2012 in review

Posted on December 30, 2012 by firstandfabulous | 44 Comments

Hopefully, better days are coming.

WordPress has ended my year with a thud. No. I mustn’t blame them.

On December 9 I had 187 views with only 50 plus likes. I got 187 views because of all the pingbacks I listed, I’m guessing. I didn’t do the pingbacks to get more action, and apparently, I didn’t. I did it because I thought it was a nice thing to do. Well, no more Mr. Nice Guy – or Girl in this case. I need to rethink my blog or get some pointers or quit my day job – so to speak. I thought I’d share anyway. What the heck. Ideas, pointers, a slap up side the head. All are welcome.

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

4,329 films were submitted to the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. This blog had 13,000 views in 2012. If each view were a film, this blog would power 3 Film Festivals

Click here to see the complete report.

TRAVEL THEME – NEW

Posted on December 29, 2012 by firstandfabulous | 20 Comments

Ailsa @ wheresmybackpack suggested the word “new” for this week’s challenge. I immediately thought of the new year, because, well, you know. But then I looked at Ailsa’s photo and I realized the word new could mean so many things – just like the new year can bring so many new things. New growth, new friends, new job, new diet, new resolutions, new attitude, new lots of things. So I looked through my photos and decided to try something new – new old. Confused. Well you won’t be for long. If you know anything about me, you know I’m all about peace signs and The Beatles, tie-dying and denim, funky beads and VW’s. And ok, sometimes living in the past. So when my son spotted this, he thought of me. He knows his mom :-).

This is my newest post. Old, restored, rejuvenated, retro, NEW. PEACE and HAPPY “NEW” YEAR!

Scoot on over to Ailsa’s @ wheresmybackpack for more groovy ‘new’ posts.

CEE’S FUN FOTO CHALLENGE – MY 2012 PEOPLE OR ANIMALS

Posted on December 29, 2012 by firstandfabulous | 31 Comments

It’s snowing and I’m sitting here thinking about sunshine, warm breezes, beaches, and coconut oil. I can’t help it. I’m not a fan of the winter months. My oil bill could choke a horse, and I’m still just as cold inside as I am outside. ( can you say “old drafty house?” )

My thoughts turn to summer and a fun trip to the zoo with my beautiful grandkids that I only see once or twice a year. UGH!

So for Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge this week, I decided to showcase a few Cape May NJ zoo animals and any other critters I’ve come by along the way.

Enjoy and have a super happy new year. Be safe!

Snowy white owl – snow! ahhhhhhhhh!

Polly want a cracker – ah – no. That’s not right.

Let sleeping bears lie.

Regal Eagle

Two swans a swimming

The one on the left. Is he seriously trying to hide behind that tree.

z, this one’s for you 🙂

OK NOW Polly want a cracker?

Flamingo preparing for takeoff

It’s like she’s peeking around the corner, only there’s no corner!

Hang in there!

And not to forget family and friends

Phoenix the cat

Our neighbor, Tripper

An alpaca at the Farmer’s Market here in town

A beauty at the Thanksgiving Parade in town

Rocky playing

Rocky not-so-much playing

A visitor to our garden this summer

Our adorable friend, Cupcake

And sweet, precious Marshall – we miss you.

Stop over at Cee’s for more people and animal Fun Foto’s before the old year draws to a close and the new one begins. Click on the cute icon below.

SUNDAY POST – CHRISTMAS

Posted on December 22, 2012 by firstandfabulous | 28 Comments

I know I’m probably one of the last people to “make their own Christmas postcard”, but this was a first for me and I kinda like it. Jake, at jakesprinters, challenged us with a Christmas post which gives me the chance to showcase my card, and my pup. So without further ado…

Merry Christmas, Buon Natale, Feliz Navidad, God Jul, Sung Tan Chuk Ha, Joyeux Noel, Froehliche Weihnachten, Merry Keshmish, Mele Kalikimaka, Errymay Ristmaskay 🙂

Stop off at Jakes site for more Merriment and have a super holiday!

Click on the flying dragon and scoot over to Jake’s.

TRAVEL THEME – FESTIVE

Posted on December 22, 2012 by firstandfabulous | 19 Comments

During this festive of all occasions, two neighbors have a friendly rivalry concerning Christmas decor and who can display more. Each year, for as long as I can remember, they have added to the light display on their lawns, one trying to outdo the other. It’s all in fun, but I can’t help thinking “what about the electric bill!” I suppose the priority here is fun, and bringing joy to the hundreds of families, especially the children, that drive down this brightly lit street each December. It’s my understanding they start working on their displays in October! I can’t even THINK about Christmas while I’m handing out Halloween candy, but hey! To each his own.

To all of you, from all of us, have a very festive holiday. Enjoy the lights!

Stop by Ailsa’s site by clicking here and see more Festivus for the Rest-of-Us!

WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE – DELICATE

Posted on December 16, 2012 by firstandfabulous | 33 Comments

A while back, I went out to the garage and lifted the door with the intent to retrieve my car. My husband had left his motorcycle helmet on my son’s soccer net that was situated behind the vehicle. Imagine my surprise when I spotted this nestled in the helmet. There was no way I was going to disturb this delicate situation. Instead, every couple of days, camera in hand, I chronicled the birth of these baby robins. Our garage had been broken into and a window that hadn’t been fixed yet made a great entrance for the momma bird.

The photos aren’t the best, but it was tough trying to focus with the momma squawking at me every day. Obviously, the helmet had been rendered useless, and since I don’t know nothing ’bout birthin’ no babies, I let nature take it’s course. The delicate little bird below was injured after his siblings had flown the coop. This little guy was stuck in the soccer net. I pulled on a pair of gloves and tried to free him, but he struggled so. You can see the wing on the left was most certainly not as it should have been. I went inside to get a blanket, but when I returned, he was gone. I searched and searched and all I can hope is that he hid himself in the bushes, away from any prowling cats or other predators.

Nature has its own delicate way of taking care of things. I can only hope he made it to safety.

Click on the WordPress logo for a look at other delicate posts. 🙂

CEE’S FUN FOTO CHALLENGE – REDS AND GREENS

Posted on December 14, 2012 by firstandfabulous | 20 Comments

‘Tis the season for reds and greens, and Cee‘s new challenge asks for just those holiday colors. So I decided that I would go out searching for things to point and click at rather than go through my older pix. But first grocery shopping. Little did I know that my trip to Wegman’s Supermarket would yield such fruitful results. (no pun intended)

This is not only a great place to shop, it’s the perfect place to capture some Reds and Greens. Feast your eyes, and take in the hues of the holiday season.

For a look at more Reds and Greens, stop by Cee’s incredible blog. You won’t be disappointed. Just click on the cute pic below.

SUNDAY POST – CONCEPT

Posted on December 12, 2012 by firstandfabulous | 24 Comments

This week’s challenge from Jake @ jakesprinters is CONCEPT.

‘NOUGH SAID.

Click on the flying dragon to see more. Now there’s a concept!

My thanks and appreciation to all who visit, like, comment, and browse. Enjoy the holiday season and keep the concept in mind. Along with Joy, Happiness, Friendship, Love, and Kindness. If you have any others, feel free to contribute. Happy Holidays.

WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE – CHANGING SEASONS

Posted on December 9, 2012 by firstandfabulous | 38 Comments

Living in New Jersey can be a challenge in itself. From soaring taxes that can rival the heights of Mt. Everest, to blazing hot, humid summers that have you begging for an arctic blast. But you can’t beat Jersey’s changing seasons. Nature at it’s best. Most certainly some of God’s best work.

Thanks for stopping by, liking, commenting, browsing. I appreciate every click of the mouse, every tap on the keys, every smart phone visit. I don’t always say so, but the intent is there. Blogging. Dang! If only there were 48 hours in the day.

Stop off to see more changing seasons by clicking on the WordPress logo or on any of the links below.

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TRAVEL THEME: CIRCLES

Posted on December 8, 2012 by firstandfabulous | 16 Comments

Today we made a quick trip uptown to grab a book at the library and were pleasantly surprised that the parking meters were in the ‘off’ position – a holiday gift that the town bestows on us each year. We had forgotten about this little treat, so since there was no hurry to relinquish the space, we decided to cruise the avenue.

Our first stop was the local Christmas tree shop. I searched for circles, this week’s theme hosted by Ailsa at wheresmybackpack, but it appears circles are in not a big thing when it comes to browsing through Scotch Pines. I snapped a pic of this decorative cabbage and, after sniffing a spruce or two, we moved on.

Our next stop was the Sweet Shop. I did a little better there. We found cookies and candy and some circular boxes filled with all kinds of gummies. The strip on the wall – does anyone remember those?

I’m a sucker for a giant lollipop!

(Ugh! Sorry)

Next stop, the town’s newest shop, Blue Moon. We stopped in for a taste, as was advertised in the Collingswood Patch, and we were not disappointed. This place is oozing with olive oils that were vying for space with vinegarettes. After a bit of taste-testing, we made off with a Chipotle Olive Oil and, my favorite, Fig Balsamic Vinegarette.

A little more strolling around town and then off for a cup of coffee and some giant, colorful cookies.

All in all a good day of circle searching.

With all the hustle and bustle and running in circles, while hunting down presents and mailing out cards, remember the meaning and don’t lose the feeling, spread kindness and love and lots of good cheer. Be kind. Smile. Relax. Breathe.