Ever since Summer has decided to grace us with its beautiful warm days and clear blue skies, I have made it a point to go outside for a minimum of 5 minutes. However, I rarely stay outside long enough to fully enjoy the wonderful weather. Back at the Homestead, I used to take a blanket outside and lay down in the yard. Sometimes I would nap, other times I would read a book. Most often I would end the day with a sunburn but to me it was worth every burnt inch of skin. Up here in the North where the sun isn't nearly as strong I am finding myself staying indoors. It is not humid at all, despite what the natives claim (weaklings) and the temperature is very rarely hot (80 with no humidity and a cool breeze does not equal a heatwave. Go to Tennessee first. THERE is a major heatwave in the South). My point is that before, I would bask in the hot and humid sun in the South where I would be sweating profusely while up here I am not taking advantage of the beautiful, warm weather. What is wrong with me?!?!!

Today I plan on making my way to Target and purchasing a card table. Nothing fancy, just something to play games on or eat if necessary (i.e. for when the Family comes up for my Graduation Extravaganza in late August). I am also planning on using this table outdoors to do my summer reading assignments and other coursework. I might as well find a reason to go outside and enjoy the wonderful weather while making my time useful, right? Besides, it isn't as if I have anything better to do.

How long has it been since you've enjoyed a relaxing afternoon outdoors?

I just found out that former QB of the TN Titans was shot to death in Nashville, TN!!! WTF!! This is INSANE! The 5th celebrity to go in less than a month! And CaKaLusa was prediciting the loser of Hollywood to go next...pffft. What does he know...


Rest in Peace Steve. We will miss you greatly.

My heart goes out to his family and the family of the unidentified young woman found dead with him.

“Little girls don’t know how to be sweet girls
Mama didn’t teach me
Little boys don’t know how to treat little girls
Daddy didn’t show me.”

~ “Love, Save the Empty” by Erin McCarley

I watched the movie “He’s Just Not That Into You” last night with the boyfriend and boy do I wish I had known all those truths back in the day! Hahah! It would have save me so much heartache. While watching the beginning of the film, I informed the boyfriend that this is why we woman are so darn nuts. It’s all in the passing down of dumb advice from our mothers. “If he pulls your hair then that means he likes you.” Um...if he’s hurting you, he doesn’t like you. Plain and simple. Another reason why asking my DAD these questions was the right choice.

However, through trail and error I have finally figured some things out and am happy with who I’m with now. He’s such a great guy and he treats me right.

* * *
Summer has finally arrived up here in the North. All this month there has been rain every day. At first it seemed non-stop and I was afraid my plants would drown. Then Father’s day came along with the Equinox and I’m so happy because the warm weather came with it all in one package. Now the temperatures have gone up from 60F to 80F Highs. I LOVE SUMMER!

My Sunflower are blooming, the Morning Glories are climbing those same sunflowers and opening up as well, and my lilies from Tennessee (Thanks again Sherry for the bulbs) have three tall and beautiful sprouts with numerous buds ready to burst forth. Every day I take a close look at my plants, watering them if needed, and making sure that no aphids are trying to kill them. Taking care of my plants really mellow me out and allow me to appreciate the simple beauties of this wonderful planet.

* * *
Today I started my six week summer session courses. I am finding that summer school isn’t so bad afterall. I almost wish I had done all of my courses in the summer. That way I could have used the normal school year to save up money and get stuff done. Ah well, it’s almost over now.

Billy Mays died today at age 50!

I cannot believe this. That's 4 celebrities in less than a week. It's insane.

Rest in peace Mr. Mays. I will miss your loud voice telling me how amazing each and every product was that you promoted.

For the first time in my life I made fresh collard greens. It was also the first time in my life to ever eat collard greens (that I can recall anyway). I went over to the local Farmer's Market and purchased some locally grown tomatoes, red potatoes, collards, cabbage, peaches, string beans, sweet corn on the cob, and bread. Now I'm cooking more than ever with my variety of fresh veggies to keep me satisfied. I swear, I don't think I can ever eat canned or frozen pre-packaged veggies ever again. I boiled the cabbage, collards, and one ear of corn all together in one pot while I stir fried the potatoes and one tomato with a soy patty. Yummy! My plate was overflowing with deliciousness! The only downside to being a vegetarian is that vegetables alone do not give me that fullness feeling I am still accustomed to and so later I made myself a PB sandwich on Rye that I had purchased from last weeks Farmer's Market (it sounds odd but is strangely delicious as well) and some pecans. Now I feel grrrrrreat!

Little Max wasn't feeling well on Thursday. He was sleeping all day, not eating/drinking, nor pooping/peeing. However, I didn't have any time to take him to the vet so I gave him some milk and forced him to drink some before taking Kara to the airport. On Friday after work I took him to the vet and as it turns out the poor thing has ulcers in his throat. I had noticed a swelling on his throat while in the waiting area and informed the doc. He then tried to shave that part of the neck in order to get a better look but Max, being less than 1 pound but full of very sharp and tiny claws, refused to allow him to do so. He screamed, cried, meowed, and fought until the doctor gave up. They then tried to just get a peek inside his mouth and while Max fought with all his tiny might, the doctor was able to get enough of a glimpse to see the ulcers. He gave us some medicine to give to Max and after the first dose that little fur-ball was almost 100%! If I didn't know he was sick I would assume that nothing bad was wrong with him after seeing the way he runs around the house chasing Izzy and his own tail. This medicine is really great and I am so happy that Max is now feeling better. The best part is that he's eating again.

Now onto more recent news: In response to the triple celebrity deaths this week, I must say that I care more about Ed McMahon and Farrah Fawcett than I do about Michael "pedophile" Jackson. I don't care if he was never found guilty in the court system, the man admitted he was having sleep-overs with little boys and he made a monetary deal in a previous case. That's enough to make me loose all respect for Wacko Jacko. As for Ms. Fawcett and Mr. McMahon, may they rest in peace and my prayers to their families. It's just such a shame that they aren't being given the same respect in the media as Wacko Jacko seems to be receiving. Ugh, the media makes me so sick I just want to vomit all over this keyboard. Blech!

Back to my life: On Monday my Mom had hip surgery. For years her right hip (and teeth) had been rotting away due to osteoporosis. Now she is toothless (and waiting for her dentures/implants) but at least she has a brand new hip. Right now she is going through rehabilitation but soon she will be dancing once again. I cannot wait to see the new Mom! Hooray for modern science!

I am currently watching "Life after People" on the History channel and I just absolutely love it! Nothing makes me happier than seeing Mother Earth destroy everything we humans have made and make this beautiful planet pure again.