Thursday March 31 2016  A HOT DAY IN PARADISE

85 degrees today!  That is a bit hot for this northern girl.  It makes me realize why we usually travel to Florida in the winter!  The last day of March (so almost April) and it is already way too hot for me.  When our kids try to get us to move down here they always assure us that it really isn’t bad at all in July, August, and September.  But, when we are here in March and the temperature soars to 85 degrees AND the air conditioner conks out, then all of a sudden it’s a bit much even in March!  No one will ever convince me that Florida is the place I should live.

First of all, it is flat!  I do not enjoy flat landscape mile after mile.  Secondly, there are far too many people in the populated areas, and it is virtually impossible to live in the unpopulated areas due to lack of amenities and roads.  Thirdly, well, I can’t think of the “thirdly” right now but I am sure another reason will surface when I have time to think about it.  Oh yes, HURRICANES are a good third reason! 

Now Florida does have one positive situation going for it.  Florida has a long growing season so the produce can be purchase locally and fresh for many months out of the year.  If you purchase at the Produce Stores it is actually quite reasonable.  If you purchase at the grocery stores it cost way more than it does in Wisconsin.  We shop at the produce stands, but at the same time, I wonder if any of it is organically grown?  I suppose if I must wonder about it being organic, then it probably is not.  The more I learn about how pesticides can harm the body and brain, the more organic produce I buy.  But, while I am in Florida I am enjoying the best that the local Produce Stores provide. 

Time to leave shortly to take my car in for an oil check.  My little Silver Fox is now over 4 years old and I have driven almost 50,000 miles.  She has performed well and is so comfortable to drive and ride in.  I know the Kia Soul appears to be small from the outside, but most people are always so surprised at how roomy they are on the inside, both in the front and back seats.  Mine has a supercharged engine so it has quick pick up.  I have to be careful or I am accused of having a lead foot.  It is not that my foot is heavy, it is just that the little car has a quick acceleration.  It is fun to drive.

Oh by the way, the air conditioner in the house is working again today after a service man arrived bright and early this morning.  But the unit is still tentative.  If it will last two more weeks I will be quite happy!  I find that I must wear a jacket in the house and sometimes a neck muffler.  It makes me feel right at home.

 

WISCONSIN: HERE I COME

By Kathleen Martens

March 31, 2016

 

A hot day in March

As the wind blows,

Sunshine and heat

Fair skin’s perfect foe.

 

An umbrella needed

Without the rain,

To cover my lily white skin

So blisters will abstain.

 

A jacket in the house,

Sweating out of doors.

At least two wardrobes needed

To protect my delicate pores.

 

Sun glasses shield my eyes,

A hat covers my head,

So the sun cannot kill me,

Otherwise I’d be dead.

 

Oh so happy to know

That to Wisconsin I will return.

And I can go outside again

Without a persistent burn.

 

But while here I’ll enjoy

The hours when not home.

Few things I love more

Than being able to roam.

 

So, I’ll take the heat,

And enjoy my grand-dogs.

And look forward once again

To Wisconsin’s cooling fog.

 

Thank You Lord for this time away.

Thank You Lord for the opportunity to travel.

Thank You Father for watching over me every day.

Thank You Jesus for preparing a place for me in heaven.

 

GOD BLESS YOU.  BE THANKFUL FOR WHEREVER YOU ARE.