Steeplechase Plaza in Ocala, Florida

This plaza has had many of its store spaces vacant for a few years but since 2013 many businesses have began opening its doors here again. There is an antiques consignment store, a fitness center, a laundry mat, hobby store, Papa John's Beall's Outlet, Chinese restaurant, and many other businesses.

Parking lot of Steeple Chase Plaza
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Fitness center at plaza
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laundry mat at steeplechase plaza
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New businesses at Steeple Chase
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DIY disaster turned bold masterpiece

A few years ago, I had stained an old table with mini wax stain in a mahogany red stain. There were a few years where the stain remained in very good condition as I kept it indoors. As I left it in the screened porch area, I noticed that the stain started to form a chalky residue and rub off. I was disappointed that the stain started to look really bad; so I decided to sand it all off and start from scratch by painting the table in a bold loud scream out Yellow color. I purchased this durable exterior outdoor spray paint since I decided to keep it in the screen porch area. I wanted to create a Moroccan theme porch area since it is not really used; opted to create a sort of nursery for plants with colorful tables. I love my bold yellow table, now I plan to go thrift shopping for small plant stands in funky octagonal shapes and paint them in bold blue and orange colors. I plan to add a nice colorful rug. There goes the funky Moroccan nursery porch area.

Love my bold Yellow table  www.savingshouse.blogspot.com

Big bold exterior yellow paint sealed that will last out doors for years
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Obama care myths and lies debunked

Americans have been fed a campaign of misinformation by the Conservative Groups such as Heritage and their elected politicians since 2010. The constant lies have created the backlash that caused the wave of republicans being voted in to office in 2010. To this very day, many people believe the lies that Obama care is a government take over of health care and that in itself is a big lie. The Democrats wanted a single payer system like Canada but that was a government take over of health care and Republicans and moderate Democrats were not in favor of that; so Congress settled on a nationalized version of Romney's health care plan which was developed by the heritage foundation. It incorporated government regulation with private HMO, Drug companies and health care providers. The reason Obama care is so massive is that it is a law that regulates the health care industry in the U.S. that is all it does. It creates computerized medical records system, streamlines how health care companies should make payments to doctors and hospitals; to reduce health care costs over time. The law is expensive to implement because there was no health care regulations so HMO could discriminate against people with pre existing conditions; woman paid higher premiums for being woman. Conservatives took snippets of the law and distorted it; Sarah Palin's death panels were actually an annual medical advisory panel that would review procedures or medical tests for the insurance not the individual. The media should be unbias in its reporting but often, it is in its over reporting or under reporting of stories that the bias can be seen. When one network has spent six years in airing stories of families with Obama care horror stories that are later debunked by rival news network reporters making a story out of the lies and misinformation from one network than the public doesn't know who to trust. In fact, this blog post is an editorial on Obama care and the misinformation campaign behind it that has negatively shaped public opinion against it unfairly. I am always amazed how Americans say they don't believe the media; but allow their opinions to be shaped by the media. My advice to the average news junkie; read non-editorial sources from government sites such as www.cbo.gov  and the www.gpo.gov  to read the affordable care act law.  Read press releases from Public relations firms that journalists receive to create a news story such as PR News.

How to save a blouse with bleach stains

I was upset to discover that this really nice pink linen blouse I washed got messed up with two bleach stains from left over bleach residue from the washing machine. I had washed whites in the load before and some of the bleach residue remained in the washing machine when I washed some colored clothing afterwards. A pair of old black pants got messed up but the pink blouse was upsetting because it was really nice so I set out to try and save it. There were two bleach stains so I figured that I should get some fabric dye that matches exactly which is really hard because the blouse was a dusty rose color; so I searched online and purchased a small fabric dye in the same color and followed the directions on the bottle on the application of the dye. I picked a fabric dye that allows for multiple washings of the garment, the bleach stains were covered and I saved the blouse for future days and kept it out of a landfill.  

 

 

Why Conservative Talk Radio monopoly has brainwashed their listeners?

Since the 1990s, conservative talk radio has become a monopoly on the airwaves under the acquisition of Clear communications. This right wing Radio conglomerate owns over 850 radio stations around the U.S. buying radio stations across the country in all different markets. Clear communications has been allowed to purchase both liberal and conservative radio stations and then eliminate the opposing liberal viewpoint from radio airwaves citing that liberal shows are not profitable. Their agenda is clear to become one of the largest conservative radio conglomerates in the U.S which they are; they have been allowed to turn liberal talk shows into sports radio channels and expand Conservative Talk radio nationally. An example of their limited viewpoints expressed was the censoring of the Dixie Chicks music across radio stations when the band spoke against Iraq war and President Bush. Ironically, the band was right as proven years later. On the other hand, same conglomerate has no problem showcasing Ted Nugent on their talk radio shows and playing his bad music on airwaves. No backlash or consequences because their radio talk shows helped create the same ultra right wing conservatives that have been brainwashed by the likes of Hannity and Limbaugh for years. If America hears crazy right wing conservative rhetoric everyday for years not realizing these guys on talk radio do this for ratings and for money; not because they believe in any of these views.  Folks, these talk radio people believe in high ratings, high advertising revenue and the money they make from their show and their books, that's it. As soon as their radio show followers understand that the GOP might be able to regain rational support for good sound policies and stop catering to irrational base.

How To make A Scrap Book Journal

A scrap book journal is a creative combination of creating or making a scrapbook and a journal. I have been writing in a journal for over 10 years. I think its a great way to write about dreams, goals, documents events. I had created a scrapbook where I kept photos and newspaper clippings about important events in history like 911, the election of the First Black President Obama in 2008. After I had kept a separate journal for many years, I decided to start a scrap book journal. I will start to combine both of these items in one journal as a fun interesting way to create and document personal and current history. There are creative ways to write in a journal such as using colored pens and pencils by adding drawings, adding stickers, or tickets to events in the journal. Add newspaper articles on important events to the journal. Remember, that this is a creative fun expressive outlet to de stress and to allow your writing skills to improve.

Christmas in Ocala town square 2013
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The Founding fathers of our country would turn over in their graves if they saw Congress today. www.savingshouse.blogspot.com

 

The stadium that was to be but will never be built in Ocala.  www.savingshouse.blogspot.com
 

Scrapbook articles of interest   www.savingshouse.blogspot.com



50th anniversary of JFK memorial  www.savingshouse.blogspot.com
 

 

Socialism in Venezuela or dictatorship?

American media has largely ignored the events in Venezuela by playing a one second sound bite on English media. CNN en espanol has been on top of the Venezuelan news coverage from day one. Venezuela is going the way of Cuba in its politics, and its fierce anti-American sentiment. Many Latin American countries are following the same direction calling it Socialism when it is actually Dictatorship. It is easier to place a Socialism label on the current events so that these governments can begin a propaganda campaign to lull society to their way of thinking and at the same time not revealing to its citizens the loss of their rights in their Democratic countries before regime. Venezuela was a democratic country before Chavez ideology or Chavismo came into society; since Maduro's election into power. Chavismo has accelerated Chavez's policies within the year he has taken power, since then Maduro has forced businesses to lower prices by taking over companies; censoring the media, changing the Constitution so that the President could suspend it, in cases of emergency threats to governance; he has threatened to arrest the head of Venezuelan assembly, she is staunch opposer of Maduro. On March 19th, he removed a mayor from a town that has had protests; and placed a new mayor without any elections. The old saying nothing is for free? Many of the poor and disenfranchised in Venezuela support Maduro but at what cost; what they don't realize is that one day; this fighter of the poor will say I am instituted in power. The people gave up that power; once he has a strong army, strong governance and crushed opposition; he won't need the people any more. Maduro will become another corrupt strong dictator funneling out money from Venezuela; awhile the people suffer from the lack of resources, lack of freedom and liberty and opportunities allowed by Democratic society they were willing and allowed to be taken away from them. The definition of Socialism by Merriam Webster dictionary states "various economic and political theories advocating the collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods". There is no concept of private ownership of private property; and everything is owned by government. Venezuela was a democratic country before Chavez; but like many corrupt nations around the world did nothing to address extreme poverty issues and social problems in the country. Venezuela is divided between the haves and the have not's; Venezuela has nationalized private citizens assets of the rich and upper classes and of businesses. Meanwhile; using oil revenues to pay for social programs for the poor; Venezuela's poverty rates from 1999 went from 73% to 29% today. In these socialist countries like Venezuela; higher education is free. I don't understand why Maduro would promote this narrative that there is an attempt of an overthrow of power when the students protesting were no threat to the armed military and police. There have been deaths on both sides since the protests; reports of torture and censoring social media to keep out news of what is happening in Venezuela. Inflation and severe product shortages have led to crime increasing and discontent by opposition of Maduro and of Chavismo. The failed policies are seen as the destruction of the economy and Venezuelans took to the streets to protest; the days of protests led to police to fire upon protesters; in addition; to allegations that police wearing plain clothes to look like protesters ignited violence to attack protesters. This is a Socialist regime turning into a dictatorship; when US conservative politicians use extreme rhetoric to attack President Obama about Socialism or that American Democracy is being lost. These politicians should look at what is happening in Venezuela and examine a real Socialist government; instead creating a false political narrative to appease uninformed base.

How to wash a crocheted vintage lined purse

I was afraid to wash a vintage old crocheted purse that my mom owned. It is in very good condition, the issue with it is that I've noticed that the purse has yellowed with age and has turned brittle. I don't want to damage the purse by washing it in harsh detergents or in washing machine. I was not sure what was the best method to wash purse and find a way to soften it again. After searching online, I found some articles related to topic; there were no articles on how to wash or care for a vintage crocheted purse. I decided to soak the purse in warm water and dish detergent for three hours then I washed the purse in the delicate cycle in warm water with little liquid detergent and fabric softener. It whitened the purse but it did not soften exterior.  I have to keep searching online for tips on restoring old bag.  This bag is very 1970s cool that's why I will attempt to find method to fix bag.

Hip fashion from the 1970s.   www.savingshouse.blogspot.com

 

Stop the TransCanada KeyStone XL Pipeline

The media has failed to inform the general public about the real terms of this pipeline. At first, I was like many who supported the idea of being energy independent and using our allies and neighbor's oil instead of Middle eastern and Venezuelan exports. As more facts began to become exposed; including that the oil from Canada would actually go through the pipeline to the gulf to be exported to China and Europe. America would not get the oil; meanwhile assuming all of the environmental risk and damage of this tar sands oil which is dirtier and heavier than petroleum oil to the environment. The pipe line would be built over a natural aquifer which is the largest and cleanest in Nebraska. Nebraskans such as farmers and ranchers have led the fight against Trans Canada Keystone Pipe line that are afraid of the potential of a pipe line leak that could damage the aquifer and all of the natural clean resources in that region. Trans Canada and GOP conservative politicians from Nebraska and the Dakotas which have had a pipeline leak from this oil company; have lied to the public stating that many jobs would be created. The truth is that about 300 temporary jobs for the construction of pipe line would be created and 35 permanent jobs to monitor and run the pipe line operations would be created. Constituents have been sent emails stating that their energy costs would increase if the pipe line were not built. This is the reason why Americans have lost trust in their own government. The people being better informed due to social media and 24 hour news coverage; are armed with knowledge that can no longer be hidden behind closed door committees. President Obama ultimately has to decide on this pipe line; but I hope that those outraged farmers and ranchers in Nebraska hold their local politicians accountable for not listening to their own voters in 2014.

Russia, Crimea and how do Snowden and his supporters defend actions?

The recent events in Crimea and the Ukraine and Russia's indefensible actions to just invade their neighbor and grab their land and resources smacks of hypocrisy.  Putin has been railing against the US and its policies of Imperialism in its decision to invade Iraq; meanwhile aiding Syria with killing its people, and Iran with faux diplomatic efforts with the West.  Snowden was at the recent SXSW convention in Texas with the Constitution as the back drop transmitting on Skype from Russia with the help of Wiki leaks Julian Assange. Snowden in Russia, and Assange transmitting from the embassy of  Ecuador in London where he has lived for  three years hiding out from Swiss/ American justice.  Ironically, Comrade Snowden's lack of comments on Russia's actions, don't surprise or shock.  Unlike, in America; there is no freedom of the press, or free speech, nor human rights, not even privacy rights.  Snowden and Assange lack  the moral strength and convictions to say when Russia or any other nation is wrong.  Including, Russia's recent spying on the State Department's representative during the Ukraine uprising that over threw the President of Ukraine.  That's called SELF PRESERVATION; and I am not a hero but I just have a really good press agent, should be Snowden's new motto.

Voting and Democracy under attack in the U.S. 2014

Today, Kansas and Arizona won a voting suppression measure when a federal Judge upheld that these states could require proof of citizenship for new voters.  This decision would require that new voters show a passport or a birth certificate when registering to vote.  The GOP and conservatives have long cited nonexistent voter fraud from voter rolls to attack the rights of minorities, woman, elderly and students to keep them from voting.  The only problem is that in their zeal to suppress minority voters, they have opened the door for the erosion of Congress' power to protect voting rights. In my opinion, is what Conservatives have wanted to do for a long time; but being the political group attached to undermining the Civil Rights Act of 1965 is not a winner for them long term.  The federal judge decided in favor of the GOP  State Attorney General's that placed this lawsuit by stating that the U.S. Constitution gives states the power to set voter qualifications. This sets a dangerous precedent because it could end  the Civil Rights Act of 1965 and go back to pre-1960s voting laws in areas like the South, which had literacy tests to vote, or poll taxes, under this ruling this could happen, by setting a two tier system again for voting rights. We are going back in time, I feel as if I am in an episode of Rod Sterling's Twilight Zone and we are heading to a GOP nostalgic mad men world.   Right now, these laws are designed to disenfranchise Democratic, and Independent voters.  The US constitution grants Americans the right to vote, but it does not guarantee the right to vote.  These laws open the door to States that want to keep Americans from voting, now its one group, soon its another group before long its your group. One GOP lawmaker actually said that the original framers of Constitution intended for land owners to vote since they paid property taxes.  That is why every American should be outraged and disgusted at politicians who can't win with ideas, or good policies instead go the route of voter suppression. 

The Kumquats are coming, the Kumquats are coming

After years of this kumquat tree of not yielding many fruits; this year has been an exception with a strong number of kumquats growing left and right. The large number of kumquats falling on the driveway on the lawn; and now on the street being cleaned off daily is sort of a pain and at the same a reward. The best thing out of this is that there are a lot of birds that live in that tree and on the property; which is great. We have seen cardinals, blue jays, and wood peckers and other types of birds that call that tree home.

I'm in bird heaven.    www.savingshouse.blogspot.com

Food, shelter this is the life. anonymous bird quote   www.savingshouse.blogspot.com
 

 

Beautiful hibiscus and roses blooming

These bushes are flowering after being cut down and trimmed, didn't know there were any hibiscus there until it was cut down. Roses are blooming despite the cold; overall Ocala weather has been warmer than most winters.

Pretty in Pink Hibiscus.  www.savingshouse.blogspot.com

Springs Here!    www.savingshouse.blogspot.com

It's a little before Spring but I couldn't wait too bloom.   www.savingshouse.blogspot.com

A rose is a rose by any other name, Shakespeare   http://www.savingshouse.blogspot.com