WHERE IS IT!?  I've been hunting for the titles to the vehicles to no avail.  I am sure I put it somewhere "safe", yeah, so safe I can't find it.  They're not in the safes, they're not in the secretary in the dining room, they're not in the filing cabinet.  There are no other logical places I would have put them.  The good news about this is that it's pushed me into cleaning out some stuff from upstairs as I rummage about.  Good timing too since spring cleanup is only a little over a week away.

There are three big garbage bags and two boxes waiting to go to the curb, the very back of  the Durango is completely full for drop off at Goodwill tomorrow, and the shred container is to the brim (hopefully BRM does the free shred day again this year).  I still can't bring myself to shred old tax paperwork.  I know they say you only need to save years, but that seems so little.  I can see much more carpet in the junk room!

On other news... I finally decided to try Vixie's thundershirt on Saffy for the storm that happened earlier tonight.  I guess I had assumed that it would be too big for her, but it tightens down nicely.  Success - she's laying on the couch looking comfy vs hiding under the coffee table looking terrified.  This, of course, means I'm a complete jerk because I didn't try this sooner.  Poor kid.

I hate that crushy feeling, like there are so many things I need to do, but nothing I really can act on in this instant. It's partly the press to get things in motion (pick up for the old TV, garbage out for spring cleanup, ready the Durango to part with her, finding space for a ton of other stuff that needs to come back from my Mom's, getting time w/ Davey T to discuss other matters) and then the addition of news meaning I'll have to turn the apartment over again soon that has me feeling this way.

As I dwell on stuff I also then start to think about the other stuff that has lingered on the to do list like contacting someone about the drippy chimney and make some progress on the website design I got roped into (I don't care how many times people try to say I volunteered, the fact is they're missing a word - "was" - I WAS volunteered). Yes, yes, that gets me feeling twitchy and anxious which then makes me just want to go lay down and sleep or eat... yeah, eat! Neither one is a very good idea as that then reminds me how far off the wagon I am after not having lost weight at all in the past few months.

TV is all hooked up!  A gang of us got together Friday night at the Orchard for wings and drinkies.  After my Favorite Egg was already on top of starting to put things in order.

Saturday we headed out to Johnny Mac's wedding and reception.  I didn't sleep super well Friday night, so I wiped out on the couch pretty early after we got back.  While I slept, the rest of the components were magically put together and everything was pushed back to the wall.  He's a good one, no doubt.  :)

Today we did a little running to facilitate cooking and then watched Meet Joe Black.  The TV is pretty sweet, but it's a little odd to see every scar and flaw on the faces of actors.  It also seems hyper realistic, so some things look a little 3d or faked.  It will be nice to be able to hit the internet from the TV and use it for so much more.

The day (heck the whole weekend) went way too fast.  Don't mind me, I'm just going to sit here, feel sorry for myself, maybe workout my arms/shoulders/sides, and then slip into a coma before I need to get through another week.

It was snowing today.  I didn't throw myself to the ground like a two year old, but I really really wanted to.  I knew it wouldn't lay, but c'mon, did it have to get cold enough to warrant the winter coat coming back out?  *exasperated sigh*  This doesn't help the fact that I've been so tired lately, it makes me want to retreat into winter-hibernate mode.

The new TV arrived just a few minutes after 8 this morning, so now it sits waiting for my Favorite Egg to visit.  I'm excited about it, I admit it.

Not only did I scoop last night, but I started making piles of leaves in the back yard.  It really helped speed things up today when the youngest Law came to assist with my lawn work.  It's so nice to have his help, he doesn't shy away from the work, and it's nice to get to talk with him.

The front and back yards are both in order now, and ready for mowing, but I'm not ready to send the message and ask if my lawn care guy is still doing it this year.  I worry every year that he'll hang it up.  As I look outside it appears that a rain storm is trying to blow in and it's cooling off pretty fast.  Have at it mother nature - I got everything done.  Neener neener.

I'm going to sit here and relax this evening, and play w/ my faster internet speeds to upload some grave photos I took last night.  Yay!

Today mulch the planet took place in Ferndale.  The weather is fantastic.  I should be out back scooping poop to ready for more work here tomorrow, but I think I'm going to make a Big Lots run.  My cabinets are quite empty right now.  Then, maybe a nap... but yeah, yeah, I'll get scooping. *sigh*  I wish I didn't have to feed them.

This evening I uploaded my 58 videos from vacation in a short period of time.  I think that answers the question that the cable modem arrived in time for my afternoon appointment.  Yay, welcome to a new world.

I came home today to join my sister who kick started me on some long over due cleaning and purging.  The pile of bags at the curb for trash is rather inappropriate right now.  Boy they trash guys won't like me next week as it's mostly heavy stuff too.  I feel a couple of hundreds of pounds lighter, literally.

For realz? The place I attempted to order the TV from doesn't ship here. He said "if you look at the map on my website"... um, huh. I could understand if you only shipped within your state, but no, they are all over the place, just a big gap over PA and NY. Friggin Jersey, that's all I have to say. Ok, so I ordered from the place with the next lowest price. They'll take my money, they ship to all 48 contiguous states.

On a separate subject: Car manufacturers - what is up with the number of red/burgundy vehicles that ONLY have an option for a tan interior, not gray. Ew. I will not buy your vehicle.

I did it. I just ordered a curved 4K TV for the living room. My first shop on this idea was Valentine's day, so pretty much two months on the nose until I leapt. Fingers crossed that I chose wisely. Either way it will be nice to have something light enough that I can actually move the stand in the living room and clean behind it. In the mean time, anyone want a 36" tube TV?

The Wild One and I indulged with Red Fishy for lunch today.  The overeating needs to stop, but by golly it was good.  This was our first treat from the funds raised from reselling some things.

I have myself a little more sore after a lunch time workout on Monday.  But I'm thinking it's time to do more mulching.  Beware Ferndale, you're next on my quest to mulch the planet.  First I need to shake the headache that started blooming today.

Side note, it's been 5 years since Peter left this world.  I still wish there would be just one more show.

My ribs were a wee bit sore this morning, but it faded quickly.  So, why not mulch some more?  My sister and I were a bit slow in getting out of the house today, but we eventually made our way to Altoona, had some lunch and got on it.  We bagged up some things for trash and pulled clothes together to get sorted through, then we went for mulch.  The day, and my weekend, went way too fast.  I really could use a couple of three day weekends.

Week one back left me exhausted.  I decided to nap last night after work, wiping out for nearly 3 hours.  Very little got done after as I was back in bed by a normal time and slept through the night, forcing myself to get up a few minutes before 8 as to get to Carmen's first thing.  I walked in a few minutes after 8 and already had a good 7 people in front of me.  So I sat there until 11:30, but at least they were able to get the work done.

Rear rotor and brake.  They think the smoke that was witnessed may have been from exhaust, as that too needs replaced and will need done when she gets inspected (yay).  I know I should start shopping and figure out what I want to buy, but I really really don't want a car payment, so I am putting it off as long as possible.  It's nice to not itch wanting a new car, right?

After leaving Carmen's I grabbed a bite and then hit the grocery store.  The sun is out even though it remains a little chilly, so I was feeling motivated.  I am a pro at getting the mulch down and it looks so much nicer out front, even though there is still lots of raking and other work to be done out there.  Two loads of laundry are done and starring at me from the love seat saying "fold me". 

I've made food that needs baked, but here I sit waiting for my sister's last flight to take off.  It's pretty crappy when flight aware tells you the AVERAGE time this flight leaves is over an hour after it is suppose to, and the majority of times in the past few weeks it was more like 2 or 3 hours.  How does an airline get away w/ that crap?

Right now I'm thinking about another nap.

Fri, March 27 - Flying Out
I dropped the girls early and headed to work for a little while.  We had a late afternoon flight, so there was plenty of time to work out and shower before hitting the road to Latrobe.  This is the second time I've flown on Spirit and I'm content.  Sure, the seats don't recline that whole 2 inches, the weight limit is only 40lbs rather than 50, and there isn't an included drink onboard, but they leave on time (or early), have free parking, short security lines, and are a short 45 minute drive away.  The prices were pretty competitive to those from the burgh as well. Since the parking is free it was perfect to just meet my Favorite Egg there.

We stayed at Rodeway Inn again.  The convenience of knowing they have an airport shuttle, included transportation to the pier, an eatery attached, included breakfast, and wine for sale make it a great choice when leaving from FLL.  Unfortunately, the restaurant there no longer offers the cranberry hamburger I fell in love with.


Sat, March 28 - All Aboard
We headed towards the ship around 10:30, but weren't onboard until close to 12:30 thanks to the security lines being halted.  Not sure what their deal was, but they moved us to a new line where we stood waiting for a half an hour easily as the staff just stood around, not processing anyone.

Our first night at dinner we had a family of four, but they were gone the second night (gee, thanks) but were replaced by a very nice couple and a Mother/son that we got on well with.  The third night two female friends traveling together also joined us at the table to fill it up.  Our staff there was nice, the assistant waiter quite good.  Our stateroom attendant was also very pleasant and efficient - completely out of our way and covering everything we needed.  Food was good.  I even tried a special they offered on the last night and indulged in a filet from Chops.  It was good, but will I cough up to go eat at that specialty venue?  Probably not.



Sun-Mon, March 29-30 - At Sea
I'll use these days to talk about Independence.  Our room was as I expected, and very conveniently located down a wider than many hallway very near the concierge lounge making it easy to get a morning cup of cappuccino.

Indy seemed to be in good condition.  It boggled how good the casino could smell like it was constantly being febreezed, but still wreak of smoke at the same time.  Same deal w/ half of the pool deck and deck 4.  I really wish they'd just eliminate smoking onboard entirely.  It's just disgusting to have your hair stink after walking through a section for 30 seconds.

During our time onboard there was the requisite art auctions, ice skating show with an amazing violinist, trip to Johnny Rockets for a greasy meal, nightly drinks, others flowriding to watch, mini putt, time in the hot tub, a little less time in the gym than I should have spent, and nightly shows.  The shows included a ventriloquist I've seen before, a comedian, and a 'strong couple/aerial act' that were pretty darn amazing to watch.  The last act also introduced me to a Sade song I've never heard before but instantly fell in love with.


Tues, March 31 - St Maarten
Let's talk about the most fun I've had on an excursion.  We booked a jet ski tour that went around part of the island.  Oh yes.  Not only am I going to want to jet ski every time I vacation henceforth, but I want one of my own and somewhere to live that I could actually use it. There was very little instruction before we headed out and boy did we head out, sailing up to 40 mph at points.  Thank goodness I had a driver who wasn't sick of me and didn't toss me off the back, although there were a few really rough spots that I had to cling pretty tight to stay onboard.

Before we headed back onboard I drug him to get a Guavaberry cocktail and into a couple of the stores on the pier side.


Wed, April 1 - St Kitts
Third trip out with Thenford Grey's tours.  This time we ended up with his older brother as our guide.  I've done this specific tour before, but I figured it was a nice overview of the island for him.  Plus the views from the fort are quite nice, as is the beach time at the end (we went back to Carambola and I caved and tried some of their sushi which was pretty tasty).


Thurs, April 2 - San Juan, Puerto Rico
This is where the crazy event of the trip occurred, but I wasn't made aware of it until I returned to work on Monday.  A news story was brought to my attention of a couple involved in a murder suicide on a cruise ship while I was away.  I read the article and realize - oh snap, they were in San Juan w/ us and THAT is where the people were found on that day!  I quickly searched the name of the ship for a photo.  Imagine my surprise to see it is the ship I photographed as it came in (while we were at the one fort) a mere hour before the couple were found.  A later photo I took has her right beside our ship in port a half an hour before they were found.  It's kinda creepy to me.  Here are those photos.  I'm sure there was a bit of controlled mayhem onboard shortly after these photos were taken, but I never heard sirens or anything outside of our ship that made us aware anything was up.

Fri, April 3 - Labadee, Haiti
We headed out and straight to the Dragon's Cove area for that view and to listen to the 'dragon breathing'.  Good thing too as it was pretty empty when we went.  We pulled in here w/ Granduer, who beat us into port and left before us.  It was lovely to see her.

Remember that surprise I had in the works?  This is it - time for the reveal!  I had been in contact with the concierge, Raj, ahead of time to try and secure a cabana for our time in Labadee.  Turns out he had availability and was not only able to get us one, but he was able to get us one along Barefoot Beach, rather than Nellie's.  Barefoot Beach is the gold-pass holders (suite guests) only area.

We had an awesome hillside cabana, which offered us privacy and a great view.  There was much floating about on the mats in the water, taking in the view, and just enjoying a bit of a slow/quiet day.  There is a slightly upgraded lunch buffet there, but it's pretty much the same food, minus the lines, and strikingly absent birds stealing your food.



Sat, April 4 - At Sea
Nothing really else to say here other than, as always I get to this day and think two things:
1).  Dang, there are so many things we still didn't get to do.
2).  I don't wanna go home.

I did get another sailing booked on Liberty, snagging an interesting aft cabin with a bit of a strange set up.  But that's kind of far off.  Things may change between now and then.


Sun, April 5 - Homeward Bound
Leaving the ship went relatively smoothly considering something as hosed up and they didn't process our charges to our credit cards as we had wanted them to.  Again, thank goodness for the concierge who cleared this up for us while we sipped our morning java.

We had a bit of a wait at the airport, but nothing too bad, and our flight left a few minutes early - so bonus!  We arrived and headed straight to Egg's Aunt and Uncle's for Easter dinner, arriving JUST in time.  Can you beat that?  After a few hours I had to head out, on my own for the first time in over a week.  Gratefully the weather has finally broke here.  The sun was out and the temps reasonable to welcome us back.  It is, of course, chilly and rainy again today.  I have way too long until I see my honey again.  :(

It's already 10:30, so there is no way a full report on the vacation is happening tonight.  But since I left the computer running all night and today while I was at work I did get all of my photos uploaded and some free prints ordered (before the freebies expired at midnight).

I didn't work out (again) but I did do a little bit of raking outside, even after my massage, which I'm shocked didn't make me want to go straight to sleep.  There is always so much needing done in the spring.

I also ran to see my jeweler over lunch.  He had two pretty green shiny objects in for me to check out and I made my selection.  Marquise it is.  Now to find the time to figure out a setting.

Ouch, my soul.

It's happened, I've finally gotten so fed up with the piss poor speeds of my Verizon internet and reached out to... Atlantic Broadband. I am hoping and praying the sins of their past are only there, in the past. Fact is, even after paying for the install and buying a cable modem I'll recoup costs in a few months because my bill will be $14 less each month and I'll actually have speed to speak of.

This morning I ran a speed check:
1.29 Mbps down
0.38 Mbps up
Yeah, that's why I was uploading vacation photos all evening and left it run after I went to bed but still have more to go. This will also be nice for my find a grave photo uploads. Maybe having a good connection will also press me to get the new television I've been eying and doing a bit of streaming! We'll see.

I'm still Walmart free, so perhaps my soul isn't irreparably stained. More information on the vacation forthcoming!

In my pile of mail that was waiting I finally received the cancelled out paperwork from my mortgage. That only took ya'll 6 months. Good work.