Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Lizard identified!

I posted those lizards pictures to my other blog and my friend, TH, replied. He told me he googled "invasive lizards in south Florida." That turned up this link:

http://www.the-lizard-lounge.com/content/gallery/lizard-pictures/red-headed-rock-agama-1.asp

And our own Ms. Kimberly knew what it was and saw it recently, so it's still around. Sure didn't see it on this cold day. She's so smart!!

Not sure why, but, I've always liked reptiles. Would have some if not for the dogs. I seem to remember Leigh M had a room devoted to hers. And, I consulted with Susan O one day and she knew right away how I should gently capture the small black snake stuck in my pool cage. We named him Stu. And, occasionally we see Son of Stu.

Dove Love

These puffed-up doves have nested on top of one of the lights in the parking garage under JFG. Doves have built nests there many times I suppose because the lights keep them warm at night. Poor things, the lights weren't on this morning. They fluff up to insulate with air.
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Sunday, February 24, 2008

LNS



Went over to LNS last Friday to ask Kim a question and give she and Cody a head's up about a file needed by Ingram who is doing our ODC (opening day collection) for the new branches. Also wanted to show off the iPhone to Sam R but he got a call just as I took this picture and stepped away.

Teen Tech Programs



Ran into Stacy J Friday before last. She was on her way to JBK for Teen Tech Week program. I'm so glad to hear about the great turn outs!

Strange Lizard



Here are pictures of a little critter I spotted on the wall in the basement garage. Anyone know what it is? These were taken in late January and I haven't seen it since. It was almost a foot long stem to stern. Notice the interesting color variation on the tail. Some escaped iguana?

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Straying



This post strays from my stated aims but animules seem to get some feedback. Yes, I'm still hoping for comments to no avail. (I'll get over it.) These adorable creatures are my Shiba Inus. Hobbes on top and the lovely Ruby. Shibas are an ancient Japanese breed, the smallest members of the Akita family. They are loyal guard dogs who literally like to sit at your feet. Very clean, almost cat-like with no doggie odor. Brave, but aloof with strangers. How I found them is an interesting story.

In 2001 both of our Bassets, Turbo and Argyle, passed. By Christmas time I couldn't stand it anymore to come home to a dog-less house. So, I took an on-line quiz about what breed is right for you and Shiba Inu came up in the top ten. Not knowing this breed I did research but then couldn't find a local breeder. Right before Christmas I looked in the classifieds and saw an ad. After talking to a very sweet Scots lady for about half an hour I said I would like to come and look at the puppies. She asked me if I knew where the Lutz Branch Library was. Was that Fate, or what? That's when Hobbes came to live with us. Ruby came a few months later because I think dogs need a friend. However, this breed seems to do well on a single basis. They fight sometimes. Somehow, tho' out-weighed mightily Ruby is in charge. Not unusual with Shibas for the bitch to be Alpha. Ruby is a failed show dog due to too straight back legs, but her sire won an award of merit at Westminster. It took her about a year to learn to love being petted.

mobile blogging



Today at the SWAAT (supervisors working as a team) meeting at NTR I tried to create a mobile post from my iPhone. I did create this post with a title and tag but I couldn't figure out how to put in any text. When I tried to add the pictures I had just taken it told me "too many windows are open." Susan O said she would ask her daughter how she does it. Hope that works!

Above, Susan O gives an update on Library 2.0 training. Unfortunately the wireless connection wasn't working. Later, Jason (he 'de man) Biggers talks about how to optimize PC Reservation.

Joe Stines gave an overview of the '09 budget for the library. We are in for some challenging times facing 4.5 to 5 millions in cuts to the library. At this point, we should all be glad we have a job with such good benefits. Really.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Networking

On Friday last I spent some time looking at all (almost all) Library 2.0 blogs. After that experience I felt closer to the bloggers and got a glimmer of the attraction to the social networking phenomenom. Felt like I had spent time with people. I hope this 2.0 can bring us closer together. With so many pressures on us all this may be a great way to get to know each other that we just don't have time to do in real time. That said, I noticed that my blog has 0 comments, but 31 profile views. Come on, folks, leave a comment! Please! BTW, I did a profile just now. So, go ahead and look and, I bet, you'll feel like you know me better for having viewed it.

Orientation


This morning our new Library Board member, Chris Rosbaugh, got his orientation to the Library and the Board's role and responsibilities. All of the managers were there to talk about our sections. He was very impressed with our circulation numbers. We finished up after about 2 hours with Jackie Zebos giving him a quick tour of the highlights of our Web page and Merlin. This is the first time we have given access to Merlin instead of a huge 3 ring binder!
This afternoon I went to UTB to meet our new part-time librarian, Jillian Wallis. She's come back to us after a couple of years. She used to work at NTR. She has a full time job also. Busy lady! But, I forgot all about taking her picture. Darn it!

Friday, February 15, 2008

Sentinel


Jim Shelton stands guard as he awaits the arrival of State Senator Ronda Storms. She is expected to present a check to the Imagination Library, a grant from Wal-Mart.
My pictures will get better as I learn to keep my finger away from the lens!

She's Hereeeeee....

This lovely lady arrived at JFG today! You can meet her on 1 East. Her name is "Bella Appolonia" and Anne Ross is very good friends with her.
Meandering is fun!
You'll have to ask her yourself. If you want to learn about the art work here is a link:
http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/publicart/artlocations/tampamuseum.cfm

Thursday, February 14, 2008

My first post!

OK, here goes. This is my first post to my new 2.0 blog, Meandering with Marcee. My first thought for this blog was to document all the meetings I go to and I will attempt that. But, today showed that I need to expand that concept to a more free for all sharing of my experiences. Today I went to the Seffner-Mango ground breaking and took 56 pix with my new toy, an iPhone. Here is a link to the slide show I made.

http://picasaweb.google.com/MarceeChallener/SEFFNERMANGOGROUNDBREAKING02