Shalom

This past weekend my cousins children were baptized into the Catholic Church.

Brad (pictured on top) and Cody (on the bottom) sons of David and Kim got slightly wet - OK - that wouldn't be correct. They got pretty darn wet.

My Aunt Pat tells us she was very touched by the entire process.



I just wanted to offer my congratulations - or Shalom which in Hebrew is a very powerful blessing/prayer for peace, for completeness, wholeness. And this baptism brings wholeness to them.
Cody and Brad - Shalom!

Happy Birthday to Jooeee!!

I want to send out a very big Happy Birthday to my brother-in-law Joe. Today he turned the BIG 26. Yes, today he is officially closer to 30 than 20.

This picture was from yesterday as we celebrated with him before he and my sister took off for home in Jacksonville. It was his birthday tour. He had cake on Friday at work, a baseball game on Saturday (as well as golf with the menfolk) and cake yesterday. There was even some leftovers for him to take home for a some cake for tonight.

So once again Joe, hope your big day was great!

You know it's Easter-time when...

When the heavenly smell of cinnamon rolls/tea rings fill my Mom and Dad's home. Yesterday I made the all-important rolls, they are easier to split than the tea rings.

There are few things that take me back to childhood more than the smell of these pasteries. They are only made two times a year - Christmas and Easter.

Not that they are hard to make. In fact - they are really easy. It's just that they are so special because we only have them twice a year.

Yum.

Three Days of Rememberence

Catholics are in the midst of the Easter Triduum. That is the three days that lead up to Easter. Holy Thursday (the celebration of the Last Supper which instituted two sacrements of the church, the Eucharist - "This is my body, this is my blood" and Holy Orders "Do this in remembrance of me.") Good Friday, the only day of the year when no mass is said where the church grieves the loss of Christ - where there is no celebration that is associated with mass. And finally Holy Saturday - which culminates in the Easter Vigil, the most high mass of the year. Where out of darkness (mass cannot begin until the sun sets) a light comes forth in the form of Jesus' resurrection.

These are the most holy times for the church. Ancient traditions continue that have gone on for two thousand years such as the songs that are sung and words that are read.

Today we grieve, but soon we rejoice. Amen I say to you.

I believe.

2007 Park Tour Begins

Laszlo and I visited Sawgrass Park in St. Petersburg yesterday. I was there once before that I remember when my good friends Kathy and Dave chose the park to get married. It was a very different day as Hurricane Frances was clobbering many parts of Florida at the same time and we were only hours away from rain and wind.

We decided it would be nice to take a walk outside while the weather is comfy and check out one of the local parks we had little experience with.

The small park does have lots to offer. From meandering boardwalks that showcase Florida's nature to hills and picnic benches where you can chill out and have a nice afternoon.

I really enjoyed the Oak Hammock trail which we found few people enjoying. There were lots of side trails that the adventurous could take.

The biggest downside? The park sits right next to Interstate 275. And in many areas you are very aware of it.

Even with the roar of a busy highway, it is still nice to be able to see nature in the middle of a very crowded county. And all the wildlife too. This alligator was taking a break from the sun under the outlook tower. And we saw many birds, spiders, turtles and fish.

I think I want to make it to more of the areas parks. So this really kicks off our tour. Laszlo gets to chose the next one since I chose this one. In such a tiny county you might be surprised how many parks there are.

Let me know of any suggestions for where we need to visit in the Tampa Bay area. We're up for it!

A Flower and Some Thoughts

I took this picture of a hibuscus flower out front last night. I've always thought they were lovely flowers. With their showey colors and broad leaves. At the same time I always thought them a little sad. These beautiful flowers are here for only one day. By morning they are curled back up getting ready to fall away from the plant.

I liken it to our lives. We are young and beautiful for only a short while really and then we too fade away, only to be replaced by another young and beautiful one. But the most important thing really is that we are alive and that we should take advantage of the time we have here. To show the beauty that we have inside to every one we can. And to stop making excuses why tomorrow would be a better time to do things you keep putting off. Who knows when your flower will fade?

OK, enough philosophy for one day. Just do what Nike's been telling us for years.

Just Do It.

Spring Training in St. Pete

I attended a Tampa Bay Revil Rays spring traininf game on Saturday. It was my employee day at the ballpark so I brought along the hubby, my parents and my Aunt Pat and Uncle Tony who are visiting from Ft. Wayne, Ind.

There could be some newer parks that may be more high-tech and more comfy, but Al Lang Field at Progress Energy Park is a great one. It is intimate, every seat is good, easy to access and the view, as you can see by the photo to the left is spectacular.
I also attended part of a game on Tuesday with my team at work. It is fun to see so many workers from downtown taking a "five-inning lunch." But heck, it's spring training, and playing a little hookie from work isn't that bad. And in the 5th inning, the Rays hit in 6 runs. So it was also extra entertaining.

I may go on Saturday to watch the Rays take on the Red Sox. The only problem with those games is the amount of people rooting for the other team. It is like the Rays are playing out of town rather than a few miles from the stadium they play in the regular season. But the seats are really good, and free. Even if it's only for a few innings, spring training lasts only so long and you have to take advantage of it while you can.

Borat Funny? Notsomuch...

So we watched the Borat movie last night on DVD. I wasn't sure what to expect. I had seen the promos and his schtick on some of the talk shows.

I knew it was be crass, vulgar, and rude. It was disturbing. It showed American's trying to welcome a foreigner and honestly help him understand this country.

He made fun of them, insulted them, broke their things and is getting paid lots of money off of their pain.

OK. The college guys and the old guy at the rodeo should have kept their mouths shut, they were just dumb. I just didn't see the humor. And I felt bad for many of the victims. And oh my, I really didn't need to see Sasha and his side-kick running around naked. And what is it with Sasha showing men's genitals but not his own? I don't get it.

I think that is what I am coming down to with this movie. I just don't get it.

On the bright side, we saw Garden State with Zack Braff. I have to say I really enjoyed it. I was impressed his his first foray into writing and directing. And the music was awesome. It's a little rough, but I liked the depth.

Any suggestions for our movie-to-see list? We are really behind and trying to remember all the movies we've missed is hard. I'll try anything - minus really gross horror flicks. I don't need that at all.

A Haiku on Oak Tree Pollen

Little orange wisps

Float down from my neighbors tree

A southern blizzard.

My car is orange with some blue showing from beneath. My driveway is lined with orange fuzzy "drifts" of oak tree pollen. And my nose itches. Ahh, it is Springtime in Florida. I don't go by the calendar to tell me when Spring is here, I wait for the oak trees to lose their leaves and to become heavy with orange pollen and everything around to be covered in the stuff. But heck, the sky is blue, the temperatures about 80 so I can't complain. Although I'll be glad to stop sneezing and I refuse to wash my car until the stuff stops falling. It's only an exercise in futility otherwise.

On a Clear Day I Can See Forever

I recently moved into a new building at work. Before I spent more than 8 hours in the middle of a depressing building with the closest natural light wayyy down a hall, I'd have to squint to see the window.

But now I can turn my chair around and see the world outside. In distance the Sunshine Skyway, or Tampa Bay or on a clear day the other side of Pinellas County on the Gulf of Mexico.

It is wonderful. Natural light really does wonders for a person. I had missed it terribly since leaving my last job where there were floor-to-ceiling windows every where.

And it is cool when the sea fog is dense. A week ago I came into work and looked out the window and could see nothing. Just dense fog. Which was really neat. I really like fog.

But right now it's blue sky's, blue water and views as far as I can see.

On another topic, the hubby and I have signed up for Blockbuster on-line. We rarely see movies, they cost a lot and our timing seems to always be off in getting there. So we thought this would allow us to catch up a little. Since yesterday we have seen the Aviator (which I actually HAD seem), which was really good, and The March of the Penguins which was awesome. I told hubby that would be a movie to be seen on a fancy TV because it was a beautifully filmed movie. Plus the documentaries that came on the DVD were as cool as the movie itself. If you haven't seen this movie, I would recommend it. Besides being beautiful, it is fascinating.

Syrup, How I Love Thee

I've been craving pancakes and waffles for a while now. All that's stopped me I think is the fact I have no maple syrup at home now.

So tonight at m neighborhood Publix market I finally remembered I needed some.

I pulled my cart up to the shelves with the syrup on them. And I did the unthinkable.

I read the back of a Mrs. Butterworth bottle. And then the back of every brand up there.

You know there's not one ounce of maple syrup in any of them? Lots of high fructose corn syrup and things I can't pronounce and won't attempt to spell. And the ones that are pure maple syrup? 210 calories a serving with more than 50 grams of sugar. I put the last bottle down and walked away. I just couldn't buy one. There was no choice for me. Either it was a chemical concoction that wants to be maple syrup or it's straight sugar. So I need to search for an alternative to put on my flapjacks and waffles. Any suggestions?

I am in mourning for my beloved syrup. A moment of silence please.

Goofey Pictures of Laura

While going through the pictures on my computer I began to notice a theme. I seem to have a good number of really silly faces from my younger sister Laura. And I know there are many of them from years gone by in photo albums too. So I wonder, what is it about a camera that makes my sister do silly things? Her zaney side really does seem to come to the forefront. And I know it's not always alcohol, although the first photo below - that is allll alcohol. She's trying to forget she was about to be 30. (Her party was before the actual birthday.)



Then here she is with my mom on the cruise.

And finally, with her husband on the way to Turtle Cove in St. Thomas.

Don't know - but I do know that she seems to always be having fun...hmmm.. maybe there's something to this high-level goofeyness?

A Furry Fan

Ok, I know the Super Bowl was like 2 weeks ago. BUT I was sent this - once again by my Aunt Pat from Indiana. And since it has been really cold up there recently I'm sure all squirrels have been wearing little hats - but I imagine they might also have scarfs.

But in Indy - it's still all about the Colts.

I know it's Daytona 500 day - and I live in the South - but when I think of the 500 - I think of the Indianapolis 500.

Next? It's almost March Madness Bayybee!

Four!?!

Golf clubs $200

Golf net $40

Practice balls $6

Having an outlet for husbands stress and letting him play golf more often? Priceless!

So we have no grass or plants in our backyard, but now we have a golf net. We could charge a weeds fee to those who come over to use it.

It is really cool though and Hubby - he couldn't be happier. I may never see him in the day light hours though now...I could become the latest golf widow

;-)

Ooo this morning it froze at my house. Our weather station said it was 32.5 at one time last night. Brrrr! But hey - now it's like 61 and sunny. I love Florida!

V-Day

So tomorrow's Valentine's Day. I've been thinking a lot about the day recently. And no, it's not what I should buy my husband. It's the idea that a nice little holiday once again has been corrupted by retailers and the media. The innocence of the day is gone. Even the kids are in on it. Now there's customer valentines and specialty candies instead of handmade cards and the hard candies shown above. For the adult kid - it's diamonds and watches.

I don't get it.

Believe me, I'm not a grumpy person. I love the idea of a day set aside for to highlight love. With all the negative things flying around we need a lot more of the stuff. But I do think a re-evaluation is needed. It's not about spending money, but about spending time. It's about the little things. Remembering the things that your loves love. Being there for them. Saying "I love you," just because or bringing home a gift when society doesn't mandate it but because you thought of that person.

So tomorrow, as every morning, I will tell my husband I love him. And at the end of the day too. Not because it's that holiday, but because I do and it's good to hear and say. And that's what you do when you love someone. You try to make as many days as you can set aside to love.

Happy Valentine's Day.

The Almost Flu Haiku

Headache, aches and pains.
Small fever, was exhausted.
Feeling better now.

My flu scare yesterday is turning out better than I thought. After sleeping more than 13 hours out of 24 I seem to be on the mend. (Knocking hard on wood!) There are some fierce bugs going around and I thought for sure I was doomed to spend the weekend in bed.

Instead there was laundry and some light weeding. Not too bad.

A Little Joke

My Aunt Pat sent this joke to me. And since she lives in Indiana it is not suprising..and I like it..

John Madden, the sports announcer, was in Buffalo to announce a football
game one weekend when he noticed a special telephone near the Bills bench. He
asked Drew Bledsoe what it was used for and was told it was a hotline to God.
John asked if he could use it. Drew told him, "Sure, but it will cost you $200."
John scratched his head, then thought, what the heck, I could use some help
picking games. He pulled out his wallet and paid $200. John's picks were perfect
that week.
The next week John was in Foxboro at Gillette Stadium when he
noticed that same kind of phone on the Patriot's bench. He asked what the
telephone was for and Tom Brady told him, "It's a hotline to God. If you want to
use it, it will cost you $500." Recalling last week, John pulled out his wallet
and made the call. John's picks were perfect again that week.
The next
weekend John was in Indianapolis when he noticed the same kind of telephone by
the Colts bench. He asked Peyton Manning , "Is that the hotline to God?"
Peyton said, "Yes, and if you want to use it, it will cost you 35 cents."
John looked incredulously at Peyton and said, "Wait a second, I just paid
$200 in Buffalo and $500 in New England to use the same phone to God! Why do the
Colts only charge 35 cents?"
Peyton looked at John and replied, "Because in
Indianapolis, it's a local call."

Da' Colts

I was born in Indiana. Granted I haven't lived there since 1979. But I still want the Colts to win the big game today. Plus I respect Tony Dungey greatly. So here's my shout out to them.

Go COLTS!!!

Cruisin'.....

Welcome to my cruise in review blog entry. It won't cost you $30 like the DVD they try to sell you, but I also won't make you watch ads....we had a great time...here's some photos.


Meet Wayne Henry. Our personal bartender - he was buying our group drinks at the end of the week. These are the fabulous chocolate martini's he made for us on the last night. Isn't this a lovely sight? He was awesome!



This is Laszlo and I at the top of Lottery Farm's mountain. Our excursion was a walk through the rain forest...well it was a trek up a mountain, over large boulders and up to the top. But the view was awesome. And we all did it. Heck my parents kicked my butt in the process.

Laszlo took a load off here a Coco Cay - the cruise line's private island. It was lovely and we had a great location - at the hamocks and next to the place making Coco Loco's - the wonderful frozen drinkies that were their specialty. Yum!

This is the ship we were on - the Mariner of the Seas as seen on our return trip from Coco Cay. I'd go there again.

This is some of our group. As you can see my sister, Mom and Dad already figured out where at least one bar was.

2006 In Review

2006 was an interesting year. Here's a brief photo review.

Karen and Joe got married Feb. 18 in Jacksonville.

We celebrated 5 years of marriage with champaign and a super chocolatly desert!

We went to Savannah for the day with Greg and Laura.

I saw the Grand Canyon for the first time. Wow.

Saw the lights of Vegas for the first time. A different Wow.

Laura, my sister turned the BIG 30. Don't ask her too much about it, she only remembers parts of it. ;-)

This is my BEAUTIFUL Christmas cactus. I didn't kill it! And more amazing? I left it out all summer and it still did this!

And finally - Laszlo and I get dressed up for Christmas mass. Yes folks, my husband wore a sports coat.

I want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year. May your new year be filled with love, joy, family and friends and lots of laughter!

Love,
Sarah