Dreaming of Isla

The Inner Being

2011-07-09T13:49:00.000-07:00

The Inner Being
Feeling is over rated. When feeling better about yourself, someone will be there to knock you down. When trying to help in some way, you feel incomplete. When trying to love more, you feel loved less. When looking for friendship, you can’t find a friend. When looking for healing, you find your pain. When looking for forgiveness, you find your sins.
Secrets, fears…they will eat you up, never to let you slumber.
To feel the innocence of true love is to never have made a mistake.
The world expects too much to let go, to feel complete, to be totally free.
No guilt, no regrets, no fears….no life.
A life lived is not free. It is the inner being struggling to be accepted, loved and made whole. It shall never be.
(Written by Brenda Lamonica in 2008)

Isla Spay and Neuter Clinic

2010-02-28T05:07:00.000-08:00

These are just a few of the cats that were trapped for the Spay and Neuter Clinic last Wednesday thru Friday. I was able to help the volunteers trap six cats, who live behind our Isla apartment.
These young people are spending their days rescueing the animals of Isla and finding them homes in the US through Pet Project Rescue. This mom and her pup were rescued on Thursday of last week. They will be Spayed, checked out, treated by the vet and fostered by Allison of Animal Rescue until they are flown to the US.

This is one of the many cats who lives on the patio of Delfino's Vet Clinic. Many hours are spent each day cleaning dishes, feeding cats, cleaning litter boxes, washing towels and surgical gowns.

This little kitty had not eaten in a few days. He or she (I wasn't sure) had lost it's mommy or been abandoned. Just one of the many tasks I did during the day days I volunteered.

So if you are on Isla and would like to make a difference, volunteer your time or make a donation to Delfino's Clinic. He is an Angel to the Isla animals.

The Rewards of Volunteering

2010-02-26T05:17:00.001-08:00

These past few days have been some of the most rewarding experiences for me this week. Brian and I have been volunteering every night at Jax. (Thanks J & S for having a busy week!) A first annual fishing tournament with the proceeds going to help the Little Yellow School House in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Here are just a few of the photos I have taken in the past two nights while helping with the videotaping. You must understand that I am a Country Music Junkie. I grew up on Country Music and love it to this day!!
Phil Vassar brought the place down on Wednesday night (And brought me to my knees). Played for four straight hours!! One lady, who shall remain unnamed, paid $2000 USD to get on stage and sing with Phil Vassar. (Not Marla...she got to sing with him anyway) A guitar, signed by Kenny Chesney, went for $1000 USD.
This Print was presented to Phil in appreciation for taking the time out of his busy schedule to come and help out the children of Isla. He was flying out to Australia early Thursday morning and didn't even leave Jax until after 1am!! Now that is a big heart!!
Oh yea!!!

Last night Tim Nichols, Tim Johnson, James Dean Hicks and Will Robinson, all songwriters for Country Music, took stage. I think everyone was a little worn out from the night before and Tim knew it. They were all still amazing and will take stage again tonight. Hopefully everyone will be a little more rested to enjoy their amazing music.
I was again on my knees for Tim Nichols, who ended the show with his hit song, "Live Like You Were Dying." Brought tears to my eyes.

I volunteered yesterday at the Spay and Neuter Clinic and will again this morning. I am saving that for a seperate post.

Puppies on the Beach

2010-02-24T04:15:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we met three wonderful kids on the beach, who are volunteering for Isla Animals and Pet project Rescue.
This cute puppy was one of three dogs they were walking on the beach. Everyone in our group had to hold him and cuddle him. Last night they were doing a cat trapping to catch the strays cats for the 3 day long spay and neuter clinic with Dr Delfino. I checked on our neighborhood cats, during their morning feeding line this morning, and I'm hoping they caught a few of them. I am hoping to get a chance in the next three days to go out and help with the clinic, but have committed to volunteering for the LYSH Fundraiser at Jax every night for the next four nights. If you would like to adopt an Isla Animal contact Alison through Isla Animals. She will make it an easy enjoyable experience for you.

Crepes, BBQ and The Beach

2010-02-23T06:05:00.000-08:00

If you put bananas in your crepes, that justifies the chocolate....right?!

Tried a little fishing off the dock, but no luck!

When it starts raining on the beach...cover up and wait it out!Dress up once in a while for dinner!
Eat some delicious BBQ at Mango Cafe!
And top it off with some fabulous ice cream at Mango Cafe!

Weddings and Sunsets

2010-02-21T05:14:00.000-08:00

After 34 centerpieces, 16 bouqets, 8 boutineers, 7 strands of strung flowers and 5 gallons of rose petals, we finished the wedding flowers. They all turned out beautiful!!

This box of arrangements were four ball type arrangements on a stick that would sit on top of four seperate bamboo poles going down the aisle.

These arrangements were for the second wedding that I think was at Mirada's.

And these were for the wedding that Jeri and Steve were planning at Playa Sol. Steve being the officiant!!
These last ones went with the first ones, but are the table arrangements. I believe that wedding was at Zama's.

After we ate some lunch Brian and I enjoyed a little sun time on the roof. After all this flower arranging, I thought about my first years of college. I attended The University of Minnesota in Waseca for a degree in Horticulture. Then I worked at Bachman's Floral and Design. So many nights of arranging for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, etc. Who would think I would end up being the owner and driver of a trucking company?!

Off to Playa Sol to watch one of the weddings and the sunset!

Flowers, Flowers, Flowers

2010-02-20T03:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday ended today, with me crawling into bed at 2am. Not from any major extended happy hour, but helping my good friend Jeri with flowers for three weddings she has today on Isla! A group of girls helped make 19 Centerpieces last night. After too much coffee, I haven't slept much.

Some of the flowers didn't arrive until 10:45pm last night from Cancun. Today will be another busy one, as the flowers have to be finished and delivered by 1pm. Will have to take pictures of the finished products, as they are turning out beautiful!

Let's hope the weather turns around for the Brides of Isla today! (Not to mention my faded tan lines)

Wanted! One 12 Foot Iguana

2010-02-19T08:50:00.000-08:00

The breakfast at Mango Cafe was wonderful!! First.....homemade Cinnamon Rolls, which are also served at The Blue Iguana across the street. Lori just hired an awesome baker and will hopefully have homemade cheesecake at The Blue Iguana by the end of the week.
Next....Stuffed Chili Rellano's. Stuffed with egg, creme cheese mixture. YUM!!!

In talking to Lori, we noticed that the big Iguana that use to sit on top of the thatched overhang at The Blue Iguana was gone. We asked her if she had sold it because she had said last month that a guy was real interested in buying it. She said that someone stole it sometime after 11pm last night. How awful! She had already notified the car ferry to watch for it, so it must still be on Isla somewhere.
Before:

After:

Today has been very overcast and raining. No shell hunting today!

9th Annual Cuda Crawl

2010-02-19T05:38:00.000-08:00

Biggy B's Catch for the Day!
We arrived back on Isla this past Tuesday night. After a long day of traveling!! Three weeks back in the Minnesota cold and snow seemed like an eternity.

Wednesday morning, up early, for the big Iowa/Isla Cuda Crawl. Steve and Jeri Mattox do an awesome job every year hosting and organizing this wonderful tournament. Just a few pictures to share.

The weather has not been cooperating since we returned. Cloudy, windy and some rain. Off to Mango Cafe for some breakfast with some friends before they leave today.

One Month Ago Today

2010-01-22T06:03:00.000-08:00

One month ago today I was on the airplane on my way to Isla!! My longest stay so far and I am loving it. Where does the time go? I still worry about everything back in Minnesota, but with technology nowadays, I can worry a little less. (As long as Cablemas doesn't shut me off for no apparant reason)

Today, we have to clean the apartment and get it ready for our roommate to arrive. Biggy B and I are moving over to our two night stay in one of the hotels here on Isla. A treat for us before we return to Minnesota on Sunday. What were we thinking when we booked our flights during the Vikings Game??? Maybe the pilot will give us game updates. I'm sure he will have it on his laptop, as we are flying Northwest into Minneapolis!! lol

The up side.....we will be back soon!!

Change of Plans

2010-01-20T04:17:00.001-08:00

Well, after much talk, we decided to wait until February for our road trips. We kept hearing that Merida was even colder than Isla! So, we're going to do more research and planning!

We have finally bought our tickets back to Minnesota for this Sunday. I do miss the boys and my Angel, so am looking forward to seeing them. The great thing is that I know I will be back in 2 or 3 weeks!! Maybe I won't cry on the ferry this time...NOT!

We have had such a great time riding our bikes around the island in the morning. I have collected so much sea glass and some great shells. One great Coral Statue that Biggy B carried in his basket from mid island! I love him!!

Friday and Saturday nights are going to be a treat for us! Our room mate is coming in with her boyfriend to use the apartment, so Biggy B is treating me to a two night stay at Hotel Kinich, the new hotel above El Sol Golf Carts. Can't wait!! We did check into staying at Privelege Aluxes, but at $160 USD per person per night....No thanks!!
The weather turned around and has been wonderful. Many beach days. Finally finished reading "The Shack" yesterday, with tears running down my cheeks!! What a moving book!!
Things we've beeen doing: A wonderful visit with Wayne and B, A happy hour at Casa Sirena, A birthday party at Miguels, Coffee on El Patio with J&S, A Fish Fry this afternoon with German.......Ahhhhhhhh!!!
Thanks to all of you for your nice comments on my previous post. I will try not to disappoint you and keep you up to date.

Back to Blogging

2010-01-15T05:12:00.001-08:00

I had someone approach me a few weeks ago on Isla and tell me they use to always read my blog. It was nice to know that someone recognized me from my blog. Their memory must be much better than mine because my last post was over a year ago!!

So this morning, I thought I would go to my blog and see if I can still even log in. Wahla!! Here I am.

So what have I been doing this past year? Mostly the same, with the exception of the fact that I am now a full time truck driver for our trucking company. Not the vocation of choice, but with the economic times I did what I had to do. The benefits.....I'm sitting on Isla, since December 22nd, writing this blog!! Our trucking season lasts about 7 months of the year. I'm working up to full time winters on Isla, but this year will have to go back to Minnesota a few weeks on and off to take care of business and family.

Today, Biggy B and I are going to plan a trip to Merida for a few days. Have to get our game plan together to leave tomorrow. The weather hasn't been the best on Isla and is suppose to stay the same...cloudy, windy, probably rain, so a road trip is in the making.

So, fellow bloggers, followers and friends. I am back, for now. I will start posting some Isla and Merida thoughts when we get back from Merida. Until then....great to be back!!

Coba Trip and Spider Monkeys

2009-01-03T05:22:00.000-08:00

We took the boys down to Coba and visited the ruins there, along with the spider monkey preseve. We have some great friends from Colorado who bought a house just outside of Akumel whom we stayed with.

Jeremy on the ruins

Looking down....kind of freaky if you have vertigo!!

Spider Monkeys

Great Pizza at a little place called Leo's Pizza

Time to get going. It's my last full day on Isla. Taking the boys on a golf cart tour today.

Sunrise on Isla

2009-01-02T08:57:00.000-08:00

I finally rolled out of bed this morning for an Isla Sunrise!!

Beach Reclamation Project

2008-12-25T04:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a wonderful day at the beach!!

The Beach Reclamation Project has now reached the corner of Chi Chi and Charlies and Sergio's Playa Sol.

Another shot showing a closer view of the orange floatie things.

People love using these black filled bags as a walkway, but I fear that they will eventually become very slippery. The current still crashes together at this corner and I would hate to see someone fall into this wicked current out at the end of this "black tube."

We took a 4 hour nap yesterday afternoon and then walked downtown for some Christmas Eve Cheer. Siesta's are becoming quite a habit for us here.

Feliz Cumpleanos Mi Amigas.

An Isla Update

2008-12-23T05:55:00.000-08:00

First, an apology for not keeping up with my blog. Everything was crazy before we left on Sunday for Isla. We left for the airport in a blizzard and wondered if our flight was even going to take off.
After only about a 40 minute delay, we were in the air.
I made some new friends on Isla yesterday!!
Nice Tongue

What an Ass!!LOL

Ok...so I talk to the animals.

Jeremy and his friend Mike are having a wonderful time. They do a lot of exploring on their own. I think that is code word for "checking out the chicks."
Jeremy said that his mama will always be his favorite...Good Answer!!

The Christmas Decorations look festive.

Hasta Luego!! Time to get some sun!!

Christmas and that White Crap

2008-12-09T07:04:00.000-08:00

How come when I was a little girl, I loved the white crap? I loved getting all bundled up in snow pants, snow boots, bulky snow jacket, gloves, a scarf and going out for hours in the freezing cold to play in the snow?

Now, just get me to Isla where I can lay in the sun under a palm tree and feel the sun baking me from the inside out!!

Last night Biggy B and I sat in the hot tub on the patio as the white crap began to fall from the sky. We knew that we were under a winter storm warning, but those weather people get paid for a 50/50 prediction, so we figured it would be just another day when we woke up!!

Well, here is what we woke up to!! Lots of white crap!! Schools closed for the day.
This is looking out our bedroom sliding glass doors. You can just see the top of the hot tub that we walked out to less than 12 hours ago.

So...being in the spirit of Christmas and getting my decorating done, I will share some of our decorations with you. Some look pretty cool with the white crap in the back ground.
The first big picture window with the Santa Theme. See the natural white crap in the background. I didn't even have to spray it there.

The second big picture window is the snowman theme. More white crap in the background. It's actually rather pretty with the woods in the background!!

On to the fireplace.

And the safe, which is in the living room because we couldn't fit it through any other doors.

Above the safe, overlooking the living room, on the railing, I have arranged an Angel Theme. I started collecting Angels, in memory of our daughter, Savannah.

By the living room French Doors sits a bench that was hand made by our friend Mike. I have arranged all of the Christmas Theme Beanie Babies.

Going up the stairs to the loft, I put all the Christmas Theme Stuffed Animals. Some I have saved from my younger days.

And then on the halfway landing sits The Manger Scene. I have added lights around it that make it glow at night.

And then there are all the reindeer that Biggy B shot and stuffed!! Sorry kids, Santa's Sleigh won't be landing on your roofs this year because Biggy B, the great hunter, hunted them down!! Notice the one closest has a red nose added. He is Rudolph. Each one has a tag with their name and bells. Rudolph, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixon, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen.

Last, but not least....The Christmas Tree. Anyone notice the deer jumping out from behind the tree?

Thanks for letting me share our Christmas Decorations with you all. Now we have to start clearing that white crap!!

Pictures Around Isla

2008-12-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today I will post a few pictures from around Isla, taken on my October trip.

My favorite was one day when shopping in the back market. This little baby was taking a siesta in a hammock.

All the hammocks hanging, waiting to be sold.

The painted wall in the parking lot of the Market

The condo's being built across from Jax

Rogelio's Tattoo of his children

Our waiter, Lionel, at Playa Sol

Sergio with his new Harley Hat that Biggy B sent him

And, of course, me and my my Ho Sister!!

Party on The Roof

2008-12-03T09:10:00.000-08:00

Because I did not keep a journal, I am going to just hit a few different highlights from my October trip to Isla.
The next highlight was the party that Steve and Jeri threw up on their roof. ChuCho played the music, Steve and Jeri provided food and mix and everyone brought some food and something to drink..........lets get this party started.

ChuCho's Biggest Fan that night was little Max, Sergio and Charissa's Cutie!! He danced to the music and had a great time.

Sergio is such a great dad.

ChuCho's Mama came for the party too. Ok, she gave birth to him, but I am his serogate Mama!! All kidding aside, I love her!!!

Our wonderful Host and Hostess, Steve and Jeri

After someone, you know who you are, tried to drain the pool....LOL....we decided to head over to Miguel's Moonlite. What night would be complete without going to Miguel's?

I know I took a bunch of pictures at Miguels, but my camera had been overserved, so there were only a couple that didn't have the shakes!!!
Mapchick and Steve. I believe this picture was taken after we all signed the Iowa T-Shirt on the wall. Of course, "Iowa, eats Minnesota." If you visit Miguel's and look for this T-Shirt, it will all become clear.

Happy Hour at Casa Sirena

2008-11-28T04:56:00.000-08:00

The Chica's were all invited to Casa Sirena for Happy Hour. What a treat. Steve is a wonderful Host and has such a beautiful Bed and Breakfast. He had just finished some major renovations. I will give you a picture tour.

The beautiful Statue by the roof top pool.

This picture almost looks like a postcard.

The main back garden area. We ended up down here instead of the roof top bar because of the high winds.

The New Roof Top Bar...Notice the wind blowing Steve's Shirt. What great views from this beautiful area.

Me and Steve.

Daniel, Kathryn and Steve

Steve had ChuCho's new CD "Bonanza" playing as background music and had invited ChuCho to come and sell his CD's. Here he is signing one of his first sales....I, of course, received the first CD!!

The Chica Group by the pool, with Daniel, Steve and ChuCho

Mother and Son...Serogate

The rooms are beautiful.

After the party at Casa Sirena we all went downtown to continue the party. I stopped at Bamboo to say hello to Rob.

Then we all met over at Faynes. Dr Salas was dancing and having a great time.

And Daniel was.....making new friends!!

It was another great day...full of more ab (laughing) work outs.

Day 2...Beaches and Bimbo Dogs

2008-11-24T04:02:00.000-08:00

You may be asking, "What Happened to the rest of Waking up on Isla?" It was spent cleaning the apartment, fixing shower heads, water leaks, hanging medicine cabinets and wall decorations. (With the help of Steve the Plumber/all arourd handy man!!)

The next morning I recruited Jeri for my morning walk. We walked the whole airport strip, checked on a friends house and then headed back. On the way back we started by dodging a rain shower under a tree. Jeri is trying to figure out how to start some plants from cuttings. Caught her borrowing a few cuttings!!

We walked back, cutting down Juarez, behind the Navy Base.
Checked out the progress of the new CFE Electric Company Building

Decided to check out the New Yellow Hotel, that still has not opened up. (Get to it by going up the stairs to the old Navy Store Entrance). We did get a guided tour by a guy who may have been the job super.
View from one of the Penthouse Suite Balconies!

You can look right in to the Navy Base

Had a great view of the Car Ferry getting ready to pull in to dock.

The skies are clearing. Let's get some breakfast and hit the beach!!
The winds were still pretty strong, but we made the best out of it....with a few cervesas.
Laura and Wanda met us on the beach while we waited for Doris and Jan to arrive later in the afternoon. Kathryn was working and would be the welcoming committee.
After saying, "No Gracias" to many beach vendors, a little girl came by selling bracelets. How could I resist this little cutie?? I decided it was time to buy the girls friendship Ankle Bracklets.
Jeri

Laura

Wanda

And one for myself.

Yes, there are a few more I will have to buy on the next Chick Trip!!
When the clouds looked like they were ready to dump rain, we moved under the Palapa.
Kathryn, brought Jan and Doris down for the beginnings of an awesome "chick trip!" As the days progressed, more chicks arrived! Laughing and smiling would become a prerequisite for starting my day!!
Is this the traveling Bra???

After a few rounds of 2 X 1 Happy Hour Drinks at Playa Sol,

it was time to head off for some supper. We all decided to go to "Justicia Social", since a few had never eaten there.
On the way, the "Bombo Girls" were created!! (It's all Carl's fault). Sorry girls, but I have to repost the picture. Figure I don't need permission, since I posted it once already in another forum.

Dinner was awesome!! Red Snapper, whole, deep fried!!

Mapchick began documenting!!

After dinner, it's time to move the party to Miguel's Moonlite!! Look at this...No drinks???

Then it was off to Faynes to listen to Javi, with a sit in by ChuCho!!

Javi (My Good Friend)

Chucho...My Mexican Son

Alex..My Mexican Husband (There is a story behind that)

After the beginnings of many good times to come for the week, I recruited Wanda and Doris to walk the next morning with me.
We said our good nights and headed off to rest up for our next ab work out!!

Waking up on Isla Part 1

2008-11-20T05:00:00.001-08:00

After a good night sleep I was up and ready for my walk. No arm weights, so it's time to improvise. Two large bottles of water from the mini super!! I'm off!! Through Centro, down Juarez, past the back side of the Navy Base and out the airport strip. Doing my arm exercises along the way, with two large bottles of water!

What a great morning to walk. Not too hot and it's not raining....yet!!
New Mosque looking building being build on East side of Airport Strip.

On the way back to the apartment, I decide to stop and take pictures of Centro Area and the New Malecon.
Statues to the South of The Hospital.

As I walked back to the "Sea Wall" I sat and watched to waves, trying to guess when they would break. The wind is picking up today....again and it looks like it could rain at any time.

When inspecting the new lamp posts on the Walkway, I notice how the salt air has already corroded the metal posts. They are only about 6 months old!! Being a Contractor, my mind starts thinking of better materials that could have been used for these posts. (Brick, stone, etc.)
View to the South, towards the RocaMar

View to the North towards the now closed Perla Del Caribe

The benches along the walk-way are very nice and great places to enjoy the ocean, except for one thing......They should face the water!! Oh well, With my feet dangling over the edge of the wall, I sit and enjoy the sounds of the waves crashing and the smell of the sea air.
I would normally be down by the water in search of shells or sea glass, but the waves are crashing to close and high to risk it today. Instead, I will just enjoy the moment.
After my quiet solitude, I stroll back to the apartment, make some coffee and finish unpacking, start some cleaning and organizing. Steve the plumber and handyman extroidinaire, is going to come over today and help me with some projects....He doesn't even know what he is in for!!
I decide to go and have coffee with Steve and Jeri and call Biggy B. This becomes my morning routine.
La Vida Dulce Casitas. Two newly remodeled suites in the Centro area. Suite Number two is towards the back, away from the street.
The living room has a big couch, dining room table, TV area.

Kitchenette has a toaster, coffee pot, Microwave/Pizza oven, refrigerator, and is complete with dishes.

Off of the kitchen is a 1/2 Bath with sink and toilet.

The bedroom has a queen size bed, A/C, dresser and night stands

The full bathroom has double sinks and toilet and a full closet area

And a seperate room with shower area.

Unit Number one is on the street side. This is the unit I stayed in on my two night extension!! I never heard any noise from the street!!
kitchenette has snack bar/eating area complete with bar stools.

Living room has Couch, Chair, TV area

Bedroom, again complete with Queen Size Pillowtop Mattress, Dresser and Nightstands, A/C. Closet area for the room is in the bedroom.

Full Bathroom with Shower, sink, toilet and shelves for keeping all the necessities.

Outside of the units they have a sitting area for guests with shelves of books, a phone for free calls to the US, Canada, Landlines to England and Ireland. There is an entry door from the street, which is locked every night. The room entry doors are inside of this gate.

Steve and Jeri are on-site managers and do all of their own cleaning, etc., so security is not an issue at all!!

After coffee and the tour of La Vida Dulce Casitas, it's time to get back to my own apartment and get some work done!!

Part 2 Coming!!

I'm Going Home!!

2008-11-18T05:17:00.000-08:00

I finally packed on Tuesday, the day before leaving for Isla. Two bags, one weighing 70 pounds!! (Must of been that heavy Super Mega Bottle of Teeth Whitening Listerine for....you know who you are!!LOL) Good thing was, only one small bag came back with me!
Our flight down was smooth and I had a nice window seat. I, who cannot sleep on planes, fell asleep for a little while. I had a connection in Memphis, which also went smooth.
Upon take off from Memphis we had a very sick passenger with an air sickness bag, that looked like it was a little late, spending most of the flight in the bathroom.
When Immigration in Cancun spotted him in line, they pulled him out and took him to a seperate room. I spotted his wife, alone, at baggage claim. Don't know if they took him to the hospital.
Green light, thank goodness!! Don't know if I would be able to rezip that 70 pound bag!!
Outside, Jeri and Steve were waiting to pick me up!! We stopped and shopped at Costco. Anejo, check. Coca Light, check. Off to the car ferry.
The streets of Cancun were still showing signs of flooding from all the rain.
Our ride across on the car ferry!! This little guy was waiting patiently for a scrap of food from the vehicle in front of us.

Cheers to being back Mi Amiga!!

I watched Jeri and Steve as we passed by Isla and I wondered what they were thinking after almost one year of packing up and moving to Isla.

I just love these two!!

The sky's still looked like they were going to dump at any minute, but we did get lucky and were able to sit up top the whole time.

Here is a picture story of the Isla Coast when you arrive by Car Ferry.

We dropped my bags and groceries off at the apartment and then over to Jeri and Steve's to unload their parcels and relax with an Anejo and Coca Light!!

I went back to the apartment to unpack and get settled. Would be back later. We had a big supper planned for my home coming!!

Later, the grill master, Steve, started the grill while Jeri, the next Paula Dean, made awesome garlic potatoes.

Couldn't have asked for a better dinner!! We ate in one of the new La Vida Dulce Casitas!! More on that later!!

I met ChuCho downtown later and listened to two of my favorite musicians while having a night cap.
ChuCho tickling the keyboard to welcome me home!!

Javier and ChuCho Jamming together!!

I think my day has been full!! It is time to head off to dream land. I forgot to mention that I had lost over 20 pounds since my last visit to Isla. Tomorrow morning will be up and on my walk, to keep those pounds off!!

Answered Prayers

2008-11-17T04:56:00.000-08:00

First, let me express my heartfelt gratitude and thanks, for all of your support, emails, thoughts, prayers and honesty.

As I stated before, this is not the first time that depression has affected my life, but the outcome will be different.

Jeremy is now on the road to recovery, with medication, therapy and a wonderful support system.

In less than a week I have seen big changes in not only him, but in our family. We have grown closer, talk more and do more activites together. Maybe this was a wake up call for all of us. We sometimes let life get in the way, as an excuse for our time restraints and lack of "family" time. No more, I say!!

Jeremy now wakes up every morning feeling more refreshed, more alert and happier to start his day. The doctor stated that the medication would work in three steps.
Right away it would help him to feel more alert and help him concentrate. After three weeks he would feel a "waking up and the clouds would feel lifted." After six to twelve weeks "life starts to be fun." She did state that it is not a "Happy Pill" and that he would have to be honest with all of us about how he is feeling so that we can regulate the medication, if need be. (Jeremy is a very good actor) I really think, as his mom, that he truly wants to feel better. I don't have to tell him to take his pill twice a day, he does this on his own.

Jeremy is a big writer and poet. I have decided to share with all of you some of his writings and poetry. Some of his writings are from times that he has been really down and I think writing is what saved him. At first, I wanted to analyze his writings, now I just want to enjoy them. I know that he will go on in life to be a great writer in some capacity.

After this post, I will be working on my Isla Reports. After all, we will be back to Isla in just over a month!!

So, here as a premier, is one of Jeremy's Poems. I hope you all enjoy.

Bitter-Sweet
By Jeremy Lamonica

My days as of late have been bitter-sweet,
Tomorrow I'm very afraid to meet.
Though my own life becomes better,
My Family's happiness grows lesser.
What sort of curse has been cast on me,
That could create such cruelty?
Why must such pain be put on them?
Why Can't I suffer instead of them?
Please, make me as a lightning rod,
Thrust into the storm.
Maybe then they won't be struck,
And instead I will be torn.
I don't care, whatever the cost,
I'll pay the price, if my life be lost.
Just make things better,,
Even if your price is me.
I would pay it a thousand times,
if only to stop their agony.
Please....
I beg of thee...
I beg of thee

Dealing with Depression

2008-11-13T03:39:00.001-08:00

First, to update all my friends and fellow bloggers, Jeremy is on the road to being treated for depression. If you have been following my blog, you are aware that depression runs in his family, on his biological fathers side. His biological father committed suicide when Jeremy was 2 years old. His father lived with untreated depression.
These past few days have been some of the toughest of my life. No mom wants to watch their child go through this pain. A pain that cannot be understood by a person who does not suffer from "Clinical Depression."
The memories of the day my first husband committed suicide were brought to the surface. The pain I felt for my kids the day their father chose to leave them. The pain of knowing that the battle his father fought is one that Jeremy may be fighting the rest of his life.
Knowing the days when Jeremy laughs and jokes and smiles are some of the happiest days.
Joshua, Jeremy's older brother and my eldest son, was six when his father take took his life. After Tuesday night, Joshua took on the role of Jeremy's protector. He has always protected Jeremy as a big brother would, but now....it is as if his mission is to make sure Jeremy is better. How proud can I be of him? I do not think words can explain!!
Biggy B is doing so well dealing with all of this. He does not understand "Clinical Depression" but, he has always been the boys dad and loves them so much. I know that he will do anything and everything to protect them and I know it is killing him inside to watch this happen.
I know this may be pretty in depth for some of you, but I have always been a pretty open person. One way for me to cope is to write. (Jeremy gets that from me)
Our support system is tremendous.
I want to thank you all for your comments, your support and your emails. I know that we will get through this.

Due to a family emergency

2008-11-11T13:43:00.003-08:00

I had every intention to start blogging today about my trip to Isla but, due to a family emergency with my youngest son, this blog will have to wait.
Please pray for Jeremy's well being and for my strength, as a mom, to get me through and to do everything in my power to help my son.
My life, as I know it, is going into a holding pattern for a little while.
Thank you all.

Update from Isla

2008-10-31T06:47:00.001-07:00

Sorry it has taken me so long to post an update from Isla. I've been busy seeing the changes, meeting people (Great to finally meet Wayne and B last night) and doing some work.

First six days were rain, clouds, wind and cold. Yesterday the sun broke through and I spent a nice relaxing day at Zama's Beach with the girls. I think today will be another beautiful day. (fingers crossed) I was beginning to think I was going to go back to Minnesota paler than when I arrived.

Thought I would post a picture of my first meal.

OK.....that was a big one. Ended up picking a smaller fish, but was still delicious!!

Can anyone guess where this meal was?

Tonight will be a few different Halloween parties. Can't wait and will post pictures tomorrow.

Soldier's Field Memorial

2008-10-22T04:46:00.000-07:00

Last week I had to spend some time in downtown Rochester, Minnesota. I usually try to avoid this area because I can't stand fighting traffic or trying to find a parking spot.

It was a beautiful fall day so I decided to revisit one of Rochester's breathtaking sights. The soldier's Field Veteran's Memorial.

A few years back I had a "paver" made to honor Biggy B. These pavers extend around the whole walkway surrounding the memorial.

The fall leaves made for a beautiful shot of the memorial from one side.

Then I laid down on the ground to get this next picture. With the Rochester Skyline reflecting off the memorial and the flag waving amidst the reflection. I tried to capture the picture as I was experiencing it, but the picture will never convey the overwhelming emotions I felt as I laid there on the ground reading the names off all of the men and women who gave their lives to give us the freedoms that we cherish.

Thank you to every one who has served and given me the freedom to post this!!

The New Haircut

2008-10-13T14:02:00.000-07:00

Biggy B and I finally went out this weekend and spent some time together. Summer's are so hectic with the trucking business....time together is precious.
Took a few pictures and thought I better post the new haircut. Had about 4 inches cut off and layers cut in again. Still need to get it colored before Isla.

Biggy B's hair is long enough now that he wears a pony tail in the back. He's also growing his mustache back...this week!!

Watching and Waiting

2008-10-10T13:10:00.000-07:00

Hacker, the cat, is the neighborhood watch lately. I've been so busy with getting my hair cut, having another garage sale, working three jobs and getting ready for Isla that the cat thought he better keep an eye on the homestead.
Sorry to everyone for not faithfully reading or writing blogs lately. Hopefully things will slow down a bit next week and I can start packing for Isla.

As Hacker watches over the outside. Angel, the dog, sits in our closet and sulks!! She has decided that Biggy B's clothes make a great dog bed. That will teach him for leaving them on the floor. She is use to mom being home all day or taking her on walks and car rides. Next week my Angel!!

Hall of Fame Weekend

2008-10-06T05:37:00.000-07:00

Saturday I drove to St Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota to share in witnessing my brothers Hall of Fame Induction ceremony.

Bro was a four-year letterwinner in track & field and a four-time all-conference performer. He was named the team's MVP as a junior and went on as a senior captain to earn All-America honors. He was the MIAC Conference Champion for four consecutive years and is still the current conference record holder in the Triple Jump. He graduated from St Olaf back in 1984. OK, enough bragging about my Big Bro!!
Me and My Big Bro in front of the Hall of Fame Wall

We then went on a tour of the campus. What a beautiful campus.
There are "reading and relaxing chairs" placed around the campus.

This Gazebo had a very cool windchime display

One of the buildings with beautiful vines growing up the side

Outside of The Chapel

This stained glass window inside the chapel depicts St Olaf, whom I assume the school is named after.

There was a Birds of Prey exhibit set up on campus for the day

At the football game, bro's family had quite the representation.
My mom, me, my brothers oldest daughter and my three great-nieces.

I had not seen my brother in two years, as he lives in San Diego, CA. It was great to be able to see him, if only for a few hours.

Patio Angels

2008-10-01T05:03:00.001-07:00

This past Saturday Biggy B had a very rare day off from work. It started out as the perfect morning to enjoy our Patio with our coffee.
First we enjoyed the sunrise

The hot tub has a built in stereo so Biggy B started some background music.

Our Angel loves to watch the woods, like she is guarding her castle. If she hears a squirrel in the woods or a bird in the air, she quickly chases it up a tree or out of her airspace.

In the midst of her guard duty, she still checks back to make sure we are still sitting in her view.

After a nice relaxing morning, the clouds came in and it was back to work. I spent the day cleaning part of the huge garage and Biggy B spent the day trying to fix one of the trucks. Our Patio season in Minnesota won't be around much longer. Then we will have to move our morning coffee to the patio on Isla!!

Leaving on a Jet Plane

2008-09-26T04:55:00.000-07:00

Today I am sooooo excited. I just booked my ticket back to Isla for October 24th thru November 5th!! Only 28 more days.
I am looking forward to doing some of this:

With the help of my good friend and travel agent Kathryn. from Kathryn's Travel ,I found a ticket on Northwest for $414.00, but it will end up being free when I use my Capital One miles to pay for it!! If you are ever looking to travel to Isla and need some help contact Kathryn. She can help you book your whole trip from Airport Transfers to lodging and much more.
Now I have to get my butt in gear to get all my book work caught up and lose some more weight. (I've lost 17 pounds so far) Biggy B has even let me know that he has noticed my weight loss and body toning. It's amazing how much better I feel too.
One thing I am really looking forward to this trip is meeting some of my fellow bloggers in the area!!

Anniversary Weekend

2008-09-22T04:13:00.000-07:00

Biggy B and I celebrated our 12 year Anniversary Sunday. We took a nice motorcycle ride Saturday afternoon over to Wisconsin and relaxed around the house on Sunday. I forgot to take my camera on our ride, but we stopped at The Tenba Ridge Winery in Wisconsin. A beautiful family owned Winery with Alsatian-style wines in small batches. We ended up purchasing a bottle of Apple Rasberry Wine to take home. Biggy B wants to go back in a few weeks with a picnic lunch and sit on their beautiful patio to sip wine and look at the fall leaves changing colors. (Today is the official first day of fall) I will bring my camera that day.
I did start working on a garden around "the big Oak tree" this weekend. I will post some pictures of it later this week.
I figured out one of my "Bucket List" items this weekend. One thing I want to do before I die is drive to Isla with our Harley's in tow. I don't think my butt could take the ride all the way there on the Harley.

Creating a "Bucket List"

2008-09-15T06:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Biggy B and I watched movies and "vegged" on the couch. The weather was cold and rainy so it was a good day to snuggle in with our blankets and pillows.
We watched "The Bucket List." What a great movie. A comedy that even made Biggy B cry in the end.

At the end of the movie I thought about my "Bucket List." What do I want to do before I die? What would I be able to afford to do? What would be important to me if I found out I only had a year to live?

I still have not been able to start the list, but am thinking hard about it. Do you have a "Bucket List?" What are some of the items on yours? Would love to hear what you readers think.

Dogs, Cats and Kids...Oh My!!

2008-09-09T07:27:00.000-07:00

Angel, our dog, had a great weekend when her biggest cheerleader, Emmy, came to visit her for a night.

Emmy is the daughter of our good friends from Iowa. When she was 18 months old she was in a terrible farm accident. Her arm had gone into the moving blade of a big barn fan and pretty much cut it off. She has since gone through many surgeries and is doing great! She always comes up to the Mayo Clinic for check ups and surgeries.
Emmy met Angel when Angel was a puppy and they have been buddies ever since. Emmy wrote her favorite show and tell story about Angel and our other German shepard Cleo, who has since passed away. She tells her mom that she would come and live with Brenda, but I think she really just wants to live with Angel.
Then Hacker, our adopted stray cat, was in his own photo shoot.

The little girl in the picture is our neighbor, Maria. Her mom was taking photos of the kids by the rocks in our yard and Hacker wanted to get in on the action. Little did I know he is such a cooperative photo prop.

Who are your true friends?

2008-09-04T03:54:00.000-07:00

When you find out that someone, who you thought was a true best friend, talks bad about you behind your back...what do you do? For over two weeks now I have been struggling with this question.

Someone whom I thought was one of my closest friends decided to dog Biggy B and I behind out backs. When I was told about what was said, at first I was angry!! Then my anger turned to hurt. Hey, I am almost 44 years old. This is suppose to happen when we are teenagers, not when we are adults.

Yesterday, I decided it was time to confront the situation in my own way, which at this time is the best way I know how. I wrote a letter to this friend and confronted them about the whole situation. I gave them the option of calling me to discuss it, or just walk away.

When Biggy B came home from work last night, after talking for a bit, he said to me, "You seem like you are in a better mood." I told him what I had done, and in doing so I have realized who really is my truest and best friend.....Biggy B.

If something isn't right in our friendship/relationship we talk to eachother about it. We share our hurts, happiness and hurtles. He is my husband, my business partner and my best friend.
My mom always had a saying when I was growing up which went like this.
"Friends in your life will come and go, but your family will always be there."

600 Mile Journey

2008-09-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was about this:

Biggy B and I went on a 600 mile Harley ride to spend some time together, just the two of us. Summer time is our busy time so there isn't a lot of quality time spent together.

We started out on Saturday morning with no agenda, except that we wanted to ride through Wisconsin. They have better roads for riding then Minnesota.

My mom was happy to know that we wore our helmets the whole trip.

I won't bore you with all the details, but here is a picture blog of our ride.
Neat Pub we stopped at on Lake Namekagon

Another neat Pub on Lake Namekogon

They had a really neat saying on their menu that pretty much summed it up for us and our weekend!!

That night we stayed in Drummand, Wisconisin at a cute Bed and Breakfast.

We were up the next morning and on the road at 8am. Stopped to take a picture of these sunflower fields.

Our destination.....Madeline Island on Lake Superior. Brian has always wanted to see it, so we figured we would see it on our Harley's.
On the ferry going to Island.

The view looking back at Bay City. I think the neat old buildings had been a convent at one time.

I think my favorite part of the island was this place.

Named "Tom's Burned Down Cafe" because it has burned down twice. The best thing was the decor.

The whole place was filled with signs painted with different sayings.

We had planned on staying somewhere else for another night, but Biggy B started getting sick. We pushed the 350 miles home yesterday afternoon. By the time we were home Biggy B had chills and fever. Put him in the hot tub to try and warm him up. He has been in bed ever since.
I am pretty sore from the riding, but all in all it was a great journey!!

Photoshoot

2008-08-27T05:44:00.000-07:00

I am such a bad mom. My boys have not had professional pictures taken of them since they were about 3 years old. (Besides Joshua's graduation pictures in 2006)

So last night my neighbor Joy, who takes pictures of her kids every year, and I decided to do a photo shoot in some of our beautiful neighborhood surroundings. These are just a sample of the ones I took with my camera. I haven't been able to view Joys yet, but I am sure she has some awesome ones. Joshua was not home from work yet, so we will have to have another shoot when he is available.

This is probably my favorite. Jeremy sitting down by the creek.

Then a serious pose.

Of course, Angel had to get in the action.

Then we took some up in our yard on the big boulders that seperate the 50 foot drop into the old quarry.
Hacker, our cat, wanted to get in the action too.

Then Jeremy's girlfriend wanted him to do a seductive pose. She wanted him to take his shirt off, but mom wouldn't have any part of that!!

And then, of course, one with the girlfriend.

I did figure out that lighting is important. Can't wait to see Joy's pictures and take another shoot with Joshua and Jeremy together. Maybe we will go all out and do a family picture.

I've Become Obsessed!!

2008-08-26T08:17:00.000-07:00

I've become obsessed with power walking, dieting and losing weight. It all started a few months ago when I looked at pictures of myself and was appalled at what was staring back at me.
Since then I have started power walking 2.5 miles per day, usually with a 3 pound weight in each hand and sometimes with ankle weights on. I have cut out all fried foods, which in itself is a miracle. I eat lots of veggies, sliced tomatoes and Slim Fast Shakes.
So far I have lost 13 pounds, but seem to be at a stand still right now. Not gaining, not losing. This morning my neighbor, Joy, who probably gets sick of me calling her to walk with me every day, told me to add more protein in the morning. Maybe a bagel with peanut butter.
This picture is looking back from my 1/2 way mark of my walk. I have pulled two hills. About 1 mile.

This picture shows Joy walking up to meet me at this 1/2 way mark. She lives at the farm just behind her on the left.

Angel, my German Shepard, knows the routine. When she sees me bend over for me tennis shoes she can hardly contain herself. Her walk consists of swims in the creek, chasing up pheasants and running through the corn fields.

I feel much better these days and seem to be in a better mood. My goal is to lose 20 more pounds before this winter and Isla!! Then to maintain the exercise and healthy eating.

7 Facts About Joshua

2008-08-22T04:47:00.000-07:00

CancunCanuck unofficially tagged me with facts about my kids. Here are seven facts about Joshua, my oldest son that you probably do not know.

1. Joshua is an Aries child, his birthday is on April 9th. He is my first born son. He is the silent, quiet, artistic type. He was not always that way. When he was two he was kicked out of daycare for being to "independent." Joshua loves to draw, try playing different instruments and read books. He drives one of our trucks all summer, working 14 hour days at times. Not bad work ethic for a 20 year old.

2. When Joshua was 3 years old he was obsessed with "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." He would study every man hold cover and say, "Mom, there are Ninja Turtles down there." He hoped that when his little brother was born that he would be a Ninja Turtle. Needless to say, when he came to visit him in the hospital he said with a little disappointment in his voice, "OHHHH, it's a baby?!?"

3. Joshua says he is never getting married and never having kids. I think he was tramatized on the school bus in high school by little kids. He says that if a doctor would do a vasectomy on him now he would do it. Told him I would sue the doctor. (He's only 20 and I want grandkids some day)

4. He loves chinese food. The chinese restaurant knows him by name and order. I'm only known there as Joshua's Mom.

5. He loves swords, knives and dragons. He just ordered a violin off ebay because it had a dragon scroll on it. The violin is suppose to come via UPS today. He says he is going to teach himself to play. I really hope he sticks with it.

6. He would live in the mountains as a hermit if he could have Mountain Dew delivered on a daily basis, electricity for his computer games and cell phone coverage to call his cousin.

7. His eyes are as blue as the Ocean. He gets them from his biological father, who died when Joshua was six years old.
Joshua on left, My Great Niece in the middle and me on the right. We were comparing eye color.

Jeremy's Peru Missions Trip

2008-08-18T05:17:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share some pictures of my son, Jeremy's, mission trip to Peru last week. Everything went well, no luggage was lost, they made every connecting flight and no one was hurt.
Jeremy was in the group whose destination was Cusco, Peru. Elevation 11,500 feet. I was mostly worried about his asthmas being at the high altitude, but no problems.

Jeremy did say that they have a type of tea to help with altitude sickness. Made from the Cocoa plant, which by the way is the same plant that cocaine comes from. The tea does not give a person any kind of high, but everyone was told that if they were tested for drugs, it would show up positive for cocaine.

Here are some pictures of the beautiful scenery.

The group was able spend one day visiting some Inca Ruins. Jeremy thought it would be funny to take a picture that would give his mom a heart attack!!

Part of the ruins

One afternoon was spent digging a ditch for new water lines.

He made friends with two of the boys at the seminary. They thought he was really tall....Jeremy thought they were really short.

He also made friends with the local puppies.

Their last full day was spent in Lima. When touring around, the group found a sign that they still have not figured out what it means.

It was out on the street with no television in sight.

I believe Jeremy's life was changed by this trip. He is a 16 year old with a big heart and a proud mom.

Early Morning Fog

2008-08-13T05:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had a really nice rain shower during the day, which helped out out lawn.
Today we woke up to a pretty heavy fog.

Looking out of the garage at the sun rise

Looking past the yard over the quarry.

Brunette or Blonde?

2008-08-07T09:04:00.000-07:00

I'm having another hair crisis!!! Last October I colored my hair back to a brunette/auburn look. Now Biggy B wants me to go back blonde. I'm looking for some opinions. Blonde definately takes more maintenance, but brunette shows the grey faster!!
Brunette

Blonde

Off to Peru

2008-08-05T03:15:00.000-07:00

No, not me, but my little boy!! I dropped our youngest son, Jeremy, off at the church at 3am this morning for a missions trip to Cusco, Peru. I, mom, had to fight back the tears, as I watched my 16 year old little boy (5'9" Not so little) go with our church group to Peru.
Today I am a proud, but nervous, mom!! Their flight schedule has them changing planes four times and some are less than one hour lay overs. I pray they have a safe journey and make a difference to the people of Peru.

Jeremy is the one standing in the back right hand side. His head is the tallest one in the picture.

Jeremy and mom (me) after church last Sunday.

Jeremy and his grandpa (my daddy). Grandpa is helping him learn how to tie a windsor knot in his ties.

Bamboo For Sale

2008-08-04T05:30:00.000-07:00

I received an email from Dedsy and Rob, who own Bamboo, asking me to post something about their Restaurant "Bamboo" on Isla being for sale. Here is the email I received:
Is a Bar-Restaurant with 3000 square feet (in/out side dinning) is located on the Hidalgo street, where everything happens at night. It comes with everything ready to work including the licenses of liquor, business, health department, etc. With an option in getting the company Isla Riviera.
It has a capacity of 120 people, a main bar of 12 meters long with mirrors and rack for the bottles of liquor and a small bar of 5 meters with a wine rack with capacity for 300 bottles of wine. (The small bar used to be for the sushi)
In the kitchen there’s a stove with 10 burners, plancha, grill, microwave, salamander, fryer and refrigerators. Stainless steel appliance, storage room with coolers and freezers (and of course, pans, pots, knifes, boards, spoons, cups, dishes etc…)
The restaurant has been open for 7 years. Has sound system, TV’s, projector, sky, DVD, internet. Phone line, Plus a ATM (Which brings lots of people)
The rent is $2800 US p/month with new owners it will go 10% up and contract for 2, 3 years, depends, deal what you need to make with the owners. Water bill is $100 usd, electricity bill $1500 usd per two months.
The price is $350,000 USD. We can do in house financing with 40% down, the rest in yearly payments.
We are open for any proposal, or different deals. I hope this information can be helpful. If you still have more questions please let me know.
If you think that this is kind of plain letter, I know for sure you can make it better. Besides you know more things about what is going on Bamboo like the live music, how is the life down here, and you have plany pictures from it, etc..
You can make publicity anyway you think it can be good, thank very much.Talk to you soon.
If you have any questions you can email Dedsy at dedsyem@hotmail.com

Here are a few pictures I have from Bamboo. Mostly people pictures because I am a people person!!

Rob and His daughter

New Year's Eve

January 2008

Rob and Biggy B

The Sunrise After the Storm

2008-08-01T04:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my youngest son and I sat in the living room and watched a huge Thunderstorm pass just to the South of us. We weren't sure if it was going to hit us or not, but prepared by unplugging all the computers and rubbing the dog down with bounce. Yes, we have learned that she stays calmer from the electrostatic shocks of lightning if we rub her down with bounce.
Here is the huge thunderheads we watched pass by from our living room.

We don't have a basement so we were prepared to take cover in our Master Bedroom closet, being that it is in the middle of the house. There had been some tornado warnings and high winds, over 70 MPH, in the area.
Luckily, all passed to the South and we ended up with just a little rain.
This morning, I woke up to this:

Off to try and get the little chipmunk rodent that is lurking in the laundry room of the rental property!! (No, I have not caught him yet) The least he could do is my laundry for his free stay!!!

A Real Job

2008-07-28T04:27:00.000-07:00

Biggy B had made a statement about a month ago that has stuck in my head. He said, "You need to go and get a real job."

I guess the jobs, plural, that I do now aren't real, to him anyway.

I don't punch a time clock, which most of the time means I am never punched out.
I don't have a 401K, which means our retirement plan depends solely on us.
I don't have a dress code or wear those aweful pantyhose, which means I am free to wear what I want and don't get written up for wearing flip flops.
I don't make charts or graphs of my progress, quality control or employee production, which means that I control my progress. Some days are better then others.
I don't attend weekly meetings where everyone sits around and discusses the charts and graphs and whether or not the colors for each category should be changed. I do attend daily meetings with kids, husbands, doctors, dentists, tenants, bankers, etc. I'm thinking of making Biggy B a chart in my favorite bright colors.
I don't have set vacation time, which means I am on call 24/7, 365 days a year and usually take my job on vacation with me. Yes, I've received calls on the beach on Isla from tenants, subs, etc.

So what is my real job? Where do I begin?

I do all the book work, including weekly payroll, bills, taxes, etc, for our trucking business. And let's not forget running and getting parts when Biggy
B calls me during the day. I could get into a more detailed list, but you get the idea.
I run our seven plex, including maintenance, repairs, bills, dealing with tenants. I take calls from tenants 24/7. If I'm not home and Biggy B gets a call from them he has them call me on my cell phone.
I do all the household bills, the laundry, the yardwork, the cleaning and "some" of the cooking. I say "some" because I am not really that good of a cook, but I'm working on it.
I take care of all the kids doctor, dentist, school, church, sports calendars.
Last year I built a model home as a General Contractor, but still did all of the above.
I help my girlfriend with catering when she needs help. No, not the cooking part!!
I am working with a web site designer on unveiling a new web site on October 1st.

If I were to go get a "real job," I want to know how much it needs to pay to hire someone to take over my other jobs?!

25 Year Class Reunion

2008-07-24T10:12:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I helped to coordinate our 25 year class reunion. Graduating from a class of 558 people, only having two people plan it, fun was had by all.

A classmate of ours owns a bar with a great outdoor patio, beanbag toss area and volleyball area.

We kept it casual and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. I slept the day away on Sunday, have been playing catch up all week, working in my yard, taking pets to the vet and doing book work.

2008-07-16T09:02:00.000-07:00

I just found out I won Heathers Mailing Contest!! Mapchick also won with her postcard. We get to pick a blog idea for Heather as our prize. Hmmmmm.
The last online contest I won I received this prize. Anyone remember how I won them? I’ll give you a hint…..It was from one of the Isla Message Boards.
My prize:

This weekend is our 25 Year Class Reunion. Biggy B and I graduated together so we have the same class reunion. High school sweethearts who broke up and found love again 17 years later!!
I have been involved in the planning of every class reunion since graduation and had vowed at the 20 year that I would not plan another….eat those words. Is there a class or workshop for "Just say no?"
Out of a class of 600, two of us are planning this one. Instead of doing a mailing we posted the event on classmates.com.
Last night the other organizer, Scott, and I had a meeting at his house to go over some last minute details. His dog, Norm, and I fell in love. We both love cervesas.

My next post will be next week after the reunion. Have a great weekend

Sunday Contemplation

2008-07-14T05:53:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was spent at the homestead. Saturday night we hosted a delayed fourth of July BBQ, complete with fireworks in the quarry. None of my fireworks pictures turned out though.

Even Angel, our German Shephard, invited a friend.
Angel was such a good host, bringing her friend a bone and then laying down next to her to watch over her.

Sunday was spent, by me, in my favorite place. The couch. I watched two movies and contemplated life. More on my contemplations later.
I started taking pictures of my view from the couch. The big picture window looked like a portrait of the sky.

The other picture window being the extension of the first portrait.

Straight in my line of sight from my favorite couch potato position.

And, of course, Angel on her "couch."

If I look up this is what I see. Twelve of the reindeer watching over me. When we built the house I had a special block put in across the whole loft so Biggy B could hang his trophies without looking for a stud.

Our boys were outside hard at work washing and greasing trucks. A Sunday tradition around here since they work on the job six days a week.

I scanned the garage and realized we have way too much "stuff."

The only two things we will not give up when we retire!!

You may ask where I am going with all of this, but you will have to wait. It's part of my contemplation issue from my Sunday on the couch.

Freedom Weekend

2008-07-07T05:32:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we went to the 24th Annual Abate Freedom Rally in Algona, Iowa. What a party. About 30,000 Bikers on 123 Acres of land that the Abate of Iowa owns.
Biggy B getting ready to ride into Algona to the Harley Shop

Many people take freedom to a whole new level.

Us girls have fun dressing up in different themes every night. This night was school girl night and I was the Head Mistress.

Then on Saturday night I had my first "ink" done in honor of my favorite place...Isla
My girlfriends brother is a Tattoo artist and he had a booth set up. What an artist.

The finished product.

The worst, or should I say painful, part about the tattoo is the outline. Once that is done it isn't so bad. OK, not as painful. I'm really happy with how it turned out.

After that was done we went up to watch Joe Diffie. He sings "Prop Me Up Beside the Jukebox When I Die." What a great concert.

We are already looking forward to next year's 25th Annual Freedom Rally.
Freedom isn't Free. Many men and women have faught for our freedom and for that I say Thank You!!

Catering a Wedding to Death

2008-06-30T04:05:00.000-07:00

My friend K, who owns a restaurant/bar and catering business, had me help her cater a wedding reception this past Saturday.
She has one of the neatest mottos for her restuarant.

They happy bride and groom, both in their 70's.

The plaque the new bride and groom have on the front of their house.

Then yesterday Biggy B got called out for the Search and Rescue team. He packed his dive gear and was off pretty fast. Body recovery for a suicide. I never know what is going on until he gets back.
I couldn't help but think of my first husbands death. How many people suicide effects. Not only the family, but the law enforcement, the search and rescue volunteers and the community.
When B got home he said they recovered the body successfully. The K9 search and rescue dog located the body. He said the worst part was hearing the scream from, what he assumed was a family member, when they told her they had located the deceased and that he was in fact deceased.
What a tragedy.....that life in the mind of this 31 year old young man, was so awful that he could not bear it anymore.
Depression has affected my life, not only in the death of my first husband, but in family members and friends. It is hard to understand for a person who does not suffer from it. Since my husbands funeral, I had gone to two other friends funerals who died by suicide.
So my weekend went from celebrating new lives joined together to mourning a death of a young man I had never met.

The Job Interview

2008-06-27T04:59:00.000-07:00

So I went to my first job interview in quite a few years the other day. “Don’t ever let them see you sweat” was the quote that came to mind.

What do I wear to an interview for a “Job Site Manager” Position? After two hours of mixing and matching I ended up with Jeans, A nice white top and a casual black jacket, which ended up being warm when you are nervous and it’s almost 90 degrees outside.

I started off for the two hour drive ahead of me for the interview. Half way there I had to stop to fill the gas tank and take a potty break. This old bladder doesn’t get too far away from home without a break. The fact that I drank a pot of coffee, doubled with nerves, doesn’t help either.

Here are a few of the questions from the interview: My response is directly after the question. What I wanted to say is in bold print.

Why are you the best person for the job? With my past experience in the construction industry, my determination and my management skills I believe I can prove that I am the best person your company is looking for.
OK dumb ass, you haven’t even told me what the job really is or what the pay or benefits are so why do you assume that I really even want the job?

On a scale from 1 to 100% how would you rank your communication skills? 95% because I feel that everyone has room for improvement.
(The follow up question was the clincher)
Where could you improve on your 5%? (or something like that) Being more open to employees suggestions.
Do husbands count in this interview because then I would have to change my answer and I think my percentage would go down. Can I rank his communication skills in this interview and tell you where he can improve?

Why did you quit your last job? I wanted to persue my own Contractors License and build homes on my own.
Did I have a choice? My ex boss was running the business into the ground, he was making bad business decisions, his communication skills sucked, his divorce was getting in the way of his business and there wasn’t enough money in the check book to pay me anymore.

Who has been a mentor in your life? My ex boss helped me to learn the Home Building Business.
My daddy!! Go and read my blog buddy.

Where do you see yourself in five years? Hopefully with your company.
Moving to Isla Mujeres, Mexico, which reminds me...Can I have the winters off?.

My Isla Neighborhood

2008-06-25T04:51:00.000-07:00

My Isla Neighborhood

Click, Clack, Click, Clack……the sound of those suitcase wheels rolling across the streets of Isla on the way to my apartment. At this point, it is such a joyful noise.
I usually walk from the ferry to the apartment, taking in the scenery on the way. Sometimes it’s a new building that has popped up in the last two months or another restaurant that has closed in the last two months or maybe a new shop that has opened. Whatever it is, there is always something new to see, even after a few months.
Saying, “Hola” to the people that I pass along the way, I look ahead with determination and plopping that suitcase inside the apartment. Welcome back hugs are waiting for me from all of my neighbors.
My walk takes me from the ferry, up Morelos Street, past the Municipal Building and Super Express. Past the New Zocolo….we won’t talk about that! Turning Left on Guerrero, dodging Scooters, cars and golf carts, past the Hospital and then I see it. Madero Street!!! As I turn the corner I spot my favorite little Mini Super Owner, Norma!!

“Brenda” she shouts with enthusiasm. “Brenda, Brenda, Brenda.” For some reason she always says my name three times. Maybe it is to bring me luck, but the sound of her voice instantly warms my heart.
“Norma, Norma, Norma” I say as I drop my suitcase and wrap her little body up in a big hug.
As I turn to enter the gate to the apartment I realize that something is missing!! The street seems so quiet. Then I realize, El Sol Golf Carts has moved!! The normal line of carts up and down the street are gone.

My boys are gone and won’t be opening that garage door every morning at 9am. We use to sit around with them after work and play Uno or Mexican Dice, drink some cervesa’s and surf the internet together. El Sol has now moved over to Jaurez Street into a nice new building.

As I enter “the compound” I can’t help but feel a little tinge of excitement as I pull out my key to Apartment Number 2. I open the door, it seems a little sticky today, but the humidity always makes it stick.
“Ahhhhh, I’m home” I say out loud.
It doesn’t take long for my Mexican Son, ChuCho, to realize that I’m back. “Hola, Amor,” I say. “Hola, Mamasita,” he says back.
Then I show him the package he has been waiting two months for. His electric bass. His baby. It doesn’t take him long to open it up and start playing it for me.

After settling in I take a walk up to the roof and look towards the sea wall. I know ChuCho will be busy playing with his new baby!!

Perla Del Caribe is now closed. Only a few left over workers living in the empty rooms. The pool is empty. The electricity and water are shut off, but the protection of the building is still there for our little apartment when the winds of the next hurricane come. It’s really too bad someone couldn’t fix it up a little and reopen it. I had heard it was scheduled for demo last April, but still nothing. I think the buyers found out that they could run into issues with it foundation landing in the Federal Zone and if they were to demolish it and try to build a new structure there would be many loopholes to jump through and most likely many palms to be greased.
Next person to greet is Raphael. He is a diver Brian met who lives back by Perla Del Caribe. He and Brian have become great friends and dive buddies. When Brian is not with me, Raphael is always a bit disappointed.

Raphael has three, sometimes four dogs. Spaghetti, the once security guard at Perla. Little Chihuahua with a big attitude. He would take on any dog that step foot on his turf. Raphael has one of Spaghetti’s sons whom he named Rambo. What a cutie. He also has Princessa and the third one’s name is a blank right now.

Being back in the neighborhood on Isla!! This is where my heart will always be.
As with the changes of the scenery on the walk from the ferry, so is the change of the scenery in my Isla neighborhood. People move in, people move out, businesses come and businesses shut down.

Our 25th Annual Family Reunion

2008-06-23T05:41:00.000-07:00

The 25th Annual Segebarth Family Reunion

My son Jeremy and I set off last Thursday for an 8 ½ hour drive to Camdenton, Missouri for our annual family reunion. For the past 25 years we have held one somewhere in the United States, depending on which relative hosts it.

We were a bit nervous navigating through Iowa and Upper Missouri because of the flooding that has been happening. Here is the view from our car in Upper Missouri.

I had to choke back tears as I thought of all the people who have lost everything from this devastation.

We had about 64 family members show up for this years reunion, down from the usual 75-95 because of the many family members who live in Iowa and had to stay home to pump out flooded basements.

We had five generations of family members at the reunion. The oldest being my grandmother, who is 87. Here she is with my son, Jeremy, who would be in the fourth generation.

The youngest and the fifth generation were my great nieces.

Twenty girl cousins set off in style for their “annual chocolate run.”

Instead of Chocolate, we ended up racing gocarts!! I think the owners were a bit nervous when they saw twenty women drivers wanting to be on the track all at once!! Now I know where I get my competitive side from.

Later that night a few of us “younger” cousins set off for a few at the local “Pickled Petes.” I was sober driver, which ended up a good thing because we ran into one of these.

I have never seen so many good looking men with handcuffs!! Good job Missouri!! Wish I could have taken a picture of them. We did get to watch one guy “try” to walk a straight line. I don’t think, no I know, he didn’t pass.
A great time was had by all!! I think I was a little jacked up from all the caffeine in my coke.

The next day we had a wonderful picnic at my cousin Brad’s farm. He has such a beautiful place with a pool, playground for the kids and a nice yard for our annual washer toss tournament and volleyball.

I am so thankful that my kids have been able to get to know their extended family through these reunions.

A Tribute to My Daddy

2008-06-14T06:15:00.000-07:00

Strength

Tattooed on daddy’s arm in faded bluish green ink can be read on simple work, “Tom.” Dad says he got it at the county fair when he turned sixteen. Dad is not a big man, but stands about five feet nine inches tall and his head shines like a cue ball. He likes to tell his grandchildren that he stuck his finger in a light socket and lost all his hair. Daddy’s ability to show emotional strength, rather then his physical appearance, describes him best.

I know someday daddy’s rewards in heaven will be pinned on his chest like a distinguished war veteran as God exclaims, “Tom, you receive these medals for compassion, honor, integrity, humility and most of all for strength.” Whether those rewards exist or not, I know God will give them to him anyway.

Remembering back to my childhood, I can see daddy as my protector, running across the street and pounding on the neighbors door because the neighbor boy hit daddy’s little girl. He made sure it never happened again. I sat in the front window watching my hero as he fought the battle with words instead of fists. Daddy never got in fist fights because he walked away before that could ever happen. “What will I do when daddy can’t solve my problems,” I thought to myself. Daddy taught me a lesson from this battle. Daddy somehow or another always taught silent lessons from situations. Sometimes the lessons came harder for me, but daddy made sure that through my many mistakes, I learned them. Daddy showed his strength through being my protector.

In high school daddy gave me strength by supporting my many sports activities. He even left work early many times to drive to an out of town diving meet or track meet. He never screamed or yelled, but silently cheered. I call him the strong silent type. If he thought I needed advice or support he calmly walked over and whispered in my ear, “Good job Bren.” Daddy showed his strength by being my silent cheerleader.

I never realized the magnitude of daddy’s strength until he held me up through the most devastating crisis in my life. My first husbands funeral. I still remember daddy standing next to me with his arm gently around me in a room full of caskets. I needed to pick one out to bury my husband in. “Hold me daddy and make it all go away,” I thought to myself. “What do you think,” I asked daddy as the tears swelled up in my eyes. The practical side of daddy surfaced as he said, “This one looks nice, yet is not too expensive.” He knew I felt too emotional to make a rational decision so it was up to him to be my strength in making a decision. I felt like a little girl again safe under daddy’s wing. The low light and soft elevator music in the room couldn’t soothe my aching heart. Only daddy’s strong arms around me doubled with his emotional strength made me feel that everything would be all right. Daddy dropped everything in his life to be by my side within hours of my husbands unexpected death. Making decisions and being the strength his little girl needed, even though she was grown up with children of her own. I still needed my daddy. Daddy showed his strength by being my comforter.

Years later, I fell in love again. I made my husband to be ask daddy for permission because I knew that if daddy disapproved of my choice he would say so. The wedding day came and daddy stood waiting to walk his little girl down the aisle. I felt butterflies in my stomach and my knees felt like wet noodles. Daddy sensed my anxiety so he leaned over and whispered in my ear, “You are really happy aren’t you.” This was not a question, but daddy’s way of giving his little girl strength by showing his approval.

That night I wanted to let daddy know that even though he gave his little girl away again, he had and would always represent my strength. During the father daughter dance I gazed into daddy’s eyes and sang, “You were my strength when I was weak.”

When daddy passes on and I need strength to get through any life situation, I will hear him saying, “Remember my little girl that I am always here to give you strength.”

I love you daddy!!

The Tree

2008-06-13T05:51:00.000-07:00

Scanning the property, my eyes focus in on every tree. Each limb that might be in the way of a new home, every branch that would block our view of the setting sun across the Cancun skyline. Each root that would have to be removed for a pool.
Before we meet with the men who will clear the land I need to decide if there are any trees I want saved from their machete.
At the back side of the property my eye focus in on "the tree.” For some reason this tree catches my attention. The light from the blue sky radiates dimly through its limbs. “I will save you” I told the tree. Some day my grandchildren may sit on your branches when they visit. They will watch the changing colors of the sunset across the sky through your branches. We will have picnics in your cooling shade. I will watch you grow as I watch my grandchildren grow. Yes, you are “the tree.”

Our Morning Drive

2008-06-11T05:45:00.000-07:00

While the sky was still blue, Angel and I took an early morning drive along our township road.

She will jump at any chance to go for a ride, a walk, a run with the four wheeler or just follow the mower around the yard.
The wild flowers along the driveway are still in bloom. Just Past the rock in the picture is a 30 foot drop down into the abandoned quarry.

As we drove the township road we stopped just past our driveway entrance to listen to the creek flow. The sound of the creek water in the quiet of the country morning will be my only relaxation for the day. After picking my first wood tick off last night I decide not to navigate through the thick brush to get a closer shot.

This sign is right by our mailbox. Over the years people have used it for target practice. Notice the many bullet holes.

Back up at the house, the only bloom we can find with color is in my planter next to the garage.

First Blooms

2008-06-09T17:37:00.000-07:00

My perennial garden near our driveway entrance has finally sprung it's first blooms.

A tribute to Jesus

2008-06-07T06:05:00.000-07:00

I met Jesus (ChuCho) after he moved into the apartment next to us on Isla. He has since then become a dear friend. His mom moved to Isla from Taxco last year and now lives next to us also. She has also become a dear friend.
ChuCho is one of the best musicians on Isla, in my opinion. He studies hard to learn new music, he has studied classical composors and he plays a wide variety of music. His specialty is the electronic keyboard. Last October I brought him down an electronic bass, which he is doing well on also. Here are some pictures I have taken of ChuCho with his instruments. He has so far recorded two CD's and has a music video called "Burning Man."
If you ever get to Isla you have to go listen to him. He plays every night, except Monday at Villa Rolandi's. He plays Sunday nights at Poc Na, he plays Monday's right now at Brisa's Grill and Faynes. He also plays at Comono, El Patio, Ohm and keeps adding others. Every place he plays is different music from Classical, rock, and electronic.

Being a Landlord

2008-06-05T05:34:00.000-07:00

Biggy B and I own a seven plex in Minnesota. We bought it 2 1/2 years ago and have been trying to turn it around since then.
After this past month I'm ready to sell it.....or pray a natural disaster destroys it!!!
Before I left for my Isla trip I had to serve an eviction notice (to be out by May 31st) to one tenant who hadn't paid rent for the month of May and who all the previous months had bounced her rent checks and I was left trying to squeeze rent out of her. I've heard every excuse!!! On top of that, she was always "putting up" strays who didn't have a place to live.
When I got back last Saturday and went over to check on things Sunday she tested the last ounce of patience I had left. Still in the apartment!!! I lost it and told her she had better be out by the end of the day or I would change the locks and then she could go through the courts to get her "crap" back!! This was her response. "I have play practice today."
The next day I came back and the place was a disaster. Looked like she hadn't even wiped a counter off since she had been living there. She had the nerve to tell me she is a clean person!! I'd hate to see what her view of dirty is. Locks changed and I started cleaning yesterday with the help of a friend.
Then, on top of that one, I had a tenant email me a 5 day notice while I was on Isla. He had the nerve to ask for his deposit back. He left holes in the walls, looked like he sprayed pop all over the walls, an old mattress and an old TV left behind. Said he would be back this Friday to pick them up. Locks changed yesterday and everything in storage. Cleaned and started patching walls yesteday.
Today I am going back to finish cleaning and fixing!!!
All my friends have been asking me how my trip to Isla was and my only response has been, "I wish I had never come back."

Don't Post While on Isla

2008-06-04T04:35:00.000-07:00

Ok...Deb made me look bad. She was posting updates from Isla. I don't usually use the computer too much for posting when I am on Isla.
I took off for Isla on May 22nd and returned back to Minnesota on May 31st. The weather was hot, hot, hot!! The island was hopping with military as Isla was preparing for a visit from the President of Mexico on Sunday, June 1st.
I usually rode by the airport on a daily basis. These guys would wave at me every day.

The helicopters would fly over the apartment and sound like they were ready to land right on the roof. Makes for a loud wake up alarm!! There was a continuous back and forth between the big carrier ships and the airport strip. The best one was when they delivered a car by helicopter.

The pilots of the helicopters usually stood near their rides while on the ground.

I did a lot of walking, riding bike and taking the golf cart around the island. Went to places I had never been before and down streets I had never driven.
After a 20 minute light downpour this is what I spotted. (Isla needed the rain) Made me think of what the flooding is like after all the rain from Tropical Storms and Hurricanes.

I will post random thoughts and posts as the days go by, but now I am back to reality!! Dealing with renters who don't pay rent, don't give appropriate notices for moving out and leaving the apartment trashed!!!

To Be Young Again

2008-05-17T03:42:00.000-07:00

My baby went to Prom for the first time this year. He is only in 10th grade, but he's dating an older woman!! Oh did that bring back memories, except I always dated older guys.
Back to my baby. He is so not like his mom at that age. He's level headed, doesn't drink, smoke and is going on a missions trip to Peru this August. I am really proud of him.
The kids didn't want to spend massive amounts of money going out to eat for Prom so Jeremy's girlfriend's parents hosted a dinner for 15 kids. I went and helped and brought some food to help out. They also did not buy corsages for eachother.
We bought Jeremy a suit instead of renting a tux. He was needing one anyway. His girlfriend bought him his tie to match her dress. (She is now holding the tie hostage, so he doesn't break up with her, I think, but what do I know)
Jeremy and C

Jeremy Showing off the whole suit

Jeremy and his two close buddies since sixth grade when he changed to this school

Neighborhood Visitors

2008-05-16T02:01:00.000-07:00

I'm having a touch of insomnia. Good time to update my blog. (Been up since 3am)
Yesterday was a busy day. I started by picking up the house, doing massive amounts of laundry, finishing a workmans comp audit, giving an eviction notice to one of our renters, checking on the concrete guys finishing the outside concrete on my "now sold" model home and general errands.
As I was doing my cardio workout by running up and down the stairs for the gazillionth (is that a word?) time, I spotted a few visitors in the yard. Thank goodness I had my clothes on. Wouldn't want to scare any visitors off. They should have called first.
First these three came walking by

Then the big guy pulled up the rear strutting his stuff

This is the part of the living in the country that I really love. Plus being able to run around the house naked...when I'm home alone!! No curtains on the windows!! Our nearest neighbor is about one mile away.

Last Day of Garbage Sale

2008-05-10T04:41:00.000-07:00

I'm struggling to get myself moving to head into the last day of the sale. I've done really well and I think I've sold over $300 worth of garbage. Clothes mostly. Will update the amount after we count the proceeds at the end of the day today.
Came home last night and sat in the hot tub for about an hour. My ankles and knees were screaming from standing on the cement all day.
Will post pictures next week, but I'm sure I will be playing catch up tomorrow unpacking what didn't sell and straightening up the house. (Happy Mothers Day to me!)

Garbage Day and Isla Ticket

2008-05-08T03:16:00.000-07:00

So this afternoon the garbage sale begins. I'm not anywhere near ready....there are still things left in the house!! Oh well, guess we'll have to have another one later in the summer. I'm really curious to see if we have as good of a turnout as in previous years with the economy and gas prices the way they are. I'll bring my camera and take pictures. The funny thing is that the house we have the sale at, in Rochester, is the house Biggy B and I owned, then sold to a friend who then sold it to another friend. Always have a place in town to have our sales.

I booked a ticket to Isla for two weeks from today!!! Was watching the prices and a 9 day round trip finally came down to $339 (included taxes).

I worked all day yesterday on "the project." Felt good by the end of the day that I had accomplished quite a bit. I'm getting so excited about the end result!!

Morning Struggle With Self

2008-05-06T04:07:00.000-07:00

Self and I are having a mental struggle this morning. I want to read everyone's daily blogs, go to my favorite web sites to read up and basically search flight prices, but (there's always a but) self says I have to get ready for my big day.
Jerm, our youngest son who is in 10th grade, has to be on the bus at 7:30am. I usually wake him up at 6:30am. This becomes my daily exercise of going up and down the stairs to get him out of bed. After about the sixth time I figure I've had cardio and leg work out.
Then, leave for Rochester, which is 22 miles away to take my parents to the airport. They are leaving for a month long trip to Germany. Be there by 8am.
Then race over to our rental property to show a vacant apartment at 9am. My favorite tenant moved out, but luckily he paid for the month of May because he hadn't given me the 30 day notice. Being a landlord isn't my favorite job, but the property is a "cash cow" and part of our retirement/Isla plan so I'll deal with it.
Then to the office to work on "my project." Top secret for now, but will be revealed within the next month.
Then off to a meeting at 1pm for "the project."
And the sunrise coming through my window is beautiful this morning. At least it's a sunrise. Seems all we have had lately is rain and clouds. We live on 40 acres in the country and the peace and quiet of the mornings are my favorite. Coffee, computer, everyone still sleeping. Now if Self would just go back to bed I could stay on the computer.

Update on Garbage Sale

2008-05-03T10:32:00.000-07:00

It's been a profitable Saturday morning. Two friends just stopped by and bought $150 USD worth of clothing from my dining room table. Yeh!!!!! They even brought their own wine and beer. Gotta love Garbage Sales, even if it hasn't officially started yet.
Self and I had to have a long talk when cleaning out the closet....I said, "self, if you ever fit back into those size four shorts you will want to buy a new updated pair." Forty something still sometimes wishes she were twenty something!!
I think Biggy B is going to hide my passport; I'm 1/2 way to a ticket to Isla and the sale hasn't even officially begun.

Creating this Blog

2008-05-03T05:59:00.000-07:00

After starting to read Wayne's Blog a few months back and then starting to read all the blogs linked on his blog, I have decided to start a blog. I have to find a way to get into these "secret" blogger meetings, plus I want to start documenting the next few years of our dream to move to Isla. Until then we will travel back and forth and spend most of the winters there.
It will take me a while to get things started as I am preparing for a garage sale (garbage sale) for next weekend.
Biggy B (as I now call hubbie) is afraid I am going to sell it all and hop a plane to Isla. That might take a few garbage sales, posts on ebay and estate sales because we have a lot of garbage and Biggy B seems to be a pack rat!! He's safe for a little while!!
He did go through his closet and pull out some shirts that he says he can't wear because I shrunk them. He can't admit that his abs are not a "six pack" anymore, but Ok, I'll take the blame.