Growing Up

My son is going to be 11 in June, he got his first cell phone this week. I know what you are thinking, he is TOO YOUNG. We live in a relatively small town, that becomes a bigger town during winter tourist season. He rides his bike with his friends and I worry about where he is what is going on. I totally trust him, but I DO NOT trust most adults, other kids...pretty much anyone....so he is now carrying a Verizon phone that I can track from my phone or any computer. Yes, it even allows me to set up a grid, if he goes outside of that grid I get a text message. If that phone is on I can find him.....that makes me feel much better about letting him go out and grow up. Big Brother is watching.....

This was sent to me today by a friend, I have seen it before but thought it was worth sharing again.

Here is a soldier stationed in Iraq, stationed in a big sand box. He asked his wife to send him dirt (U. S. soil), fertilizer, and some grass seed so that he can have the sweet aroma, and feel the grass grow beneath his feet. When the men of the squadron have a mission that they are going on, they take turns walking through the grass and the American soil - to bring them good luck.

Stop for a minute today and say a prayer for our troops.

KSC and the Mosquito Lagoon

The Mosquito Lagoon, which is a favorite fishing spot in out area as well as a bird sanctuary is in danger of being taken over by Kennedy Space Center. Read about it here.

If you want some local color on this issue read the comments at the end of the article. I think it is a shame that KSC would take this area which houses all varieties of local wildlife. Many of the bird photos I have are from this bird sanctuary. Judging from the comments there are a variety of strong opinions on the issue!

Abandoned Kitty

We had some neighbors, they moved away a couple of weeks ago, they left their cat. I cannot even tell you how mad that makes me. This gorgeous black cat is now roaming the streets, it is clearly a well cared for pet, I know where it lived. When it first started hanging around my kids took it around to find the owner, another neighbor told us the people who owned it moved on. WHAT ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

So....now I am feeding it, I cannot officially adopt it because I have a dog and a landlord. SO....we feed it, she is spayed, she has had her shots, she is beautiful, I cannot imagine what kind of person leaves their pet behind when they move. I do know, there is a special place at the right hand of the devil for these people.

Weekend Goings On!

Lots of stuff happening this weekend around town.

The Annual Art Fiesta will be held at Old Fort Park this weekend from 9-5pm. The show features over 240 artists and craftsman, there will be entertainment and a food court all weekend.

The Bobby Mercer-Jessica DiDonato Duo will be at the Garlic on Sunday from 4-6pm in the courtyard. $5.00 admission.

Jazz it up on Flagler Ave will be from 5-7pm at the Gazebo on Pine Street and Flagler. Hot dogs and refreshments will be sold to benefit the Relay for Life.

.....just head on over to the beach should be a nice weekend!

Fitness Frenzy

The New Year fitness craze is over. I went to the gym this morning and found a parking place. Then I found a treadmill, and I did not have to wait for the machines. Wednesday is usually busy at Nautilus by the Sea but not today, or yesterday come to think of it. Just guessing but I would say the New Years resolutions to lose weight and get in shape are starting to fade away as life gets in the way. But....If you are a local resident and want a nice community gym, that is clean, has nice equipment and very reasonable prices check out Nautilus, it is in the plaza next to the Beachside Publix.

More Free Stuff

Go on over to Ann Crabs for a BOAT LOAD of Freebies.

Also here is free Coffeemate

Contests & Giveaways

Lori from Blogging with Cents is giving away four copies of the Fruitful Time Task Manager. It’s a To Do List software program to help you get organized by keeping track of your to do list. You can read more about it and enter this contest over at Lori’s blog here. Contest ends March 6th. Good luck!

New Smyrna Steakhouse vs. South Atlantic Grille

I have spent plenty of time in the beachside restaurants, with and without my children, I am going to spend some time telling you about them.

The New Smyrna Steakhouse really deserves its own post. This is an upscale really nice restaurant, great menu, excellent food. I have been there with just adults and I have taken my kids on a Tuesday night, and a Saturday night. They greet you cheerfully, seat you, treat your children like little adults and provide EXCELLENT service. I have NEVER had a bad meal or unpleasant service.

NOW, let me tell you about my two experiences at the South Atlantic Grille.

This is a relatively new restaurant on South Atlantic, nice atmosphere, nice menu. I cannot tell you about the food, because I have not been allowed to eat it....let me tell you why.

The first time I went I took my kids, they are very well behaved and have very nice restaurant manners. We walked in and a server greeted me with "do you have a reservation?" Two tables had people at them. I said no, she said we are full til 9pm. I was obviously surprised as there were 10 tables empty in my direct vision. She said well, they are all reserved." I said okay and left.

SO....tonight we went again at 515pm, yes it is Valentines day, BUT, it was early. The same female bitchy looking server does not even let us get in the door and says "DO YOU HAVE A RESERVATION?" I said "No, but it is early, I brought my little sweeties for a nice valentines dinner." (I had my children with me.) She and another person were quite clear in their message that we were not welcome, they were full, again til 9pm. This time I questioned it. I said all these empty tables and we cannot eat? I was told they were reserved, ok, whatever.

We left. We had dinner across the street at Chases. When we left Chases a full 90 minutes later, the same number of cars were in the parking lot. We drive thru the parking lot and there were still empty tables. So this brings me to the question, "did they not want to serve me with children?" Same thing happened both times. I went on their website to send an inquiry to them, no email address. I will call tomorrow and attempt to make a RESERVATION, no I am kidding, I won't waste my time, there are so many nice places I can go with my kids that I do not have to ever eat there.

Spend your money at the Steakhouse. They have much more class!

Valentine's Day

I hope everyone has a nice day today.

Little Theatre of New Smyna Beach

The Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach is running its after school program Wonderland right now on Wednesday afternoons. The kids appeared to have a great time today!

Random Acts of Kindness Week

February 11-17th is Random Acts of Kindness Week.

What a great website the foundation has, great activities, ideas and wonderful information, you can even create your own local chapter and website.

What Happened to Customer Service?

Girl Child spent the weekend in bed, sick as a dog.The poor baby came down with the creeping crud on Friday night and was still quite sick this morning, since we moved 6months ago to New Smyrna she has been very healthy. As a result I have not established a pediatrician. So I took her to my family doctor (who was my family doctor for 10 years in Orlando before he moved his practice here). I adore him. He is wonderful. His nurses are wonderful, his partners are wonderful. SO what is it I am going to rant about, let me tell you, his receptionist who I will call "J" is not wonderful and I don't adore her.

I called this morning to set up the appointment, gave her my daughters name, told her she is 8 and has never been there, so I get there and "J" says "I did not know she is a new patient" and gives me a look like I have 2 heads. (Perhaps if you put your listening ears on "J" and pay attention you will know these things.)

OK, it gets better.....my child is very sick, high fever the works, she had to have a shot, she was clearly unhappy when we left and I was just trying to get her out of there, I paid my copay and left. I realized when I got home I needed a dr's note for school. So I very politely called back and asked "J" to fax me one. The conversation went something like this:

"J" says "it is easier if you stop back by and pick it up", I reminded her that I was there with a sick child and really could not bring her back as she is SICK, remember her the one who shrieked when the nurse gave her a shot because she is SICK. So "J" says, "I am not sure of any other way to do it"...(you are kidding me right?) So I said again as sweet as can be, do you have a fax machine? She says yes, I say, "well so do I can you fax it?" Get ready cause this is good....she says "it is easier if you pick it up" (Please lord deliver me from slapping the crap out of the chic when next I see her.)

Now I know that I have very little patience at this point, I have not had much sleep in the past three nights and I am tired, my kid is sick and cranky and so I am trying to not just let loose on this unfortunate example of customer service. So, I politely told her, "J" it may be easier for you if I put my sick child back in the car and drive over there, but it is certainly not easier for me, and since you have the technology to send it to me could you please arrange to do so. She said "you really need to come pick it up" (now you want to slap her too don't you?)

So I did what any tired, bitchy mother would do at this point, I gave up, I told her "J" I will call you back tomorrow when perhaps you will be in a better mood, or perhaps I will have the good fortune to get someone else who will help me, have a nice day."

UPDATE: I contacted the Office Manager today, we will call her "M". She faxed me my Doctors Note with no issues....imagine....

Menu Plan Monday

I am trying to stick with the Orgjunkie's Menu Plan System, girl child has been sick all weekend and is home today so there may be some shopping challenges. Here goes:

Monday: Chicken Breasts (I am using this recipe but am substituting breasts)

Tuesday: Subway Night

Wednesday: Pork Chops

Thursday: Leftovers

Friday: Grilled Chicken Salad

Saturday: Eat at Grandmas

Have a great week!

Marine Discovery Center-Summer Camps

Our very own Marine Discovery Center will once again be having some great summer adventure camps for kids. The center is located at 162 N. Causeway in New Smyrna Beach. They are offering week long camps all summer for age 4-8, 9-12, 10-14 and 12-16. Activities vary be camp and age group. Details and prices are available here.

The Center has some other great things to do, you can rent kayaks, pick up the water taxi and learn about and take a tour and cruise our Estuary.

Check back I will have a listing of some other local summer camps in a day or two.

Weekend Fun

Lots of goings on at the beach this weekend. Here is a sampling.

The 32nd annual Images: A Festival of the Arts will be held Saturday and Sunday at Riverside Park. There will be 200 artists featured, a food court, childrens projects and free entertainment. Go to Image Art Festival for more information.

The Saturday Night Cruise on Canal Street starts at 5pm. This is a free event, antique, collectible and muscle cars will be featured alone with a DJ spinning records and food and drink from the local merchants.

Shameless Plaid will be at Peanuts on Flagler Ave tonight and Sunday is open mic night!

The Flagler Tavern begins a monthly concert series Sunday from 7pm-10pm. This week features the Joe Mose Big Band. There is no cover charge.

The weather is going to be terrific, get out there and enjoy!

Martha, Martha, Martha

Martha is at it again, her column, "Ask Martha" today is filled with wonderful ideas for Valentines Day. The first question has to be, who in the heck is asking her this stuff anyway...

First we have easy to make inexpensive Bath Sachets, first head on off to your specialty herb store and pick up some fragrant spices to pack into your muslin drawstring bags. I would need some help on what a muslin drawstring bag is...oh and directions to that "specialty herb store"...

My favorite is "carnation sensation", you have got to read this one for yourself, but the gist of it is you take 5 dozen (WHAT) carnations and snip them off at the base, you then thread them together somehow with a single thread upholstery needle (that would be tough to come by in my house)and oh wait you need to hang them from an embroidery hoop, (I have one of these just laying around waiting for me to embroider....), glue on some ribbon and attach it to the ceiling. (Yea right) You can also make some matching napkin rings. I am thinking the paper towels I throw down on the table will really look special with a carnation napkin ring adorning it.

If you are in the market for a sumptuous floral shaped stamp, go ahead and head on over to the market and get yourself a Treviso Radiccchio, cut the head off and lo and behold you have yourself a stamp....I am not quite clear on what Treviso Radicchio is and the produce lady at Publix looked at me like I was a nut when I asked her and explained what I was doing....

Now I like Martha and I am sure that these are great projects. She has a variety of other totally ridiculous ideas for Valentines Day that I know my friend Annie will probably do and make better. I, however, will be sending my child to school with store bought valentines from a box....I am very concerned that she is going to be permanently damaged by her craft challenged mother....

....I am thinking I will throw a couple napkin rings on those 3D dog valentines to dress them up a bit!

Free Rice

At FreeRice.com, all it takes to donate rice to hungry families is a good grasp of the English language. The site gives you a word followed by four possible definitions. Match the word with its meaning and Free Rice will donate 20 grains of rice through the United Nations World Food Program. Wrong or right, you can play as long as you like, so you're helping yourself and the world!

Since launching the site in October 2007, FreeRice.com has donated over 15,586,120,730 grains of rice. How is it possible? FreeRice uses all of the advertising money they generate from ads placed on their site to buy the rice and runs their site at no profit.

So why not help out some hungry families while feeding your brain? Whoever you're doing it for, you're making a difference.

Shuttle Launch

We walked down to the beach and watched the shuttle go, I was kind of surprised it went since it has been really cloudy, but it did and it was beautiful. Boy child has had multiple sports this week so we have been running, stay tuned I am going to feature summer camps for kids in the next couple of days.

Police Athletic League

Boy Child has been playing PAL Basketball this winter and has had a great time. There have been challenges, out of control parents, silly coaches who jump up and down and scream and refs that don't have a clue. All that aside it has been a very favorable experience. I am glad my son got to see some of the colorful things that have happened this season, on and off the court. It has truly been a learning experience for him and for me. Check out the New Smyrna Beach PAL here, they have track and field and karate coming up in the spring if you are interested.

Ramblings

So how about them Giants!!! I was happy to see Eli and his team win the big one. It was a throughly enjoyable experience for this former NY girl.

Could it be any nicer in New Smyrna Beach, the weather has been incredible the past two days. Girl Child and I spent the better part of yesterday at the beach.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week, I have no complaints, things to whine or bitch about....all is well in paradise!

Marcody Ranch

Another great local business we highly recommend is Marcody Ranch. This is a full service stable located on Pioneer Trail in New Smyrna Beach, out Samsula way. We brought our two Tennessee Walkers here in October, we boarded them with a friend and as things sometimes go, it did not work out. So off I went in search of a full service stable. I found it. Hope Rosenthal is wonderful, she takes a personal interest in every horse and rider she has.

They offer lessons on your horse or theirs, they have in house shows, summer camps and full service boarding. When I say full service, I mean full service. I have seen places where full service is turn-out and feed. This full service includes feed, supplements, worming anything special your horse needs they will do.

Check them out, you won't be sorry.

Flush

I am going to install infrared sensors on my toilets. You know the kind in truckstops and rest areas. You walk in front of it and have to hop out of the way so you are not sucked down the drain. That is what I want in my house.

Neither of my children can remember to flush, this is a new thing since we moved and I am sick of it. Each and every time someone emerges from the bathroom I say "did you flush" because I know there is a 90% chance they did not. I get a variety of answers from "yes" (usually a lie) to "come on Mom" to "oh man" and so on. I send them back, I call them in there when I come upon an unflushed commode, they blame each other. IT IS DRIVING ME CRAZZYYY. Trust me I do not have far to go to join the crazy crowd.