HELLO AGAIN

 It’s been a long time since my last post. Thank God the journey continues. Several family members have passed, Covid-19 has taken a toll on our world. We, somehow, survived a Trump presidency, an attack on our Capital, and now we have a Democratic President. Thank God!

As for my immediate family, my children are doing good. My husband is healthy and still working. My twin sister is doing good. I am good also. My grandson is almost 16 years old already. I live him so.

I’ll stop back again now that I am able to get into the blog. Blessings all.

It has been a long year. I see I've not posted here since my sister, Vicky, passed almost a year ago. Takes time to put your loved ones death into perspective. Missing her so much daily - she was the one we reached out to--became our older sister after the oldest girl in the family passed.  So time moves on, the hole remains but eventually you can breathe and know your journey continues despite hers having ended.

I am endeavoring to begin blogging again. Writing again, and getting healthier this year. Better and onward. Thanks for reading and understanding.

Just a note to say this is still an active blog. It's mine. Working on coming here more often. Been a hard year since my last posting.

I have my computer online again after a long absence. Will talk about that much later.  I am posting a picture of my sister, Vicky, on this post.  She passed from this world on May 28, 2015. My heart is saddened and I miss her so. Unbelievable that she's gone. Only 68 years old. Cancer is what finally took her but that was not the overriding problem. Again that is a story for another post. Just wanted to put this on here in honor of her life and all the love she shared throughout her lifetime.

Early Heat in Central Florida!!

Well, our heat wave is still going on here in sunny, hot, Florida. Temps have been hovering around the 90 degree mark for the last couple of days. Not supposed to be this hot at this time of year. We are not wanting summer yet. So, I thought a picture of a beautiful palm tree would be about right. I love how the sun is shining on the branches and the brilliant green color against the blue sky.

Have spent lots of time in the car the last two days. It's been hot because the car needs some work on it and when I use the a/c it drags on the engine too much. So we go about with the windows down. Ugh! Too hot for that if we need to be running for any extended time.

Easter is just around the corner and I'm still not sure what I'm going to do for the main meal. Not sure if Lonnie Jr and family will be over this year and hoping my hubby will be here also.

Took a short nap watching a TV show so I've got a little bit of energy right now. But going to try reading for a time then back to sleep so I can get up early tomorrow morning and do some photo shooting early. I hope I get some good pictures. Bye for now.

Interesting Climbing Foilage

I found this tree that had the big, green leaves of a climbing plant wrapped around it. The mixture of the various greens, yellows, gray of the different trees in the scene caught my eye and I thought it was beautiful. I hope you enjoy looking at it. The textures, style of branches, trees and leaves combine to make a very nice picture. Today was a good day. I was able to get some work done, took some time to myself and actually watched a movie in the middle of the day. I watched some TV tonight and now I'm free to sit and post on my various sites.

I learned that today is Charles Dickens 200th birthday - how amazing. Laura Ingalls Wilder's birthday was today also. Two very diverse writers but so important to literature.

Need to keep busy tonight so I'll stop by again.

The Winter Seagull

This picture of the beautiful Seagull was taken in my subdivision on the road by one of the lakes. I think it turned out pretty. I like how the shadow of the car turned it with blue hues. Seagulls are one of my favorite sea birds. I hope you enjoy it. This was taken in December of 2011.

It's been a couple of months since I've posted in this blog. It was a busy holiday season and some busy times after also.

Our weather is a mixed bag this winter season so far. A few days in the 70's and then some in the 80's. We're running about 10+ degrees above normal for us. So we can know that the summer will be another blistering one here. Would love some temps in the 60's for a few days. We'd welcome it for a nice change.

Take care and I'll stop by again.

The Beauty of East Lake Toho

I seem to go back to Lakefront Park in St. Cloud daily for pictures. I see lots of birds and beauty there. It has a walking trail that is very busy daily. There is a splash pad for little children and a playground with slides, and other amusements. But what calls me is the lake itself. I can feel myself relax and enjoy the different species of birds and the colors of green and blue.

If you'll notice, in the middle of the picture is a white bird sitting behind some stalks of grass. We've had enough rain this year that their large solid land area was flooded. The tall grass area is minimal because we were so hot and dry prior to the rains. I'm concerned about the winter to come as to where they'll nest and such because we typically have seriously dry weather in the winter.

It has been crazy hectic the last month for us. Lots of family issues and such. Still a couple to work on but hoping the coming holidays will be lovely and sweet. It's late so I'll go and stop by again. I love my special happy place.

Morning Sky and Water at the Lakefront.

I was at the lakefront the other morning and thought this scene with all the pretty blue colors mixed with the green and browns made a nice picture. I like the different textures, patterns, and colors in the shot.
It's been a long time since I've posted here. Mostly because so much is always going on here that I've not much time to sit and just find my happy spot. This is one of those pictures that helps me do that.
Everyone is in bed, the house is quiet and I'm able to finally collect my thoughts from the day and plan for tomorrow. Then I've got to take the clothes from the dryer. I'm tired after sitting with my grandson tonight. He is a good little guy (he's 5) and went to sleep without much difficulty. Just a long day and I'm ready to sit, read awhile and then fall asleep. I'll stop by again very soon. Enjoy the picture. I do.

Yesterday Evening

I took this shot at East Lake Toho yesterday evening about 8:00. I thought it came out pretty good. I love how the clouds were playing about in the sky and the sun setting behind the trees. It was at the park I go to daily. I hope you enjoy it. This has been an April full of sunny days, warm temperatures, gentle breezes and people out enjoying their days and evenings.

It's always nice to take some time daily to just look at where you are and the great nature that is around us. You don't have to live in some exotic place to enjoy what has been put before you. I'm from northern Illinois originally and there is such beauty in the area. From the cultured rows of corn, beans, and wheat to the bluffs, country roads, small towns, beautiful rivers and parks as well as the people who inhabit the area. Take time to enjoy where you are and be at peace with it all.

March Has Arrived In All It's Splender!

Finally the green grass and trees have returned. It was a long winter for Florida. We had alot of cold, dry weather (and I loved it) that left many of our trees bereft of their leaves. However, the rains came along with nice warm temperatures and sunshine and the area is looking good.

The picture was taken at the lakefront park in St. Cloud. It was a nice, warm, windy day a little after noon. I thought you'd enjoy seeing how some people spent their weekday afternoon in Central Florida. Enjoy.

February Around My Town!

This is a view of Lake Tohopekeliga (Toho) in my town. It is known for its Bass Tournament fishing among many things. It is large and beautiful. Watching the sun come up is a sight that catches your breath.

February of 2011 has been quite cold for us. It depends where you're looking that shows either green trees or dead, brown grass and trees without their leaves. This day was a beautiful morning with a little hazy sky but the picture came out lovely.

Many of the pictures on this blog are taken at another park in St. Cloud. The lake is East Lake Toho and it's very different in looks and how people use it. The picture above is in Kissimmee. I hope you'll enjoy the picture.

January 2011 In My Town

I thought you might like this picture. I chose to focus close up so you could see the greenery against the palm tree. Then if you'll look at the background in the picture you can see the grass is dead and the trees are in their fall colors or missing their leaves entirely. This is quite unusual for Florida, especially this early. We usually don't get this way till sometime in February. I guess you can say it's from the cold weather we've been having and the fact that we are still in a drought situation. I do, however, hope you enjoy the picture.

It's been awhile since I stopped by but it's been a busy time for me. Hopefully things will be much better this year. Enjoy the picture and the new year.

Beautiful Morning

I was sitting in my car waiting for my sister at the grocery store this morning and found this great shot of a palm tree. I think it came out nice so decided to share it here with you.

It has been a busy time for me, we're moving things in the house to get ready for holiday decorating. Ugh! Didn't realize just how much stuff needed to be put away, gotten rid of and changed about. You know, things that you've been putting off knowing it was going to get you when it came holiday time.

We are still in the high 80's here. Still need the a/c in the car and home. Humidity never takes much of a vacation here. We're supposed to have a cold front come through where the temps are "supposed" to be in the low 70's for a couple of days. We shall see because the weather people constantly change the forecast. But we're through the dog days of summer and for that I'm grateful.

Anyhow, enjoy the photo of the palm tree.

Enjoyed the day!

I went out taking pictures this morning and found a beautiful scene at the lakefront in St. Cloud, FL. The sky was a beautiful blue about 8:30 a.m. and it was not terribly busy. I saw this boater just heading out for a time on the water. I hope you enjoy the shot.

It was a busy weekend for me. My hubby was home but had to leave Saturday evening. That always makes it hard for me. Then I was able to work Sunday on a software problem I had been having. My sister stepped in and together we solved it. I'm quite happy about that!

Then today I went out to shoot some photographs, came home had breakfast and went into the office to work for a time. Then went to Joann's and got the rest of the yarn I need for an afghan I'm making for my hubby for Christmas. The best part of it was I had coupons for 50% off each skein of yarn. So it only cost me half price for it.

I'm now on the computer contemplating heading to bed as it's after midnight. Wanted to stop by here and post. I'll be back again soon.

Mr. Starbucks!

My "nephew" Jarrett M. Love. I think he's such a cool, nice young man. I met Jarrett at Starbucks on John Young Pkwy one day and a nice, sweet friendship has come about. He's a very creative musician and he also writes short stories. He has gotten a band together and they finally open sometime in September. He's a sweetheart and I really like him.

He gave me one of his songs, "Victoria's Song" from his album to use for my book trailer for my book, Kaleidoscope Memories: Childhood Stories That Celebrate Family Life.

I finally had my camera with me and got a picture of him outside the store. He's a really good guy!

Beauty All Around Us

Sometimes we get so involved in our everyday lives that we fail to see the beauty all around us. We've lived in this home for about seven years or so and this tree has been here all along. I didn't bother to look at it because it was only a problem to me because it had flowers on it. Now I love flowering trees and bushes and flowers of all kinds, but my daughter is allergic to bees sting so anything that was flowering in my yards had to be gotten rid of. This little tree has been cut back several times to prevent it from flowering. However, this year we forgot to do so and look at the beautiful flowers that have bloomed on it. I have no idea what they are called but they are beautiful. I'm glad they are blooming and so very pretty. To make it better the color is a deep pink and pink is my favorite color.
As much as I live in a place that holds much beauty it amazes me how we often overlook the simple places about where we live. Take some time an go look at all the little things. Take your camera and just shoot photographs and when you upload them to your computer be amazed at what beauty you've been missing daily. It's not the big things but the small, almost forgotten things that will amaze you. Enjoy the day.

Early Morning At The Lakefront

I wanted to post this picture because I think it's very pretty. I went out this morning to the lakefront in St. Cloud and captured this shot of the morning sun behind the palm tree. The park was relatively empty but so beautiful.

My morning started out very early as I woke up about 5:00 a.m. for no reason. So I went online for about an hour then woke up my sister and asked her if she'd like to go take some early morning photos. She said yes, so we left.

Then later in the day took my hubby to the truck as he's got a load for Virginia Beach, VA. I'm now sitting online trying to catch up with some posting I've needed to do for a few days now. It's raining outside and I quickly took a couple of photos before it got bad or could get on the camera. Not sure how the evening will go, but I've got enough work to keep me busy.

Normal Sunny Day in Florida!

Don't I look like a glam girl? Me in my sunglasses in the car at the bank. Just thought I'd post it here.
Well my 4th of July was rather quiet here at home. Didn't do anything much just things about the house and online.
I've been busy all week and yet it seems like I've still got lots to do. the house needs special work done on it. Need to get rid of lots of stuff I don't use.
Hubby still not home and I'm not sure when he will be. I miss him. It never changes for me.
I didn't get a lot of sleep last night so I'm a bit tired. Making it short today.

Big Smile with Thomas the Train!

It's been a couple of busy days for me. The last part of the previous week was spent with my hubby since he was home for 4 days. I was happy for that time. Then over the weekend Jen and I took the afghan she crocheted for my grandson to my son's home. They invited us to stay for supper and visit so we did. I think we left about 9:oo p.m. We had a great time but I was tired. Then Monday came and I was busy doing running and things in the home. Today my little guy called and wanted to come over again so my day was spent being with him for the afternoon. Tonight was consumed with the evening meal, chatting, watching TV and now I'm on the computer.

I'm trying desperately to do work for my company but haven't had much time for that. Must do tomorrow! The day was pretty, sunny and bright. The humidity was a bit lower as were the temperatures so it was better over all regarding the heat. I'll stop by again.