DITTO on this!

Lilacs! Lavender! Plants in general. About how much time, care, attention to detail went into planning the landscaping here. When one thing isn't in bloom something else is so we're never without at least a little color all year long, and most of the year there's a lot. Last year I thought the plants close to me might be lilac but it was too soon to tell. It's only this year they came to full bloom leaving no doubt about it.

I'm happy because both are some of my favorite flowers. I didn't count all the lavender near us but did inventory the lilac. There are fifteen bushes, five along one side of the building, five around the corner on our side of the street and an additional five across the street from those. My apartment is on the corner so I'm surrounded! I can see some out every window.

It wasn't until I'd been here awhile that I discovered something wasn't wrong with the lavender, it's just a different variety than I was familiar with. It's only this year the lilac came to full bloom, I could tell for certain it's lilac. Again just a different variety than what I'm used to seeing. I think the varieties of both might have been chosen because they're on the smaller side perfect for the flower beds here.

Anyhow I'm going to do a little research on those as well as some of the other plants around us. Some have flowered but I just don't recognize, others look perhaps immature, like it still might be too early to tell. I need to find out when gardenia start to scent, and for how long. The plan was to put some out on the balcony at some point but don't want two such strong scents hitting full force all at once.

Gardenia are my favorite flower but I've never seen plants here, only blooms from the florist. Hopefully both won't bloom, scent their heaviest at the same time. The the gardenia and lilac. Surprising to me the lavender doesn't really smell so won't clash, overpower. Anyhow that's what has been on mind the most this morning. Landscaping, mostly flowers but also trees a little bit too.

How to get rid of pigeons. Apparently pigeons love the smell of cheap off brand dollar store oven cleaner. Turns out oven racks aren't bothered by it either.

My move. I cannot believe May is almost done. Then, one more month to go. To say that I am looking forward to this move is an understatement. It truly is a beautiful place in a very quiet and serene location.

Also, on my mind is that I am looking forward to July when I will be going to see the Dave Matthews Band in concert for the second time! I am taking my sister with me and this will be her first time seeing them live! She is in for a treat for real!

On My Mind
 

I Skyped with the family today and mom and the little one have terrible colds. She tested them for the covid and it was negative so they must have just got the sniffles somewhere. I hate to see the little one stuffed up but she is taking it in stride. I don't think she knows how to complain LOL.

The latest school shooting in Texas weighs heavily on my mind and in my heart. I am grieving for those poor children and their families, the teachers and their families. I can’t imagine what this kind of loss feels like!
Also,
My daughter is a third grade teacher in an inner-city school. She is acutely aware of all the shootings that occur in the neighborhood surrounding the school. Right now our city is in a swatch of shootings and killings based on drug territory, family and gangs shooting each other in retribution. I hold my breath every time I hear of a shooting in her school’s neighborhood. I am terrified that one of these retribution shootings will go after a child in her school, and not limit themselves to just that one child. (They just gunned/killed an 18 year old mother of a one year old, who was gf of a dealer who stepped on rival land to sell drugs. They tried to kill her last week but only shot her. Oh, she was pregnant too) I live in a city where violence drugs and crime are the number one industry. I am hyper vigilant about violence. I now work on the highest drug infested/gang related/shooting violent street in my town.
Yes, violence is on my mind

Since the beginning of the year, the number of mass shootings and how concerned citizens can ameliorate this. Why are they happening now? How can we change peoples' minds about owning guns, basically assault rifles?

What can a Leftist like me do to effect change?

Whats on your mind?
 

To get rid of pigeons buy a plastic owl, large one and place it where they land.

They also hate wind chimes and they work.

There is basically nothing that you can do, personally, unless vote. My gander of why they are happening is anger due to governmental divide, like they want us to be divided and a lack of proper mental health care, proper thorough background checks, not basic ones.

Guns will always be around, please educate yourself on types of guns, there are alot of them, different ammunitions used as well. I am for guns for property safety, personal safety and personal hunting for food, as Venison and such, can be stored for long winters. I am not for a mentally ill, angry person having an AR, getting them online so easily or black market guns.

All i can say is vote!

My mind is figuring out if I have to go back to Texas or not!

Trying to get my past criminal paperwork to me, is stressful, this was supposed to be explunged and sealed!

Job hunting is still ongoing. I need something soon, because I do not want to go back to Texas.

On your mind
 

I have been looking for places to visit and I can't find any that I would like to that are cool enough for me. It is almost unbearable here so I guess I have to keep looking. The whole world can't be cooking.

Oklahoma aint cooking that bad!

Try the pacific northwest, its not as bad, from what I heard

My upcoming move!! I am sooo excited - but the whole packing thing is just daunting. You know the saying - you never know how much stuff you have until you have to pack it all. However, I need to give Myself a kick in the ass - and get moving on it because the clock is not going to stop ticking.

THIS!!!

I dread packing up again, I know I'm going to have to do it anyways, grr..I condensed when I moved in my apartment, I will condense when I move out!

The DREAD is building!

Sitting here contemplating, speculating, asking myself which would be better, Biden living out the rest of his term or our vice president coming to power. Considering why people can't accept COVID is something we might just have to learn to live with, deal with, as we do with the different strains of flu? Thinking about the rising cost of everything. Plotting and planning - death, death, death to all pigeons each and every time one one lands or even just happens to fly by. Wondering if we'll actually get the thunder predicted for this morning, which didn't show up, tonight. Debating with myself should I do the smart thing and get the meatloaf leftovers J sent home out of the way or go for the gusto. Live life with a passion, to the fullest and and figure something else out.

What is on your mind.
 

I was just speaking with my brother and he called to tell me his beautiful, lovely old dog is not doing so well. He wants me to come to take him to the vet for him as the dog falls constantly and is in obvious pain. I really really like this dog (my fur nephew) and it will be sad to see him go but it is better than to hear him cry if he falls. So, tomorrow I make the trip to my brothers and we take the dog and he waits outside for me to come back. He told me he has had a good cry session lying on the floor with his dog on a blanket knowing what he has to do for his best friend. I will go tomorrow and help him do what has to be done. His wife died last year so now he will be alone. Something has to be done. We will see.

Bruno, Tina and Eartha Kitt
 

Thinking about Bruno, Tina and Eartha Kitt

Took Bruno (aka Prince Charming) to the vet yesterday and he received a partial report that was good. Will get a full report after the blood test results come in. He's a perfect sweetie pie who loves jackin' up his toy mice in the middle of the night.

Tina is a woman I lived with for a short while in the NYC area in the early 80s. We both worked in NYC but lived in NJ. We were both femmes and we were mismatched, but we were good stepping stones for each other. We were able to help each other move from bad situations to better situations. I hope she's well wherever she is.

One night she wanted to go to Club Isis, a small supper club in NYC, to see Eartha Kitt. Eartha Kitt was the last entertainer I wanted to see. That was part of my mama's generation—not mine. I think it was Tina's birthday or something ... I just remember I couldn't get out of going. So we went and it was one of the best shows I'd seen. Eartha had the audience in the palm of her hand. She told stories and sang songs while sashaying between tables. I can't remember any of the stories or songs, but I remember us leaving feeling we had a wonderful time.

Cats, old friends, and entertainers is what's on my mind this morning.

And that will all change once I turn on the news.

Besame, I was a Critical Care RN (ICU/ER) for 30 years before going on disability. If you have any concerns that the staff haven't explained to you, I can try to answer any questions you might have.

What's on your mind.
 

Besame, all caring and comfort plus many prayers are sent to you and your precious mother. I remember sitting with my mother in the hospital and it can sure make you feel helpless. Take care and blessings on your mother's recovery.

How companies, utility companies can get by with charging,insane fees for nonsense...

On my mind is a recent chat I had with a friend I've known since 1994/95 and how they admitted something to me that shocked me.
My whole world would have been different if we had gotten together as more than friends (as they had wanted but didn't tell me).
My son's world would definitely have been different and better.

On My mind right now is the happiness I feel at making the decision to move. I know I am going to look forward to coming home from work much more once that happens.

I have also been thinking about deciding where I want My camping trip to be this year - I joined a FB group that is specifically for My state - so that alone has been giving Me a lot of ideas.

Finally, I have been thinking a lot about retirement and what that is going to look like. I had been tossing the idea around of getting a seasonal campsite set up and staying there during the Summer/Fall months and then doing some traveling during the Winter months. I have a lot of friends out west that really want Me to come out to visit and it would be cool to go out there and hang with them for some time. The only wrinkle is given it would be winter there would not be a lot to do - but I am sure we could dream up something.

On my Mind
 

I was speaking with my brother and he says he is going down home to find a house and wants me to move in with him. I have to think about this. I would love to be home but he and I get along for a while as we are both the same personality and we do clash. SO, I have to think on it for a while. I have to get rid of most of my apt. which is no meager task I tell you.

Phone stuff. After spending hours and many many days turned to weeks researching this stuff, and three failed attempts prior, today I sat next to Jillian, saw her phone and said – that's it! That's what I've been looking for, something small like that. She laughed and said well that's a mini. I got it because sometimes with the baby I only have one hand to work with. I don't need two to operate to it and for me it's comfortable, just the right size. Plus it wasn't expensive.

She said her phone is just as flat, easy to drop as any I'd seen it's just hers is in a case that has a built in wallet. Yes, finally something easy to hold onto, simple to understand - sign me up! Anyhow I got it, it's on its way. Now I don't have to be confused because she can be my owners manual. She said she'll walk me through it show me how it's done, put some things on it she thinks I'll find helpful as well as some just for fun. I'm really excited about getting my new phone!

When they will fix the equiptment failure at my complex so I can get internet and when I do move, I can take it with me.

Job, why is human resources and companies hiring but they can't even return phone calls or emails?

Finding another apartment a little cheaper because plans to go to Oklahoma may be put off for awhile.

Moving Day
 

I'm having one last big adventure before I take up the rocking chair :) and am moving to what the locals affectionately call, The Island aka North Padre Island. It's going to be a little before I can make it happen but I'm putting all my ducks in a row and planning and dreaming and getting ready to get ready. I always thought that my retirement years would be in the mountains somewhere so imagine my surprise when in the last couple of years, the beach and an island vibe has been pulling at me. Who knew. It's very exciting though!

What is on Your Mind
 

I am mortified. I was told today that all three of the family have Covid and perhaps the little one got it from school as her mother rarely leaves home and never without a mask and dad wears a mask all day at work. Both parents are up to date on their shots but unfortunately they had no shots for 5 yr olds. The little one is quite sick and the parents are not much better even with the shots. All I do is pray for the little one, that she gets through this. She has a high temp and lots of coughing and sleeping. I feel sick.

Trying to figure out my next step.

What is on Your Mind
 

My mind as always is on the kids. They are no better but no worse so that's a good thing. I have to trust in the fates and give things time I guess.

Packing and moving!

Virtual job interview in 10 minutes, never had one of these before.

Hurry up and wait game..

rolls eyes

Accepted an contigent job offer and filled out all the onboarding paperwork. Now just to wait on background check to clear and make sure all i's are dotted and t's crossed.

Moving Day is here!!! I am currently waiting for My movers to arrive. We had originally scheduled for noon - then changed it to 10am - and then the truck placed had a delay so it went back to noon! (laughing). It does not matter to Me - it will all get done today and that is the happiness that I feel right now.

I stopped after work yesterday to pick up My keys and garage door openers along with dropping off July rent - and I did not want to leave. (laughing). Although I am quite sure My cats would have been a little miffed had I not come home!

It is a scorcher out there though - and I feel bad for the guys having to do this in the heat. However, I am quite sure this is not the first time they have had to deal with it. I actually went out and bought a case of water to help them keep hydrated and I plan on buying them some lunch as well.

My only wish is - that My Mom was here - she would love My new place and would help Me with doing flower pots on the patio and decorating and whatnot. But, I am sure she is watching with a smile on her face. I love you Mom!

What is on your mind?
 

Since my brother lost his dog he is going back east to see about buying a house. He wants me to come too. I have to think long and hard here.

Time to get things packed up to move, my background is clear for them and I start training next Friday!

Nosy Alert

Where you headed for your new job and what will you be doing? Congratulations and Good Luck!
Do keep us posted on how you like it. Inquiring minds wanna know, I wanna know lol.

I'm waiting for acceptance to a Ph.D. program. Got a dissertation that I've kinda been researching. The effect of propaganda in extremist political movements. My areas of research will be Nazi Germany, Nicaragua or Cuba, maybe Eritrea, definitely the US and perhaps Mainland China