not gone, not forgotten

I began my working my new schedule this month. I've learned that the older I get, the harder it is to adjust to a different hours. I've liked the earlier hours but with my active family- all with somewhere to be- all the time- the days are never ending. Non-the-less the active downtown Waukesha continues to produce note worthy news.

Last Thursday the BID voted in their new president, Roger Igelski. He will be replacing Vicki Hekkers and her devoted service to Waukesha. Vicki, a successful business woman, wife & mom, commercial investor and downtown Waukesha resident has served the community in countless ways. I truly hope, for the city, that her heartfelt presence does not diminish. Roger has accepted the new position modestly. As a business owner and career counselor at WCTC he will not only be the new BID president but has also accepted the lead position in the Waukesha Downtown Business Association. A husband & father, Roger is also very involved with his church leadership. He is sure to contribute positively to our downtown.

Have a fabulous day!

Ho ho ho

See you at the Parade today.

Dress warm.

It's going to be a chilly one.

my morning latte

Yesterday someone bought me a 'flavored' latte'. It was almost too good looking to drink. 2 shots of espresso flavored with some Carmel syrup and topped with whipped cream drizzled with caramel. Seriously???? I felt guilty enjoying it, knowing that it must be laden with sugar... but ohhhh so good.


This morning, however:

• we have reports that Iran has been busy producing nuclear material. Should we be worried? Ummm, duh! It seems to be enough to produce an atom bomb.
• No this is not pirates of the Caribbean, this is the pirates of Somalia. Pirates are seizing sea vessels off the coast of Somalia.
• Here is the list of nominations sent to the senate.
• Waukesha's City Budget was passes this week. This year you could say that officials learned their lessons from last years marathon session of 9 1/2 hours. They divided and conquered.
• It was cold and icy. The roads by me were fine on my route home but apparently other places throughout the city didn't share my experience. There were several accidents reported. My own mom called me on my cell phone while I was en route home to yell at me for answering my cell phone while I was en route. (no joke)

Today the flurries are heading our way. Stay safe if need to head out there. My brother in Arizona is bragging of warm sunny days. Still... I do dream of a White Christmas.

• North Lake School District is planning an anti-bullying program with 'New York Times best-seller and expert Jodee Blanco'
• Gas prices are still dropping. I found $1.92 by the Waukesha Post Office yesterday.

Have a FABULOUS day.

I'm thinking of chaning my latte'

I know most of us are better at adapting than others. Most have moved on. Gotten onto 'other' news. Truth is... I don't really want to read the papers these days. I don't want to know what is going on in the news. I don't want to hear Dave and Carol talking about world events on my morning show at WKLH. I have politics burn out.

I'm sure it's temporary and that soon I will bounce back. But for right now... I'm not going to read about the horror in the Congo, the injustices in Iraq, the pitiful state of Waukesha's not for profits. I don't want to know.

Bad mood. No, not really. But as the saying goes (with my little tweak) this girl just wants to have fun!

Can anyone relate?
Most bloggers have moved right on to the next topic. There are so many to cover. I, however, will choose the happenings downtown for my topic.
I am SO excited about this years Christmas parade. (not really sure why, maybe because I just need to get away from my politically depressed state) BUT... I really hope you are planning on attending.

I have volunteered to hand out jingle bells to the parade visitors. Don't forget to say 'hi' if you see me. Then, after jingling all the way (which is the theme for this years parade) I plan on stopping by one of The Clarke Hotel spots for a warm cup of 'Carmel Apple Cider' or Allo' Chocolate for some hot cocoa. Yummmmy!
The route has been posted.

I've heard good reports about the sushi bar. But I have to admit that I haven't visited yet. It looks as though the 3 sisters have opened at Sadie Brueners old place (i think I spelled that wrong, but I don't know HOW it was suppose to be spelled) on the 5 points. But I didn't see any 'We're Open' signs. AND the new gallery on Clinton and South is open. Nice.
I'm going to stop by the 3 sisters today and see if they offer yoga. I think it may be the answer to chilling out after this stinken election and before the Christmas shopping. (I really don't have a bad attitude)

Hope you and yours are doing well. Stay warm and don't forget to put windshield wiper fluid in your car. (nothing like not being able to see out the front window because you have a snowy, salty mess on it.) I am NOT in a bad mood!!!

my morning latte'

Good Morning.
Drudge

• I'm glad to be in America this morning. I'll bet the Burma activist, Nay Myo Kyaw wishes he were also. This blogger gets a sentence in prison for poetry.
• You won't be able to keep your cold to yourself for long. Google is under surveillance by the govt. Don't you just LOVE being watched!
• Catholic Bishops have made a vow to fight Obama's abortion laws. Just say NO to murder.

JSOnline: I still don't like the new look at JSOnline. I need too many clicks to find where I am going and the dates are not posted on the stories. Just for whatever it's worth... Money seems to be the bottom line in the following two stories regarding our children and our elderly. Hey, if we start compromising their programs to save a buck that is then spent on social services catering to the unemployed and drug addicts coming to our town from larger cities... we are a really screwed up city!

• Money continues to be a consistent problem in our schools. The Waukesha School District is looking into different options to re-construct our children's educational system.
• Senior citizens meal programs to be consolidated.
• Chicago investors make bad on deal in Waukesha.

So as I'm reading the news today, I notice a repeating theme in some different publications. Lake County Living prints this article about food pantries. The Waukesha Freeman prints this one about donations for the Volunteer Center. So my question to you is: If donations for these services are down... let's say the food pantry for example. What will these people who use the services do as a result? Who do they serve?

" The Food Pantry serves Waukesha County residents who are unemployed, working poor, and/or underemployed; individuals with disabilities; those with health issues and related costs; the elderly; and children." The Food Pantry of Waukesha

Crime will inevitably go up, right? I mean I've worked in food pantries before. Yes a lot of the people are just going through a tough time and need a temporary crutch to get out. But the majority of folks were the chronic unemployed.

Okay, you've heard me rant about this before, don't bother complaining unless you are willing to become part of the solution. What's my solution??? We become a community with responsible accountability! There it's that simple. If my neighbor looses his job due to the liberal govt. extending loans to unqualified buyers because it looks good on their resumes'... and he (my neighbor) can't find anything else. I, as part of his community, would help. Send out the word at my place of employment, help him update his resume, offer to get together occasionally. Whatever! AND if they are struggling to put food on the table I would buy him some groceries. Isn't' that the golden rule???

Why have we gotten so caught up in our fence lines that we have lost community? Can't we go beyond our 'now established' comfort zone and create a new one that includes community? Listen, I don't want the govt. playing robin hood with my hard earned buck. But I do know what it's like to need a crutch. We need each other. I don't want the government to be our extended family. That's our neighbors job. It's just what I think.

my morning latte'

Good Morning and happy Monday! I hope your weekend was fabulous.

This morning I woke up to the thermostat kicking in and the comforting sounds of warm air blowing throughout my home. Although it was too early to see the sun, I know it would have filled the room because all of the leaves on the Maple trees out back have found the compost pile. It's the one consoling thought during the cold winter months regarding the dead looking trees surrounding our home... that now we can see the sunshine through the windows.

Breakfasts, sack lunches, showers and a pot of coffee. Kisses good morning, kisses goodbye. Have a great day. Whew. It's November again. We are already thinking of roasted turkey and pumpkin pie. (at least we are at our house)

My hands have all the tell tale sign of colder weather. I'm slathering on more lotions and cuticle creams. I've used up the rest of my Good Scents 4 Her patchouli/rose lotion and need to get more. I've had to switch to my fall/winter face care system and after examining my fall and winter wardrobe over the weekend found that I desperately needed to go some shopping to update my closet. (eeks!) I even needed to update my shampoos, finding something more moisturizing. This dry, blowing air is reeking havoc. LOL!!!

Given the concerns us Wisconsinites lived through last year. Meaning SNOW and lots of it, I was relieved to see this headline: Winter likely to be more mild than last year's. This year we are going to be more prepared. I've already been shopping for shovels, salt, scrapers and am filling my trunk with my emergency kit. (this is a first for me)
Boomertown has left thousands in the bust. Baby boomers all over have been counting on Boomertown to help out financially. When I checked out their site it looked as though they were just re-doing their site. "An all-new boomertown.com is coming soon... In the last 8 years Internet technology and web communication have changed greatly. We see these changes as an opportunity to take our original format and re-shape a whole new site. Something even more dynamic. One which better embraces the concept of a boomertown!" But according to the article posted on JSOnline, the Better Business Bureau has received over 100 complaints regarding Boomertown.


To find the following along with other headlines check out The Waukesha Freeman:

• Sheboygan resident 9 million dollars richer today.
• 24 year old man gets himself shot and killed in Mequon
• Pike Lake hero's

Have a Fabulous Day!

We've been welcomed by BNN

It is a time to turn another corner. The elections are over and new beginnings are in store. Part of our 'next chapter' will be seen at BNN. We've finally qualified to be exposed. So, if you've found us from BNN, welcome!

Another change here is my schedule. I am working more daytime hours, which may eventually effect the times my posts get up.

Today we spent the day watching the 'Spirit Cheer' competition for Wisconsin. With 42 different school groups represented from as East as Milwaukee, North as Stevens Point, Down to (i don't remember the name of that one, but it was 3 hours south of Madison) ... well you get the idea. In between each performance I had the opportunity to chat with lots of different folks. There was a resounding conversation that was brought up. (Besides the dance teams that is) Finances!

What I heard was that although people are glad that there has been a little relief with gas prices, they are in debt and with little idea on how to get out. Companies are laying off or closing.
Several people were not sure what would take place on Monday when they went in. Will they have a job? Will the desk next to them be vacated? Will they be the ones called in for 'the talk'? These people, like many of us, are afraid of loosing what they have been working for.

I

am not posting this to discuss politics. I don't want to place blame or rant and rave. Bottom line, we need to work. Many are looking at 2nd and 3rd jobs. Something out of their field to offer more security. The problem is that many of us have been at our jobs for a while and are somewhat intimidated to get out there.
Very popular for job hunters these days are online job agencies. More than the 'classifieds' they show posting for employment, offer resume' help and specify your search to your preferences. Plus, you can easily apply for several jobs within an hour. Right there, on the spot.

Below are a few different local job agencies. Even if you are not worried about your position, it's not a bad idea to see what's out there.

• Milwaukee Jobs offers several services and the opportunity to register yourself.
• Job Noggin allow you to look for a job and offers several other listings as well. It's like the classified section but online.
• You can search hundreds of jobs on the Business Journal for Greater Milwaukee.
• I haven't spent much time here but there is a search available for SE Wisconsin on Jobbing.
• Are you looking for a government job? You can find it here on the State of Wisconsin Government Jobs.
• As seen on t.v. Monster.com has an extensive search.

I hope you and your family are financially okay. In the likely case that you might be suffering from our 'struggling economy' you should be able to find something from the resources above that will help out. I wish you and your family the best in these tough times.

my morning "double shot" latte'

Why is it a double shot of espresso in my latte' this morning? I voted. We've been talking about these candidates for months. We've analyzed their moves, their policies, their beliefs, pasts, finances, families, moralities, health, thoughts, dreams.... and what do we know? Only one thing for sure. Today is the day.

We slip in our ballot and all we have left to do is put on our 'I Voted' sticker, politely say thanks and walk away... with anticipation.
Some anxiety.
Not wondering if we choose the correct candidate, but whether or not the person in line before and after me did.

So, I brewed some extra strong coffee this morning, toasted my english muffin and ... wait.

But I do wonder or at least I questioned. Although I got in line at 6:50 a.m. and was back out in my car by 8 a.m. it took less than a minute to actually cast my ballot. And that was with the assistance of my 7th grader. (I wanted her to experience the 'I voted' responsibility that Americans have) I explained pre-registration, the confirmation of identity, then we looked over the ballot cards. We discussed straight parties and write-ins. All that, plus the machine, the sticker, the cordial 'thanks' and we were still out in minutes. So what in God's good earth did Obama need to do inside that booth for 15 min.? I can't even imagine what it's like on the south side of Chicago this morning. I do know that I would be looking over my shoulder.

Jake Tapper reports that Shoesmith Elementary school, the place that Obama went to vote this morning is also the same place that Ayers and Farrakhan also went to cast ballots.

More children are left under the Safe Haven law in Nebraska. These are 16 year old children.

Waukesha Freeman
Some companies are handing out free goodies for election day. This isn't a trick... just a treat.

"Krispy Kreme is giving star-shaped doughnuts with red, white and blue sprinkles to anyone who mentions the promotion, said spokeswoman Ayana Hernandez, but they won't be required to show an "I voted" sticker. "

Krispy Kreme is estimating handing out 200,000 donuts today.

Waukesha County has a history of large voter turnout. In the last election 96% of our residents showed up at the polls. Poll workers are expecting even larger numbers today. The results, however, will not be tallied until after polls close and counting will begin after 8 p.m.

Fright Hike

Tonight and tomorrow night Lapham Peak will host its annual Fright Hike.
I've carpooled children there in years past, but this year we are going to brave the spoooookinesssss.....

Just to make sure I'm covered, I apologize to all who will end up in my hiking group.
I know it's problem. I'm sorry.

I will scream.
I will grab whomever is closest.
I'll probably run.
I'm sure I'll end up tripping over something.
So, I'm sorry.

But... I gotta go. It's a beautiful day and I anticipate a beautiful evening. I love hiking and heck, I have to drop all the kids off at friends anyway. So hope to see you there.

a good excuse

It is not a secrete that we are a family of animal lovers. Even when we lived in Russia, in our small apartment on the 21st floor we had a German Shepherd. Believe me when I say it's no picnic caring for an animal in a city where you can't find dog food, but we adapted.

Upon our return we went through our fair share of cute little kitties, clumsy adorable puppies, countless tanks with fish, lizards, hermit crabs (that was short lived), frogs, snakes... yes snakes (but for that one we needed a strict agreement... in writing!), hamsters and turtles. I may have forgotten someone in there but you get the jest of it.

We've adopted most of our pets as 'our family'. (there are clear exceptions and all within reason, of coarse) But when we moved to the house we currently live in 5 years ago, I made a new rule that the cats were not allowed in the house. (dang if I know how to get that smell out) I am super sensitive to scents and certainly did not want to deal with that smell any longer.

There is a problem, however, with having the cats out and not in. We are country folk. That means we get the benefits of country life. Including all the rodents that make their way into our home. We've gotten snakes, mice, chipmunks, squirrels, birds, bats... you get the pict.

Oh they are very happy here, don't get me wrong. It's warm and certainly an abundance of food and water compliments of our children, is found in the most unlikely places. But my husband and I, once again, put our foot (the two have become one in this situation) down and say ENOUGH! No more uninvited rodents in the house!

We put out poison. They ate it. They died... somewhere. Oh yeah, did I say 'they'?

Yes there appears to be countless dead rodents stinking up my basement, attic, inner walls in their last efforts to say 'ha, ha, ha. I'm not going with out leaving a calling card'. Can you say GROSS!

So, I know I need to go downstairs and climb on the treadmill or stationary bike to work out but there is absolutely no possible way to get my hesitating toosh motivated to go down there and get cardio. And that is my excuse.

At least I didn't say the dog ate my homework.

out of sorts

Today began with a last minute decision to attend the meeting at city hall regarding plans for rental and owner occupied housing. After that I became disheartened with downtown politics. Tonight I'm just frustrated with all politics. I'm feeling somewhat deflated and so my post today is also touched with the flavor of a defeatist attitude.

I am about to turn it all off and watch Dancing with the Stars while I tune out the political commercials.

Could it be??

Yesterday we played a little afternoon hooky. We wanted to visit the Milwaukee Public Museum and experience the Titanic Exhibit. I was really interested in the artifacts that were recovered. It was fascinating to not only see the artifacts themselves but also the footage and photos of how it was recovered. I tend to get involved with individual stories of the passengers, which made the experience a little emotional for me. I would recommend this trip but plan to spend some time there and bring your reading glasses.

We also stopped by Carrabba's Italian Grill. It's the second time we ate there. It was FABULOUS! Loved the food. Although our waitress wore too much perfume, which in turn made my drink taste like her perfume. By the time my dinner arrived I had forgotten all about it.

After a little carting around of the kids (whom did not join us for our 'hooky afternoon') we did some shopping and came home to watch a movie. I'm not a huge fan of 'scary' movies. Mostly because I can't stand suspense. I am that horrible person that sits in the middle of the theater and talks to the movie. I scream too loudly and grab whomever is closest to protect me from the crazy demon on screen. Since I am running out of victims to join me, I just don't go much anymore. But I remember, a million years ago, when the Jason and Freddie movies first came out. I remember, as a teenager, watching the terrifying scenes of hopeless murder and almost escapes. They freaked me out!

Last night Halloween was on t.v. We watched with our kids and to my surprise, it was stupid! Not only was it stupid but it wasn't even scary. My question then raises. Was it not scary to us, to me because we have been so desensitized by all the violence surrounding us? I mean I remember being freaked out just by the music. Geez! I didn't even need a cartoon to help me sleep. (tee hee hee)

milestones

Are you getting as tiered of the politics as I am?

I thought about posting a bit about the non-scientific polls that have been all over the news today advertising Obama's lead in the presidential race. nawwww.

Then I thought about the controversial phone calls that Favre had been making outing the Packers offence. nawww. No Denials From Lions Coaches About Favre Report
It might have been funny to talk about the SNL bit with Sarah Palin, It is funny: Sarah Palin Saturday Night Live Video.

Waukesha applies for 15 percent water rate hike , crimes at Kohl's dept. store, Colin Powell endorses Barack Obama, stock market seems to be up this a.m.STOCKS STAY UP..., Taliban say they killed aid worker for spreading Christianity, Archbishop criticizes Obama... . yada, yada.

Instead, I guess I wanted to veer away from this cold, rainy Monday morning and celebrate my son's milestone. Let me edit that I am not a hunter. Never held a gun, I have no plans on ever holding one, unless it is filled with water. But my son finished the hunter's safety courses with flying colors and got his first pheasant. So, for him I am celebrating.

Mission minded, they are on their way.
Aim, shoot, and ta daaa!

Enjoy it while it lasts

There never seems to be a lull in activity at our house. Today, after getting off the phone with the school nurse, my son's not feeling well, I got in my car to go check it out myself. I was stopped on the side of the road by some prehistoric size bug, which conveniently landed in my lap. Ewwww! (this is why I have to make sure my windows are closed at night... all the creepy bugs get into my car) Once composed I continued on my journey to the school.

Boy, it seems bright today. Way brighter than yesterday and the sun isn't even shining. Now where did I put my glasses? Pulling to the side of the road for the second time it hit me. How beautiful is this? Every other tree was magically pained over night. Scarlet reds, jolting yellows, bright greens, rich burgundy's. Oh my.

The weather forecast did say that today would be one of the last of the warm ones. I'm not taking that for granted. Once I got home, took care of my son, I got out my camera to snap a few photos for you to enjoy also.

This post is for all you home bounders or those of you stuck inside four walls not able to enjoy this last day of gorgeousness.

Homecoming

Ahhh... homecoming week. I remember the class color wars, senior stunt day, pep rally, working on the float, a week of organized chaos leading up to the well cheered game and finally the dance.

Now that my kids are in high school I get to re-live it all through their eyes. We have had the closets emptied looking for outfits for 50's day, pajama day, crazy hair day and color wars day. One of my sons was in the pie-eating contest earlier this week (who's bright idea was that? What a mess and in the middle of the school day. He smelled like day old bakery for 2 days) and the following day the class tug-of-war.

Carroll University http://www.cc.edu/ is also celebrating Homecoming this week. Expect a fun crowd to be lining the streets. Carroll has around 3000 students that will be out and about the celebration. The parade begins at 10 am tomorrow. The route will head west down Main st. Here are the streets on the route:

• Main-Clinton, to Wisconsin, to East, to College, to Barstow, to Cook.

Barstow will be closed from 9am-5pm.
Have Fun!

Scarecrows

The Scarecrow worked. Well sort of. The truth is it scared the ba gee bees out of me this morning. I thought this would entertain you.

I woke up at 5:30 to get breakfast made and lunches ready for all...not to mention getting the java going. Still dark outside and me being half awake I thought I saw something outside when I walked past the window. Just my imagination... too dark to see anything.

Considering the day ahead, a doctor apt. that needs to be made, appointments that need to be kept, bills to be paid... yaada, yaada, yaada phone calls, letters, e-mails... I'm in my own little world putting mayo on the turkey sandwiches and carefully splitting apart the 'fork split' english muffins for the egg sandwiches my oldest would certainly want for breakfast. (what does 'fork split mean anyway??? I ALWAYS need to cut the thing open)

Then I saw it again. Something.

I need to let the dogs out. We don't want a mess on the floor. I send them out the other door. Not the one that might be by something. I don't think I want to know.

Back to my morning coffee pot and deli meat... the 'something' outside was forgotten about. Children are up now, I hear them. Radios on, shower's going, toilets flushing. I hear the dogs bark. Great. Let's wake up the neighbors too.

I rush to THAT door, forgetting that something is out there. AND EEEKKKSSS!!!! It's still there, but now it's light enough to see the shadows of movement. EEEKKKSSS again!!!! The dogs are barking at it too. It IS something. I flip on the light. Its the stinkn' scarecrow that I got at Retzners two weekends ago by some mom & pop crafter. (I don't usually get into crafts but this guy was cute in the full sun on the Sat. afternoon I bought him)

Big breath. I walk outside, pick him up, and move him away from the window. I changed his shirt to a green packer sweatshirt that has become too beat up. Certainly the green will be a bit less shocking for the next victim.

We don't have a crow problem anyway. That thing is a Scarepeople, not a Scarecrow.

Makes you think

My morning latte this week was spent at the emergency room. My husband was in a motorcycle accident with a deer. We were very lucky the damage wasn't worse than it was as everything is 'fixable'. He is needing oral and orthopedic surgery but HE IS ALIVE with no internal damage.
Thank God!

What saved him, besides the hand of God?
His helmet!

Please, please, please do not go on the road with your motorcycle without one. I am begging. If you do, you are being unbelievably selfish to your family and the people who care about you.

One of my children woke up the next morning and said: "I have a dad this morning. I had one yesterday morning too but I almost didn't have one this morning."

Please wear the stinking helmet.

So, I might not be posting much for a bit but will be checking in on some of my favorite blogs to keep caught up.

and baby makes 10

We are pet people. I always grew up with either dogs or cats. (the staple family pets) My exception, as a kid, was when my little brother got a Guinea pig. Geeez I hated that thing. SQUEAK, SQUEAK, SQUEAK... all night long.

He loved it, which gave me ammo as a kid. 'don't tell mom or I'll hold your pig upside down' (the thought was that that would make the eyes pop out, I never bothered to check the facts about it) The threat worked. But that never changed the fact that my love for pets stops at rodents.
So, when my daughter spent the last year asking, pleading and eventually begging for a Hamster, it was obvious that would not be happening.

I broke.

She did so well in school last year and had been so helpful around the house. I wanted to reward her with, well let's say... a pair of earrings or a special lunch date. OH NOOOO she wanted that hamster. She promised that I would never need to see it. She would feed it, clean the cage, do all of it. FINE!

We went to Petco in Delafield and were introduced to a tan, baby, male hamster. I have to admit, the thing is kind of cute, from a distance.

Two weeks after I bought the young, male hamster... IT BEGAN GIVING BIRTH! Apparently the manager of the place, who was the one who sold us the thing in the first place, didn't lift up her little hamster skirt. Now we have 10 of them.

And the advice Petco gave us, make sure you separate the mom from the babies when she begins to EAT them! OMG!!!

Anyone want a hamster?

A baby male hamster by chance??

Gotta love nature

So I'm in this season of reading.

I love relaxing on the deck with a good book. Maybe it's due to the fabulous summer weather. Especially when the ideal day, without the horrid humidity (which seems to worsen every year of my life) or the typical Wisconsin blizzard (which we are currently out of season for) presents itself.

It never seems to fail, however, that relaxing is a non-entity in our home. I'm easily distracted with kids, animals, the media, phone, etc... and nature?

Yep nature. No, I'm not usually squeamish with insects. (Just 2 weeks ago I mustered up the herculean strength it took to pull out the deer tick, of which was imbedded into my hip with NO permission what so ever! (the nerve))

But as I was finishing up my latest read: The Girl with No Shadow, by JoAnne Harris, I felt as though I was being watched. Not normally paranoid, I decided to ignore the obvious company.
Soon, however, I found the occupant. He was large and very animated. A new neighbor who had decided to perch him/herself onto my shoulder. Needless to say my book needed to wait so I could take the shot of his/her new home.

Needless to say,
I did a little housekeeping before I continued.

Can you feel the wind changing?

Today I woke up to the sound of my wind chimes. The breeze had cooled a bit as I snuggled deeper into my comforter.

Isn't August suppose to be the warmest month of the year? What are all the Al Gore(ian) global warning supporters saying about that?

So I get up and make my coffee. Regretfully my friends at The Steaming Cup aren't making it for me today, and I sort my recyclables as it brews. Coffee compost, paper filter, coffee tin. (I'm doing my part)
Sitting on the deck with my organic blanket, feeling the warm fuzzies as I sip my coffee listening to the wind chimes and observing the humming birds feeding off of my, now in bloom, Purple Coneflowers and Monarda. I hear the hummmm of a bee as is visits this beautiful flower, that I can't remember the name to. It's so lovely... but chilly.

It's easy to want to stay secluded amidst the natural sounds of summer. I know, however, that soon, at around 1ish, those prone to late night partying will rise, although not shine, and fill their surroundings with loud beats and rhythms. The language will most likely be offensive, not to mention the smell... according to those of us who tend to be sensitive to that sort of thing...

Alas... I have a few hours to enjoy my solice. Take another sip of coffee, feel the warmth of the sun on my shoulders, admire the beauty of my little piece of natural art surrounding me, and enjoy the songs of the crickets, birds and insects. For soon the winds will change.