Sittin' on the Front Porch

[azsnowman]

Hello weatherbuddies, it's that time of year to move outside from around the pot belly stove! Spring is in the air for the most part......we're still having cold nights (32-31°) but the daytime temps are wonderul, upper 60's to low 70's. So....pull up a lawn chair, put on the sunscreen, have a glass of iced tea and enjoy the fellowship of your fellow "weather nerds!"

Dennis

[Pburgh]

Dennis, the porch is a sight for sore eyes!!! Thanks
It's supposed to go up to 80 today here in the Burgh. I might skip out of here early and go home and work in my gardens.

I've brought some lemonade and snickerdoodles.
Have a great day
Karan

[brunota2003]

Yay!!! The front porch... but that just means we are that much closer to the beginning of hurricane season...

[furluvcats]

Great timing Dennis...we're still cool at night too, but been in the 80's all week long...thanks for opening up the porch...its a great place to visit!

[James]

Ah, the front porch. Very nice in the spring air. It seems to be pretty cool here most of the time though, spring isn't very potent this year. Still, its great to see everything springing back to life again, a lovely time of year.

[DanKellFla]

That is the weather we are leaving. Now we get to look forward to 90 degree days with 90% humidity.

[Dee Bee]

Thanks, Dennis! I've made a fresh pitcher of Luzianne iced tea and some vanilla meringue kisses for y'all to enjoy on this bright, sunny day. I'll also leave a bottle of raspberry Luzianne iced tea flavoring for those who might like to try it. (The flavoring is unsweetened, btw.)

I treated myself to an all-natural botanical facial and massage this morning -- forty-five minutes of heaven!

We're going to see Garrison Keillor at the Kravis Arts Center in West Palm tonight. It isn't the Prairie Home Companion cast, just him, but there'll be plenty of news from Lake Woebegone, I'm sure.

On the work-front, I was unexpectedly offered the interim directorship of the Transition to Teaching program which I've been teaching a course for at the local community college. My boss is leaving at the end of May. I've already booked a cruise and 3 extended weekend trips in May, June, & July, but the Dean was okay with that. I'll train with my boss in May and then take over for June, July, and August until the federal/state/college funding becomes finalized for this next fiscal year. The regular director position must be posted, and I'll be eligible to apply if I choose. I've also been offered the same course I'm currently teaching during the second 8-week session from the end of June through the beginning of August. And I begin a 12 week communications class at another institution next week. Gosh, I've gone from not working at all this summer to taking an administrative position and two classes. I'm totally excited!

It's time for me to get back to evaluating my students' lesson plans -- enjoy a snack on the porch and have a great day/evening.

[TexasStooge]

It's so nice to get away from the crazy wet weather my area's been getting, although we could sure use some rain after a severe drought we Texans had since late 2005. Of course, I was sleepy all day yesterday from the severe storm that swept through late night/early morning.

The rain event will be ending by lunchtime as conditions get warmer. Speaking of warm weather, slide me a bottle of punch, will ya?

[Miss Mary]

Well, if any of you have been paying attention, you know that Summer is my least favorite season. Fall, Winter, Spring and then Summer, is my order. LOL I enjoy shocking my neighbors when we pull weeds together - I say - I'd rather be shoveling snow! I always get a gasp in return.

But I now have a job that gives me Summers off so I could just end up moving Summer into the #2 or #3 slot?

Either way, it is nice to transition from the Stove to the Porch, since it's been very warm here in the Ohio Valley. We've turned on our A/C already! It's been raining off and on so much, it's downright hard to cut the lawn.

Sure seems like Summer is here although technically we have to wait 2 months yet. he he

[Pburgh]

Oh Mary, send that rain this way. We need it so badly!! We're supposed to get some today thru the weekend. I'd like to have Summer off. You'll enjoy it so much. You'll have both your daughter with you again for the Summer.

Well I've started cleaning up the gardens. The ground is so hard I can't edge yet. I planted and also moved a few perennials, mulched the gardens and beds and did some pruning. I LOVE SPRING!!

Well I better get some work done.
As Eric would say, "Have a Fabulous Friday".
Karan

Almost forgot, Congratulations Dee. Sounds like things are really going your way.

[vbhoutex]

Thanks Dennis!!! We've been hanging out the windows of the room the PBS is in here in Houston for weeks!!!! Definitely where it is time to be now!!! had some nasty thunderboomers this am during rush hour , but got through it all ok.

DEEBEE, you are on a roll!!! WTG!!!!! BTW, do you need a chaperone on that cruise??hehehe

Work for me at my new job has been both rewarding and overwhelming at the same time. I have been working a lot of overtime, but it comes with the territory, and I get paid well for it. It has definitely been a good move money wise and otherwise. To top it off, my fomer immediate supervisor, whom I work very well with, is starting in 2 weeks here also. Unfortunately for our former employer, that just about dessimates the group that was there when I was there.

Mary, I know you will enjoy the summer off!!!! I presume you will be going back to the same job in the fall?

Karan, my gardens are still waiting. Where are you?

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!!

[Miss Mary]

David - this middle school's manager is trying to get me on permanently. Saying over the summer I'll be offered a contract and if not by the time school starts, early Fall. But still working on a regular basis there. They have to post an opening, then wait for employees with seniority to apply, and if it's still open, a newbie like me has the job. It sure sounds like I'm in now. When I do receive the contract, I'll have paid holidays, sick and personal days. Right now I just get paid for the actual days I work. If this is the way you play the game - I'm playing. I love the hours!

Helped my brother-in-law who's disabled pack this past week and then move today. He had hired movers but he still needed a ton of help. We unpacked some but the rest of the family can take the next shift. I estimated I gave him 25 hours this past week. All free, of course. I'd never charge a penny but it did consume a lot of my break. I would have loved to say I did some serious work around my home, but he needed us. Sometimes you just have to put your own chores and family off. My husband did a tremendous amount to move him too. Our daughter felt it though, she said - some break. Even the dog seems sad - I've come and gone since last Monday! I feel like I've just moved.

So I'm going to head back to work, exhausted. But as soon as I say that, I feel bad. It's a good tired.

Night all!

Mary

[pojo]

its been relatively warm around here.... 60's... however, we have this lovely cut-off low Pressure that has been bringing us scattered showers (and I really mean scattered). We should be on the backside of the low by now.

I go for my flight physical on May 1st/2nd and possibly the 3rd.... For those of you that don't know... Its a flight physical for the Hurricane Hunters, yes the Hurricane Hunters!

Its surely time for the Front Porch!

[coriolis]

It's nice to get out on the porch. We don't have to keep letting crouton "out."

The best part about this time of year: The bugs aren't bad yet.

David, your new job sounds good!

[azskyman]

So I bring my glass of iced tea out here on the porch and go to sit down in the swinging bench and, lo and behold, it's an "older and gentler" Crouton right there beside me. Fattened up over the winter (Crouton has, not me!), it's obvious that some exercise is in order for our piggy friend.

Well, the exercise won't hurt me either. At my annual physical two weeks ago, doc gave me the choice of losing 20 lbs by this time next year or growing 3 inches taller. He said it was up to me which I wanted to do. I like doctors who give us choices!

Here on the desert floor, our winter flowers are starting to wither. Geraniums are starting to say "no" to the springtime sun and are drying out more by the day. So we planted some desert flowers in the pots last weekend, and they are ready to embrace the heat with the dawn of every new day.

Gusty winds yesterday knocked another 4 dozen lemons from the top of the lemon tree, so one job today is to clean them up. That tree is disappearing this summer, but the orange is staying. Already blossoms are gone and tiny oranges are beginning to grow. They will be ripe by Christmas.

Well...good to be out here on the porch again. I don't visit often, but it feels good out here among friends.

And yes, Crouton, I'll take you for a walk now. But watch out for all those twigs still left on the ground from winter's winds. With your low-hanging belly, you may scratch yourself up pretty good!

[breeze]

Hallelujah! It's the Front Porch! Oh, my, Steve, Crouton has gotten
quite "fattened-up" over the Winter - I do think that I have put on
some pounds, too - could I join you BOTH in that walk? I guess
that we've both decided that growing 3 inches taller won't happen,
eh? Doctors - who pays them to think like that, anyway?

GO POJO on the Hurricane Hunters! I'm rooting for 'ya, gal!

I've cleaned my flower gardens out - wheelbarrows full of leaves and
last year's dead foliage. I mulched, last year, so, I have decided to be
a slacker, this year. The veg garden is out, too - onions, okra, tomatoes,
peppers, eggplants, squash and cucumbers - we made the rows wider
for tilling up those nasty morning glories, so, that's all that we could
plant, this year!

Now, I've got to decide on where to put my hammock chair, here on
the porch - I'll have to fight Garrett (wx247) over it, when he pops in!

~Annette~

[pojo]

Everyone around here is rooting for me also.... that flight physical.... all the luck in the world... talk about being poked and prodded! The drive is coming up this weekend.... (no planes going to Keesler, have to drive) boy did that come up fast.

I see Breeze has claimed the hammock.... geez

[azskyman]

Good luck with the physical. You've got the right stuff POJO to make it, so it becomes a question of just how adaptable your "carrying case" may be for that environment. We wish you the best, you know.

I was invited on a flight on the Hurricane Hunters years ago...to cover it in a story for all my weatherbuddies, but the instructions were that I had to pay my own way to FL once they announced a series of flights was likely. Back then, raising to kids, the budget (and my wife's fear of me flying into a storm) kept me from going.

And to the rest of you...enjoy those springtime gardens! I see there is frost arriving in northern Illinois, my old stomping grounds, tonight. So no planting til sometime around Mother's Day there.

Be safe everyone.

[Pburgh]

Good Morning,
It's a beautiful morning here in the Burgh. A bit nippy and frost is expected tonight.

Breeze, I too am working on my gardens. I don't plant veggies, but I do have a great selection of perennials. I slacked off on the mulch last year so it was a necessity this year. I have about 1/3 of my edging finished so looks like my week nights will be full this week.(if the weather holds up)

David, I'm so glad you're happy with your new job. I remember years ago when you were first in your job transition. I remember you putting your future in God's hands and we were all inspired by your faith and courage. Well, God does work in mysterious and wonderful ways!!!!

Mary, I'm so excited for you!!!! You wanted a contract and it sounds like you're going to get it!! By the way, you're really a wonderful sister-in-law. ((HUGS))

Shannon, as always, you're enthusiasm and energy are amazing!

Steve, it's great to see you. I brought the stretching machine. I think we'll all take turns and spread out that Winter weight gain. Actually I'm on a diet too. Yuck

Well I'll brew a pot of Earl Grey to break in the porch. The afgan is laying on the rocker if anyone needs it during this cool Spring nights.
As Eric would say, "Have a terrific Tuesday."
Karan

[weatherlover427]

Morning all. A gray morning here with rain expected the next 2 days and even a slight chance of thunderstorms. Still needed since we are currently 3 1/2" below normal since January 1, despite our wet spring so far.

My birthday is on Thursday! Yay go me. I'll be 24 this year. Looking forward to it since all I asked for is money and I really need that right now.

I have a dentist appointment tomorrow to get my last cavity filled (6 out of 7 have been done so far) and to get a deep cleaning done. THAT I am scared about. Pleaser pray for me, I am really nervous about this one.

On the other hand, I am moving. I have decided as of this morning to move closer to my mom, not only for that reason but also so I can have a/c in the summer (don't have that here); have a change of scenery (all I see here is car dealers ); so I can go to an area that I know better; be closer to my friends; among other things. I will be moving by June 1st. I'll keep you updated.

My computer crashed a week ago due to hard drive corruption. I got so mad at it that I didn't want to fix it, I even cursed it out. I let it sit for a few days until I felt like fixing it. Now it's back up and running again. (No not the new pc in case you were wondering.)

I will be offline on Saturday due to celebrating my birthday as well so this week is a busy one for me, I will also be offline this afternoon because I have a meeting to go to.

Oh, I almost forgot. Sunday during the day sometime, my refrigerator got turned off, because Sunday night when I went to go get my frozen pizzas out to eat for dinner, they were defrosted. So all my food save for the chicken and ice cream had defrosted. Just to be safe I threw out the chicken too. So I ended up barely eating anything for about a day and a half. All better now though as I went shopping last night to replace a large portion of what went bad.

Other than all THAT , not much else going on. So I shall say adieu for now. Catch you all later!