La Vida Loca in the Suburbs

Essay at the Pittsburgh Post Gazette

2015-02-06T10:10:00.003-05:00

Although my essay may seem far fetched, the events really did happen. That's why to this day I remember the conversations I had with the Nicaraguan nurses so vividly. I sometimes wonder what became of them, and, what became of the babies left at the side of the road in Nicaragua.

Here's the link to my essay: Essay

Life is a Cabaret, Shaw Festival, Niagara on the Lake

2014-11-04T18:09:00.000-05:00

Lovely Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, late afternoon in October.

Really odd thing happened when we went back to the Shaw Festival in Niagara on the Lake. Guess what the odd thing was? Well, there we were waiting in line to cross the border into Canada, when the customs officer told my husband to go to Immigration. Yes! Seems there was some problem with his status.

This did not look good. Turns out that years and years and even more years ago there was an issue with a work permit my husband had. I think it had to do with the date on the permit. Anyhow, even although he was allowed in to Canada to work, for some reason the glitch remained on file. Weird! We had been umpteen times into Canada over the years, without one single problem. Until October of 2014, that is. They did allow my husband to enter Canada and we did manage to attend the Shaw Festival.

Do you another odd thing about this latest trip? We found the ending, and indeed the stage setting of the musical, Cabaret, somewhat confusing. We had never seen the whole of the musical before, so we hadn't a clue how the original ended. It was odd that the narrator mimed the final words and the director of the music hall was the one who was speaking them.

The trip was a spur of the moment event, and I only read the reviews after seeing the musical. It's hard to tell if the critics were just plain jealous of the director, or whether his changes to the script and stage setting were indeed really bad choices.

We still enjoyed the performance. And, an added attraction was watching the other attendees. This was a special matinee for senior citizens and for people under 39. Some were so elderly, they could hardly walk. They took teeny tiny steps and I was concerned they'd fall. But, good for them, getting spruced up and venturing out to the theatre. There several young girls who I also was worried they might fall. They were wearing shoes with really high heels. Can't imagine how they didn't trip and fall!

Life is indeed a cabaret. Between the fuss at the border,the unusual interpretation of 'Cabaret', and watching people who looked as if they were about to fall, it without a doubt was an unusual week-end.

Halloween - Singing a wee song, getting nuts and tangerines

2014-10-30T16:42:00.000-04:00

Where we live they're celebrating Halloween tonight. Yep. Today is the 30th of October and kids will be oot and aboot, dressed up, looking for candy. Don't ask me why we rarely celebrate Halloween on the actual day. I do know that tomorrow it's supposed to rain, so, regardless, tonight should be better overall.

It's fun looking at the decorations people have.

Now, that's a BIG spider! It doesn't look real, fortunately.

This front yard is covered with skeletons and gory-looking objects. I was scared just walking by in broad daylight!

I wonder what happened to Stupid and I'm with Stupid? Ha ha.

These are more of the scary things in the front yard. You wonder who placed all these odd things. And why.

When I was growing up in Scotland we didn't have decorations for Halloween. Nope. In fact, we didn't even get candy when we went to the neighbours' houses. We usually were give nuts, tangerines, and maybe a sixpenny bit. Yay! We certainly did NOT yell out, "Trick or Treat". We knocked on the door and asked if there was anything for Halloween. The people would invite us in and, guess what we had to do? We had to sing a wee song, recite a poem, or even do a wee dance. Then were give our loot and off we'd go pleased and fair chuffed with our pile of goodies.

I love accurate approximations. Ha ha.

2014-10-27T20:59:00.002-04:00

The following is one of several articles of mine which were published at Powder Room Graffiti, an online magazine. It is now known as In the Powder Room. Unfortunately, the new owners appear to have deleted or lost the original articles. So glad, I have copies! The articles were to be short and precise. It was a good challenge writing them, as a well as a useful learning experience.

Nothing to it by Sandra Staas (Mon Aug 02, 2010)

I'm an approximate type of person. I believe in approximations of numbers, of not being accurately accurate. Numbers bother me.

I'll never get a job as a carpenter nor a bank cashier, that's for sure. I wouldn't hire me. Imagine a client asking for their bank account balance. I'd be answering, ‘Well, more or less, $2,500. Sort of, that is, give or take a few dollars, I think.' I'd be cutting wood after measuring it using my fingers and get a rough idea of how long the piece should be. If you cut it big enough then you can always trim it, that's my philosophy. How much has to be trimmed? Just a teeny wee bit, that's all.

People sometimes ask me for my recipes. I tell them, some butter, some sugar, flour, eggs, milk. They have their pens ready, their little notebook open as they await the accurate measurements. Out of luck! I haven't a clue how much butter or sugar or flour or milk. Now, eggs I can manage. It's usually one. Hmm. Sometimes it's two, could be three. Maybe it depends on how much milk I use. How much milk do I use? Now we're going in circles. As long as it tastes good, that's what counts. No pun intended.

Occasionally I have to fill out forms. Those boring ones that include a question about how much you weigh. Who the hell's business is it how much I weigh? On a good day I can weigh not so much. On a bad day I can look like Winnie the Pooh. If my clothes are tight then I know it's time to cut back on the fabulously farty fresh fruit diet of red wine and chocolate strawberries. I don't need to weigh myself. And I'm quite happy with being approximately at an acceptable weight.

I've seen people measure the distance between the flowers they're planting. Are they mad? They're down on their hands and knees, tape measure held taut as they carefully measure the exact length between each plant. They're the ones who probably know precisely how much gas they still have in their car, and what the exact time of day it is, down to the second.

I've never grasped the concept of what zero means either, and therefore I've also never grasped what 1,000,000 means. So many zeros! But if zero means nothing, how can placing a one in front of so many of them make it a great big number? I totally do not understand.

And if figuring out what zero is all about isn't bad enough, what about negative numbers? What numbskull thought them up? Does anyone really know what a negative number means? Something tells me that that silly little zero is involved yet again. Two-faced wimp. Happy and sad at the same time. Causer of untold misery to the masses who strive to be positive. Nobody wants to be negative. Not even a number.

Yes indeed, down with accuracy. Live life dangerously without inhibitions of statistics or those pesky preposterous zeros that are just too difficult to comprehend. Long live approximations. Revitalize your life with more or lesses.

There's nothing to it.

Signs that things are looking better?

2014-10-06T13:40:00.000-04:00

I wrote a post a few years ago about the nearby village. It's a really cute village, complete with large, expensive Victorian homes. I often wonder who lives in these gigantic homes. I think many times it's just a couple. Why they need so much space is a mystery. Even if their children are still living at home, the houses are still far too big. Some are as big as hotels!

Anyhow, even the wealthy are not immune to the waxing and waning of the stock market. I guess. For a while there were lots of For Sale signs all over the village. Shopkeepers were bailing out, and even residents were moving away. Taxes are indeed high in this oh so special village and the cost of renting a store is exorbitant as well.

Nowadays, there are some new entrepreneurs who have taken up shop in the stores that went out of business.

Out walking the other day I noticed lots of interesting signs. Guess shopkeepers are just dying to get customers? No matter, I did like the funny little fellow in the photo above.

I wonder who this Fred is? Do you know anyone called Fred? I wonder why everyone needs a Fred?

Ha ha. At first I thought the price for all the items was $20. Wonder how many items are actually $20?

Not too sure what the celebration is about, but I like the sign. Hope lots of people turned up.

Some truck is coming to the bookshop? Wonder if that's the same date as the celebration for the place above?

I should have signed up! We ladies must stick together.

This is a happy sign. I wonder if the balloons come already blown up? I don't mind blowing up a balloon, but I get scared if I burst it! I really do.

Gollee. That's a HUGE cupcake!

I guess things are looking better in the nearby village. There are businesses in what were once empty stores. Not sure how many paying customers they get, however. The places that are always busy are the usual Starbucks and Bruegger's Bagels. People go there after browsing around the stores. The sidewalks are always busy as mothers stroll by with their children, as Middle School students run along yelling loudly. There are also lots of people out and about walking their dogs. Then, there are people like me who walk about taking photos and wonder about how the Village has changed.

Wine and even more Wine

2014-09-24T15:32:00.000-04:00

You know what's lovely about visiting vineyards surrounding Niagara on the Lake? You've guessed it! Buying some interesting bottles of wine!

Now, to be sure, you can sample the wines before purchasing, but my poor wee brain wouldn't function properly, not properly enough in order to be able to drive, that is.

People came by on their bikes. People came by on tour buses. There were even people arriving in taxis.

The Reif Estate winery is one of the vineyards we visited. It states on their bag, 'honestly great wines'. Odd. I'd believe them if they just stated, 'great wines'.

Inniskillin is another vineyard we strolled around. I like the design on their bag.

Pillittteri Estate Winery was on our itinerary as well. Is that a cannon I see?

Gollee. Sipping on wine from the Reif Estate will enable you to 'start living the Reifstyle'. Fancy that.

All this wine and cheese, and rosy cheeks of chubby people imbibing delectable wines is well... all in a day's work.

Maybe the next time we visit the vineyards we should take a taxi? Not have to worry about drinking and driving? That's an idea. Then we could sample the wines with abandon. But, it's also nice to share a bottle of wine back in the hotel room, isn't it? And then, bring some bottles back home.

A little knowledge is dangerous, don't you think?

2014-08-29T16:22:00.000-04:00

I had an echocardiogram the other day. First time ever. I requested that a copy of the results be mailed to me, and since nothing arrived in the mail I even called twice to request a copy yet again. Still no results arrived.

Fast forward to Monday, several days later, when I get a telephone call. Some girl in the doctor's office tells me that I have to see a cardiologist as my mitral valve has moderate regurgitation and my tricuspid valve has mild regurgitation. The valves are not working properly and there is a backflow of blood into the heart.

Yikes and double yikes!

I immediately have several questions, but she cuts me off and sets up an appointment with a cardiologist for Friday of the same week.

The rest of Monday, the whole of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday I research and research heart valve disease. Apparently, a heart murmur is an important indication of having a leaky valve. But, nobody has ever told me that I have a heart murmur!

Apparently moderate regurgitation is quite serious. A lot depends on how the heart responds. It could become enlarged, and you can go into heart failure. As the disease progresses you could end up needing a repair of the valve. And that would entail open heart surgery! I read about minimally invasive valve repair surgery and even research the best cardiologists. I wonder about the size of my heart, about my lungs, about possible calcifications as so many complications and conditions can be involved with mitral valve regurgitation, when the valve does not close properly.

Friday arrives and I meet with a cardiologist to hear the worst.

Guess what? The cardiologist asks me why I had the echocardiogram. Good question. My doctor ordered it because I have high blood pressure and high blood pressure can affect the heart. The cardiologist listens to my heart with his stethoscope then calmly looks at me and states, "I disagree with the echocardiogram. There's nothing wrong with your heart."

I literally jumped up, thanked the cardiologist, and walked briskly away feeling relief beyond relief.

Flowers and the Homosapien, Niagara on the Lake, Ontario

2014-08-22T14:00:00.002-04:00

Decided to make a trip to Niagara on the Lake, Ontario. We've been going there for around 25 years now. Each time we arrive it's like a breath of fresh air. Why's that? Because of all the beautiful flowers! Whoever the gardener is, he or she, does a splendid job.

You can't help but take pretty photos! Even on a cloudy day, the flowers simply leap out at you with their vibrant colours.

There's a great variety of displays all along the main thoroughfare. They remind me of all the people you see here in Niagara on the Lake and Niagara Falls. So many different nationalities, different languages can be seen and heard as you stroll along admiring the flowers.

Wouldn't it be terrific if all of us, regardless of nationality or language, could get along without going to war, without torturing others? Wouldn't it be for the best if all of us, throughout the world put on a display of empathy and compassion as beautiful as the flowers in Niagara on the Lake? Together, we could make the homo sapien something to be finally respected

So you think you know the Suburbs?

2014-08-05T18:20:00.001-04:00

Who's Bored? Are you?

2014-08-05T18:09:00.001-04:00

Is Your Privacy Private?

2014-08-02T15:22:00.001-04:00

I never used to think much about my privacy. In the 'old' days here in the suburbs, hairdressers would ask all sort of questions.

"You're not from around here, are you?" If they weren't chewing gum, they'd be licking their lips and looking at themselves in the mirror, hand on hip as if posing for a magazine cover.

Before I could answer, they'd add, "Are you married, or anything?"

I would nod my head as best I could while they'd be pushing it down deep into my chest as they chopped away at my hair.

"Where did you meet your husband? Where does he work?" The questions were endless, and at times I felt as if the whole salon were listening with bated breath as the hairdresser extricated the intriguing details of my life.

Sometimes I thought I would make up stories. Maybe even allude to the fact that I'm a spy or an eccentric millionaire. But I never did. I always told the truth.

In the 'new' days, there are so many more issues of privacy that have to be reckoned with.

You give your credit card number over the phone and the person at the other end repeats out loud every number. Who can hear her? Who else is there? Dunno. Similar things happen when you check in at a doctor's office or pick up a prescription at the local pharmacy.

"Date of birth?" The person with the large glasses gazing at a computer screen doesn't even look at you as she asks this personal question. You speak softly so that people nearby don't hear. Heck, one's date of birth is a security question at many online accounts. Do you REALLY want to broadcast your date of birth? Since the person with the large glasses gazing at a computer screen seems to be hard of hearing she asks you to repeat your date of birth. You look around to see if anyone is paying attention and then raise your voice a teeny bit, just to be on the safe side. Then, you just know what happens. She repeats your date of birth in this huge sonorous voice as she enters the information into the computer.

What about those so-called social websites where you're supposed to list the names of schools you attended? The name of your high school is a security question online sites asks for. Then, there are the internet groups which discuss the good old days when you were a child. They post photos of the area you come from. Oh, you lived on such and such a street as a child? Really? Me too. Maybe you knew my grannie? Oops. The name of the street you grew up on is yet another security question that online banks often ask.

With knowledge of your credit card number, your date of birth, the name of your high school, and the street you grew up on anyone with nefarious expectations can quite possibly enjoy surfing through your bank accounts.

But, nobody would really do that, would they? Dunno. They could, if they wanted to.

ut Allergies and other articles I wrote for Powder Room Graffiti

2014-07-27T16:41:00.004-04:00

The article I wrote about allergies was well - received at the Helium website. I got an email some months ago telling me they would be closing the website. Just today I decided to try and find out more about the status of Helium. Anyhow, I did find my old article. It's now at a website called Living Healthy 360. Who knew? I didn't! Here's the link:

Article about Allergies.

I ha

Allergies? Get a Dog and Take up Smoking!!

2014-07-20T18:07:00.003-04:00

A few years ago I wrote a short post about allergies:
http://sandrastaas.blogspot.com/2011/03/colmans-mustard-and-indian-chutney-and.html

I really can't stand the fatigue, the chills, the stuffed up nose, the pain around the eyes. Oh, woe is me! I could even fall asleep standing up.

I was first told I had allergies back in 1984 when a doctor looked up my nostrils. Brave him! I'm so glad he did, however, for he did come up with a diagnosis. Prior to that, I had no clue why I was constantly sneezing, why my nose was always stuffed up, why I was cold, and why I felt weak. It was almost as bad as having the flu.

Well, that doctor back in 1984 sent me off for tests. Turns out I'm allergic to everything except for dog and tobacco!

I know, I hear you. "Get a dog and take up smoking!"

Ha ha. If only it were that easy to get rid of allergies.

I was prescribed two little bottles of the antigens which were to give relief, whole relief and nothing but relief! I placed drops underneath my tongue for FIVE years before finally giving up.

I'm an expert on anti-histamines and decongestants. I really am. Yikes! I keep hoping I'll 'grow out' of the allergies, but I'm not. They always turn up at least four times a year without fail.

Want to know what I'm taking for my allergy symptoms? An antihistamine.

I was told to take antihistamines BEFORE I get the symptoms. Maybe I should. But, since I'm allergic to almost everything, I'd be taking antihistamines every day of the year. Do they work? Sometimes I think they do. But then, just when you feel relief, the very next day the symptoms return! Since I've been down that road all those years I know one's body gets accustomed to the medication, so I just change it. The above one is the generic form of Claritin. When it no longer works I then take the generic form of Allegra. The pharmacy people tell me the generic brands are just as good as the brand names. And, they're a lot cheaper.

I also take a decongestant when desperation sets it. This is the decongestant Sudafed, or maybe it's the generic form of it. Believe it or not it WORKS!! Yes, after just one day I can breathe better. But I don't think it's good to be taking this on a daily basis over a long period of time as it increases your blood pressure. I only take it when I'm desperate. Really desperate. Desperate enough because no air is going up my nostrils.

A nasal spray. Does it work? In the beginning it does. You're supposed to only take this nasal spray for three days. Any longer - and who knows what might happen?! Maybe your nose will fall off! Oh no! The problem is that, although it works, the three days are up before you know it and you have to stop taking it. Guess what happens then? The symptoms come right back!

Trying to avoid allergies altogether, I've been taking Quercetin.

It's supposed to be a natural anti-inflammatory.

I also take Turmeric, another natural anti-inflammatory.

And I take a saline nasal spray.

Nothing prevents the allergy symptoms. The best thing that has happened is the possible reduction of the severity of the symptoms.

Och well. Any lessening of allergy symptoms is most welcome. And, maybe I could get myself a wee dog. Not sure about taking up smoking, however.

In the Countryside - Where's that Nasal Spray?

2014-07-13T12:40:00.002-04:00

One thing about living in the suburbs is that you're not too far from the countryside. Now, if you're a city person, taking a trip into the mysterious, mystical countryside may not be too appealing. But, isn't it always nice to have a change of scenery?

It does seem quite rural. We're heading to Columbiana located in Ohio.

If you'd like a wee barn built then you're in the right place. Not sure that I want a barn. Anyhow, we don't have room for one. Golleee, not only that, we're not allowed one due to the Homeowner's Association's restrictions. Never mind, I don't have anything to put in a barn.

Looks as if it's all happening out here. Big picnic coming up in August. Calcutta Square? Where's that?

A car show as well. Hmm. I did see old classic cars on the way to Columbiana.

This is the American Legion building in Columbiana. Want to check it out?

Looks like a big barbecue. Smells tasty. Wonder what the purpose is of that little fan?

A meeting of Submarine Veterans is taking place. Guess the barbecued food is for them?

Well, the Submarine Veterans people are based in Pittsburgh, Pa. There's a submarine there, called the Requin that is open to the public. Worth a visit, if you don't mind breathing in as you descend narrow stairs. Ha ha. Imagine sleeping in the tiny, narrow beds? Imagine having to share one of those tiny narrow beds with someone else? Not for me, not at all.

All this excitement in Columbiana is thirsty work. It's a hot summer's day. Me thinks it's time for a wee ice cream.

A couple of hours in the countryside is one fine way to spend a Saturday afternoon, I suppose. I really prefer to be closer to the city. I'm more used to buildings and aeroplanes and lots of people out and about. Even traffic jams are looking appealing after being in the countryside. And I don't know that the air is cleaner in the countryside. Well, it could be. But, I get allergies and right now, my allergies are being real pains. They did go away for one day, but then, after the afternoon in the countryside, they've come right back with greater force.

Where's that nasal spray?!

Happy 4th of July! Leetsdale, Pa

2014-07-04T16:35:00.000-04:00

The annual 4th of July parade got started with lots fun food at the wee fairground.

Colourful costumes and plenty of candy being tossed kept everyone enthralled.

What's going on in Beaver Street?! Must be something important.

I like how everyone in the parade waves. I think they've learned how to do this from the Queen!

Even the politicians were out and about tossing candy. Guess if you get a piece then you have to give him a vote? Ha ha.

The Submarine Veterans strolled along in the parade sporting their amazing vests.

By the way, the man to the left is a volunteer at the Requin Submarine.

Lots of music! There were lots of fire engines and police cars from different boroughs as well.

Sure hope they're all back ready to chase after fires and any bad guys.

All this 4th of July frivolity just makes you want to sing a wee song.

I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy.......

The Fourth of July Sales Sail Along!

2014-06-29T12:22:00.002-04:00

The fourth of July is just around the corner, just beyond this present wave of intense marketing. Today's Sunday papers are full of Fourth of July adverts.

Just can't wait to zoom over and get myself some bargains! Well, that's my first impression.

Here's another ad:

This one has "sparkling" savings. That must even better than just regular savings!

Now is a good time to get a new telly!

Or, how about a new washer and dryer! Just makes you want to run out right now and grab some of these bargains.

Need a new fridge? You can save up to 30%! Notice the words 'up to' are really quite tiny. I wonder what the real savings are?

Gollee, even stoves and microwaves have special savings.

I'm getting seasick just sailing over the waves of all these Fourth of July sales.

So much paper is wasted making all these ads. Normally I don't even read them. I just toss them out.

Now, here's a good thing about the Fourth of July sales - it won't be long now until the summer clothes go on sale. Yippeee!

Hilton Head Island - One Beachy Trip

2014-06-23T21:02:00.000-04:00

We were away for a couple of weeks. Guess where?

Hilton Head Island! Been going there for the past 20 + years.

Why do we keep going? Why do we drive for 12 hours to get there? Because we're crazy! Ha ha.
Once you get there you feel it was well worth the long drive.

We like Palmetto Dunes for the beach and biking. The above photo is of Shelter Cove, Palmetto Dunes.

You can't beat biking along the beach at Hilton Head!

Oh well. We're back home now. That's okay. I'm already researching when and where to go on our next trip to Hilton Head Island! Ha ha.

Now, you probably already know that we just moved after living in the same house for 29 years. Maybe you're thinking. Hmm. Why didn't she move to Hilton Head since she loves it so much?

I did indeed consider moving to Hilton Head. But, golleeee. I think the people who live on Hilton Head hardly ever go to the beach. For them it's the mountains that are calling their name. Nope, far better to just visit, have a fantastic time, and then move on.

Can you believe it? After two weeks at the beach I was already yearning for the hills! Yes. On our way back north we stopped off at Asheville in North Carolina.

Now, that's a fantastic trip. Beach and the hills.

What could be better?!

Memorial Day Week-end, 2014

2014-05-31T16:32:00.000-04:00

On Sunday we attended a Memorial Day ceremony at the Requin submarine.

The submariner veterans read out the names of submarines that had casualties over the years. Such a long list! Had no idea so many submariners had perished over the years.

We were given petals which we tossed into the river.

The geese checked them out. I guess it's okay if they ate them? Pass, dunno.

On the Monday we were back in the suburbs at a Memorial Day parade in a small town close by.

So many bagpipers! This is just one group of pipers that were in the parade. The bagpipe is ubiquitous around here.

There were greyhounds in the parade. Once they stop winning races they get put to sleep, so lots of people adopt them. Hmm. I'm thinking that not enough people adopt them. If you'd like a lovely doggy, then maybe consider adopting a greyhound? They seem very gentle dogs.

One of several marching bands.

It was really very festive. Lots of patriotic music being played that just made you want to sing along!

The Shriners were in the parade, singing away!

I don't know who the little girl is. But, I like the expression on her face as she watches the parade.

At the end of the parade there was this speaker. I'm sorry to say that I don't remember his name! I think it's Rock something or other. Anyhow, when I was told he was going to be speaking I hadn't a clue who he was. Turns out he was a famous football player for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Ha ha. Oh, and I think he was in the Vietnam War. That's probably why he was a speaker.

Wee Patio - No Farmer's Wife Here

2014-05-24T14:10:00.002-04:00

This is our patio in our new house and this is our first Spring in the new house.

It's small, compared to the huge back yard we had at our old house.

We have a new George Foreman electric grill. The old barbecue grill that we had for years and that used propane gas we dumped. It was all rusty and falling to bits.

The fence doesn't go all the way around the wee patio. Apparently it's because of all those odd things sticking out from the ground. I really don't know what half these things are, but everybody has them. Could be for electricity? Dunno. Our patio backs on to the road, which is odd, I know. We had so much privacy in the old house, and here we have very little! But, c'est la vie.

All those tools that I used in the old house. The famous de-thatcher! I used that every spring. Yikes! I yanked on it pulling it and pushing it to get up dead grass. Won't be using that anymore! Ha ha. Part of the deal here is that we pay a homeowners' association fee which covers outside maintenance.

The equally famous edger. That was hard to use, so it never really did see the sunshine that much at all.

The rake! I used that a lot to gather up the leaves as well as any grass clippings that somehow got loose whilst cutting the grass.

This is just part of our back yard at the old house. There's a section to the left that you don't see but which goes downhill on a steep slope. There was also a substantial front lawn that I took care of too. Many times I felt like a farmer's wife when I spent hours working away outside.

Do I miss the big yard? Absolutely not!! I'm more than happy with my wee patio.

The Saga of New Construction Woes

2014-05-14T17:52:00.002-04:00

Wondering why I have posted this photo? Hmm. Guess!

Our beautiful brand new hardwood flooring has been coming unstuck since the month of January! Sooo glad we're still under the warranty. The installers came out in January and again in March to re-stick the sections that were loose.

Okay, so far so good. Until, guess what?

Even more flooring came loose. It was non-stop. The level shows that the floor wasn't flat. Apparently 3/16th of an inch over a ten foot section is permitted. On some sections of the floor is like walking up a slope!

The blue tape is where the floor either had a hollow sound, or was actually loose.

In the end, the powers that be announced that the concrete subfloor wasn't flat. Ha ha. Didn't you know it wasn't flat BEFORE installing the floor?

We ended up in a hotel for three nights whilst large sections of the floor was dug up. A large crack was found in the concrete, which just added more spice to the mixture.

The crack continued from the hall into the master closet.

Here's hoping that the saga of new construction woes is over. Surely the floor will no longer come unstuck?! They put down a levelling agent to try to make the concrete flat. That should help. I really do hope so. The section which is like a slope? Well, they said that since the wood is not moving there that they don't have to fix it. Oh dear.

Five Reasons you know you're ready for Spring

2014-03-27T18:32:00.002-04:00

1. You just bought a whole bunch of bird feeders. What? The high today is just 35 degrees Fahrenheit!

2. You're amazed that there's green stuff on your front lawn. Oh? That's grass! Haven't seen it in months.

3. You tried on seven bathing suits at TJMaxx. You really did. Might as well get into the swing/swim of things.

4. You tossed out your winter boots. Into the trash they went with all the flourish of a magician signing his signature.

5. You can't wait to wash your car. Yes, no more taking it to the car wash. Gosh, isn't it great that soon you'll be able to wash your car in the driveway? Ah, life is good!

Found the Mail!

2014-03-21T10:51:00.001-04:00

Well, guess where the mail was?

It was in a separate section of the place where you mail items.

Who knew?

Apparently the mailman should have placed a key in our mail box to let us know, and to allow us to open the box where our mail was.

However, I had requested that we just pick up the mail ourselves at the post office. Talk about confusing the situation!

We've been here in this confusing place for around 8 months, now.

Just keep repeating that we accomplished our goal which was to get away from the big back yard. We really did accomplish that.

Where's the Mail?

2014-03-10T11:13:00.000-04:00

Just got back a week ago from a month long trip.

Started off in Hilton Head Island where the weather was so-so. We did, however, have a few nice, warm and sunny days. Managed good bike rides along the beach and throughout the trails.

Sea Pines is a particularly picturesque part of the island with miles of bike trails.

Also spent a few nights in Florida before taking the cruise that left from Port Canaveral.

After the cruise we went back to Hilton Head.

Not a bad trip at all!

Now, here's the thing. I stopped our mail. It was to be held at the Post Office until our return. Well, nobody knew where our mail was! They simply couldn't find it. Hmmm.

Where is our mail?! Actually, it's basically always just a bunch of junk. So much paper wasted. So much waste that people simply toss in the garbage. It's the principle of the thing, that's what I think. The mail has to be found.

Who's Cold?

2014-01-24T16:35:00.003-05:00

It makes you cold just looking at this photo, doesn't it? Temperatures have been below freezing for so many days! We're lucky if we get into the teens. And that's Fahrenheit.

Are you ready for warmer weather? I am! But, even down in South Carolina it's cold just now.

Actually, I'm getting used to walking in the cold. I get nice rosy cheeks. I walk faster in the cold. I've even been going to the gym more often.

Guess the cold isn't so bad after all!

Are you Ready for Warmer Weather?

2014-01-14T20:39:00.002-05:00

Are you ready for warmer weather? How do you know?

Five ways that you are DEFINITELY ready.

1. It's been below freezing for the past three weeks. It's still below freezing. But something appears in the sky. It's a yellowish, round thing. Is that a fried egg? You're so happy to realise that no, it's not a fried egg. It's the sun!

2. You bought a bright orange, lacy sweater at the sales today. Nobody wears lacy clothes in the winter. That's okay. When you look in the mirror in your orange lacy sweater you think you're at the beach!

3. You look at the snow that never melts. You keep looking and you look even more. Suddenly you see grass creeping up through the snow. Your heart leaps and you smile, you smile so much that the snow melts. Oh, was that just a dream? It was a lovely dream!

4. You're simply tired of chilling your white wine outside on the front porch. It does work, that's true. And far better than cluttering up your fridge. But, now you're ready for some Chianti or vinto tinto as you think about your upcoming vacation.

5. You refuse to wear your boots. You refuse to wear your scarf. You even refuse to wear your gloves. It's not THAT cold, is it? You tell yourself that it's all in the mind.