September 14, 2009, 9:16 am

Stop by Peggy's for more entries.

Outside my Window...
Crabs, loads and loads of tiny crabs. September always brings little crabs to land. We always used to say one needed to carry a golf club to walk up to the showerhouse at the marina, just to clear the walkway of all these little golf ball sized crabs! Mia is totally distracted on her walks now. She adores playing with the crabs. She looks like a meerkat playing with a scorpion.


Sleepy Mia

I am thinking...
about clothes actually. I'm attending my very first Chief Petty Officer's Khaki Ball on Friday. After much discussion this past weekend I think it has been determined that a tea length gown would be most appropriate. A Girl's Night is being planned this week with the goal of finding a dress, so here's hoping for success! Shopping in Key West is always an adventure...

I am wearing ...
currently khaki shorts and a Schooner's Wharf tee that I won in a conch blowing contest.

I am thankful for...
time spent with my husband this past weekend.

From the kitchen...
I think that today is the Triumph of the Cross and I just happen to have a basil plant that desperately needs trimming. Supposedly the hill Saint Helena found the Cross on was covered in basil. Mahimahi is on sale this week too, and the Ember Days are upon us again so some menu planning needs to happen this morning! I found Jen at Wildflowers and Marbles plans last year to be comprehensive and inspiring.

Towards a Real Education...
Marianna's homework this weekend was a poster using two art materials illustrating 3 Tom Swifties from Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie and one original Tom Swifty by Marianna. She chose colored ink and mulberry paper for her materials.

I am creating...
a house that is a home.

I am reading...
Under the Persimmon Tree by Suzanne Fisher Staples

Around the home...
My passionflower vine is blooming!

One of my favorite things...
Last Friday we participated in a NASKW 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride up to Marathon stopping at all the Police and Fire Stations to thank them for their service and deliver a poster signed by all the participants.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
Busy, busy week! Tuesday will be the Girls Night Out, Wednesday is the Pinning Ceremony for the Chief Selectees and I work in the evening and it's an Ember Day. Thursday I'll work the night shift again and it's the first day of the Peterson's Poker Run so we might drop down to Duval to see some of the bikes. Friday is the Khaki Ball, Duval will definitely be closed for the 10,000 expected bikes and it's an Ember Day - mmmm, they're serving Mahimahi at the Ball! Saturday I do believe Hal will be taking his Chang Jiang down to Duval and it's an Ember Day again.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you:



My Passionflower Vine

Meme	Comments [0] | | More

We're ignoring the fact that today is the first day of hurricane season, deal?
June 1, 2009, 7:12 am

Gosh! It has been one entire month since I've last posted. I think that just may be a record! But, you know, May was hugely busy and so enjoyable and that extra time that wasn't spent online was spent hanging with friends and family and that can never be beat!

So to kick off a new month of blogging, I thought I'd drag out that old thought-provoking meme of the Simple Woman's before I head to work today. Stop by Peggy's for more entries.

Outside my Window...
A Gumbo-Limbo Tree! And Grass! This land based living rocks!
(Just not literally.)

I am thinking...
about stepping up Marianna and my dive certification to the next level. Good summer project, no?

I am wearing ...
vibrant pink and purple skirt and a black tee or white tank. Haven't decided which one for work yet.

I am thankful for...
time spent with my sister, Michelle, and her true love down here in Key West this past week.

From the kitchen...
Last night we had a little BBQ action with a few friends in the backyard under that lovely tree so tonight the leftover Tritip will find it's way into steak and cheese sandwiches.

Towards a Real Education...
Mao's China this week, but even more exciting is a new cooking unit Marianna and I are putting together. After all, we have to figure out how to use an OVEN, a MICROWAVE, and a 4-BURNER STOVE, none of which was present on the boat.

I am creating...
a house that is a home.

I am reading...
I, Elizabeth

Around the home...
Herbs from our garden!

One of my favorite things...
Wooden staircases, though I still have an urge to descend backwards like a companionway. Good thing I had so many years of training - one hand for you, one for the boat - slippery shoes and no non-skid on the deck resulted in a short tumble on those pretty wooden stairs the other day!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
Work Monday and Tuesday, Bartender's Class on Wednesday, Motorcycle Safety Class on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you:



Michelle and I

Meme	Comments [4] | | More

February 20, 2009, 10:14 am

I'm delving into the 7 Quick Takes waters this week, so much to talk about, none of which ended up with it's own post this week. So shall we begin?

1. My dad sent me flowers for St. Valentine's Day and they are still smelling bee-yoo-tifully! Mom made sure to select the fragrant option, they know me so well!



2. How excited am I by the news that Theresa is moving into my neck of the woods? Too excited to even string words together coherently! LOL! I can hardly wait to send the kids off with skim boards and snorkel gear and settle in under a palm tree with our toes in the sand for a good chat! :)

3. Speaking of news and changes, there is a bit of that happening here too. More on that later but it suffice it to say that it has kept us busy-busy-busy this week.



4. We had fog for days and days and days down here which never happens. In our 8 years down here we have had one morning of fog previously. Everyone flipped out.

5. But the sun eventually came out again and I recieved my very first sunburn of the year while scrubbing the deck.

6. I've been rowing my dinghy again when it isn't foggy and now my shoulder aches in the morning when I wake up. I'm telling myself it hurts in a good way, but seriously? Is there a good way to hurt??? Hmmph.

7. Marianna has had a fever off and on this week and is now coughing while napping, so odd for her, must be caused by that fog, don't you think?

Well, now that we're all caught up together, I'll send you over to see all of today's Quick Takes, with Jennifer at Conversion Diary. Make sure you say "Hi!" to her from me!

Meme	Comments [5] | | More

February 9, 2009, 1:08 pm

Stop by Peggy's for more entries.

Outside my Window...
Sun! The Keys have been having an extended period of cold and cloudy weather. Yesterday afternoon the sun returned and we sat out with our faces lifted to it like little sun starved sweetpea plants. As a result I have quite rosy cheeks today and a dab of raccoon eyes to boot!

I am thinking...
about travel plans. Lots of traveling needs to be done, just trying to figure out how to fit it all in!

I am wearing ...
Black yoga pants and a green tee shirt, haven't changed for the trip into town tonight yet. :)

I am thankful for...
a new camera, so tiny it'll fit in my littlest purse or a pocket. Perfect for photos in town when we ride our bikes in!

From the kitchen...
Today we head into town for RCIA and Youth Group so we'll have pizza on the beach, I want to show Hal Truman's beach area. Tomorrow is Saint Scholastica's Feast Day and I think I can adapt her recipe to the crockpot as I work in the evening.

Towards a Real Education...
Totalitarianism in Germany, Italy, Japan and Russia; Research Papers with Cited Works; and our usual Spring focus on Birds! I'm eyeing Journey North's Weather and Songbirds Unit. It kicks in Feb. 25.

I am creating...
I'm wrapping up a project I've been working on since Christmastime. I want to get it in the mail to arrive by Valentine's Day but I don't want to finish as I've been having so much fun. Definite conflict of interest there!

I am reading...
The Zookeepers Wife by Diane Ackerman

Around the home...
Nothing of interest! Marianna and I should get going with Valentine's decorations soon!

One of my favorite things...
The aforementioned crockpot. So nice knowing dinner is ready no matter if I'm the one working or if Hal is.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
Work Tuesday evening and Wednesday day shift, CCD Wednesday evening, Mass and choir on Friday and an orthodontist appointment too.

Here is a picture thought or I am sharing with you:



The tiny new camera.

Meme	Comments [3] | | More

January 12, 2009, 4:50 am

Stop by Peggy's for more entries.

Outside my Window...
Low, low tide. The flats beyond the beach are mostly exposed and the egrets and herons are clustered in the few pools of water left.

I am thinking...
do you remember this? Still: Body series from Soule Mama? I wonder if there is a new challenge? I need a photographic challenge this week...

I am wearing ...
Black tee with a retro-pleated blue skirt with large floral motive... actually, if you go to this post, Boat Browsing, the last photo is of me standing on the anchor in this skirt. :)

I am thankful for...
The few months we had with gas below $2.00 a gallon.

From the kitchen...
Loose tea! Marianna and I are sharing our first pot of a fabulous blend my sister Michelle sent for Christmas. It is so aromatic, mmmmm!

Towards a Real Education...
1920's, Taking Notes, Acids-Bases-Salts, and Fractions this week.

I am creating...
I'm working with yarn again! Oh, it feels wonderful to have a handcraft in process once more. I never quite acknowledged how much I missed it.

I am reading...
Surprised By Joy by C.S. Lewis. How have I never heard of this book all these years?

To live the liturgy...
Today is the first Monday in Ordinary Time. Quite inspirationally it is also the feast of Marguerite Bourgeoys. She had a huge impact on Canada, in fact they call her the Mother of the Colony since she was the official guardian of the filles du roi. As we return to our beloved domesticity after the holidays, who could be more inspirational than a lady who trained royal girls to successfully run homes in the wilds of Canada? Completely fascinating, make sure you click through on her name above, the page is full of fun in both French and English. (Marianna can you figure out the French side? There is your French assignment for today!)

Around the home...
The Christmas decorations and lights are put away, mostly. :) What did you forget to toss in the box before carrying it to the attic or the basement or the storage shed? I forgot a cute little sign with tiny, tiny Christmas lights that says "Welcome to Blue Waters". (Our old and favorite marina.)

One of my favorite things...
Flowers! I found the most bee-you-tiful bouquet of roses to place in the now barren spot where the tree was.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
Work Tuesday evening, CCD Wednesday evening, mass and choir on Friday and an orthodontist appointment too. Saturday there is the possibilty of a nautical flea market and a Seafood Fest. Oh, those Golden Crabs are yummy!

Here is a picture thought or I am sharing with you:



Low tide at dawn.

Meme	Comments [1] | | More

October 27, 2008, 11:39 pm

Stop by Peggy's for more entries.

Outside my Window...
Three sandpipers and a snowy plover on the beach.

I am thinking...
About the forecast - Tuesday
sustained wind 23 mph / 37 km/h / 10.3 m/s from the North
windy gusts to 32 mph / 52 km/h / 14.4 m/s

I am thankful for...
The ease of moving the boat again tonight even though the winds were beginning to climb into the 15-20mph range. Last week we motored over to the newly opened beachside slips and docked alongside a nice wide dock. This week we long-lined into a Med. Moor slip (aft to the seawall, two pilings near the bow). Marianna stayed aboard the boat to run the lines to the pilings while I pulled the Mari Hal-O-Jen from the back into the slip and Hal controlled two lines from our old dock, one to the aft and one to the bow to control the turning of the boat and the speed. Men from the Navigator ran out double-speed when they saw little ol' me hauling the sailboat all by myself. I wouldn't let them touch a line. That's all we need is brute force slamming us into the seawall!

From the kitchen...
To celebrate we had a Luau last night. Roast pork loin from the crockpot, bluish mashed potatoes pretending to be poi, and the most regal pineapple peacock.

I am creating...
An All Saints Day costume involving icicles. That is the only clue Marianna will let me give out!

I am going...
To mail some packages tomorrow, whether or not I get the handwritten notes written they must go out!

I am reading...
Book two of Kristin Lavransdatter. Can't wait to finish this one and read book three, The Cross. I found it with Mom out in California. I am super thrilled as I have never had a chance to finish the trilogy yet.

I am hoping...
to find Pumpkin Spice Hersey's Kisses. Thanks to Mary Chris who pointed out this recipe for Pumpkin Spice Blossoms, I am now engaged in what I fear is a futile treasure hunt! Without a WalMart or a Target within 120 miles, I just don't know if I'll find them...

I am hearing...
Wind howling around the mast and rattling the palm fronds, waves slapping the hull and seawall.

Around the home...
Beautiful autumn leaves from the florist tied with big fluffy satin and sparkle ribbon over our two sailboat paintings.

One of my favorite things...
Reading aloud while Marianna boils water for tea and brings breakfast to the table. This morning we had apple cinnamon oatmeal and pumpkin spice chai (do I sense a reoccuring theme here?).

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
Photo organization. Desperately needed, should keep me occupied for the rest of the year, not just week! LOL!

Here is a picture thought or I am sharing with you:


The Pineapple Peacock.

Meme	Comments [2] | | More

October 21, 2008, 11:43 pm

You've seen, or perhaps you have, those cute Family Stickers on the back of your vehicle, right? Now PYZAM has brought the same to our blogs!

Get your own Family Sticker Maker.

Marianna played around with these this weekend, giving Hal a nice piratical look, me very flattering hair and herself the most perfect of accessories, a halo. Dark sunglasses for the tropical sun complete our outfits nicely.

Incidently, I was able to quickly add up to 10 children to the image...perfect for certain moms I know of!

Meme	Comments [0] | | More

October 6, 2008, 2:27 pm

Stop by Peggy's for more entries.

Outside my Window...
blue sky and mare's tails. The humidity is choking after all that rain.

I am thinking...
about another mug of hot tea. Tea has been proven to be anti-microbial and that should be as good as anything for kicking this cold, right?

I am thankful for...
the throw-away kick we've all been on. Honestly, everyone loves throwing stuff away and the free feeling one gets afterwards, right? One just feels lighter and less encumbered. Well, we are literally lighter now. We raised our waterline by a few inches. I have no idea how many pounds we threw out but to step off board and look down and see the boat is floating higher was shocking!

From the kitchen...
Tonight is date night with my dh! Marianna will be eating New England Clam Chowder.

I am creating...
space, order and lightness!

I am going...
to take my vitamins, I promise! I am wearing...
I have yet to go put on something nice for tonight.

I am reading...
I need a new book this week. I'm considering Kristin Lavransdatter again, I kept putting it in the donate pile and pulling it out, it just might make a great fall read, especially if i can find #3 this time. I'd love to see how it all ends!

I am hoping...
to make a Saint Michael's Chaplet with Marianna, I'd like to make a special one for me but I can't decide which one - Saint Monica, Saint Anne, Saint Lucy, Saint Nicholas, (patron of sailors, you know). Any suggestions for me?

I am hearing...
Latin Chant podcasts, they're alright but too much talking, I want just the chant and haven't found that quite yet!

Around the home...
Blankets and tea mugs.

One of my favorite things...
not to belabor a theme here but a hot mug of tea, a comfy blanket and a good book.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
This week is quite busy. That's all I'm saying.

Here is a picture thought or I am sharing with you:


Sunset after the storm.

Meme	Comments [3] | | More

September 30, 2008, 7:05 am

Stop by Peggy's for more entries.

Outside my Window...
grey puddles reflecting the low, grey clouds. A rainy morning.

I am thinking...
about how much I hate choices. I have to purchase something today and I always complicate matters so much because there are always
so many choices!!!

I am thankful for...
the clouds this week. Such a nice, cool break. If you squint your eyes and hold tight to a cuppa hot tea, it is almost like England. It helps if you imagine the sweat dotting your forehead is really mist blown in from a windlashed loch.

From the kitchen...
Pork steak with creamed corn and cheesy broccoli rice.

I am creating...
maps with Marianna. Totally awesome overlay maps.
(Wish me luck! Never done this one before...)

I am going...
to take my vitamins, I promise! I sure don't want to catch whatever it is Marianna has, poor thing. She hasn't been ill in at least 6 years and she's making up for it now.

I am wearing...
a rad and very nautical blue on blue - okay, indigo on denim - striped tee and shorts. Gold sailboat charm on a thin chain and my usual gold bangle. I just realized I have no earrings in! Oh no! I am in complete disarray, must find my gold hoops - stat!

I am reading...
The Splendid Table's How to Eat Supper. It came in at the library - hooray! I had to wait forever, but it is so worth it. A cookbook that actually lives up to most of the hype. Of course, I haven't cooked one thing from it yet but I never actually cook from a book, I just read 'em.

I am hoping...
To have enough energy for our busy week. (That goes for all three of us actually. Candy corn all around otherwise.)

I am hearing...
The Bentones' Autumn Leaves and Marianna coughing in her sleep. (Poor thing, again!!!)

Around the home...
White tulle, (I actually found white tulle in Marianna's cabin!) for a failed angel craft from yesterday. Maybe you'll have more success with this really sweet, but not too twee Angel Garland for the Guardian Angels Feast later this week.

One of my favorite things...
the Autumn Feast Days. Totally awesome!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
rest and recuperate with lots of tea, soups and stews, and read alouds.

Here is a picture thought or I am sharing with you:


That "English" Sky.

Meme	Comments [2] | | More

September 22, 2008, 1:51 pm

Stop by Peggy's for more entries.

Outside my Window...
the construction workers are drilling (underwater, Marianna tells me) for the new Med. Moorings along the seawall.
Science today: How sound travels through saltwater.

I am thinking...
about the new school year. Today is our first day!

I am thankful for...
the time I was able to spend with my mother last week.

From the kitchen...
scallop stew for lunch.

I am creating...
our new rhythm. How should the school year flow?

I am going...
to sort through my clothes this week. St. Vincent de Paul's Feast is Saturday, what a great way to celebrate by donating to the local Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Thrift Store? (or a local thrift store if there happens to not be a SVdP one nearby)

I am wearing...
new autumny brown and red plaid shorts for the day.

I am reading...
the Penderwicks of Gardam Street with Marianna.

I am hoping...
to begin a new crafty project with Marianna this week.

I am hearing...
planes, A/C, drilling, Sirius Pops

Around the home...
I lit my favorite candle for the first time today - Ember. So spicy!

One of my favorite things...
the Fall butterfly migration.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
Italian for Padre Pio on Tuesday, Ember Days on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, traditional Brazilian Caruru for Saints Cosmas and Damian on Friday (and it's shrimp so fits in with the Ember Day), and finally I think a nice French peasant soup and crusty bread might be nice for Saint Vincent de Paul (and Ember Day) on Saturday.

Here is a picture thought or I am sharing with you:


What a pretty (unknown) bug!
Blue and orange still scream Broncos to me.

Meme	Comments [5] | | More