Leap Year in Antigua

This is the newest photo from Antigua. They are having a great time and especially love that the beaches are not wall-to-wall people. 

Back here at home, we're having some "weather." So far, it's just stormy weather with high winds and a lot of rain. Cooler temps as well. 56 right now as a high and down to the low 40s at night. "They" are saying we might get some snow in the upper Sacramento Valley. 

We can no longer say, that it is unheard of...

This was last March. (2023)

It was fun and pretty much everyone is hoping it will happen again. 

http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/what-is-blogging-from-to-z.html

I've been writing and pre-scheduling blog posts for my other blog for the upcoming, April's A-Z blog challenge. If you don't know what it is, you can read about it here. I don't do it every year and never on this blog. I've done it a few times on my now-defunct blog (my Morning Cup of Coffee) and my Genealogy blog, this will be the 2nd time. It's fun, and fairly easy if you start now or soon, to pre-write your posts and get them scheduled. Then all you have to do is sit back, read some other different blogs, and read your comments, etc. With our blogging communities starting to dwindle away, this is a good way to meet new people and not get so stuck in a blog funk. (which I am going through now) 

Today happens to be Navy and Sara's wedding anniversary. 

They were married on Feb 29, 2020 - and decided that they would take a big vacation every 4 years. That is why they are in Antigua. They went to Hawaii and were there when all hell broke loose over here on the mainland with the covid crud - they were isolated and then when it was time to fly home, they got held up at the airport. By the time they got back, their world as they knew was all different. 

On their wedding day, it was clouding up and then a cool breeze swept through, and then by the very end of the service, it started to sprinkle. Thankfully the reception was indoors. My sweet Nina was there and was the last time, we were all together before she died of a drug overdose in Nov 2020. I can't help but think about her. Everyone was so happy and together. Later that year, we lost my husband's father in December. 

Well, enough of that! 

I best be getting over to my other blog and start writing some stories about my ancestors.  Here's hoping you're all well and looking forward to Spring. 

Debby

Leap Year

Funom Makama

An unusual Bus of 366 tires one of its twelve compartments is one more than normal

 

Sunset in Antigua

Navy sent me a few photos - from Antigua - 

 One photo of him is so good but I can't share it. He looks so handsome. 

I just thought you all might enjoy seeing these 2 pretty scenic photos. 

Rise and Shine, It’s Monday Time!

Navy sent me a text this morning - the view off the hotel balcony in Antigua.

CORRECTION: 

I noticed my spell checker kept changing Barbuda to Bahama. The Antigua/Barbuda Islands are in the Caribbean - southeast of Cuba -  and Puerto Rico. 

It's a 5-hour difference. 

Harry says, "Feed me". 

Ed has been hiding...

The almond tree is blooming nicely. 

Did You Know...

In Chinese culture, the almond flower holds significant symbolism and cultural importance. Associated with purity and femininity, the almond flower is often depicted in art and literature as a representation of beauty and grace. Moreover, it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity, making it a popular choice for decorations during the Chinese New Year.

Additionally, the almond flower has historical and medicinal significance in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it is utilized for its healing properties. Overall, the almond flower plays a vital role in Chinese culture, reflecting the deep-rooted connection between nature, symbolism, tradition, and the almond flower in Chinese culture.

BTW - my hay fever seems to have passed. 

I'm glad I dug these up last year and moved them - the primroses are not hearty enough for our 100+ degree summer heat. 

I do need to get them in a better pot for Spring. 

I can't believe I have restrained myself, by not going to the garden center this year. Firstly, I've just been too busy and secondly, I want to give it more thought as to what to buy and where to put them. 

I will order some specialty sunflower seeds - 

Our sunny warm days are slowly leaving us, with cloudy days in the H50s/low 60's. Rain is coming by midweek. My poor husband woke up this morning with an itchy red rash. He's at the VA clinic getting it checked out. No, it's not Shingles. No pain just itches! 

UPDATE: Just before I was to hit PUBLISH, he texted me saying the skin rash is eczema. 

I hope you are enjoying your day and the rest of the week if I don't get back here otherwise. Maybe if Navy, sends me more photos, I will post them. Take Care. 

Debby

 

Last Saturday in February

I woke up this morning, feeling off. Like the beginning of a head cold. As the day progressed, it donned on me - it's hayfever time of year!  And of course, my husband has the front door wide open! It is a beautiful warm day - I went out and sat in the sun. I'm not going to stay inside when it is gorgeous out. 

A good idea! 

The almond tree is in full bloom - many things are starting to sprout and I tend to get a sinus headache on the side of my nose - the roof of my mouth itches - and my eyes water. Even my eye sockets are hurting!  Things don't smell right or taste right. Down the road are these big yellow trees in full bloom. I think they might be Acacia trees which have always bothered me. Oh well - what can I do? Just deal with it like I have for almost 70 years. Actually, I didn't start getting hay fever until I was like in my 40's. I don't usually take allergy meds for this but if it gets in the way of my weekly activities, I just might. It's supposed to rain in a few days and that usually clears out the pollens. 

Do you suffer from hay fever? How do you deal with it? 

The kids left for their trip - I'm just so excited for them. We went over and fed Ed and Harry - didn't see Harry at all but Ed did come out to growl at us. He does that all the time - such a grump. 

_____________________________________________________

Our community is heartbroken over the 2 boys that were killed. We grieve with their families. The ages were 8 and 10. The family on the right is a Redding police detective. Both are local and so many from other counties are chipping in for the families - 

A good use for that $50 gift certificate was to donate it to Officer Moore and his family. We drove down to the police station and no one was there in the front office. Apparently, they do not have the funding to provide a front desk person - The police officers are still working - so that's good. We will wait till Monday. 

There are 2 fundraisers - for each family for meals and gift cards. 

The generous donations have been staggering - close to $60,000 has been raised so far and I am sure that amount will rise. Our community has always been giving. 

See, this is why I like living in a smaller community. I've seen this over and over - since we moved here. It totally blesses my heart to see such compassion. 

Meanwhile, gift cards and meals won't bring back their precious little boys, but it will help the families with any monetary needs they have. 

Take Care and hug your family members!