Looking Back

After celebrating Marlee's Birthday last Thursday and Dusty's Birthday coming up on June the 13th. I thought it would be a good time to look back. Marlee is 26 this year and Dusty will be 22. When I go through old pictures and think about times past, it is hard to believe. Where did the time go? It pasted so quickly. It seems like I blinked and they were grown. I miss the little kids that they were. I enjoy seeing them as young adults and how they are excited about their life. But I long to hear that silly giggle ring through the house. I will always cherish their childhood in my heart.

This picture was taken in 1992 or 1993 at Thanksgiving. Marlee was 10 or 11 and Dusty was 6 or 7. We were at Journey's End in Belize. This is one of the best vacations were ever took. We had such a great and relaxing time. The kids had the run of the resort. We went to breakfast one morning, Marlee and Dusty were helping wait on tables. We snorkeled, fished, visited the Mayan ruins. It was great. All of us will look back on this vacation as the best.

Nature's Paint Brush

I truly love this photograph. No one could ever put the colors on a sea shore together like God's hand in nature. The whites, brown, grays and pinks are perfect. I think that is why I love the beach so much. Because of it's glorious beauty. We are not on a beautiful beach but we are in the middle of boating and nature at it's best. Year around we have something going on. We are blessed with birds of all varieties, the migration of the monarch butterfly and dragon flies, the cutest little brown humming birds. We get to experience families of dolphins, from birth to adult hood. We are covered with fish and crabs. The main dish at any block party is fish. We have wild hogs, deer, otters, foxes and animals that I have not seen. In our little harbor we can paddle a boat, row a boat, jet around on skis, wind surf, sail boats in all sizes and power boats at every speed. I have enjoyed the most different group of friends. You will meet all walks of people. All who enjoy each others company and friendship. We gather together in the evenings to watch the sun set and talk about each others accomplishments and failures. We celebrate together and mourn together. You could say that we have found a little piece of paradise.

Here's Looking at You

Here's looking at you is my title today. It is my 51st Birthday. I am looking at the things in my life that are special and important to me. The most important things in my life are Fred, Marlee and Dusty. They are my life.
They have shared my life for the last 28 years. They are half of my life in years but my whole life in love and memories. My camera is part of my life, it has recorded the memories of my life. Marlee and Dusty used to cry when they saw me with it. Now it is Fred that says "that's enough". Even my little Dixie hides when she sees the camera. I have to turn off the flash for her.
Then there is a smile for my friends and family. I am so blessed with a lot of both. I have a family who loves me and is always there for me. My family is my safe haven. A place to land. They may not always approve of what I do but they always love me. I can always turn to my family for a laugh, share a joke, to cry and to live life.
My friends are the blood in my veins. That is the only way I can say that. They keep me grounded in the world around me. We share our lives together. The times we have had and the good time to come. We share each others life every day. Boy what a ride and it is fun.
I have to say it is a Happy Day, Happy Life, Happy Birthday, 25 years old and 26 years of experience. Loving Life.

Perfect Day

Oh what a beautiful day. The weather could not have been better. Fred and I spent about 4 hours out on the boat today. We rode over to St. Marks and went down the river. We were looking for Manatees. We found four. They are almost the same color as the river. The rivers in No. Fl. are a tea color. They are so clear that you can see the bottom. But unless the lighting is just right it is hard to get a picture of the manatees. I love the river and the marsh. The marsh is always a beautiful assortment of color. The blue, greens, greys, browns, tan and any accent color is always perfect. The wild flowers were great. We saw wild iris that were the purest white. Something real strange happened on the river. I was sitting in the front of the boat and a dolphin jumped up. The strange thing about that is that the river is fresh water. And yes if my magic wand was not in the shop I could have had him smile. There were a lot of fish that the dolphins like to eat in the river today but fresh water. I am going to have to look that one up. When we were back in salt water another thing happened. Twice, all of the sudden it was like someone dropped a heavy basketball, beside the boat, out of the ski. It scared us. It was a pelican diving for fish. But it looked and sounded like bombs dropping.
We just enjoyed today on the water. It was great.

"PLEASE CLICK ON MY PHOTO COLLECTIONS TO SEE PHOTOS FROM TODAY. THEY SHOULD COME UP. IF NOT THE TITLE IS PERFECT DAY. HOPE YOU ENJOY."

Beauty in Motion

I have just had the most wonderful evening. Fred and I were out in the boat cruising around. I was sitting in the back of the boat when Fred said come look at the dolphins. He turned off the motor and we were just amazed. There was a school of about 7 dolphins and a baby. The baby was so cute. They were swimming all around us. I did not have my camera but you can bet your bottom I will have it tomorrow. I could sit and watch them all day. They swim with such grace and are so peaceful to look at. I always want to jump in with them. The little baby was half the size of it's mother and a lighter color. It stayed right by it mother's side. It was like a dance. It would be nice if kids were like that. In step with you at all time and not running around doing their own thing. I really do not know how to describe the beauty of watching the dolphins. I will try to find them tomorrow and take some pictures. They are hard to photograph. I wish I could say smile for the camera.

REFRIGERATOR

According to Merriam-Webster, Refrigerator, re-frig-er-a-tor, noun, a room or appliance for keeping food or other items cool.

If you have moved or have had a new refrigerator in the past two years this post is not for you. You may find it funny. I know that I have little gremlins that live in mine. I try to clean out my ice box before I go to the grocery store. With Fred living his life as a Chef and going to the grocery store more often than I. The refrigerator does not get clean out as often as it should.

I am taking a poll. What is the oldest bottled or boxed item you have ever found in your refrigerator? Be truthful, we are all human. I do try to take out the shelves about every six months and wash them. At that time I go through all the bottles and check dates. Sounds simple right, wrong. Today, I tackled that day long job. I could not believe the stuff I find in my refrigerator. I had sauces that went back to 2004. I can not even think how I would have over looked those. I do think that things get bought that are out of date. Also please let me say, that I am the only one that ever wipes something up in the refrigerator. I think my family just closes the door and forgets about it. "Out of sight, out of mind."

My poor side by side, refrigerator, is 20 years old. It is a big GE and just keeps on truckin'. I want it to last because we want to remodel out kitchen. Every time I hear it make a different noise, I pray. Please let it last a little longer. It has lived a long and useful life. My old refrigerator has fed my family for along time. It has hosted many birthdays, holidays, spend the night parties, family dinners, graduation and going away parties. It has seen happy day and sad days. If only your refrigerator could talk. It could write our life.

Take a look in your refrigator. See what lerks inside. You may have germlins living in you refrigator too.

Fast Riding, Bathing Beauty

Now tell me, was this not one hot Mama? I know beauty just can not be denied. This jet ski tour was so much fun. BUT! I bounced around on that thing like crazy. The day was great, the water was great, everything but the waves. The water in Key West is also very salty. After awhile of the spray from bouncing, and the sun screen on my face and the salt, I was unable to see. My eyes were burning badly. I was able to wipe the water out and resume my journey. We really were shown some great things. Have you every thought about the farest southern point in the United States? I haven't until I was there and could see it.

I included the picture of the coozie because after that trip I was thankful for any breath. Even Hog Breath. And a nice cold one just hit the spot.

Rattlin' Bones Around the Keys

Fred and I, and our new best friends. This is what we feel like today. My arms hurt and Fred's legs hurt. Between the two of us we feel like these lazy cats. These are Hemingway cats. They do live a charmed life. They are patted all day, never picked up, fed until their hearts content. What a life.
Our jet ski trip yesterday was wonderful. Some of the water was pretty rough. Hence our sour bodies. My only request would have been for our guide to go a little slower. I think we were the last tour of the day and he was ready to enjoy his day. It was cool to see the most southern point of the United States on a jet ski. It is a Naval base. We also went to where they store nuclear sub marines. Just a little point of interest about the US. We had to use water proof cameras, so I will see how our pictures turn out. We stopped on a sand bar and walked around. Our guide found the biggest star fish. It was beautiful. It is so neat to place your hand on it's underside and feel it moving. You can't see it but you can feel it. The crabs were fun and big. He said that if they come near you to stand still. I repeat still, not when those guys are snapping like crazy. The sea urchins look like a sliced kiwi on the bottom. We were very careful with everything and put then back where they came from.
Today is a day of rest and recovery. Pool day.
Have a great day everyone.

Who delete their comment from the blog. I can't stand it?????

Enjoying Paradise

This is my before and after photos. I bet you do not recognize me? When I looked at the photo of me behind the photo prop, It looked just like me. I am going to start that diet one day. We are having a really great time. I am any way. It is hard to get Mr. Fred to relax and go with the flow. Poor baby. He is stressing now about signing tax returns. His office manger sent him the e-mail about it. I hate her, why does she do that when he is out of town? Enough of that. We are really having a good time. The picture of sun set was at dinner last night. It was so beautiful. Marlee, when you see the sun set we are looking from the same cost. I am going to hate to go home. We are off to breakfast and a little down time before our jet ski tour. Hope everyone has a great week-end.

Chillin

Hello to Friend and Family, I am in Key West and have had the most wonderful day. I have been by the pool since 1:oo. Enjoying the sun and drinking Corona's. Yes, I have one beside me and can see the correct spelling. Sorta of. The weather is beautiful as always in Key West. Warm with a slight breeze. We are going on a jet ski trip around the Keys tomorrow. 26 miles and 2 hours of sea, sun and fun. I can't wait. Freddy and I each have our own jet ski. We will see who sprays who the most. I always get him in Shell Point. While I speed ahead he is wiping his eyes. Ha Ha Ha Hope everyone has a great week-end. I have not down loaded any pictures as of yet. I will do that soon. We spent yesterday at Hemingway's home, Hogs Breath (hog breath is better than no breath) and Sloppy Joe's. We are having a great time. Send me some love. Chere

Last week-end, Freddy and I got to see Sheryl Crow at Chastin Park. It was a perfect evening and a great concert. Sheryl Crow is an amazing performer and a joy to spend the evening with.

The song below is the title track to her new album, "Detours". This song made me think of my daughter. She is a beautiful young women trying to find her way. She reminds me of me. We were all looking for our place in life and someone to share it with. You wonder, will I ever be settled in life. A lot of the time it is very scary. You avoid the people who love you the most because you do not want to hear what they have to say. But in your heart you know that they love you the most and only want the best for you.

I truly believe all Mothers and young people have walked in these shoes. The words of Sheryl Crow's song sums it all up. And yes, most people do find their way. That is what makes up our civilization that we live in.

DETOURS

SHERYL CROW

Mother, can you hold me together

It's so dark and I'm losing my way

I took all of these detours to find love

But when I did, it just faded away

Now what do I do

With the sweet love of mine

Do I give it away and

Hope someday I'll find

Someone half as awake

As the moon and the stars

Mother, teach me to love

With a paper-thin heart

Mother, your words are so healing

You speak of love and of light and of peace

But I've made it my course to avoid you

Just to hide from these feelings of grief

Now what do I do

With the sweet love of mine

Do I give it away and

Hope someday I"ll find

someone half as awake

As the moon and the stars

Mother, teach me to love

With a paper thin heart

Mother, I know you are with me

You were there when I took my first breath

I can't stop looking back for the answers

I just keep coming up with regret

There are some things I just can't forget

Now what do I do

With the sweet love of mine

Do I give it away and

Hope someday I'll find

Someone half as awake

As the moon and the stars

Mother, teach me to love

With a paper thin heart

Winds of Change

To all my fans, I am sorry for being away for so long. Life has been very busy for the Mortensen's. As you guys know I love to talk to little kids and parents in stores. I know that the reason for this is that I miss my two when they were little. I miss the little princess who used to dress up and grace me with her company. And I miss the sweet little boy that was my darling Dusty. I tell parents so often to enjoy every minute of there children's life. In a blink of an eye it will be gone. They will be graduating from high school and turning new pages in their book of life.

They love to move in and out of you house and disrupt your nice calm and peaceful empty nest. Marlee has decided to move to Orange Beach, Al.. She is working there at a magazine and is very happy. She will be moving into a little one bedroom house or in with two girls that she knew at AU.

I have spent the last four days in Savannah helping Dusty get set up in his condo. He is so proud of it and want to do everything right. We were in Target buying cleaning supplies. This is the conversation that followed:
Dusty: how often do I have to clean the bath room.
Mom: at least once a week.
Dusty: But why? It is only me and all I do is take a shower and go to the bathroom.
Mom: you still have to clean the bathroom.
I hope he will want to take care of his stuff . I am sure he will not be a Martha Stewart but somewhere in that range would be nice.

Dusty presented me with a beautiful self portrait for Mothers Day. He was very proud of it. My mom was with me and she loved it. When Fred saw it his comment was "what is this? and it looks just like him."

Freddy and I have gone from having Marlee at home and Dusty part time to empty nester's again. For now it is nice. I will always worry about Marlee and Dusty. My pray every night is "God please keep them safe. Watch over them and protect them. Through you let them find their way in the world and happiness." What more could any Mother wish for.

To all my friends who are Mothers, Happy Mothers Day. Enjoy each moment of your child's life no matter how old they are.