Handy Women's Hint #4

Sorry guys, I have been on the other side of town all day. I left the house at 8:30 and returned at 7:30. I will post the Handy Women's hint tomorrow. Thanks, Miss Priss

To Delicate to Fly

A dragonfly is a type of insect belonging to the order Odonata. It is characterized by large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong, transparent wings, and an elongated body. The adults can be differentiated by the fact that the wings of most dragonflies are held away from, and perpendicular to, the body when at rest.
Dragonflies typically eat mosquitoes, and other small insects like flies, bees, and butterflies. They are therefore valued as predators, since they help control populations of harmful insects. Dragonflies are usually found around lakes, ponds, streams and wetlands because their larvae, known as "nymphs", are aquatic. Adult dragonflies do not bite or sting humans, though nymphs are capable of delivering a painful (though otherwise harmless) bite.
Dragon Flies are such amazing little creatures to me. If you start at their head with their big bulging eyes, they are kinda ugly. Their eyes are not portioned to their body.
There body is next. It can be quit interesting. It is kinda furry and normally has an interesting pattern. The body is really interesting to look at.
Their tails can come in an assortment of colors. I seem to have the blue ones around my pond or the clear/blue ones.
Legs are long and skinny, not much to look at. I do wish mine were a little skinnier.
Their wings are the best part. They look like lace. It seems like the breeze would just go through them. When the sun shines on their wings they turn a gold color. I really think that they are the most beautiful part of the little bug called a Dragon Fly.

July Photo Contest Entry

SUNSET IN PARADISE

RED CATEGORY

JULY 17,2008

It was really hard to pick just one picture for the red category of this photo contest. Sunsets in Shell Point are so special to me. I share them with the moon rising in back of me, the sea and good friends. I love sunsets due to the wonderful surroundings.

Pet Peeves

Pet Peeves? Do you have any? I have a few and one of them is the expiration date on products, especially food items. This week I was so lucky to bring home from the grocery store tiny little moths that live on boxes. Summer is the prime time for them and I know better. Anyway they thought they would take up residence in my pantry. WRONG! These uninvitied guest did prompt me to empty my pantry, throw away out of date items and wipe everything off.

Some the problems of finding and reading expiration dates. None of them are in the same place, some are unreadable and some items do not have one at all. Are these items good forever? Spices are the worst to look at. Please take a trip through my pantry and one of my pet peeves. Click here for the trip.

Let me know, what is one of your pet peeves? I say one because I do have many.

Handy Woman Hints #3

21

MONEY AND ENERGY SAVING IDEAS THAT DON'T COST A DIME

1 Lower the indoor temperature a few degrees in winter. Set it even lower at night and a full 10 degrees when you're on vacation. You'll save 2% per degree.

2 Close the fireplace damper when the fireplace isn't in use. If it's never used, seal the flue with a plastic bag stuffed with insulation.

3 Open shades and blinds to let in sunlight during the day and close them to reduce heat loss at night. For cooling, reverse.

4 Close off unused rooms and lower the temperatures by adjusting the registers and dampers. You'll save 50.oo a year.

5 Clean your furnace's blower fan with a soft brush and vacuum cleaner.

6 Turn off lights not in use. Reduce bulb wattage and use dimmers when you can.

7 Ventilate and cool your home with window or whole house fans during the cooler hours of the day.

8 Fill clothes washers and dishwashers for more efficient energy use, rather than half full.

9 Skip the dishwasher's drying cycle and cut the energy use by half.

10 Wash clothes in cool rather than hot water.

11 Clean clothes washer and dryer lint screens after every use.

12 Clean refrigerator coils with a soft brush annually, or more often if you have pets that shed.

13 Run major appliances late in the evening or early in the morning when electric loads are less (off peak).

14 Flush your garbage disposer with cold water rather than hot. Grease solidifies in cold water and will wash away.

15 Cook more efficiently using microwaves, slow cookers and pressure cookers.

16 Turn off room air conditioners when you leave for an hour or more. You can quickly cool the room later.

17 Recycle. Reuse. Take your bike instead of your car.

18 In warm weather, set the thermostat higher (75-78 degrees) and rely more on ceiling and table fans for cooling, even when the air conditioner is running.

19 Reduce humidity in bathrooms and kitchens with exhaust fans.

20 Consider higher-efficiency appliances when purchasing new refrigerators, freezers and dishwashers. They will pay for the highest cost.

21 Lower hot water heaters setting to 120 degrees for both energy savings and safety.

Side note: I used a different picture last week with little success. I two comments on that guy. Today and in the future I will use the "Mascot". I is great for the eyes.

Technology

Can you guess the content of this blog? You got it. We are the proud owners of a HD TV with all the bells and whistles. Not only do we have the TV but we also had to have surround sound. Now I say, We, meaning my husband.

My only requests was that I did not want huge speakers hanging all over the walls. That requests was granted. But we did fly an audio man in from Tallahassee to install the new audio system for the backyard and for the den. The TV is nice the sound is great, but! The sound is now so realistic that it scares my little cocker spaniel, Dixie. But what can I say, my husband is in heaven.

I can really thank God for all of this new technology. Why? Our old TV was cook by a lighting storm. Thank You Lord. Over the week-end, I saw a new twist on this saying.

"Whoever dies with the most toys is still dead!".
Just love it. Have a great Tuesday.

Sunset Over the Marsh

The people of Shell Point, Fl. are so lucky to have the best of all worlds. We get to enjoy the ocean and the many wonders that it offers. There is also the "Marsh". The marsh is home to all kinds of wild life, from flying, crawling, swimming, hopping and slimy things. Last night I decided to view the sunset from the marsh instead of the beach. I was not disappointed. I hope you will enjoy the sunset with me. Watch how the sun was hidden behind the clouds at first and how it started to fall. The sky can change colors so fast it is amazing. Notice how the sky went from orange, to pink. At the end of the sunset the sky turned back to blue. While the sun absorbed the color. Look at the color of the sun. Click here to see my sunset.

After watching my sunset, go outside tonight and enjoy the sunset in your own backyard. They are just as beautiful. Each night is a different light show.

Enjoy

Handy Woman's Hint 2

10 Tips to Save $$$$$$ on Gas

1.) Save $900 by keeping your tires at the right pressure.

2.) Change spark plugs before they are due.

3.) Save $300 by changing your air filter early and often.

4.) Save $140 by keeping your car aligned.

5.) Brake drag can really sink your mileage.

6.) Replace a failing thermostat. New thermostats cost around $10.00.

7.) Lead foot = Light wallet

8.) Replace a broken or missing spoiler.

9.) Speed kills your gas mileage and your wallet.

10.) Replace your oxygen sensor(s) before the light goes on.

Hope some of the hints will help you get better gas mileage and save money.

Moon Rising, Sun Setting

Last night at sun set I experienced three different types of wonder. Please click here to see the show. The first beauty was the cloud formation behind me with the moon rising. We knew rain was coming so we moved under the pavilion. True to the clouds the rain came. When the rain let up it left behind the most amazing rainbow. You could see both ends. One was ending in the water right in front of us. The water was a gold color. I could not photograph the entire rainbow due to the mist. I did not want to get my camera wet. The sunset last night was so flat and uneventful. Then all of the sudden the sun turned a gorgeous orange and lite up the sky. It was amazing. The wind was nice and cool and keep the little bugs away. It was a pleasant night at the beach. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Stay tune for the Handy Women blog tomorrow.

Soft Photo Finish

My leason tonight has been in converting photos from color to a Sepia tint. I really like this finish on photos. It gives a photograph a soft old fashion look that I like. In Photoshop CS3, it is an easy process and one that I found on line. This was not part of what we learned in class.

Here is my little boy fishing again. I like this photo much better with this tint than with the black and white. Here again, this could have been taken at any time period.

The poster is a beautiful colored poster from Key West, Fl at Sloppy Joes. This was Hemmingway's favorite haunt. If you are ever in Key West, you must have a drink at Sloppy Joes.

Sunday Post

Man! Oh Man! I never knew that the Handy Man post would create so much feed back. This is going to be a fun weekly post, tune in next Thursday, with the Mascot. No one got past his looks to give him a name? I guess "Mascot" is it. If you would like to feature you Handy Man on my weekly update e-mail me your guy. J. Wallace here's your chance.

I took this photo of a little boy fishing this week-end in Fla.. Yes, I am trying to use Photoshop CS3 to change my photos and still learning. There is something about beach pictures that I love. If you show them in color they appear modern day. If you change them to black and white, they are timeless. This picture could have been taken in the 50's, 60's, 70's and so on. His shoes may have given him away for the later dates. Through the ages little boys have worn jeans, t-shirts and tennis shoes. His hair is normal for a little boy in the summer. I just love it. I have a collection of beach photos that I am going to change to reflect different time periods.

I am trying to use a new lap top, a new computer software for photos and really struggling. I do not have all my passwords stored on this computer, "Flickr". My photo files are at home. Things will get better soon.

Enjoy the rest of your week-end.

Miss Priss Follies

Handy Woman's Hint #1

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For sometime now, I have wanted to do something weekly. We have weekly up-dates on Baby Thelma Lou, weekly stories about sailing. I look forward to these post and enjoy them very much. Not to be out done by fellow bloggers here goes my weekly broadcast. I am not sure how long this will run but I will give it a try.

Handy Woman Advice #1:

10 TIPS FOR BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR

10. Don't mow at the crack of dawn on weekends.
9. Don't hang a wind chime collection near your neighbor's bedroom window.
8. Don't leave your inflatable Santa up until the Fourth of July.
7. Don't holler "What's for dinner?" every time your neighbor starts the grill.
6. Don't plant invasive perennials close to a neighbor's garden.
5. Don't make your neighbor's bay window an automatic home run when playing baseball with
kids.
4. Don't run over windblown garbage can lids, even if you're in a hurry.
3. Don't rake only half the leaves from the maple you planted on the lot line.
2. Don't aim the leaf blower at your neighbor's driveway.
1. Don't forget to smile and wave.

Additions to the 10 Hints:

10. His crack can mow at my house anytime.
9. If the wind chimes will call this guy, chime away.
8. Have the mascot put up and take down Santa.
7. Holler "He's for dessert!".
6. Yes plant, Mascot can bend over and pull them up.
5. Use Mascot to hug every time you get a home run.
4. Run into Mascot instead.
3. Have Mascot pick them up one at a time, while sitting in a lounge chair and watching.
2. Take Mascot inside for a break.
1. Don't forget to wave and smile and laugh like crazy because you have the hottest piece in
town.


Now if you like your neighbor's you can follow the above suggestions. But, if they are an pain in the butt you can substitute the "Don't" for "Do". Hope the above tips help with your wonderful week-end ahead.

PS. I need to select a mascot for this blog. I will feature several in the next few weeks. Let me know weekly how you like the mascot. I really like this one and if he shows up to work let me know. Pam, this one is for you. On second thought, I think this one will do. What do you think? We need to name "Mascot" or he can just be "Mascot".

Warning: No Photoshop skills were used to posts this blog. How could I make this guy better. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

CS 3 Photoshop

I am so excited. Last night, Debra and I started a class learning to use Photoshop 3. It is a fast paced class with a lot paced into two hours. Fortunately we have a book with everything written down for reference. My favorite technique that we learned last night was how to cut something out of one picture and put in another picture. My family, please be warned. You may appear with a different head on my Photo stream. Debra and I laughed over this one. Just think of the fun we can have. I can't wait to read and practice using my new skills. The next six weeks going to be great. We have all of defaults set up for the best possibly use. This program is some thing I have wanted to do for a long time. Hope everyone has a great day.

Shopping with Mom

What's on my to do list today? Costco with my Mother. She loves Costco. Mom can spend hours going up and down every isle. Looking at this and looking at that. Should I get this or should I get that. We compare the major brand with the Costco brand. Which one is the best buy? Look at how big or how many. The last time we commented that the Bounty paper towels were cheaper than the Costco brand. Two young boys, who worked for Costco were standing close by. One cute young man said that the Costco brand paper towels were bigger in size. On closer inspection, he was right. We all laughed and we bought the Costco brand. I love them. We also elected to purchase the Costco brand of toilet paper. Mistake!! Fred hates it. He calls it the cheap toilet paper and has been going to Kroger and buying Charmin. He sent all of the Costco toilet paper home with the kids. Poor Marlee and Dusty. No trip to Costco is complete without a stop by the snack bar. We indulge on either a hot dog or pizza. They have the best. I will full fill my parental duty of a trip to Costco. I hope I am making points in heaven. I may even buy a few things. Off to Costco.

Back to Normal

The end of a long holiday. Tomorrow is back to the old routine. Our week-end was nice and quite. Dusty had to work and Marlee had friends down at the beach. Being an empty nester is great but I do miss the kids sometimes. We normally have family over and everyone is swimming. This year it was just Fred and I. We did enjoy sitting out by the pool, drinking a nice cold beer. Once your kids leave home, you find out you have something to talk to your husband about. We will be off to Fla. next Thursday to play in the sun. Hope everyone has a wonderful Monday back at work tomorrow.

Debate the Looks

This one is for the Diva's. At all of our Scrap Club meetings the hot topic is Keith Urban. The debate is between Keith and Kenny. For some reason Kenny falls short of the most popular. I am quit amused by these discussions. As I mentioned Keith's stay in re-hab, all 3 diva's jumped to his defence. Women can justify any thing. The performer of the week on the Today Show this morning was Kenny Chesney. Which prompted this blog. You decide who is the best looking. To be honest, I do not think I would turn down either one. They are both hot eye candy. What does Keith see in skinny old Nichole. And Kenny has a look with those beautiful blue eyes.

I did not make ones picture bigger than the other. I think they are both hot. Let me know what you think.

4th of July

Do you see yourself in this darling picture? Of course we all do. It is a hot 4th of July day. You have feasted on ribs, hamburgers or hotdogs. And then the topping to the meal, an ice cold watermelon. Sweet, sticky, juicey meat to the masses. You gotta love it. Everyone of all ages can in enjoy this fruit. I will eat my share this Indpendence Day.

Happy 4th of July from the Mortensen's to You!

Music

Hope you enjoy some of my favorite music. You can change songs by clicking the right or left arrow or turn it off. Enjoy!

Happy 4th of July

You're a grand old flag, You're a high flying flag And forever in peace may you wave. You're the emblem of The land I love. The home of the free and the brave. Ev'ry heart beats true 'neath the Red, White and Blue, Where there's never a boast or brag. Should auld acquaintance be forgot, Keep your eye on the grand old flag.

It is through many years of fierce battle and struggle, that we enjoy the freedom we have today. Stop this holiday and thank the men and women who fought for this country and our way of life. As Patrick Henry said, "Give me Liberty or Give me Death". That famous quote still stands true today. On the 4th, say a silent prayer for our armed services. Pray for their families to be strong until their safe return. Use this day to celebrate our nation. Hope you and your family have a safe and happy 4th of July.

God's Color Wheel

Does God have a color wheel? Or does he need one? This was my mind boggling thought yesterday while working in the back yard. Artist spend hours blending and mixing colors to achieve the colors in nature. Paper artist read and study color and balance to perfect their pages. God does all of this with the wave of his hand. The next time you are outside look around. Does something catch your eye? What about it catches your eye? I bet it is the color combination. Notice the way the colors are blended together. God's never worries if it is in fashion or if it clashes. He knows it never does. His color combinations are always perfect. Clink here to view what caught my eye yesterday. Enjoy and have a summer happy day.

Puppy Love

"And they call it Puppy Love!" This tiny little dog has captured the love and devotion of my big husband's heart. This baby is his little "rats", "ratski". She can't wait in the afternoon for him to come home. You can see the love on her face. All I have to say is "Daddy's Home" and off goes all seven pounds of her. Happy to see her buddy. Have a wonderful day.