Jumping Monkey

Remember the old Jumping Jacks we had as little kids? You know, it was two sticks, a little guy on string, and when you squeezed the sticks, the little guy would flip and flop all over the place? Well, that was maybe 50-60 yrs ago. Now this toy in the picture, is on the same order as those Jumping Jacks. Only, it is 90+ yrs old! My grandfather made this toy for my dad, when he was a wee one. I don't remember if my dad or my grandmother gave this to me when I was little. But I have treasured it forever! At least 50-55 yrs or so. (thats forever hehe) When you hold it and push up on the square piece, it kinda flips into a few different positions. It is somewhat hard to see the face, but it is there. It is all original, except for one screw and nut. I also have to replace a screw and nut on the back arm one of these days. Hmmmmm...........what should I do with this..........who should I give it to? It is the only toy I have from my childhood. Funny how we only save certain things.

All Time Fave Pic Of My Babies!

Yes! I did say babies! You all know the doggie is Billy (I think you all know). The curly red-headed boy is my youngest son Gregory. (by the way, it took me having four kids to finally have a redhead!) Greg is twelve yrs old here, and boy, he sure did love Billy! In fact, he still asks how Billy is quite often. (Greg hates this pic, cause of his curls hehe) Of course, I always have this picture displayed for anyone to see it. Now, I actually have put it on the internet! (Greg would disown me for doing this hehe) Billy will be taking the road trip to MA in Oct, with us. What a happy time that will be! (My two babies seeing each other for the first time in two and a half years). Oh yes, Greg will be 24 in December, Billy will be 12 in November. Ahhhhhh........a mother's youngest children. (They have kept me young).

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My Pretty Rock!

When I was a young girl, my dad got into quite a unique hobby. He became a rock hound. We use to go traveling all around to rock shows and different places to find all different types of rocks. Sounds kinda boring huh? Actually, it wasn't. He would get "slices" of so many different types, then cut them into shapes, grind them, polish them, and make them into beautiful jewelry. My Mom and us two girls had many pieces of his handmade items. After he died, I saved quite a few of his uncut rocks. Especially some of the ones he had lining the front walk. This picture is one of them. It is a piece of rose quartz. The picture really doesn't do it justice, believe me. It really is a very nice shade of light pink. I also put it outside, near my flowers or wherever I think it would look nice. Every place I have lived in since, sports this rock as a welcome to my home. I will take it with me, when we go fultime RVing, and put it out whenever I can. It is in memory of my wonderful daddy and the beautiful memories he gave me.

Like DUH (me)

Oh my.........I must be getting nearsighted.........or the memory of my childhood pets has really dimmed..........or...........whatever! The reality of this comes, after two nights of only 4-5 hours of sleep, working evenings......working...............working................................oh yeah.........and I am working some more...............11hr shifts today and the next three days, with a special client of mine. (care giving) Possibly the same next week too. So since my head is not clear on the difference between grasshoppers and a praying mantis.................I decided to work some more................I mean................take a three day break from trying to come up with a subject for this blog...................and then work..................ah...................try again. Cause then in three days................I maybe can think again for two days....................or maybe not. Did any of that make any since? If not, that's OK................cause I don't care at this minute.............I'm going to bed..............and maybe get 7 hours of sleep. See ya soon Buds...................sleep tight and don't let the grasshoppers bite!

So How Come He's not Praying?

When I was a child, I use to keep Praying Mantises for pets. I let them crawl all over me and my room. Once in awhile, they would hop to get away from me, and I wouldn't be able to find them for hours, even days. The outcome after days of missing, was not always very good either. Now you ask, why was I drawn to these insects? I just always have been drawn to their beautiful graceful bodies. I loved the way they looked when they were "praying". And most of the time, they actually seem to enjoyed my company! (I think......). So, now I am wondering why this particular guy, or gal, is not in a praying position? Could be, he/she is cleaning him/herself, (after a nice dinner of what ever it ate.) Or.........maybe they don't pray in Florida? Or.........maybe it really isn't a Praying Mantis after all!!!

Save Me Some!

Our Billy really loves Ice Cream! In the evening, when we have our little treat, he is at our feet, just waiting to lick the dish clean. There is not usually much left, but he enjoys it anyway. I will have to get him some of that special ice cream for dogs again. He enjoyed that also. I wonder if it comes in different flavors now?

Rubbies!!!

OK Daddy, wiggle your toes now. (I just love these chest rubbies!)

Licking chops and waiting patiently

Billy is trying his best to wait patiently for a handout from his Daddy. Sure must be something good.

Chasing Butterflies

I just had to chase this pretty butterfly a bit to take a pic of it. It allowed me to tak five before it decided it had enough. I'm not sure what kind it is, but it sure loves these flowers!

Funny Noises

Since we moved to Florida almost five years ago, I have been use to waking many a Saturday morning to a strange noise. It is this, right over our house! Those three lines are just part of the palm trees.