I have always loved storms. They are exciting, fun to watch and if they aren’t hurricane, tornado, blizzard or sunami level, a necessity to Mother Earth.

Today in Florida a downpour was predicted and the forecasters certainly got it wrong. I ran out and purchased all sorts of bulbs and plantings for my garden pre-storm. We had a spattering of rain and one crash of thunder. I was disappointed. If only the sun didn’t shine so much in Florida. Need to stop writing and tend to the garden. Tomorrow rain is predicted..

All my life I have been a fan of the Royals. What I particularly find mesmerizing about them is their wave. For the past 5 years I have incorporated their wave into my repetoire as I cross streets throughout the US, Europe, Asia and even Africa.

This idea happened quite by accident. One day when crossing a street I thought I knew the individual in the car. I waved and though I didn’t know him he looked up. That momentary lapse gave me the extra seconds to cross the street without being hit.

Give it a try the next time you need those additional seconds. It works.

Recently I decided I needed to buy a new suitcase. I have two however a larger size was required. While I abhor paying baggage fees the time had come. Cramming things into a suitcase is no fun and especially disconcerting when trip purchases are crammed. We want those treasures to return home safely.

My two current suitcases arrived after a year of incidents with suitcases damaged beyond repair. If your suitcase must die pray it does so in China. They have a wonderful system where upon visiting customer service the damaged bag is viewed then the rep goes in a back room and returns with a new one. This saves time and energy. When the other incidents occurred it involved trying to find a new bag on the journey then writing the airlines once home with receipts etc.. post in airport claim.

While at JFK the other day I saw a flowered pink bag which no one would grab in error off the conveyor belt. Since I talk with everyone I approached the gal and she told me it was a Ross purchase. Now why didn’t I know that? For the past three weeks I had been researching suitcases evaluating their construction, inner linings, handles and of course the most important part – the wheels.

In my research I realized the best wheels for a case are round however found none made in this fashion. While this pink beauty did not have round wheels I thought I’d investigate again. Today at Ross my dream came true with one thing missing. See if you can guess..

Next I’ll have to spruce her up with a dash of color. Red initials? That bag diva would never be mistaken. Will keep you posted. 🙂

Recently my neighbor was feeling under the weather so I volunteered to walk her dog. Biscuit is a 10 pound male pekingese who I have known for 2 years. He has always been a friendly host on my visits with his mom however things changed when I attempted to attach the leash. Biscuit sat on his laurels and refused to allow the leash to be connected. My neighbor laughed and said this was typical behavior even when other family members walk him. Eventually he acquiesced and we began.

Once out the door this behavoir continued for another five minutes. As I dragged this precious animal along I became concerned that someone would be contacting the humane society. Then as if by luck or chance the game changed and Biscuit became his own man happily trotting and taking command of “the walk.”

After numerous stops along the way smelling random items and selectively choosing which to christen our time together came to a close. Hearing his mom’s voice Biscuit picked up his pace and quickly ran in the open door of his home. He eagerly allowed me to remove the leash, took a lap from his water bowl, and hopped on his couch sheepskin. As I watched him close his eyes I wondered if he was dreaming of his walk.

While I publish this blog on April 23rd it is the Wednesday of Holy Week in the Catholic Church as I sit in the extraordinary Cathedral of St. Augustine in St. Augustine, Florida. This 450 year old church is perhaps the oldest in America and filled with tradition.

Needing a boost in faith I sought out a mass to attend. While I am a believer and follower I have never been to a Chrism Mass in my 62 years as a Catholic. Chrism is the oil used during the sacraments of the church for the anointing of believers during baptismal and confirmation rites. Each year the bishop blesses this oil to be used for the year at this mass.

Also at this mass the priests of the diocese renewed their vows. The basilica church is filled to capacity with priests, deacons, altar servers and the congregation. I always feel such strength and the presence of God when a church is filled with believers as it is today.

The mass is two hours long and as I observe those women around me I note one woman wearing a lace mantilla. Growing up Catholic I watched the demise of hats by women of the church. As a child I recall during the Easter season there was a mad dash to locate this millinery to keep our head covered during services. Then by 10 years of age hats were replaced by lace mantillas which by my teen years became replaced by a small circle of lace quietly placed on the top of the head. Shortly thereafter this item disappeared to no fanfare. We still believed the same minus this headgear.

As I recently returned from the Middle East I think of the Hijab the women of the Muslim religion don. While I don’t understand the entire concept I see the world changing quickly and wonder of this millinery’s duration. Perhaps that too will see the same fate? Does millinery such as this unify or ostracize? Does it make us any more holy? And if I have offended anyone please accept my sincere apologies.

However, this is something to consider…

This was our last day of the tour. My plans fell through so trip companions dragged me to Rainbow Street. Arriving early I knocked on a recommended tshirt shop door and they let us in to browse.

I worked with the employee and now have a tshirt with my logo. I also bought a sweatshirt.

Since my companions were under time constraints we also found other shops which helped complete our retail needs.

Departing from my tour mates I found the corner where I needed to turn for my Haman Treatment.

For 25 dinar they wash, scrub and massage you. What an amazing experience and don’t forget to tip. Box in the changing room. Takes one to two hours and thanks trip mate Cindy from Malta for the info.

Did I say it’s around the corner from Jordan Valley gift shop? Well, it is.

Next stop was an Uber to the Royal Automobile Museum. As a carophil, if there is such a word, I am one. I spent 3 hours here enjoying and drinking in history. Behind almost each car was video of the King using the vehicle.

Here is a bullet proof Cadillac given to the King by President Eisenhower.

And for those millennials here is the first BMW.

During the visit movies were also shown. I caught one that the actual King made promoting his country. He is amazing and quite a dare devil.

There is also a Children’s Museum in this complex, however due to time constraints I was unable to visit. I am told this is another valuable experience.

So, go to Jordan and visit the sites. You’ll return impressed with much to talk about.