welcome to web 2.0

I have a new iPhone. It is my first. I need “iPhones for Dummies.” But while I figure it out, I’m having lots of fun!

i pray you enough

I rarely share or forward emails — perhaps because I get so many of them every day and our inboxes are overflowing.
But I thought this was lovely and I hope it offers you a special moment today.
Recently, I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the [...]

it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood

the avocados are making their way

Hmmm, I don’t know if I’m impatient or if it’s slow season for my little green fruit.
They’ve been taunting for weeks and are still only about four inches tall. Last year was a cornucopia harvest. This year may not be so.

can you identify this bloom?

Just this year, a vine has overtaken the angel trumpet. The trumpet is thriving despite it, and I hate to cut it away because the blooms are so interesting. Any idea what this is? Weed or exotic beauty?

gardenias in the morning

The gardenia smells heavenly. It is slow to rebloom this year after a banner week not too long ago.

after

I think I grabbed too many pix of “during” in my haste. But here are some official afters along with some almost done.

during and some after

before

It has come to my attention that the photo gallery of the outside renovation has disappeared. I’ll put up a few quick photos now while I try to figure out the problem.

happy father’s day

Harry Chapin sings Cat’s in the Cradle. Treasure every day with the people you love.

matt logelin to publish book

If you’re following Matt Logelin, you probably know his story: He lost his wife, Liz, the day after his daughter was born. He writes a compelling blog that is a pleasure to read and inspires a loyal following. What’s up next? A book contract. Good for him!

golfing fore scholarships

Headed out for a golf tournament to raise new student scholarships. It is going to be a hot day … but better on the course than in the office!

royal pains

Things have been a little slow in free-TV land (whatever I can pick up on my computer). But I’ve found a new show, Royal Pains, on USA Network. It has an original storyline and the first three episodes have been fun. Have you seen it yet? Thoughts?

two healthful ideas

I read recently about the “sleep diet.” Research indicates that people who sleep at least 7.5 hours a day will lose weight, even if they do nothing else. So I have been attempting this — a big change from my usual 4 or 5 hours.
I also saw Tony Robbins recommend super-hydrating, which he says also [...]

i have been there

I Have Been There from Mark Schultz on Vimeo.

i am

he’s my son

He’s My Son – SK video from Christy77 on Vimeo.

you raise me up

what are you reading this summer?

I just finished The Shack, a haunting little book that belies its size. Some pastors decry it while others have embraced it. Some argue whether it follows the letter of scripture but it certainly provides food for spiritual thought as you explore your relationship with your God.
I’ve just started Ursula Le Guin’s The Wave in [...]

just a reminder for orange county: free books and dvds

I’ve posted previously on the plethora of resources available free for home delivery from the Orange County Library System.
Today I just placed a list of 20 items — books, CDs, DVDs — most recently released that I’d like to enjoy over the summer.
So if you live in Central Florida and have an OCLS card, you [...]

sometimes you’re just headed the wrong direction

We have a new parking garage across from our building which was so poorly designed that you see the car scrapes on the ramp walls. In the quest to maximize downtown real estate (ha ha, I guess that was an issue in the design phase), the spaces are incredibly narrow and the configurations make absolutely [...]

why, yes, it is brain science

From the New Scientist, more on the inner workings of your noodle.

ling and lee sentenced to 12 years in hard labor prison

Surely there must be a way to undo this.

your favorites?

I’m looking at upgrading and replacing a few of my tech toys over the next few months or so. I yearn to be a Mac girl again (well, I’ve never stopped but my tools betray me).
So, I seek your feedback.
Mac or PC? Which model?
iPhone or Blackberry? Which model?
And what about Wii Fit? Worth [...]

listening to all the old stuff

Many of my CDs are buried deep in boxes, most of which are marked “fragile,” with few other descriptors (chalk that up to help packing, lol).
I’ve been missing a few, particularly those that make me forget whatever it is I’m thinking about.
I stumbled upon Imeem. It’s fascinating. I don’t think I’ve quite figure it out [...]

julie rivkees returns home

I am thrilled to report that 15-year-old Julie, the missing Winter Park girl, is home safe and sound. Here is a note from her family. God is good.

the children are coming back to florida

The children, C1 and C2, will be dropped off by their dad in mid-July on his way to a work/fun trip with my sister in law. I’ll be then taking the kids back to Texas for a family reunion five days later to meet up with Mom, our family and the cousins. Should be great [...]

hello out there

Dear readers: This blog just marked its 28,000th hit, a visitor from Berkley Heights, NJ, who dropped in right around noon.
Thanks to those of you who tolerate my ramblings.
Stop by any time! I appreciate you.
p.s. Write back soon.

thought for the day

Stop thinking about working out. Get up, get dressed and go work out. Muscles need actual participation from other body parts to become toned.

15-year-old julie rivkees still missing in central florida

I posted information last week about a 15-year-old young lady from Winter Park/Casselberry, Florida, who has gone missing. The media coverage has been fairly scarce locally — particularly when you compare it to the ridiculous coverage that has gone to the Anthony family.
I’ve been to the blogs and the family’s Facebook and website pages to [...]

the season begins

June 1 marks the commencement of hurricane season. In Orlando today it is warm, sunny, still and not a hint of rain in sight.
Let us hope it is a quiet season. The local paper was pointing out how the abundance of foreclosures pose yet another risk to the market, as these empty homes are liable [...]