Permission to be Nosy

Yes!! Finally, I have permission to be nosy, although that's not exactly what I've called it all these years.

We've had a few break-ins in the neighborhood over the past six months or so, and tonight at the homeowner's association meeting security was the hot topic. Although you should be able to throw away whatever you want without fear of becoming a victim of burglary, I'll never understand why people buy new computers or 57 inch televisions and leave the box by the trash can on garbage day...duh!

So, anyway, the police department's second in command lives around the corner from us and at the meeting tonight he said by all means, in the name of safety and security and neighborhood defense, pull those curtains back and peek at who just pulled up in the neighbor's driveway...and follow that car that looks a bit suspicious...and continue to call the cops on those folks who just don't understand that 'park closes at sundown' means leave when it gets dark outside.

Honestly, I just don't understand why everyone on the block doesn't know that the family in brick two story has their lawn sprayed on the third Thursday of each month and that the retired couple four doors down walks the brown dog in the morning and the black dog in the afternoon. Not nosy at all...

Sunday Afternoon Drives

When I was growing up, on some Sunday afternoons we'd pile in the car and go for a drive. Most times it was to nowhere in particular, just through the winding county roads with the windows down and the radio on. Sometimes we'd have a destination in mind, but more often than not, it was just about the journey.

Today, on our Sunday afternoon drive, we had a destination in mind. We took the kids to Callaway Gardens (free admission through the end of February and you know I'm all about free!) to do some geocaching. For those of you who don't know, geocaching is sort of a high tech scavenger hunt. You load coordinates into a GPSr (global positioning system receiver) and navigate your way to where X marks the spot, so to speak. Many times there is a prize for taking, or an object to move to another cache location. But sometimes, it's all about the journey -- someone has a beautiful place they want to share with you that you probably would never have discovered on your own.

So, take a little time one lazy Sunday afternoon and go find an out of the way place to enjoy!

Go Red for Women

Today is National Wear Red Day to support the fight against heart disease in women. By wearing red, you'll call attention to and help raise awareness of this #1 killer of women. By making a donation, you'll help the American Heart Association support ongoing research and education.

Spice up your day a little - wear red!

Treats for the Sweet

Valentine's Day gift ideas for your special someone...

For the makeup artist - Aerie Mini Make-Up Bag filled with a pretty lip color
For the sweet tooth - Sweetheart Treats
For the cookie connoisseur - Love Letter Cookies
For the handyman - Nuts About You Keyring
For the fashion conscious - Old Navy Amore Tees
For the poker player - Customized Playing Cards
For the charming gal - Stella and Dot Charm Bangle
For the latte lover - Starbucks Red Card
For the grill master - Monogrammed Steak Brand
For the one who melts your heart - The Melting Pot

On Our Front Porch

When we bought our house several years ago, one of the first things we did was put a flag pole holder on the front porch. We collected flags for different holidays, occasions, sports teams, etc., and the flag of the month was born. I let January slip by, but here's what's hanging on our porch this month.

What I'm Listening To

It's almost Valentines Day...here are some of my all time favorite love tunes:

1. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You by Rod Stewart


2. One and Only by Michael O'Brien


3. When A Man Loves A Woman by Percy Sledge


4. In Love by Brooke White


5. Something You Got by Harry Connick Jr.


6. You Are So Beautiful by Joe Cocker


7. Turn Me On by Norah Jones


8. The Way You Look Tonight by Michael Buble


9. Let's Get It On by Marvin Gaye


10. It's Your Love by Tim McGraw with Faith Hill

Wide World of Sports

Anyone remember the old ABC series Wide World of Sports? For you younger folks, this show was a huge hit (it ran from the early 60s to the late 90s) before the rise of cable television's continuous coverage sports channels. It covered well known sports as well as lesser known ones. I don't remember the complete intro, but part of it talked about the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.

Today was a wide world of sports day for me (I mostly experienced the thrill of victory). Nadal defeated Federer in the Australian Open (yes, I did get up at 2:30 AM to watch live coverage of the match). Big Ben helped the Steelers win the Super Bowl (my favorite commercial was the Mr & Mrs Potato Head Bridgestone ad). And I'm winding down the night watching the Winter X Games (these guys do crazy things on snow mobiles).

You know, about the only sporting event I can't watch on television is soccer...not even if David Beckham was playing in those Armani underwear he models.