Ooh... the pretties... in the "cold"

I've gone to the gym several nights this week, as my daily routines have changed. A few days this week has been in the 50s and 60s for most of the morning and then again at night and the sky has been all sorts of colorful as the sun goes down. 

I was able to get the various pinks (kind of) on Tuesday evening, when I had left the gym to get some water out of the bubbler by the pool. I didn't think to bring my water bottle with me, and wanted to get a drink before continuing with my next set. 

Just the opening view alone of the archway and the sky was nice, and when I walked more onto the pool deck, I got to see the openness of it all and capture the rest of what the building hid. 

When viewing the photos, keep in mind, it's just shy of 6pm, eastern, in Florida. 

All photos taken with an iPhone 11 and dropped into Photoshop to add my name to it. 

I'm sure this is nothing abnormal for a lot of people, especially now, where some of my northern friends are seeing the Aurora Borealis show up in their neck of the woods. 

Yes, I've already gotten pictures texted to me from Peabody, Massachusetts, where the purples and greens were so vibrant, you could still see the spots of stars behind the gasses. My friend sent me such amazing photos as she's a nature lover and tends to go venture out at night in order to see the wonders of the local universe. 

That's why I know the pictures I took aren't "ooooohhhh wooooooowww" to some folks, but others may enjoy it. This is what 52° in the Sunshine State gets you. No snow, but other sorts of pinks, purples and blues. 

This week is the week where some businesses are putting up their Christmas decorations. It's cold enough, might as well pretend we're getting something we shouldn't. 

We have two more weeks until the big turkey day, yet we seemingly skipped it and went to the night a baby was born in a manger (I've got toddler versions in my blog.. search around and you'll find him). 

Last night I was able to take a quick photo of a candy cane infested (fake) tree that has been slowly decorated over the last few days. 

For as much as I am not a big Christmas person and think that some times over decorating looks tacky, there's something weirdly calming about what they did to this tree.

It seems chaotic, but I think the spot light it's under, tones it down a bit. I do have to say, in person, it looks so much better, but even "on film", it looks okay. It's a bit tacky when I think about it, but overall, it is a half decent attempt on creating something different. Unfortunately, I didn't get close enough to it to get all of the stuff hidden in places, even though there's plenty to look at. 

I'm just glad there aren't a dozen in this small space, like some places I've been to. 

Yes, I've actually worked in a facility where each event room was big enough that there were not one, but three fake trees decorated accordingly. Much like this one, but dialed back a lot (those photos are around my blog as well). 

The next few weeks are certainly going to be interesting, to see what people are doing to celebrate the rest of the season. I know some people aren't investing in much since there's been some worldly challenges lately, but others are treating it like normal and doing their usual routines. 

It makes me wonder how many people are going to be able to do Thanksgiving this year, as one store I was in, was selling Butterball turkeys for a little under a dollar a pound, making a few frozen birds well over the 80 dollar mark. That was obscene - seeing a 13 pounder for $95. I can't imagine the person buying that - how many people are you inviting, and where do you get your money for that? Considering you'll need to get everything else that goes with it - stuffing, pie, sweet potatoes, etc. It'll easily be a $200 (or more) dinner.... even on Amazon, it'll cost you plenty, but free shipping is free shipping? You're apt to not save that much in gas if you were to split your time between a couple grocery stores and get a "better deal". 

I'm not saying to do one over the other, by any means. It's tough times for people, and if you can figure out how to cheat the system a little bit in your favor, go for it. Only do it legally though - I don't condone thievery or any other type of criminal shenanigans. If you have coupons for items, do it. If one store has a better price per pound, buy it. Choose wisely and do your thing. If you follow those social network "influencers" who do late night "freegan" things... that's on you. I've seen the videos and understand where they're coming from. We've got too much waste in this world, but doing dumpster diving is on them, not you or me. I'm okay with watching the "tutorials", but I'm not going to do what they do... unless I go off grid at some point in my life and start bartering with people in the area for "necessities" - if I grow one thing and you can use it, while you've got something I could use... let's talk; let's trade. 

I know I sound like I'm contradicting myself. I'm trying not to - in my head, I'm somehow being very methodical, for as much as I'm sounding crazy typing it all out. I've got a process; trust me. 

Much like my method and process at the moment is to finish this up as I've got company coming in a few minutes. I must go act like a civil human being and be a generous host. 

Until more things happen in this world... 

Be good to yourself and take care.

Cheers;