Thursday

Coconut Crab

It's  Thursday  evening and I was sitting here thinking of my daughters conversation with me about a "crab"  that was behind her trash can.  At the time of her first story, a few months ago,  I just listened to her telling me about a crab that scared her.  Knowing my daughter as I do.. I  pretty much 'blew it off as no big deal'...( so she saw a crab, how bad could that be?)


My youngest child is now 27 with three little boys of her own, and since being a toddler she has always been afraid of bugs, especially spiders and was one of those kids who would 'squeel very loud and run from everything'. Gina still did the same "squeel" in high school when scared of anything and I would always laugh as she ran from what ever "It" was!
Well, last night we were on the phone and she told me of the "Coconut Crabs" again... "how large they are".   I've seen many different types of "Crabs" and again did not think too much about the crab story.. Until she sent me a photo of one......
"This is no ordinary crab".

Gina said "When she first saw this, she saw the birth of her children flash before her eyes"!


All I could do was "Gasp" for air!  She said, " she took out the trash, all she did was open the lid to put the bag in and she heard a  Shhhiiisssshhhh-ing  sound".   Like something was telling her to go away!    She backed up and ran inside, turned on the outside light and there was this 'Thing" walking toward  her!"  (They are not afraid of humans and will come after you)
She "Screamed" and ran back inside to  get her husband, who laughed at her, as usual.  Like I said, "Gina screams at all bugs".......


"Honey, this is "NO BUG"
 

google images


Gina and her family have been living in "Guam" for about a year now, and she has been telling me about "How different the Critters" are there...  She said, "Mom they have no birds". 
The "Tree Snakes" eat them all.  And they have "Wild Boar or Pigs" that walk the streets, and also "Little Goats" that walk in packs, along with "Wild Dogs" that roam along with the "Big Cows",.. "with horns".   (Gina is so happy she lives on a Military Base with a fence all around her neighborhood!)


I went into "google images" to see for myself what these creatures were about, and I really don't want to offend anyone but I had to share this next photo... This person was nuts to let this thing on his body, but Gina said, "They are harmless"... Their like "Road Kill" and are everywhere on the Island.  

"These monsters of the Indian and Pacific ocean islands have spurned the shells of their lesser cousins in favor of being able to roam and climb and kill at will.
They get up to 4 kg in weight, have enormous leg spans, live for 30 - 60 years, and are capable of splitting coconuts with their pincher."
"ew ew ew"

google images





look how he is breaking open the coconut for lunch, google images


I've posted a map of the areas where you can find "Coconut Crabs"  they are so ugly but then they say "Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder"
"Coconut Crabs" are known to come out 'when it rains" and scrounge for food, but their favorite food is "coconuts" and you will find them climbing the Palm trees and knocking down the coconuts for a meal.




 The entire blue area  is where the "Crabs" can be found. "Guam" is above and to the right side of  Australia.


 




From what Gina tells me, the local people eat these crabs. Since the crabs eat coconuts they have a mild coconut flavor... They cook the meat in coconut milk and toss it over veggies....
Gina said, "She has been offered a meal made from the "Crabs" but just can't bring herself to eat them.

I have this "silly grin" on my face when I think of "Gina" running from these "Bugs"
It takes me back to when she was little.

"Oh the memories we keep of our children"



Monday

New baby....


In about 30 days our family is going to have a "New Member".....

My Niece is expecting her 'first' baby...  The family is overjoyed.   All of my Sisters children have given her grandchildren except this one girl... she is the baby in the family and "It's her turn"..... "Moey"  lives up in Ohio while her husband is finishing his "MBA"... and we have been monitoring her progress over the web -cam and e'mails... I know she is excited and is missing her mom, who lives on the other side of the Earth...but they stay in touch and her mom will be there in August to attend her grandchild's  birth....


I found this cute "pattern" for a wall hanging and took a photo from a magazine.  Yes, sitting in a doctors waiting room, a craft book was  among the reading material on an end table...Don't you just love it when you find such things....


As you can see I made a few changes, not knowing at the time "Boy or Girl"? Then when I found out I had to add the "Soccer Ball"... "Dad loves Soccer"!


Moey and her husband have not come up with a name for the baby, or at least their not telling anyone yet, so it's unfinished.. I'll have to put it away for another few weeks.. but I wanted to share it with everyone because I'm really excited to have another baby in the family, and this baby is from my sweet niece "Moey"......
(Love you honey)  <3





"Cross Stitch" is one of my favorite forms of crafting.. it takes time and 'good eyes' but I love to do it!  Makes me sit still and calms me....
I'm thinking of making this into a "Wall Hanging".. but then a "Little Pillow" would also be nice for the baby's room??  Hope the new baby's name is not too long... 
Once I get the babies name and birth date stitched , "I'll know" which way to go!

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I'm going to link this up to these very creative parties..

Sunday

Watch the Dolphin

I'm happy to say "Bonnie Fizzled out" and just left alot of rain yesterday.
All the ships and personnel returned to work in the Gulf without any harm from the storm. 


It's a rainy Sunday and I wanted to share the "Dolphin" at the Orlando Sea World.. 
I have never figured out how to post a video.. so let me put the link..
Please click on to it.. you will not be sorry!




It's been a while since I've been to this park and the Dolphin did not do this while I was there......I think I'm going to go see them for myself when the weather cools off.. it's about a 3 hr drive from my house. such amazing animals.

Enjoy your Sunday!



Friday

Bonnie Fizzled out...

As you all know "TS #2", other wise known as "Bonnie" fizzled out. But, before the storm started heading our way,  then aimed herself at the  "Gulf"...   I "almost" had a really nice surprise!


This past Thursday my "Son" was going to surprise me and drive down from New Orleans to visit on his 4 day leave..

I'm a "Proud Momma" and have not seen him in quite some time.. He is a  "Lt. USCG" and has been in the upper "Gulf" directing a team of "Coast Guard Personnel" with the clean up of the Oil Spill... Well, they gave him 4 days off... so on Thursday he set out for the 8 hr drive to "Clearwater"  to see me... "When he got the call" ..... "Come Back".. we have to evacuate the Gulf waters  because "Bonnie, TS  #2" was on the way this weekend... Poor guy already drove into Florida and sent me a cell phone photo of the "Welcome to Florida sign" just to prove it...

Thats my boy!!

I don't think I need to say "How Proud of him I am" for all his dedication to the spill and the work he does.. He has been in the CG since right after High School.. yes 19 years now.  I think he is a bit disappointed with his call to the Gulf though.. He lives in upper Michigan, right on the Canadian Border where he inspects vessels in the waters there.  He just got married on July 2, and had to leave his new bride for almost two months with this duty... But as I said, "He is dedicated to his work" and I'm sure Michelle understands.

honeymoon photo, "Michelle and Tom"

Hopefully "T" will get a bit more time off after the Storm leaves the area? I'm just praying, now that all the personnel and ships in the Gulf must leave for a few days, the storm does not do more damage to the oil floating around the waters.. let it stay in the waters and not be pushed up into the marshlands.

When I walked out the back door this morning I felt the difference in the air.. it's kinda 'greenie' out and the wind has picked up... you can always tell when a storm is brewing, even tho it's miles away.
So I thought I'd better get a shot of my "Trumpet Tree". It's in full bloom this morning and the storm will totally destroy the flowers.




The flowers are about 6-8" long and 4" wide and so beautiful. But, very delicate and only last bout two days.




Hopefully "Bonnie" will just be a "Wet Event" and not cause much trouble to all those working so hard in the "Gulf"

My hat is off to everyone dedicated to 'Containing' the oil!   
"Job Well Done" to all involved..
Now, "Go away Bonnie"!!


Thursday

Dana



For the past 30 something years my Sister has been  looking for her "BFF" from High School.  We all went our separate ways after graduation and were not able to keep in touch.. Then this year we found 'Dana' through the wonderful world of the internet..... She is living just 4 hours from my home... in Gainsville, Fl.
We took a drive to her home and spent the most wonderful weekend 'catching up' on all the years gone by.


Dolly and Dana went through the old "Year Book" and laughed so hard (yes, pee your pants kinda laughing)  at all the old friends and photos of 'days gone by".... what a wonderful reunion they had!  I was even able to see my old boyfriends photo in that book.. I was two years behind these wonderful women... how we all laughed!


 "Dana and Dolly"


I'm writing this post "In honor of Dana"..."Sadly she was diagnosed with a brain tumor" just a few months ago and has been struggling to overcome this nasty disease called "Cancer".... she is now doing the best she can after 'surgery and chemo' .... 


Dana has the most wonderful support system.. "Her Family"... they have been getting her out and about to do all the things 'that make her happy' .. then this past few weeks, she did a few things on her "Bucket List".... Oh, how I wish we were there to see her "spiraling toward the Earth"... She said "She loved every minute of it!"


Yes.. this crazy brave woman went "Sky Diving" and was thrilled with herself.... You go girl!!!

My sisters comment on the whole thing.... "How we spend our lives trying to do the right things to stay safe, then when we are faced with a life crisis we go out and do those things we were so afraid of'!!  Well said, Dolly!


I wanted to send my love and support to "Dana and her Family"... what a wonderful woman she is, and how wonderful it has been for her, and my sister to reconnect once again!  Dolly will be here in October and we
plan to go up and visit with Dana again..  "So, Dana get out the "Pina Coladas"... we will be there soon!

"Sister Dolly and her High School BFF,  Dana"



Monday

crinum


This past few months I came across this very large clump of leaves growing and it just kept getting taller.. I had no idea where it came from, or who in the 6 years I've lived in this house, planted it.  Each day there after I watched it get taller and taller.. almost 3' now.  This was the first year it grew. (?))



Then one morning I walked to the back of the property and there was a "Pink Bud" starting... hmmmm, wonder what that is? A stalk came out of the ground on the side of the plant, not in the center?  I went to the internet looking for images of flowers, bulb and seed?


I came up with this....

    "Crinum"

Crinum were first described during the mid-18th century by Linnaeus.   Crinum species are found in Africa, the United States, tropical Asia, the Carribean, and Australia.   In recent years, several new species of Crinum have been identified in Madagascar.

In the United States crinum have been cultivated for nearly two centuries.   They are quite common in the South, California and Gulf Coast areas, but may be nearly unknown in northern states.   Old cultivars have been found at cemeteries, in bar ditches, and old homesteads, testifying to the hardiness of the species.




 Very nice indeed!  Now I do have "Red Amaryllid " in the front yard and they look similar to this and from what I have read, the "Crinum" is in the same family.  The spot in the back of the yard is really hard dry soil and I want to dig up this bulb and move it, maybe in the Fall? Wonder if there will be off shoots and more than one bulb?





I went out this morning with hopes of getting another shot (photo) of the plant, with more than one Bloom opened but our really violent Thunder storm, and heavy rain last night really did some damage to the blooms.. yes, it's all broken on the stalk... oh well, guess I'll have to wait till next year to see it again.



I'm linking up to these wonderful ladies Garden and Outdoor parties







Sunday

30 years

Looking back at the  past 30 years I'm amazed I'm still here to talk about this...
I married the most amazing, crazy man,  who has put up with so many of my alter egos.  We have children and family who have taken us in so many different directions.. We also have shared a love that would rival 
"Bogie and Bacall" 
Together we worked long hours, side by side, creating our dream business. Moved several times to different States and finally settled in Florida to enjoy our retirement. An Illness that almost took my life brought us back to see the light, the one that glowed in our early days.
Times have been hard for the two of us and also a delight to see how far we have come together.  
Here I sit at my laptop thinking back.  The babies we cradled and raised to adulthood. How proud we are of all our kids and they have brought us both great joy and sadness. No matter, their our kids and we love them with all our heart. It's funny how kids can teach 'us' how to be adults. We give up so much to make their lives happy and healthy... Now I look back and I'm proud of me for the mom I was and am. Although all of our kids are off and on their own, with children of their own, "how I miss their day to day being in my home". I want them to come back, then I don't, because I know they have their own lives. But it's tough when you devote your entire being into raising good responsible kids,  "They leave" (I say that with a big smile).

Oh, the things this past 30 years have taught me. How to share, how to give, how to love and how to do with and without...Know what, "I would not change anything in the past 30 years".. well maybe one thing, "I'd like to be given the chance to hold my new born babies, just one more time"...

All I can think tonight is "Whow, I've been married for 30 years".. sounds like a long time.. but, how the years have flown by... so many people have come into my life and also how many people have left it... Two very important people, that I miss more than I can say,,"My Mom" and "My Brother". They both thought this marriage "would never last"..haha, so many people thought the same thing when we first married.... 
I guess I could "sugar coat" the years but I'll be honest.. we all have our up's and down's in marriage, but we finally  found a way to stick it out and make it work.. we got over the hard times, hung in there, and found out we want to be together. Sometimes I think more people need to work harder at marriage.. most give up much too easy when times get tough.   
When two people have everything they want and need, what do you get for your husband on this special day?  Don't laugh, "A package of Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies". Of all the things on this Earth, "Cookies" would make him smile the most.

July 19

"Happy Anniversary" to Mr. Neither and I.. Whow!


Saturday

This is why we go to Garage Sales



This is why we all go to "Garage Sales"
We are looking to "Score"

Akron woman finds out LeBron pendant worth thousands.


When Vaneisha Robinson bought a diamond studded pendant in the shape of LeBron James' number 23 jersey at a yard sale four years ago, she thought it was costume jewelry. "I used to go to high school with it around my neck, not knowing the value of it," Robinson said.
Robinson got curious about the pendant's value a few months ago when she noticed the diamonds were set in the same way real ones are. She took it to a local jewelry store for a once-over.
"They tested the diamonds and they told me that it was real and that I should invest in getting it certified," Robinson said.
Robinson, 20, who is an amateur boxer, saved $200 to pay for a certified appraisal by the International Gemological Institute. The pendant she paid $5 for four years ago is worth nearly $10,000. She's put the jewelry up for sale on eBay. 
Despite the backlash caused by James' decision to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers and play for the Miami heat, Robinson believes the pendant will sell for top dollar.
"LeBron James (sic) brand will never die out," she said.
"If he got a ring it might go up in value. You never know."

 Article by, Curtis Jackson, NewsNet5/WEWS TV

If your all like me, "I'm always looking for that one item that may be worth a bit of money. So far I have not, but who is to say one item of worth will not be sitting on the next 'table' when I walk into someones garage. But I'll tell you, I love all the 'good stuff' I find each week...
Today I found 6 really nice little "cake tins" for $1.00.  Now to me, "That's a find"....

So, keep going to "Garage Sales"... we never know what we might find next! 

"Enjoy your Sunday Everyone"






Wednesday

Bird Feeder


I've had a "Bird Feeder" sitting out back by the creek for about 4 years now that attracted many different varieties of birds, but time has taken it's toll on this well used feeder....




My first thought was to replace it with a new one, but no, I think "I'll try to save it"..


It was falling apart so I filled in the screw holes with wood putty, and put in new screws.. Should I just clean it up? No, I let me paint it a bright color.. maybe the birds will find it?


First I gave it a good scrub down...I even had to displace a "Wasp nest" that took over the inside. 
It has always been just wood and this time I had the idea to 'make it colorful'.. so I used some 'outdoor primer' and then some yellow and red craft paint. After I let it dry for several hours I put on a "Top coat, outdoor Sealer" so the weather would not hurt it further!





It's going to hang in a tree, or go back out on the bench so I did not want to get too fancy with the decorations, but it would look good with a design on it.. hmmmmm?
Oh well, lets just hang it on the tree for now...




It's pretty far from the "Garden Bench". I wonder if the birds will find it?
I know the "Squirrels" did... I found them, this morning, hanging on it trying
to get to the seed....Sorry guys, it's off limits! The (My) Squirrels are very well fed, on a regular basis.
 I buy huge bags of "Peanuts" for them.. Yes, I spoil my critters!

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I wanted to point out the reason for my "Big Smile"today... Thanks to 195 of my wonderful
"Followers" ,,, I'm almost at  200!.. Whohoo!
Thank you everyone who enjoys and comes back week after week to check out my blog!  This has been so much fun for me!


I'll be linking to these great parties.
Click on over and take a look at all the great 'Crafter's' joining in.


Tuesday

Bromeliads in Bloom


Took a walk about through the yard today and noticed the "Bromeliads" were starting to bloom!


 If you do not live in a Tropical area this plant is only grown indoors.  But here in my yard they are like weeds.. really... they bloom only once, and then sprout a new plant at the root area. 
My HOA keeps asking me to "cut them down and remove them" haha... like I'll do that.
I'm really not trying to be obstinate, it's just I really like the plants.
 
Their reasoning is, "they collect water in the little 'well' when the flower is over.. and in those little wells, the Mosquitoes lay their larve". 
I do use organic spray to control the Mosquitoes back there and have never had a problem.






This patch of "Bromeliads" have already bloomed over the past few years and between each will be a new plant with a new bud showing soon. I like the bunched up look of the old plants.


Although I do have several varieties of these Tropical plants only one has a continuous regrowth. the others are very slow growers.


I'm linking up to these parties


Tuesdays Garden Party


Outdoor Wednesday @Southern Day Dreamer


Wednesdays Gratitude

Bloomin Tuesday 


Enjoy the heat out there... maybe we will get a bit of rain?

Sandy