2019 First-Class Forever Stamp, Oscar the Grouch

June 1 is Oscar the Grouch Day. If you were around in the 70s, like I was, you would have heard about Oscar the Grouch.

In 2019, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sesame Street, the United States Postal Service released a special set of Forever stamps featuring 16 beloved characters from the show. One of these stamps showcased Oscar the Grouch, the grumpy green Muppet who lives in a trash can. The stamp was designed by art director Derry Noyes using a photograph of Oscar. It was officially released on June 22, 2019, during a ceremony in Detroit, Michigan, as part of the "Sesame Street Road Trip"—a celebration event held in 10 cities across the U.S.

The Oscar the Grouch stamp was part of a pane of 16 stamps, each featuring a different character from Sesame Street, such as Big Bird, Elmo, and Cookie Monster. These stamps were issued as Forever stamps. A total of 62 million of these stamps were printed by Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. The back of the stamp pane displayed special artwork celebrating the show's 50th anniversary.

Oscar the Grouch is a fuzzy green character from the children's TV show Sesame Street. He lives in a trash can and loves everything dirty, messy, and smelly! Unlike most of the friendly characters on the show, Oscar is grumpy and enjoys complaining. But even though he seems mean, Oscar teaches kids that it’s okay to have different feelings and that everyone is unique in their own way. He even has a pet worm named Slimey and lots of strange things in his trash can home.

Oscar was first seen on Sesame Street when the show started in 1969. He was originally orange, but he later became green. He was created by Jim Henson and played by puppeteer Caroll Spinney for many years. Even though Oscar doesn’t like being happy, he’s an important part of Sesame Street because he helps show that people can be different and still be part of a community. He’s grouchy, but deep down, he has a big heart!

References:

• United States Postal Service. (2019). Sesame Street Celebrates 50 Years. https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2019/0522-sesame-street-celebrates-50-years.htm
  
• Mystic Stamp Company. (n.d.). 5394g - 2019 First-Class Forever Stamp - Sesame Street: Oscar the Grouch. https://www.mysticstamp.com/5394g-2019-first-class-forever-stamp-sesame-street-oscar-the-grouch/
• United States Postal Service. (2019). Stamp Services. https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2019/pb22521/html/info_004.htmUSPS+2USPS+2USPS+2mysticstamp.comUSPS
• Sesame Workshop. (n.d.). Oscar the Grouch. https://www.sesamestreet.org
• Gikow, Louise. Sesame Street: A Celebration - 40 Years of Life on the Street. Black Dog & Leventhal, 2009.

New Roof and Memorial Day Weekend

Sunday was quiet and we relaxed all day.

On Monday, we went to the senior center to walk for an hour and then attend Heather’s exercise class. It felt good to work out! When we got home, we worked in the yard, trimming bushes.. The azaleas needed a good trim after blooming, or they would grow out of control.

On Tuesday morning, the roofing materials were delivered, and the delivery guy was really nice. We stood and chatted for a long time! He has 5 children and they live on a farm. They homeschool all their children. In the evening, I went to my local knitting group, and I always enjoy the time I spend with the.

Wednesday and Thursday involved watching the roofers and the progress of replacing the roof. It was pretty interesting how much the materials and technology have changed over the years. Wednesday brought 5 roofers, and they worked hard for 14 hours! They even brought their microwave! At lunchtime, they were relaxing under a tree and even taking a nap (which was well deserved). On Thursday, only 3 guys worked on the roof.

We left on Thursday around 4 pm to meet our senior center group at Travinia’s for dinner. Luckily, we were able to walk to the restaurant. There were about 17 of us. The food was very good, but the service was meh. We bought cannolis to bring home and have for dessert, but they weren’t as good as the ones we got years ago in Boston. We still had a great time with the group and hope to go out more with them.

On Friday, an elderly man (Mr. James) came to do a magnetized cleaning for nails. I called the project manager to make sure that he was with the company, and he was. We found some small concerns we wanted to discuss during the final inspection, which was around 4:30 pm. We walked around the house with Jonah and showed him the concerns. He fixed most of them, but they will have to come out and repair a screen and clean the siding. He got on the ladder and found about 5 more things they need to seal up when they come out. Overall, I like our new roof! Our Sounds of the Summer concert series started downtown, and I was able to hear the music in my sunroom with the windows closed. 🙂

While the roof was being replaced, I was able to get a lot of knitting done. The noise didn’t bother me. I’m trying to relax more and de-stress so I can get over these shingles faster.

This weekend is Memorial Day weekend, and we won’t do anything special. We tend to stay home and off the roads during holidays because of the crazy drivers.

Original photos by Pat Hensley

Shingles and other…fun

This week started off pretty normal. On Monday, I had my knitting guild meeting, which I attended on Zoom.

 
Tuesday, my hubby finally talked me into going to the doctor about this rash on my arm. It seems like the pain is getting worse, and by Monday night, it was very hot and hurt to touch. So, off to the doctor we go. I thought it might be poison ivy, and hubby thought it was a spider bite. Nope, it is shingles! I didn’t think I had ever had chicken pox, so I couldn’t get the vaccine, and didn’t think I would get shingles. I did have a touch of it somewhere along the line in the past 65 years so here I am with shingles! The doctor says the shingles are due to stress, and I need to find a way to deal with it.

On Wednesday, we went to exercise class and I struggled with some of the exercises, but I think the exercise is good for my stress levels.

Thursday, we went car shopping, not that we need a new car, but we have been thinking about getting a new car with all the safety features. We want another Prius if we get a new car because ours is 11 years old. Of course, we aren’t in a rush, so we are just looking.

On Friday, we went back to exercise class and then ran errands. Hubby mowed the lawn when we got back, and the weather was perfect for that. After lunch, I spent the day knitting. I haven’t been working on my big shawl project because of the pain, but I finished some little projects like 2 charity hats and a washcloth.

On Saturday, we went to an Antique Festival where my hubby found lots of treasures. I saw interesting things but resisted the urge to buy things. We did some car shopping (remember - not ready to buy, just looking) and somehow I lost my hubby’s favorite sunglasses. Luckily, I went on Amazon and ordered him another pair (which helped get me out of the doghouse!). The rest of the day, we watched my great-niece’s softball games online, and I was so glad her team won both of them!

I'm so happy to see all my flowers blooming, and they make me feel happy!

Original photos by Pat Hensley

55¢ Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park stamp (US #5468)

The U.S. Postal Service released a special stamp in 2020 to honor Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park in Florida. This stamp, numbered 5468, is part of the "American Gardens" series, which features ten beautiful gardens from across the United States. The photograph on the stamp, taken by Allen Rokach, shows a lovely walkway lined with pink and white flowers. The stamp was first issued on May 13, 2020, in Winterthur, Delaware, as part of a collection celebrating the beauty of public gardens.​

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is located in Tallahassee, Florida. Alfred and Louise Maclay began creating the gardens in 1923, combining native and exotic plants to design a scenic landscape. They wanted the gardens to bloom in winter and early spring, the time they spent there. After Alfred died in 1944, Louise opened the gardens to the public and later donated them to the state in 1953. In 1965, the gardens were renamed to honor Alfred B. Maclay.

Today, the park is known for its beautiful camellias and azaleas, with over 150 types of camellias and more than 60 varieties of azaleas. Visitors can enjoy the colorful blooms, especially in mid-March. The gardens are maintained to look as they did in 1953, offering a glimpse into the past. This special stamp helps share the story and beauty of Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park with people all over the country.

References:
https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/new-postal-stamp-commemorates-alfred-b-maclay-gardens-state-park
https://www.gcamerica.org/news/get/id/2898 https://www.mysticstamp.com/5468-2020-first-class-forever-stamp-american-gardens-alfred-b-maclay-garden-state-park-fl/

Georgia Aquarium

Click here for more pictures.

On Monday, we went on a field trip to the Georgia Aquarium with other seniors. This trip was sponsored by the City of Fountain Inn and organized by Sue Grubbs and Heather Johnson. This trip was so well organized and thoughtfully planned! The city paid for our chartered bus (for 56 people), t-shirts, entrance tickets, and our meal at the Varsity. We are truly grateful to everyone involved in making this trip an amazing experience!

We met at 7:15, and the bus left promptly at 7:30. On the trip, we played a trivia game, and prizes were given out. I had time to knit and visit with others on the long drive to Atlanta. The bus driver was a hoot, and she made the trip fun too! The bus dropped us off practically at the front door and we each got our ticket as we got off the bus. We were instructed to meet at this exact place no later than 1:30. 

After a group picture, we were all on our own. Don and I wandered through all the sections and enjoyed seeing some of the strangest creatures. I enjoyed the Beluga whales, but Don’s favorite was the seadragons. We were scheduled for the Dolphin Presentation at 11:3,0 so at 11, they announced that we could make our way to our seats. We got fantastic seats in the middle of the “theater” and 2 rows beyond the Soak Zone! I loved watching the dolphins perform and would definitely go see them again. After the show, we walked around some more in the aquarium and revisited our favorite sea creatures. Then we walked outside to admire downtown Atlanta. We walked to the World of Coca-Cola, which was right across from the aquarium, to stretch our legs before the long bus ride home. 

By then, the bus arrived and we boarded the bus exactly on schedule. Our next stop was The Varsity in Norcross, where we had a late lunch. As we got off the bus, we were each given a voucher card which showed our menu options on the back. We ordered our food, which was quickly served and enjoyed our lunch. We sat with Shawn (from our exercise class) and got to know her a little better.

By 3:30, we were back on our bus and heading home. We even got home early! I’m so glad we were on a bus because after seeing the traffic on the interstate, I would not have enjoyed the trip at all if I had had to drive to the Aquarium.

It was a wonderful trip and I'm so glad we live in a town like Fountain Inn! 

Original photos by Pat Hensley

Busy Week

It started on Saturday, and we worked hard cleaning up the yard as best as we could. We got the big tree moved out of the yard. My hubby mowed the lawn and the weeds. We pulled unwanted vines out of the bushes. By the time we got it all done, I thought it looked pretty good.

On Sunday, I went to the early Easter service, and they played many of my favorite hymns. When I got home, it was time to hide the 84 plastic Easter eggs. Then we went across the street to my neighbors' for lunch. We had wonderful pizza and visited with friends. There were lots of kids, and it was fun to listen to all the different kids' conversations. After lunch, we had the Easter egg hunt. I’m not sure if all of the eggs were found because I heard three different totals. We may find more throughout the year. 

On Monday, we spent the morning at the dentist, where my hubby had 4 teeth pulled and then had a temporary bridge put in while we wait for the permanent one to be made. I felt so bad for him because he was in pain all day. He didn’t eat anything all day except the oatmeal before breakfast and then Muscle Milk during the day. When we got home, the HVAC guys were there and had started installing our new HVAC system.

On Wednesday, the HVAC guys returned to finish the job. 

On Thursday, we spent all day pricing appliances. We went to six different stores and got lots of prices. It was mind-boggling, and by the end of the day, we were exhausted.

On Friday, we exercised in the morning and did errands during the day. 

Saturday, Hubby drove me to the knitting guild meeting to show off my finished sweater and blanket. Then, I had a Meet a Designer session on Zoom, during which we met with Yumiko Alexander. After the Zoom meeting, we walked downtown to the Italian Festival, which had a great turnout!

 Whew! It was a busy week! 

Scavenger Hunt 2025

It was time for our annual scavenger hunt hosted by the Fountain Inn Senior Center. Sue and Heather are great leaders and make it a lot of fun. There were 11 participants, and we met at the park. After being given the scavenger hunt cards, we walked towards the falls. Along the way were also eight Easter eggs for us to find. The distance to the falls was .75 mile, so we walked a total of 1.5 miles. Don and I got there early and walked a mile before the group showed up. The weather was perfect - not too hot and not too cold. The sun was shining and the scenery was lovely. At the end, we sat at the picnic shelter and we traded in the eggs we found for prizes. What a fun day! 

1982 20c America's Libraries (#2015)

In 1982, the United States Postal Service released a 20-cent stamp to honor America's libraries. This stamp was first issued on July 13, 1982, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during the American Library Association's annual convention. The stamp's design features the first three and last three letters of the alphabet, symbolizing the foundational role of libraries in education and literacy. Designed by Bradbury Thompson, the stamp emphasizes the importance of libraries in American society. It was printed using the engraved method by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, with a total of 169,495,000 stamps issued. This commemorative stamp serves as a tribute to the countless libraries across the nation that have provided invaluable resources and services to people of all ages.

National Librarian Day is celebrated annually on April 16 to honor the dedicated professionals who manage and organize our libraries. Librarians play a crucial role in providing access to information, supporting literacy, and fostering a love for reading within their communities. They not only manage collections of books and other materials but also offer various services such as educational programs, technology assistance, and community events.

The origins of National Librarian Day are closely linked to National Library Week, which was first sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) in 1958 to encourage reading and library use. National Librarian Day specifically recognizes the hard work and dedication of librarians and is observed during this week-long celebration. It's a time to express gratitude for the invaluable contributions librarians make to education and the betterment of society.

So, if you have time, go visit your local library! You never know what treasures you might find.

References:
National Postal Museum
Mystic Stamp Company
National Today
American Library Association

How to Knit Estonian Inlay

I am so honored to be invited by the Twisted Stitches of Central NY Knitting Guild to teach a class on How to Knit Estonian Inlay. Even though I had taught this lesson in person at the Zombie Knitpocalypse in 2024, I was a little nervous about doing this on Zoom. I just hope the people who attend will feel like it is worthwhile. I made a video in case people needed a refresher on it or if they needed to see a visual again.

It’s All About Pigs

National Pig Day is celebrated every year on March 1 in the United States. It was created in 1972 by two sisters, Ellen Stanley and Mary Lynne Rave, to honor pigs. Pigs are very smart animals and can learn tricks just like dogs. They also have a strong sense of smell, which helps them find food in the ground. Some people celebrate this day by throwing pig-themed parties with decorations and pink-colored food. Zoos and farms sometimes have special events to teach people about pigs. Even though pigs do not sweat, they roll in mud to stay cool on hot days. This holiday helps people appreciate pigs for more than just bacon and ham. Pigs can also be great pets because they are friendly and love to play. National Pig Day is a fun way to learn about these amazing animals and their importance.

In 2006, the United States Postal Service released a special stamp featuring Wilbur, the beloved pig from E.B. White's classic children's book, "Charlotte's Web." This 39c Children's Book Animals: Wilbur stamp (U.S. #3988) was part of the "Favorite Children's Book Animals" series, which celebrated cherished characters from literature. The Wilbur stamp was issued on January 10, 2006, in Findlay, Ohio. The ceremony took place at the Mazza Museum, known for its collection of children's book illustrations. The stamp showcases an illustration of Wilbur, capturing his innocent and endearing nature. Collectors and fans of the story were excited to see Wilbur honored in this way. The stamp not only celebrated the character but also highlighted the lasting impact of "Charlotte's Web" on readers. The "Favorite Children's Book Animals" series also featured other iconic characters, making it a favorite among philatelists. The Wilbur stamp is a great piece for those who love stamps and classic children's stories.

"Charlotte's Web" tells the heartwarming story of Wilbur, a pig who befriends a wise spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur's life is in danger, Charlotte writes words in her web to praise him, such as "Some Pig" and "Terrific," to convince the farmer to spare him. This tale of friendship and loyalty has touched the hearts of readers since it was published in 1952. The book has been made into animated and live-action films. Wilbur's character emphasizes themes of kindness, innocence, and the importance of friendship. The story also teaches valuable lessons about life, death, and the cycles of nature. The popularity of the story is evident in its continued presence in schools and libraries and the release of the Wilbur stamp was a fitting tribute to this beloved character and his story.

The "Favorite Children's Book Animals" stamp series honored characters that have become integral to many childhoods. Alongside Wilbur, the series featured other memorable animals from children's literature. These stamps served as a celebration of the stories and characters that have inspired and entertained generations. For collectors, the series offered a chance to own a piece of literary history. The stamp's design captured the essence of Wilbur's character, making it a favorite among enthusiasts. The series also highlighted the importance of children's literature in shaping young minds. By featuring these characters, the USPS recognized the cultural significance of these stories. The stamps continue to be a reminder of the timeless tales that have left a lasting impact on readers. The Wilbur stamp stands out as a tribute to a story that emphasizes friendship, compassion, and the beauty of life's simple moments.

References:
https://www.mysticstamp.com/3988-fdc-2006-39c-childrens-book-animals-wilbur/

"USPS First Day Ceremony Program #3988 Wilbur the Pig Children's Book Animals." HipStamp, https://www.hipstamp.com/listing/usps-first-day-ceremony-program-3988-wilbur-the-pig-childrens-book-animals/39231677
National Day Archives. "National Pig Day." https://www.nationaldayarchives.com/day/national-pig-day
Pigasus. "National Pig Day History and Facts." https://pigasus.org/national-pig-day

https://www.holidayinsights.com/other/pigday.htm

Charlotte's Web. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24178.Charlotte_s_Web  
"Wilbur - Charlotte's Web Wiki." Fandom, https://charlottesweb.fandom.com/wiki/Wilbur

Celebrity Silhouette

Click here for pictures.

Last weekend we went on a short cruise. Don found a bargain for it two days before it sailed and we booked it. It was too late to purchase the Basic wifi which had to be done prior to the cruise but earlier than 2 days before it sailed. So, the only day I was disconnected was on Sunday when we were in Nassau and then at sea. We were not at an assigned dining room table but we were able to just go to the dining room and either get in line or make a reservation in advance.

The Celebrity Silhouette can hold 2850 passengers and 1246 crew. Our captain was George Iatrou, the hotel director was Nikola Moconja and our Cruise director was Luis from the UK. Our cabin was 9172 on deck 9 and our cabin steward was Alberto.

Day 1: 2/7/2025 Embarkation

We arrived at Ft. Lauderdale Terminal 25 at 10:45 and parked our car before taking our bag to the luggage drop-off. Then we went right in through security and checked in. We were on the ship by 11:30. We stopped by our cabin and dropped off stuff before lunch on the Lido deck. I thought the lunch offerings were really good. After lunch, we explored the ship. Around 3:30, we got back to our room but we didn’t have our suitcase. Don saw it in another hallway and we took it back to our room and unpacked it. Then we went and had dessert on the Lido deck before sitting on the back of the ship and watching us pull out of the port. I checked at the dining room to see how dinner works and she said that the dining room is scheduled to open at 5:30 but they usually open at 5:15 and we just needed to get in line. We got to the dining room around 5 pm and waited in line until 5:15 and they seated us right away. We had a nice dinner in the dining room. After dinner, we went to the show to watch the comedian – Spencer James. Then we watched the ship’s dancers in the atrium before going back to our cabin.

Day 2: 2/8/2025 Key West

We had breakfast at 6:30 and we got off the ship around 8:30. Our first stop was the Southernmost Point in the Continental US. Then we walked back towards Mallory Square/ We found a shop where everything was $5 so I bought a dress and a pair of shorts. Don bought 2 hats and 2 T-shirts. We also stopped at the Hard Rock Café shop. Around 12:30 we returned to the ship for lunch. After lunch, we relaxed until dinner time. When we got to the dining room around 5, we were the first in line and when they opened the doors, they called us by name. The sweet hostess, Glades, was joking and said we were like family and we were her “auntie and uncle.” We were seated at the same table as the night before and it was wonderful! The show featured the ship’s singers and dancers in On Broadway and it was entertaining. After the show, we walked around the ship before returning to our cabin.

Day 3: 2/9/2025 Nassau

After breakfast, we sat on the deck and relaxed. Don walked a few miles while I read my book and listened to podcasts. We had to move to a different area to get in the shade and then moved to the solarium where it was nice and cool. After lunch on the Lido deck, we went to the solarium and relaxed before dinner. Again, at dinner, they called us by name and seated us at the same table. We went back to the room, and I packed my stuff before dinner. After dinner, we packed the rest of the stuff and put our suitcase in the hallway.

Day 4: 2/10/2025 Disembarkation

We went to breakfast at 6:30 and since our tags were #15, our time to get off the ship was around 8:25. We got off the ship by 8:00 am and were on the interstate by 8:40. They were very organized, and leaving was very easy. We didn’t even have to show our passports because they did the face recognition machine.

Things I Learned:

• Always pack a dress just in case.
• Bring 2 water bottles.
• This ship only had 2 outlets in the cabin, so we had to be creative in recharging our stuff.
• Always bring an external battery! It was a necessity!
• Most places in Key West charge extra if you use a credit card so bring cash.
• We really enjoyed this Celebrity cruise. We didn’t expect much since it was such a short cruise but the service and the food were excellent!

1996 32c Endangered Species: Florida Manatee

In January, we visited the Manatee Lagoon in West Palm Beach (free admission and free parking). After seeing so many manatees in the lagoon, I started thinking about what stamp they might be on. Then I found that the 1996 Florida Manatee (US #3105o) is part of a set of 15 stamps picturing Endangered Species. The first day of issue was on October 2, 1996, at the San Diego Zoo in California. The zoo was celebrating its 80th birthday. The photographer, James Balog, went to the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa to photograph the pair of manatees used on this stamp.

It was issued as part of the USPS’s National Stamp Collecting Month and the theme was “Collect and Protect.” It was hoped that these stamps would catch the interest of children and encourage them to become stamp collectors. This month was co-sponsored by the USPS and the American Zoo and Aquarium Association.

The Florida manatee is a large, slow-moving mammal that lives in the warm waters of Florida and other parts of the southeastern United States. Manatees are often called "sea cows" because they graze on underwater plants, much like cows eat grass on land. They can grow to be about 10 to 13 feet long and weigh as much as 1,000 pounds or more. These gentle animals spend most of their time eating and swimming in shallow waters like rivers, bays, and coastal areas. Manatees have thick, wrinkled gray skin and a flat, paddle-shaped tail that helps them move through the water. They also have a very small number of teeth, which they replace throughout their lives as they wear them down from chewing plants. Manatees are herbivores, meaning they only eat plants, and they consume a lot of vegetation each day—up to 10% of their body weight. They are not aggressive animals and are known for their calm and friendly nature. However, their population is at risk because of threats like boat collisions, habitat loss, and pollution. Conservation efforts, such as creating manatee protection zones and reducing pollution, are helping to protect them. In recent years, manatee populations are slowly increasing, but the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service still considers them a vulnerable species.

References:
Photos by Pat Hensley
https://www.mysticstamp.com/3105o-1996-32c-endangered-species-florida-manatee/
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (2021). Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris). Retrieved from https://www.fws.gov.

Photo A Day Project - January

This year I work on the Photo a Day Project. It really helps me take better photos because I’m taking more photos and looking at different perspectives. I also look at other people’s photos and see what pictures I liked. Then I try to figure out what appealed to me about their photos. Once I know that, I try to apply that knowledge to my own photos. Here are the pictures that I took in January.

1. 1/1/2025 Early morning, 2. 1/2/2025 Orchids, 3. Untitled, 4. 1/4/2025 sign, 5. 1/5/2025 Iguana, 6. 1/6/2025 mailbox garden, 7. 1/7/2025 Sun, 8. 1/8/2025 Hummingbird Windchime, 9. 1/9/2025 Garden gnome, 10. 1/10/2025 Guitar, 11. 1/11/2025 Caboose., 12. 1/12/2025 Ghost Horses sweater, 13. 1/13/2025 Hawk, 14. 1/14/2025 Chicken ad, 15. 1/15/2025 Painting, 16. 1/16/2025 Jupiter Lighthouse, 17. 1/17/2025 Stainglass, 18. 1/18/2025 Sunflowers, 19. 1/19/2025 sleeping cat, 20. 1/20/2025 Work in Progress - Mosaic Crocheted Blanket, 21. 1/21/2025 Pitiful Cat, 22. 1/22/2025 Table Lamp, 23. 1/23/2025 Fishing Lures, 24. 1/24/2025 Cloudless Sulphuric caterpillar, 25. 1/25/2025 ladybug, 26. 1/26/2025 Preparing to Make a Cocoon, 27. 1/27/2025 Brown Basilisk, 28. 1/28/2025 Socks with stamps, 29. 1/29/2025 Colorful threads, 30. 1/30/2025 Enjoying the shade, 31. 1/31/2025 Nap time!

Meadowbrook Murders - Book Review

I recently read Meadowbrook Murders by Jessica Goodman. I read a review copy compliments of Netgalley and I am not being paid to give this review.

I enjoyed reading this book because I enjoy murder mysteries. It takes place at a boarding school, and Amy, a senior, finds her roommate and her roommate’s boyfriend dead in their dorm room. The story is told from two main viewpoints: Amy and Liz, the school newspaper's editor. I like the many twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat as you read. This book would be a great backdrop for discussions on dysfunctional families, peer relationships, loyalty, personal safety, and trust issues. I would recommend this book for a high school library.

Wakodahatchee Wetlands

This morning we went to Flakowitz for breakfast and then headed to the Wakodahatchee Wetlands. We got there around 9:30 and stayed for 2 hours. We walked along the boardwalk and saw 4 alligators, lots of iguanas, lots of birds, a raccoon, and a brown basilisk. By the time we left, it was getting hot and the there was a huge line coming in with cars waiting for a parking space to open. 

Iguanas

Wood Stork

Alligator

Brown Basilisk

Great Blue Heron

Original photos by Pat Hensley

The Rain Finally Quit

The rain finally quit and I needed to get out of the house for a few minutes. I did a little weeding and then took the yard waste to the street. I sat on the front porch for a few minutes before my neighbor came out to visit so we stood in the sun for a little while and talked. It felt good to get some fresh air. As I went in, she said she had some caterpillars on her candlestick bush so I had to see them. Life goes on, even when it’s cold! 

Manatee Lagoon and Jupiter Lighthouse

Since it was cool outside yesterday, we decided it would be a good time to visit the Manatee Lagoon. We had never been there before so we thought it would be fun. There was no admission cost or parking cost which made it even better. They had a nice visitor center with much information about manatees and their habitat. Then we went upstairs to an outdoor balcony where you could look down in the inlet and see the manatees. There were tons of manatees there (I stopped counting at 30). We saw several mamas with their babies. While we were there a school group came up beside me and it was so nice to hear their gasps and sounds of amazement. Then we went downstairs and walked along the outside walk to look for manatees but the view was much better from the top balcony.

 

After the lagoon, we headed north to the Jupiter Lighthouse. We had seen it several times on the news but we had never visited there before. When we arrived, we paid our $12 admission fee (senior/veterans rate) and found out that a tour was beginning at noon if we wanted to join it. We had a little time before the tour to go into the museum. Frank was the docent giving the tour and he was wonderful. He talked about the Native American history of the area before the lighthouse was built. Then he talked about the history of the lighthouse. Along the brick walk, we saw many bricks with names on them and we found one with Jimmy Buffet’s name on it. Then we climbed up to the top of the lighthouse (34 steps up to the base and 105 steps up to the top). The view was beautiful and worth seeing. When we decided to leave because we were getting hungry, we were surprised to see that we had been there for almost 3 hours.

Original photos by Pat Hensley