Here in this space, I have found an avenue to share with others about what makes me happy-my dirt, my land and my gardens. Yes, there is a great deal of work to do here but a little work never hurt anyone and it is very therapeutic. As I look over the comments from readers, I must say, take time to enjoy. It’s ok to lay on the grass and look up at the sky-even if the sign says stay off the grass. Take that little bit of time and let the power of the sky fill your heart. If you do not have a green thumb, look around at the flora around you. Better yet, buy yourself some flowers-you deserve it. Receiving flowers are a great gesture on the giver’s part, but when you buy them for yourself you can look at them, smile and know that with all the ugliness in the world, you’re ok.

As I look around my property, I have so many memories of people from the past and the present. When I moved here, I had a neighbor, Mrs. Ryals, who was in her eighties and could tell you the history of any rose. My daylilies are from my friend Betty, who I have spoken of before. I always have sunflowers in my gardens. I had a very special friend, Mary, who was ill. She lived in Georgia with her son but had planned on moving here to live out her final days. She never made it here but her room is still decorated in a thirties theme to suit her. She loved sunflowers. When she died, I took some to her funeral and her children did not even know. So here I will put out for anyone that reads this, when you see a sunflower say hello to Mary.

This may be my final posting but overall, from this exercise, I have learned that it does no matter whether you enjoy quilting, heavy metal, rap, fashion, sports, Irish folk music or even “Project Runway”, we find beauty in our own way. Yes, we may look at others in a different light but Life is too short. Enjoy life, appreciate everything around you, don’t be too quick to judge but mostly take the time to smell the rose. There is nothing sweeter in life.

My world is a very very fine place!

People often ask me “why do you live so far away from Tampa?” My common answer is “I love my dirt.” That is the short answer. The first time I came to Florida was in 1992. I came to visit my father and spend Thanksgiving with him. Then at Christmas, on a whim, I came back down. I stayed for two weeks and did not want to leave. When I returned home, I decided to make the move from the cold, wet winter of Indianapolis. In May of 1993, I loaded up my furniture and pets and made the move. The only plan I had made was to set up a tent at my father’s until I found a place. After a week of searching, I found home. When I pulled in the drive, I felt at home. I looked in the window and walked around the house, tasted the water and took the place immediately and moved in shortly after.

My home is located in a small section of the county called Pineola- Translated, “Land of the Walking Spirits.” When you are here, you feel a sense of piece and tranquility that you would never find in the city. Have I seen spirits? Let’s just say that there have been many unusual things happen over the years. I have friends that will not come out to the area after dark because of the area’s history. I have never felt threaten by anything. I guess I did not mention the other reason they don’t like to come out. For over years, this area is also known for its social club, where the members wear white sheets. Can you imagine going through life afraid of linens. In this area, I cannot imagine those sheets being more that 300 thread count, who can be afraid of that? Now if we are talking about 700 count or more, I might be a little afraid. Personally, I have never had any problems with this club and in reality, they are not the club they were 50 years ago or even 20 years. If the founding families still carry the attitude of their past, they do no show it. I am grateful for this but really was hoping to get the welcome basket and a burning cross.

This land is a sanctuary for all who visits. Some of my friends come over just to sit under a tree and decompress, At night, you feel so close to the stars, you feel you can reach up and grab one. The symphony starts at sundown, as the crickets begin to warm up their legs and the whiporwill starts to practice its song. By Midnight, the entire forest has joined in and the show begins. Occasionally, they will have special guests such as a visiting owl or a crane. When you combine this with the sounds of a crackling fire and good conversation-life is good.

Writing this blog has given me the opportunity to share a special part of the world and show those who questions my reasons for living here a greater perspective. I love the city and in time will live in the city but I’ll never give up my serenity of the country. My door is open to anyone who wants to escape. Thank you for your interest in my world.

Some will ask if there is any downfall to living here, no. Granted my taxes and insurance are out of this world (this year they went up to $370 and insurance $800) but I am happy. As Ethyl Merman sings, “I got the sun in the morning and the moon at night.”

Everything is coming up Roses!

The results are in and the shit soup has proven to be a success. It has been two weeks and everything is coming up Roses. All of my plants have bursted with flowers. I think I need to buy Gumby some apples. Here are some pictures of my success.

The Floats, the beads and the Gore?

I love a parade, the floats, the beads, a lot of drinking and most of the people. The highlight of the year is attending the Gasparilla parade. The one thing that I found is that people tend to become assholes not only when drinking but while fighting for those front spots on the road. We have always gone to the parade and stand at the same spot every year. Over time, I have come to realize a dream ( I think it was after some drunken idiot decided that every time I got good beads, he would pat me on my shoulder [that I just had major surgery on] to tell me good job.) I dream of walking down the street with my Husqvarna brush cutter with the 10’ saw blade and cutting every asshole at the ankles. I could cut right through the ankle in seconds flat. I may only get twenty or so people but if it is only prove a point- people should be patient and everyone will get beads. Title 18, United States Code, Section 113(a)(6) and (4) of the Department of Justice Penal code, states “assault resulting in serious bodily injury and one count of assault by striking, beating or wounding,” it further defines “that a person who is convicted for aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a felon, or burglary of a conveyance shall be sentenced to a minimum term of imprisonment of 3 years if such person possessed a "firearm" or "destructive device" during the commission of the offense. “

I like to say most yard equipment is not as let’s just say a great way to silence those who disturb you, but with the exception of my blower, they all can do serious damage. I have found using high quality yard equipment is essential in working on large pieces of property. I prefer Husqvarna and Stihl equipment. When you hear, “you get what you pay for,” it is true. These brands are a little pricy but when you compare to your everyday Walmart brand, it is a difference between night and day. I have used the cheaper brands and burned them up in less than 20 minutes. Even the regular homeowner who works every so often on their property will find the investment is worth it. The better heavy duty brands are made for longevity and hard work. They also will last for many years to come as long as they are maintained. On my property, I use the brush cutter, a weed eater, stick trimmer, chain saw and a blower. I am comfortable to know I will have no worries with equipment failure and if a neighbor pisses me off, I will be able to take care of the problem. Afterwards, you find the importance of a good shovel.

Another one of my favorites, is my Gravely, bush hog. It will shred a Lhasa Apso in less than thirty seconds and tear up small trees quickly. I use it in the woods and also to cut thicker grassy areas. You can compare a Gravely to a riding more with 100 times more power.

Over all, I encourage anyone that actually do their own work on their properties to spend the extra money on the better equipment and reduce the frustrations of having to replace the junk on a regular basis. Look around, every landscape business have nothing but the best for the durability and ease of use. Most of all to use as a way to release your frustration and worries. When I look at the US penal code and think of the damage I can do with my equipment, I weight the options. Would it be worth the punishment? As I sit here and ponder that question, I think to myself-yeah!