Clearing My Garden--Clearing My Mind March 14, 2013

Clearing My Garden--Clearing My Mind

 

March 14, 2013

 

This is what my front garden looks like.  This is not my photo, but you get the idea.

 

At least it doesn't look this sad and forlorn.  This is not my photo, but it was taken somewhere in the United Kingdom.

 

This is my own photo of my front garden.  Best feature these days is the birdbath, used by many birds and squirrels.

 

      I am going to ruthlessly rip out the raggedy plants, that used to be beautiful years ago, and clear spaces for planting new healthy plants.  I don't know where this gardening urge came from yesterday, but I started by giving my front garden a good hard look.

 

     This morning, before I leave for work at 11am, I am going to attack with a vengeance.  On my way home from work, I'm going to pick up some plants that attract butterflies and bees, purchased at my local Home Depot and my local favorite garden shop, Palmer's Nursery. 

 

      This has the same mind-clearing effect as clearing out the clutter from one's closets and cupboards.  I need to help Mother Nature reclaim the front garden, as it was over 6 years ago.  I have honestly enjoyed the years of watching nature at my front window, and I want to reclaim that pleasure. 

 

      The one feature that has remained lovely is the birdbath.  Every morning and evening I watch as the tiny finches (?), graceful mourning and ring-neck doves, woodpeckers, cardinals, and squirrels enjoy a nice drink or a short bath there.

 

      Here is what I would like for my front garden to look like after I clear and plant for the next few days:

 

 

 

      If my motivation holds out through the weekend, I'll have cleared and restored both my butterfly garden and my brain!

 

Click here to see my pinterest interests, especially my "Gardens" board. Enjoy!

 



 



 



 

 



Florida Eaglets Are Branching Now! March 12, 2013

Florida Eaglets Are Branching Now!

 

March 12, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

Click this link to watch the new branching skills of our eaglets!

 

Photo above shows the parent eagle in comparison to the eaglet now.  Amazing growth in over 8 weeks!

 

 

In photo above, parent eagle watches eagle practicing its flight skills by hopping and flapping.  Proud parent, for sure.

 

I hope you enjoy watching this eagle family as the eaglets prepare for their future branching and fledging.

What a long way the eaglets have come as they grow toward leaving the nest in a few months.

 

Thank you to Dick Prichett Realty for allowing us to view this miracle of birth and growth through your live camera installed on your property in North Fort Myers, Florida!

 

 



Songs That Make Me Cry--Enjoy March 10, 2013

Songs That Make Me Cry--Enjoy

March 10, 2013

 

 

Click here for video of "I Want To Be The First Man You Remember" from "Aspects of Love"

 

 

 

 

Click here for video of "Bring Him Home" from "Les Miserables"

 

 

 

 

 

Click here for video of "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" from "Phantom of the Opera"

 

 

     Thank you, Andrew Lloyd Webber, for making me cry.  It's always a lovely experience.

 

 

 

Disclaimer:  All videos are from www.youtube.com

                    I own no rights to these videos.  I just love the music.

 

 

 

 

 



Out of Ideas for Retirement--Now What? March 10, 2013

Out of Ideas--For Retirement--What Now?

 

March 10, 2013

 Image copied from http://www.retirement-online.com/retirement-activities.html a great website!

 

        Turning to Google, rather than my own experiences and memories, I searched for retirement activities today.  Sadly, I came upon the following article with 5 retirement activities for women.  It reminded me of the reason I began this blog; I don't want to do crafts and read for the rest of my life, really.  See what you think.

 

Click here for the article with 5 retirement activities for women. 

 

        Fortunately, there was another website, Retirement Cafe, by Ernie Zelinski, which exceeded my expectations in providing more ideas for an active retirement:  Here is the website:

 

Click here for the link to Retirement Cafe and Fun Things To Do When You Retire.

 

Here, then, is a quote from this retirement website, written by Ernie Zelinski.  My favorite author, Dame Agatha Christie, listed 15 activities she enjoyed in retirement.  Mr. Zelinski quotes her list:

 

"Think of all the things in life that you love; then, in some way relate them to retirement activities that you can pursue for a more active retirement.

Following is a list of activities created by the British writer Agatha Christie (1890-1976) as included in the book Agatha Christie: An Autobiography (Dodd, Mead & Co., 1977).

• Sunshine
• Apples
• Almost any kind of music
• Railway trains
• Numerical puzzles and anything to do with numbers
• Going to the sea
• Bathing and swimming
• Silence
• Sleeping
• Dreaming
• Eating
• The smell of coffee
• Lilies of the valley
• Most dogs
• Going to the theatre

This list of activities and things that Christie loved may trigger some of the stuff that turns you on and which you can use for an active retirement.

In fact, you may learn to enjoy all 15 things that Agatha Christie enjoyed if you implement them into your retirement activities. This will go a long ways towards conquering retirement boredom."

 

     Obviously we know that Dame Agatha Christie was fond of railway trains, thus her fascinating mystery, Murder On The Orient Express, featuring Hercule Poirot.  Happily, taking a trip on a train is on my list of retirement activities.

 

Click here to see parts of "Murder On The Orient Express," featuring David Suchet as Hercule Poirot.

 

      From my research today, I have learned that depression after retirement is normal, due to the lack of purpose and and an active life, so I realized that I have somehow predicted that depression. 

 

        There are 8 months remaining in which to discover what my real purpose in life will be after retirement.   I hope it's not crafting and reading!

 

 

Click here to see my pinterest interests. Enjoy!

 

 

 

Unexpected Nature In My Neighborhood

 

February 23, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

     As I returned from grocery shopping at 7:30 this morning, I turned into my neighborhood and had to stop for three beautiful peacocks, all different, as they slowly strolled across the street and into someone's yard.   There they busied themselves with their ground feeding, seeming to appear totally at ease and happy to be taking their stroll. 

 

     These are not my photos, as I didn't have my camera.  One was totally white, full-grown, with a beautiful plume of feathers on its head and long, flowing tail feathers.  One was the beautiful royal/turquoise blue with flowing feathers and head plume.  The last was a younger, plainly colored peacock, but it already had its greenish-blue neck, its head plume of feathers, and the beginnings of long tail feathers. 

 

     The three photos I found on Google represent what I saw  in my downtown Orlando neighborhood.   It was difficult to  drive away from this beautiful family scene.  

 

 

Click here to see my pinterest interests, especially my "For The Birds" board.

 



Watch Eagles Raise Their Young February 22, 2013

Watch Eagles Raise Their Young

 

February 22, 2013

 

 

 

Above are Honor and Hope, 8 weeks old now, almost as big as their parent.

 

 

 

Click this link to watch the eagles 24/7 on the live cam on ustream.

 

 

Click this link to watch video of eaglets exercising their huge wings on Feb. 21, 2013.

 

Photo credits:  Greg M. Hill and Barbara Sands

 

 

 

Click here to see my pinterest interests. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Sunrise, Sunset---I don't Remember Growing Older February 21, 2013

Sunrise, Sunset

I Don't Remember Growing Older

 

February 21, 2013

 

 

 

     My oldest granddaughter sent me photos of her in her gown for a competition at her high school.  She asked me to buy an ad in the program for the competition and to send a photo for the ad.  I found a photo of us together when she was about two years old at Christmas. 

 

      Then I looked at both photos and was immediately reminded of the song, "Sunrise, Sunset," from "Fiddler On The Roof."  When did she get to be a beauty? 

 

      Here are the lyrics that came to mind:

 

Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?
I don't remember growing older
When - did - they?
When did she get to be a beauty?
When did he grow to be so tall?
Wasn't it yesterday when they - were - small?
Sunrise, sunset, Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly flow the days
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Blossoming even as we gaze
Sunrise, sunset, Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears

 

 

      I am also reminded of that famous American soap opera, "Days of Our Lives" saying, "Like sands through an hour glass, so are the days of our lives."   My sands are trickling pretty fast now, so I hope I can appreciate and treasure the moments of each and every day.

 

      Here is the original video of that song from "Fiddler on the Roof":  (Get your handkerchiefs or tissues ready; it will make you reflect on your own life, I'm sure.)

 



Click here to watch "Sunrise, Sunset" from the movie, "Fiddler on the Roof."

 

 

 

Click here to see my pinterest interests. Do you remember "Absolutely Fabulous? That is my latest board featuring the very funny British Comedy show videos.

 

 

 

Mardi Gras Is February 12! Boo-Yah, Everyone! February 3, 2013

Mardi Gras Is Feb. 12--Boo-Yah, Everyone!

 

 

February 3, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

(Let the good times roll!)

 

 

Click here to hear the traditional Indian song "Iko Iko" and see their elaborate Mardi Gras costumes.

 

Click here to watch a video on Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

 

      I really miss living near New Orleans and all the festivities of the Mardi Gras season.  Happy Mardi Gras, everyone!

 

 

 

Click here to see my pinterest interests. There is even a "Let The Good Times Roll" board!

 



You Probably Already Knew This, But I Didn't February 2, 2013

You Probably Already Knew This,

But I Didn't

February 2, 2013

Genta, this post is for you today. Genta、この投稿をします。

 

私はインターネット翻訳者が見つかりませんでした。 では、私の書いた文章に指定した1sのすべてに感謝します。 私はあなたのコメントに変換することができます。 素晴らしい日があります。 それは非常に風邪になりましたか? 私は先生と思います。 どのようなことをするのですか?

 

      On Google+, you can interact with people from all over the world, with short comments or by just adding a +1 to their photos, art, blog posts, etc.  It's all public.  But wait, there's more.

 

     One of the people who kindly gives my posts a +1 is a person named Genta.  All of his comments are in Japanese, as it turns out, so I don't know what he is saying to me.

 

      I had a memory of a student using a translator, internet translator, to change English words to French, years ago.  So I searched for one this morning.  Success!  How easy. 

 

       Who knew I could correspond in Japanese, or any other language? Well, everyone knew, but I had forgotten this service was available on the internet! Here is a link to one language translator:

Click this link to get the language translator site. It is one of many available.

 

     What I wrote in Japanese at the top of this post is this:

I found an internet translator. Thank you so much for all of the +1s you have given to my writings. I can translate your comments now. Have a wonderful day. Is it very cold there now? I am a teacher. What work do you do?

 

       Genta, this post is for you today.  Genta、この投稿をします。 

 

Click here to see my pinterest interests.

 

  

 

 

 

     

 



Becoming An English Trainer in China--For Disney February 1, 2013

Becoming An English Trainer In China--For Disney!

February 1, 2013

 

 

     Just as I was planning a quiet, happy new life in a condo near Disney World, I received this notice from Disney.  They are looking for English trainers in China, of all things. 

 

     Suddenly, my idea of retirement had a new spark.  Here are a few details from the email:

 

 

     So, my imagination took flight ,and I believe I will look into the details of applying as a "Foreign Trainer."  The job description mentions a contract for 12 to 18 months, and you would be using the Disney curriculum to accomplish their goals in teaching English to the young.

 

     What an opportunity to live in China and continue my teaching career AND work for Disney!

 

     Adding to my list of retirement activities as number 17, teaching English in China, I feel energized and excited today.   Happy Friday and happy weekend, everyone.

 

Click here to see my pinterest interests.

 



Vietnamese New Year and Friends

January 27, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

     On Saturday I met a friend at the Vietnamese New Year Festival, and saw many friends from my previous school.  The festival was a huge event where food, plants, and merchandise were sold.  There was an awesome opening ceremony complete with the traditional Vietnamese dancers and dragons.

 

     At my previous school there were many Vietnamese students and teachers.  Every year there was a big T'et (New Year's) program and celebration.  The families were wonderful and made all of the food for the celebration, which took many hours of labor to prepare. 



 

     Every student in the school was given a red envelope with money in it for good luck in the new year. 

 

"In Vietnam, red envelopes are called lì xì (similar to the Cantonese pronunciation "lai see") or, in some cases, phong bao mừng tuổi (happy new age envelope)." from Wikipedia article.

 

I was already very familiar with the red envelopes, because I had spent much research on Feng Shui years previously. 

 

     However, getting to know the Vietnamese students and teachers was a gift I shall always treasure.  We saw many of my former students and their families at the festival.  We shopped and we ate. 

 

     There was a particularly intriguing booth/table with a large assortment of glass bead jewelry, simulating jade, pearls, etc.  My friend immediatly purchased a jade bead bracelet, which was beautiful and reasonably priced.  I was fascinated by the pearls.  My pearls, which I have written about previously, needed the clasp repaired.  

 

     I asked about the seller's pearl necklaces, none of which were simple pearls.  She said she could make a string of pearls for me while I enjoyed the festival.  I chose the size and color of the pearl, the length of the necklace, and the clasp color.   We returned about 30 minutes later and the necklace was completed.  Perfect.  It looks similar to this, but smaller pearls and no extra bead decoration:

 

 

 

     But wait, there's more.  The money from the sale of the jewelry goes to "Sandals for Leprosy", or Chuoi hat hy vong (Beads of Hope)."  This is a project in Vietnam for making sandals for those in remote villages  who have leprosy.  They need new sandals every six months as the disease progresses.  The project was started by the late St. Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan.  Funds also help the children of the leprosy sufferers.   We were very moved by this project's efforts.

 

     As if the festival food was not enough, my friend and I then headed to an afternoon meal at Little Saigon, our favorite Vietnamese restaurant in Orlando.  We spent a nice time visiting and enjoying the wonderful food. 

 

 

 

     Click this link to see more about Little Saigon Restaurant and its offerings.

 

     This year is the year of the snake, so don't forget to give your friends and family members little red envelopes with a little money inside for good luck and a good life.

 



 

 

 Click this link to see my pinterest interests.

 

 

 

    

 

     



 

      

Transatlantic Cruises and Lawn Mowing January 21, 2013

Transatlantic Cruises and Lawn Mowing

 

January 21, 2013

 

     Trying to put off the lawn mowing didn't work today;  I gave in and had the job done in 20 minutes.  This is not my photo, but it looks very similar to my little mower.

 



 

     Something inspired me to make a nice pot roast and vegetable soup in my small crock pot/slow cooker this morning.  I can't explain why.   This must be how older people make decisions:   randomly and without a plan.   

 

     In any case, when the 6 hour timer sounded for the pot roast, it somehow gave me the push to go mow the lawn.  So, the lawn looks nice and the pot roast was delicious.

 

             



 

     Now it's really time to color my hair so naturally I am researching transatlantic cruises to England instead.  I found a lovely cruise from New York to Southampton for less than $2000, on the Queen Mary 2, with a balcony. 

 

     Did I mention that I have a holiday from work today in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? 

 

"Nation to honor Martin Luther King Jr. as first black president is inaugurated to 2nd term"

"A quirk in the calendar pushed President Barack Obama's public swearing-in in Washington onto the national holiday honoring the slain civil rights leader." from newser.com today

 

     On top of that national holiday, President Obama was inaugurated today.  This is a very historic day for America.

 



 



     So I have spent all day watching "Rosemary and Thyme" on youtube.com.   How I love the BBC. 

 

Click here to watch an episode of "Rosemary and Thyme," all set in Regent's Park in London.

 

     Soon it will be bird and squirrel feeding time.  I wonder if the squirrels will notice that their playground of wildflowers has disappeared? 

 

     Re-reading what I have just written, I am reminded that I am looking forward to the days of retirement.  Then I shall jump from one activity to another, just as I please, just like my squirrels.   What a fine life is ahead of me.

 

Click this link to see my pinterest interests. Look at my "Wishes and Dreams" board.

 

        

 

 

 

     

 

 

 



Where Will The Squirrels Play? January 19, 2013

Where Will The Squirrels Play?

(If I mow my lawn)

January 19, 2013

 

This is not my photo.  I got it from Google.com.

 

     The day started with my usual watching of the squirrels, ringneck doves, and mourning doves eating all of the seeds I throw on my driveway.  The squirrels also eat from the birdfeeder attached to a huge oak tree.  The doves are ground feeders, and they are fascinating to watch, both morning and evening.

 



Figure 3.

"Doves get their food from the surface of the ground. However, with weak feet and poor scratching ability, foods need to be on open ground and plainly visible."Credit: W. VanDyk Evans, www.bugwood.org

     My one goal for the day was to mow the high grass and wildflowers in my front yard.  This is the same goal I had days ago and never accomplished.

 

     The squirrels, however bounce from tree trunk to bird feeder to the ground, to the driveway, and into the yard full of grass and wildflowers (weeds).  The way they like to hide and dig in the grass is engrossing to watch. 

 



      I talked myself out of mowing the grass so I wouldn't disturb their playground until they had gone back up into all of the oak trees for the day.

 

     That is called procrastination...and I am very good at it.  It is now 1:30, and I have spent my morning and into the afternoon watching youtube.com.  I can't resist those old BBC television shows. 

 

     Today I spent hours watching "Agatha Christie's Miss Marple," "Are You Being Served?," "Hercule Poirot," and "To The Manor Born."

 

     Click here for the link to an "Agatha Christie's Miss Marple" episode.

 

     Now, when I retire, I cannot spend my days doing this; I must have motivation to get going each day.  So, to motivate myself right now, I am heading to the grocery store to buy more birdseed.  I will then be forced to mow my lawn before bird/squirrel feeding time at 4 pm.

 

     It's got to be done, and I've got to "git 'er done!"

 

     Have a lovely weekend, and I hope you can motivate yourself better than I am able to do. 

 

Click here to see my pinterest interests. You might like my "For The Birds" board.

 

     

 

 

 

    

 

     

See Ya' Later, Alligator! Maybe I Won't Go Fishing Again January 16, 2013

See Ya' Later Alligator!

Maybe I Won't Go Fishing Again

 

January 16, 2013

 

    

     On my way home from work, I stopped at my favorite park on the Little Econ River to sit awhile and watch the ibis, lots of ibis, splashing and walking around in the water.

 

     I parked my car, walked a few yards across a bike/jogging path to sit at a picnic bench near the bank of the river.  I've done this lots of times and have written about it.

 

     Today, I looked across the river, about 100 yards wide, to see if other ibis were on the other side, as they usually are.  Nope.  No ibis.  So I sat and relaxed, and enjoyed watching, just watching.

 

     After about 15 minutes, I stood up to leave when something caught my eye across the river.  There was a long, long alligator swimming slowly upstream, right next to the bank of the river.  I could see its huge head, its curved back, and its long tail moving slowly, slowly.  Finally it slid under some overhanging cypress branches.  Then it just waited, its 12-foot long dinosaur body just waited.

 

 

This link shows a short video of a large gator similar to what I saw today. 

 



      This gave me pause for thought:  Do you suppose this huge alligator sometimes swims on the side of the river where all of the nature lovers hang out?  I think I already know this answer.  Yes, of course.



 

     So, I'm thinking that if that gigantic creature is part of my nature dream, I may have to rethink my dream.  Maybe I'll do my fishing from a very large boat next time. 

 



 

 

Click on this link to see my pinterest interests. Look at my "Animals, Just Animals" board. No alligators.