Ok, I've changed the blog look again. Whatya think? Blue my color? :o) Next week I may go purple or yellow, who knows. I'm so fickle. The tedium is partly due to the fact that we're housebound this month because of Steve's rotator cuff surgery and the weather. [sigh] Maybe we'll be able to do more in September.
Sparky ♥ ∞
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Photos Taken On Our Country 'Estate'
Photos taken whilst strolling around our estate on a lazy Sunday afternoon. OK, so it's only 7 acres. It feels like an estate after living in the big city of Jacksonville, FL on that postage stamp size yard. :o)This is an unknown vine intertwining itself with our sapling red oaks by the fence. Can anyone identify this plant? I can not find it in my plant identification book for Southeastern Plants (Zone 8).
This lovely plant with vibrant purple berries is Beauty Berry. They are very common here in Southeast Georgia. I believe the berry's are poisonous to humans, I could be wrong. Anyway, I wouldn't eat one to find out.
This is a cluster of wild grapes growing along the fence close to the 'branch' (creek). They must like wet feet because it does stay damper back in this area. Steve said the berry's are quite good if peeled. The berries can also be made into jams and jellies.As always, there are more photos at myphotoalbum under "Landscapes, Animals, Insects, Nature, Etc".
http://redbirdacres.myphotoalbum.com/view_album.php?set_albumName=album04&page=7
Enjoy ~ Sparky ♥ ∞
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Found A Hornets Nest!
We were just finishing our daily walk around the yard this morning and I happened to see a hornet's nest right on our driveway near the carport! How in the world we and the dogs managed to escape getting stung, is beyond me. I'm told the doggone nest was about two years old too. It's just a miracle.I called Allgood Exterminating in Waycross and Randy came out this afternoon. I sure like them. They give good service and don't overcharge. Anyway, Randy even cleaned up and sprayed the cedar tree afterwards so the tree wasn't even damaged. We're thankful this was taken care of so quickly.
There are more full size photos at: http://redbirdacres.myphotoalbum.com/view_album.php?set_albumName=album11 . I got some very good photos of the whole extermination.
Enjoy ~ Sparky ♥ ∞
Enjoy ~ Sparky ♥ ∞
Monday, August 25, 2008
Pilot Record Search Database at LDS
I have copied this from another web site: http://mountaingenealogy.blogspot.com/ . I have been using this Pilot Family Search today and it has oodles of wonderful genealogy information.
FamilySearch added over 2 million new images or indexed records this week to its pilot Record Search databases. Thanks to all of the wonderful volunteers who help bring these projects to the Web for public access. Patrons can search these databases for free online at FamilySearch.org or directly at http://pilot.familysearch.org/ .
WWII Draft Reg. Cards
1,651,453 images
Updated - 1 new state (Ohio)
1930 Mexico Census Index
314,548 indexed records
104,849 digital images
Updated - 1 new state (Coahulia)
West Virginia Vital Records (Marriages)
306,782 index records
Updated - 14 new counties
Lima, Peru Civil Registration
134,664 digital image
Updated - User guidance added
1885 Florida State Census
8,468 digital images
New collection
1935 Florida State Census
36,019 digital images
New collection
1945 Florida State Census
51,686 digital images
New collection
So, whatchya waiting for! Go find your family!
Enjoy ~ Sparky ♥ ∞
FamilySearch added over 2 million new images or indexed records this week to its pilot Record Search databases. Thanks to all of the wonderful volunteers who help bring these projects to the Web for public access. Patrons can search these databases for free online at FamilySearch.org or directly at http://pilot.familysearch.org/ .
WWII Draft Reg. Cards
1,651,453 images
Updated - 1 new state (Ohio)
1930 Mexico Census Index
314,548 indexed records
104,849 digital images
Updated - 1 new state (Coahulia)
West Virginia Vital Records (Marriages)
306,782 index records
Updated - 14 new counties
Lima, Peru Civil Registration
134,664 digital image
Updated - User guidance added
1885 Florida State Census
8,468 digital images
New collection
1935 Florida State Census
36,019 digital images
New collection
1945 Florida State Census
51,686 digital images
New collection
So, whatchya waiting for! Go find your family!
Enjoy ~ Sparky ♥ ∞
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Tropical Storm Fay "Aftermath"
We're in day three of several inches of rain. Our rain gauge registered 5.5 inches as of last night, and that's only one day of measuring! Wow! It's rained off and on today too, but I haven't checked the gauge yet to see how much we've received. When I drove out to get the Sunday paper this morning the two miles of dirt road to the paved road is almost completely destroyed. I wish that worthless County Commissioner would get on the stick and have our road paved! I still think there's something fishy going on with the way our county is being run.
Here's Sammy hiding behind my recliner during one of the rain onslaughts. He shakes like a leaf and hides. I still can't figure out why he hates rain so much. The other two do just fine. Maxie looks at Sammy like she's thinking "What's your problem silly? Mommy's right here. Relax." He's getting over a mild eye infection. Good thing I had the medicine right here. I didn't have to go out and get that in this wet mess.
This is a view from my office window during one of the many torrents that day. That's my dog Maxie in the shadows. Thankfully, there's been very little wind. We only lost power once for about 45 minutes. The lights flickered real bad once, but they stayed on. Ever since the Satilla REMC had Asplunda tree service cut down and back all those trees near powerlines, we very seldom do without power. Good work guys! We sure appreciate ya! :o) My Dad did that kind of work. He retired with 33 years of faithful service with Florida Power & Light in Titusville, FL. He was called out in many a bad storm.
This pic is taken from our master bedroom out into the bad yard. That's about has hard as the rain got. We live on a small sand ridge, so, rain just perculates down into the soil really fast. Our yard seldom floods, and when it does it runs off really quickly. One thing for sure, we sure have some happy plants! I'll bet if they could they'd be jumping up and down that this drought is over. We lost so many trees and plants because of the adverse dry conditions. It lasted for about 7 or 8 years in our area. Enough is enough! Thank you God for the rain.
We're just sitting around today, having coffee, listening to rock music on XM radio, watching Independance Day and planning more mini-vacations. Cranked the bikes for awhile to keep the on-board computers all energized. I wish we could ride. [sigh] Nothing else to do.
Oh, and Steve is still getting better: he's fussy as ever. [lol]
TTFN ~ Sparky ♥ ∞
Here's Sammy hiding behind my recliner during one of the rain onslaughts. He shakes like a leaf and hides. I still can't figure out why he hates rain so much. The other two do just fine. Maxie looks at Sammy like she's thinking "What's your problem silly? Mommy's right here. Relax." He's getting over a mild eye infection. Good thing I had the medicine right here. I didn't have to go out and get that in this wet mess.
This is a view from my office window during one of the many torrents that day. That's my dog Maxie in the shadows. Thankfully, there's been very little wind. We only lost power once for about 45 minutes. The lights flickered real bad once, but they stayed on. Ever since the Satilla REMC had Asplunda tree service cut down and back all those trees near powerlines, we very seldom do without power. Good work guys! We sure appreciate ya! :o) My Dad did that kind of work. He retired with 33 years of faithful service with Florida Power & Light in Titusville, FL. He was called out in many a bad storm.
This pic is taken from our master bedroom out into the bad yard. That's about has hard as the rain got. We live on a small sand ridge, so, rain just perculates down into the soil really fast. Our yard seldom floods, and when it does it runs off really quickly. One thing for sure, we sure have some happy plants! I'll bet if they could they'd be jumping up and down that this drought is over. We lost so many trees and plants because of the adverse dry conditions. It lasted for about 7 or 8 years in our area. Enough is enough! Thank you God for the rain.
We're just sitting around today, having coffee, listening to rock music on XM radio, watching Independance Day and planning more mini-vacations. Cranked the bikes for awhile to keep the on-board computers all energized. I wish we could ride. [sigh] Nothing else to do.
Oh, and Steve is still getting better: he's fussy as ever. [lol]
TTFN ~ Sparky ♥ ∞
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
More About Tropical Storm Fay
Seems that after all the hoopla, most of the fun will stay south of us. Check out the projections now. Oh well. At least we've got plenty of beer and food. [smile] Check out the joke below. Hubby and I laughed so hard I just had to share it. The joke was e-mailed to me this afternoon by a friend down in Florida.
Also, Hubby is improving every day. His shoulder and under his armpit is still all purple and yellow but the actual surgery cut is healing nicely. He's still quite sore and is completely immobile on his left side. I know he's anxious to get back on 2 wheels again, as I am also. I keep going out in the carport and cranking the bikes. His Triumph needs to be run every so many days to keep the battery from running down because of it's on-board computer. It draws a lot of current and can be difficult to crank. You ought to hear that thing power down: whirl, pop, wheeze, ping, boop, pop. [lol] It's really humourous. The bike makes sounds like one of those 1980's Sci-Fi robots. Mine is quiet as a japanese mouse.
Also, Hubby is improving every day. His shoulder and under his armpit is still all purple and yellow but the actual surgery cut is healing nicely. He's still quite sore and is completely immobile on his left side. I know he's anxious to get back on 2 wheels again, as I am also. I keep going out in the carport and cranking the bikes. His Triumph needs to be run every so many days to keep the battery from running down because of it's on-board computer. It draws a lot of current and can be difficult to crank. You ought to hear that thing power down: whirl, pop, wheeze, ping, boop, pop. [lol] It's really humourous. The bike makes sounds like one of those 1980's Sci-Fi robots. Mine is quiet as a japanese mouse.
TTFN ~ Sparky ♥ ∞
Washington Post's Mensa
I think everyone can use a new word in their vocabulary.
Here is the Washington Post's Mensa invitational which once again asked readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding,subtracting, or changing one letter, and supply a new definition. Here are the winners:
1. Cashtration (n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period of time.
2. Ignoranus: A person who's both stupid and an asshole.
3. Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.
4. Reintarnation: Coming back to life as a hillbilly.
5. Bozone(n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.
6. Foreploy: Any misrepresentation about yourself for the purpose of getting laid.
7. Giraffiti: Vandalism spray-painted very, very high.
8. Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the Person who doesn't get it.
9. Inoculatte: To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.
10. Osteopornosis: A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit.)
11. Karmageddon: It's like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it's like, a serious bummer.
12. Decafalon (n.): The gruelling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.
13. Glibido: All talk and no action.
14. Dopeler Effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.
15. Arachnoleptic Fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.
16. Beelzebug (n.): Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.
17. Caterpallor (n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you're eating.
18. Guiltar: A musical instrument whose strings are pulled by your mother.
19. Fleezing: Running for your life, in the cold.
The Washington Post has also published the winning submissions to its yearly contest, in which readers are asked to supply alternate meanings for common words. And the winners are:
1. Coffee, n. The person upon whom one coughs.
2. Flabbergasted, adj. Appalled by discovering how much weight one has gained.
3. Abdicate v. To give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach.
4. Esplanade, v. To attempt an explanation while drunk.
5. Willy-nilly, adj. Impotent.
6. Negligent adj. Absentmindedly answering the door when wearing only a nightgown.
7. Lymph v. To walk with a lisp.
8. Gargoyle n. Olive-flavored mouthwash.
9. Flatulence, n. Emergency vehicle that picks up someone who has been run over by a steamroller.
10. Balderdash , n. A rapidly receding hairline.
11. Testicle, n. A humorous question on an exam.
12. Rectitude, n. The formal, dignified bearing adopted by proctologists.
13. Pokemon, n. A Rastafarian proctologist.
14. Oyster, n. A person who sprinkles his conversation with yiddishisms.
15. Frisbeetarianism, n. The belief that, after death, the soul flies uponto the roof and gets stuck there.
16. Circumvent, n. An opening in the front of boxer shorts worn by Jewishmen.
Here is the Washington Post's Mensa invitational which once again asked readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding,subtracting, or changing one letter, and supply a new definition. Here are the winners:
1. Cashtration (n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period of time.
2. Ignoranus: A person who's both stupid and an asshole.
3. Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.
4. Reintarnation: Coming back to life as a hillbilly.
5. Bozone(n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.
6. Foreploy: Any misrepresentation about yourself for the purpose of getting laid.
7. Giraffiti: Vandalism spray-painted very, very high.
8. Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the Person who doesn't get it.
9. Inoculatte: To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.
10. Osteopornosis: A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit.)
11. Karmageddon: It's like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it's like, a serious bummer.
12. Decafalon (n.): The gruelling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.
13. Glibido: All talk and no action.
14. Dopeler Effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.
15. Arachnoleptic Fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.
16. Beelzebug (n.): Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.
17. Caterpallor (n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you're eating.
18. Guiltar: A musical instrument whose strings are pulled by your mother.
19. Fleezing: Running for your life, in the cold.
The Washington Post has also published the winning submissions to its yearly contest, in which readers are asked to supply alternate meanings for common words. And the winners are:
1. Coffee, n. The person upon whom one coughs.
2. Flabbergasted, adj. Appalled by discovering how much weight one has gained.
3. Abdicate v. To give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach.
4. Esplanade, v. To attempt an explanation while drunk.
5. Willy-nilly, adj. Impotent.
6. Negligent adj. Absentmindedly answering the door when wearing only a nightgown.
7. Lymph v. To walk with a lisp.
8. Gargoyle n. Olive-flavored mouthwash.
9. Flatulence, n. Emergency vehicle that picks up someone who has been run over by a steamroller.
10. Balderdash , n. A rapidly receding hairline.
11. Testicle, n. A humorous question on an exam.
12. Rectitude, n. The formal, dignified bearing adopted by proctologists.
13. Pokemon, n. A Rastafarian proctologist.
14. Oyster, n. A person who sprinkles his conversation with yiddishisms.
15. Frisbeetarianism, n. The belief that, after death, the soul flies uponto the roof and gets stuck there.
16. Circumvent, n. An opening in the front of boxer shorts worn by Jewishmen.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Heap Big Rain Comin', Kemo Sabe
Since it appears we will be having an interesting week I made an 'emergency' run to the grocery store 30 miles away this morning. Also made a liquor run (we may be trapped inside but there's no point in being martyr's! ha ha) Since Steve is temporarily incapacitated and with Tropical Storm Fay bearing down on us, well, I thought having provisions would be a smart move. I'm also putting up extra water 'just in case'. I wish now we had gone ahead and bought a generator but it may not come to that. But I'm trying to be smart. Hey, even a blind hog finds an acorn now and then! Sometimes I do something intelligent. [lol]
I don't think we have too much to be concerned about, but one never knows, does one.
Steve is healing nicely and is getting antsy sitting around. A good sign! His left shoulder is still tender to touch. He has taken to walking around our 7 acres until his shoulder begins to ache. One walk around the perimeter of the yard is about 1/4 mile. So, he is doing very well.
My good friend, Rebecca, has completed her motorcycle course in Orange Park, FL. She is now an official rider! Congrats 'Becca! You Go Girl. Now, it's time to buy a nice bike of your own. All this looking at motorcycles makes me want to buy a second one. Oh, I'll keep the Suzuki V-Strom, of course, but I'm also looking at the Royal Enfield line. Nice vintage style bikes. There's a dealer north of Valdosta right here in Gawga. [giggle] I'm sooo bad.
Sparky ♥ ∞
I don't think we have too much to be concerned about, but one never knows, does one.
Steve is healing nicely and is getting antsy sitting around. A good sign! His left shoulder is still tender to touch. He has taken to walking around our 7 acres until his shoulder begins to ache. One walk around the perimeter of the yard is about 1/4 mile. So, he is doing very well.
My good friend, Rebecca, has completed her motorcycle course in Orange Park, FL. She is now an official rider! Congrats 'Becca! You Go Girl. Now, it's time to buy a nice bike of your own. All this looking at motorcycles makes me want to buy a second one. Oh, I'll keep the Suzuki V-Strom, of course, but I'm also looking at the Royal Enfield line. Nice vintage style bikes. There's a dealer north of Valdosta right here in Gawga. [giggle] I'm sooo bad.
Sparky ♥ ∞
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Hubby's Rotator Cuff Surgery
Hubby had rotator cuff surgery on his left shoulder today. This is his second shoulder surgery in one year by the same surgeon, Dr. Randall O'Brien. The first one was on his right shoulder, which is now completely healed. Here's a pic I snapped as the nurses and staff were prepping him for the operation.Here's a pic of Hubby at home after said surgery.
So many of our friends have called this evening. It's heartwarming to hear from everyone. We are exceedingly blessed with wonderful friends! ((Hugs)) Anyway, we're hoping he'll heal soon that we may start riding again.Thanks for visiting y'all!
Sparky ♥ ∞
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Patterson, Georgia ~ January 2008 Sunset
Greetings y'all,This is an 'old' photo taken by me in January 2008, from our back yard in Patterson. I used my FujiFilm FinePix E510 (5.2 mega pixels) digital camera. We have some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets here. I just thought I'd share this today.
We both love living here so much. I told Steve just after moving here in 1993, that I finally for the first time ever feel at home. It's so much more pleasant than living in the city. And it was such an extra delight to learn that I am related to so many of these wonderful folks here (www.redbirdacres.net/irisheyes.html). It's been fun learning all about my birth family. Yeah, I complain about some things that go on, but, shoot, no place is perfect but I think God has let me come close to living in a perfect place before being with Him forever. Thank you Father for your tender mercies.
Enjoy!
Sparky ♥ ∞
Monday, August 4, 2008
Only Great Minds Can Read This
Only great minds can read this. It's weird, but interesting!
fi yuo cna raed tihs, yuo hvae a sgtrane mnid too.
Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can.
i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlya s tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt! if you can raed tihs forwrad it.
I must be weird 'cause I can read it!! :o)
Sparky ♥ ∞
fi yuo cna raed tihs, yuo hvae a sgtrane mnid too.
Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can.
i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlya s tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt! if you can raed tihs forwrad it.
I must be weird 'cause I can read it!! :o)
Sparky ♥ ∞
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