A Farewell To Audrey

It is with a sad heart the family of Audrey Frank is posting her obituary here to let her readers know she passed away on August 25, 2016, after a brief stay in hospice. She had a wonderful life and accomplished all she set out to do. She will be missed by all who knew her and loved forever by her children and grandchildren.  As mother would love, a final plug for her books. They will remain for sale on Amazon. Her obituary from The St. Augustine Record is below including a link to the actual online site and her guestbook.  Thank you all for being part of her life by following her blog.

 

 

Link to the online site:

 

 http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/staugustine/obituary.aspx?n=audrey-frank&pid=181309439

Memories of Cuba

I've been watching with interest our president's visit to Cuba. I don't really have an opinion one way of the other. It simply brought back memories of a gentler time.

Seventy years ago, as a graduation present, my father took us all to Cuba. I had a ball. Just fresh from Spanish classes. I was able to understand most of what the Cubans said. I had been taught Castillian Spanish and had some trouble with the Cuban "slang". But it was so much fun.

To top it off, my father invited my boyfriend Winks to come along. I guess at that age I wasn't aware of the poverty and domination of the Cuban people. All I knew was that Havana was a beautiful city. We spent three days in Cuba, taking side trips into the countryside. It is a beautiful country.

Unfortunately, that was the first and last time I spoke Spanish. If you don't use it you lose it

 

Goodbye Floral City

Actually, it's been fun being here surrounded by nature in all its glory. Things I've learned?

First. Have patience. Boy, do you need it when the twenty-fifth squirrel hops up on the window ledge and sticks its tongue out at you. Fifty Cardinals are a beautiful sight, but I would rather see fifty tourists groping for a seat on the downtown bus. In all seriousness, the care my daughter Pam has given me has been priceless. Her patience with a grumpy old mom deserves a medal. In many ways, the stay here has been fun. I got to know my daughter Pam more intimately than before. She's quite the woman. Not only a great book cover designer, but a caring and compassionate person.  

I will be here through the weekend. Couldn't find anyone who would give up Super Bowl Sunday to take me home. Love doesn't include missing the biggest football game of the season. So I'll party with her friends, overstuff myself with food and drink, and probably root for the wrong team. Then Monday morning back to St. Augustine and a slew of doctor visits to be sure I'm capable of living on my own again. I am.  

This will simply be another adjustment I will have to make. If I've learned nothing else since this illness began, it has been you must be able to ride with the punches and pray for the best. 

Thanks to all my friends who have kept in touch and boosted my moral when it began to sink. Not sure what I would have done without you.  

 

It's a little late, but for me a New Year has started. I intend to make the most of it that I can.

 

 

                                                                                                Love,

                                                                                                Audrey

 

 

 

 

Greetings From Floral City, Florida

   

 Being stranded has its rewards.

On my better days with Pam and kids visiting right after I got out of the hospital.

 

 

     Remember Me? Probably not. I'm still trying to forget what happened to me during the month of January.

     I came to see Pam in Floral City, Florida. What was supposed to be a short, happy visit turned into a nightmare of pain and hospital stays in Inverness, Florida for the whole month. I fell and fractured several bones in my back. I was in and out of the hospital all month, much to my consternation. I'm still recovering at Pam's and don't know when I'll finally get back to St. Augustine. But get back I will eventually, and start living a normal life again.

     In the meantime, I'm getting caught up on nature studies. Squirrels abound. Scooting up bird feeder poles that were meant to keep them at bay, these wily creatures flaunt their unique talent to go where no squirrel has gone before. Cardinals and doves, disturbed by their presence, squawk their discontent. Yes, the country is enchanting, but to this city-bred gal, give me St. Augustine with its Churches and tourists spots.

     With luck, I'll be back in St. Augustine for next month's column. How about helping me out with some new feedback about your pets and interests?

     Hopefully I'll be back with you in time for new facts and fun by February's column. 

     Love you all. Audrey

Turtle Tales Guest Post Designer Pam King

     Well let me be the first to join your blog. I have 8 baby yellow belly slider turtles. A few months ago my husband and I saw a large female turtle laying her eggs in our yard. Since we have often seen broken turtle eggs we know that the raccoons love to eat them. We covered the area with a large piece of plywood to keep them safe.    

     About 3 months later I decided to check on the nest. I very carefully dug into the dirt and there was a little face looking up at me, still in his egg! We put him in a small container with water and out he came with yolk sack still   attached. I didn't know if he would live, but in seconds another one came out. 

     I started digging again and found whole eggs. Some were shriveled up, some felt empty, but by the time I finished I had found 6 more viable eggs. To better keep an eye on them I put them in a bucket with enough dirt to keep them covered and moved them to our screened in porch. 

     For the next week, every morning I was greeted with another little turtle sitting on top of the dirt. It was great fun to wake up and wonder if another little turtle had joined the world! They all made it and I am a proud mother of eight ravenous baby turtles. 

     Another three months have passed and I can’t believe how they have grown. Feeding time is the proverbial frenzy. They have learned to come to one end of the thirty gallon tank when I approach at our regular feeding time. They climb all over each other and have a contest to see who can eat the most and the fastest. In the beginning I had to place them in shallow water and put the food right in front of them to get them to eat. Now they can swim all over the tank to catch floating tidbits that swirl in the current created by the filter. Their menu consists of shrimp, mealy worms and kale. 

     I don’t know how long I will be able to keep them. I will have to release them back to nature because they will grow to large to keep. But for now, they are great fun to watch

 

                                                              Pam King

                                             www.pdkingdesign.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pearl's New Home

     When this house was built back in the twenties, it had open porches surrounding the entire front, including the upstairs. Over the years, one owner must have decided to close them in, which made the perfect setting for my plans as my hobbies changed.

      What is now Pearl’s room was once my artistic rubber stamp room. For years, stamping was my passion and I owned a shop in the historic area of St. Augustine, called Stamp Augustine. As time changed, I decided to write romantic fiction novellas, which are available on Amazon and Kindle. This was my writing area.

     Now the room houses around three thousand boxed stamps and Pearl. My writing takes place now in a different upstairs.

     What you see through the open window to my bedroom is a white cage to house Pearl. Next to it, although not so visible, is a red play gym with a second swing, a ladder to climb, and several small play toys.

     For the first week, this satisfied Pearl and she would sit on the ladder and chirp at me. I would sit on the edge of the bed and talk to her, hoping she might learn a word or two. She has learned the "Up" command when I hold my finger against her chest. She has become quite good at doing that and seems to like it even more than just chirping at me.

     One evening there was a television movie I wanted to watch, so I left Pearl

on her swing and moved to the sitting area off my bedroom. All of a sudden I was aware of wings slightly flapping. There was Pearl, walking across the bedroom floor headed in my direction. I put her on my shoulder and "movie" night has become one of Pearl's favorite activities. As long as she can sit on my shoulder and nibble gently at my ear she's content.

     As I write this column, it has dawned on me that not everyone is as passionate about birds as I am. The last thing I want my blog to do is bore you. With that in mind, I have decided to make this blog into one where everyone can share his/her stories about their favorite pet.  Along with cats and dogs, do any of you have some type of pet that could be classified as

"weird"? An iguana for example? That would be fun for anyone to read.

     In fact, I once owned a twelve-inch iguana that eventually grew to ten or more feet. I had built a large cage on my balcony, but it was starting to outgrow that.  I managed to sell him to a man for three hundred dollars. I know I lost money because that iguana had eaten through tons of fresh vegetables and so many heads of cabbage I lost count.

      Then there was the time I purchased an untrained monkey who almost wrecked - ah, but that is another story.

     Are you seeing the real reason for opening up this column to new ideas? Because people need people in their lives. Too much texting is going on. Real honest communication has almost been obliterated from conversation. Even e-mail, as easy as it is to send, doesn't promise too much enlightenment. My own children send me a quickie - Hi, Mom, Love you! - then zip-zap they're gone.

     To me, a column that takes the time to write about your interests, would at least keep a conversation going. How about your friends? Invite them to join us. We are becoming a world unto ourselves. With all the hate and horror in the world today, wouldn't it be nice to hear happy thoughts about a special pet or activity?

      Let me know what you think.  You can send an e-mail or send a story and your pet's photo. See the tab at the top of this blog header for contact info.

 

                                                                Audrey

 

And may God still be there, holding our magnificent country in the palm of His hands.

Pearl's Favorite Spot To Nibble On Millet Strips

 

 

     It was dark, about 3AM. I heard a thud first, then a thrashing of wings that pulled me out of bed fast. I grabbed Pearl, held her close to calm her down. Evidently the perch she had been sleeping on worked its way loose and had toppled Pearl with it.
    Once she felt safe on my shoulder she calmed down and started pecking on my ear. The only thing she likes better is nibbling at a long strand of millet strips. I always place it on the top of the cage, so I can quickly scoop it away when I think she's had enough.
    Seeds aren't the best things for birds to eat. They need nutricious pelleted food. I bought what they had at Pet World, but Pearl doesn't seem to like it. Sometime this weekend, I'll head to Pet Smart and see what they have. Also need to buy some toys for her - right now she likes searching for my hearing aids and that's a no-no.
    Although I haven't had her but a few days - and the first day wasn't too great - life is changing for me and Pearl. I can sense the subtle bonding. If I let her, she'd perch happily on my shoulder all day.
   In my next blog post, I'll tell you about the strange cage arrangement I have. It's pretty neat and Pearl can look through an open window at all times.
     I do hope you will come back to this blog and enjoy what I'm writing. I'd like this to be a place where you ask questions and even offer advice.
     Until next time, live happily. It's the only way to go.

                                                                                                     Audrey

Pearl Has Come Home And The Adventure Begins

 

 Pearl on her swing!

 

 

Pearl finally got to come home with me. She can eat on her own now - a grown up gal. She spent the afternoon on my shoulder.

 

I just wanted to share her photo sitting on the swing she loves.

 

The adventures of Audrey and Pearl have begun.  Stay tuned for our continuing story!

 

 

It's Almost Time

Pearl still being hand fed at the pet shop.

 

Pearl is about ready to be weaned! I'm very excited to take you on Pearl's journey to becoming a full-fledged adult. I expect to bring her home next Monday. We’ll share our ups and down with you. We'll share pictures. Our stories will be put on the blog about once each week. You will become part of our family. It will be a fun journey and I look forward to meeting you here. 

See you again soon.

                                            Audrey

 

May God bless our country

and the magnificent stars and stripes that wave above her.

 

 

A Bird Named Pearl

See that happy face? I finally realized I needed more than a plant to keep me happy. (Besides, my neighbors were giving me odd looks when they caught me talking to a plant. I could almost feel they had decided I had gone daft in my old age.) 

I went to several pet shops beforehand looking for a baby Cockatiel. I have named the baby in the photo above “Pearl” after the first Cockatiel I ever owned. 

While she is too young to bring home yet, in a few weeks she will be home with me. I think she senses I already love her because she kept crawling out of the box onto my hand. I looked long and hard for a baby bird – they are much easier to train than an adult. 

Hopefully, I’ll spend more time blogging my experience with “Pearl” as she grows. 

I can’t explain how happy I am. My health is improving and that’s a blessing. Each day I thank God. He allows me to continue enjoying the life He has given me. 

My mantra is “Live each day to its fullest.” That’s not to say every day is great. At 87 aches and pains have a way of creeping in. Still, you are never too old to feel love and joy in everyday experiences. 

Today is the youngest I’ll ever be. I’m going to make the most of it.

The Avocado Plant

      It's only a plant, but to me it's a miracle. For more years than I can count, I tried to root an avocado pit with no luck. It would disintegrate after about two weeks. For a while, I gave up. Then recently I purchased a plump avocado to mix in with a salad I was making. That pit dared me to try again.

      Okay, one more try.

      To my amazement little roots started to appear. Then a green stem sprouted from the top. Small at first, it kept growing. I transplanted it to a large pot of dirt. Leaves began to sprout. I went on the internet to see how to care for an avocado plant. Water only when dry, give it plenty of sunshine, and protect it from the wind. I could do that.

     The plant continued to grow. I even named it Gabby and talked to it every day. Gabby is the only pet I can have now since, at 87, I'm too weak to have animals running underfoot. Still she delights my days and gives me inspiration.

     In life, perseverance is the goal that keeps me moving and looking forward to each day. Try growing an avocado pit. It's a difficult task and at first you might not succeed but keep trying. My motto has become “Never give up and you will succeed.”

     If you have success, be sure to let me know.

     May your days be as blessed as mine are.

 

                                                                       Audrey

An Angel Named Joe

    My day didn't start off well yesterday. I had to meet with my lawyer to sign papers and thought I knew how to find him. I suddenly couldn't remember where he was located. My mind was a complete blank. I was so sure his office was on Cordova Street (and it was at one time). I didn’t know he had moved to Riberia Street. I kept driving back and forth getting more confused and upset by the moment.

    At least I had my cell phone with me. I called his office and told them I had somehow gotten lost. The secretary asked where I was and said she would send someone to guide me there.  

     Expecting a staff member, to my amazement, the person who came out to find me was my attorney, Joe Boles, Jr, our ex-mayor, who is now an attorney for the elderly. 

     When our business was finished, I was still shaken up by the experience. Joe followed me to my car, got in his car, and told me to stay behind him on the drive. He would show me the easy way to get home. He even drew me a map so I would know how to go next time. 

     There are some really nice people in our world. Once again, an angel came to my rescue. This one named Joe. I am convinced there are angels all around us, just waiting for us to need them. They are ready to help. Don't be shy or you might miss meeting a special angel yourself. 

    May God bless us all and this wonderful country where the stars and stripes still fly proudly.

    

 

      See you soon again.

 

                                                                                Audrey

 

 

 

'Love's Last Laugh ' A Perfect Summer Beach Read Now Available On Kindle

I am excited that my latest novella is now available on Kindle. Want to read a sneak peek? Click here and go to Amazon to use their look inside feature! On Kindle for only $2.99.

 

 

A perfect beach read for those lazy summer days!

 

 

Regina Osborn had lost the love of her life to cancer. To get away from painful memories, she leaves New York and moves to St. Augustine, Florida with her son Lance. Finding love again was the last thing on her mind. Loving someone and losing them hurt too much. Donna Reilly, Regina's best friend, decides to move south with her. At a hefty 130 pounds, she wasn't looking for love, just fun in the sun. Little did she know what she would encounter in her journey. Trudy Walker had suffered statuary rape in her early teens. Now, at twenty-four, she vowed never to let a man hurt her again. Love's Last Laugh: You can protest loud and clear, but in the end...three women learn you can't hide from love.

 

Buy It Now!

 

And visit my Amazon Author Page for the latest news!

 

Warm wishes, Audrey

 

 

Where Did The Year Go?

As I approach my eighty-seventh birthday, I find myself asking, have I learned anything this past year?

Yes, I have – patience. Patience to endure pain and not feel sorry for myself. Humility and gratitude for the friends who have had the guts to stick by me even when I knew they didn't want to listen to another gripe. My best friend, Claire (my adopted sister), should get a medal for bravery in the face of turmoil.

I have also reached that point in my life when I realize: who matters, who never did.

I have stopped worrying about people from my past. There's a reason they aren't in my future.

I can never be the person I was, but I can make the effort to be the best I am at this point in my life.

Thanks to my daughters Barbara and Pam. They are the joy of my life.

Thank you, Lord, for carrying me through the worst of times.

If I'm lucky, I'll still be around to celebrate next year. And you will be here to join me!

                                                            

                                                                                                         Audrey

 

 

Love's Last Laugh - My New Novella Is Now On Amazon!

 

Available on Amazon. Kindle coming soon!

You can protest loud and clear, but in the end...three women learn you can't hide from love.

Regina Osborn had lost the love of her life to cancer. To get away from painful memories, she leaves New York and moves to St. Augustine, Florida with her son Lance. Finding love again was the last thing on her mind. Loving someone and losing them hurt too much. Donna Reilly, Regina's best friend, decides to move south with her. At a hefty 130 pounds, she wasn't looking for love, just fun in the sun. Little did she know what she would encounter in her journey. Trudy Walker had suffered statuary rape in her early teens. Now, at twenty-four, she vowed never to let a man hurt her again.

                                 * * * * * *                                               

I am excited to have my new release available on Amazon. A novella full of the type of characters I love to write about. A long holiday and winter season with more health issues slowed me down, but not for long. My cure for everything, new characters, new plots, and a great time writing something I enjoy sharing with you. The Kindle version will be coming soon!

Wishing you a happy spring and a touch of love!

                                                                                        Audrey

An Afternoon Surprise

 

     

I had submitted this story to the Jacksonville Times Union for their holiday stories competition, hoping it might win a spot in the top three. It didn't. Let's face it, you can't always be a winner and I'm happy to accept that. I still thought it was a fun story and hope you'll enjoy reading it.

 

Wishing you a Happy New Year. It is almost here!

                    

                                                                                                 Audrey

 

 

An Afternoon Surprise

     Amy Morgan dragged herself from the car to her front door. It had been a wicked day at work. The last minute Christmas rush was always the time a sales clerk dreaded. She was looking forward to a cup of tea and propping her feet on the ottoman. What was that mysterious package on the front step? She wasn't expecting anything. As she grew closer, she could swear the box moved.

     There was a scratching sound coming from the inside. Maybe an abandoned kitten? The girls would like that. She opened the front door and lifted the wobbly box inside, placing it on the sofa.

     “Anybody home?” she called. No answer. Her guess? Libby and Carla had met friends after school.

     A flush spread over her cheeks. She should wait until the girls were home. Curiosity was getting stronger. Maybe one little peek wouldn't hurt. She lifted the cover a notch. Something black and fuzzy flew past her and landed on an end table lamp.

     A tiny spider monkey glared angrily at her. Well she couldn't leave him there. “Come on, you little monster.” She held out her right arm, enticing him to jump on. He jumped, but not to her arm. He was sitting jauntily on top of the drapes. Okay, she'd think of something to bring him down.

     She found a banana on the kitchen sink. That ought to do it. She hurried back to the living room.

Where had he gone? A screech from the top of the stairs startled her. “Okay, Monster, this nonsense has to stop.”  She held out the banana as she raced up the steps, her breathing growing heavier.

     Tiny black eyes looked dangerously menacing as he screeched again and slid down the bannister like butter off a hot knife.

     Amy plopped down on the top step. The monkey cocked his head from the bottom one. His screech became a chatter as his lips widened, showing tiny white teeth. Was he laughing at her? She stuck her tongue out in return and wagged the banana in front of him. Slowly, Monster started climbing each step, his nose sniffing the air.  He was almost within her grasp, when the front door slammed open.

     “Hey, Mom, we're home!”

     Monster took off like a stone hurled from a sling shot. He sped past Amy and disappeared into a bedroom. He sounded like a banshee screaming his lungs out.

     “What's that noise, Mom?”

     “Someone who hates me sent me a gift.” She pushed a stray lock of  sable hair off her forehead. She could feel the sweat running down the back of her neck. I'm too old to chase a monkey.

     Libby and Carla  sat down beside their mother. Their eyes were questioning. “Are you all right? You look beat.”

     Amy snorted. “You'd be too, if you had been chasing Monster around for the past half hour.”

     Carla's green eyes widened. “Who's Monster?”

     “Check out the front left bedroom. Libby, stay here with me in case I'm having some weird nightmare.”

      Her younger daughter quirked an eyebrow. “What's that supposed to mean?”

     Carla came running back. “Take this monkey out of my hair,” she cried.

     Amy pushed herself to her feet. “Is he hurting you?”

     “No, but it feels yucky.”

     Amy's lips curled into a smile. “I think he feels secure hidden  in your black hair. Can you manage a few more minutes?”

     Carla shrugged. “I- I guess. Why?”

     “You'll see. I'll be right back.”

     Libby eyed her sister. “He's kinda cute when you look closer at him.”

     “Not to me.” Carla grimaced. “What's taking Mom so long? I hope he doesn't mess on me. I just washed my hair this morning.”

     Monster peeked out from under Carla's hair. His tiny teeth glistened from the glow of the hallway light.

     Libby giggled. “I think he's smiling at me.”

     “Then you let him hide in your hair.”

     “He wouldn't be hiding in mine. It's too light.”

     Their mother walked slowly toward them, a dark brown bath towel gripped tightly in her hand. “Carla, no matter what happens, don't move.”  In one swift motion she caught Monster and pulled him into the towel. “Libby, grab the box and bring it up here.”

     The monkey almost broke away as she dumped him into the box and slammed the lid down. His  irritation at being boxed up again could be heard loud and clear.

     Carla  raced into the bathroom and started brushing her hair.

     Libby eyed her mother. “Now what?”

     “We take him to a pet shop and let them figure out how to handle a wild monkey.”

     Finally back home, Amy checked her watch. “Your father will be home any minute now. This afternoon never happened. You got that?”

     “Why? It was actually an adventure looking back on it.” Carla couldn't wait to tell the kids at school.

     “Dad would be upset. You know how he worries about us.” For once, her younger daughter hit the ball over the fence.

     “But nothing happened to make him worry;” Carla insisted.

     “I wouldn't exactly say that. One of us could have been bitten.” Amy hugged her two girls. “You can tell all your friends at school. Let's just keep what happened here our little secret.”

     Richard Morgan hugged his three women when he got home. “What kind of mischief did you girls get into today?”

     Libby's eyes widened. “Us? We just had a quiet time watching television.” Her father never noticed the crossed fingers behind her back.

River House Christmas Extravaganza December 4

 

Ready for the adventure!

 

 

Unfortunately, the Christmas Extravaganza at River House didn't draw as many people as we had hoped. There I was, pen in hand, with a table full of books I was hoping would sell. They didn't, but the folks who did buy were a joy to meet. Frankly, I had a great time just mingling with the shoppers and vendors.  

Doris Oxford was on hand as usual. You can't hold us old-timers down. We wiggled to some fantastic music and will keep doing these shows as long as we have the stamina. Why? Because just getting to know the vendors and hoping for sales, keeps us alive and happy. 

 

 

 

Doris

 

Jean Willis and I go way back to when we had stores on Aviles Street. Jean had an art gallery, and I pioneered art rubber stamping. Jean's artistry is well known. When she retired, she joined our writer's group and a  friendship was renewed. 

 

 

Jean

 

Howard and Peter were there displaying the Council On Aging's anthology of memoirs written by the members of the writer's group. Peter heads up the group and has taught us how to tighten our stories so they are fun to read. Howard worked above and beyond the call of duty in assembling the book.  

 

 

 

Howard (holding book) and Peter

 

To my amazement, my best friend Claire Bishop showed up to give us her support. Weary from a hard day's work, I couldn't get her to smile, but I loved the fact that she cared enough to come. She owns Claire'sCollectibles, the best rubber stamp store on the east coast. (Link to her shop and see what I'm talking about!)

 

 

Claire

 

Two more friends, Tony and Jean, showed up to add their support. What would we do without good friends who love us? 

 

 

 

Jean and Tony

 

Believe it or not, I got to hug Santa Clause!  

 

 

 

Tried to convince Santa I've been good all year.

 

I'm embarrassed to admit that the young woman who helped me the most, Teri Lee, I forgot to take  her picture. Without her lugging my books around, handing out business cards and even making some sales, I couldn't have made it through the day. I'm still gimping from a broken foot that hasn't healed completely. But my spirits are high. 

So another River House extravaganza has come and gone. I'm already thinking about the show to come  in July 2015. The eternal optimist, surely that show will be the best yet.

 

 

There's a lot of writing in all those books. You see what I've been up to.