Tiki Hut's Rambling Thoughts

Hi everyone, I hope you all have fabulously fun plans for Memorial Day, but I do hope you'll remember that this is a day in which we are meant to honor our veteran's who died defending our country and our values. What was started in 1868 has evolved over the years and often times we forget to look past the sales flyers and the plans we've made for the long weekend to reflect on the lives of those who gave so much to those of us who followed. I'm sure that every single soldier who gave his or her life in service to us would also want us to enjoy the freedom they provided, so let's be sure to honor their memory and take some time out of our day to pay tribute to them for their sacrafice. Look into your heart and you decide how to best honor our fallen soldiers.

I'm still nursing my ankle/foot injury, so I offered to apartment-sit for my sister while she's away with her Red Hat group in St. Augustine, Florida for the next four days. Yeah, sitting is something I've become an expert at the last two weeks, making me the perfect housesitter.

Sister's apartment is actually a nice getaway for me at this time though, the walls were starting to close in at home and I needed a different view and folks, I have a really nice view here. The apartments here are built in a large circle and each one has a view of  a large manmade pond.

I found the above photo in Sister's picture folder to give you an idea of what I see when I'm sitting on her couch looking out the front window. What you can't see are the ducks, sea gulls, herons, egrets and other birds that call this pond Home Sweet Home. There are also turtles and squirrels to entertain me while I'm here. I'm going to share a neat turtle story with you next week when I'm back on my computer and have access to the photos I took.The pond is only about fifteen feet from her front door and the birds have been well-treated by the residents. Since all the apartments have only one bedroom, you seldom see children around, which translates into the birds not be chased away by an inquisitive kid or a stray football. The whole setting is very tranquil and I am pleased to be here.

Speaking of computers, I should tell you that I'm working on Sister's laptop and boy, is it different than working my Mac! Please, give me back my mouse, my keyboard, my files and MY photos! Could I just add a side note here and tell everyone out there to PLEASE turn off the date stamp on your digital cameras. Honestly, you can tell me when you took the pic and I promise to believe you, lol.

Since I am away from my computer, I have no access to my email. If you sent me an email in the last couple of days or if you're planning to in the next four days, I won't be able to read and respond to them until I get back home on Tuesday. The same is true for those who interact with me on Facebook. This is becasue I have NO idea what my passwords are; you have no idea what I went through so that I could sign into my blog to be able to post and leave comments on your blogs while I'm here.


I do, however, have something to share with you and it involves this cute tote bag:

For the second year in a row, Rita @ BeachHouseLiving is having a giveway in honor of World Oceans Day and believe me, you don't want to miss! I was the lucky recipient last year of her generous giveaway and when the box arrived I was AMAZED at everything that was inside the huge box that arrived at my door. If I were at home I'd show you a photo of what Rita sent and your eyes would pop out of your head, trust me!.To see what's included INSIDE this tote, just click on the word "giveaway" above and you'll be whisked away to her wonderful blog. You won't believe what lucious treats she has in store for this year's winner. Rita's giveaway will end at 11:59pm on June 8th, so don't delay, hurry on over and be sure to tell her aloha from me.

Speaking of World Oceans Day, it's getting closer and closer to the World Oceans Day Celebration here at The Hut, if you haven't heard about it, just cick on the button near the top of my sidebar and learn how to link up your beachy post from June 8th until June 12th. Let's Party!

That's it for now dear ones, I won't be posting until I get back home, but I will be stopping by to visit you, so put on the coffee and cut the cake - I'll be there soon!

Note: Pina coladas or strawberry daiquiris served with shrimp cocktails will work also.

Today's Ocean Fact: The Pacific Ocean is the largest of the four main oceans. Although its' name means peaceful, if can be very rough! It is 64 million square miles. The Atlantic Ocean is the busiest. Many ships cross the Atlantic, carrying cargo between the Americas, Africa, and Europe. It is 32 million square miles.