Rischa's Rants, Raves, and Ramblings

It's raining, it's pouring, it's thundering, it's lightning....

I'm still enjoying myself here in Naples even though the weather is a bit scary. There was a thunder so loud that it shook the room a few minutes ago. I hope nothing got struck! It sure sounded like it was hitting the parking lot outside! Very scary! I'm still having a blast just relaxing in this posh place, though.

We had a delivery around lunch time today from my thoughtful In-Laws. They sent us a wine basket full of goodies. There was the wine, some crackers, cheese, mints, Bree, cookies, and a few other things I think. Also, there are some beautiful purple and white Orchids in there among the goodies. I wonder if my sweet MIL did that or if it was just a happy coincidence that my favorite flower was included in the basket. There was also a card wishing us a great time while we're here. Room service delivered the basket and brought extra wine glasses, although the way this place is stocked we already had those plus anything else we need here. One could literally LIVE here and have everything you need to be comfy and happy. Anyway, THANK YOU to my In-Laws, Sandy and Steve!! We love our surprise!!

I had a few hours of down time after our trip down here on Sunday night. So I played on my laptop and PSP. I completed a fun little tutorial: http://justtagit.net/tutorials/springtimewalk.html

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Gotta run get ready before Joel gets off work. I think we're going to eat at the Cheesecake Factory tonight. :-) See ya!

Naples!!!!

Hi from Naples, FL! We're here and LOVING it! This is a beautiful area and VERY ritzy! The resort where we're staying is so posh and beautiful! I couldn't believe how nice this place is when we first walked in the door. Joel and I walked in and our mouths dropped to the floor! I'll talk more about that later. It's getting late and my tummy has been hurting, so I'm ready to get to bed.

Before I do that I thought I'd share some photos. This first photo is just me showing my new hair-cut. Mom gave me a new do Saturday night. Here it is:

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And here's a photo I took of Joel while we were waiting on our food from Pinchers Crab Shack:

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And this is Joel at the Boardwalk at Tin City:

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And the beach:

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All of the photos above were taken with my little Point & Shoot Sony except the one of me. That was taken with my Nikon D70.

Okay, I'm off here for now. It's after 3 AM and I'm ready for dreamland. See ya!

What next?

I hope anyone reading this is having a pleasant morning, afternoon, evening. My days have been a bit off. Last night I stayed up all night with Philip. He's showing signs of depression from losing Lillian, so I've put him in with Oscar. I've spent extra time with him every day since Lil passed, but nothing I do can replace her, obviously, so he's going through his mourning process. I wish I could do more to help him. Anyway, Oscar isn't a glider that likes to share his food, so I have to watch the two of them very closely. They play and sleep so well together....it's the food that's the problem. I put separate food and water bowls in the for them, but if Oscar's eating....he's fussing if Phil is in there with him. Still, Philip is happier with Oscar than alone, so I have been staying up nights with them. I didn't get to bed this morning until 8 AM! Anything for my wee ones! But Mommy sure could use some peaceful rest! I can't just stick Philip back in his cage alone and risk him over grooming himself or self mutilating because of depression. I also worry that I won't be able to go to South Florida with Joel like we had planned for the end of the month.
Which brings me to my next paragraph....

Joel has yet another business trip the week of March 30th. I've been planning to go with him for quite some time now. I haven't talked about it because I kept forgetting. lol Anyway, we're going to Naples hopefully. THIS is where we'll be staying while we're there. I can't wait! The only problem is that I'm worried that Philip will not be able to adjust by that time without me here to watch out for him. I have considered sneaking him into the hotel, but I'd hate for Joel to get kicked out of a business payed hotel. lol That would be bad for business, ya know. Mom is afraid of the gliders, so I can't ask her to get him out. She always feeds them and cleans up after them while they're sleeping so she doesn't have to interact with them. Kolby loves the gliders, but he IS a teen. I'm not too comfy with the idea of him being totally in charge of keeping Philip safe and happy. So that's another thing on my mind at the moment.

There is some good news....Philip is just as happy as he can be tonight and very playful. I've had him out for the past few hours since it got dark and they woke up. He hasn't shown ONE sign of being depressed tonight. (Knock Wood)

Lacey, on the other hand, has had a very hard day with her back. Lacey is our oldest Cocker Spaniel. She hurt her back when she was about 4 years old. She's 9 now. Her back goes out on her sometimes when she plays too rough or when she gets a little overweight. So today I had to help her back in the house because she couldn't make the ONE step up from the back yard. Poor girl. Anyway, her doctor gave me meds for her for when her back does this, so she promptly got a pill hidden in a piece of ham. She's snoozing on the floor beside me right now. She's been there for a couple of hours. It's driving Penny batty that Lacey won't play with her. They're usually play buddies.

How about a REALLY cute video? Actually, a link to a really cute video. It's a glider video that is SO freakin adorable! Are you tired of Glider Talk yet? Tough noogies! You're at the wrong blog in that case! LOL Here's the video link:

http://www.funpic.hu/en.picview.php?id=33856&c=-1&s=dd&p=1

Ok, that's about it for now. I need to put Philip and Oscar back in their reptarium to get their naps and eat. I'm going to take that opportunity to shower and then fold cloths while I watch Days. Maybe I'll post again later...maybe not. Depends on how busy or tired I get. Later!

Tagged

I'm sorry Elizabeth! I know you've tagged me several times, but I'll finally do this one. lol

Check here for Elizabeth's blog: http://unofficially-nameless.blogspot.com/
Leave her some love in the comments section. Everyone loves to get blog comments!

Here are the instructions: Copy these questions onto your blog and answer them. Tag all of your friends by posting a comment on their blog. Add links to their blogs on yours. Have fun, and learn more about your pals!

1.WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?

Yes; My great aunt LeCrischa (sp?) and my great grandmother who's middle name was also LeClair.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? The last time Joel had to go out of town for business.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Nope, it looks like a 6 year old's handwriting. I'd rather type...I do that very well. lol

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Cajun Roast Beef!

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yep, Kolby Heath! Most handsome little man in the world!

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yep!

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Sarcasm? What's that? Does that answer your question? :-P Um, yeah!

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes, unfortunately I do. I wish I hadn't have been such a baby about getting them out as a child so they'd be gone and not hurting RIGHT NOW! Yep, I woke up with a soar throat and a fever today. It sucks!

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No, but I probably would have if I hadn't seen so many of those shows where something bad happens and the bungee breaks. I've seen too many videos of bungee failure!

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Smart Start Healthy Heart (the kind with brown sugar)

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No. The only time my shoes get untied is when I fall asleep on the bed with them still on and Joel takes them off for me. He's such a sweetheart to me. Happy Valentine's Day Babe!

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG Physically? I'm about average I guess. My legs are really strong since I walk a lot. My back is very weak at times, though.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? You can't possibly expect me to choose ONE favorite? Okay here are my top 3 and that's as close as you get. Chocolate, Cookies & Cream, and Vanilla. (Also love Rocky Road but I promised just 3 lol)

14 WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Well since most of the people you see out in public you don't talk to I'd say I notice appearance is first. But if I interact with them I notice body language or if they're friendly or not.

15. RED OR PINK? Pink! Pink! Pink!

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
That's too personal. I think I'll keep that one to myself this time. No need to be negative.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? I can not possibly choose 1 person over another that I've loved and lost. I miss all of my grandparents and my friends Audra and Eydee. Even though I didn't talk to Eydee much I would hear Mom say that she heard from her and she said hello or I'd send a hello her way. And knowing that I can't just call her up or send a "hello" her way makes me miss her.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO PLAY ALONG WITH THIS GAME? Of course I do!

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Gray sweat pants (I have tons of sweats that I just love to wear...very comfy) and Blue, Silver, & White running shoes.

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Pancakes.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? The Shannon Burk Show, but the site seems to be having issues, so I'm hearing silence for some reason. Oh, and my typing on the keyboard.

22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? A very soft, pale, pink.

23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Honeysuckle, Gardenias, Freshly laundered linens, & Joel. :-P

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? I haven't talked to anyone so far today, but last night I talked to Elizabeth.

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yes! Of course I do! She's a pretty cool sista.

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Is Nascar a sport? If not, then basketball. Especially the Globe Trotters. I saw them for the first time in FOREVER a few nights ago. They're so funny!

27. HAIR COLOR? Dark brown with some red. Although, I have some chemically treated junk that's growing out of it.

28. EYE COLOR? Brown. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Nope, I can't stand to touch my eyes.

30 FAVORITE FOOD? Seafood! Specifically SHRIMP! I like shrimp prepared any way! Shrimp soup, shrimp salad, shrimp...... (well, you've seen the scene from Forrest Gump, right?)

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings.

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Clerks.

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Gray T with blue sleeves.

34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer between those two choices. Give me Spring over any other, though.

35. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs.

36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Warm, gooey brownie with vanilla ice cream on top and some fudge on top of that.

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? No one usually, but maybe Candice?

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Everyone! lol

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? A book about Dachshunds. It's a short one, but I read a little each night before bed. If I'm not in the mood for that one I've been looking through a beading book my mom left here.

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Nothing, it's just black. Does the mouse count?

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Two & a Half Men & Clerks while cooking and watching TV. I would have watched Days, but I was too tired.

42. FAVORITE SOUND? Kolby and Joel's laughter.

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? They both rock!

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Arkansas. I know....I'm not very well traveled.

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Photography I guess? It's not all that special, though. There are zillions of photographers way better than me.

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Wills Memorial Hospital in Washington, GA.

47. WHO'S ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING?
Anyone who chooses to do this.

Candice http://www.mysillybirdies.blogspot.com/

Vicki http://treasuresanddreams.blogspot.com/

Beth http://www.insyncwithdworld.blogspot.com/

Chloe http://digiscrapeng.canalblog.com/

Yenny http://funkyandcreative.com/

I'm home

I'm home early from Punta Gorda. There was a family health emergency, so unfortunately my vacation was cut short.

Tuesday I had a head ache all day, so I stayed in the hotel room waiting on DH to get off work. Joel was able to get off early, so we went to Fishermen's Village again. Then we went to eat at the hotel restaurant, Benedetto's. It was a very nice place. Their specials included lobster tail, so I had 2 lobster tails for an entree. They have the BEST soup, too. I had creamy chicken soup. It was the best soup I've ever had I think. I wish I knew how to make it. I also wish I knew how to make those mango Ritas I had at Joe Cracker Monday night. BEST Ritas ever! Now that I'm home nothing looks very yummy in comparison.

*sigh* I can't think. I took a sleeping pill and it's working on me. Good night!

Short entry before bed w/photos

Our second day in Punta Gorda was nice. Not as nice as last night, because I was alone most of the day, but it was fun shopping. I'll tell more about that tomorrow. Right now it's 1 AM and I'm just too pooped to blog. Here are some photos I took.....

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That's all for now. I'll post a longer, written entry tomorrow when I'm not so tired and I'm all alone. Boohoooooo. lol Nighty night!

Punta Gorda is BEAUTIFUL! w/photos

Joel and I are in beautiful Punta Gorda. My mother and grandmother are house sitting for us. Kolby is there helping them with the pet sitting. Penny was a bit bummed about Mommy leaving. Kolby said she cried for a LONG time. I didn't know that my grandmother would be coming to Florida with Mom. It was a GREAT surprise. I thought about staying home so I could hang out with her. Joel and I need a vacation together, though. It has been almost 9 years....I think it's about TIME! lol

The drive down here wasn't too bad. Although, there was a point on I-75 where we were at a stand still for a while. There was a horrendous accident. I think it's about the worst either of us had ever seen. I don't even know what the vehicle was. Joel said it was a truck and I said it was an SUV. Who knows, but I sure hope the people are okay. I was horrified when I saw the state of that vehicle. They had that lane closed down and emergency vehicles everywhere. Enough of that, though....

We got to our hotel very easily. We basically stayed straight the whole drive. My GPS brought us right to it. It's a nice hotel with a GREAT view! We're overlooking Charlotte Harbor, which is gorgeous at sunset. Right around sunset we visited Fishermen's Village. We went into a couple of the shops and looked around. Then we made it to our destination at the end of the market. The Captain's Table! We ate outside at sunset. What a gorgeous view! I took pics with my cell, but I didn't have the Nikon with me. Maybe I'll upload those tomorrow so you can see what we saw. I had Calamari and Seafood Fettuccine. Then followed up with some coffee. Joel had the Captain's Platter. It looked yummy, too. We ate ourselves stupid. lol

We also did some walking around. Here are a few photos. I played with some of them in Photoshop, obviously.

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Those are the only ones I felt like editing. lol I'm exhausted! Of course I'll be showing them ALL off when I return home. Plus a few each night until I get home.

I'm off to beddy bye. See ya tomorrow night with more pics and with how my shopping went! :-)