No soliciting

I don't know about you but I don't like people that I don't know to knock at my door. Honestly, they are not welcome.

(Source)

Unless your selling those "worlds best chocolate bars" for your school, you will waste your time standing on the porch. 

It's funny how we act when we hear the doorbell. We turn the tv down, get real quiet and tip toe to the peephole or window blind and peer out. As this is going on, I will text my neighbor up the road to be on the look out for strangers at the door. If they hit her house first, she will warn me. It's rather comical. 

I'm seriously thinking about getting me a nice "no soliciting" sign. 

(Source)

I seen this wreath that was tasteful and pretty. 

(Source)

Maybe I could do a "notice" sign like this one.

(Source)

However, If they catch us while we are outside in the yard, I will usually let them do their speech, then I politely let them know I'm not interested and wish them luck. After all, I realize this is their job and they get paid to annoy neighbors. They probably don't like what they do but its the only job they could come by at the time. So, if they do get lucky enough to approach me, I'm not rude.

How do you turn away those pesty salesmen or religious speaches? Do you answer the door and let them continue or do you cut them off and make them leave? 

Camper Hack

We have been using a travel trailer camper on vacations for about 15 years now. My first experience was after I married. I had no clue what to expect but now I love it. Something about having your own bed and toilet away from home.

We have owned two campers. The first one was a 27ft sportsman without a slide. The second one and the one we currently still have is a 34ft Puma with a super slide.

When I speak of a slide, its where part of the camper will slide out a few feet to make the room larger. It really makes a big difference in comfort.

With just a push of a switch, the room will slide in and out. 

Our slide switch is located inside the door right below the light switch. It is a much larger switch but can easily be confused with the light switches. I have actually hit the slide switch causing it to slide in while the camper is occupied. It will stop when released but that single oops of hitting it will cause it to move in just enough to smash a toe, break something in its path or possibly blow a fuse. 

It could also result in a safty issue if you leave a pet in the camper while your gone or a child left unattended while you turn around a second. 

After trying to figure out a solution. My husband came up with the bright idea of purchasing a receptical cover and placing it over the switch so there are no accidental hits.

Though red is the only color he could find, I will accept the tacky look for a sense of safety. 

Isn't he smart? 

I think newer campers and RVs come with a cover over the slide switch or the slide switch is located out of reach of children and pets. Speaking of "newer", We are ready to look for us a new one. We want a different set up with a front living area and give up a second bedroom since the daughter is older and travels less with us on our trips. Thought they are nice, we are also ok having one without a slide. We spend most of the time outside under the awning anyway.

Now if I can just find a hack to keep me there so I don't have to come back to work.

Owl Sighting

There is a street in the neighborhood thats located a block away from where I live. 

On a hot days walk, we will walk this path as it has a running creek and shady woods. It is cooler than the other heated asphalt streets we take.

Sometimes as we walk down this road, we see wild life such as turtles, snakes, hawks, fish in the creek and squirrels chasing their tails. I think I've mentioned this in another post on Mr. Turtle.

We have heard rumors from the nieghbors of an owl sighting. My husband discovered during his morning walk that indeed there is an owl in the neighborhood. It perches on a branch by the shady path.

 

He snapped this photo. 

Now when we go out walking,  I say "lets go owl hunting". It makes the walk more adventurous.

As we were walking one evening I had a wierd feeling of something staring at me. Sure enough I saw not only one owl, but two barn owls perched on a high limb. One flew off and the other cocked his head back and forth as if it were saying "whoooo are you looking at?" Unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me this time.

Yesterday, Nick set out for his morning walk and was able to snap another photo of one of the barn owls. They are beautiful yet spooky looking. 

I would love to have this one on my own property. It could take care of any snakes that tend to slither into the yard. But for now, he sits on the next street over waiting on us to walk by to say hello. 

Fashion Flashback

I grew up in the 70's and 80's. Yep, being born in 69, I got to enjoy both decades as a youngun.

I was having a flash back the other day on some of the tacky trends I remember growing up with. Some are still around and some have made a come back. But here are a few cool fashion fads I rmember and wonder if they will ever make a comeback.

The Burmuda Bag:

I had one of these and truth be told, I probably still have it somewhere at mom and dads house. It was a set of wooden handles with a liner attached and buttons across the top. You could purchase all colors and patterned covers to button on to match your outfit. The covers were reversable so when youn bought one, you actually got two. I remember my mom (being a great seamstress) would make me several reversable covers from fabrics I picked out of her sewing room.

Jap Flaps:

I remember these being "the" flip flop everyone had. They were not as uncomfortable as they look. The straps were a padded velvet. The soles were made of straw that would eventually form to your feet as you wore them out.

These need to come back! I'd get a pair.

They came in navy, burgandy, and black.

Transparent Sun Visor:

These were trendy and you could get them everywhere. You could pick one up at the dime store, beach store and amusement parks. Beach goers everywhere made these look sexy. Ha!

I actually want one of these and found a pink one (just like in the photo) on ebay for a big whopping five dollars! Yes I purchased it. My husband just looked at me and shook his head as if I need another hat! It's probably a cheepo but it will be fun. It should arrive in a couple days. I think I could bring the look back. Ya think??

When The Sun & Moon Kiss

Happy Birthday Sundrop

Sundrop is a soft drink made right here in my hometown of North Carolina. If your bottle is stamped "GS", that means it was produce here in Gastonia. I think somewhere in Texas makes Sundrop too but we consider the ones made here as "top shelf". 

Not everyone gets the refeshing taste of this citrus carbonation. However, I hear other states are finally getting it shipped in. It's sort of a big deal here. As far as taste? I would compare Sundrop to Mountain Dew as I would Coke to Pepsi. 

Thursady night me and Nick headed up town as the town celebrated the 100th Birthday of Sundrop. There was a band, Car show with prizes and food trucks. 

Sundrops were being sold for 25cent and they were giving aways small (teaser) Sundrop cupcakes. 

A popular ice cream business in town was selling Sundrop Ice Cream. 

Sundrop started here in 1917.

 

The bottling company is now called Choice USA and employees 250 employees in four locations. They also bottle Cheerwine, Snapple, and A&W Rootbeer. 

We had a good time walking around, seeing old friends and listening to the popular soul group "Chairman Of The Board". 

Nick enjoyed eyeing the old cars and chatting about the good ole days with new and old friends. They talked about motors, racing and even camping. 

The oldest cars I ever owned was a 76 Honda Civic and a 77 MG-B. I bought new after that. 

I think that MG did me in. 

Though we are not big on being in big crowds, It was nice to get out for a change of scenery. 

Happy Birthday Sundrop!

DIY Eclipse T-shirt

We are going to get moon yall! 

People are really getting rawled up about the total eclipse that will take place on August 21st. Everywhere I go everyone is talking about it. Businesses are offering special foods and drinks this day. Krispy Kreme is pulling out a chocolate glazed doughnut for the occasion. Somebody stop me!

The path goes straight to the South Carolina coast. Hotels are already booked up and extra security is in place for the crowd that suppose to be pouring in. They have plans to direct traffic. They say its going to be crazy.

I don't have any glasses, but I did make me a cool shirt to wear this day. It has a simple look and was easy to make. 

I took an old t-shirt and some white acrylic paint. 

I painted the edge of an old plastic bowl and stamped it in the center of the shirt. I then used a paper towel and sort of smeared it to give it a glowing look. 

The last solar eclipse was in 1979. I was ten. I remember being in school and the teachers took us outside. I didn't understand what the fuss was all about and I was not interested in looking at it on a piece of paper through a pin dot on a piece of cardboard. 

Well they say from where I live, we will see 95% coverage. But, We can't look at it without special glasses. Hmmm I wonder how hard it would be to get a pair? I'm sure the stores have a markup on them. 

The next total eclipse in view from here will be May 11, 2078.

What are your speculations or plans for the total eclipse? 

Meanwhile, I wonder where I put those moon pies.

Vacation Is Over

I'm back from the beach. I can't say we had the best weather but it was ok. We got two nice sunny days out of eight and made new friends. Though it rained off and on all week, the mornings brought a beautiful sunrise.

One night was extremely windy but no rain. It was three in the morning and you could hear others outside rushing around to get their awenings in. We pull ours in any time we leave and before be head to bed. We have been the ones fighting the awning in the wind before. Not fun.... well, yes, for me it was fun. I think I laughed the whole time we wrestled with it. 

Despite some bad luck during the week, we had a pretty good time. We celebrated my brother in laws birthday at dinner one night. We danced on the pier one evening til close and visited the winery one afternoon. 

The ride home was nice though we ran through bans of rain every few miles. We stopped half way for a picnic and finished off the piminto cheese sandwiches. 

I love being at the beach but there is always that feeling of comfort when I return home. I have to say, I miss my soft bed, big shower, and 4ply toilet paper.

Cloudy With A Chance Of Sand

It's our fifth day at the beach. I can't say it's been our best vaction week, but hey, it beats being at work. I have had time to relax.

It has rained every day we have been here. The camper gets tight. However, the sun will make an appearance for a few hours each day and everyone rushes out to the sand to get a dose of vitamin D. It's like playing Russian Roulette with the sun. We have not needed to put out the umbrellas yet. I think friday is suppose to be a brighter day. 

We have kept busy. At the beginning of the week we spent a half a day at the Verizon store. If you read my last entry, you know my daughter dropped her phone in the toilet and killed it. We actually were able to order the new phone online and just go pick it up. But, since we have poor internet service at the campground, we decided to hang out at the Verizon store while my daughter swiched everything from her old phone to her new one. The ride back was more joyful as we now have a happy girl (Her bill hasn't came yet).

I have actually enjoyed the cloudy mornings on the beach as long as it's not rainy. Something about the sound of the waves, cool breeze and the sounds of chirping seagulls that bring tranquility. 

I'm feeling pretty good. I got an email Monday from the cardiologist letting me know that my stress test results were normal and nothing is wrong with me. (Yes an email). This relieved a lot of my tension knowing I can continue doing what I do without worry.

My husband snapped a picture of me acting silly. I was seeing how high I could jump. You can see the rain bans in the horizon. 

Note: When your 48, this can hurt. 

Today is Thursday and it's the sunniest so far. The rain is suppose to move in later this afternoon. Here is my current 11:30am few. We will head in soon for a bite to eat and hopfully head back to the sand.  

Wait.........

Fifteen minutes after I posted this photo It came a down pour with thunder. So we are now sitting in the camper eating and possibly a nap. There are only so many games of checkers you can enjoy. 

Ooop, here comes the sun again....gotta run.

 

Good Day From SC

We made it to the beach. Finally, a vacation. I still have some things to do for work. I'll log in and do that later this afternoon. Thats what happens when I leave the office on payroll week.ugh.

Last night we had a little dilemma and it's pretty serious. It ruined everyones moods and caused a little sress in yesterevening. We made it here to our destination around noon, hooked up the camper and set off for a short walk. 

We have our 25 year old daughter with us. Yep, shes made it a point to come for a free vacation with us every year. Well, this year it's going to cost her. Why? Well, during our walk, she made a pit stop and ended up dropping her smart phone in the toilet. It became a dumb phone within minutes. She rushed to the general store and grabbed a bag of rice. Putting you wet phone in a bag of rice is suppose to cure it. Nope. Some of her phone works now, but most of the features are dead. 

So guess what.....

We are heading out Monday morning to travel 10 miles to the nearest Verizon store. (Dads not to happy). She will need to purchase a new phone. (Yes we are some of those mean parents that make our child do for herself after college). 

For now, She will have to enjoy a day without the luxury. It's killing her. Moms and dads, You know how its. When your kids aint happy, your not happy. Its going to be a long day. 

Meanwhile, I got up early and had my breakfast and coffee on the beach then went to the campground worship service while Nick took his walk and the daughter slept in.

 

Depiste the weather station calling for rain all week, it's a beautiful hot and sunny day.

Aunt Again

It's A boy!

I found out in June that I get to be an aunt again. 

It was announced yesterday that I'll have another Nephew! 

Due Christmas eve.

It's all grand boys on my side of the family, except for my daughter.

I was hoping for pink ribbons and bows. But its ok. I just pray for a healthy one. Its been twenty five years since a girl has been born into the family.  Family get togethers are full of snakes, snails and puppy dog tails. I'll throw in dirty hands and snotty noses too.

My daughter likes the idea that she still holds the title of the only "granddaughter". She now hopes to one day be the one to have the first "great grand daughter". 

I'm not holding my breath. She needs to find prince charming first.

Speaking of baby boys. My friend has her first grandbaby due anytime now. The nursery theme is vinatge cars and trucks. How cute is that? 

The mom to be found a picture online of some little crochet booties in the shape of cars and made sure I saw them. She said her baby boy just might look good in a pair of them. 

If you know me, I like a challenge, so I worked up a pair of little car shoes without her knowing.

Aren't they cute? I'm pleased at the way they turned out. I can't see them staying on the little kicker but they might add a touch to the nursery. 

The pattern I used is from Hut's Crochet. 

I'm giving them to her as a surprise gift. She should be getting them in the mail sometime tomorrow.

Meanwhile, I'm sitting around waiting on results from my stress test. I dont have time to wait around anymore! I'm guessing, no news is good news and I have beach to attend. 

Sea ya! 

Nailed It

Hopefully I didn't actually nail anything!

I finally felt like getting out for a little walk. Not sure what's going on but my normal fast 15 minute a mile walks have been a thing of the past latley. I'm working on finding out what's going on with my chest pains. 

After more sleepless nights, I reconsidered the stress test and will be doing that tomorrow.

We have our normal path around the neighborhood and it's equal to about three miles. We threw on our walking cloths and headed out. Once we reached the top of our road, we noticed several nails that looked as if they had spilled from a construction truck. We picked up all the ones we could see and continued walking. As we continued we saw a lot more. Our whole walk consisted of picking up nails. The intire neighborhood roads were infested! 

Here are just a few we found. It's all we could carry at one time. We went back for more.

This makes me mad. One, because I can't afford new tires. Two, I'm fixing to drive out of town and don't need a flat, and three, how can somone be so careless?

Every morning now, when Nick takes his walk, he continues to find more nails. He thinks he found the neighbors that are causeing this havoc. He noticed their own driveway was covered in nails as well. Why are they not concerned about this? I do not wish bad on anyone but they deserve four flat tires! We can't communicate with them because they do not understand English. 

Meanwhile,  I try to watch the road on my drive in and out each day. I have also notified the other neighbors to be careful as well.  If I get a nail in my tire, those culprets will learn some English pretty quick.