I just can't get into blogging, thought I could but my creative side is refusing to come out. I do read my great friend Libby's everyday, they are really good, you are getting up there with the pros!!! I look forward to seeing what Libby has been up to.

I have been without a car for 2 months, the alternator went out. I finally got up the nerve to call the mechanic to see if there was anyway he could help me, like a payment plan or hold some jewelry for me. I called my roadside assistance and had the sick little car towed to Lovelady's Garage. Perry, the mechanic, would assess the situation and call me with an estimate. He told months ago the alternator bearings were going bad. The cost would be about $260.00. He also had told me way back when that when it did go, I would be stuck wherever and he was right on the money. Now back to the present, he called and said "Are you sitting down?". I said I was going to sit down. He then ventured to tell me it would be $720.00 to fix my car. Not only was the alternator gone, but the little car had a leak in the front seal and a crack in the radiator. Sounds like me at the moment!! As far as a payment or the jewelry or one of my dogs that wasn't feasible as he had been stiffed for about $10,000.00 by trying to help other so called honest people. Perry then told me he could just replace the alternator and I would have to add water everday to the radiator if I was going to drive it. I told him I would think about it and get back with him about the dilemma at hand.

This has to get better as I am at the end of my very thin rope and I weigh a lot.

I still look everyday online for a job. Thought I might get on at Sam's Club as a food demo girl but that hasn't happened yet. My friend, Wanda, just got on there and gave my info to her boss. I also had to apply online which I did 2 weeks ago. I am so thankful for a computer because that would be an awful lot of driving around town not to mention the gas. There is a silver lining though as the price of gas is down to $2.11 today in Lakeland. Today was rather warm so I turned the AC on for a little bit to get the humidity out of the house. Tomorrow should be nice again so I will turn it back off. Take that Lakeland Electric !!

Time to go let my little darlings back in. Sassy dined on Beef Stroganoff from Hamburger Helper with added real sour cream. What a spoiled pooch!! The others aren't as picky as she is. It was pretty good even if I do say so myself.

Good night for now, sleep well my friends !!! Happy dreams and may they all come true !
Love to all my family and friends...........more ramblings later.

Chili in Florida

At lunchtime today it was only 50 degrees outside. It is so nice to turn off the AC and then I won't have to pay that outrageous Lakeland Electric some hideously high bill. Thank you God for cooler weather. I just closed all the windows as the temp is dropping as I write. Expecting high 30s Wednesday am. Yippee Yahoo!!!

Tonight was perfect for a big pot of chili and grilled cheese. Soooooooo good even if I say so myself. It had a little extra zip as I used a can of mild Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies. Meagan went to bed right after eating supper, she chased the kids at work today and they wear her out plus she has been kinda sick. Can't seem to get rid of her cough left over from her cold. I wanted a fire in the pit but won't sit out there by myself. Kinda spooky, I am afraid somebody is watching me when the sun goes down. I can be out there all day and nothing bothers me. Besides my guard dogs are usually out there with me, except for my 2-1/2 lb killer chihuahua, Sassy. She spends her time guarding my bed and hiding under the covers, ready to attack any unsuspecting person or dog who attempts to lay on my bed without her approval.

I wish I had something chocolate right now to eat as I sit here listening to The Biggest Loser on NBC. The cupboards are bare right now but when I go to Publix there will be chocolate or something sweet in there.

Oh, I forgot to tell you that Trish, Alyssa, Meagan and I went to a couple of the homes in the Parade of Homes. They were really big, really expensive and really gorgeous. I came home and was so very thankful I didn't have to make a mortgage payment anymore. Doesn't hurt to dream big though. It's just tough when you wake up. They were absolutely beautiful!! Tata for now my friends...I'll see ya when I see ya as Rachel says.

Fire in the hole

Week before last I had my brother trim some branches off an oak tree hanging over my fence and a chinaberry tree in my yard. He offered to haul the branches to the street but I said that I would. I did take some but not all. In the meantime we had a cold spell and I was wishing we had a firepit so we could sit out by the fire. GUESS where this is going!!! There was a bare spot in the back yard and I told myself that I could build a small fire and kill 2 birds with 1 stone, have a fire and I wouldn't have to take the rest to the street. I gathered a bunch of oak branches and stacked them up, not too high ya know. Meagan got some newspaper and we stuffed them into the branches and then presto, I lit the paper. Before long the flames were above our roof and Meagan said we might catch the neighbor's oak on fire. Have no fear, I had the hose nearby and brought it under control while wetting the ground all around the fire so it wouldn't spread. How exhilarating, I was a junior fireman/woman/person. Just forgot the marshmallows!! After a few minutes we heard sirens and Meagan thought we had been caught and did I mention there was a breeze a blowing, oh yeah! Turned out they didn't show up here, must have been an ambulance going down Bartow Rd. I did put it out all the way just in case a neighbor might have reported it. Later I went outside and asked Meagan and John, her boyfriend, if they had noticed the police driving by. They said yes but they weren't aware of any trouble. Then they laughted, just kidding she said. It is turning cool again but I won't be building any fires in the back yard or will I ? Stay tuned !

Ok, here goes!!!

My friend, Libby, did it. So I am going to give it a whirl. Who knows, maybe we will become famous! Hah! Meagan helped set this up for me as I am kinda computer illiterate, but ready, willing and able to learn. It is 7pm on this Saturday evening and I have a big pot of Spanish Bean soup on the stove. Smells so good! Supposed to turn cool again and soup sounded like it would hit the spot. In my case most food always hits the spot. If the weather doesn't change I will just lower the thermostat! The dogs are being quiet and I don't want to disturb them. Sleeping dogs, ah so peaceful. 9 of us went out the night of Thursday October 23rd to celebrate my birthday. We went to the ever so fabulous Texas Cattle Company and dined in wonderful bliss on their steaks, salad and baked potatoes slathered in butter and sour cream. Heaven , I'm in Heaven when I go there. This is enough for the 1st day. I promise to get back with you real soon!!

I HAVE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MAMA IN THE WORLD!!!!!!!!! <3-meagan!