Hook Ups

Woke up this morning to a tornado warning, as well as the expected tropical storm warning. Cool. The tornado warning isn’t a first, but the TS warning sure as hell is. Wait one… it’s now changed to a hurricane warning. A definite first. Another first encountered this weekend: my first snake. Not ever, but here in Florida. I was coming across King’s Highway, and there in the other lane, was a snake flying across the road. The damn thing was long… I’d guess it was about five – five and a half feet long. And the funny thing was, I had my window down when I saw it. Well, I felt myself jumping to the side. And I thought my fear was waning. Heheheh…

Well, as I mentioned earlier, it's been a pretty good week. Got to hook up with some bloggers, got the inventory finished (now we've got to get all the prices), and for the next couple of days, we'll be able to work out of the house. Gravy... we'll be busy as hell, but it'll be decent. I hope.

Last Sunday I was able to hook up with Carmen and Tammi at Tammi's Cuz's house. Had a great SUPPER, and a great visit... it was good seeing them all again, and good seeing someone from home. If I end up staying down here for an extended time, I'll be there to bug them often. Guaranteed...

Monday night, I made my way up to Orlando to hook up with RSM, who, along with Zonker and Eric, has been sowing to seeds for some interesting google searches here on my site. I met him at the Animal Kingdom Lodge of Disney... very cool place. Unfortunately, while they did have some wildlife, there were no predators, so we did not get to observe any kills... a real bummer. We grabbed SUPPER at Jiko's, where I also checked out a Moroccan beer... Casa Lager, and RSM had a South African cider...Savanna Dry Cider.

The beer wasn't too bad, but it's not something that I would go out of my way to get. The first sip was kinda crisp, but it had a taste that reminded me of a rind... however, once you get further into to the bottle, that taste dissipates. Reading the reviews, it could probably be attributed to the head. It's worth trying, but not if you expect a kick ass brew. RSM did let me try some of his cider, and that was great... I ended up getting a bottle for dessert. Dry, as it says in the title, and not too sweet, it was very crisp and just plain old fashioned good. A person could do some serious damage to themselves, drinking this stuff!

We grabbed some Yuenglings, and headed up to an outside balcony, where we caught up, and watched the lightshow from an approaching storm. Unfortunately, our visit was cut short because I had to head back here to Apollo Beach. It's always good to hang out with RSM, and I wish I could have been there a bit longer...

Thursday, I ran down to Bradenton, where I met up with Tammi. Against my better judgement, I let her drive over to Bradenton Beach, where we arrived safely, and almost soundly. There, I got to meet Lee Ann and her husband. What a great couple... we had a great time visiting and laughing. And laughing. What a frickin' blast. Lee Ann is a total sweetheart who loves to laugh, and that's a good thing... 'cuz her husband is frickin' hilarious.

After an excellent SUPPER, we ran over to their place so that Tammi and I could see their dog, Boo Hahn. Heheheh... that's a cool dog. She hardly left my side once we got there. I think Tammi got a little jealous... We stayed for a short time (much too short), and then had to bolt.

These two are great peeps, and I'm glad as hell to have finally met them. Again, if down here for an extended period of time, they can count on me getting ahold of them. Seriously... they're awesome folks. They don't make'em much better...

Friday saw me heading south after work… on my way to the house of Bou.

Saturday saw me as the guinea pig for another new Bou recipe… applesauce muffins. Last time, it was blueberry muffins. I think she does this because she knows that, good or bad, they will be eaten. The rate of consumption may vary between the two, but I’ll eat them. BTW, they were both excellent. I’m thinking that bad chow isn’t to be found in her house.

We went out to Lion Country Safari with the boys, where “poop� (and that’s not “People Order Our Patties�) was the most sought after thing. Son #2 was taking pictures, and a shot of a pooping animal was golden. The boys were also keeping an eye peeled for bloody sand in the lion’s area… that could have been due to Bou’s husband and I stretching truths just a bit. Heheheh… if she doesn’t tell it, I will, but you’ll probably have to wait awhile.

When we got back, VW and her husband were there. We had a great SUPPER, and I was finally able to visit with her. Last time, I think we spoke maybe three sentences.

Sunday, I hung out for a bit before heading home. Hell, it felt like I was leaving home to go home. Weird. But all good things come to an end, and I’m back here, now, watching the rain pouring down on the canal out back. And watching the water level rise…

Thanks to all of you who hooked up with me… it was greatly appreciated, and I had a blast. And again, for those of you who haven’t ever met a fellow blogger, if you get the chance, do it.

Until next time,

T1G

Posted by That 1 Guy at June 12, 2006 09:18 AM