Where did that come from?

CROCODILE TEARS Comes from the old belief that a crocodile wept if it killed and ate a man. CUT AND RUN In an emergency rather than haul up an anchor the sailors would cut the anchor cable then run with the wind. GIVE SOMEBODY THE COLD SHOULDER When an unwanted visitor came you gave them cold shoulder of mutton instead of hot meat as a hint that they were not to call again. GO TO POT Any farm animal that had outlived its usefulness such as a hen that no longer laid eggs would literally go to pot. It was cooked and eaten. LET THE A LITTLE BIRD TOLD ME This phrase comes from the Bible. In Ecclesiastes 10:20 the writer warns us not to curse the king or the rich even in private or a 'bird of the air' may report what you say'. RUB SALT INTO A WOUND Is derived from the days when salt was rubbed into wounds as an antiseptic. SHOW YOUR TRUE COLORS Pirate ships would approach their intended victim showing a false flag to lure them into a false sense of security. When it was too late for the victim to escape they would show their true colours-the jolly roger! START FROM SCRATCH This phrase comes from the days when a line was scratched in the ground for a race. The racers would start from the scratch. TAKEN ABACK If the wind suddenly changed direction a ship was taken aback, which was a bit of a shock for the sailors.THORN IN MY SIDE Comes from the Bible. In 2 Corinthians 12:7 Paul states that he was given a 'thorn in my flesh' to prevent him becoming proud. We are not told what the 'thorn' was, perhaps it was some form of illness. WASH MY HANDS OF The Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, refused to be involved in the death of an innocent person (Jesus). So he washed his hands in front of the crowd, symbolically disassociating himself from the execution.

Sayings

Its not what you take when you leave this world behind, its what you leave behind you when your gone – "3 Wooden Crosses" Randy Travis
I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn’t, then to live my life as if there isn’t a God and die to find out there is.
Do not go where there is a path, go instead where there is none and leave a trail
The most important thing a father can do for his children is love their mother - one of my favorites
Holding onto anger is like grasping onto a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else. You are the one who gets burned. Buddha
There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do" – Freya Star
A person who doubts himself is like a man who would enlist in the ranks of his enemies and bear arms against himself.– Alexandre Duma
Hope is like a road in the country; there was never a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence.– Lin Yutan
Think how the human brain often works when our status changes. Only a very few remember what life was like before, and who was always by their side in the most painful situations.

Fast Facts

Our largest Lake is Lake Okeechobee which is 700 square miles.

I have been then once when I was a teen. I was “hired” to go along with a family and baby-sit their 2 young children while they went and had fun.
We have about 4,500 islands – one of my favorites being Key West
Florida means “flowery Easter” in Spanish
Gatorade was named for the UF Gators where it was developed
St. Augustine is the oldest city in the US (see been there done that for more)
We are not the southern most state in the US, Hawaii is farther south
In 1944 the first suntan cream was made in Miami Beach
The Saint John's River is amongst those few rivers that flow north instead of south
Central Florida is known as the lightning capital of the United States, trust me, it should be
The Walt Disney World Resort is the largest vacation resort in the world
Florida produces the majority of citrus fruit grown in US…duh
The phrase "cool as a cucumber" originates in Florida. On a hot Florida day, the pulp of a cucumber can be up to 10 degrees cooler than the surrounding air.
Florida is home to the largest breeding population of bald eagles in the lower 48 states. We are lucky because we see Eagles often flying over our house – more than likely released

ones that are from the Brevard Zoo

Red Tide

Red Tide – no not a new laundry soap silly! Red tide is an overgrowth of algae in coastal waters which produce a toxin that can cause breathing problems in humans and kill marine life. That is extreme and not often the case but last year we had it bad here on the east coast and breathing was affected. The harmful algal blooms, known as HABs, not only cause physical problems, they can affect our economy, fisheries and ecosystems. The reproduction is an asexual cell that is one, divides into 2, then 4 and on so it has a fast growth. Looking further into Red Tide I found many website and groups dedicated to finding a way to stop this HAB, which has proven to be difficult since no one reason has been found to cause the Red Tide. Some suggest humans could be at fault and that we should use Florida friendly plants in landscaping. Red Tide usually does have a color, not always red though and can be seen from satellite. You can read more or get involved on your own. www.RideTideOnline.com, www.START1.com

Charging

One of the easiest things you can do to go green, and it will save you lots of money, is buy a battery recharger. The year I got my digital camera was the same year I got my 8 hour charger. Anyone that takes photos knows you go through lots of batteries, and the worst is when you are out and that shot doesn’t wait. I later purchased a 15 minute charger which is my preference. Initially the cost is high to get set up but trust me, it saves you very quickly. I recommend one that will charge different sizes. My new camera has its own Nikon rechargeable battery, my husband purchased 2 additional ones so I am always ready to take photos. Keep them charged, keep extras ready to go and you will never have to worry about it again…just remember where you put them, I’m missing like 4!

*My battery chargers

Mosquitoes

Who doesn’t know mosquitoes are a pest? In Florida they can swarm, and should be our state bird. They are pesky bloodsuckers that can ruin a good gathering in a matter of minutes. I don’t know what attracts them to some people and not others, I tend to think it’s the sweeter people and that is why I’m a target all the time. They seem to be the worst at dusk, so wear clothing that covers your body (my husband has a great mosquito hunting jacket) helps and don’t forget repellent. Avon Skin So Soft is a great alternative to bug spray. Help control their population by eliminating standing water.

Please if you have a dog use heartworm preventive. Every dog is at risk for contracting heartworm disease which is transmitted through mosquitoes. In 1996 1 month after having my daughter we had to put our “Lady” to sleep following a heartworm treatment that did not work. The year prior was one of the worst for mosquitoes and the city was spraying nightly. Events were cancelled and people were staying in. Although she was given a preventative it was too late. These pills are given monthly and come with reminder stickers so you never forget.

Pepper Trees

Trees a Florida pest? You bet. The Brazilian pepper tree I not a Florida native but can be found all over our state. When we moved into our home during the first winter I was thrilled to see these trees with red berries to get me in the Christmas spirit – which is also a nickname for this tree. However nearly all of our ecosystems in Florida are affected by these pests. They shade and choke other vegetation dominating our native plants.
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Going in a Group - Planning

Most of the time I have been to theme parks it is in groups – just because our family is so large and local. The best thing to do is let everyone know its okay to split up and meet at a certain spot. Teens are not going to enjoy standing in line to meet Ariel or Tinkerbelle. Make sure you pick a place everyone knows and a flexible time. Another plus to staying on site, some can even leave to rest and come back. We did that during our Christmas 06 Magic Kingdom trip. Several of the adult “nappers” left and returned in time for the fireworks. It worked out for everyone. I also like to look into show times and at a park map if I am not familiar with the layout. Years ago we went with a group to Sea World never bothering to stop and look at the information on the map (even though I wanted to). We ended up missing all the main shows and wandered around aimlessly, I was not happy and it hasn’t happened since. So even though it takes a few minutes and everyone wants to see / do as much as possible I think it’s worth it to take the time to make a plan.
*Magic Kingdom

Quotes

What you see and hear depends a good deal on where you are standing;

it also depends on what sort of person you are. -- C. S. Lewis.
To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it. -Confucius -

Forgiving releases the power a grudge holds over you. Once you have forgiven someone for a wrong they have done to you, you cancel out the wrong completely.
It the root is strong then the fruit is sweet - Bob Marley
The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him,

but because he loves what is behind him." ~G. K. Chesterton
Exposure to the SON will prevent burning

The Beach

Never swim along, common sense needs to follow you wherever you go. Be aware of some ocean creatures (see Florida pests). Our beaches can be crowed in some areas and isolated in others. They are much smaller on the east coast, at least where I live. The west coast has different sand and the Gulf is much calmer, often looking lake like. Remember we have sharks, although I have never seen one while at the ocean. If one bites you punch it in the nose….I’m just kidding – swim fast. Florida has crabs that run on the sand, and rays that swim on the bottom of the sea. When walking in the ocean or the river you should do the “stingray shuffle”, simply shuffling your feet as you walk so you do not step on a ray. You may see dolphins swimming by, which can look like a shark to some. I love dolphins and think it’s pretty awesome that we have them in our area. They are much easier to spot in the river. Be smart with SPF because you will get burned quickly without realizing it, and what a way to ruin a trip. Many places along the beach rent recreational things for you to use at the beach so you don’t have to buy everything if you are visiting. Remember to leave the beach better than you found it and do not interfere with Sea Turtles in any way.

Taken at one of our local beaches

*I took this as the sun was coming up in Melbourne

(Right) Outside the Parks

Dowtown Disney – is an area that is free to walk through with lots of Disney color for the eyes to soak in. It is geared towards family with some adult options (Pleasure Island) later in the evening. The kids love all the stores that display all their favorites from the movies. Disney Quest is also located here. We took the kids years ago and I felt my son was too young but the tickets were a gift. Now he would probably love it because it is video games at an extreme level including simulators & virtual reality. La Nouba - Cirque du Soleil is an acrobatic show that is no circus. I have wanted to go here for years but honestly it is costly; $85 or more. Downtown also has many choices in places to eat including House of Blues. The Rainforest Café – which I have been to, great atmosphere for kids. Planet Hollywood – my son really loved going here, it was on the pricey side and we had quite a wait.
City Walk – Similar to Downtown Disney with more of an adult feel. You will pass through this area to get to either IofA or US. They have many choices for food that you should look into before hand so you can view prices and menus, keep in mind some may have long waits. Blue Man is located here – I posted a review. Also many clubs including The Red Coconut Club – where my daughter was able to dine with Jennie Finch from the USA Softball team. The worlds largest Hard Rock Café is located in City Walk and Bob Marley a Tribute to Freedom. You can look into holiday events that take place at City Walk, you may want to hang out after a day at the parks.
*City Walk

Mammograms

Mammogram A certain time in a female’s life she reaches an age where she is sent around the medical community like a lab rat to get all kinds of things done. After you turn 35 you should get a baseline mammogram, I was a year late. Last week when I left my doctors office I was given a script and a list of places to choose from. The receptionist made a recommendation and after checking it out on line I went with the place she said. I had a 9:30 appointment at Viera Diagnostics and was out within 20 minutes. Not only was the reception lobby nice the accommodations were above and beyond.
They offered a locker for your things, you take the key with you, and a rose when you are done. The staff was very professional and I felt at ease the entire time.
You cannot wear any sort of products before you go, powder, perfume or deodorant – Viera had some available to use when you were done, which is nice if you were heading to work after. Now I have heard some horror stories of being pressed like a Cuban sandwich and leaving with a painful reminder of where you’ve been but this wasn’t the case. I imagine the smaller you are up top the more painful it is and my radiologists agreed this was true. All in all it was just another appointment and I’m glad I got it done.
http://www.vieradiagnosticcenter.com/
*October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month