But life is good.

2010-03-22T14:09:00.002-04:00

What a week.
I went to a funeral for Poppy on Thursday. Which was also my 32nd anniversary.

I spent a few days last week with my ex boyfriend Bud while his 7 and 11 year olds were in town.
He was also a 30 + yr friend of Poppy's.
I can't handle how much he drinks and I am not willing to put up with his being drunk all the time.
No one should.

Saturday I just laid low and rode around locally. Yesterday I went to another event for Poppy. They gave out really cool t-shirts and I took pictures.

I have ended up taking pictures a few times for Bikes and Beauties magazine. Now hopefully they will hire me. I really enjoy taking pictures.

I also have a second interview at a golf course to be a cart girl. I have experience. The money is good and cash.

I hope this week will be a great one. Now that I finally feel like I am over this chest infection. It feels good to feel good.

2010-03-17T11:16:00.002-04:00

HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY!!!

I love this holiday. It's all about green beer (yuck), corn beef and cabbage (yum) and just celebrating the fact that I am part Irish.

Today I am lying low trying to get over what ever is wrong in my chest. I either still have an infection in my chest or have pulled a muscle. So no gym for a few days. This is way to painful. The pain radiates from front to back in my upper left chest and trying to invade the right side. My Dr says its a virus that's going around. I personally think this just came back from last month with a vengeance. So anti-inflamatories, a z-pack just in case it is bacterial. I just want the pain gone. I don't sit well.

Last week was tough on a few bikers. One of our dearest friends died from pneumonia. Nice guy. His funeral is tomorrow night. 5 pm viewing with services at 6. He was probably cremated. There will be a celebration of his life after the services. And a ride later in his honor.
Another rider went down after she partied too hard at the fireman's charity event. My take is the girl is nuts drinking and riding her own bike like that anyway. I have seen her in action way too many times out of control doing stupid things. I try and stay away from her when we are riding.

Tomorrow would have been my 32nd anniversary. Not all bad memories and I am glad we are becoming friends now. I say it's about time to let the negative go and go about living our lives and sharing fun times with our grown children. He was down last weekend to celebrate our sons 27th birthday. He rode with us all weekend. Two weekends in a row around each other and no fighting. Works for me.

Have a Happy St. Patrick's Day and a very Happy Birthday to Ray who is a from birth friend of mine. He is 52 today.

2010-03-12T10:47:00.002-05:00

Andrew's 27th Birthday!!!!

I can't believe my baby is 27. How did that happen?

We had an awesome dinner at a friends incredible Italian restaurant.
Small, intimate and really good.

My wusband will be in town this weekend for more celebrations for Andrews birthday.

2010-03-09T12:39:00.002-05:00

Daytona Bike Week 2010 has come to n end.

COLD COLD COLD

BRRR BRRRR BRRRRR

We had fun. Froze and wore more leather than I thought I owned.
I loved riding up and back. Layering worked.
The crowds were there but from what I hear about half of what is usually there.

Some of our group loved the shopping but after a day I was over venue crap. See one vendor see them all.
So Sue and James stayed at the venue and partied with friends of ours from down here while the rest of us took off
and rode to St. Augustene and just rode.

It was fun hanging out with my friends and wusband. He rode over and joined us.

I hope you all had a great weekend.

2010-03-02T15:37:00.002-05:00

Sunday we had 16 bikes on a ride to Homestead.

Fun times for sure.
We stopped at an old BBQ place that had fantastic food and got our food out quickly.
Then off to the Homestead winery out in the middle of nowhere.
This place was gorgeous. I couldn't believe the courtyard. Gorgeous waterfalls, lots of connected tiki huts with comfy seats and pit areas. They sold their fruit wine. Not grapes. Way too sweet for me and not my type at all. Did I mention expensive.
A few of our group got different bottles of wine, cheese and crackers, yummy ice cream. We had fun. Went on the tour which was a joke if you have ever been on a winery tour.
They were setting up for a wedding, so we took off and headed out for a few places closer to home.

My sweetie and I are working things out. Time will tell. We have a busy month that won't have a lot of time together available.
The picture is of Bud and I. He's tall and snuggly.

I leave for Daytona on Thursday. Half the group wants to leave tomorrow. I have no desire to go up early.
If one of our group can't go (we find out tonight), I will just drive up in my car. Much warmer. It is supposed to be really cold. low 50's during the day and in the 30's at night. BRRRRR. And we are supposed to stay at my house an hour away. Now they want at least a night local in Daytona closer. The other girl in the group is trying to fit way too much in , didn't ask me what I would like to do or the others. I think she is going to be really disappointed and expects way too much of a bike rally that is packed with bikers. The venues are really far apart, etc. I almost would prefer to stay home.

I hope everyone is having a great week.

2010-02-26T11:14:00.002-05:00

What a pretty day.

Cold but pretty. I may break out the bike and go for a ride if it warms up some more.
56 is really cold on the bike.

I had a good workout at the gym. My riding partner in crime Sue was there. She had the chance to leave work and get paid for it. She was going on vacation on Monday anyway. Daytona here we come. We may go up early.

My mood has improved for sure. When you make the right decisions in your life you know it.

Have an awesome weekend.

2010-02-25T17:46:00.002-05:00

What a sad day.

Nancy would have been 50 today.
My boyfriend Bud and I broke up today. I am sad. But I am sure it is for the best in the long run.

New Jersey is getting hammered again with another foot of snow. Sorry family and friends.

In good news, I am going to Daytona bike week with my friends next week.

Have a fun day.

2010-02-20T07:56:00.003-05:00

Welcome to Acoustic Jam 2010.
What a fun time for sure. The music was awesome.
Hanging out in your friends back yard listening to great music day and night. Their neighbors are saints for sure. They had over 100 people there, which means cars everywhere.

I had an interesting week capped off by getting fired from my call center job. I am laughing.
I think I was the only one in there that was not on parole, been to jail or rehab. To say I didn't fit in was an understatement.
It seems I couldn't make any sales, nor could the closers with the calls that came into my line.
The quality of the leads I saw were the bottom of the barrel for sure. I think I also scared them because I felt good this week and started paying attention to what really was going on and how full of shit they were. One of the closers got my check for me, told me they were going to let me go and told me to go before they could fire me. Theresa is good people. She also told me where I could find another call center job if I wanted to try again.
I am so not upset by loosing that job. I was walking away anyway if I didn't make any money this week. And vocal about it.

So what is up in your world?

I got a new front tire for my motorcycle.
Expensive for sure. My boyfriend paid for it. Nice guy.
He got stuck in Jamaica yesterday. He was not happy about that. His flight was cancelled. So It is not just the flying public who gets stuck. It is the pilots also. He will be home this morning. Now he has the weekend off. He was supposed to be flying all weekend.

I will be riding some this weekend, having my old neighbors over for dinner tomorrow night.
My wusband is in town this weekend for CME's and staying my house. Busy weekend.

Have an awesome day.

2010-02-12T14:45:00.002-05:00

In honor of Valentines day I am sending you some gorgeous roses.

And because it is so cold up north you get a Florida sunshine picture.

I have been sick. I am not thrilled with being under the weather.
I would love to have my voice stick around for awhile.
I go to work for a few days and it goes away again. I am not amused.
I have some kind of cold/ flu/ what ever this is. The chills come and go.

But it could be worse. I could be snowed in up north.

Have a Happy Valentines Day.
My sweetie is in Iowa visiting his boys.

2010-02-01T21:04:00.002-05:00

An interesting few weeks for sure.

Two weekends ago I had a busy weekend. Our daughter graduated from yoga instructor school. What an interesting evening. From the ceremony to the dress to the music and food. We had a blast. Dancing to Hari Krishna music and dancing with a few Hari Krishnas. Serene and way out there for sure. Our family had a blast. I got some cool pictures.

My sweetie actually had the weekend off so I spent most of it with him. And my wusband was in town. I was walking a fine line for sure. Even though I have been gone 8 years now. I lost my phone for a little while. Was way late getting back to my sweetie and it caused a problem. Life happens.

Sunday was the annual Chili Cook Off. I do believe all the trailer parks in South Florida were empty for sure. Great music, great people watching and my sweetie still in a bad mood. He finally calmed down and I just kept laughing. I was going to have fun and I did.

I got home last night from my weekend in snowy DC. The memorial service was very on target for Nancy. Her Dad gave the eulogy and did a great job. So sad to loose another daughter to the same hideous disease. They are choosing to remember their beautiful daughter in the good times. Not the last 8 years of fast decline into alcoholism.
I spent the weekend with her wusband, mom, dad and her older and only remaining sister. I didn't know her sister really as she was 14 years older and lived in upstate NY. She is really awesome. A very healing weekend and 7 inches of snow.
Did I mention the snow. Nancy would have loved it for sure. She was as much a snow bunny as much as I am a beach girl.

I am glad to be home. I still have larangitis. So I called into work today. If I can't speak, I sure can't talk on the phone for 6 hours a day. I will try it tomorrow. I am not sure my voice will handle it.

2010-01-29T08:16:00.000-05:00

SAD WEEKEND

I am off to DC for Nancy's memorial service.

I hear it may snow. Go figure.

2010-01-14T15:40:00.002-05:00

I FOUND SOME PICTURES FROM MY TRIP WITH GRAMS IN 2005.

I have been going thru boxes of office supplies. I can't believe we have so many office supplies.

The pictures of are of my beloved Grams, Niagra Falls, and Sedona. Nice memories.

2010-01-09T21:19:00.003-05:00

BRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!

BRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!

BRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!

I am not amused. The dogs are not amused. They keep thinking they want out. They stick their noses out and back up and stare at me like I can change this rainy, raw and very cold day. The cat has been in and out and walks to the front door and knocks to come in. I think he head butts the door. We hear him. Amusing. Or he keeps staring in the glass door while pawing it.

My sweetie is flying tonight, so I am watching football at home. Go Jets. It looks like Philly will loose to the Cowboys.
He will be home tomorrow night.

Enjoy the weekend. Mine is cold, cold, cold.

2010-01-08T10:55:00.002-05:00

CHANGES-!!

What a different start to the new year. I have lost my very good friend from high school. She is in peace now and not suffering. Those who cared for her can finally breath and start living again. That is not in my opinion a negative thing to say. Her wusband went above and beyond what anyone would ever expect from an ex spouse. Danny has to be one of the nicest people in the world with so much patience. It was not easy for him. We spoke and texted every day. His sanity factor on most days. Now he is back working in his high stress job without the added burden of caring for an out of control and demanding person he used to love and cherish. He never skipped work if he could help it. The job is just all consuming with his boss not the most understanding individual in the world. He said all his alanon meetings helped him deal with his boss of 35 years and Nancy's out of control alcoholism.

My new boyfriend and I are going strong. We sure weren't looking for this but we found it in the most unlikely place. On a motorcycle run to Naples. He met me while I was being harassed from my ex-boyfriends girlfriend. Not the prettiest of times in my life. He now sees what I meant by my life is very non drama and I am a total homebody. At first I wasn't interested. He has pursued me and had no clue why. I am not his type. I am artsie. I am independent and strong willed.
He is giving me a buddy pass to go up for the Memorial service sometime this month.
He is newly divorced and has young kids. The ex and kids live in Iowa. Not someone I would ever give the time of day to. I don't do drama. His ex is remarried already. We both hate shopping, have no desire to get married again. He is so caring and nurturing. I told him not to throw Gods gift back at him. I have been alone for 8 years except for friends. No real relationships like this.
I am not used to or have ever met anyone like him. He is a few years younger. He said he was going to look for a younger woman and go wild. He took one look at me and was hooked. So much for younger woman. I am not what he was looking for. Funny how life is sometimes.
I am looking for a job. My kids are doing really well. My ex is adjusting and from what I can tell making progress in a positive direction. He went running the other day. I hope he will get back in shape and start taking care of himself. We are getting along and talking for the first time in way too many years.

Time to redo my resume and email it out for a job with a hotel.

May 2010 be an awesome year.

2010-01-02T21:24:00.002-05:00

REST IN PEACE NANCY!!!!

Nancy lost her battle with alcoholism tonight at 7:05 in the tender loving care of hospice. Her wusband said it was such a dignified way to go. I thank them for giving her back her dignity that her love of alcohol took away from her. She was 49.

She is in a much better place now.

I wish I had a much better picture of Nancy. I will have to learn to scan one from when we were in high school.

The picture of her alone was taken in April during my visit to DC. The one of the two of us together on the boat was taken a few years ago.

2010-01-01T16:45:00.003-05:00

Welcome to 2010!!!!

Last night the blue moon was just gorgeous.

I was home by 8:30. I got my last ride in of 2009 with my friend Sue. I was talking to my friend on the phone until 11 and I was done. The fireworks woke me up of course. Poor Izzie was shivering and cuddling. Dogs really don't like fireworks.

Off to the beach on my first ride of 2010 to watch the sun come up. Nice sunrise. The fisherman were out of course.
The baby was trying to eat he sand while his Mom was trying to get a picture of him with the sunrise in the background.

Then I had breakfast at my favorite place on the beach. Little Venice. My friends place. I have been home cleaning and straightening ever since. Watching football. What a great win for FSU.

The rest of the weekend we are riding. My sweetie should be back from Iowa by Sunday night. He is over being cold. His boys are over winter break. They were supposed to be here and not in Iowa freezing. I am glad I am not there.

Happy 2010.

2009-12-30T12:26:00.002-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

As we paddle off into the sunset of another year. I hope everyone had a very eventful and happy and healthy 2009.

Mine has been eventful. I gained a few friends. Good additions. Real people who love to ride motorcycles.

Lost a few friends due to crappy behavior. I don't loose friends often, but sometimes you just have to cut the ties.

I lost my girlfriend Judy after a long battle with cancer.. My friend Walter is doing great after battling accute mylogenic leukemia.
My girlfriend Nancy made it to Christmas and seems determined to see 2010. We have no idea how she is doing it. She is back home and has hospice and in home nursing care. The toll and expense is very high for her Wusband Danny. He is having a really tough time coping since this has all fallen on his shoulders. Her behavior and mood swings are totally out there and her body is breaking down.

I have a new boyfriend. He's nice and we are taking things nice and slow and getting to know each other. He is a pilot and comes and goes. My kind of boyfriend for sure. Not under my feet. He also rides, and doesn't mind my independence. Which is a plus. 2010 should be interesting. He's interesting, fun to be around and actually says what he means. A guy who is not afraid to talk and ask questions. A novelty for sure. Oh and he is smart. I like smart guys. He is in Iowa with his kids thru the New Year. He was supposed to be here with the kids but couldn't get in due to flight cancelations and over bookings. Oh well. He will be back on Saturday. Not making it in with the kids opened up a few days over the weekend. Now he doesn't have to try and get them back to Iowa. It seems everyone wants to be in Florida over the holidays. I can't imagine why. ;-}

My kids are all doing great. They seem happy and in good places in their personal lives.

I am looking for a job come January. I am not sure doing what. But I am giving up dealing cards. I will put my applications back out. Hit a week of school to keep it up. But not really pursuing that venue.

My wusband is coming around after his tour in Iraq. The after affects are disappearing and he spent 5 days down here over Christmas. Nice and peaceful. Hopefully the friendship we are slowly building will last. That would be nice.

New Years Eve I will be with my friends up on the beach. My daughter and her boyfriend are staying in also. I never ever drink and party on New Years Eve and I usually am sound asleep by midnight. Why break my tradition now. I will more than likely go watch the sun come up on New Years day by myself.

HAVE A VERY HAPPY AND HEALTHY 2010. MAY ALL YOUR HOPES, DREAMS AND WISHES COME TRUE.

2009-12-23T20:46:00.002-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!!!!!

The pictures are my outside lights courtesy of my friend Bud who was a really good sport hanging lights into the palm fronds. It took almost 7 hours.

My Christmas tree ( a little blurry)

And a table full of tequila from a memorial service for a local biker who died of a heart attack. I love the picture.

So have a shot of tequila from me to you and stay warm this Christmas.

2009-12-18T17:44:00.003-05:00

IT HAS STOPPED RAINING.
We had over 10 inches of rain in 2 days. Yikes. We needed some water wings for our cars. Stranded cars on all the side streets. We got creamed for sure. I haven't moved my car. I would have gotten stuck for sure.

Several of us are riding all weekend. It's going to be nice and cool outside for a change. Leather jackets finally.

Have a fun and enjoyable weekend for everyone up north.

2009-12-15T07:43:00.002-05:00

As with the ocean life is ever changing.

On the good side my oldest son has gotten a job with his old boss doing what he loves in Interior design. His former boss left the old company to start up his own. His intention was always to bring Chris Jr with him. When Chris was fired a month ago from his old job, he looked around, (nothing of course), Bruce wanted him on board but didn't have the $$$. So Chris has been doing what he does best for Bruce and worked for free until the money came in. Things moved much quicker with Chris around and the contract finally started bringing in some much needed cash for everyone. Chris got a weeks paycheck last week and the owed money hopefully gets paid this week. Merry Christmas to my oldest child.

Now for the sad part of my life. My best friend Nancy is in the hospital in the end stages of alcoholism. She is in ICU. The Dr's won't tell her wusband Danny how long, she refused to sign a living will. There is no hope for anything at this point. My wusband says it's the beginning of the end and she shouldn't make it to Christmas. We didn't think she would. What a sad and senseless journey this has been. Her wusband Danny has been thru hell and back with her but never left her hanging and homeless. As much as we have loved her and tried to get her help, the need for booze was her siren call. What a waste of such a talented artist and person. If the situation was reversed she would have been there for us. Danny and I have become best of friends thru this ordeal. Thank God for Alanon for him these last 7 years. As we have talked about many times, our beloved Nancy left us years ago into the bottle. She is not who she is today and we try very hard not to take what came out of her mouth personally. But it has been really tough.

My youngest will be joining a salon in January as a massage therapist. He will be renting a sound proof room in the salon and operating out of there. Life is ever changing.

My daughter is almost done with her instructions to become a yoga instructor. Who would have thought that is a direction she would have taken.

As for me I really need to find a job in January. I am bored and not having any luck getting a dealing job.

I will be doing a few photo shoots in the next few weeks. I would love to make a living with my camera. I will still try and get a job with the biker magazine but my exboyfriends girlfriend struck again and trashed me to the editor. Who happens to like me and thought the girl was nuts. I had explained to her my change in phone #'s and she had known about the harassment on the bike trip. If I were her I wouldn't have me work for her either right now due to the unstable nature of the girl and her tendency to show up at events and try to cause trouble for me. She is a business person after all.

Like I said life is ever changing. The drama that came my way is so unlike my life. My motto has always been "DO NO HARM".

Just a few thoughts for a Tuesday. Time for the gym.

2009-12-10T15:59:00.001-05:00

I almost bought this for myself today.
I figured maybe I would get a gift under the tree.
But novelty tees are not my thing. Maybe if you can wear them more than a few weeks a year.
I started Christmas shopping today. I made some progress but treated myself really well.
I am so bad.

How is your shopping coming along?

2009-12-08T11:07:00.001-05:00

IS IT LUNCH TIME YET???

2009-12-02T17:41:00.003-05:00

Our 2009 family holiday photo.

2009-11-30T17:12:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving has come and gone.

My family traveled to Central Florida for the holiday weekend.
My wusband was in a play as the lead. 12 Angry Jurors. They did a very nice job.
Friday night my family went and watched. Saturday night my youngest son and I returned.
Being regional theater it changed every performance. I tried to get a few good pictures. I managed between the 2 nights. It's really tough getting shots without flash and people moving around. The second night was easier because I knew what the actors were going to do.

Thanksgiving dinner was at a friend of my wusbands house. They had a bigger table and more chairs. I cooked for 12 people. I do believe my wusband was a little overwhelmed with all the commotion in his house. He kept hiding in his room watching videos on his computer. He wanted more life in his house. We added 5 people, 3 dogs and a cat. His is a small 3 br 2 ba. About 1400 sq ft. Fun times. I just laughed.

How was your weekend?

2009-11-22T18:05:00.002-05:00

" GOD IS GREAT, BEER IS GOOD AND PEOPLE ARE CRAZY"

That about sums up my weekend. I did a bike run to Naples with 110 bikes.
Way too much beer and Jaegermeister for the riders in Naples.
Fun times and people are crazy. Our hotel was included and had a pool by the tiki bar with live music and Kareoke. Use your imagination. Beer and crazy bikers.
Great weather and ride to and from. Police escorted all the way. Always fun when you close off roads and run red lights with cops lights going crazy.

My ex boyfriends girlfriend got my phone # off his phone that he was told to loose months ago. She started texting me and calling me, email . Crazy girl. over 50 texts in less than 24 hours, 4 voicemails, 10 emails. I changed my cell phone number and blocked her emails. I even had a friend who is a Sheriff ask her to stop, talked to her and sent her boyfriend a text asking him to get her to stop. My friend the Sheriff made sure I changed the number this afternoon once we got home from the bike rally. ( Sue keeps her bike here) and the tone of the text and emails were getting crazy. Sue got concerned.

The pictures are of Sue and I just before we left on the run yesterday, my bike of course and some other riders.

What fun did you have?

2009-11-17T07:04:00.002-05:00

I was out riding up in Palm Beach county on Saturday and the surf was just incredible for down here. The surfers were out in full force. Surfers in Florida wait all year for these swells.

I hope everyone is having a great week.

Next week we are heading to central Florida to my wusband's for Thanksgiving. I am cooking. He is getting invaded by 5 people, 1 cat and 3 dogs. He said his house is too quiet. He is also in a play in a regional theater up there, he has the lead in "12 angry jurors" So we are going to him and to see him in the play.

This weekend I am probably going on a bike run to Naples, stay overnight, then come back. There are supposed to be over 100 bikes escorted across Alligator alley, a party over there. I will probably go riding in the local area once there.. Then a huge party after we all get back over here for a fundraiser for kids for Christmas. The season is definitly picking up with fundraisers. Give bikers a reason to ride and we ride

Have fun.

2009-11-13T15:58:00.002-05:00

OASIS OF THE SEAS!!!

This is one huge cruise ship. It is the largest cruise ship in the world and it pulled into Port Everglades this morning. They even built a new terminal to accommodate the over 3,000 people it will carry.

I went down to the beach along with a lot of others bright and early this morning to watch it come in the port. Impressive. They said it was coming in between 8:30 and 9. It's a good thing I went down around 7:30. It came in around 8 am. Wasted no time.
I met a really nice couple from Germany that invited me to come visit in Germany. They even have a guest room. How come Americans don't do that? They found it amusing that I was so bundled up. It was cold and 56 degrees. Breezy. Don't laugh. Thats cold for me.

What fun do you have planned for this weekend? I will be out and about riding all weekend alone. Sue's parents are in town and she spends it with them. Which is cool.
The weather is supposed to be gorgeous, 60's to 70's. What great riding weather.

Have an awesome weekend.

2009-11-09T18:07:00.002-05:00

What a fun weekend.

We had a good ride up and back and a blast while up there overnight.
484 miles total. It was windy, windy windy.

Saturday night we met up with friends of mine and went to the Food and Wine festival at Epcot.

In the picture is Sue on her new bike, my husband Chris on his new bike and me on my bike with 8,000 miles on it.
I swear the more miles it has the better it runs. I really love road trips. I have my Ipod plugged in and just cruise.

We went up thru the state of Florida around lake Okeechobee. The very long way for sure.

I hope everyone had a great weekend.

2009-11-02T07:29:00.002-05:00

What a pretty day yesterday.
We rode to Stuart on A1A and back. What a gorgeous day.
Long for sure. The picture is of Jupiter Lighthouse.
I need another oil change on my bike. Again.

Next weekend we are heading to Clermont on the bikes to go riding with Chris. He is joining us at the halfway point so he can get a good ride in also.

The weather is just gorgeous.

2009-10-31T07:57:00.002-04:00

Another gorgeous and hot weekend.

I love hot weather. But it is October 31st. I would love highs around 80 and lows around 70. Maybe I should move to Hawaii.

Happy Halloween. I am riding this afternoon and not going to a party tonight. I will stay at home with my dogs and answer the door if anyone comes by. I hear it's quiet. Good thing. We ate almost all of the candy over the last 2 weeks.

We are riding like crazy right now. Sue wants 500 miles on her bike before the weekend before Thanksgiving. We won't have a problem. I need another oil change. I have 7200 miles on my new bike. Oh my I have sure been riding.

2009-10-27T20:43:00.002-04:00

Sue on her brand new 2010 Softail Deluxe.

I have been hanging out with my riding buddy Sue a lot lately.

Well yesterday Sue took the day off ( she is a Broward County Sheriff in the jail system). She met me at the gym and then we went riding. She wanted to go looking and comparing motorcycles. She was ready to upgrade. Now on Sunday we rode to the keys and had lunch and we stopped at the southern store for her to see what they had in inventory. She rode a softail deluxe down there. She went around the store a few times and went WEEEEE every time she passed me. I just laughed. She had no idea she had found herself her next bike.

The first dealership we went to yesterday wouldn't let her test ride anything unless she bought on the spot. And they only offered her $5,000 less on her bike than another dealership we bought our bikes at. Mine was bought at the south store we stopped at on Sunday. She bought her 1st bike in July and bought it under a program that guarenteed her 100% back on her bike if she traded it in within the year and maintained it according to warranty. So we called our favorite dealership and asked if they had the softail in and in what color. We knew they would honor the deal with Harley. The other dealership would not and they jacked their prices by $3,000 over MSRP.

Well Sue and I took off to see the bike and she loved it. And bought it after she dropped it in the parking lot. They fixed the small issues from the drop at their expense because Sue hadn't bought it yet. I figure her drop is now out of the way on this bike. She is a little wobbly on the bigger bike but getting used to it. Riding often helps. Sue hurt her back yesterday when she dropped the bike. She managed to hold the bike up until help came. How she managed to hold up a 700 pound bike is beyond me. Trust me if she hadn't held that bike up the damage would have been extensive. The paint job is awesome and sparkles in the sunshine.

Now I being a really good friend hung out with her during her bike buying venture yesterday and made a call and got her a massage on the way home from buying the bike. I laughed when she said she only needed a half hour massage. My guy doesn't do half hour massages. I left her in good hands and went home for 2 hours. She is really glad today that she got a massage and such a good one. Tom is really good.

Now I have a purple and white sparkly bike in my garage next to my black beast. That is why we ride together so much. Her bike keeps mine company.

Am I having fun yet? I did ride her bike at the dealership and I was major league scrunched up on it. I am too tall for that bike. I will keep my black beast. I love my Fat Bob. It goes so fast and is so much fun to ride.

I hope everyone is having fun.

2009-10-20T18:57:00.001-04:00

A little piece of heaven for all of you up north.

I love it down here.

2009-10-18T21:18:00.002-04:00

Meet Klashing Hearts.

Another nice group of kids. They were fun and showed up to have a good time and get some great pictures.

I even got some ride time in today. Cold for sure. Our temperatures took a major fall yesterday. It was only 52 this morning. A 30 degree drop. BRRRR. But my Harley loves this cool weather.

Have a fun week. I have another photo shoot tomorrow. Maybe 2. We are trying to get everyone done before the producer Ricki heads out of town for the next few weeks.

2009-10-17T11:56:00.003-04:00

I had fun on my photo shoot on Thursday. Ricki Erik is the producer and a recording artist. He has a voice like an angel. I have a lot of his music on my IPOD. He was in charge of this shoot and all the ones I have coming up in the next few days.

Miss Jazz is the first victim of my photography for album covers. She is a rap artist who is very sweet, shy and self conscious. She said I was like no other photographer she has worked with. I am not demanding and just want them to be themselves. It worked . She is very photogenic and had a blast on the shoot. Lots of different looks to choose from. I like this one the best.

I finally got my bike out of the shop. Only to bring it back this morning. My brakes were squealing like a pig with the swine flu.

My daughter and I have tickets to Brad Paisley tonight. I am going to need a sweatshirt. Our temperatures are finally going to drop in the next few hours to the 60's tonight. Only 70 tomorrow. Finally after 13 days at over 92 degrees we are heading into fall.

Have an awesome weekend.

2009-10-11T21:37:00.003-04:00

FUN DAY!!!!!!!!

We had over 300 bikes ride today.
I love it when they shut the highway down so we can ride safely. Drivers get pissed. Oh well.

Today we rode to Save the Ta-Tas

Then a few of us rode to the Keys for lunch at Alabama Jacks.

That is me in the bikes picture with my back to the camera in the pink top. I didn't even realize I got in one of the pictures. I gave my camera to one of my friends girlfriends to take pictures from the back seat.

What a great day!!

2009-10-09T07:35:00.002-04:00

Kermit and Tonka have tea. Too funny.
My son sent this to me yesterday. I thought I would share it.
My daughter in law Carolina is a photographer also. She loves to make up fun scenes.

Personally I think Tonka wants to eat Kermit.

This weekend is HOT HOT HOT> and sunny.

I am riding to Save the Ta-Tas on Sunday. Another biker run for breast cancer.
We are all hoping this heat leaves soon.

What are your weekend plans?

2009-10-04T07:14:00.002-04:00

My daughter celebrated her 28th birthday on the 30th. I can't believe she is so old when I am so young.

I am finally feeling better. Just a little weak. Bees should come with a warning label. I am so over it.

Yesterday was a biker babes for breast cancer fundraiser.. 115 bikers (80% chicks) police escorted down I 95 going 70 miles an hour. Awesome trip for sure. I have come to the conclusion that I am not your typical biker chick. I am just to tame. I don't dress like a tramp, act like a tramp, have tattoos, etc. And I don't drink buckets of beer. Oh well. They will just have to tolerate me in small doses.

Today I am hybernating on the beach getting naked for a few hours with some friends. All gym rats and female. Then I am going to the Miami Dolphins game with my oldest for a 4:05 kick off. Hopefully they will win for the first time this season.

Have an awesome week everyone.

2009-09-24T19:44:00.002-04:00

It's time for the final birthday of the year for our family.

This weekend we are celebrating our daughters 28th birthday. It's on the 30th, but she wants it this weekend.
So we are having 16 people or more at our new place. I sure hope they bring the drinks.
My daughter doesn't know about a few of our guests. She will love it. Some of our favorite people from Orlando.

My bee sting is still bothering me. I am having some kind of weird reaction. Today I just feel sick, achy. I shouldn't have gone to the gym. But I did anyway. I may or may not go tomorrow. I will see how I feel. And i need to get the house ready for company. Just the little things. I may just put the boxes in the garage and hide it. I have a back room that is out of sight and that puts it out of mind. Except when I go to the garage.

My landlord was in this week. The house is done except for painting the doors and door jams. He had to strip them this trip. What a mess. But I may just paint them for him. He works so hard. What an awesome guy.

Have a fun weekend everyone.

2009-09-21T21:09:00.002-04:00

Lesson learned today.

DON'T SIT ON A BEE!!!!

IT HURTS.

And that is how my day was. It started at DMV getting my address changed(1 hr and $25 later)
Breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Then I sat on a bee and my day went down hill. I drove 4 hours home
from Central Florida on a sore butt.

The weekend was good. I rode up to my "wusbands" and went riding with him on his new bike.
We washed the SUV, gardened and pulled weeds. His place is really over grown since he went to Iraq.
I think he is really lonely. His girlfriend broke up with him while he was gone.
And it's the first time in his life he is alone. Life's lessons are hard sometimes.
Hung out with his friends floating around their pool. Nice people.

I enjoyed myself and not having any noise, pets and kids around. Nice breather.

I hope everyone had an awesome weekend and no one sat on a bee.

2009-09-16T18:40:00.002-04:00

The kids gave me a fire pit for my birthday. Of course I had to use it even though it's still hot out.

I didn't get the dealing job. I did great at the audition. But I wasn't what they were looking for. 40 of us from the school applied. Only 8 made the cut. Go figure.

So I still go to the beach, the gym, ride my bike. Especially now that the garage door is fixed and the opener is installed. It is so easy to use now. And school of course. I just worked really hard to get on top of dealing for this audition. I am applying elsewhere.

My house is coming along. The rain has stopped and I am finding it tough to stay inside again. I will finish soon.

I hope all is well in your world.

2009-09-08T20:01:00.003-04:00

I did it. I did really well on my audition today. A piece of cake. What an ego boost after the last one. It was very low key and I wasn't nervous. I don't know how well I did on the written test. Oh well . I did my best. But I kicked ass on the dealing audition. Feels good.

I treated myself tonight with a yummy dinner at the local English Pub by my new house. Chicken pie. Yummy. I also went for a nice ride on my bike. Tomorrow I go back to eating healthy and finish up the house.

I had a nice birthday and weekend. I was just really low key all weekend. Nice.

The animals love the new house. The girls and cat are totally in love with the back yard and the freedom of running without a leash. The cat stays in a lot. But has now started venturing out for small portions of time. He loves the back yard too. Go figure. He also has taken up sleeping on my bed. yuck. Cat hair.

Have an awesome week. I have a dentist appt tomorrow. Cleaning only. Thank God.

2009-09-04T06:38:00.003-04:00

It"s my birthday. I am 51 today.
How did I get so old? I sure don't feel 51.

I wish it wouldn't rain today. Maybe I could dig my motorcycle out of the garage and finally go for a ride.
My son did manage to put all his DJ equipment up on a storage shelf. So now I can move my bike.

My ultimate day would be a ride to the gym, followed by the beach, a massage, then dinner with my family.
And a long ride some time during the day.

My real day will involve a car ride to the gym. (major thunder boomers and lighting in sight)
My landlord trying to finish up my house, family room 3rd coat of paint, my bathroom, sliding doors,
maybe paint the kitchen. ( My daughter and I can do it. Very small)
I should go to school for a final day of training before my audition on Tuesday.
A group of us got together last night and played and practiced. A few dealers were there. They said I did good.
I was the only one without an accent. Russia, Hungary, England, New Zealand, and another European. Nice people.
The dealers were really helpful.

My new landlord who is one of my dearest friends has not stopped since he got in town on Monday night. Talk about a man on a mission. He has mowed the back yard (think jungle), pulled out all the over growth from the front yard ( think tropical jungle), painted, painted and more paint. Fixed things that shouldn't have needed fixing. My bathroom turned into a nightmare from hell. He pulled the sliding door out. Power washed the tiles trying to get out the black mold , went to tighten the shower head and the pipe broke in the wall. Non ending. He will finish that today. And paint it of course. He is re- caulking it . He says he is ripping it out and redoing it in a few months.

The previous tenants were pigs. How could anyone let the mold grow like that. And paint colors from hell. It has taken 2 to 3 coats of paint to cover the colors they had. My land lord is loving the colors now. Looking good.

Tomorrow I am having a BBQ. So I still have lots to do.

Have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend.

2009-08-23T12:34:00.006-04:00

We celebrated Chris Jr's 31st birthday yesterday.

Tonka is getting so big.

We just had a small family BBQ this year. I didn't want to throw a big beach bash. So my son just had a small gathering at his house yesterday. It was nice to just show up and not do all the work for a change.

Packing is coming along and things are getting done. So much to do and time is running out. But I will get it all done.

Have an awesome week.

2009-08-15T18:40:00.002-04:00

Vacation time is over.

I had a nice and relaxing time. I read, swam, got an even darker sun tan. Ate dinner with my sister and family most nights.
The really fun part was hanging out with my friends daughter and her little guy Braeden. I ended up staying a few more days. There was an extra 2 br 2 ba unit given to us for our use for free. So my friends daughter Nicole, the baby and I had fun.
Thursday morning I took my cameras up to the lighthouse and did a photo shoot for them. The pictures were awesome.

All good things do come to an end though. I have been back to school, gym, riding, packing, getting the AC fixed again in the house. I haven't stopped since I got home.

Today I have been taking advantage of this crappy weather ( tropical system), so I am packing as much as possible.
I have been going to school getting as much time in as possible before my audition in September right after I move.

Lots going on.

I hope everyone had a great week.

2009-08-07T15:22:00.002-04:00

VACATION TIME!!!!!!

SANIBEL HERE I COME.
Peace, quiet, no packing, sitting on the beach on an uncrowded beach on the gulf of Mexico.
I stay at a really cute boutique hotel near where my sister and family stay. Then I can run away when
I want to escape. It also stays clean, the toilet seat down, etc.
I will be gone Sunday and back Wednesday afternoon.

I am also back to dealer school doing double shifts. I got an audition at a new casino that is
opening this fall. My audition is 9 / 08. So the audition is coming up quickly.

Now throw my move into the mix and are we having fun yet. I am moving on September 1st and 2nd.
So school, pack, gym and try and stay calm, cool and collected and I will do just fine.

Any wonder why I am taking a few days in Sanibel. Let the kids pack, take care of the dogs, grocery shop for themselves for a change. Nothing will get done and I will come home to an empty refrigerator. Can I turn off my phone?

Anyone. Have an awesome week. See you soon with some fun pictures.

2009-08-02T14:01:00.002-04:00

IT'S PACK AND MOVE TIME FOLKS.

I am moving on September 2nd into my new house. Anyone who has moved as much as I have knows what that means.
It's called clean and purge time. If I haven't worn it in a year ( I know they say 6 months, but we only have cold weather for 3 months). If I haven't used it in 6 months, it is gone. I am again downsizing.

Now I will have a garage and I will have no problem filling it up. And it is under air if I want it. He has it blocked off right now. I may use it for storage of clothing, etc. He has shelves on all the walls. The closets are not like my townhouse which has a ton of them. He is putting a garage door opener in for me. And painting. The people in there now did a number with colors. What do people think when they paint such horrid colors. He is spraying the whole place with primer, then starting from scratch in colors I like. Before I get in. Hence the 2nd move in after I get movers over here in the morning. I am cutting it close, but he swears he can spray quickly. I will have a cleaning crew in there on the 1st at 9 am before he flies into town from DC. Bathrooms, kitchen and floors. Then I will tarp the floors, and he can go to town. Timing will be everything. Pray for no hurricanes.

I will also be in school refreshing my dealing skills at least 3 times a week. Auditions for a new casino are in September and I need to get ready so I can get hired. Vacation time is over for sure.

What is everyone else up to this August?

2009-07-24T17:40:00.002-04:00

I LOVE IT DOWN HERE!!!!!!

Tonight my daughter and I have concert tickets to see Rascal Flats
It is pouring and major thunder storm up in West Palm Beach right now.
We are hoping it clears so we can actually see the concert. We didn't even attempt
to go up and see Toby Keith a few weeks ago at the same venue. We got a concert package
a few months ago that was really reasonable. The only problem is we got lawn seats.
It's a chance we take when we see concerts up there. Most of the time we get lucky.
But some times we get drenched. George Strait was good but called it early when it was
crashing on our heads. Alan Jackson the same. But when it's good, boy is it good.
so tonight we are going to chance it and drive an hour in hopes the storm moves out.
Beach chairs, ponchos, shorts and flip flops. We are going.

Now I love live music. It is my addiction. Wow are there some great concerts coming up.
Bruce Springsteen is coming back in September. I am a Jersey Girl. Gotta Go.

Alan Jackson is coming back and going to be local. I am going to the box office for this one
and picking out my seats. Aerosmith postponed their concert 2 weeks ago. Steven Tyler hurt himself.
So I am sitting on those tickets.

And last but not least we are seeing Brad Paisley in October. Now if I can just get Kenny Chesney back down here
I would really be a happy girl. Haven't seen him yet. But we will.

My motorcycle is back in the shop. The seal around my bearings on the front tire sprang a leak. Not supposed to happen.
It's done. But I will pick it up in the morning. Then take off on a ride. Weather permitting.
I am looking at getting the extended warranty. Thank God for warranties.

My root canal is finally over and my mouth has finally calmed down. The crowns go on in 2 weeks. After my jaw settles down.
I am so over the Dentist this summer. This is the European vacation I have always wanted. $$$$$$$$ I have definitely had more fun for less. Two root canals in 3 months is more than enough pain for anyone. I have developed an extreme dislike for any dentist this summer. I don't care how nice they are.

Have an awesome weekend. Mine will be low key with no company.

2009-07-19T10:05:00.001-04:00

Meet Tonka!!!

My son flew up to Minneapolis yesterday to pick up his new puppy. He was sitting in my living room by 11 last night showing off his huge new baby. I guess I have a new grand dog.

2009-07-16T16:08:00.003-04:00

Just a few shots of Hollywood beach. Florida that is.

I was down on the boardwalk with another photographer friend taking pictures the other night. He usually does portraits. I shoot landscape, adventure, architecture. We had such different views that we are going to a favorite haunt of mine to take some pictures on Sunday. It's really fun just taking pictures and roaming with another person who gets the stopping and the pace of just taking pictures.

I ended up getting another root canal today. I went to my dentist who immediately turfed me out to the endodontist. Who nicely fit me in this morning. My jaw is now just thawing out from all the numbing stuff she shot into it. I like her. She's good. I doubt she would be insulted if I said "how about I not see you for awhile" 2 root canals in 4 months is a pricey thing for sure. Let's just hope this got rid of the mouth issues for awhile. Now I have to go back to her on Monday to finish up the root canal. Then the dentist to put on the 2 crowns (Kachink) that the prep work started this latest root canal issue a month ago. I am so over the dentist I am starting to have anxiety attacks just thinking about going to another appt.

My "wusband" is coming down this weekend again. He is having adjustment issues with being back home and at work. The pace, patients, etc are just so unreal after 4 months in Bagdad. I offered him the option of hanging down here on weekends so he can be around people who love him and care about him. Not just his patients in his town he lives in. One of the reason I left the area. We couldn't even go to the grocery store with out patients coming up to us. No privacy. He can at least unwind and relax down here. I guess he used to run away on weekends to his ex girlfriends house 30 minutes away. Oh well, not my problem. I just have a big heart and a peaceful house.

So what are your plans for the weekend?

2009-07-11T08:03:00.002-04:00

IT'S A FAMILY WEEKEND AGAIN.

Today is my daughter in laws 29th birthday. We are going out for Thai food tonight.
I think the kids plan on partying later. My daughter is making her a carrot cake and she
is requesting it for tomorrow so her family can enjoy it.

My gift to her is going to the Aerosmith concert on Monday with her and my son.
The concert is going to be killer. I wanted to go see the concert and asked my oldest
if he wanted to go. He said Caro would love it also. I found a gift for her without shopping.
I really hate going shopping.

I was kind of hoping for a beach day. But it is really cloudy. So I guess I will hop on my bike and
go riding.

Yesterday I went with some people from the poker school and played poker in a casino for the first time.
I lasted for an hour and lost my money. I was also bored by the time I pushed my chips all in.
I have no clue how anyone can just sit there and play cards all day and night. I will never have a gambling
problem for sure. I can't sit still long enough and I hate loosing money. Loosing$30 pissed me off.
I would rather spend the money going to a good concert and listening to music.

What is everyone else doing?

2009-07-05T08:49:00.002-04:00

My family on the 4t of July.

My adopted daughter Andrea joined us on the beach, ( she is getting back into being a south florida girl after being on the west coast for 6 years), my daughters boyfriend O'Meil and I was holding my neighbors little guy ( my adopted grandson, since i don't have any) Keenan. My neighbors joined us for the day. Then we had a joint BBQ. fun times. Then my boys and I headed up to the beach for fireworks. We watched fireworks up and down the beach from Fort Lauderdale to Miami.

My wusband passed on fireworks. He has heard enough mortor fire for a life time I think. He has enjoyed sleeping without bombs going off.

Have an awesome Sunday. The sun is out and we are heading up to the beach for a family brunch at my friends restaurant. Then Chris is heading back to his real life in central Florida and back to work he goes. Hopefully he will start coming down and hanging out with the kids more often now.