"Date" Night

The guest room is ready for guests!

I planted some herbs and they are actually growing!

Started the morning finding a large starfish on the beach... seemed to still be alive so I gingerly carried it/him/her (don't much about starfish sexuality) to the pilings by the pier and released it/him/her.

Then I went to the hardware store and bought the correct parts to repair my toilet ALL BY MYSELF! (no picture here)

Called the realty company and found out that I can use my fireplace! So now I have to rearrange the furniture to get the TV somewhere else.

My oven only has one shelf and today I found out that they no longer make pieces for my oven. Anyone have any suggestions? How do you bake cookies or Thanksgiving dinner with only one shelf in the oven? One solution.... don't bake.

Had two hummingbirds stop by this afternoon.

Then the electrican came and I now have 1) a doorbell that works 2) a new light out front 3) a light in my food pantry 4) a new ceiling fan in my bedroom.

Hurricane Earl looks like it is going to miss Wilmington. Right now we have tropical storm warnings and concerns for high surf and riptides.

And now it is time for me to go meet the "Senior Ladies of Wilmington".... more about that tomorrow!

August 30

Found a group called Senior Ladies of Wilmington that is meeting at the Oceanic (my favorite place on Wrightsville Beach) tomorrow night for Music on the Pier. Check out the information at

http://www.meetup.com/Senior-Ladies-of-Wilmington/calendar/14519745

I am looking forward to talking with someone other than the cats!

August 29

Buddy Report: He is eating but still not feeling his best. Getting medicine down his throat twice a day is a challenge that I am not meeting.

Dinner Report: Sunday dinner with John, Jess, & Dave was wonderful. I am posting pictures of some of it. Next Sunday John & Jess invited me to their house.

Bird Report: A hummingbird keeps reappearing!

August 28

On the beach until 11:30... reading a good book (Burned by Louise Nayer).

Got to spend some good phone time with Trish and Anne sent great pictures of her grandchildren (who I miss a lot!)

Then to Great Harvest Bread, Costco, and Fresh Market to shop for dinner tomorrow. Here is the menu I sent to John, Jess, and Dave:)

Menu
Cool Cucumber Soup w/ Blue Cheese on Rustic French Bread
Fresh Cold Tomato Soup w/ Prosciutto & Mozzarella on Onion Focaccia Bread
Apple Pie w/ Pistachio Sorbet
Fresh Strawberries w/ French Vanilla Pound Cake
Carrot Raisin Walnut Bread

Background Music
Buddy sneezing and coughing
Birds at feeder (perhaps a special appearance by hummingbird or red-bellied woodpecker)

Time
Everything will be served cold, so it doesn't matter!

Cost
I need help putting in the new AC filter.
Hold Buddy while I give him his medicine.
Hugs

All three accepted my invitation.... so another great day. Wish you were here!

August 27

Another night of not sleeping, listening to Buddy coughing and sneezing. Took him to the vet this morning and he did NOT sneeze or cough once during the entire visit. Vet gave him an IV bag of liquids and put him on an antibiotic for two weeks. One big issue is getting him to eat, so I went and bought three different kinds of "special" cat food, including baby food. He threw up most of the liquids the vet gave him when we got home and threw up the medicine I tried to give him tonight...... so the plan is...... I am going to sleep downstairs tonight (so I can sleep) and take a lesson from Scarlett O'Hara and deal with all of this tomorrow

Not a happy day.

Full Moon

I had just finished the last post when Barbe texted me saying a full moon would be rising over the beach in 10 minutes..... so off I went.... it was SPECTACULAR.... a huge, Halloween orange moon rising over the ocean.... reminded me of when Joanna and I were here four years ago and brought our chairs, candle lantern, and wine to the beach to watch the moon rise..... no pictures.. I left in such a hurry I forgot my camera... and I would have missed it all without a friend like Barbe who was watching from Ortley Beach!

August 26

Had a glass of wine with Joanna in downtown Wilmington last night before the movie! Wine and conversation over the phone isn't bad. The movie was good.

Buddy is still sneezing and coughing. I did buy him some chicken soup but he wasn't interested. Took Lacey two days to recover so Buddy has 24 more hours or I will be looking for a vet.

The beach walk this morning was wonderful but I did see a dead baby turtle.

John called to see if I wanted to have lunch with him... another reminder why I am in North Carolina.

Lots of new birds on the deck and a night time visiting raccoon who ravished my woodpecker food. The visiting orange cat caught one of the birds yesterday and is no longer welcomed. Turned the hose on him today and he hasn't been back.

Went to a Nature Art Expo this evening and saw amazing photographs and meet people who shared lots of ideas of places to see. Am going with the NC Audubon Society to Mason Inlet tomorrow morning for another bird hike. Sure beats setting up a classroom!

Mason Inlet Bird Sanctuary

Buddy in ICU

Sick Buddy Cat in his "Kitty City" with Nurse Lacey in watch in the rear.

And now I am off to Thalian Hall to see Please Give.

August 25

Never got pictures posted yesterday. Internet stopped working again. Repair crew is due tomorrow but a Time Warner Cable truck was parked out front about an hour ago and now everything is working (TV and internet), SO maybe someone else was having a problem with the lines as well.

John delivered the chaise for my bedroom. I made him a sandwich. Dave stopped by after fishing and took home ingredients to make several sandwiches and a pizza or two:) Shopping at the Mom Market works for both of us!

Lacey Cat was sneezing a couple of days ago and now Buddy Cat is sick. I did not know that cats can get a URI. Buddy kept me up all night. It is very sad.... I just can't seem to teach him to blow his nose!

I was on the beach at sunrise this morning (thanks, Buddy) and was reminded how lucky I am.

The orange cat (and NO Joanna he is not going to become part of my family) and Lacey go head to head through the sliding glass doors. Buddy cowers in the background.

The electrican never got here yesterday, so I am again waiting. Must be a southern thing. But then again "I've got nothing to do, and all day to do it!"

August 23 and 24

Went to the Wrightsville Beach Farmers Market in the morning yesterday and bought some new sunflowers. Have decided to always have fresh flowers in the house.

Then I went to Airlie Gardens (http://www.airliegardens.org/) and became a member. It is only 2 miles away and there are trails through salt marshes, woodlands, gardens and even a screened butterfly park. There is a spectular oak tree with Spanish moss and a house scuplted entirely out of bottles!. I took some pictures that I will attach. Saw a green heron and some female wood ducks.

From there I enjoyed shopping for things I don't really need. Went to all the "good" stores... Costco, Target, Walmart, Lowes. I bought some plants for the front entrance, more bird feeders, lots of cat food, more organizer "stuff" for kitchen and bath... and more that I have already forgotten!

The realty agency sent over an electrican who is coming back today to fix my doorbell and the ceiling fan in my bedroom and put a new light fixture out front. I can get used to this renting idea!

I was going to go see the movie Please Give downtown, but ended up spending 45 minutes on the phone with the cable company. My TV and internet stopped working. The technician was not able to fix it and scheduled a repairman to come on THURSDAY. I was not happy. Now for some reason the internet is working... the TV is still messed up.

John is picking up my chaise lounge after work today (I hope... it just started raining!).

Tuesday morning I got up early to go and try to get my driver's license again. I thought they opened at 8:30 so I showed up at 8:15. There was already a line out the door just to get a number to take the written test. I guess I'm going to have to figure out how this system works. I didn't wait, so I am still officially a NJ driver.

Cat Bird???

Stayed on the beach until 11 this morning. The ocean temperature was 84 degrees!

Two new birds sighted at Apartment 222. One is a red bellied woodpecker. The picture is taken through the screen so it isn't very clear. I am hoping he/she puts in a second appearance! And finally a hummingbird!

Look carefully!

This is NOT a bird, but is a large, yellow cat that has decided to take up residence on my deck in hopes of catching bird. He and Buddy had a meowing contest through the sliding glass doors. Buddy lost. This cat is too friendly and even tried to come inside when I went out to refill the bird feeder.

John, Jess, and Dave came over for dinner and company. I am enjoying these Sunday afternoons!

Unpacked three more boxes of things to put on my shelves. It is beginning to look like home!

Audubon Bird Walk and New Shelves by David

Headed out early this morning for Fort Fisher at Kure Beach, about 30 minutes south to join the Cape Fear Audubon Society for a "bird walk". It was a group of about 12 people, most of whom were much more exicted about adding a bird to their "lists", but I do not have a list and at this point don't want another list in my life. (I am still checking things off my "to do" list for moving.)
But I did get to see two birds that I have wanted pictures of (white ibis and Eastern bluebird). The pictures are not great but at least now I know where to go to take more. The people were wonderful and offered lots of good ideas for new places to explore.

Remember to click on the picture if you want to see a larger image.

White Ibis, Eastern Bluebirds, and Cooper's Hawk

Then Dave came over and put together my new shelves. I love them (and Dave). Now I can unpack some more boxes.

I discovered a Great Harvest Bread Company store. If you have never been to one your waistline is lucky. They bake incredible breads and offer lots of samples. I bought an Apple Cobbler Bread, Asiago Pesto Bread, and Ginger Cookies. Now don't you wish you were coming over for dinner!

John and Jess are in Raleigh, NC to attend a Jack Johnson concert and will be back tomorrow.

bookcases arrived... Dave coming over tomorrow to put them together.... ordered a TV/DVD combination for guest room

Went to see Eat, Pray, Love with Jess. We both read the book (I read it twice) and loved the movie. Then we went out to lunch together. I love this part of the move! Jess has a client who sells mattresses so she went with Dave while he picked out a new "big boy bed" and said goodbye to his futon.

Dave is fishing now and coming back here for dinner.

It is another GOOD day.

the beautiful, the sad story and the attack

First a warning: If "birds" are not your thing, skip this blog.
And if you want to see larger images of any picture just click on it.



The Beautiful


Carolina wrens are just cute!














Cardinals are one of my most frequent deck visitors.









These majestic egrets were resting in the trees on the north side of the island this morning.









The Sad Story


The weather was not very good this morning so instead of sitting on the beach I went for a walk on the southern side of the island. I was very excited to find this gull eating a fish and be able to get some pictures..... until I got home and was able to look at the pictures closer:(


















The Attack

There are black simmers nesting on this part of the island and I guess I got a bit too close. Here is one diving at me.... most of the time I was too busy chasing them away to take pictures! And then there is a picture of mother and "child".... and the cause of all the trouble, a juvenile black skimmer.

August 19

This is where I read my paper each morning after walking along the beach~

My new dishes bought (along with MANY other things) the generous retirement gift from my friends. They have already been put to very good use making lots of new recipes for John, Jess, and Dave. Can't wait to serve you!

Bought this wicker chaise lounge for my bedroom from a great store called "Thrill of the Hunt". I love the pattern on the cushion. Of course, the chaise is still at the store. I have to wait for John to pick it up with his truck!

If there is a monsoon season in NC I experienced it today. Rain fell at a rate of 1-3 inches per hour for at least 2 hours.... still a flood warning for two more hours. Of course I was driving in part of it.

Met John and Jess's friend Gina today and she is now officially my State Farm agent for renters' insurance and soon car insurance. (Once I figure out the drivers' license and new plate regime.)

My new bookcases are to be delivered tomorrow! Looking forward to unpacking the rest of my things and getting them on the shelves.

August 18/ Ups and Downs

UP - on the beach in the morning

UP - "googled" addresses for furniture store going out of business (bookcases maybe?), two birding stores (squirrels are eating more seeds than birds)

DOWN - went to get a NC drivers' license... brought my NJ drivers' license, passport, birth certificate, rental agreement, electric bill, check from new bank, cable TV bill, NC library card, car title, car registration, car insurance.... did NOT bring Social Security card..... did not get license!

DOWN - GPSed first birding store... it no longer exists

DOWN - HUGE rainstorm came out of nowhere as I drove on unfamiliar roads

DOWN - Furniture store going out of business is closed until Saturday

UP - second birding store not only exists but the woman working there (Nancy) is going to the same bird walk with the Audubon Society at Fort Fisher this Saturday that I am! Bought a new "squirrel proof" bird feeder and a birders' guide to coastal North Carolina

UP & DOWN - by 1:30 I realized I had forgotten to eat so I stopped at Wendys to order a frosty and crispy chicken sandwich... when it was my turn I ordered a Frosty Chicken Sandwich (I believe the two girls at the counter are still laughing).... I was given the 20% Senior Discount without asking

UP - finally caught up with Yolande on the phone

UP - loved the sound of the rain on the skylights!

UP - I made a delicious pomegranate lime margarita. (and may make another before the night is done.)

UP & DOWN - Dave had his first school staff meeting and has to stay there until 8:30 tonight for any parents and students who come in..... I do not have to worry about anything having to do with school:)

UP - writing all of this to YOU!

August 17

Beach in the morning (of course). Got a chance to catch up with Joan who is happily settled in her new home. Then some shopping. Every store I can imagine wanting is 5 minutes or less away!

Came home and unpacked the last boxes of books and CDs. Only boxes left are the pictures for the walls and the boxes of "valuables" from my bookcases and mantle in NJ.

John came around 5 and he and Dave loaded the rest of Dave's things into John's truck. So now I can shop for my bookcases. Had a wonderful evening with all three of them here....dinner, TV, laughs, family!

Looking forward to lunch with Jess on Thursday. Jess is off from work on Friday and we are planning a beach day (I haven't been in the water yet!) and a matinee of "Eat, Pray, Love".

Got a chance to talk with Sue B. and catch up on her family cruise. It feels so good to hear the voices of my friends.

August 16

my morning on the beach routine is wonderful! Wrightsville Beach has a Farmers Market every Monday so I picked up some local peaches, tomatoes, and baked goods.

David arrived around 12:30 a.m. and is officially my first overnight "guest". He picked up the keys to his new apartment (the fifth in five years) and I did four loads of his laundry (and enjoyed doing it!)

Dave rented a U-Haul and he, a school friend, and John moved his stuff into his third floor apartment! Then Dave came back here for dinner (another new recipe by me!). Right now he is at John and Jess's watching the Giants' game.

Tomorrow John will pick up the things I brought down for Dave and then I can buy bookcases and finish unpacking.

One of the highlights is sitting in my living room and watching the birds on my deck. I feel like I have a front row seat in a nature preserve.

August 15

Another morning on the beach!!!!!

John and Jess came for dinner.... I am loving having someone to cook for!

Dave is driving down from NJ as I write.... he is due in sometime around midnight... had to make the bed in the guest room..... Dave will be my first "guest"

August 14/ Time for Some Fun

guest room (almost ready!)








EMPTY boxes in hall








sunflowers from Trader Joes!

downstairs bathroom

deck with new chairs and cushions

upstairs bathroom (where cats eat and "uneat")

my bedroom (look closely to see cats by door to deck)

my LARGE closet

power outage ambiance

Lost power last night from 7:30 to 11 p.m..... luckily I had candles, a flashlight (thanks to my "be prepared" Boy Scout dad!), and a great book light... so I caught up on some reading

Went to the beach AGAIN this morning (I will never get tired of writing that) and it rained for about 10 minutes... I got soaked... and then the sun came out and I dried off in another 10 minutes!

Got my new deck chairs out of my trunk by myself yesterday and they are on the deck waiting for company.... repotted my basil plant in the kitchen this morning

This afternoon I am heading over to Fresh Market to attend a cooking demonstration for Ginger Glazed Wild Salmon with Soba Salad.
http://www.thefreshmarket.com/stores/store_locationsDetail.aspx?StoreId=68

Then this evening I am heading downtown to attend a performance of Anything Goes.

http://www.thalianhall.com/this_week.html#ohtc

I attached some pictures of my progress in unpacking and the ambiance of a powerless evening.