Well, we made it to another Friday!! Not sure exactly what the weekend holds in store for me, but we do have a graduation party to attend on Sunday afternoon. A friend of ours just received his second Masters Degree and is having a little gathering at their house. He changed careers, from law enforcement to teaching, and is now on track to become a school administrator. Good kid...we've known him since he was 10 years old. We won't know many people there, other than him, his wife, and his folks, but it will be an enjoyable couple of hours. (He is the person we took the Concealed Weapons class from a few months ago.)
I am happy to report that next year's budget was approved at yesterday's meeting. I can't remember, in 17 years, when the Committee didn't have us go back and make huge changes. They appreciated the hard work we did, knew we were prepared to defend our choices, and are allowing us to move forward with a somewhat risky increase. It feels good to be back on a growth track, with our Board behind us!! Whew!!!
I am just going to share a few photos with you for this fragmented Friday....
I donated blood yesterday. I reached a total of 10 gallons, and am going to stop there. The phlebotomist made a bow for me, when she wrapped my arm! LOL
One of the Museum's Docents made a Kentucky Derby Pie and brought it in, for staff, yesterday. It was absolutely delicious and sinfully decadent. I only ate about three bites. It was very, very rich. Here is a recipe for it: http://americanfood.about.com/od/desserts/r/chocwalnutpie.htm
The Museum is just off Lake Morton, which is our city's bird sanctuary. We have 80+ swans in Lakeland (The City of Swans), and over 40 of them call Lake Morton home. If you enlarge this photo, you will see the nesting swan. The city workers put caution tape, a warning sign, and a motion activated camera on all the nests. They are well protected, and we look forward to seeing the signets. Next weekend, the swans will be sharing their space with 160 artists and thousands of visitors to our Mayfaire by-the-Lake annual art festival.
I copied these two photos (above and below) from Facebook yesterday. The photographer was not noted, but the photos were taken in the Winter Haven Country Club property. Winter Haven is the next city, east of Lakeland - home to Legoland. The Eagle is so regal looking, and the Florida Panther (below) is just beautiful. Florida Panthers (and Eagles) are protected. We see Eagles frequently, but catching a panther is really something special.
I wish you a good weekend ahead! Thanks for peeking in today!! I always appreciate your comments and value our friendships here!
I just saw a recipe on Pinterest the other day for Derby Pie. I had never heard of it before then you post that you had some. lol
ReplyDeleteGreat pics! I can't wait for the swans to have babies here. They are so cute. We sometimes see bald eagles here. We don't have panthers though. Have a great weekend!
I'm from Kentucky, so I've had this before and agree that it is rich! I remember living in the hills when I was little and hearing wild cats at night and being frightened. I don't remember ever seeing one though. My dad did kill a rattlesnake though. Congratulations on getting your budget approved. Love the animal pictures and hope the swans aren't upset though I imagine people at Mayfaire won't be really near them.
ReplyDeleteYikes on the panther!! My dad was just telling me about bears, and I sad, "Bears? In FL?" He said, yep..then my brother told me about one in Lake County, where he works. Wow..anyways, sorry about rambling..Have a great Friday! Blessings
ReplyDeleteSo glad the budget balancing went well as I know that is a major project each year. Your pictures are always so pretty and these are no exception. Eagles fascinate me, and that panther....no way!
ReplyDeleteGlad the budget was approved!
ReplyDeleteThe pictures are pretty. I love seeing eagles. I think seeing a panther would give me quite a scare!
The pie looks so good, but I agree, it has to be so very rich. I love the pictures, including your pretty little bow. Congratulations on having the committee accept the budget right away. You can breathe now. :) Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteGlad your meeting went well, Terri. And don't you just love eagles - so majestic! Please keep that pie away from me. Walnuts AND chocolate? Sounds amazing!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend. Cute donation bow lol good of you to donate blood.
ReplyDeleteI like the pictures. I've seen eagles from a distance on a few occasions I would like to see one up closer. The only ones I saw up close were in the nature center of parks , eagles that had been injured so they are not safe in the wild
Wow, that would be so cool to see a panther and kind of scary. Are there many attacks on pets? We have coyote attacks on pets in MN. We also have a lot of bald eagles and see them quite often these days. They are beautiful. I've donated almost 6 gallons of blood but haven't done so for a long time. Great for you on 10! And how cute the bow is. Enjoy your weekend.
ReplyDeleteThat pie even looks rich, bet it tasted yummy. Hope your weekend is going well. Hugs
ReplyDeleteWOW for some reason, probably ignorance, I didn't think you had wildlife to watch for. Well I knew about the alligators.
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