Condos in Celebration, Florida (and Harry Potter!) January 13, 2013

Condos Are Wonderful--in Celebration, Florida, and So Is Harry Potter

 

January 13, 2013

 

Click this like to see more about this condo at a resort hotel in Celebration. More photos.

 

      I spent Saturday looking at many condos, and of course my favorite was the most expensive and the largest one.  The most surprising to me was the condo located in an elegant resort hotel pictured above.  Celebration is a planned community within a few miles of Disney World.  Universal Studios is located on Interstate 4, not too far away.  Perfect place to live for someone like me, who will soon have nothing better to do than visit theme parks every day. 

 

      Of course, being more practical, I also like several condos which were located in the beautiful neighborhoods of lovely homes on tree-lined streets.  People walking their little dogs, joggers, and walkers added to the peaceful and quiet neighborhoods. 

 

      We saw enough condos, in all sorts of sizes and locations, to get a very good idea of what was available in our price range.  All very livable and appealing.  

 

      This put me in the mood to begin the redecorating/repairing of my current home, to prepare it for renting in the fall.  Instead of wishing and dreaming, I'm going to start by mowing and edging my very raggedy front and back lawn this morning.  Start  at the beginning, they always say.

 

     Have a great Sunday, and think of me out in the 80 degree sun, mowing down all the weeds this morning!   Within a few weeks, we will be experiencing winter temperatures in the 30 degree range, so I'd better do this yard work before I procrastinate any longer.

 

     I hope I don't talk myself out of this mowing job.  I may just jump in my car and drive to Universal Studios to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter instead.  Much more to my liking!

 



                    

 

    

Click this link to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Orlando. Harry Potter!!

 

 

Click here to see my pinterest interests. Look at my theme park board to see lots more Harry Potter photos and information.

 

 

 

 

 

     

Pearls Go With Everything--Southern Traditions January 11, 2013

Pearls Go With Everything--Southern Traditions

 

January 11, 2013

 

     America was divided by war during the 1860s--the northern states fought the southern states over serious differences.  This is not a history lesson.  The northern states won and the southern states didn't.  Enough about that.

 

     I was born and raised in a southern state, a really southern state, Alabama.  Old traditions and customs were carried on and are still carried on to this day. 

 

     The traditions that stayed with me carried me through many a social occasion while I lived in at least seven different states.  My children used to ask why we used cloth napkins at meals instead of paper napkins.  Later in life my friends asked the same thing. 

 

     I would simply say that paper napkins weren't proper and that was that.  I couldn't really explain, but that is how I was raised.

 

     Recently, I found a little list of "Southern Traditions" on pinterest, and it brought those traditions back to my mind.  When you read the list, bear in mind that "sweet tea" means iced tea loaded with sugar.

 

 

     These traditions are ingrained in me, they are things I carry out to this day, except I drink my iced tea with artificial sweetener these days.  I am grateful for my southern heritage and traditions, as I'm sure you are grateful for yours.

 

      But the one on the list that made me smile the most was number 9.  Without thinking about it, I wear pearls with just about everything, almost every day! 

 

      I hope your new year is going well so far, and ladies, remember to wear your pearls today:  it's a southern tradition.

 

 

 

Click here to see my pinterest interests. See my profile photo? I'm wearing my pearls!

 

 

 

     

 

        



 

 

 



 

 

Newest Interest--Condo Shopping! January 10, 20113

Newest Interest--Condo Shopping!

January 10, 2013

 

     With the new year have come new thoughts about my future.  I know I will want to change my daily habit of driving to and from work in Orlando traffic.  I know I will want to change my daily habit of rushing home to the peace and quiet of my home.

 

     During my two-week holiday vacation I came to realize that watching the twice-a-week trash pickup is not going to be something I look forward to forever.  Knowing my neighbor's lawn service people come every Thursday will not be something to anticipate with pleasure.  How will I change my daily views from my big front window?  Ahhhhh...I will change the location of my view.

 

      So this weekend I am possibly going to view some nice new and lovely condos...and they are located right next to the happiest place on earth:  Disney World.

 

     Here are condos that were sent to me by my oldest son to consider, and I'm going to look at them and a few more this weekend, if all goes as planned.

 

 

 

 

 



 

      The last photo is more of a condo hotel, with very small square footage, but the amenities are fabulous.   One of these condos is selling as completely furnished, how wonderful! 

 

      All I would have to do is hop in my car any time of the day or evening and drive just a few short miles to be in the Magic Kingdom.  Then maybe I'll have a leisurely breakfast or lunch, stroll around, then come back home for a nap.  I like this idea.

 

      What would I do with my present home?  I'll rent it to someone who loves watching and feeding flocks of doves and other birds that come to this house.  Won't be moving until after November, but it is certainly an idea worth looking into for now. 

 

       So add to my list of retirement activities Number 16, searching for the perfect "retirement home" next to Disney World.  I like that very much!

 

 



Click here to see my pinterest interests. One board is all about our Orlando theme parks.

Back to Work Today January 7, 2013

Back To Work Today

January 7, 2013

 

 

     After two wonderful, restful, happy weeks of Christmas vacation, I return to work this morning.  My lesson plans and extra supplies are loaded in my car.  My mind is prepared for the next three months of teaching until my next week-long holiday in the spring.

 

     The problem is my heart is not prepared to leave my peaceful and organized home this morning.  I shall have to do as Queen Elizabeth II does when faced with such a dilemma:  Keep calm and carry on.

 

     Students and  parents will be very pleased that school resumes today.  I will be pleased as well as soon as I enter my classroom and prepare for the first students to arrive. 

 

     Here is a little poem I found on pinterest.com which I will use with my students this morning to begin a poetry unit.  It will get me on the right track to getting back to the business of teaching.

 

 

     I'm off to my closet to find a fabulous outfit to wear to make myself feel stylish yet professional.  It will look something like this, if I can put it all together.  Photo from pinterest.com   I love wearing pearls with almost any outfit.

 

 

     The weather chart says it will be around 70 degrees F., with rain forecast, so I shall wear a chic scarf to finish the outfit.  Will this do? 

 

     Now, let me think:  Only 10 more months until retirement, when I shall spend the first week in my pajamas!  Happy New Year Everyone!

 

 

Click here to see my pinterest fashion and classroom ideas.

 



 



 

     

To My Reader in the United Kingdom January 4, 2013

To My Reader In The United Kingdom

January 4, 2013

 

      Thank you so very much for reading my posts.  It makes me feel so good to see that someone so far away is interested in the little things I write.

 

      If you ever feel comfortable doing so, please leave a comment and let me know your location. 

 

 

Click here to see my pinterest interests. You may see some familiar faces and places.

 



 



Southwest Florida Eagle Cam Link January 4, 2013

Southwest Florida Eagle Cam Link

 

January 4, 2013

 

 

Click here for the link to watch the eagles and eaglets on ustream.tv and you will be enchanted.

 

 

     You will also be addicted, hooked, obsessed, and unable to leave your computer.  You will be thrilled as you watch those magnificent, great, huge birds feed their two tiny little eaglets.   I speak from experience.  Enjoy all of it.

 

 

 

Eaglet number 2 hatched January 3.

 

 

 

 

Click here to see my pinterest interests. Thank you. 

Watch Live Eagle Cam--Egg One Hatched This Morning January 2, 2013

Watch Live Eagle Cam--Egg 1 Hatched This Morning

January 2, 2013

 

Click here to watch live stream video of Bald Eagles and their new eaglet. Waiting for second egg to hatch.

 

      I love ustream.tv because you can watch live streaming video of almost anything.

 

      However, my favorite sites are the bald eagle sites here in the U.S.

 

     This morning, the first of two eggs hatched for Ozzie and Harriet, a pair of bald eagles who make their home/nest in North Fort Myers, Florida.  This area is considered Southwest Florida.

 

     Save this link because you can click on the live view 24 hours a day.  There are many other eagle viewing sites on ustream.tv, but most American bald eagles in the northern states are not nesting at this time of year. 

 

Happy eagle watching!

Click on this link to get to ustream.tv.

 

 

 

 

 

Click on this link to see my pinterest interests..

Happy New Year World! December 31, 2013

Happy New Year World!

 

December 31, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blessings on everyone in the world as we enter a new year, 2013!!

 

Del in Orlando, Florida

 

 

 



Best Holiday Week--Now I'm Going Fishing December 29, 2012

Best Holiday Week

Now I'm Going Fishing

 

December 29, 2012

 

     It's been such a lovely week, and only week one of my Christmas holidays vacation.  There are still eight more days of vacation before work calls again.  I do hope everyone had a happy Christmas or Hanukkah.

 

     With all the little pleasures of meals and casual evenings with friends and family, I have thoroughly enjoyed this week.  For the past two days I have just enjoyed feeding the birds and squirrels, watching nature from my picture window, and relaxing.

 

      One of my little pleasures was making winter bird feeders to hang in the branches of shrubs near my bird feeder.  Here are the directions, so don't laugh:

 

      Take a toilet tissue roll, coat with creamy peanut butter, roll in birdseed, thread a string or ribbon through the roll, tie a knot, and hang outside for the birds.  You can also just put it through a bare branch like the photo above. Squirrels and birds love these and I am going to continue to make these all winter. 

 

Click here to see how to make the bird feeder. Cute website.

 

     My relaxing involved watching hours and hours of the original version of "Upstairs, Downstairs" on my computer.  Click here to watch one of the episodes.   

 



 

     While I really only listened to the episodes, I spent hours on pinterest.com, read news stories, and played lots of computer card games.  This must be what retirement will be like.  Nice.

 

     Now it's time to go fishing in the park at the riverbank I wrote about weeks ago.  Today, although it is lightly raining, I shall put my fishing tackle in some kind of container, complete with that knife for protection from alligators. 

 

     But first I have to attach a hook and weight to the brand new fishing rod I bought.  I've got to find a way to attach that rubber lure to the hook, because I'm really a salt-water fishing person.

 

     I'm borrowing my neighbor's canvas camping chair, complete with drink holder.  I'm packing a light lunch and a few bottles of water, probably 4 bottles, in case the fish don't bite and I have nothing to do.

 

     Since I want to absorb all the nature in the park, I'll be bringing my camera this time out, and will keep binoculars close at hand. 

 

      But wait, there's more:

 

     Yesterday, while driving through my neighborhood, I saw a turkey vulture (with the red face) feasting on a rather gruesome meal in someone's driveway.  It appeared to be a squirrel, but I'm afraid it was a cat.  Yum-yum.  

 

     Here is a turkey vulture.  Click here to learn more about turkey vultures. Ewwww.

 





 

     So, off I go to commune with nature and torture the fish.  Happy New Year  2013 to everyone.

 

Click here to view my pinterest interests.

 

     

How To Wash A Cat--Too Funny December 25, 2012

How To Wash A Cat--Too Funny Not To Share

December 25, 2012

 

 

 

Hope you had a wonderful and fun-filled Christmas today.

 

This came from pinterest.com

No Restaurants -- I Get Angry December 23, 2012

No  More Restaurants  --  I Get Angry

 

December 23, 2012

 

     Went on a short errand to WalMart.  Afterwards, went to a familiar chain steak restaurant/buffet with a relative.  I paid no attention to the prices or menu.  When the bill was rung up before we were seated, it was over $25 and I had a fit. 

 

Steak Buffet Restaurant 

 

     This is an old restaurant, a chain which is located all over the south, nothing special.  Years ago, I went there a lot, in another state.  Why did I get so angry?  I demanded that we leave, even though I was not paying for the meal.  Why? 

 

     So my relative took me to a surprise restaurant in Waterford Lakes Shopping Center.  The menu was long and complicated with 100 choices of tiny sandwiches, as it was explained to me.  Each tiny sandwich was as cheap as you could get.  I got upset again.  Why?  Look at the reviews this restaurant got.  Everyone says it's great:

 

100 Montaditos Restaurant Site and Reviews

 

     I can only say that I don't want to be confronted with menus so long and complicated that I completely shut down.  Why?

 

     It turned out to be a ridiculous miniature sub, with some of the ingredients not even on the tiny thing.  I returned it to the counter to be corrected.  This all embarrassed and angered my relative.  What is causing my anger?

 

     It has to do with being bullied into liking something I truly don't like, like that sushi experience last month.

 

     At this time of my life I want to go to familiar affordable restaurants.  That is not too much to ask.  As a result of today, I am angry, hurt, and completely over the good feelings I had for my relative and for the holiday season.  Why?  I can't explain it.

 

     I just want to go to bed and wake up after Christmas is over.   I do not get any pleasure from eating where prices seem high or menus are complicated, even though the prices are very low. 

      Are these reactions related to future retirement or to restaurants in general? When I am over this anger, I will have to do some hard thinking about eating out again.

      I think it has something to do with my past experiences, so I'll have to think on my reactions, which are becoming frequent these days.

      It's time to go to the park to watch some nature after I turn off the Christmas music. Then I'll go get a burger for $1.00 at McDonalds.  I think I'm the only person who gets angry at restaurants.



 



Hurrah! Mounds of Trash Cleaned Up By Lynx Bus Service! December 22, 2012

Hurrah!  Mounds of Trash Cleaned Up By Lynx Bus Service! 

 

December 22, 2012

 

      Two days ago I wrote about a bus stop that was so sad:  The trash can was overflowing and there were mounds of trash all around it on the ground.  This must have been so terrible for any passenger waiting on the bench for bus service.  But wait, there's more! 

 

      Just look at the bus stop now!

 

 



 

      Thedailycity.com wrote about this situation, posting photos, and now the entire area is cleared and the trash can is empty with a clean liner.  Read about the results and see the "after" photos here on +Mark Baratelli's blog, www.thedailycity.com  :

 

Bus Stop Area Cleaned After Our Story

 

      We're so happy that Lynx bus service saw thedailycity.com story and acted responsibly and quickly.  Hurrah for Orlando, the City Beautiful!

 

 

 



 



 

 

Today's Task: Food Shopping For The Homeless December 22, 2012

Today's Task:  Food Shopping for the Homeless

 

December 22, 2012

 

     Today is the first day of my 14 day holiday vacation.  First joyful task will be to head to Winn Dixie to stock up on canned fruits and vegetables to help feed the homeless.   Winn Dixie, on the corner of Colonial and Bumby Street, really helped me get this job done.  Here is a link to the main Winn Dixie site:

 

Be sure to shop at Winn Dixie grocery stores---they are helpful and generous to our homeless in Central Florida.

 

     In a previous post, I described buying shopping carts full of canned fruits and vegetables to take to the Coalition for the Homeless.  That was way back at Thanksgiving, to help with their Thanksgiving meals.

 

     I'm doing this again because I set that goal:  to do something in a small way to help the helpless and homeless in Orlando.  Have you been able to do something similar?  Here is a video of where I will take the boxes of canned goods:

 

A beautiful video composite of what the Coalition for the Homeless does for others

 

 

      My neighbor and friend who helped me shop last time is not feeling well, so I have asked my son to go with me to shop and deliver today.  It's a very small drop in a very big bucket of need. 

 

 

     Here are the day-to-day needs that the Coalition needs to serve their clients, not just with food:

 



     On a lighter note, I am grateful for what I have and for what I am able to give to my family and friends at this time of giving.  "All you need is love," by John Lennon says it all.  But let's be more global and help provide for those who have nothing but love this Christmas. 

 

     After this task this morning, I'm forcing myself to start work on my taxes.  Ugh.  If I really dedicate myself, I can still have time to go watch those vultures and ibis playing in the park this afternoon.

 



Click this link to see what you need to make for Christmas dinner and all of your parties.



Mounds of Trash at Public Bus Stop Orlando December 20, 2012

Mounds of  Trash at Public Bus Stop

Who Is Ultimately Responsible For Clean Up?

 

December 20, 2012

 

     I pass this bus stop several times a day, and for the past week its trash container has been overflowing with garbage.  One person has documented this neglect on his blog, thedailycity.com.  +Mark Baratelli has been and is a top proponent for keeping Orlando "the City Beautiful."  Tonight he photographed and posted a notice about this deplorable situation:

 

 

Read what Mark has to comment on the lack of city trash services at this bus stop.

 

     Just who should take on the task that is being ignored by the public, the city solid waste department, and even each bus driver who isn't reporting the conditions at this particular bus stop?

 

     Are you thinking that I should rush out tomorrow and do the job myself?  Think again.    I travel 9 miles one way to work each morning and pass 10 to 20 Lynx bus stops.  This is the only one in this condition.  Why?

     We watched tonight, outside a Starbucks, as a waiting bus passenger carefully placed his empty soft drink cup on the top of the disgusting pile.  The public is doing the right thing in trying to use the trash can.  But now the entire bus stop seating area is surrounded by decaying food, which will attract flies, roaches, and other vermin.  Would you want to sit next to this garbage dump?

 

     Here is just one view of this disgraceful mess:

 



 



 

          So, I'm asking, just like thedailycity.com did:  Who is responsible for the clean up here and why hasn't the clean up been done?

      

      

Florida Black Vultures and Ibis Bathe Together December 19, 2012

Florida Black Vultures and Ibis Bathe Together This Morning

 

December 19, 2012

 

      After wrapping all 20 of the presents for my grandchildren at 7am today, I packed the presents in my car.  It only took one hour and I made a present wrapping station in my spare bedroom.  It was a pleasure knowing I had gotten exactly what they had put on their "Four Gifts" lists for me.   The box of presents is well on its way to their home and will arrive in a few days.   

 

      But wait, there is more...

 

      Later, on my way to work, I drove through the Greenway/Park to see the usual gathering of around 50 Florida black vultures.  They were sitting or walking or standing on the bank of the river.   Here are Florida black vultures, but not my photos:

 

   

 

 

      Usually they are watching the ibis, both the white and the brownish ones, wade, eat, and bathe at the river's edge.  Below are the two types of ibis I watched, but not my photos:

 

     

 

       This morning I parked as usual, and sat at a picnic table, about 15 feet away, to wonder at the sight of nature up close.  Funny thing, some of the vultures, about 10 of them, were bathing with the ibis, splashing, dunking their heads, flapping their wings in the water, and washing all over, just like the ibis usually do.

 

       I'm curious to see if they are learning this from the ibis, or if they do this anyway and I hadn't seen it before.  Some of the vultures, standing nearby and watching the sight, began to wander into the water and copy the other birds, too.

 

      For comparison, a Florida black vulture, with a wing span of about 5 feet, weighs about 5 pounds, like a large chicken.  An ibis has a wing span of about 3-4 feet, and it weighs about 2-3 pounds. 

 

      Yet here they were having a swimming play date together, all while I sat and watched.  I love nature up close and undisturbed.   Don't want to go overboard, but make Number 17 on my activities list "Birdwatching up close."

 

Click here to see my board called "For The Birds" on pinterest.com

 

I'll be sure I take my camera to the park every morning now.

 

     

Christmas Cards Have All Been Sent...

 

December 17, 2012

 

      As the Carpenters' song goes, "Christmas cards have all been sent," I have completed my big but fun latest task.  Mailed them this afternoon, including the non-traditional newsletter.

 

      So now I am writing just a few more to complete the fun job completely tonight.

Next I get to wrap all the presents I bought for my grandchildren.  I used that "4Gifts" idea from pinterest and I got great responses.  It was so easy to shop for all five of my "grands."

 

      Hit the wrapping paper section of Office Depot after printing my newsletters, so I have everything I need to at least start the assembly line tonight.  Some may even get mailed tomorrow. 

 

      Now, back to the original purpose of this blog, I have hit upon the ideal retirement activity:  setting up a Christmas card writing service for those too busy (or unorganized) to do their own cards.  But wait...there's more.

 

      I can picture myself helping others write their awful newsletters, addressing envelopes, stamping all the mail, and delivering it to the post office.  How much could I charge to do this? 

 

      I could set up one room of my house to produce everything, like the famous "present wrapping room" of Tori Spelling's mother.  Truthfully, I'm pretty sure there are businesses that already do this. 

 

      If I had days and days to do someone's Christmas correspondence, I could be finished by Thanksgiving.  They could just tell me what date they wanted their cards mailed.  Yep.  I can see myself doing this---for about one Christmas season. 

 

     So, let's add as Number 16 of my retirement activities list:  Run a Christmas card/Christmas newsletter writing and mailing service.  Of course, this would require that my customers only use cards with pre-printed signatures!

 

     I predict this would hold my interest for a full month...the month of my official retirement...possibly.  I might be too busy treasure hunting and fishing. 

 

Click here for lots of Christmas, gardening, fashion, and life advice, whether you want it or not, on pinterest.

 

      

 

     



I Am Not Sad--Clarifying Earlier Post

 

December 17, 2012

 

       Someone misinterpreted my previous post; I am not sad personally today about the slaughter of innocents.  That cannot be undone; it's a fact now.   Blame will not bring back the victims.

 

       I am extremely sympathetic for the families who will have to live for the rest of their lives with this.

 

       

Hard To Comprehend Recent Slaughter of Innocents

 

December 17, 2012

 

      Totally occupied with the progress of the repairs to my house all weekend, and then this morning...my thoughts flooded my heart.

 

      No questions of why or how the needless, insane slaughter of humans happened as they were simply going about the business and fun of learning.  My thoughts are of the families:  they will suffer for years and years over the acts of one insane kid.

 

      At this time, my thoughts are on all of them, the victims, all innocents, and their families.  Blessings on them as they begin the unbearable journey to living from one day to the next.

 

      I am so very sorry that this happened.  I am so very sorry that no one can undo anything.  I am very sorry this morning.