Now What?

That's the question that I have been dodging for the last two months.  A question I did not feel like answering until everything was in order and complete.  A question that became quite annoying.  And something that I did not want to think about until I knew it was true.  Done.  Over.  Complete.
Guess what?
It's official. 
I'm unemployed.
We sold our business last Friday.  It feels a little strange.  I feel the need to answer security camera questions, fill an order, check messages, make calls, describe features of a system or camera, explain wireless cameras, discuss the features of a DVR, explain what web ready means or help someone build their own system for their home or business. 
The upside is I do not have to deal with crabby customers.  Whoever said that the customer is always right?
I also have more time to lay by the pool sipping margaritas.  Staring at the pool boy, being fanned by the cabana boy. 
Well, they don't allow alcohol at our town pool and there is no sitting because I'm usually running/swimming around with Bella.
It's nice to dream, tho.
It also makes an interesting reply to that annoying question, "Now what?"

Walking...thoughts

Just a small post with a couple of the things that run through my head while I'm walking.  I can't post ALL of the things that run through my head because that would take forever.  I'll try to just post the few that stand out.
For instance, I know you have a great body at your age (I would say over 60) and you look great in daisy dukes and a sport bra, but, I REALLY don't think you should wear it out in public, if you know what I mean.  Do it for the safety of others.  Thank you.
And to the older couple who I see every morning.  You know, the wife who looks like she's doing a dance while they are walking.  Yea, them.  Disco Momma has to bend down and untie her shoe every time I walk by while her husband looks on.  That is why this morning I sped up so I could miss you and your dance routine this morning.  So sorry, but, I'll catch up with you tomorrow.

A little fire excitement

Last night, we had a fire by the park sign (right behind our house).  Alex told RT that, "the haystacks are burning!"  No, we don't live on a farm.  The "haystacks" are the tall grass on either side of the sign.  One of them was on fire.  Alex heard the crackling of the fire from his bed room. 

We all ran outside.  RT got the hose and I called the fire department.  RT put the fire out.  We were trying to figure out if it was a cigarette that was thrown in there.  The fire fighters told us that it was because it was so dry.  This is the explanation:  the wood chips are so dry and could (somehow) spark and start on fire.  I still had to check it out in the morning to see if there was a cigarette butt.  It's odd that only one side (haystack) was on fire and not the other.  RT soaked the whole area around the sign to prevent future haystack fires.  I think we need some rain. 

Here are the pictures of the burnt haystack (now I'm saying it).  (next I'll have to come up with some pictures of the barn) 

Alex gets a haircut

That's a major holiday in our house.  It doesn't happen very often.  Alex wants to grow his hair long, but, his hair is so thick and he has these (beautiful) curls and it makes his hair bushy.   When he does get his hair cut it is usually just a trim.  This time he agreed to let RT cut it.  RT has been waiting a long time for this opportunity.

Here are some before shots.  The first pictures are just how his hair normally is on a daily basis.

RT made Alex brush his hair out and the next two shots are the result

I think he would have been a hit in the '70's

RT used the hedge trimmer  hair clippers on his head.  There were protestors lined up.  It was getting ugly out there.  Well, only Newton was out there.  He didn't like all of the hair messing up his area on the side yard.  Large clumps of hair were EVERYWHERE.  A few birds flew out and are in need of a new home.  Some empty coke cans and candy wrappers fell out. 

The final result:

(drum roll, please)

The new Alex

I think we need a new pair of clippers

Newton

Had to post about my doggy.  He turned 10 yesterday.  He still acts like a cute puppy.  But, then, the tired old man comes out and he finds his blanket and takes a nap.

He was a little spoiled yesterday.  Got lots of extra special treats.  He even had a little doggy birthday party with a homemade doggy cake. 

He got a little tired and decided to lay down

waiting for cake is a tiresome job

I think Bella was more excited than Newton. 

Bella helping blow out the candle

Newton is enjoying his retirement.  He loves laying outside in the sun, eating lots of treats, going for  long walks and never passes up a nap.  He is serious at times, but,

knows how to have a good time.

Misc. Path Finds

Here is my find from the park by our house.

yes, it's a pair of pants

I just want to know how the person got home.  Did they go home in their underwear?  Did they have to walk home?  What if they weren't wearing underwear?  And, how do you answer your mom when she asks, "Where are your pants?"

Food

I made yogurt pops.  Well, I thought I would try it.  I read about it here and thought it was a cool idea.  I purchased the same yogurt just to try it out.  Well, I didn't get to taste it, but, my three children did and they loved them.  (so did Newton, since Nick let him have some of his)  I need to get a popsicle maker.  You know, the ones that have the sticks that you can reuse over and over again.  These popsicles were easy, but, they were huge and a little difficult to get out of the container. 

cutting the bottom of the container was the hardest part

the foil and popsicle stick were easy

Made myself a salad with my new chopper. 

everything fits nicely inside

the bowl is great for serving and has a lid so you can store your salad (salsa) inside the bowl

very convenient!

very easy to do

and quick!

maybe it should be called, "Salad in a hurry"

I love this thing!  I think it's one of those "as seen on TV" items.  I make salsa and salads in a flash!   When the kids are around I always have to say, "it slices, it dices."  You remember, from those Ginsu knive commercials?  My kids think I'm crazy.  (what else is new?)

Here's my salad!

  Yum!