Seems I've really been up on that soapbox of mine most of this past week.  But you have to admit, there's lots going on in the country that affects all of us.  And never being that ostrich, my blog is the perfect venue to vent.

But today is just chit chat.....Our weather overnight was very nasty.  Ray and I had planned to go to the Island Hotel for a few drinks and to socialize, but with the pouring rain, thunder and lightening, we passed.  This morning is cloudy but I'm hoping that's the end of the rain.  Heard the Tampa area got 7 to 11 inches of rain and a roof collapsed on a Bed, Bath and Beyond in St. Pete.

Anybody see the movie Session 9 that came out in 2001?  It was filmed at the infamous Danvers State Mental Hospital....where yours truly did her RN psychiatric training and which is the setting of my first novel, Lost Souls of the Witches' Castle.  I'd never seen it and since it's been over 20 years since I stepped foot in there, it was one of those movies on my "to see" list.  So we got it from Netflix and watched it last night. (perfect weather to go with the movie, since it's termed a "horror" movie) I have to say there wasn't much plot to it at all, the acting was barely mediocre but the setting was great.  The Kirkbride building is where they filmed along with shots of the grounds.  It sure did bring back disturbing memories.  I hated being in that building and couldn't wait for my psy training to end.  The film showed the tunnels that added to the eeriness of the structure, tile walls that echoed the overall chill, the lobotomy room and the morgue.  Every time I entered that building an uncomfortable feeling came over me.  When I think of all those "lost souls" placed there and many inappropriately, I'm convinced that their spirits still hover over the physical space. 

If it doesn't start pouring Ray and I are headed downtown to sit in front of the PO and sell tickets for the Lions Club.  We're having a Valentine dinner dance on Feb.14.  Doesn't that just sound so "small town?"  A dance on Valentine's Day.  Reminds me of highschool, which is probably the last time I attended a dance on Valentine's Day.  But hopefully we'll sell lots of tickets and it'll be a huge success in addition to being a lot of fun.

This afternoon I'm interviewing 85 year old Willard Hathcox.  Born and raised on the island, I'm told he's quite a colorful character so I think I'll gather lots of material for my column in the Cedar Key News this Thursday.

Knitting update......Socks have been put aside until I can get with my friend Denise to help me out.  However, I have finished the handbag for my granddaughter.  I only have to make the strap and then I can toss it into the washer and felt it.  I've also started a sweater for my other granddaughter and that's working up very nicely, so all is not lost and photos will follow soon.

Speaking of photos.....anyone familiar with a PenCam?  Another blogger has one and I was so intrigued, I ordered one for myself.  Should be delivered within the next few days.  It's one of those very small, digital, cameras that can be held in one's palm.  I'm told it's easy to operate and comes with the USB cable for downloading the photos onto your computer.  Since I'm back into my photography with my photo blog, I thought it might be fun to use that when I'm out in public, rather than my regular digital camera.  Will keep you posted on how I like it when it arrives.

Well, folks, that's it for this rainy Saturday from my little island.  Enjoy your day and I'll see you tomorrow for The Artist Way.