Beachy Mimi

A TRIP TO PERU

2011-06-30T17:08:00.001-05:00

Mr. Plastic thought it would be great fun to go to a third world country.

Please forgive me if you think Peru is not third world. I mean no disrespect.

We flew to Ft. Lauderdale and on to Lima.

Wow.

We had been warned about the airport, but I still was caught offguard.

There were masses of people all trying to get your attention. The noise was

unreal.

We got a taxi and took about a 30 minute hair-raising ride to Miraflores,

a section of Lima.

Our hotel was very comfortable and it had hot water. I discovered that hot

water is a luxury in Peru.

We took a little walk down a beautiful walkway in the middle of the street.

We got a hambuger at this little place and it was so good!

This was on the wall of our room. Since I can't speak Spanish, I have no
idea what it says. I think it is about fires and earthquakes. Great.

to be continued...

I'm SOOO Not Cool

2011-06-29T16:57:00.001-05:00

Okay, these posts have gotten out of order because, face it, I don't know what I'm doing.

You've probably seen all the Big Sur pictures you want to see...

but just a couple more things.

Mr. Plastic took my picture and I thought how cool it would be to wrap this scarf around my neck to look like a movie star. hahahah
I look like I have on a bib or something.

We've had these reservations and airline tickets since October. One would think the LATER you booked the worse seat you would get. NOT.

This is the view out our window.

This was our front view. You may be thinking...that's the bulkhead--not a bad seat.

Nope.

We were on the very last row...apart from the rest of the plane. Kinda like we were in time out.

The Room at Big Sur

2011-06-29T16:51:00.001-05:00

The room was something out of a magazine. So much glass!
Automatic shades for sun control and privacy although you were already totally private.

The entry.

This corner of the room was totally glass with a cool sculpture thing.

Yep, that's a window with a little garden on the outside.

How would you like to wake up to that view?

This shot is looking into the bathroom.

Isn't this the coolest sink?

Another bedroom view.

Tucked in the corner by the glass wall was a fireplace. We turned the air on low and fired this baby up.

Sunset over the Pacific...

MORE OF THE BIG SUR EXPERIENCE

2011-06-28T12:42:00.001-05:00

...back again. Too many pictures to show in just one post.

We walked down a little driveway to our "room".

What, you say? That looks like a rusty wall. IT IS.

This was just the outer door. Open it to...

A totally private courtyard area. Beautiful.

Now I'll show you some views from the room.

The deck from the side.

Out the door to the deck. Spectacular.

A side view of the deck. Not too exciting.

This marvelous little invention sat on the side of the deck area. It's not a hot tub as I know a hot tub, but it IS a hot water tub. Confused?
It was fabulous, marvelous and spectcular because it was cold.

Was not expecting the cold. I only took shorts and no jacket. OOPS!

This is the view from the bathtub/shower. Awesome.

This is the view if you are sitting on the pot. Sorry. It was too pretty not to share. My bad.

I'll leave you with that thought and show more later...

A Slice of Heaven---Big Sur

2011-06-27T10:54:00.000-05:00

One of the trips Mr. Plastic and I have taken was to Big Sur.

Maybe one should say THE Big Sur, or the Big Sur area.

Whatever.

The beauty.

We stayed at the gorgeous Post Ranch Inn. Normally, I probably wouldn't tell you where we stayed, but this place is exceptional.

You park down here

...and after check-in walk up these steps...

...to get to the top of the mountain.

At the top is a restaurant. The front looks like a mound of dirt...

Just take a look at the back.

To be honest, we did not enjoy our meal there despite the view. We are just not in to "fine dining". I don't know enough about it to appreciate all the creative things the chef has done. If you like that sort of thing, this would be exceptional I'm sure.

This is the view facing away from the ocean.

There were even turkeys!

oops. Here are the turks.

to be continued...

Hello Peeps!

2011-06-06T12:10:00.000-05:00

I'm back for a small bit. I'm having trouble focusing on blogging since I've discovered ANGRY BIRDS Poor Mr. Plastic (remember Mr. W is now Mr. Plastic)

I'll have lots of photos soon.

However, I will share one with you

My precious Princess just finished a run in the starring role of Queen Louie of Jungle Book fame.

She was amazing. This is a 4 generation shot after the play

Traveling FAQS

2011-04-25T12:25:00.000-05:00

When a person travels to another country, all kinds in interesting situations present themselves.

Oh, HI, PEEPS!

I've missed you bunches.

Tap tap...is this on? I'm back to file a few reports of the travels of the Plastic Family.

By the way, Mr. Wonderful has been Mr. Wonderful from the start.

His business name is Mr. Plastic, and therefore, many people think his last name is...Plastic. We get Christmas cards and other objects in the mail addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Plastic. I think it is cute.

So, from now going forward I will refer to Mr. Wonderful as Mr. Plastic and we will be known as the Plastic Family.

Makes perfect sense to me!!!

Plus it is easier to type.

And, he is no less wonderful than before.

Tomorrow we will begin showing some shots of the travels since January. I hope there are a few of you around to read.

Love ya, Peeps. Don't float away.

Back In The Saddle

2011-02-28T18:19:00.000-06:00

Back but not totally functioning. Pictures may or may not be coming soon.

FYI we were in Tahiti and New Zealand.

New Zealand may be my favorite new place.

We've also been to Canada. LOVED IT.

Mr. Wonderful took me to Canada for Valentine's Weekend. So sweet.

More later, Peeps.

IT BLEW UP IN MY FACE

2011-02-09T09:45:00.000-06:00

The guest post didn't work out exactly like I planned...

I know I owe some giveaways, and I'll get right on that.

My nose is stuck to the window to watch the snow.

I love my Peeps and I'll be back to settle up with you soon.

Paybacks

2011-01-28T10:48:00.001-06:00

So now I'm kind of getting into the fact that I can hijack my mom's blog and say whatever I want.

(I learned from the best.)

Y'all know how much Beachy Mimi loves to give away stuff.

She is so generous.

Well.

How about a little contest?

Y'all guess where Beachy Mimi is on location this week.

I gave you a really good hint in my last post.

If you guess correctly, she'll put your name in her Mr. Random and pick a winner.

I don't know what you'll win, but it'll be good.

(If you happen to be a person who really does know where she is...don't ruin my fun.)

We'll wrap this competition up on Monday night.

Her Indirectly Generous Daughter,
Queen B

*COMMENTS CLOSED*

Good Grief

2011-01-27T19:01:00.000-06:00

Hmmm. What part of NO does Beachy Mimi not understand...?

I hardly ever post on my own blog.

I can't take the public ridicule, though, so here goes.

Beachy Mimi is on the go again.

Big surprise, huh?

She was supposed to call me the minute she arrived at Destination A.

That was Monday.

I didn't hear from her until Wednesday night.

So pretty much I became the worried mom. Fairly certain she was in a ditch somewhere.

It wasn't just the not calling. I was tracking her flight on my phone. It said, "we cannot confirm that this plane landed".

Nice.

But she was fine.

Just stuck in the only touristy place on the map that has zero communication with the outside world.

(Are you buying that? Me either.)

Destination B seems to be technologically savvy.

They have newfangled devices called telephones.

However.

Destination B is in the path of a cyclone.

Beachy Mimi definitely keeps life interesting....

Her Loving (& Guilt Free!) Daughter,
Queen B

WHERE IS THE GUEST BLOGGER????

2011-01-27T00:05:00.000-06:00

Where, you ask?

That, Peeps, is a very good question.

The Queen B told me no, but I really thought I could guilt her into posting for me.

Obviously not.

The guilt factor has never worked so much for me as a mother.

So, Queen B? Please post something witty for your mother.

I am currently limited in my communication abilities.

Taking some great pictures though.

I am SO MYSTERIOUS!! hahahah

PPPLLLEEEAAASSSEEE Queen B?

Tap Tap Tap Is this thing on?

Frustrated Beachy Mimi.

GOOD MORNING TO THE PEEPS!

2011-01-24T00:13:00.001-06:00

Hope everyone had a marvelous weekend.

I am going to have a guest blogger this week.

You will enjoy it.

Later, Peeps.

SNOW DAY!

2011-01-21T10:08:00.001-06:00

We got an unexpected SNOW DAY in Chaos, USA.

Color me HAPPY. I know to you Northern Peeps, this looks like nothing.

However, here...everything shuts down and we play.

Mr. Wonderful decided to create this snow pig to surprise me. Sweet.

I sat in front of this, wrapped up in a blankie and watched the flakes fall.

Speaking of pigs, I don't thing I have ever shared my love of all thing pig. I must do that soon.

I'll leave you with this. I found this thing at a craft fair several years ago. It is a 120 pound rock that is painted.

Stay warm, Peeps.

OOPS!! SHE DID IT AGAIN (Cut the hair herself)

2011-01-19T10:41:00.000-06:00

Well, Peeps. I cut my own hair.

WHAT YOU SAY?

I know. Crazy.

I just can't get anyone to do what I want. I take pictures. I gesture.

I beg for the scissors to do it myself.

It just ain't happn'. Sorry Queen B. It just isn't happening.

I've always been a frustrated hair style person in secret. Not that I have any skillz in that area.

After I was single again, I even looked into enrolling in a styling school to get a certificate so I could learn the basics and maybe work a little bit.

Here in Chaos, AR., you can't get a cutting license unless you get get the manicurist license also. The manicurist can get a manicurist license without the hair. Go figure.

I just couldn't make myself do the nail and feet thing. In school, you don't get a choice. You do what comes up in your rotation.

That little dream just flittered away.

So, back to my own hair. I cut the top spiky and chunked up a little of the rest.

It has a few gaps (possibly) but with a messy hairstyle you can hide a lot of errors.

The bottom line...I like it. When I go back to my regular guy, he is going to flip. heh heh

If he messes with me, I'll just cut it again.

I am so rebellious. hahahahah

Getting ready for the big snow tommorrow!!

We might get an inch.

For my town, that's an EVENT!

Do you Peeps ever cut your own hair?

Holiday Today

2011-01-17T13:07:00.000-06:00

I still have not located my camera.

I did find one I lost on a previous occasion.

I have not found my keys.

I cleaned out the refrigerator just to be sure. Not there.

I also have a list. All the things I planned to get accomplished TODAY.

Well, I can't do those things because the bank and the post office...closed for the MLKJ holiday.

So...I have decided it is a holiday for me, too.

I am going to ponder my list and redo my plans for later this week.

Today? Well today I am going to spend quality time with my ipad.

Wishing you all the best of the day.

Bad Hair Day aka She Wore A Hat

2011-01-13T14:03:00.000-06:00

It has been sooooo cold here for the past few days.

I have snuggled in a heated blankie, in front of the fire with my ipad.

I may or may not have gotten any work done.

Just being truthful.

Mr. Wonderful decided I needed to get out in the sunshine, even though it was -00 degrees. (I might be exaggerating)

I dressed in warm boots, my long coat and a...hat.

I love hats. There are some really cute ones out and about, but I have had mine for quite a while.

So, out I go in my little hat. I was so warm.

If you wear short, spiky hair like moi, a hat is a day long commitment.

DAY LONG.

After our day trip, Mr. Semi-Wonderful and I met friends for dinner.

I was really pumped. We haven't eaten out since before Thanksgiving.

For some reason...I still don't know...Mr. Semi-W. decides to remove my hat in the restaurant.

THAT IS JUST NOT DONE, PEEPS!

The hat is a commitment. DAY LONG.

The hair.

My friends looked stunned.

I was paralized in terror.

Mr. Semi-W. was...laughing!

He popped it back on my head but the damage...the damage to HIM is/was almost irreparable. (I so hope that is spelled correctly, I don't have spell check on here that I can find.)

Mr. Less-Than-Semi Wonderful decided to take a road trip to get a truck.

I think that is best.

He's got a lot of damage control.

(He's so great I'm really not upset. But, hey! It might be worth a little gift to get back in my good graces. Heh Heh)

My bad.

IT'S SNOWING!!! AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BABY!!!

2011-01-09T18:59:00.000-06:00

Not in that order of course.

I very DISTINCTLY remember ~~days of agonizing~~ labor to give birth to this precious little 6 lb 5 1/2 oz black headed little girl.

I did not get to see, touch or hold her for four days.

After almost 40 years ( heh heh), I still get teary when I think of those days.

The Queen B was a preemie. Back in the dark ages.

There were no ambulances, just panel trucks. And, those came from another town 16 miles away.

After birth, the nurses whisk her away and before I even got to peek, she was on her way to a larger hospital.

The doctor that delivered her rode in the ambulance with her or she wouldn't have made it.

The pediatrician met them in the PARKING LOT with his team and they kept her breathing until they could get inside.

Every thing that could go wrong...did.

Long story short... God's intervention saved my baby, to be The Queen B she is today.

Best friend, confidant, funny funny person. She is my sunshine.

So, tell her Happy Birthday on the 10th and remind her she's pushing 40!!

hahahahahahahahaha

I crack myself up.

GREAT PLANS GO...NOWHERE

2011-01-06T09:53:00.000-06:00

Peeps. I was all pumped to tell you about our Christmas cabin in the snowy Tennessee woods--with pictures.

My camera is AWOL.

You just have to know me to know this is not unusual. My keys are missing, also.

Not a chance they are together.

So, I'm searching. When I find them, I'll finish this post.

If I don't find them, perhaps I will have had a brilliant thought to write about.

Do you ever do this?

WINNERS!

2011-01-05T11:18:00.001-06:00

Peeps! The wait is over. The winners are announced. Selected by Mr. Random and his little random number generator.

Thanks to all who entered. We'll be having several of these throuhout the year.

drumroooooll...The three winners of $50 giftcards from Target are

AMY BARRETT

Christy AT CREDEEDEE

JULIE AT THREECOOKIE DAY

FUCHIA

Congratulations to all the winners and saddness for the not winners (I just can't call you losers)

Happy New Year Giveaway!!

2011-01-02T10:21:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year to all the Peeps!

I hope your holiday was fun, joyful and full of good eating.

We had a marvelous time with all our kiddos and the Parental Unit.

I'll write all about it later.

But for now:

To celebrate the New Year and my 300th post, I'm having a Target Gift Card g

giveaway!!

Woo Hoo!

All you have to do: Leave me a way to get in touch with you (PLEASE)

Tell me the FUNNIEST gift you received for Christmas.

I loved everything I was given. The most unusual came from my step-son.

He got all the women a flashlight/taser!!!

Don't mess with the Beachy Mimi family! We are now armed! tee hee

You can also tell me of the wonderful food you ate if you so desire.

So I can live your life vicariously.

Finally, if you made a resolution...good luck! I quit doing that years ago

because I would have broken it my now. I'm just being truthful.

The contest ends Tuesday, Jan. 4, at 6 pm Central. Winners will be

announced soon after.

Good Luck Peeps. Winners will be chosen my Mr. Random.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-22T17:00:00.000-06:00

I'm going to be signing off until next week.

Packages to wrap, food to cook, parties to attend, books to read, laundry,

pedi/mani (teh hee)and all other essentials.

A massage would be nice, as would a facial. NO TIME.

So, Merry Christmas to all the Peeps. I hope you have a great one.

I will be back for a New Year's giveaway that also celebrates my 300th post.

Check back next week!

Is Everyone Ready?

2010-12-21T12:29:00.000-06:00

OOOOOH. If you are I'm jealous.

Actually, I'm ready as I'll ever be. All I have left is purchasing food.

Because of the continuing root canal saga, I'm having to put my food in the blender.

Mr. Wonderful thinks this is a fabulous way to stick a few vegetables in so I will eat them and not know it.

I'm on to his ploys.

We will have all our children, grandchildren and The Parental Unit together
for the holidays.

I couldn't ask for a better gift.

Love my Peeps.

Soup Is On!!

2010-12-17T15:53:00.001-06:00

Okay, I'm over my jeans episode. Mostly.

The Queen B gave me the most delicious soup recipe, and I just had to share it with you.

We are all going to The Parental Unit's house for a soup and snack Christmas thingy.

I don't know why I told you that.

Anyway, MAKE THIS SOUP. You will love me
The Queen B.

TORTELLINI SOUP

1 pkg. refrigerated 3 cheese tortellini (I had to get frozen and thaw it)

2 14oz boxes of low sodium chicken broth

1 10 oz container refrigerated Alfredo Sauce. I had to get the one on the
shelf.

shredded deli-rotisserie chicken (the whole thing, trust me)

herbes de provence (1/2 T) This is optional. My grocery store never heard of this, so I did a couple shakes of basil instead.

parmesan cheese

Dump all the ingredients EXCEPT the parmesan in a soup pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until tortellini is soft.

Serve with parmesan cheese on top.

Enjoy!!

Stay In Your On Age Bracket (or not)

2010-12-16T13:48:00.000-06:00

How I get myself in messes! Does anyone else ever do that?

For the L o n g e s t time I have wanted jeans with holes in them. I know they are for younger girls, twenty-somethings and thirty-cuties with good figures.

I am none of these.

I still have wanted some. I've gone up to complete strangers to ask them
"Who does your hair? and Where did you get your jeans?"

Most say, "I got them at Gap two years ago, etc. etc."

Last week, I had lunch with Queen B and ~~forced~~ asked nicely if she would take me in a teen-age store to look for some jeans.

They thought I was looking for The Princess until I told them a size.
The guy waiting on me--blinked once, and recovered nicely and said, "I'll see what we have in the back."

I think he went back there to laugh himself silly.

He eventually came back with a couple for me to try on. They were WAY too long but since this store does alterations, I felt like they would be great.

I wanted to leave them to be fixed, but the guy said they would shrink in the length and I might want to wash them first.

Okay.

Next scene. Beachy Mimi washing jeans immediately.

OMGosh. They shrunk. ALL OVER.

I put them on and the waistband didn't even cover the essentials. I'm not talking about the back essentials...THE FRONT ESSENTIALS.

I just collapsed in a heap.

I was trying to crawl under the bed to suck my thumb when Mr. Semi-Wonderful (not quite over the non-sympathy of the tooth. Just a few more days and I will be) walked in the bedroom and said, "What's wrong?"

I stood up.

He tried. He really did. But the laughter just burst forth!

Note to self: GIVE IT UP.

Okay. I confessed. I feel SO much better.

Love my Peeps.

WHERE IS SHE?

2010-12-15T11:49:00.000-06:00

Let me tell you, Peeps.

I am in MISERY.

Got the root canal. Had to go back on Saturday to get more done.

I've been moaning ever since and I'm still thinking the dentist is not finished. AGONY.

Mr. Wonderful said very innocently, "Wow. If a tooth hurts this much, I would hate to see if you had some Real Serious Pain."

WHAT? Don't mess with Beachy Mimi in AGONY.

I sent Mr. Semi-Wonderful to get his teeth cleaned that very day (God was smiling because he got an appointment right away).

He came home moaning about his sore gums. Heh Heh

heh heh heh heh

No more comments about about my ~~whining~~
tooth pain.

I tell you all that to explain that this tragedy happened the same time as the REVEAL and has totally ~~made me selfish~~ consumed me for a few days.

I hope to be back to my blogging self in a few days.

I know you are holding your breath. heh heh

Love My Peeps!

It IS Coming!!

2010-12-13T09:31:00.001-06:00

Cyber-cookies to all!

The Reveal will be any moment.

The person installing the new look has a power outage and therefore is at the mercy of the ELECTRIC COMPANY!

As soon as...the power returns she will
1.   feed her children and/or pets
2.   Vacuum--we all know how we hate it when we lose power and can't vac.
3.   do laundry--it's ALIVE and GROWS
4.   put up the Christmas tree--she has been busy working on my blog,
5.   go get a mani/pedi
6. add a massage to that.   The shoulders just ACHE from too much computer time
7   drink lots of hot coffee or (in my case) cokes
8. eat a cookie
9. nap
10. The Big Reveal!!

Karen@simplyamusingdesigns and the team there did the whole thing and I can't wait.   They are so creative

So, you Peeps may see it before I do. They did a fabulous job and are very professional.

Later, Peeps.

THANKS TO ALL THE WINNERS AND READERS

2010-12-10T09:38:00.000-06:00

I think all the winners have sent contact info, and should be getting your cards in the mail by next week.

I do appreciate all 10 of you that read,...that counts lurkers..., Beachy Mimi.

YOU HAVE 16 DAYS.    Sorry someone had to yell it for you last minute shoppers.

Some of the good deals I'm seeing make waiting worth it.   But, if you are looking for a specific item...good luck.

At the Beachy house, gifts always have a theme.   This year?    Not so much.   I guess my theme is silliness and fun.   Plus it has to fit in a gift bag. I'll show you some pictures later.

Some Peeps might see what they were getting!

I have done this much:

mailperson:   got cookies
UPS guy: got cookies
hair person: got cookies
See my theme?

Trash men?   can't catch them but trying
Paperman?   too early for me
neighbors? keeping the shades down and lights off...ran out of cookies

AND THE WINNERS ARE!!!

2010-12-06T19:41:00.000-06:00

RR MAMA

ERIN K

BETH WIGGINS

LINDA

LIZ

MICHELLENOTDAWN

CONGRATULATIONS. THANKS TO ALL FOR ENTERING.

ANOTHER ONE AFTER THE BIG REVEAL.

Time Is Up!!

2010-12-06T19:30:00.000-06:00

Winners as soon as I can get Mr. Random Generator to come by.

I COULDN'T STAY AWAY (a giveaway!!)

2010-12-04T01:51:00.001-06:00

...from my Peeps.

I'm missing all my Peeps.

Been waiting for the reveal but I just can't wait any longer.

I think I'll just have a giveaway now.

Just tell me if you have finished your shopping for the holidays, or where you are going for the holidays, or better still... tell me the favorite gift you have found for someone.

This giveaway will be 4, YES FOUR giftcards for my store of choice TARJAY. They are $25 each and Mr. Random will do the selecting.

All you have to do is answer the questions and leave a way for me to get in touch with you.

Sign up ends Monday at 6 pm central. Winners will be announced later Monday evening. Unless it snows and then my nose will be stuck to the window.

Best wishes to all and good luck.

Love my Peeps,

Beachy Mimi

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2010-12-01T10:15:00.000-06:00

First, it is not Sandra moving next to us, it's Natalie.

Beachy Mimi blog is going under the knife to get a facelift and overall new do.

It's gonna be cute.

Not only that, we are going to host a giveaway to celebrate. Check back here around the 8th for more info.

Beachy Mimi

A NEW NEIGHBOR

2010-11-16T18:05:00.002-06:00

Peeps, in my neighborhood NOTHING happens.

Mr. Wonderful and I sit on the porch a lot (when weather permits) and watch absolutely nothing happening.

Occasionally, my neighbor walks their 2 beautiful standard poodles, and we ooh and ahh and their beauty.

Once, alot of cars were at one house down the street and people were bringing in covered dishes and I was so miffed we weren't invited to the party.

They had died.

I'm a really up to date neighbor.

Apparently there is a grapevine of news but I am out of the loop. Very frequently I get tidbits of things going on.

The latest is...we are getting a NEW neighbor. One even surprising for our neighborhood. She's under 50!

I won't say her name at this point, but she was the winner of Survivor last year.

Can you imagine?

I can't wait to ~~grill her~~ welcome her to the neighborhood!

PeepOne, PeepTwo and I will be her new BFF's.

REFRIGERATOR SURGERY

2010-11-15T17:54:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago, we began to notice a strange odor every time we open the door of the refrigerator.

So out on the counter went everything, tossing anything "suspicious" and wiping down the inside with vinegar and water.

Next day..still there. Next I put in a bowl of charcoal.

Nada.

Next...empty the frig again plus the freezer.

Nada.

Next...lots of boxes of soda.

Nothin.

In fact, it was worse.

I told Mr. Wonderful that the frig had to die if I were going to live here. He agreed.

This weekend, one last attenpt to save the life of the frig.

Mr. Wonderful took everything out of frig and freezer, piled everything on the counter and started cleaning.

I was on the couch (plucking) when I decided to go online to see if I could find an answer to the problem or someone who needed a frig that didn't care about the odor.

I found a fix it website and typed "help" and behold...someone actually knew what to do.

It required Refrigerator Surgery.

We got out the tool box, and Mr. W began removing the back panel on the bottom of the frig. The size is about 12"X24".   It was fastened to the back with seven SEVEN screws.

Wow. If we had a burgler he/she would NOT steal the back of that frig!

After removing the panel, out came the tubing (think intestines) that went on and on.   This had to be bleached. (Frig is three years old)

Bob the builder on the internet typed, "You might want to stick a wooden spoon handle with a paper towel down the tubing."    I asked, "...why?"    He said, "To remove gunk."     I fainted.   Just kidding. Ick.

One would think if I could handle foot detox residue I could handle frig tubing gunk...but, no.   Whole different level of gunk for me.

Thankfully, no gunk in the tubing.

It got a thorough bleaching so there will never be gunk in there. EVER.

We vacuumed, washed, wiped down anything we could find.

I even found green peas Under the frig...we don't even eat green peas.   Go figure.

I wish I had taken pictures.

Love ya, Peeps!

NEW DUDS

2010-11-11T14:04:00.000-06:00

Hey, Peeps!

We're going to be getting some new duds around here.

That is, Beachy Mimi is getting an update. Woo Hoo.

I love updates.

One of my favorite things to do is go to a department store makeup section on Saturday (Neiman Marcus)
and getting a makeover.   They will fix you up even if you aren't going to purchase a thing. It's a great way to see the new makeup trends on your little 'ole face.

Soon I will have my 300th post. I'm thinking about a giveaway.   More about that later.

Update on detox: The water is getting less yucky.   I think it is working.

Question.   Do the Peeps take vitamins and if so what?

Love ya more than Bananas Foster ice cream from Haagan Daz.

ELECTRONIC CRASHES

2010-11-10T17:59:00.001-06:00

This has been a crazy week.

I can't even recall the exact order of events.   I have been so traumatized.

My computer crashed.   It is only 6 months old. A baby.

When I made the purchase, I got every bit of coverage the store offered.

What wasn't covered? The one thing that was wrong with the computer.   Several days and $142.00 later...it's baaack!

Then the printer, copier, photo thingy, scanner and fax machine just...died.   No one can fix it.

Mr. Wonderful so graciously replaced that for me.

I had to change my cell phone. I loved that phone. Two years and a few days after I bought it I FINALLY learned how to use it.   It was perfect.

My replacement is a Droid.   I can't seem to get the hang of it.   I had to really cut down my nails to be able to touch the screen.   It won't stay on for more than five minutes.   The Princess has offered to teach me how to use it over the Christmas break. Beachy Mimi is not happy with the phone.

I lost my keys. ALL my keys.

I had them.   I put them up somewhere.   I don't remember where.

I went to the dentist today because I had a toothache.   Next week..double root canal. Yuck.

I had two breakouts on my face this morning.   What's up with that?

Then, if things weren't already going south, I made the stupid decision to do this:

Those are bruises, Peeps! I thought I would get injections to remove my elevens and parenthesis.

Busted! I had those for a week. So much for trying to sneak that by everyone.

Bad hair day, too.

I hope your week has been much better.

Love ya, Peeps!

NOT MUCH ABOUT ANYTHING

2010-11-04T17:05:00.002-05:00

If my Peeps notice, I took a picture of the gulf below as we took off from the airport. If you also notice closely...The wing of the plane looks to be on backward...OR COULD IT BE THEY MADE BEACHY MIMI RIDE ON THE PLANE FACING THE REAR!!!

Double upchuck.

They..THEY thought it was funny.

Me? Not so much.

Then we got to talking about our pedicures, which we badly needed after the detoxing footbath.

The salon gives you a real...ah..special chair for the pedicure.

You see that seat on/off button? We didn't. By the time the pedi was over. I felt violated and the chair owed me dinner at least. Or maybe we should have it arrested. Quite an experience. I've never had south central Beachy Mimi...massaged with such intensity.

It didn't stop us though! Being so dedicated to our toes, we hung in there.

I had no idea where PeepOne was going with this...

I should have known. ZEBRA. Isn't that cute.

Proof they made me ride backwards. Those are pilots over my shoulder.

So, I decided they had to put up with my feet since I didn't have anyplace to rest them.

Which only started a feet fight.

We have been inspired by Toenailer, whose website is so stinking cute. We love to copy so we were trying to find the best shot to showcase our feet.

I think I'm going to add toes to all the pictures I take from now on through my travels.

I don't think The Parental was too impressed. She says we can't ride with her anymore. heh heh

THE PARENTAL UNIT'S BIRTHDAY!

2010-11-02T14:30:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned in another post, The Parental had a birthday and PeepOne and I went to Florida to ~~sit on the beach~~ help her celebrate.

This was her birthday present. Yes, that is Beachy Mimi enjoying the present.

This was at her birthday dinner. Doesn't she look super for 88!

This is what she chose to eat. Me? Not so much.

PeepOne enjoyed the festivities, too.

This is the menu item she chose. Me? Not so much.

This was PeepOne's fork after attemping to dig out the meat on the said menu item. Does anyone know the name of the legs of a fork? Tines.

These are our friends that celebrated with us.

This is what the man, H., chose to eat. Me? Not so much.

This is the incredibly cute son of H. and L. I know someone who thinks he is REALLY cute and would like to meet him.

He chose this to eat. Lots and lots of this. Me? Not so much.

Then we all went home and lived happily ever after.

Happy Birthday, PU!

Love you more than bananas!

November Is Here!

2010-11-01T13:16:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it!

I have traveled so much I am totally unprepared for Fall, Winter and all the festivities involved. Totally.

My mind is still with this

And this

And I could do with a little more of this

But sadly, it came to an end. It is cold where I live. This is only a memory now.

Goodnight Sun. Goodnight beach.

More later, Peeps.

Happy Fall, Peeps!

2010-10-29T09:36:00.000-05:00

Many of you will be going to Fall Festivals, Halloween Dress Up Parties, etc. and I hope you have a great weekend,

I've got more pictures for next week, but for now...I have to do laundry and go through my mail before the electricity is CUT OFF.

Enjoy your weekend!!

The Detox: Part Three

2010-10-27T21:30:00.000-05:00

Okay, Peeps.

I am not affiliated in any way with the foot detox people.

When I got home from my lovely beach trip...

That's PeepOne and Beachy Mimi sunning...heh heh

Mr. Wonderful had ordered his own foot detox machine for our home!

He researched the whole process for about 6 hours...Mr. W is all about research...and found a machine that he felt was the best for us.

It came in the mail on Tues. and we immediately set it up when Mr. W got home from work.

I set it up in the bathroom with my leopard print closet chair (so cute) in front of the tv (yes, I have a tv in my bathroom.   I can't help it.   I have tv issues).

Mr. W went first because I couldn't wait to make fun of him for the nasty detox water.   I will insert here that they sent a chart to help you decide what the colors in the water mean.   Like, heavy metals, liver, gall bladder, etc. Also, someone mentioned that the water would turn colors without your feet in the water.   That's true.   However, that water is not oily/greasy (sorry, just being truthful) like your detox water is.

After Mr. W did his detox, I did mine.   Our water was completely different. We spent the whole time staring at the tub saying, "Wow. Look at that!   Gross!"

We have limited entertainment venues in our town.   We have to make our own fun.

Now, I'm not saying do this treatment or anything. I'm just reporting.   At the Beachy House, we have much more energy.

This will probably be my last in depth report on the nasty. But I will say that Mr. W has noticed a significant difference in me.   He says I am "brighter".   However, that could be attributed to my hair color...just being truthful... I'm not as sluggish and droopy in the afternoon and evening as I have been for the last ~~ten years~~ little bit.

And here PeepOne and Beachy Mimi are walking down the beach...bwahahahahahaha

I just tickle myself. Thanks to the girls who unknowingly had their picture taken. heh heh

My bad.

DETOX: PART TWO

2010-10-21T20:38:00.000-05:00

Since we felt so much better after our first foot detox, we made appointments to go back for a second treatment. You can do it every three days for 14 sessions.

Unfortunately we won't be here for 14 sessions, but anything is better than nothing.

This is the water as we began

Nice and clean. I'm feeling pretty good at this point.

PeepOne's water is clear, too. She's feeling pretty cocky.

This is after 5 minutes. My joint issues are showing up in the color of the water, plus PeepOne's joint issues are showing plus yeast.

Am I getting too personal?

Just being truthful. I'm all about truth and fairness. Heh Heh

After 15 minutes we both are showing deeper joint problems (which we have) and yeast.

As an aside, aren't those towels under the basins cute?

The results.   The diagnosis. The gross.
PeepOne...the joints.
Beachy Mimi...near death.   What is that nasty?   Liver, gallbladder, and every coca cola I have had in the past ~~fiftyyears~~ few days.

I need to go to bed and be waited on.   I feel sick...

I feel we must get Monistat immediately.

More later, Peeps.

That Was Too Gross

2010-10-20T09:53:00.000-05:00

So sorry, Peeps. That was just gross. However, I try to keep you informed about all things spa, beauty and the world around.

Mr. Wonderful was so impressed with the iky(boys) he has already ordered a machine and will have it when I return home.

He can't wait to see what comes out of him...just keeping it real.

So, now, something pretty...

The beach is so beautiful at sunset. I guess the sunrise is too. I wouldn't know. heh heh

And show you something else ugly. I need a pedi! BAD. I can hear Queen B saying M-O-T-H-E-R!!

Just keeping it real here at Beachy Mimi.

I think I may do a beach toe search. Have you ever noticed that some people wear sandals and their toes hang off? It has become a mimi-obsession with PeepOne and me.

I think we are going to start a tally and report back to you.

Not that I would EVER take unauthorized toe shots of anyone. Heh Heh.

I love my Peeps.

Controversy!!

2010-10-18T23:44:00.003-05:00

I've mentioned before on this very blog that PeepOne and I are Spawho..s.

We found a Wellness Center, which we didn't even know existed, looking for a place to rub our feet and necks and make us feel ~~special~~ better.

Well this place does give massages..teaching massages when the masseuse ~~yaks~~ instructs the whole time and you aren't able to go to sleep.

Then the facial lady, whom I wanted to tell me how pretty my skin was and how I was in good shape for my age, spent most of the time with "extractions". I was so embarassed.

Then...drum roll... we thought we were getting a foot soak and rub and instead got FOOT DETOX.

After 35 minutes I was so totally grossed out by my pan of sludge.

PeepOne needs a hospital...quick. Air
Evac!!

I believe I am dying from Coca Cola injestation. Is there such a thing?

The PU has some serious joint issues going on.

We have been all over the internet researching ionic foot baths and have found many different opinons.

I will say that we all felt great GREAT afterwards. My first time sludge was different from the one in this picture. We are going again just to see if it is real.

Have the Peeps had this done? Got any recommendations?

WHAT COLOR ARE YOUR TOES?

2010-10-18T00:30:00.001-05:00

I'm so very surprised no one has suggested a photography class for Beachy Mimi.

I guess you are just being too kind.

While Mr Wonderful toils away at the shop, The Parental Unit, PeepOne and Beachy Mimi are messing around on the beach enjoying this magnificent weather.

As I told you, The PU just turned 88 and we are helping her celebrate.

I am being so helpful to her by holding down this little piece of sandy beach so it won't blow away.

The waves are such a therapeutic time for me.

Speaking of toes...which we weren't...What color are your toes this Fall? I am still on my standard pinky-pink but I have noticed alot of purple.

Tell me what you are wearing, Peeps!

Last of Alaska Pictures

2010-10-17T00:53:00.001-05:00

Peeps, I wish you all could have been with us on our trip.

Alaska is just so...vast. So much is undeveloped and the air smelled so clean, crisp and fresh. I just loved it.

Notice that stream up above? A man was fishing and ran upon one of the above. He got away, but was injured by the bear.

Of course I didn't know this until dinner that night. I would NEVER have gotten out of the car.

If I had come upon a bear...my scream could have been heard all the way to Anchorage. Maybe beyond.
And I would have been eaten.

I was obviously facinated by water.

The day we left there was a little snow on the ground!

That's it, Peeps. I hope you enjoyed taking my Alaskan journey!

Alaska Animal Sanctuary

2010-10-15T00:23:00.001-05:00

another bear

very large, hungry bear

Caribou (reindeer)

One thing that disappointed me was the lack of animal sightings.

There wasn't even roadkill to talk about.

So, we found some animal sanctuaries that take in abandoned or injured animals and leave the healthy animals in the wild. I like that idea.

Here are a few pictures of things we saw.

Baby Musk Ox

Musk Ox

Actually, this is the Musk Ox. I'm not sure what the other thing is.

Injured bear.

Lazy Moose

Lazy Moose...rear view

We actually saw many more...polar bear, yak, larger moose, camel (camel? in Alaska?), grizzly, baby grizzly, etc., but somehow those pictures did not make it.

I sort of felt like I was violating the animals by taking pictures of them in captivity. I know they would otherwise be dead, but it still felt wrong.

Anyway, this is a sampling of what we saw. They were being well taken care of.

A DRIVE TO WHITTIER

2010-10-14T01:42:00.001-05:00

Off down another road, we ran into another glacier.

Don't have a clue about the name.

ICEBERGS!! Well, maybe not bergs...but they were ice chunks in the water. Does it have to be a certain size before you can call it a berg?

Apparently this facinated me.

This was so cool. It is a tunnel that runs for 2.5 miles through a mountain of solid rock. You must pay $12 and wait for your schedule. It runs for about15-30 minutes one way, then it reverses and allows vehicles to come back through. In the summer, a train also shares the tunnel which makes the wait time longer.

On the other side is Whittier. A pretty little town. Cruise ships dock here. I think the only way to get there is by water or through that tunnel.

Isn't that water so blue and beautiful?

Lots of fishing in this little place. Not even a grocery store, though.

More boats

And yet another tunnel to drive through. I loved that!

ANOTHER ROADTRIP IN ALASKA

2010-10-13T01:07:00.001-05:00

We did alot of driving. I think I said that already. Sorry. There is so much to see! These red berries...

...were on these trees. Such a beautiful splash of color for the Fall.

As we headed North, we passed through Wasilla. The famous resident was there (we saw her on TV that night) but was not out and about. However, we did see a moose on the side of the road. Mr. Wonderful was driving ~~too fast~~ in traffic so we didn't get a picture.

We also saw a bear out on the tundra, but we had to view it through binoculars and couldn't get a picture.

This is a bear from the hotel. Does that count?

I thought not.

This is Mt. McKinley from 41 miles away. We decided to drive to Denali National Park (a 3hour drive one way) and got within 27 miles and found out it was closed for the season. The residents call this mountain Denali.

Mt. McKinley (Denali) is over 20,000 ft. tall and is the highest peak in North America.

The creeks are rather dry. Just wait until that snow (that will be coming) melts!

As we traveled Northward, the trees were shedding leaves faster.

Random tree shot.

I'm sure I thought this shot had merit...at the time. Don't remember now.

Did you know there are more trees in Alaska than any other state?

Another random. I guess it was the mountain.

That's all for today, Peeps. More later...

MORE ALASKA ON THE ROAD

2010-10-12T00:34:00.000-05:00

We drove alot. That was great because we got to see and experience alot of stuff. One day we drove to Seward, which is a coastal town. Back in the Earthquake of 1964 (I remember it. Most of you weren't born) a tsunami destroyed this town and fuel tanks burned. What the water didn't get, the fire did.
Because of the location, they can get extreme snows. Our little waiter told us last year they got 6' of snow in one day. Some people who were inside their homes and didn't realize the snow was falling so hard got trapped (couldn't get the door open).

Just a lovely little fishing community.

...with beautiful views all around.

I saw a puffin!

We left Seward and decided to see how close we could get to a glacier. There are hundreds of glaciers in Alaska, and some of them have names. This is Exit Glacier (doesn't make sense to me either).

This is the reason I didn't go closer to the glacier.

Proof that I did ~~walk~~ hike in the woods.

My protector.

More stuff tomorrow, Peeps!

ALASKA!

2010-10-10T00:42:00.000-05:00

In case anyone was wondering...all my bloggy stuff has fallen to the bottom of the page. Hmmm.   Not sure what to do about that.

I've been promising you pictures from Alaska and here they are.   I must tell you, they are not great.

My skillz as a photog would not sustain me if I had to do this for a living.

As I said, Mr. Wonderful planned this whole thing.

We landed in Anchorage after a LONG flight. FYI...if you haven't flown lately, they charge you for everything. Unless, of course, you are in First Class. To do THAT you must have $$ to blow or have a very liberal expense account.   However, it is always full.

Oh...my juice was free. One glass for a 7 hour flight.

Back to the story. We drove for about an hour to a beautiful resort in Girwood, Alaska.

It is the Alyeska Resort, which is the only ski resort in Alaska open year round. It is pronounced Ally es ka.

I first thought someone was trying to spell "Alaska" and missed. Anyway...

To get to Girwood, one must take one of the most scenic drives along the Cook Inlet and specifically Turnagain Arm. Long story, won't bore you.

The parking lot. haha

If you look carefully, there is a little building at the top of this mountain. There is a chair lift from the hotel to get up there, and a nice restaurant with a great view.

We saved this for the last day/night to eat and take pictures. Big Mistake. Big. Huge.
Snow moved it and it was totally wrapped in snow/fog.

This is my new Alaska home. JUST KIDDING.

Tomorrow Seward and a glacier.

Thanks for reading, Peeps.

WE INTERRUPT THIS JOURNEY...

2010-10-08T02:06:00.001-05:00

... to show you this.

Mr. Wonderful taking the oath to support the United States of America!

Receiving his certificate of citizenship.

One of our Newest American Citizens!! He just made the deadline to be able to vote in the election. What a great privilege we have...voting!

Walking with the Parental to the car. So sweet.

WINNERS WINNERS!!

2010-10-07T10:26:00.000-05:00

Mr. Random dropped by last night and did his random number thing.   I would show you the results but I couldn't get it to cut and paste.   Sorry.   You will just have to take my word for it!

Winners of two Target gift cards worth $50 are:    drum roll

Mama Belle   from The Bayou Belles and Their Beau

Amy Barrett from thereadheaddairies.com

Congratulation, Winners!

Another contest won't be far away!

Beachy Mimi

Thanks to all who participated.

TIME'S UP!

2010-10-06T11:58:00.000-05:00

Turn out the lights... the giveaway is over...

Mr. Random Generator is coming by tonight to make the selections.   I'll post them as soon as he does.

I'm going to have some great pictures to show you tomorrow...

The Parental Unit (PU or Nannie if you prefer) has a snazzy new birthday present.

She is 88 and just got her first RED CONVERTIBLE.    Isn't that so cool?

I can't wait to show you.

The conversation went like this:

me:   "PU, I can't wait to get a picture of you driving with the top down."

PU: "I'll never drive with the top down."

Hmmmmm.

A GIVEAWAY

2010-10-03T00:50:00.001-05:00

I think it is about time for a giveaway from Beachy Mimi!

Mr. Random will be drawing for TARGET gift cards worth $100. It may be one card, two $50 cards or 4 $25 cards. Who knows what Mr. Random will do?

All you have to do: Tell me your favorite breed of dog!

Leave a comment with a way for me to get in touch with you. Contest will end at noon, CDST, on Wednesday, October 6.

Thanks, Peeps!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE KING OF THE PALACE

2010-10-01T00:43:00.001-05:00

Today is a big day in the Beachy Family.

The King, husband to Queen B and daddy to The Princess, has a big birthday!

Happy Birthday, King! Your mother-in-law and Mr. Wonderful think you are the greatest son-in-law, husband and father. We hope you have a wonderful day.

Also today, Mr. Wonderful takes his oath to be a US Citizen ! We are so excited.

I hope everyone in the bloggy world has a wonderful weekend.

Alaska pictures are still coming!

Pack A Bag...cont.

2010-09-29T13:07:00.001-05:00

Well, Mr. Wonderful had big plans for us.

All by himself, he set up and made arrangements for a surprise birthday/anniversary palooza as a surprise to me.

HOW HE PLANNED IT TO WORK:

He was going to get me to the airport without telling me anything. After arriving there he was going to walk from gate to gate until departure time so I still would not have any idea where we were going. That's so cute.

HOW IT REALLY WENT:

We got to our small local airport to make a connecting flight to DFW. He did not take into consideration that the ticket person would say, "You are connected all the way through to Anchorage." He was so disappointed at being busted.

BUT, ME?

OH MY GOODNESS! ANCHORAGE? SERIOUSLY?

I was thrilled. Of all the places I was imagining, Alaska never entered my mind.

I can't wait to tell you about it. What a fabulous trip.

It goes right up there with South Africa for beauty.

It was COLD. For us at least. Coming from 90 degrees to 40 degrees was a shocker. On a couple of days it was 60, and some of the Alaskans had on flip-flops and shorts.

I have been known to wear flip-flops in the Fall, but just the thought that it was Alaska with some snow did not seem like flip-flop weather.

I'll show you some of my bad photography tomorrow, Peeps.

Have a great day!

Pack a Bag

2010-09-27T04:29:00.001-05:00

Mr. Wonderful woke me up this morning and said, "Pack a Bag".

I wiped the drool from my wrinkled face and said, " Whhaat?"

He replied, "Pack a bag and take binoculars."

Isn't that like a man. How many days? Overnight? Do I need makeup?

I got no more information.

So I am packing a bag with binoculars a pair of jeans a couple of tops, and makeup.

Won't this be interesting?

to be continued....

BIRTHDAY WEEK PALOOZA

2010-09-24T04:05:00.001-05:00

If you have been a reader of Beachy Mimi for the last 2 years or so, you already know that my Birthday is a

NATIONAL HOLIDAY in the beachy house.   Even when I have had to party by myself, I have had a

PARTEE.   Sorry Queen B. (she hates it when things aren't spelled correctly).

I start with a Coke.   I drink it in bed.

I eat birthday cake ALL DAY.   Sometimes with ice cream, sometimes just eating from the cake without

a plate (can you say eating disorder?)

I might or might not get taken to lunch.   It's okay.   I always have the cake.

For dinner I love to eat Sea Bass. Unfortunately, it is hard to find around here.   But, I try.

For dessert,   more cake,   UNLESS Bananas Foster is around somewhere.

I get some phone calls from friends and family.    My day is complete.

It isn't about the gifts,   well, maybe a tiny bit,    JUST KIDDING.

I have everything I need.

It's just knowing that the day is MINE (along with Barbara Walters, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones

and countless others).

I may be doing normal everyday chores and stuff, but in my mind...I AM QUEEN FOR THE DAY.

It's just a way of coping when you get older.

The Bedbug Yuck

2010-09-23T04:17:00.000-05:00

Okay, Peeps.   I am totally creeped out by the thought of bedbugs.

Since we travel sometimes, I have a little ritual I perform when we get in the room.

1. Check the bathroom for....icky.

2. Take the spread off the bed and ~~fold neatly~~ throw it in the corner.

3. Check under the bed for bodies.   That is a long story I'll tell another time.   It didn't happen to me.

4. Check the floor to see if I can put my feet on it.   Usually not. I always take flip flops.

5. Check and see if the glassware is clean.

Sometimes there is more but I won't bore you. If I am not flying I might or might not take lysol, wipies, and

scrubbing bubbles.

Now I've got to check for bedbugs, too?   Oh gosh.   Do I take my own sheets?   My own pillows?

Do they make bedbug spray?

I'm itching as we speak.

Today I am hearing on the news that the bedbug infestation is now in clothing stores... AWWWWG

Not that I go shopping that much, but I do browse.    Can they just jump out on you?    Can you see them?

This information has temporarily ruined me.

I'm washing sheets and blankets as we speak.

Be back later when I have somewhat recovered.

THANKS, PEEPS.

2010-09-22T04:35:00.001-05:00

A very big thank you to the two Peeps that actually read my stuff.

There are so many wonderful blogs I really do appreciate you taking the time to stop by here.

BECAUSE I HAVE NOTHING TO SAY.

I'm having leftovers for supper.   My laundry is almost folded. My hair is pulled back in a bun. I have on

sweatpants. A tee shirt. And bare feet.

No wonder I have no more readers. hahah

Last night I did a big booboo.   I dislike hair on my body.   Gross, I know.

I have waxed, lasered and Naired my arms for years with various results. It works and I am happy and feel

more feminine.   I'm just weird.

I shave my legs everynight with shaving cream.    So far so good.

As I'm aging, I am noticing more facial hair...or rather thickening of blonde facial hair on my cheeks.

No one else notices it.. It may be the 10X mirror I use for plucking that makes me feel so...hairy.

I might add that I am addicted to plucking .   That's why I have the 10X mirror. I have more Tweezerman's

that some stores.   All for various stages of eyebrow growth. (we will not talk about chin hair)

So, last night ( I have a LOOOONG nightly ritual when I bathe.   Bubbles, TV , plucking, powdering,

lotion)

I decided that I would just put the hair removal product on my FACE.    Am I just stupid?

Obviously. I noticed it was stinging but thought nothing of it.

Then ZING my face was On Fire.   I rinsed and rinsed and rinsed and rinsed.

Then I slowly started swelling and blotching and looking like Will Smith did on Hitch when he ate the

seafood.

The good news!   I have no hair on my face (except eyebrows)

The bad news!     I have lost a layer of skin and it HURTS.

Now, aren't you glad you know this?

Love ya, Peeps.

NOT MUCH TO SAY

2010-09-21T10:44:00.000-05:00

Just being honest.

This is a rarity in the Beachy Home.    I went to bed at 8:30 last night and got up at 9:30 THIS MORNING.

No one needs that much sleep.

I must be coming down with something.

That means, I must get my tried and true remedies out and start ~~eating~~ taking them.

An icy coke and Bananas Foster ice cream.   Makes me feel so cozy.

I'm not a walmart girl at all.   It's all about Target for me.   But...occassionally I find myself in the wrong store and I find something worth purchasing.   In this case, The Queen B was with me and suggested I spend $15 on this little ice crusher for snow cones.

I don't have snow cone infra-structure, but I love crushed ice.   So I pour my coke over the crushed ice and eat it with a spoon.   DELICIOUS. I feel...it cuts the calories and I'm getting water into my system.

That might or might not be associated with girl math.

On the ice cream,   I am a loyal BLUE BELL girl.   I think it has something to do with living in the south.

Mr. Wonderful was going to the store and I asked for one of those little cartons of Cookies and Cream (they have ruined it by the way), and there was none.   So, being Mr. Wonderful, he searched through all the ice cream until he came up with one he thought I would love.

It was   BANANAS FOSTER from Hagen Daz (or however that is spelled. I've eaten it all so I have no carton to check my spelling).

Beachy Mimi LOVES bananas.   The real bananas foster dessert is a once a year favorite treat. Right up their with hot banana pudding,   banana bread,   banana popcicles....you get my drift)

It was so good, the first bite brought tears to my eyes. Mr. Wonderful got teary too because he loves to find things that make me happy.

I'm on my way to fix my icy coke and eat...WHAT! I'VE EATEN ALL THE BANANAS FOSTER ICE CREAM!!

Call 911.   I'm going back to bed for a nap.   I don't think I can handle the day.

Hey, Peeps, Tell me your favorite ice cream.

THE END OF THE PHOTO JOURNEY

2010-09-20T00:25:00.001-05:00

Well, my lovely Peeps, the photo show is over.   For now.

I somehow think Mr. Wonderful has many surprises up his sleeve.

I have to brag. MR. WONDERFUL PASSED THE CITIZENSHIP TEST AND IS NOW WAITING TO BE SWORN IN AS AN AMERICAN!!

He has had to jump through may hoops to get here. Background checks, physicals, oral tests, writing tests, speech tests.   Plus, he had to prove the job he does could not be done by a person that is already here an already an American.

Mr. Wonderful has a particular set of skillz that makes him very qualified for what he does. ( he has a business here and has been in the US for 13 years)

Am I bragging?

Sorry.

The sad thing?   These were some of the questions he had to answer.   Must get 6 out of 10 correct.

What ocean is on the east coast?

What ocean is on the west coast?

Name one state that borders Canada.

What body of water is south of the Eastern USA?

Name one state that borders Mexico.

I'm sorry, but that is just wrong on so many levels. Of course he passed. Duh.

So, now we are waiting for them to get a group together so the judge can have a roomful to swear ~~at ,~~

I meant IN as citizens.

I think we may have a party.

I am so blessed.   So are you, Peeps.   Have a great day.

Going On Down The Road

2010-09-18T00:56:00.001-05:00

Leaving the next morning.

Bye to the beautiful beach.

Remains of a great idea. Lodging in the shape of a ship.

Mr. Wonderful took a nap, too. I decided to paint his toenails pink since he gives me such a hard time for napping. Sorry, Peeps. I just had to show you.

2010-09-17T00:32:00.002-05:00

I just love to show gas stations/convenience stores where we travel. Former occupational hazard.

We wanted to out to the countryside and see how Puerto Ricans really lived.

We stopped at a little road side inn to spend the night and eat local food. The following are alot of beach shots from this area.

Who would not love a view like this!!

WAY, WAY down the beach there you see a beach that the locals use. It was hopping. Bands, little bit of small surfing, boating, skiing, lots of swimming. Picnicing, drive up trailer food vendors. And Kids. Lots and LOTS of kids. It was great to watch.

The beach itself? A little too sea-weedy for me.

While I might or might not be napping, Mr. Wonderful is carefully trying to translate the Puerto Rican menu to Afrikaans to English.

I loved this. Storm clouds brewing!!

Motel room. No comment.

The end of the day.

Doesn't This Look Yummy?

2010-09-16T00:14:00.000-05:00

We saw this delicious feast and decided to have a last dinner before moving on.

Eating in these surroundings was so peaceful.

Happy Travelers!

We'll be on the road tomorrow doing more sightseeing.

Later, Peeps!

Last Day at Resort

2010-09-15T02:13:00.001-05:00

We spent the day at the resort since it was our last day. The grounds are beautiful and the pool is one of the largest I have ever seen.

Still walking to the swimming pool.

...and we're walking...

Exposure not great, but we're STILL WALKING. It is just up ahead.

This is a big Grecian type gazebo where the weddings take place. I didn't see one. I guess you could have a party there, also.

I took this mainly because of the thundercloud looming in the distance.

A very small shot of the pool area. They have a swim up beverage station, a live band and whirlpool areas to sit all through the pool.

Those columns were the locations of the whirlpools that seated 12 or so. The water was perfect. We swam twice!

Next up...dinner and checking out. See you then, Peeps.

Day Three in PR

2010-09-14T01:57:00.002-05:00

We couldn't swim in the ocean at this location, so we decided to kick back and enjoy listening to the surf and just relax. Mr. Wonderful likes to be busy. I am teaching him how to relax. He's beginning to like it.

A view from our loung chairs. Still at the resort.

Ditto. The water was peaceful.

Looking back from our spot under the trees, you see a cottage on the left. Supposedly Johnny Depp stayed there while filming something. It costs $$$$$ has a private pool, maid and butler. The building in the center in the far distance is our bungalow.

Twelve rooms to a bungalow. Ours was .3 a mile from the mail desk.

The grounds were beautiful and the rooms very nice. I did have a roach in my bathroom one night. I screamed and made a big deal of it, even though I could have killed it in a second. Mr. Wonderful needs to be able to save the day sometimes. hahaah. The room was very clean. Roaches are a problem on any
island. They have no place to go. They fly and are the size of a bald eagle.

My lame attempt at humor. Didn't work like I thought it would. Oh well.

Pretty flowers outside our room.

Just lovely.

More tomorrow. Love ya, Peeps

Second Day in PR

2010-09-13T13:41:00.003-05:00

This actually goes with the pictures from yesterday. We stopped here alot for fruit and snacks. They were all over the place.

I didn't snap a picture of the sign, but on the other side of the road there was a sign that read "you stimulus money at work". This is how some of that stimulus money is being used...by painting the dividers different colors. Whatever works.

road side art

A stop for a snack while driving around.

The view from that little road side stop. Just breathtaking.

My favorite view...Mr. Wonderful

The greenery is so lush.

More tomorrow, Peeps.

Puerto Rico The First Day

2010-09-12T13:19:00.001-05:00

The sign we couldn't see in the dark. Mr. Trump is building a large condo village on a PGA golf course next door. Starting price...a million and up. It seemed deserted, but beautiful

Another beautiful fountain on the way to the resort.

I REALLY like pretty fountains.

This large...lizard? was running across the parking lot on our first morning...about 50 of them live in a pond on the property.

A view from our beach. No sand here, just rocks. It was still beautiful.

We left for town to find something for lunch.

Why did we choose this? I have no idea. We saw many locals eating here so we thought, why not?

I ordered chicken enchilada and got: curry chicken, pork fried rice and french fries. Lots of it.

Mr. Wonderful ordered...something...and got curried beef, pork fried rice and french fries. Lots of it.

Something we sort of recognized. (not the alcohol...the sign)

Walmart!! I was glad to see something familiar. I had to get cokes for the room. That room bar is $$$$.

Tomorrow...more pictures of PR. I love you Peeps. Thank you so much for reading about my little adventures. It's fun to look back through the pictures and relive the memories.

Views of Puerto Rico

2010-09-10T13:16:00.000-05:00

Earlier in the month, Mr. Wonderful, found a great travel deal to go to PR.

PR had not been on our bucket list but, hey, a good deal is a good deal.

Mr. Wonderful combs certain internet travel sites and catches wonderful deals since we love to travel so much.

We decided when we married that we would travel as much as possible (because of our age) when we found good deals ( insert here not first class) and I'm loving it.

I'll share pictures and my reviews, hahaha, when we return from places.

We had an uneventful (that's means good) flight and no problems at the airports involved. The flight seemed long, but there was no meal and the movie screen went out.

We landed, got our rental car, got a rough map (did I say rough...it was a sketch on the back of a piece of paper) to our lodging for the next 4 days.

Another thing. It was 7:30 by this time and DARK.   We thought we would have time to get to our resort in the daylight...SINCE EVERY FREAKING ROAD SIGN WAS IN SPANISH!!!.   Was not counting on that.   I thought there would be adequate English spoken. Nada. Nope. Nyet. Nuttin'.

I really think the people in the Rio Grande area could speak English, but most were playing a tourist game with us, pretending not to understand.

Anyway, God was merciful and delivered us to the correct roads and turns and we found our location in a couple of hours.   Daylight would have been most helpful.

The resort was beautiful. The Gran Melia.   Wouldn't stay there again for free. If you go, go to the west coast or the east coast.   Not the north coast. Just my opinion.

Our rooms were so far from the front office they had to take us in a golf cart after we checked in. This is the first thing we saw in our room.

Okay then!

What does that mean? Snakes? Alligators? Sharks? The Maid? Kidnappers? Robbers? The Food?
The Service? What? Hmmm.

Checking in. Luckily there was not a long line. There was every other time we walked through the lobby.

Beautiful fountain right in front of the hotel.

Mr. Wonderful took this. I had never seen a Lamborghini. Probably never will again. Mr. Wonderful LOVES yellow cars.

THE LAST OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN TRIP...random shots

2010-09-09T00:04:00.004-05:00

One suit case. Three weeks. I am an amazing woman.

That's all folks.

Next up. Shots from Puerto Rico. Before Earl.

Thanks for letting me relive my adventure.

Love My Peeps!

Random Mountain Photos in South Africa

2010-09-08T00:33:00.001-05:00

Kruger Park Exploration

2010-09-07T00:14:00.000-05:00

I have no idea why these letters are showing up. Please excuse.

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I think this says "Kruger".

In the park, the animals are wild. They hunt for their food from other animals in the park. Just as nature intended. Therefore, you DO NOT leave your car for any reason. You never know who is lurking in the tall grass beside the road.

This is the gate to the entrance of the park. I was bouncing up and down in my seat.

The office at this particular gate.

The last restroom stop before you enter the animal area.

Gift shop! Always a gift shop.

Facinating, isn't it! hahahah

The first creature we saw. A Dung Beetle. Mr. Wonderful says that's great because they are rarely seen.

This is some rarely seen critter.

HIGHLIGHT OF TRIP FOR ME...

2010-09-06T01:12:00.000-05:00

When Mr. Wonderful gave me the choice of staying in a Rondoval or a tent inside the park, I jumped all over it. It was so much fun!! This is the tent from the back. On stilts. No air conditioning!

Tent from the side. The "kitchen" was on the front porch!!

Yes, this is the kitchen.

The door to the tent. It is screen. It doesn't lock.

The dining area.

The cooking area.

Mr. Wonderful preparing the fire to cook our dinner.

We are that dinner here. Notice the sandy part on the upper right side.

This was the view from our patio. It is looking out to an animal crossing area IN THE PARK. There was an electric fence between us and any animals wandering by.

The tent had a bed, a shower, and a real flushing toilet!! Also a refrigerator. At night, we could hear the noises: howls, growls, calls, chirps. It was so cool.

More later, Peeps.

Traveling to Kruger Park

2010-09-04T00:38:00.003-05:00

I didn't think time would allow us to vist the great Kruger Park. In total square miles, the park is the size of Arkansas. But, Mr. Wonderful being who he is, made a plan for us to go...just for a night and day.

The night before we (he) found a little hotel in the middle of nowhere. The grounds were beautiful AND a five course dinner was included. It was an outstanding meal.

BEACHY MIMI EMBARASSING MOMENT. I admit, I've never eaten a 5 course meal that didn't include chips, hamburger, fries, milkshake and dessert. So we sit down to eat and I say "Oh look, they have a butter knife at each placesetting!" Mr. Wonderful replies, "Er...my love...that is a fish knife."

Okay then.

I've used those things as butter knives ALL MY LIFE and had no idea a fish knife even exsisted.

Random shot of the grounds

entering the hotel area...beautiful

This was...disturbing. Emergency for what? Escaping lions? I slept with one eye open.

Outside dining area...and as always, a place to braai.

Tableclothes, china and the works. I was underdressed. Not really. No one dressed up but the restaurant ended up being full with waiting lines. The menu is whatever they have cooked for tonight. Fabulous.

More pictures of the hotel grounds. We also had a wonderful breakfast (also included). Loading up the next morning.

Headed to Kruger Park. Later Peeps. I love ya.

LIONS, TIGERS AND... no bears.

2010-09-03T01:04:00.006-05:00

This post may be upsetting to some, so be warned.   If you don't like seeing animals being fed...chickens and sheep then RUN...RUN AWAY NOW!

I'm just the reporter in this post, so don't be hurtin' me about the subject matter.   Just trying to show you life
in parts of South Africa.

We visited family and they took us to neighbors that had a Lion Farm.   I didn't know what a Lion Farm was.
People breed and raise lions to be planted in "hunting areas" so trophy hunters can "track" them and shoot them for their...heads, tails, skin...I have no idea.   "Hunters" pay upwards of $300,000 for this.

I got a little too close to the fence and she pounced. Seriously.

Dinner.

The paw is really the size of a dinner plate.

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Brotherly love.

A baby.

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The guy that raises the lions. They let him pet them.

Eating sheep. Gag.

Beautiful

They see dinner coming. Farmers with dead chickens bring them to feed the lions.

Baby did not like to be held. Just about to bite.

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teenage lions

That will be all for today. They did have a male and female tiger there, but since they were not native to Africa I didn't
show them. Maybe another time.

Later, Peeps!

A VIEW OF THE COUNTRYSIDE

2010-09-02T00:43:00.004-05:00

I was so amazed at the vastness of the land. It was just how I had always pictured Africa in my mind.

Wide, open and flat.

Until I saw this...

I have never seen mountians like these. I'm going to try
to upload several shots.
Sorry if you don't like mountains.

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A VISIT TO A GAME RESERVE

2010-09-01T00:43:00.001-05:00

The always plentiful deer. AKA...lion food.

;

An elephant. Twice. Sorry about that.

Water buffalo family

A giraffe. Woo Hoo!!

And another one!

Water buffalo

I have some more pictures, but I'm having trouble uploading them. The game parks were great. Lots of animals
these are just a few.

A VISIT TO OSTRICH COUNTRY

2010-08-26T04:14:00.000-05:00

We visited Mr. Wonderful's cousin in this part of the country. She sent this same view in a June photo and the ground was covered in snow.

Ostrich farming used to be a big industry here. With the down-turn of the ecomony is isn't so much now. But, people still use the feathers and EAT THE MEAT. Yep, Ostrich steak is not so bad. I kid. I didn't eat.

Sorry, Cousin. I just thought I needed to include you in this post. She was so sweet. She cooked out supper of Hake and Chips (fish and chips). Yummy.

After sight-seeing, we stopped at a local restaurant to eat.

This is what I chose to eat.

This is why I didn't eat it.

Fido came in off the street and stayed by me the whole time we ate.

The menu.

Mr. Wonderful and I posed after lunch.

More later, Peeps! Thanks for reading.

ANOTHER ROAD TRIP

2010-08-25T00:03:00.000-05:00

We headed out on another road trip and stopped by the Kimberly Mine. One of the largest diamonds ever mined was found here. The Cullinan Diamond, which is not part of the Crown Jewels in England.

The mine has been filled with water.

I'm crazy about jewelery, and in the museum, under armed guard and in a special locked room, we saw the most beautiful diamonds imaginable. I couldn't take a picture for security reasons.

Africa is known for diamonds, but they are so expensive. One company owns most of the mining operations so they set the price at whatever. I just knew when I got there I would find a souvenir to bring home. NOT. Very expensive.

This is one of the old-time diamond finding machines that sorts the gravel and workers would hand pick the diamonds from the gravel. Actually, I guess they still have to go through the gravel to pick them out.

Mr. Wonderful graciously bought a bucket of gravel and sorted through to find a diamond. (The gravel probably came from the parking lot) Nope. Didn't find one.

Another scenic view.

A vendor selling wares on the street. Many people roam the street carrying merchandise on their heads, especially women. Most women have a baby or small child strapped to their back with a wide band of fabric. I didn't snap that because I felt I would be invading their privacy. (after I had already invaded the privacy of everyone else)

This is one of the MANY new soccer stadiums built for the World Cup.
A stoplight is called a robot in South Africa.

More tomorrow. Have a great day!!

ONE OF MY FAVORITE STOPS

2010-08-24T00:43:00.000-05:00

If I had to pick a favorite...I don't think I could do it. The land and people are so vast and varied...I enjoyed it all.

This visit would have to be in the top three.

This is the town!

The gas pump.

Inside shots of the general store.

The post office is on the right of this shot. (above)

These people are wonderful. They are Mr. Wonderful's late wife's sister and brother-in-law. That was a totally uncorrect sentence. Anyway, they welcomed me with love and open arms and I had so much fun! They are hilarious and we laughed the whole weekend. The woman teaches in a local school and the man is a farmer and furniture maker. I love them!

Burgular bars are even more needed on farms, which could be 40 minutes to get to another farm to help the people. The robbers come in truckloads, and the farmers have to be able to lock-down and defend themselves until help arrives.

The guys are waiting for the sun to go down so they can so their favorite thing, braai (cookout).

More about our fun weekend tomorrow! I've much more to show you. Keep reading!

More Pictures of SA

2010-08-23T00:36:00.000-05:00

A view of the beautiful valley sorta/kinda close to the hometown of a young Mr. Wonderful. Lots of orchards, vineyards and vegetables grown here.

If you have been following my African adventure, you've probably noticed that I haven't been showing you much of city life. Most of my "adventures" occured in smaller towns or off the usual beaten tourist path.

However, there are those places that are VERY upscale in South Africa. One of the things that shocked me was the affluence of a whole lot of people. I have never seen so many BMW, Mercedes and other European luxury cars on the road. I even saw a Bentley cruise past (probably doing 120 mmph). Drivers go very fast on the long straight roads.

I ate at some restaurants in Cape Town that would be upscale for anywhere in the world. The Victoria and Albert Waterfront at Cape Town has all the shoppping and entertainment one could ever want.

My purpose is to show you a little different part of SA.

This is a very nice house.

This is a small shot of the port in Cape Town. Lots of merchandise and goods go in and out of this location.

Another street view of Cape Town.

In another post I told you about visiting the Parliament, etc. On that same outing, we visited a castle that is now a militiary museum. Mr. Wonderful served in the army for 8 years and this was one of the places his group would have to muster (gather up).

He also wanted to show me one of the gazillion shopping malls in the city. It was massive. One floor is underground and another three on top of that. All the stores had tenants and the merchandise...wow! Anything you could imagine. This place was so huge we had to ask how to get out. The mall was surrounded on three sides by parking garages 4-5 stories tall. They all looked the same. We could not remember how to get to our parking space and we asked about 10 different people how to get out of the mall. We got 10 different answers and none of them were correct. We wandered in there for 2 hours, trying different exits, before we found our car. Whew!

After that, we decided the city was not for us.
Another city view with a "taxi" full of people.

The taxi was coming from these communities, which are "shanty-towns" and they are huge and there are alot of them across the country.

Thanks for reading today! The animals are coming....

Road Trip to the West Coast (of South Africa)

2010-08-20T00:50:00.000-05:00

Some of the photos I am taking are hard to see without clicking on them to enlarge them. Zoom lens did not work this whole trip.

This is a hotel at the mouth of a river and the Atlantic Ocean on the West Coast of South Africa. As I indicated, we drove from coast to coast and top to bottom. This was just a "find a place and stop for the night".

A fishing boat that goes out on the Atlantic every morning.

Mr. Wonderful carrying the luggage.

The room.

We ate at this restaurant. Mr. Wonderful wanted to try some local fish...Dole or Sole or something like that. It was good.

This is NOT what I ate. This is a fish drying rack for a local delicacy. Not for me.

There's alot more to come. Animals...scenery...I'm trying to (drag) I mean ENTEND the posts so my Peeps can have a sense of my adventure.

I love ya! Thanks for reading.

Trees, Shrubs and Stuff

2010-08-19T00:36:00.002-05:00

This photo is for Queen B and The Princess. It actually is not the best specimen but by the time I thought to take a picture it was the closest one.

The city put up a "fake tree" that is, a tall pole with fake branches, so it would blend in the the environment. The only problem is the fake tree is at least 20 feet taller than any tree in the whole town.

This tree is exactly like the fake one, although this particular one is on the shorter side. It just amused me. Okay. I continue on.

Has anyone wondered why I am taking shots from inside the car? There are signs on the side of the road that used to say "High Crime Area. Don't stop your car". In getting ready for the World Cup, the changed the signs to "High Car Wreck Area", as to not to scare the visitors.

There are many carjackings in towns (at stoplights) and on long stretches of highway. Unless Mr. Wonderful was assured of the area, I snapped from the car.
If we did have to stop at a gas station or potty stop, one of us always had to stay with the car.

Just a teaser with the elephant. I was actually just showing another tree!

Bad photo of a palm tree.

Mr. Wonderful drove about 4 hours to show me this one tree. I have always seen pictures of a Baobab Tree but I was really wanting to see a living one. This tree is about 125 years old and there was really no way to get the whole thing in one shot. It is massive.

I know, I know. BORING. But just one more. Driving down the road we saw a sign that said "Big Tree". I couldn't imagine one larger than the Baobab so we pulled off to check it out.

This is the national flower of South Africa. Isn't it beautiful!

More to come. Thanks for reading.

More Cape Town Trivia

2010-08-18T04:51:00.001-05:00

We stayed in Cape Town for a couple of days. I don't have alot of photos to show you because I just hate to carry a camera with me always. I was frustrated because my zoom wouldn't work, plus I just like to experience in the moment.

A street shot.

We went downtown to see the Houses of Parliament and the glorious park across the street. I saw my first and only squirrel there! We have squirrels in abundance here, but baboons are much more plentiful in South Africa.

They are on the side of the road, at roadside parks and scenic stops. They love to mess with you and snatch purses or any snacks you might leave unattended. I really wanted a baboon or monkey encounter, as I had been led to believe I would see them everywhere. Nope. Nada. Zilch.

The shots I did get are very hard to see.

Another thing that was a little unusual for me. Many Europeans traveling (and there are MANY) rent rooms from people and stay in homes instead of motels or hotels.

We stayed in a house with a family that rented 5 bedrooms to tourists, each with a private bath.

The bedroom. No airconditioning.

Burgular bars outside our back windows. Hmmm.

The front gate of our guesthouse with the killer watchdogs. Everyone has guard dogs.

The house across the street had a Great Dane.

The other end of the driveway. Space is a premium.

Second floor patio. Notice how close all the houses are.

The very small "yard".

Sorry about the pooper scooper, but I wanted to give you a view of the swimming pool.

A view from the house at sunset looking out toward the Atlantic/Indian Ocean combo.
The water is very cold here and the beach is not good for swimming. But, it is still beautiful.

Just on the horizon you see a thin stretch of land that is Robbin Island. This is
the jail location of Nelson Mandela during part of his 27 years in prison.

A Lion, Plus On The Road To Cape Town

2010-08-17T00:09:00.000-05:00

I promised my Peeps a lion, and here he is. Isn't he magnificent? And very dangerous. More about animals later.

Now we are coming into Cape Town, which may be the most beautiful city on earth.

We are coming down the side of a mountain, snapping shots as we go.

The water was just so calm and so blue.

If you enlarge the previous photo, you can see part of the city at the base of those hills.

I know I'm obsessing, but it is just so pretty.

Okay, enough water pictures for today. More stuff tomorrow!

Traveling the Coast of South Africa

2010-08-16T00:27:00.001-05:00

We did not get to spend much time at this beautiful locale. When we go back, I want to spend a few days here.

Such a beautiful view!

Mr. Wonderful.

The name of this resort sound like "Tiki-Karma" to me, but my husband says my pronunciation isn't even close.

Are you tired of the ocean? Maybe tomorrow I'll show you a lion or something.

Love ya!

More Trivia and Photos From the Road

2010-08-13T00:42:00.001-05:00

Random shots and info. We drove 3500 miles in the three weeks we were there.

I didn't want to miss a thing. I saw the Indian Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and where they meet in Cape Town.

The pure beauty and vastness of the land...there are just no words to describe.

I have always heard that the water goes down the drain the opposite direction below the Equator. That was the first thing I checked. It's true. Also, there are hot and cold handles on the sinks and they are opposite of where we have it. That is, hot is on the right and cold on the left.

They call restrooms, toilets. Sometimes you have to pay. I didn't. Ugh.

Everything is Metric.

We were there in March and it was the end of Summer-beginning Fall.

This was my favorite road-side stop.

This is a typical "One Stop" in a rural area.

Yay! The Coke truck arrived just in time.

In my part of the world, most towns of any size have a Sonic. In South Africa it is Kentucy Fried Chicken. For some reason this was so funny to me.

I had no idea what this roadsign says. Still don't. It is such a good thing I was not driving...I might have ended up in Botswana.

There are 11 official languages in South Africa. Afrikaans, English and Zulu being the most prominent. The others may or may not change day to day depending on the way the wind blows.

I was a little scared taking this photo. That vendor does not look friendly. Mr. Wonderful stopped on the roadside to get fresh fruit.

That's all for today, Peeps. Thanks for reading and your comments and questions.
I have to stop now. My brain is full.

Some Answers To Your Question (s)

2010-08-12T09:54:00.001-05:00

Someone or two actually asked me a question!!! I am so excited.

So, I'm going to stick some general information about our trip in this post.

First, this is a typical African Cow. I put this in for Queen B and The Princess since they love cows now. The cows just graze on the side of the road because people have stolen the fencing materials that keep them confined. That material is usually sold to someone else, or used on someone's house. I'm not judging. Just reporting.

On the Devil Monkey. I did not provoke it. I smiled at it and did not have beer to offer the little sot. I do not produce good monkey karma.

About the food. There are some wonderful grocery stores that are similar to Publix in many towns. Smaller towns have small town grocery stores. Tiny places have a general store/post office/gas pump.

There are many great restaurants with every kind of food you can imagine (except Mexican). We were "camping" so much we chose to do our own food because Mr. Wonderful wanted to do it (he grew up that way) and there is a grill at most every
place we stayed.

We went to the grocery store everyday because they make fresh bread all through the day EVERYDAY and the fresh fruit is abundant. The potatoes are similar to the gold
buttery tasting ones you can get here, but they are a different variety and so clean and good. The meat...lets just say I ate lots of things and they always had chicken.

This is the typical taxi service that runs to the communities that have no transportation. You never ever ever want to ride in one of these. Find a yellow taxi. I kid you not, we saw 23 people unload from one of these. They had little kids stuffed under the rows of bench seats and people in laps of other people. No air conditioning in these. They never signal. They pull off or on the road on a whim. Gotta watch carefully!

My photos are refusing to upload so I'll stop for now. More later!

Thanks for reading.

The First Roadtrip

2010-08-11T16:02:00.015-05:00

Mr. Wonderful had planned a first little "getaway" to a favorite childhood resort called Die Oog. In English that is something like The Wook, which means hot springs or something.

Just thought I would stick a picture of our car here.
The driver is on the right and you drive on the left. Anyway, I would NEVER attempt this myself. Notice the Coke can. No Pepsi at all in South Africa!!

These little huts are called Rondovals, which I suppose means little round house. This roof is straw or thatch and this is the view from the inside.

This is the kitchen. This is a microwave/hotplate combo. To turn on electricity, you have to flip a switch above the plug-in place, which is a pretty good energy saving idea.

This is the bathtub and yes, Peeps, that is a LIZARD.
My first encounter with a South African animal.

At the end of the day we have the usual braai with friends. I loved the South African food!

This resort had a ginormous spring fed hot water pool that was fabulous. I didn't think you needed to see Beachy Mimi in a bathing suit.

You would thank me. Trust me.

On the road again tomorrow.

The First Few Days

2010-08-10T12:31:00.011-05:00

The first few days of South Africa were HOT. So many people. Everywhere. People coming up and wanting to sell you things and bumping into you, going through immigration, whew. That was a shocker for a little country girl.

The airport was beautiful (preparing for the World Cup that was coming in June) and everything was very clean.

We stayed with friends for a night at their home in Pretoria.

Their yard is so beautiful.

This was the room where we slept. Very comfortable.

This is part of the family that lives in the house. Most Afrikaners spend as much time as possible outside. The temperature is really nice (in the shade) so they eat, visit, braai (grill outside) ALL the time. Twelve months a year. This room is called the Stoop. Jackye is feeding her precious grandson a little snack.

Just another view of the stoop. Notice the burgler bars? That is a fact of life for everyone. They have gates going into the yard, on all the windows and doors, and even the back stoop. I wouldn't call it scary but just "aware of your surroundings" kind of lifestyle.

Last house picture. Notice the bars on the bedroom door? They have all learned to live with the precautions. I slept with my pointy tweezers. Believe me, they can do alot of damage.

More later. Our first road trip!!

African Adventures

2010-08-06T15:24:00.010-05:00

Don't let the face of this sweet little animal fool you.

Loves everyone and is so nice

Crawls on everyone and wants to cuddle.

It is a beer-swilling vicious little thing that hates blonde American women

This is not a dog.
This is not a kitty cat
IT IS A FREAKING AFRICAN MONKEY AND IT IS CLAMPING DOWN ON MY NOSE!

This is just the beginning of our adventure. I'll share a little more each day.
I didn't show the faces of the homeowners, they were so sweet but spoke very little English. Through transalation, they found out we love chicken thighs and they wanted to go RIGHT THEN to kill chickens and send thighs home with us.

Is that not the sweetest thing?

They can keep that darn monkey.

Perspective

2010-08-05T11:25:00.002-05:00

Hello, Peeps.

Or Peep. I think I have one reader left after all this time.

I've been busy.

I'm been taking a crash class in Marriage 101 to a South African. I have learned a lot.

I have now known Mr. Wonderful for one year. Our wedding anniversary is coming up in a few weeks. Unconventional, I admit, but a year of many blessings.

Mr. Wonderful traveled the world before coming to America 12 years ago. Since we married last September, we have traveled to 5 countries. Wow.

I have learned so much about other cultures, poverty, eating habits, blessings, and dare I say it...budget travel.

I have had some of the best times of my life.

Some observations.

Most people have either a fascination about America, or they could care less.

Where Americans are not well received, Mr. Wonderful speaks Afrikaans and I keep my mouth shut. When the person can't speak Afrikaans, they all switch to English and everyone is happy. I keep my mouth shut.

People are people everywhere. Mothers love their children and worry about them. Everyone is trying to make a living. People use what they have to make homes and clothing. Everyone needs clean drinking water.

Everywhere we traveled we ran into Christians. I just love that. God just places them in your path EVERYWHERE. That is so comforting.

I am not naive enough to think we are in the majority everywhere, but we were blessed to meet and speak to many wonderful believers.

I have been doing a lot of thinking about the travels and the people I have observed.

I met disabled people, poor people, wealthy people, sick people, farmers, businesspeople, professional people (can I say people one more time) goat herders,
ostrich farmers, and ladies that carry goods on their heads to sell their homemade wares. These people were HAPPY. POSITIVE. HOPEFUL. GIVING.

I hope I have become a better person from my association with these people.

I have a message to someone who is on the periphery of my life. You will recognize yourself.
Please knock that chip off your shoulder. The world is not against you. You are not more or less spiritual than anyone else. Jump off that pedestal you put yourself on and look around.

You are not always right. LEARN TO FORGIVE AND FORGET. Choose to be happy. Most of all, forgive yourself. Mistakes in the past are IN THE PAST. Don't lose relationships with your family members, children, and friends you keep pushing away.

Quit bad-mouthing your "enemies" to anyone who will listen and give you some fake sympathy. You might have to eat those words and they are not tasty.

GET A HAPPY LIFE.

Love you, my peep (s). Posting pictures when I figure out how.

A Fun Weekend

2010-02-22T11:09:00.003-06:00

We had a fabulous weekend, Peeps!

Saturday, Mr. Wonderful cooked a couple pots of soup and Beachy Mimi made a chocolate gooey cake.

Then...

All our children Peeps and my grandchild Peep came over to eat and play games.

We all squished around the table and got to know each other a little better.

Queen B brought some FABULOUS cupcakes from Bliss Cupcake Cafe blisscupcakecafe.com, on Center Street in Fayetteville. If you are in the area.

GO THERE. GO NOW. YOU WILL THANK ME LATER.

We played

Battle of the Sexes and of course the females won.

Question? Who knew a 2x4 was not really that size? Sounds like a male thing.

Also, the pitchers mound is 60'6" from Home Plate? Why now 60' or 61'? Only a guy would make things so difficult.

The men got questions like, "where do you wear a barrette?" duh...

We still beat them. Not that I'm gloating or anything...heh heh

Update on packing**** I know that no one cares, but the packing is comsuming what few brain cells I have left after getting my daily Olympic Fix.

Mr. Wonderful has decided that I should take the medium suitcase and he the large one so I will not overpack and we will have room to bring home loot.

When he suggested this option, I got dizzy and may or may not have fallen in a heap in the floor.

In my quest to take as little as possible, I gathered up all my pj's that were mostly black (for washing purposes) and put them aside to stick in (his) the suitcase. Now I can't find them. Anywhere. That is so frustrating.

Anyway, I told Mr. Wonderful since I had to take the smaller suitcase, he would have to pack my bras and bathing suit in HIS suitcase. It's the cups. They take up too much room. I got some t-shirt bras (wonderful purchase) but they don't fold up like my regulars.

Don't you think that is only fair?

I have bigger infrastructure requirements than a guy. He just has underwear...I have TWO pieces of underwear to deal with.

Guys can subsist on so little. He is taking shorts and t-shirts. I can't meet new people in shorts and a t-shirt. What about dinner? What about cute? What about
SHOES? He is taking flip flops.

I gotta go search for the pj's...Love ya, Peeps.

Two Weeks And Counting...

2010-02-17T10:02:00.003-06:00

...until we leave for South Africa.

When I was a little girl in Mission Friends or whatever it was called then, I always thought all missionaries went to Africa. NEVER did I think I would be going myself.

Mr. Wonderful says one bag. For three weeks. For three weeks.

DID YOU HEAR THAT? THREE WEEKS!!!

I do believe I will take black and tan (khaki) and mix and match. While I am gone I won't be able to post. When I get back...

I'll be keeping a journal and taking pictures (shock) of EVERTHING. And I do mean EVERYTHING.

The Queen B has a great giveaway going on at her place. I'm scanning all the comments for options for the airplane.

I don't think I should take Jason Elam's book, because the title contains the j.i.h.a.d but this series is just great.

My pajamas and underwear can take up a whole suitcase. Especially if I take t-shirt bras (which I now love) because they are hard to pack. Can't have the girls at HIGH BEAM in a foreign country.

March in South Africa is sort of like September here. Going into Fall.

Mr. Wonderful and I just finished a road trip to see the Parental Unit in Florida.

Thirteen hours in the car. I could barely walk. Our flight is 18 hours.

I think it was a test by Mr. Wonderful to see just how much whining he might have to listen to in the later hours of the trip.

I've got news for him. I LOVE FLYING. I have Flying Infrastructure I keep on hand.
It includes earphones, pillow, blanket, eye mask, food, games, cards ,reading material...you get the idea.

TERRIBLE TERRIBLE THOUGHT... I hope Mr. Wonderful is not including my Flying Infrastructure as part of my one suitcase.

Now I'm in a tizz so I've got to go call him and find out. This could be critical, Peeps.

Name Changing Woes...

2010-02-03T14:40:00.003-06:00

I whine alot.

Sorry, Peeps.

I recently married Mr. Wonderful and began the arduous process of changing my legal name.

Most of the items, driver's license, passport, social security, etc., were pretty straightforward.

Most other things...banks, credit cards... were a snap.

But Peeps, IF YOU MAKE CHANGES TO YOUR CABLE SERVICE...WATCH OUT!

First of all, it requires a personal appearance. That's not so unusual.
But when the change began...we have lost our phone, cable, internet...over and over for a week.

It still isn't fixed.

Everytime I call tech support they are very sweet and tell me it shouldn't be this difficult...duh? I know that.

My frustration level is in turbo drive.

Then, I had to call the travel people with questions about our tickets to South Africa. They took a message...never called me back. Go to their on-line site and you can get "live support". That is, until they are tired of talking to you and then they just turn you off and ignore you.

Very frustrated, I called the airline. Nope. No help there.

Finally, we just totally changed our flight plans to a more reliable and helpful airline.

Does customer support have to be so difficult? Is most of it from...overseas?
Heaven help you if you push the wrong button on your touch tone phone.

Sorry for venting. I feel much better.

Unplug this post for 15 minutes and perhaps it will reboot and give you a new one.

Good luck with that.

Forget the Flip Flops...My Teeth Are GNASHING!

2010-01-25T16:43:00.002-06:00

I know The Queen B and I share some Peeps.

Well, actually, she had the Peeps and I just lured them over here to read Beachy Mimi.

There are few subjects we won't tackle in public...but there are a few.

B is a super young woman despite mistakes made my her mama during her life.

I haven't commented much on the LaP adoption because I felt it was their story to tell until I get my hands on her and take over as I have fought to do with The Princess heh heh Believe me, The Princess is a much more well rounded individual due to her Mimi influence.

While The Palace is choosing to take the high road in this lastest setback, Beachy Mimi's road is a little bit lower down and not paved, so basically I can say what I want.

God is in control. That is the basis of my life. I know that He can change situations in an instant if He chooses.

Throughout all my years involved with churches and working with people, I have run in to a few that seem to forget they were "called" by God and in fact, they are NOT God.
A MINOR POINT THAT TOTALLY CHANGES THE FOCUS OF A MINISTRY.

Please joing me in praying for LaP's safety and for the one who has decided no more adoptions will occur for any reason.

God started this whole thing...and He will be faithful to complete it. In His Time.

So, I can have my temper fit, rant and rave, but God still has a time schedule, and since He is the Boss of me, I respect (though maybe not understand) His timing.

I also know that whatever He has in store for LaP is better than anything we would do on our own.

Shoes, Sandals and Other Important Things

2010-01-20T19:32:00.003-06:00

I enjoy shoes.

I would say I love shoes, but I don't really love them like a family member. I just really enjoy a cute pair of shoes.

Now that I am "older", comfort wins over the mule I slide out of or the tall heel where I have to shuffle.

I also tend to go for the easy...flip flops. Reef flip flops in particular. My feet love them.

I even put on flip flops with my wedding dress after I took my heels off...but that's a story for another day.

I've been looking at the shoe sites on the Web and quite frankly, I am appalled.

Do you guys think the gladiator look is a good one? Am I just really old and out of touch?

They just look so...bunchie or something. Way too fussy and heavy looking.

Let me have it Peeps...am I outdated?

Happy 2010 To The Peeps!

2010-01-12T16:19:00.002-06:00

Hello, everyone.

Or to the one person who reads this. Greetings.

The end of 2009 was hectic.

Mr. Wonderful and I took honeymoon # 2 to Mexico and # 3 to Hawaii. We took no pictures.

Honeymoon # 4 comes in March when I go meet relatives and friends in South Africa.

I'll be sucking my thumb until then because that is a l o n g flight. As in 18 hours, over alot of water. In coach.

I'm sure I'll be as fresh as a daisy when we land and have to meet new people. NOT.

As you may have already read, my baby, The Queen B has just had a birthday that puts her closer to 40 than 30. Heh Heh

I can chuckle because once you are 50...well, age just doesn't matter.

We had great holidays with new combined families. We feel so blessed.

Mr. Wonderful continues to be wonderful. Every day is so much fun.

What are your resolutions for 2010? I knew better than to make any, but maybe knowing what you are doing will inspire me.