Monthly Archives: July 2010

Jul8

Had to hitch a ride home today

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So got here early. Had to take the VW to the shop for an a/c issue. I know, I know, I have a brand new Volvo, why did I keep that VW?  Because I love it is why and because I drive it to Tallahassee every month to save the new baby some wear and tear.  Anyway, even though the VW is a convertible (you know the rule- only drive convertibles)-in Florida, an air conditioner is a MUST HAVE.  I had it fixed 9 mos ago and the new compressor went bad- thank God for the warranty on the one they stuck in there – so this should not be a big cost outlay.

Anyway, I tell you all that crap and now I’m to the point of this post.  I got out of the car and walked toward my front door and was practically attacked by this HUGE blue butterfly.  It had the markings of a Monarch but was a gorgeous blue.  I ran in to get the camera. The little bugger wouldn’t sit still. He was all over getting to the nectar of the flowers in the front bed and he was MAD at me for interrupting his dinner. He kept flying at my head like a kamikaze.  I finally gave up and came inside. I’ve always heard it was good luck (Of course, I don’t believe in luck) to have a butterfly fly around you.  I’m here to tell you, nope,  it is dangerous!  Check him out. AND don’t dare tell me he isn’t that big. He’s a beast.

Jul7

That Special Book in My Life

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Greek and Latin myths- read them over and over

Port of Rethymno

I could re-read Virgil’s Aeneid over and over. It is a great tale of love and loss – who could forget when Aeneas leaves Dido and she commits suicide? I took four years of Latin in school and had to translate lots of passages from this story. You might think that would make me hate it, but I didn’t. One story I DID hate in high school literature class was Beowulf. Give me ancient Latin over olde English anyday. Although that brings up Shakespeare who I DO love. Very witty man. And he had a great imagination.

I also love the Greek myths. The Iliad, The Odyssey, and the story of Jason and the Argonauts and Jason’s horrible wife Medea. I loved the story of The Minotaur and even had a pet bird when I was in law school that was named Theseus. Wanted to name a daughter after Ariadne, but alas, had sons.

There is so much going on in those tales. Great stories that inspire. Love, love, love mythology.

Jul6

“Knight and Day”

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Being a movie hound and having been busy with the day job, I took advantage of the long weekend and took in another movie on the 5th. I saw Knight and Day with Cameron Diaz and Tom Cruise.  Not normally a fan of either one of them but two of my friends had seen it and highly recommended it.  So I put aside my reservations and went.  I actually thought it was quite funny and appealing.  Both of the stars were spot on in their roles. I’m not sure but I think Tom Cruise might not have been acting.  I think his true personality was on display in this role. Except for the parts where he administered drugs- which we all know, based on the debacle with Brooke Shields, that he’d never do in real life.

One really cool part (yes, I’m showing my geek side) was that the celestial blue Volvo C-70 with calcite white leather interior was exactly like my car.  It was awesome to watch it being driven in such a wild manner.  I was happy that they abandoned it in pristine condition.  So funny that I’d be worried about such a dumb thing,  huh?

The other thing I liked was the scenery- Austria was the loveliest.  This was a fun flick and a good summer, light fare, movie.

They only used the Volvo with the top up in the movie.  Here it is with the top up (and in white, not blue).

Jul5

“I Love it When a Plan Comes Together”

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The title to this blog post was  my favorite line from the television series, The A Team. I adored that show. It was always a lot of fun and George Peppard was completely cool under pressure.  The whole premise of the show was fun- the way the story lines allowed for reality to be suspended was a great escape. Some people thought the original series was cheesy but I really, really had a thing for Hannibal.  I guess I was in the minority because most of my girlfriends were all about Face. He was cute but he couldn’t compete with Hannibal in my book.

I finally got the time to go see the new  The A Team on the 4th of July. What better way to spend the day than dinner with the parents and then a movie about Federal fugitives?  I really enjoyed this movie. It was a lot of fun and I found myself grinning through the whole thing.  It was over the top.  Liam Neeson was great as Hannibal and the other actors were amazing, too. This movie stayed true to the spirit of the series. The bad guys were uber-bad. The good guys were very, very good and very, very sexy.  All in all, I recommend this one for laughs and escapism.  Just like the original show. A great escape.  Literally and figuratively.

I hope they have a “plan to come together” again. I’ll be there.

Jul4

As AMERICAN as they come

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My ancestors arrived on these shores in 1690.  My Great Grandfather, 5 generations back, fought for this country’s independence. He almost died in the cold of Valley Forge.  Was on sick leave and didn’t get paid for a couple of months.  I am so proud to be American and I’m grateful that Thomas Gresham, my relative, picked the right side.  That he was a rebel.  I sincerely hope that if I had to make a choice to fight and perhaps die for what I think is right, I would follow in the footsteps of Thomas. 

Thanks to all who have sacrified their lives in the name of fighting oppression, from whatever source.  I admire that. 

Happy Independence Day, USA

DON”T TREAD ON ME!

Jul2

Pensacola Lighthouse

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Heading out in a few minutes to the Pensacola Lighthouse for a ghost tour with the Ghost Seekers of Texas.  This is my second time to do this. First time, son’s leg got really cold and I took a picture and got a great shot of a white blur across his pant leg. AND upstairs, he and I both heard a moan/groan at the same time. We were the last ones in the hall and it was a clear sound.  There was no wind so it wasn’t that. 

Tonight I’m going with paranormal writer and friend Cynthia Eden.  Should be a blast.  If I catch any good shots,  I’ll edit this post with them. 

EDITED TO ADD:  Had a great time except for one chick that was so susceptible to the ‘power of suggestion’ that she heard and saw everything that was possible.  We smelled tobacco a couple of times and got some EMF readings but not much else –  Didn’t get any real good shots this time. But here is the lighthouse and us girls.

Love the sky here

Jul2

sadness

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Been a sad week.  One of my dear friends from high school buried her mother yesterday.  My heart hurt for her all week.   It was so sad to see her and her siblings yesterday.

My brother in law has been in the hospital all week and last night, we got the word that he will never leave the hospital.  He has fought a valiant fight with cancer for four years.  He has hung on so long.  He was always a wonderful brother to all his siblings and welcomed me as his own sister when  I married into the family. He has an amazing wife, 3 children and 7 grandchildren,  He will be missed.  

What a week this has been.