All Gave Some, Some Gave All!

The Everglades Holiday Park had this wooden box on the counter of their little store\shop, which I think is a fantastic idea.  Seems folks are too "busy" these days to take the time to recognize simple things and such a unique idea just might be enough to get them to pause and think.

Thank you for your service!

Spoiled Brats!

Took this picture the other afternoon.  It's a picture of the ballfield at the elementary school just down the street.  As you can see in the pic the area is littered with trash, which sadly is more common than you'd think or like to see.

I don't know what the problem is and why people are so bloody lazy these days.  I'm not sure if the kids are to blame, there parents or both but it is a shame anyway you slice it.

 You can see off to the far right in the pic there is a trash can.  Perhaps, too far away for these spoiled brats?  Where are the parents and why are they not teaching these kids about respect and common curtsey?  I can visualize it, where a parent pulls up in their SUV, the kids jump out for their lesson\game and all the while the parent is sitting in their running vehicle and scrolling through social media total consumed with it and themselves and oblivious to their kids.

I've seen coolers, folding chairs, backpacks, duffle bags, balls, bats, gloves, hats, sweatshirts, water bottles and on and on and on all left behind.  All left behind for someone or others to pick up and clean up.

At the end of the day, PEOPLE SUCK!

Any Vacancies?!

The Bluebirds have been around really all winter long but they did come and go.  Lately, they seem to be staying and hanging out longer.  Even back to constantly checking out they're old home.

We've had them nesting in the pictured bird house for three years in a row now and I'm excited to see they're back for hopefully a fourth year.

They're a beautiful bird, one of my favorites.

7-Gallon Club

Another Power Red donation in the books!

Found a donation site in Millis last Friday afternoon and booked myself an appointment.

According to the Red Cross Blood Donor app on my phone I'm up to 57 pints donated to date, which puts me in the 7-gallon club!

Fly Pelican Fly

I watched two pair of wild turkey's cross the street in front of my house and amble their way out back.  At one point both females took off flying and landed on the garage roof of the house behind me. The two toms slowly made their way on foot and down the driveway, which is when both female flew down.  For a big bird, they're very good flier, short distance anyway.

Miami Here We Come!

Emilie and I flew down to visit the Miami Frye's during her March break from URI.  We flew in on Tuesday and returned home late Saturday.  A short visit but we had a great time!  It was long overdue to get down there and the getaway I really needed.

We drove over to Marco Island and hit the beach; what a great spot, which just so happens to hold some wonderful memories too of prior visits  Of course we stopped along the way to take in some BIG alligators!  We also stopped to rescue a large soft-shelled turtle that was attempting to cross the highway. The save was a success, however, the odor from carrying the dude was just awful!

The beach was busy when we first arrived but empty by the time we left.  It was so peaceful and relaxing; not a worry in the world at that time.  Just wish I had a beach chair to sit in. Well, one that had a bottom to it...

Seashells were collected too.  These below were alive, so released but what awesome colors.  A bag of shells made it's way back to Massachusetts -

The following day we visited the Everglades Holiday Park, home to the Animal Planet made famous "Gator Boys" -

We spent over an hour in an airboat out in the everglades.  Captain Rocky was our tour guide and although we did see any alligators up close, it was informative and fun just the same.  The girls enjoyed it too -

Our trip went by too fast but it was terrific to spend time with my brother and niece.  I wish we didn't live so far apart but cherish the times we get to spend together. Seems like only yesterday the girls were babies, they're beautiful young women now and I couldn't be prouder of them both.

It Really Is Tough

Up Up And Away!

The neighbor had some tree work done this past Friday.  The crew was here for the whole day and they took down quite a few trees; some BIG ones too.  Looks like it opened things up nicely for them and removed any immediate threat of them falling onto their house.

It's was amazing watching the crew work, especially the crane operator and the dude who was being placed HIGH into the tops of the trees being cut.  

Watch this short vid on how they effortlessly move a large tree from behind the house to the where it was being put into the chipper.

Some Privacy Please...

Doing errands yesterday afternoon Emilie and I came upon this beautiful fox.  We spotted her and were able to pull in next to her and grab these pics.  She was almost oblivious of us at first, as she stopped to do her business.  Only when we started whistling did she notice us and get a bit hurried.  Once she was done, she quickly scooted in the other direction.

Of course we immediately jumped on Facebook to warn everyone in Franklin that we saw a fox out in the daytime and that those folks with small dogs and cats should be careful...HAHAHA, no we did NOT do that!  NO PSA needed if you have a smidgen of a clue about wildlife.

I Feel Blessed

The sunsets off my back deck never disappoints and is always so impressive and beautiful -

Out Like A Light!

Emilie is home and Trixie is in her glory.  She is SO happy to have her home.

Here she is out like a light lying next to Emilie on the couch, ssshhhhhh!

Uncle Ben and Pulled Pork Loin

I whipped up this honey glazed pork loin last month, using the slow cooker, and it came out super delicious!  I got three meals out of it, plus I was able to freeze two more meals.  Once I had the needed ingredients and threw everything in the pot, it was hands off until time to eat.  It smelled great and was so so good!

I enjoyed the pork over rice with Uncle Ben - 

Swing And A Miss...

I gave this brandy a try the other evening, which has been in the basement closet for some 15-20 years now, not a big fan.

His Majesty, Sir Oliver

The king on one of his many thrones (resting spots).

You can even see his attitude in his face.  Seems I was disturbing him; the nerve of me taking a picture of him while he was resting, gheese...

Items Of A Time Gone By

Came across some items of my youth; my toddler days perhaps.

Sadly, I cannot tell you much about these items, for example who knitted the outfit or if the spoon was one I used or more of a keepsake. 

No idea what to do with these things, other than reminisce of days gone by.

HBD Dad!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Missing you every day.

So True...