Delray Affair

Monday, March 31, 2008

On Saturday I attended one of South Florida's oldest and now largest art fair: the Delray Affair. I have gone off and on over the years, and man, has this 3 day event grown into a monster. The street festival itself is free, and if you're lucky or go early enough in the morning, you can snag free parking. Otherwise, that's when the cha-ching begins with parking fees.

However, the main street Atlantic Avenue is cordoned off for blocks and blocks with booths everywhere. This year there were over 600 displays, from jewelry to, of course, art. Paintings, sculpture and every craft imaginable.

Fortunately, my friend and I picked the right day as we had perfect Florida spring weather. On Sunday rain moved in.

I'm thinking about using the event for a chase scene for the current book I'm working on. Nothing like doing research in person...and picking up a new art glass pendant for my collection. :) Carol

A dog always knows

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

When you've had a bad day. I really hate when others waste my time for no reason. I also hate greed. Today I bumped into both on cases. In fact, the one that is wasting my time for no good reason got me cursing a blue streak. I still may gut the offending attorney tomorrow with a rusty spoon and feed his innards to the crows.

However, when I got home, there was Maddie, wiggling with joy to see me and gave loads of slurpy kisses. Then typically after dinner, she does her own thing, only checking on me occasionally to see what I'm up to. Not tonight. She spent a good part sleeping on my lap.

My second upbeat note was the news that two friends received RITA phone calls today: Kristi Gold and Cindy Dees. The RITA is the most prestigious award a romance author can receive; it is given out annually by RWA during a lavish awards ceremony. I'll be screaming my head off come end of July in San Francisco.

My third came tonight on AI when Kristi finally shone. I knew she could do it; of all the contestants, she's the one who can most benefit from the working with the singing professionals. Of course, David A. also got my text votes.

:) Carol

The Bachelor

Monday, March 24, 2008

Okay, I don't watch the Bachelor every season. There have been a number that held -0- appeal. However, this year the show comes on after DWTS, and I've been tending to let it play while I do things on the computer or do 'day' work.

It doesn't hurt that this year's Bachelor is English either. But what is the deal with all the women singing? I think it's time to whip out the duck tape. Sigh, Carol

DWTS

I don't need a crystal ball to know that all the women in my office will be fanning themselves as we stand around the coffee maker and talk about Jason Taylor. Hubba, hubba, hubba. The home town boy did South Florida proud tonight.

But I'm not pleased that the show is trying to go head-to-head with AI. They're going to lose me on that score. I'll switch over once AI is done and may switch over during commercials, but I can always find out the results on the Internet. :) Carol

DWTS

Monday, March 17, 2008

Poor Julianne. She is soooo not going to get a 3rd straight trophy. I hope her brother Dereck has a great partner since he's such a fabulous choreographer. I was happy to see Steve Guttenberg do okay; not the greatest dancer but his personality and grin more than made up for everything.

But Jason. I have to vote for the home boy all the way. :) Carol

Time change

Monday, March 10, 2008

Once more I have my rusty spoon ready at hand in case I ever meet the person responsible for the crackpot idea of daylight savings time. I won't be able to function for weeks; my body doesn't adapt readily to it.

Daylight savings time. Grrrrrrrrrrr. Carol

AI's final 12

Thursday, March 6, 2008

I know, I know, I need to be resting my injured thumb. However, I agree with this season's final 12. Looking forward to the competition next with both the guys and gals performing together. I still think a guy's going to win this year. But talented 12. :) Carol

The Wendy's shooting

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

I injured my thumb on my dominant hand on Tuesday so I'm avoiding typing as little as possible and probably will be silent here for the rest of the week.

However, on Monday we saw another senseless shooting here in Palm Beach County where a firefighter, a father of 5, lost his life. I can't count the number of times I've driven by the Wendy's where the shooting occurred.

I am really mad. If people don't want to live anymore, fine, but do it by yourself. The time to make a statement with your life is while you are alive by going to church, volunteering and otherwise helping others. That's a meaningful statement. Killing others is not; it just means you are a murderer.

My local country radio station WIRK did a donation drive to help the slain firefighter's family on Tuesday by standing on a corner with one of those boots near his station. Although the location was miles out of my way, I had to drive by and make a donation.

That was my statement against the senseless. Carol

Court Crisis Appears to be Diverted...

Monday, March 3, 2008

For now. A deal has been worked out with the legislature wherein a one-time shot of funds will be added to the judiciary budget. Daily News Summary

However, the court system was warned last summer to hold back 1% of their budget per quarter in anticipation of decreased revenues. Although a number of the chief judges complained that the lion's share of their budget is salaries and nothing more could be cut, other court system departments, such as public defender and state attorney's offices in Palm Beach County, applied the brakes to any new hirings.

The cuts are the result of a decline in Florida's sales tax collections as well as slowed real estate deals, which combined make up most of Florida's revenues. The furloughs were to range from 13 to 58 days for county court employees. The estimate for those impacted in Palm Beach was ~184.

So crisis avoided for the moment, but it's only to get worse as the revenues probably will decline throughout 2008. Given what those employees who were affected went through emotionally for over a week, I doubt if many of the broken bridges of trust will be mended. Those in the judicial system responsible for budget management need to get their act together. Cut out fluff like judicial college and retreats for one thing. The judges can do webinars like the rest of us and save on the cost of hotels, meals and mileage.

One of the problems is simply because someone is a chief judge or in a judicial administration role doesn't mean s/he has any aptitude, training or grasp of managment or people skills.

But I'll leave that for another post. :) Carol

Dave Clark 5's Mike Smith, RIP

Sunday, March 2, 2008

I was saddened to hear that Mike Smith, lead singer of the Dave Clark 5, has passed away. I was startled to learn that he had spent the last years of his life para;yzed from an accident. Somehow that never made the news around here, and I don't think it even hit the entertainment stations that I watch.

I was never a Beatles fan; when the British wave hit the US, I was swept away instead by Herman's Hermits and the Dave Clark 5. I loved Mike Smith's gravelly voice. It's a shame Mike died before the group could be inducted into the R&R Hall of Fame, but I am glad that DC5 is finally getting the recognition it deserves. I still boogie to "Glad All Over", "Bits & Pieces", etc. whenever my 60's station plays the songs. Carol