Postcard Friendship Friday #17

Happy Postcard Friendship Friday! Today's postcard pictures a Florida Seminole Indian and her Papoose in the Everglades.

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This is the first of five postcards that were written by an Army Air Force Private to his wife during the winter of 1942 /1943. I will share the others with you over the next four weeks.

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This card is postmarked December 8, 1942 - a year and a day after the attack on Pearl Harbor. There is no stamp, as the mail for service men and women was free. The word "free" was written in the spot that normally holds a stamp. It was difficult to find as it was stamped over with "Buy War Savings Bonds And Stamps". It was sent from the Army Air Force Technical Training Center, Miami Beach Florida which was located at what is now Miami International Airport.

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The mailing address in Rochester, New York, still exists

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The postcard reads:

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Dear Mrs. Burns

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Have nothing new to say today. It is very hot. How is Junior coming along? Watch out that you don't get any cold.

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I don't know a soul in this camp which makes it kind of hard. However would like to become permanent here but doubt if that will be.

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Some one of these days I will have a picture taken and send it to you so that you can see my new uniform. Also would like a better one of you. This 10 cent one of you isn't very flattering because it does not show your teeth (Ha Ha)

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Will write a long letter when I buy some paper and envelopes. So far have managed to bum some. Are the letters coming fast enough? Hope I can start getting a few from you soon. NO SOB STUFF.

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Tell everybody not to look for any Xmas present from me and not to send any.

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Love

Me

Rot the R (?)

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Postcard of the Army Air Force Technical Training Command Center Parade Grounds

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WAC (Women's Army Corp) air controller - the shoulder insignia is the Army Air Forces patch.
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The United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) was the military aviation arm of the United States of America during and immediately after World War II. The direct precursor to the United States Air Force, its peak size was over 2.4 million men and women in service and nearly 80,000 aircraft in 1944, and 783 domestic bases in December 1943. By VE Day it had 1.25 million men stationed overseas and operated from more than 1,600 airfields worldwide.
The Air Corps became the Army Air Forces in June 1941. Although other nations already had separate air forces independent of the army or navy (such as the British Royal Air Force and the German Luftwaffe), the USAAF remained a part of the United States Army.

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Clark Gable enlisting at the AAFTC

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From 1942 to 1945 Miami Beach played a significant role in WWII. Nearly 500,000 men, including matinee-idol Clark Gable and Robert Preston, took over 300 hotels and buildings for housing and training headquarters under the Army Air Forces Technical Training Command. By the time the war ended, one-fourth of all Army Air Force officers and one-fifth of the Air Corps' enlisted men had been trained in "the most beautiful boot camp in America''—Miami Beach. Another group of hotels and buildings served as an Army Redistribution Station for infantrymen returning from battle. These men were reunited with their wives, and "ordered" to have fun before being released or reassigned.

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Exercising on Miami Beach
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This photo shows Army Air Force Technical Training Command soldiers in an outdoor classroom in front of the London Shop and Mishan Importers of Linens, Laces and Rugs (possibly on Lincoln Road).

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It is probable that Pvt. Burns enlisted in the service rather than being drafted. He was recently transferred to this location for technical training. Part II next Friday! I will forgo the usual "back story" out of respect to this AAF serviceman and all of our service men and women.

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For more Postcard Friendship Friday visit Marie at Voila! Vintage Postcards!

Postcard Friendship Friday #16

Happy Postcard Friendship Friday! Another PFF hosted by Marie at Voila! Vintage Postcards
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I had planned to use this postcard for my Mother's Day PFF post - without the usual Florida connection - because of the pretty child smiling at us in the photograph. After I had an opportunity to read the message I thought better of it.
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The postmark is May 27, 1911 and it was sent from Malabar House Hotel, Godwin Road Margate, East Kent England

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The postcard reads:
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My dear Margaret,
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You must really excuse me not writing you long letter as promised as I have been feeling queer of late but am pleased to say am feeling much brighter. Am staying here two or three weeks to see whether I can regain my health, As soon as I feel fit shall write you a real long letter.
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Love to all.
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Margate Sands

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For at least 250 years, the town has been a leading seaside resort in the UK, drawing Londoners to its beaches, Margate Sands.
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The bathing machines in use at Margate were described in 1805 as "four-wheeled carriages, covered with canvas, and having at one end of them an umbrella of the same materials which is let down to the surface of the water, so that the bather descending from the machine by a few steps is concealed from the public view, whereby the most refined female is enabled to enjoy the advantages of the sea with the strictest delicacy

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Millicent's dapper dipper
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Some resorts employed a "dipper", a strong person of the same sex who would assist the bather in and out of the sea. Some dippers were said to push bathers into the water, then yank them out, considered part of the experience

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I couldn't find any information about the Malabar House Hotel, however I did happen across a breakfast menu from another hotel in Margate:
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Served from 8am (or earlier if requested) until 10am Monday to Saturday and from 8.30am until 10.30am on Sundays and Bank Holidays, this is a great start to any day. A choice of fresh fruit and juices – including Kentish Apple Juice – and cereals, with muesli and porridge coming directly from Sarre Mill. Freshly grilled bacon, sausages made especially for us, and free range eggs from Woodensborough Farm, with a selection of grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, bubble and squeak and beans. Topped off with brown or white toast – Giovanni has been up since 4am baking – and our own preserves or local honey, and unlimited (fair trade) tea or filter coffee. A cheerful good morning, a glance at the paper, and whether on holiday or business, you're well set up.
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The mailing address, 250 Tompkins Avenue, Brooklyn NY, still exists, and is located on Tompkins Park.
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Brooklyn (named after the Dutch town Breukelen) is one of the five boroughs of New York City, located southwest of Queens on the western tip of Long Island. An independent city until its consolidation with New York in 1898, Brooklyn is New York City's most populous borough, with 2.5 million residents, and second largest in area. If the borough were a separate city, it would be the fourth-largest city in the United States. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State, and the second most densely populated county in the United States, after New York County (Manhattan).

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The Back Story:
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Margaret rolled her eyes as she read yet another health update from her hypochondriac sister. Better she should write postcards than long letters outlining every aspect of her delicate constitution. Bessie had taken the waters, treatments and air at every resort from from here to Timbuktu. Well not Timbuktu, exactly, but if there is a resort there, Bessie will eventually find it.

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If Bessie would just say "yes" to that dear patient Mr. Sturdivant, she could settle down and start thinking about a husband and family instead of constantly monitoring her health. And now, to say she is feeling queer of late. Well! I never! Not that there is anything wrong with that. Should Mr. Sturdivant get wind of this latest condition, he will surely turn on his heel and Bessie will miss her chance.

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It was dear old Dr. West who recommended the seaside at Margate. Most likely it was suggested so he could have a few weeks vacation from Bessie and her thrice weekly "emergencies". He agrees wholeheartedly that if she will accept a marriage proposal she will find relief from the many disagreeable nervous conditions associated with spinsterhood.

It's MyFirst Blogoversary Party! Come On In!

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One year ago today I did a quick search of blogging sites, found blogspot.com and started plunking information into the blank squares. Within a matter of about an hour or two, Muse Swings was on line with my first post. The rest is history. And maybe CIA files. And Interpol.

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The best of the year is you, dear bloggyfriend! You've stuck with me for a whole year during rants and raves, Dr. West's advice, adventures with the Mister and some really great events. Most recently there are post card stories, horoscopes and some Old Maid tarot readings thrown in for good measure. Thanks for indulging me.

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The events were especially fun because of your enthusiastic participation in our tea, picnic with the campfire, ocean voyage, wine making, an Italian spree - we did go to Italy, didn't we? It's all a blur. There were trains, planes spas, and a Christmas tour. What fun! It takes just a click of the mouse, a few assorted passports, a borrowed credit card, an identity or two (thanks, ladies) and a trunk full of Paris couture, a few borrowed gems, and we are off on another holiday.
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To celebrate you and your wonderful visits and comments, I'm having a First Blogoversary party to celebrate YOU today in the gazebo that I "borrowed" from Prince Wilhelm Von Potinvondominvon.

I've baked a cake just for you!

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Fresh strawberries and cream perhaps?

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So, enjoy the view

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and have a glass of lemonade with me

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Better yet, how about a glass or two of """lime ade"""

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Mr. Grant and his friend Kate will entertain us

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Oh, and look! Lady Fusilla sent flowers. She must have forgiven us...... but that lawsuit is still pending...... and the emeralds.....well, If she shows up, just give her a xanex and call her a cab.
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That forest ranging, grape stomping, sleigh driving Mr. Peck is flying in. I get dibs on him this time!

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So gather around the table. Oh - heh..heh...heh...not this table. This is just another of the fun stories that we've spun this past year.

What a gem.

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You are all gems for stickin' with me - you know who you are! And I do too!

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So Happy Blogoversary to me thanks to you!

Postcard Friendship Friday #15

Happy Postcard Friendly Friday! Today's postcard features a picture of the Open Air Station, St. Petersburg, Florida's main post office.

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The description reads:

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During the winter months, St. Petersburg's main Post Office located in the center of the business district distributes daily a tremendous volume of mail to the thousands of visitors who crowd the outdoor loggia.

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The Open Air Station as it looks today


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The Post Office, which is still in use, opened in 1916 and is in the National Register of Historic Places. Mail is still delivered by carriers riding bicycles on the business routes immediately surrounding the post office.
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The card is postmarked December 19, 1944

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It reads:
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This is just the way it looked yesterday when we were downtown and everyone was wishing a merry Christmas. It don't seem a bit like Christmas. Love, F

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The True, Heald, and Walker Store, Lovell Maine

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The postcard was addressed to Mr. J. W. True, Lovell Maine

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Lovell Main is a small town located on the border of Maine and Massachusetts.
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In 1774 the Massachusetts House of Representatives granted a petition asking that a township "east of the Saco and north of Frye Grant" be given to the "heirs of Captain John Lovewell and to the heirs of those men that fell with him at Peqwacket (now Fryeburg) and to those that were with him in said engagement, their heirs and others. This Grant was called New Suncook, and, while it is not certain who the earliest settler may have been, the first census taken of the United States in the year 1790, lists the names of twenty-two Free White Males of 16 years and upward, including heads of families. Further enumerated, were twenty-five Free White males under 16 years of age, and thirty-eight Free White Females, bringing the total population to eighty-five inhabitants. The 2000 census lists a population of 974.

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The True and Walker Store, Lovell Maine

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.Although I did not have sufficient information to do a successful search for information on either the sender or receiver, I did find the two stores in Lowell that included the family name True. It is possible that JW is a descendant of this family.

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Not surprisingly, "It don't seem a bit like Christmas" is a phrase commonly heard here during the Christmas holidays. This may have been compounded for "F" by the fact that WWII was still being fought. Rationing would have made it difficult to find ingredients for the traditional Christmas dinners. Victory gardens thrived year round though, providing fresh fruit and vegetables for Floridians. The balmy weather and palm trees were a far cry from a harsh Maine winter. "F" might have been in the Christmas spirit if he/she could have known that the war would end in 1945.

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Sugar was one of the first items released from rationing while nylon stockings were not available in great quantities until 1947

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For more Postcard Friendship Friday fun, visit Marie at Voila! Vintage Postcards.

Tarot-ty Tuesday. A Question of Change

A Very Old Old Maid Deck

And now, for something completely different!

A friend - we'll call her DeLemma, recently asked my advice about her career path. She has options to do new and different things, but is not sure if the time is right or if she's ready. It's the old bird in the hand dilemma - but the bird is getting very stressed out.

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I thought this would be a good opportunity to bring out my tarot cards. The room was dark, the drawer was unorganized, and I was in a hurry, so I grabbed this deck - Old Maid. Thought I'd try it out and see what happens.

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I shuffled the cards and chose three at random for a three card reading: Past/Present/Future
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The first card, Sky Diving Sabrina, represents the past. This card gives intuitive information about the person's past. You can see that this card represents risky adventure - jumping into the unknown. I don't see a parachute, so this person, although somewhat prepared with her little sky diving outfit, is making a leap of faith. The leap is from something familiar - the plane - to mid air. This could represent a major move or a major change in a relationship in DeLemma's past. Something she initiated and jumped into optimistically. She isn't necessarily a risk taker, but something led her to that jumping place and pushed her out of her comfort zone. She had options, but this seemed like the best plan at the time. We don't know if she landed on both feet or whether she tripped and fell several times before gathering in her parachute. Did she get hurt, or cry? Was she afraid? Her tendency for privacy, for jumping alone, may result in most of us only seeing the smile and the brave attitude.

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The Present is represented by the 3rd card. You see Hungry Harry. Harry has a donut in one hand and candy bar - or maybe a power bar in the other hand. This indicates that he is providing for himself, that he has things that will feed his happiness and current needs. Things are status quo, but he's looking for something better. Something different, more satisfying and more fulfilling. Something that will fill his soul, his need for inner happiness and his life. He's got something good now, but it's empty calories and less than satisfying. His casual outfit suggests he's comfortable right now but still looking, wanting and needing. Should DeLemma be thinking about getting back into that skydiving outfit - or is she just comfortable enough to maintain with what she's got?
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The middle card, Singing Susana, represents the Future. The future is always affected by past and the present. That's why it is set between the other two cards. We can choose to be hemmed in by our experiences, or we can take from it and use it wisely. Who we once were and who we are tells a lot about what we can be. The Future card shows a talented one man show kind of person who is not afraid of hanging herself out there in front of the world. Perhaps DeLemma is more confident about the future now because of her previous adventures and her current need for something better. Perhaps it is time to think about just how much DeLemma wants and needs a change. She has experienced success in the past and created a certain amount of stability once she landed. She knows enough to make some preparations and find a place to land. She knows enough to hang on to some of what she's got while she makes this leap. That's what parachutes are for. Plan to use them and don't be afraid to jump out of that plane again. You go, Girl!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day Dear Bloggyfriends!

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Treat yourself to a delicious day

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And relax

You deserve it!

Postcard Friendship Friday #14

It's Postcard Friendship Friday! Today's vintage linen postcard is of the First Baptist Church in West Palm Beach, Florida, which is fitting, I think, since Thursday was the National Day of Prayer. The description reads:
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One of the South's most beautiful churches, located in the heart of the tropics with a membership of over 2,000.
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We last met the person who wrote the card on my March 6th PFF post when she was on her way to Weeki Wachee Springs. Today's postcard was postmarked February 28, 1959 in Lake Worth Florida. It was mailed to the same address as the previous card.



The message reads:



Friday (on beach)



We got home yesterday from West Coast. Had such a nice time. Looked up some friends and spent a couple of hours with them. Went to Sunken Gardens in St. Pete. Took a roll of pictures (20) but don't know if any are good. It was cloudy at times. Have been thinking of Sis so much today. On way No (north?)




Love, Me






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It Was Wanda's idea to go to Sunken Gardens. It was another botanical stop on their driving tour, and Ted owed her this one after Weeki Wachee Springs. Those mermaids were quite shapely, and she spent the entire day sitting in the under water theater while Ted pressed his nose against the glass.

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They enjoyed their walk through the gardens and visited the gift shop which was touted to be the largest gift shop in the world. She chose some lovely china ashtrays adorned with pink flamingo's and orange blossoms as well as matching playing cards for the bridge table. She also found boxes of salt water taffy and some cute little jars of mango jam to take home as gifts. Ted insisted on getting one of those hula girls for the dashboard, and Wanda was sure she would get a migraine from the shimmying and shaking of that blazon little vixen. What will mother think?


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Anyway, the trip through the beautiful sunken pathways was beautiful, and Ted enjoyed the walking tour and had his picture taken with four parrots on his arms! They were surprised to learn that acreage was purchased in 1903 and was the private garden of the Turner family. An ancient lake on the property was drained, and plants thrived in the rich soil. In the 1920's George Turner and his family were charging visitors a nickel to tour the gardens.
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Sunken Gardens was owned by the Turner family for three generations, and was purchased by the City of St. Petersburg in 1999, The famous gift shop is now a children's science museum.

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Ted and Wanda especially loved the beautiful pink flamingos that graced the quiet little pond.

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They decided then and there to purchase some for their yard as soon as they arrived back home in Michigan. Wanda also decided to bury that hula girl about 2 feet under the lilac bush.
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Wadda you lookin' at?
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The icon of lawn kitsch, the plastic flamingo, was born in 1957 and is still adorning lawns today. The designer, Don Featherstone was awarded the Lg Nobel Prize for Art in 1996.

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Here's a question for you to mull over: Did pink plastic flamingos ever adorn the lawn of the Muse? Did they ever brighten your lawn?
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For more Postcard Friendship Friday fun, visit Marie at Voila Vintage Postcards!

Ahoy Matey!

A Gnatty Problem

Sooo, The Mister and I were having our usual late afternoon "what's for dinner - I asked you first" -discussion. Turns out he asked me first, so I'm in the kitchen with my head in the pantry trying to conger up a meal combo other than Raisinettes and Spam, when the Mister says' "You know, you have the attention span of a gnat." As opposed to a few years ago when I would have gone ballistic at a remark like that, I'm thinking to myself "Yep, an astute observation. I sure am. what's that shiny thing over there...."

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I meandered into the living room to see what prompted the remark only to find out the Mister was talking to Lucy the Dog.

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I've not really accomplished anything of value over the last week due to a constant pounding in my head
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Well, okay, not my head exactly. The pounding has been going on overhead as we had the old roof removed and a nice new non-leaking one installed. This was all precipitated by the Mister's attempt to blow the last of the oak tree droppings off the roof, and having his foot go right through into the attic. So here we are trying to think and accomplish stuff over the constant banging and generator noise. Impossible. Too difficult.

About the only thing I've done with any dedication and concentration during the installation was to play a game on Facebook, "Pirates: Rule the Caribbean." Sparky started it. It's her fault. She invited me to join her crew. Turns out having an opportunity to shop for stuff like muzzle loading cannons and deserted islands somehow appeals to my inner archetypes. Here I am, a week after first discovering the game, looting, plundering and burying treasure. I've managed to advance to level 34, fill an armory with weapons, and maintain an hourly income of 149,000 pieces of gold.

How's your booty?

It's piling up, Matey.

I even coerced my daughter into joining my crew so I could buy another False Lighthouse and lure unsuspecting ships my way. Jennifer mentioned that her favorite game is "Mafia Wars" on Facebook. I popped over to take a peek at the game, and here I am having a fine old time hijacking delivery trucks, being a hit man, and buying up income property so I can increase my weapon inventory


You know, Musey, if you do one more jewelry store job you can buy that Italian restaurant.
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People keep trying to steal my money, so I'm constantly going from one game to the other, collecting my hourly income and stuffing it in the mafia bank and hiding it the pirate's cove.
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Problem is, I've been spending far too much time at this. I started using a reward system - telling myself I have to dust, or mop or clean out a closet before I can play again. I am hooked.

There is an end in sight though:
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1) The roof guys are gone and the house is quiet again.
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2) I have to keep adding crew members to advance, so I'm kind of stuck on my pirate ship for a while.
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On the other hand:
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1) I really do have the attention span of a gnat - the prefect mindset for these games
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2) I am accomplishing things (using my reward system of work to play) while I wait for my next set of energy and stamina points to accumulate.
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3) I may be able to convince some of you to join my crew and/or my mafia. You see, I happen to own a ship with plank and I am also learning the art of making an offer you can't refuse...

Saturday Salubrious Signs - Cancer

CANCER

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Your Real Horoscope for Today and for May

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You should try to keep your impulses in check today -- you must lead with your thinking skills, not your heart or your compassion.

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It's okay to come out of your shell and be defensive!

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If someone really ticks you off, you can certainly get into a defensive position and be ready to fight back, just don't be the first person to make any offensive moves.

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Just don't be a drama queen

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Bite your tongue and keep quiet! You can't afford to be the instigator in any dramas right now, and plus, who needs all of the drama that comes along with it? Stay out of things.

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Strut your stuff, Cancer

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May Horoscope: There's nothing wrong with showing off a little once in awhile, and the 1st is an excellent day to strut your stuff. Why? Well, haven't you been putting in a lot of work, at the office and the gym? Aren't you, when it comes right down to it, pretty proud of your boardroom presentation -- and that brand new washboard stomach? So go ahead: Flaunt it a little. The folks who love you will love seeing you thrive. By the 5th, you might have to focus your energies on your domestic partners. Yep, your roomies (family, etc.) aren't too thrilled with the status quo, and it's not enough just to do that extra load of dishes. Nope, you'd better apologize, too. Harmony can be restored in no time. Be sure to do something nice for yourself on the 10th and 11th. Why not take a nice long walk to check out all the springtime blossoms?
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If you're going to get yourself all in knots, at least make something of it

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Take an intellectual approach to a problem on the 15th. Otherwise you could get all tied up in knots. Don't hurry if you can help it on the 20th. Things will go more smoothly if you give them the time they need. You're super intuitive and extraordinarily attractive on the 26th and 27th. Make a connection on the 30th. You're ready!

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Your Get Real Horoscope: Quit your crabbing! Your real horoscope isn't all that bad, is it? So what if you have to appologize. The rest of us do it all the time, not being all faultless and and perfect like you.

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Here, read a book. But close it every once in a while and spend time with p-e-o-p-l-e. Your hermit tendancies are okay for a while but everyone else just thinks you are aloof and out of touch and all about you.

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Watch for danger signs. When you see them, don't hide in your shell. The muse knows all about being a hermit and just how much others will put up with. Not much. Especially if, like me (and I'm not even a Cancer) you test it to the limits all the time.
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You probably HATE being on the phone, so drop a line. Don't forget to send out those Mother's Day cards to all the mothers you know and love. And a birthday card for Sparky would be nice. She won't let you miss it.
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Hmmmm all this talk about crab is making me hungry......
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What shall I have for dinner? Some soup perhaps.

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Or maybe something light and delicious.

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That reminds me, Cancer, beware of dinner invitations.