Autumn Vacation is Finally Here!!!

 

          I cannot believe I made it to vacation. It has been a tough year. Seems I have been physically not my best all year. I am so over it. I have told my kids they will be wrapped in bubble wrap if they even attempt to get sick or hurt this vacation. I am making no plans, other than to relax. I have learned my lesson LOL.

          My daughter turned 17 this year and is now a senior in high school. That is so hard for me to fathom. She also just passed her learner's permit test, so today we are going to the DMV to pick up her actual permit and then to the bank to open her first bank account. Going to be an emotional day for me watching my baby start to become an adult.

          I have aspirations of just getting healthier this vacation. Already that is challenging me because I am hungry and want breakfast LOL. I need to find something good for my body to eat. Then I am going to do my steps while watching something good on TV. I have a lot of shows and movies I have put off watching until now. Afterwards grocery shopping, and then waking kids up so we can get ready for DMV. Son wants to go with us to see how the system has changed. I think he just wants to go to support his sister.

          After those horrible, responsible activities, if it is not storming, we are hoping to go to food truck world for dinner. Then everyone can choose their own food that they deem fits their mood.  Then home to do some serious relaxing and Autumn refreshing my home. Going to just take it easy on myself this vacation. 

          

WOW 1st Post of 2026

 

          WOW I am shocked that this is my first post of 2026, and it is already mid-May LOL. I guess I have been majorly slacking in the blogging arena. This year I am just not feeling it. I haven't even really celebrated holidays. I did not even decorate for Christmas LOL. With my kids being older, I did not have the responsibility to make it magical for them. We are all growing up over here unfortunately.

          According to my picture over there <--- I am really old LOL. I have done every single one of those things. Many of those are a forgotten skill and never learned by the current generations. I am not sure if we have progressed, or made the current generation too reliant on technology. I know I am too reliant now. I mean I can still do all of those things from back then, it is just easier to use technology.

          I watch a lot of older TV shows, and it boggles my mind when they have to look for a phone or use a map. When they need information, they don't have a computer of IPhone to look something up LOL. Go back to any show before 2000, and it is a completely different world they were living in.

          My world is different too. My kids are growing up too fast and I am starting to feel my age. My daughter is going to be a senior in high school now, which is shocking my system and boggling my mind. My son has also taken to doing lots more around the house. When I asked him what brought the change on, he said it was because he realized I was getting close to sixty years old. I argued and ended up realizing I was two years older than I thought LOL. That was a shocker.

          So, now I am trying to reverse aging a bit on my body. I am cutting back on processed food and sugars, and focusing on healing my GI system. I did not realize it controls a lot of our health. If it is out of whack, then everything else is as well. I had to take antibiotics last month, and it completely screwed up my GI system. I have yet to recover from the mess they made of my body. I am never taking antibiotics again.

          Now, off to find something productive to do LOL. I already did Mambo #5 and mowed yesterday, so it should rain today. Laundry has been done and put away, puppy bathed, floors cleaned, rugs washed, reviews submitted, and school is out for the summer. I officially have too much time on my hands LOL.

2025 Recap

 

          WOW, what a year it has been; it flew by as well. I don't think I have ever had a year go by so fast. It got to be a bit overwhelming towards the end. I am glad it is over, and we get a whole brand new one to play with. I plan on enjoying the upcoming year as best I can.

          I am trying to think of this year's highlights, and I am coming up short LOL. I know good stuff happened. The best thing was I got my dream puppy, my little creature of chaos LOL. The Beast is wild but adorable. She has the cutest yawns. My kids are even infatuated with her.

          Bad stuff happened as well. The worst was my daughter dislocating her knee. That was a nightmare to witness that. Literally, since it involved calling 911, and I have nightmares about not being able to push the buttons to call. Thankfully, she has recovered for the most part. She says it still aches, but with her, I have no idea if she is just being dramatic.

          The holidays were fun. Halloween is still our favorite. I tried to do Thanksgiving, and by Christmas, I had given up LOL. It was just a regular day around here. In fact, both my son and I went to work. I was going to work tomorrow, New Year's Eve, but they scheduled too many nurses, so I changed my schedule to my normal one. Now, I will be home with my family. Odds are my son will be home too, as he has the flu. We are spraying lots of Lysol and using sanitizer over here.

          I am not making any resolutions for the new year, I am just going to try and do better. I am going to try and better my health. I am going to try and get some bills paid off. I am going to try and celebrate holidays. I am going to try to just be happy. 

Welcome December

 

        Wow, this year has flown by fast!!! Not even sure what happened to November. Well, this is a busy month full of what should be fun stuff. I am just not inspired yet. I really want to be, but it's just not happening.

          Is my birthday month, though I am not even sure how old I am now LOL. After 55 I stopped counting. We also have end-of-semester stuff to do. Then Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year's Eve. My puppy starts obedience school and has vet and spa days. Oh, and intermixed in are working and HOA meetings.  I don't even know where to begin with presents. We did start opening our Advent calendars.

          My neighbors have all started decorating like crazy LOL it is insane how many lights are up already. It looks so pretty at night. My house is still in bah humbug stage LOL. Inside I will give myself credit for putting away autumn decor in living room and bringing out some Christmas throws and pillows LOL. It looks like the beginning of festivity. Perhaps inspiration will hit me and the magic of the season will begin. I hope so.

          

Happy Thanksgiving Week

 

         I cannot believe it has been a month since I posted. It's been busy, but then again, it has been a lot of doing nothing. Mostly because at the beginning of the vacation, my daughter accidentally dislocated her knee, so she has been laid up. We have been forced to stay inside for the most part since she has a hard time maneuvering around. She is finally learning to walk again. Her brother has been fantastic about helping her with physical therapy.

          Thanksgiving week now, and I am still not recovered from all the Halloween stuff LOL. I have yet to be inspired to decorate for Christmas. My whole neighborhood has already begun big time. I am going to be shamed into decorating soon LOL. Oh, and I guess I have too, since I am back on the HOA board again. I cannot believe I committed to that once more. I need to be committed LOL.

          Thanksgiving and Christmas are very low-key for us. I used to watch my mom get so stressed over cooking and presentation. I am not going to do that. I cook, but I keep it simple, and I never expect the kids to gather round the table. Besides, both my son and I will be working the holiday. It will be cool to get the holiday pay, especially since I have medical bills that I will get hit with soon. Because of them, I actually signed up for health insurance LOL. I am all sorts of grown up now. I have health insurance, life insurance, a 401K, and a brokerage account LOL. My brother shamed me into getting all of those. I wish I had listened to him way back when he started bugging me about it. His accounts are super impressive now. Mine, not so much LOL. It's a work in progress though.

Vacation Mode On

 

          Finally, it is vacation time. Though I am doing nothing LOL. I did all the trips I wanted to do when my brother was here. So, now I get to just relax. 

          I am doing responsible adult stuff LOL yesterday took new puppy in for her first vet visit and shots. Found out she has an ear infection, so ear drops for 2 weeks. Tomorrow, getting oil changes LOL, and today, scheduling eye doctor appointment for new contacts LOL. Wild times over here.

          Next week, ex-hubby arrives to visit with our son and help with Halloween. He had fun with us last Halloween; he came, so he wants to do it again. We have big plans for Halloween night. Going to create a haunted pirate ship with a big kraken in the driveway for handing out candy. Son even got himself a fancy pirate costume, and I got his dad some stuff to wear. I am dressing as Mr. Smee, and my daughter is doing a cosplay outfit for her game. The Beast is going to be a pumpkin. Other dogs do not like people; don't blame them, so they are staying inside that night. 

          I am hoping the weather holds. Florida is actually participating in Fall this year LOL. Temps are down in the evenings, almost even chilly. Storm brewing in the Atlantic, though, so it might bring rain. Hopefully not on the 31st. That would be awful for the kids. I will enjoy it day by day. Pets love the weather because I keep the patio door open in the morning.

The Beast has Arrived

 

          This is the newest member of my family. We have named her "The Beast" LOL. Isn't she cute? She is only eight weeks old. She is a Yorkiepoo. A fellow nurse needed to find homes for an unexpected litter, so I got this one for free LOL, all I have to do is give her a good home. Been working on that. She is getting as spoiled as can be. All the while trying to not piss off the other animals. 

          Been a busy month; October is always that way. So much to do. Currently, my brother is here visiting with his friend. Today, they took my son to a 49ers game in Tampa. My daughter and I stayed here in town because she wanted to go play basketball with some friends. Last night we went to the Gothic Market and I saw so many interesting people LOL. The day before, we went to St. Augustine and Buc'cees. The day before that, we went to Gatorland. All of this on top of working days straight, so I could have these days off.   One more weekend of work, and then I am on official vacation for 18 glorious days. I am going to need it LOL.

I Just Don't Understand People Sometimes

 

          Some people are just awful. Yesterday, a popular political commentator was shot and killed, for what I assume were his beliefs. They haven't found the shooter, so they don't know why they did what they did. I really liked the commentator. I watched his videos a lot. He always had good things to say, and he intelligently said them. He never ridiculed people; he just talked to them in a logical way.     

          How a person becomes so messed up in the head as to go and kill another is beyond me. I really hope they catch him alive so that justice can be served. Other potential idiots need to see that there are consequences to actions.

          September is not the best month right now. Today is Remembrance Day for 9/11. I remember that day. My son woke up with a fever, so I decided to keep him home from school. I didn't know anything until I turned on the news. I remember everything was quiet outside. No planes flying, no traffic sounds, people were inside, scared, just watching the news. Life changed after that for America. Our country lost a lot of trust in the world. So many times I wish life would go back to being simple.

The 'Ber Months Are Here!!!

 

          It's about time LOL finally it is Autumn and I can break out all the cozy stuff and indulge in pumpkin spice everything.

          In fact, that is the project of the day. Going out and finding me Autumn treats. All the while, sipping on a pumpkin spice latte LOL

I'm in Desperate Need of the 'ber Months

 

         Only two more weeks until The Autumn months. Yes, I know Florida doesn't participate in Fall, but I am allowed to at least decorate as if it were and enjoy all the Autumn flavors, like pumpkin spice, apple cider, caramel, and cranberry. Oh, and the soups!!! I adore making soups. Those I excel at LOL.

          Back to school for me in the morning. This semester, Personal Nutrition and Healthy Cuisine. So, my Autumn recipes will be better for my family and me. 

          My brother is finally coming to visit me again!!! We talk lots on the phone, but I have not seen him in seven years. I am very excited. Now I have to start planning activities for us. He and his friend will be here for a whole week. The only day I don't have to plan for is the 12th LOL They are going to a 49rs game in Tampa. That will be the day I just try and work. After he leaves, two days of work for me, then I am off for my Autumn refresh. Eighteen days of vacation!!! I am so ready.

Trying to Not Lose My Mind

 

          I have noticed more and more that I jumble up my words, or I forget the word I am looking for. I never used to have a problem with that. At least I am trying to stay nice about it. My grandmother and my mom both did that, and would get so upset, especially if somebody pointed it out. My kids tease me all the time, but I just laugh and tell them it is genetics and their time is coming LOL. 

          I take vitamins to help me with my cognition, and I play puzzle games to try and stay sharp. School helps as well. I start back to classes next week, while my daughter started this week. I am taking two different types of nutrition classes this semester. Going to learn more about brain food.

          My daughter's group therapy is going well. We have been there twice now. The leader tried to make me sit with the other parents LOL. He said it was like a free support group. Not for me LOL. I don't like people. I am perfectly fine on my own. I have no desire to take on other people's troubles. I get enough of that at work. My daughter is totally opposite. She craves social settings and people. So off to therapy we go. The leader started a group chat just for the teens and put my daughter in charge of it LOL. I guess she is the most normal one there. Not saying the others are not right, but they all have quirks that I have noticed. Anyway, I thought it was cool that she got put in charge of something. Made her feel special.

Back to School

 

          I cannot believe summer is over already. Back to school on Monday. We are tackling 11th grade this year. How is my baby already a junior in high school??? It is going by way too fast for both of us. She is nervous about all the career prep assignments they are giving her. I know it is time for her to begin thinking about this stuff, but dang, it is stressful going into the adult world. She has enough anxiety as it is.

          The only class I am interested in with her is her U.S. history course. I love American history. She also has music theory, personal finance, physical science, English, and algebra. 

          In addition to her classes, I start my classes on the 18th. I will be taking two different nutrition courses. I am going to learn to provide healthier meals over here LOL. I am hoping they will be interesting classes, but not too intense. 

Sweet Sixteen

 

          How has it been sixteen years??? It seems as if time has just vanished. I could swear you were just my little girl last week, long blond hair flying all over, so curious about everything, so happy and loving. Now you are a teenager with dark blue hair and hesitant about life. You have a multitude of emotions and seem afraid of everything. It breaks my heart that I cannot give you the confidence you once had. I wish you could see yourself the way I see you. You are so smart, loving, funny, creative, gorgeous, and amazing. I am so very proud of you in every way possible.

          This past week has been a challenge. My sweet girl is so anxious and stressed that I had to start taking her to therapy. I don't want her to be sad, afraid, or lonely. So, we now go to therapy, or rather, she will on Monday nights. I found a social anxiety therapy group just for teens. I am hoping this helps. The therapist also recommended some vitamins that have been shown to help with anxiety. Magnesium, calcium, L-theanine, and DHA are the ones she has to take now. Big freaking pills. She does not like them LOL I hate pills myself. I wish they came in gummy form. 

          I hope and pray this next year is better for you. Tomorrow, on your actual birthday, I am excited and a little envious of your brother taking you to Universal Studios. You are going to have so much fun. I would melt in the heat LOL. I will meet up with you guys afterwards for us to celebrate at City Walk in the evening. Today I am going to make your birthday cake LOL. Hopefully it tastes as sweet and good as you.

Cucumber Mania

 

          Well the mystery of what my chaos garden is producing is partially solved, lol. I now have cucumbers galore LOL. Yes, those are the actual cucumbers I grew. The knife is to show how big they are LOL I picked those on Sunday, and Monday I found three more. I have more cucumbers than I know what to do with. I am afraid to go look today to see if more have appeared LOL.

          I have been looking up cucumber salad recipes LOL. I found an Asian one made with soy sauce, sesame oil, chili oil, and garlic. A sweet  spicy made with sriracha, garlic, sesame oil, and honey. I also have some dry ranch dressing to sprinkle on some, and then some Skinny Girl balsamic dressing to slice some up in LOL. So I will be busy making all of those today.

Tuesday Tweets

 

          Well I definitely sunned myself pink yesterday mowing my lawns LOL. By the time I was done with everything yesterday I had walked over 18,000 steps. My feet are still sore. I felt very accomplished though. Today, however, I am taking it a bit easier. I just want to relax and enjoy the rain that is forecasted. 

          Speaking of the rain, it is making my chaos garden live up to its name. It is insane in there. My son and I think that tomorrow we will have to move the fence further out to accommodate all the growth. One part of the fence we are not getting back, LOL, Seymore, that's what we call it, has completely taken it over. It has vines now woven all through it. I figure we will just cut that section loose and lay it down on the ground, vines intact, and then just go around it with more net fencing. We still have no idea what we are growing. All we know is we have three types of vines with huge leaves and big yellow flowers out there. We can't wait to see what they turn into.

A Cardinal in the Morning

       I saw an actual cardinal in my backyard when I woke up. I was shocked. It was sitting on my fence, inspecting my chaos garden. I have always heard that when a cardinal visits you, it means a loved one is visiting from Heaven. I immediately thought of my mom. I miss her a lot. I figured she was checking out my backyard LOL. She would have liked it. She would have liked a lot of stuff around here. She would have liked getting to walk around the neighborhood, going over to the lake. She would have enjoyed sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee in the morning. She would have made friends with my neighbors. She would have gotten very involved with the HOA. So many things I wish she had gotten to experience. I will never forgive myself for that day. 

The 'Ber Months are Coming

 

          We are officially past the 4th of July festivities, so now it is okay to start thinking and planning for the "ber months LOL SeptemBER, OctoBER, NovemBER, and DecemBER.  I cannot wait for Autumn. It's way too hot here in Florida right now, and I know we're still preheating for Summer. 

          The rains are helping a bit. They are also making my chaos garden grow like crazy. I think I have pumpkins, cantaloupes, and watermelons growing. Oh, and my two stalks of corn LOL. I am hoping my tomatoes survive, but the vines for the squash types are covering everything. They keep trying to escape the enclosure. It's quite fun to see how much they grow daily, LOL.

          I finally took down my Spring tree. Now I just need to find all my sunflower stuff and recreate my summer/autumn tree. It is my favorite one that I do. I like it even better than my Christmas one. The sunflowers, birds, and butterflies look so pretty. The decorations have to be around here somewhere, LOL. I swear I am too talented at hiding stuff from myself. 

Naps Are Awesome

 

          I love naps, LOL, maybe a bit too much. It is my favorite pastime. I miss naps on the weekend when I have to work. For some reason they frown on me napping while on duty. Haven't they read the research that naps make better employees LOL?  

        I did have an epiphany, though, yesterday. I've realized that when I'm out and about, I feel healthier and more motivated. I need to figure out things that get me out of the house more, LOL. It seems making my home my happy place has a downside. It makes me want to just do nothing. When I am out in the sunshine, I do feel more energized. I just wish it wasn't so hot. I also wish I liked driving more, LOL. So many places I would like to go. I guess I will just have to force myself.

Salutations Summer

 

          Well, it is officially summer. I'm not really excited about that. LOL, I prefer Autumn. Work has released hurricane teams. Thankfully, I am on the B team again. I won't be going out in the storm; I much prefer staying home and watching it.

          OMG the present lost his freaking mind this weekend. He went and bombed Iran. I don't mind him helping Israel out, but I do fear retaliation. It would be naive of me to not know there are sleeper cells already in the USA who could be planning something. I fully plan on staying away from people-packed places. 

          My chaos garden is growing!!! I have no clue what, LOL, but there is a lot going on in there now. I love it.

          Okay, I really have nothing useful to say today. I just wanted to use the picture because I love flamingos, LOL.

Stressful Strep

 

          Oh my goodness, strep throat is awful, stressing my whole family out. My son got the flu last week, with temperatures over 101, vomiting, coughing, and a sore throat. Well, he tried to keep to himself, but he gave it to his sister, and oh boy. Her weakened immune system led to her getting strep throat on top of it. Her temps were over 102. So she got a trip to urgent care and is now on antibiotics for ten days.

          Life over here sucks currently. He is better, but she is miserable. Her throat is so painful that she cannot eat or drink anything. Which, of course, has her crying, which makes everything feel worse. I cannot tell if she is just being overly dramatic or if she is really in that much pain. It is hard when they are teenagers.

            Thankfully, this morning, she woke up not in agony. I think the antibiotics are finally working. She managed to drink some tea without crying. She has also discovered that naps are good. She sleeps and wakes up a tiny bit better each time. I thought man flu was the worst illness. LOL, nobody mentioned teen flu. It is ten times worse.