St. Augustine from a different view point!!!

photo credit goes to Tiffany Niceley!

Many of us live in the Hurricane prone areas…it seems to be a much larger threat these days. 

While we are all praying that the Northeast region makes it through hurricane Sandy safely, here are a few tips that may help you if you are affected by this massive storm.

Tip #1: In an Outage, Approach Perishable Food With Caution

When the power goes out, that food in the fridge will last only so long. You should throw away any perishable food in there if your power has been off for four hours or more.

Your freezer, if full and left unopened, will keep frozen food safe for 48 hours. You must cut this safe window in half to 24 hours, however, if your freezer is only half full. But keep in mind that this is only if you keep that freezer door shut. Every time you open it, some of the cold air escapes – effectively speeding up the clock for when your food might spoil.

Beyond these guidelines, exercise common sense. Does your food have an unusual texture, odor or color? Throw it away. This is when the old rule, “When in doubt, throw it out,” should be in full effect.

To learn more, check out these tips from the CDC.

Tip #2: Use Generators Carefully

In a blackout, many view generators as a lifesaver. But use them improperly, and they can actually put your life in danger.

The reason for this is that generators, as they run, emit a gas known as carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is both colorless and odorless – in other words, it is impossible for us to detect it on our own. Yet, each year carbon monoxide poisoning sends approximately 15,000 Americans to the emergency department and kills nearly 500, according to CDC statistics.

To keep you and those who live with you safe, never use a generator inside your home or garage. This rule applies even if the windows and doors are open. Nor should your generator be located right outside your residence; make sure that it is located 20 or more feet away from your home’s doors and windows. Additionally, make sure that you have carbon monoxide monitors – battery-powered or with a battery backup – near every sleeping area in your home.

For more, check out this CDC fact sheet.

Tip #3: Protect Those Less Able to Protect Themselves

In times of disaster, communities usually come together to make sure that everyone makes it through safe. This is a helpful ethic to promote in your own community, and it often saves the lives of those most vulnerable.

If you know or live close to someone who is elderly, has special needs or is homebound, check in on them. Make sure that they, too, have what they need in terms of shelter, food, water and warmth. This is also a good time to check in with institutions where elderly family members or others may be staying. Make sure that you are aware of any emergency measures that are being put into place and understand what is needed of you.

Last but not least, make sure that your pets are safe and secure. Many shelters will not take pets in the event of an emergency, so it is up to you to protect them by checking with your local authorities to find what pet shelters are available.

In addition to these tips, you should always remember to have flashlights & batteries, non-perishable food and plenty of water…fill your bathtubs so that you have water to bath & flush toilets, ect. in case you are without power for an extended period of time.  Even if you don’t lose power, it’s better to be over cautious than not prepared!!!

25 ways to make kids safer.  Remember, it does not matter if you are at home or on vacation, the world has become a very scary place.  Teach your kids these simple tools to keep themselves safe!

At Home

1. Teach your children their full names, address, and home telephone number. Make sure they know your full name.

2. Make sure your children know how to reach you at work or on your cell phone.

3. Teach your children how and when to use 911 and make sure your children have a trusted adult to call if they’re scared or have an emergency.

4. Instruct children to keep the door locked and not to open the door to talk to anyone when they are home alone. Set rules with your children about having visitors over when you’re not home and how to answer the telephone.

5. Choose babysitters with care. Obtain references from family, friends, and neighbors. Once you have chosen the caregiver, drop in unexpectedly to see how your children are doing. Ask children how the experience with the caregiver was and listen carefully to their responses.

On the Net

6. Learn about the Internet. The more you know about how the Web works, the better prepared you are to teach your children about potential risks. Visit www.NetSmartz.org for more information about Internet safety.

7. Place the family computer in a common area, rather than a child’s bedroom. Also, monitor their time spent online and the websites they’ve visited and establish rules for Internet use.

8. Know what other access your child may have to the Internet at school, libraries, or friends’ homes.

9. Use privacy settings on social networking sites to limit contact with unknown users and make sure screen names don’t reveal too much about your children.

1. Encourage your children to tell you if anything they encounter online makes them feel sad, scared, or confused.
2. Caution children not to post revealing information or inappropriate photos of themselves or their friends online.

At School

1. Walk the route to and from school with your children, pointing out landmarks and safe places to go if they’re being followed or need help. If your children ride a bus, visit the bus stop with them to make sure they know which bus to take.
2. Remind kids to take a friend whenever they walk or bike to school. Remind them to stay with a group if they’re waiting at the bus stop.
3. Caution children never to accept a ride from anyone unless you have told them it is OK to do so in each instance.

Out and About

1. Take your children on a walking tour of the neighborhood and tell them whose homes they may visit without you.
2. Remind your children it’s OK to say NO to anything that makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused and teach your children to tell you if anything or anyone makes them feel this way.
3. Teach your children to ask permission before leaving home.
4. Remind your children not to walk or play alone outside.
5. Teach your children to never approach a vehicle, occupied or not, unless they know the owner and are accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other trusted adult.
6. Practice “what if” situations and ask your children how they would respond. “What if you fell off your bike and you needed help? Who would you ask?”
7. Teach your children to check in with you if there is a change of plans.
8. During family outings, establish a central, easy-to-locate spot to meet for check-ins or should you get separated.
9. Teach your children how to locate help at theme parks, sports stadiums, shopping malls, and other public places. Also, identify those people who they can ask for help, such as uniformed law enforcement, security guards and store clerks with nametags.
10. Help your children learn to recognize and avoid potential risks, so that they can deal with them if they happen.
11. Teach your children that if anyone tries to grab them, they should make a scene and make every effort to get away by kicking, screaming, and resisting.

As a parent, I know that my children are the most important thing I have in this world!  We have to start doing a better job taking care of them.  The times of allowing our children to go out and come home when the street lights come on is no longer a good idea…as much as we hate to admit it, there are bad people everywhere and our job as parents is to teach our children how to handle themselves if they ever come in contact with them.

The Florida/Georgia game is next weekend…but you don’t have to wait for the weekend to enjoy the festivities! 

Starting on Thursday October 25th the Jacksonville Landing will be having numerous activites for all of you fans! 

Check out these events that are scheduled to take place in front of The Landing, in the Landing Courtyard, on Hogan Street adjacent to The Landing and inside various Landing restaurants and nightclubs.

Thursday, October 25
7:00 p.m. – Midnight American Idol Star Stephanie Renae and Wreckless – You’re going to Hollywood and all points in between! Enjoy a night on the river with all your favorite tunes!

Friday, October 26
7:00 p.m. – 1:30 a.m- DJ Capone and Company with host Chris Cantillo in the Courtyard
8:00 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. 5 × 7 Band – A party band like no other! Playing the best Funk, Rock, Soul, Blues and Dance music in the Southeast!

Saturday, October 27
3:30 p.m. Georgia vs. Florida on the Courtyard Jumbotron (live coverage)
7:30 pm – 1:30 a.m. DJ Capone and Company with host Chris Cantillo in the Courtyard
8:00 pm – 1:30 a.m. Little Green Men – The South’s premier 80’s & 90’s cover band! It’s all about BIG songs, BIG hair and BIG fun!

Remember that Jacksonville is just a short drive from The Ocean Gallery.  We have vacation rentals on St. Augustine beach for as little as 2 nights.  Be sure to check our website for “last minute specials”

J & S Carousel located at 180 San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine has been around for longer than most of us!!!!  Here is a little history of the attraction… 

“In 1927 the carousel was built and was known as the C.W. Parker Carousel. Then bought by a Ringling Brothers circus performer, Gerard Soules for $25,000 from a barn in Mystique, Michigan the carousel went to a zoo in Fort Wayne, Indiana. His brother James Soules, who is still the owner today … read moreinherited the carousel after Gerard’s death in 1992, who restored it with help from Carl Theel of Theel Manufacturing. Finally James Soules brought the carousel to Davenport Park in 1994 and it has remained since, the J&S Carousel.

Fun for children of all ages the carousel consists of horses and a camel. All are fantastically painted, very colorful, and easy to ride. The horses and camel go up and down and it is only $1 to ride. Old-fashioned music plays throughout the J&S Carousel that puts you back in the day of old time circuses and county fairs. Located in Davenport Park between San Marco Avenue and US 1 at San Carlos Avenue, next to the Public Library building.”

If you are planning your St. Augustine beach vacation make sure that you plan to take the kids to ride on the carousel.

What better way to relax on a nice day than to sit on St. Augustine’s white sandy beach & read a book! 

While reviewing the newest NY Times Best Seller List I realized that J.K. Rowling has successfully expanded beyond the ‘Harry Potter’ seriers, check out her newest book titled ‘The Casual Vacancy’.  ”A big novel about a small town, The Casual Vacancy is J.K. Rowling’s first novel for adults. It is the work of a storyteller like no other.”

“When Barry Fairbrother dies in his early forties, the town of Pagford is left in shock.
Pagford is, seemingly, an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, but what lies behind the pretty façade is a town at war.
Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils…Pagford is not what it first seems.
And the empty seat left by Barry on the parish council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity, and unexpected revelations?”

Check out this best-seller.  ’No Easy Day’ by Mark Owen.  Written about the mission that killed Osama bin Ladin. 

“No Easy Day” recounts the elite U.S. Navy SEAL’s team’s task to find, capture or kill the mastermind terrorist known as Osama bin Laden in a mission named—Operation Neptune Spear. The first-person narrative is from the perspective of one of the “…first men through the door…present at his [the terrorist’s] death.”

Although some have asked who pulled the trigger SEALS believe the assignment was a “team mission” and it doesn’t matter who pulled the trigger, because they “serve something greater than themselves.” The account also reveals “…the human toll SEALS [and their families] pay…” because of their selfless dedication, sacrifices and sufferings required to become a SEAL.”

 
Depending on your interests there are so many great books out there to choose from…go to the library or if you have a Nook or Kindle, go online (from the beach) & get an e-book!!! 

The weather right now in St. Augustine is just beautiful…you can stroll the beach in the cool morning air and then stay on the beach all day and catch up on your reading (and tan!!)  Relax on your Ocean Gallery patio at the days end and unwind with the sounds of the ocean.

Old Town St. Augustine has plenty of spookie – scary halloween activities,  here are just a few kid-friendly things to do around town & surrounding areas!!!  If you still need more, do a google search…there are endless possibilites. 

Bats in the Park After Dark (Regular Park Entrance Fees of $5.00 per vehicle – up to 8 people)

Faver-Dykes State Park is celebrating Halloween with a special educational bat program on Friday, October 19 from 6:00 to 7:00 P.M. Please meet in the picnic area under the large pavilion. Participants may wish to bring a camera (no flash allowed), water, and bug repellent. Trick or treat candy will be provided.  Reservations are appreciated. The park is located off U.S. 1 South (just before the I-95 interchange on the left) at 100 Faver-Dykes Rd., St. Augustine, FL 32086. Contact Melissa at 386-446-6783.

Horror Zone Haunted Attraction ($10.00 adults, $6.00 kids 12 and under) Parental discretion is advised for children under 12 however.

This attraction will be open from 6:00 – 11:00 P.M. (or later) October 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27, and 31)

Food, drink, and candy are provided as well as free parking. The attraction is wheelchair accessible and is located at Lewis Point Plaza, 2497 US-1 S, St. Augustine, FL 32086

Sea Monsters (Free with paid admission to the St. Augustine Lighthouse Museum) October 1 – October 31, 2012, all day

The Sea Monsters traveling exhibit engages you in the mysterious and intriguing attributes of sea creatures and explains how they are adaptations to extreme underwater environments. The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum is located at 81 Lighthouse Ave., St. Augustine, FL 32080

Sykes and Cooper Corn Maze ($8.00, Under 2 admitted free) September 29 – October 28

This great location is the Agritainment center of St. Johns County. This is a 9-acre corn maze full of confusing twists and turns, and entertainment, including Jack, a very loud donkey and other good family fun. This year there are many new and exciting things to do.

Hours:
Friday: 5:00 to 10:00 P.M.
Saturday: 10:00 A.M. – 10 P.M.
Sunday: 1:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Harvest and Halloween Festival – Free Admission October 30 from 11:00 A.M.to 3:00 P.M.
399 Riberia Street – New Lincolnville Farmer’s Market and Eddie Vicker’s Park

Dracula – ($10.00 Adults, Children $5.00) Classic horror production on stage at the Scarlet-Hill Theater, 216 Reid St., Palatka, FL: The play will be performed October 27 – 29 at 8:00 P.M. and October 30 at 2:00 P.M.

St. Ambrose Halloween Party – Free admission to a fun family event at the St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 6070 Church Rd., Elkton) on October 28 from 6 – 9 P.M.

A Ghostly Experience – ($15.00, ages 6 and under are free) 1 Hour tour departing from their store on St. George St. , reservations are required (space is limited) Call 904-829-1122 for more information and tickets can be purchased online.  Tours start every 30 minutes with the first tour leaving at 8:00 P.M.

Tour Dates: Friday & Saturday, Oct. 12 & 13, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 19 & 20, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 26 & 27.

A Children’s Halloween with Mother Goosebumps ($5.00 per person) This is lasts approximately an hour and is recommended for ages 2 – 7. Children must be accompanied by an adult.  Departs from the store at 2 St. George St. Reservations are required and space is limited. Call 904-829-1122 to reserve.

Tour Dates: October 26 & 27 at 5:00 P.M., 6:00 P.M., and 7:00 P.M.

World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX 3D: Into the Arctic
Present to April 6, 2013
St. Augustine
World Golf Hall of Fame 3D IMAX Theater, One World Golf Pl., St. Augustine, FL 32092

http://www.WorldGolfIMAX.com

Celebrate the opening of the World Golf Hall of Fame new IMAX film “To The Arctic 3D” with a family friendly event. The event will have several promotional activities connected to the movie and fun events for the family. Narrated by Oscar® winner Meryl Streep, To The Arctic 3D takes audiences on a never-before-experienced journey into the lives of a mother polar bear and her twin seven-month-old cubs as they navigate the changing Arctic wilderness they call home.
20 minutes from The Ocean Gallery!

Affirmations are defined as something declared to be true; a positive statement or judgment.
Affirmations are powerful if you are feeding your mind positive statements. Make sure you are not entering negative thoughts into your mind. Often, people repeat negative thoughts – “I’m lazy”, “I’m not smart enough”, “I’ll never get out of debt”, “I’ll never have a successful relationship”. If you keep these thoughts center-most in your mind – that’s what you’re going to attract.
Instead you want to continually think positive and make (and I do this out loud) statements of where you want to be. You also want to make these statements as if it has already happened, not waiting for it to happen.
Some examples of positive affirmations are:
1. I am healthy and happy.
2. I am living in the house of my dreams.
3. I live in a beautiful ocean-front house/condo.
4. I am out of debt and all my needs are met.
5. My business is successful and I am living the life of my dreams.
6. I have a wonderful, loving relationship with my wife/husband/significant other.
7. I am successful in everything I do.
8. I attract wealth and abundance.
9. I radiate love and happiness.
10. I have loads of energy.
Write out affirmations that relate to you personally and professionally. Read them in the morning and in the evening. See what effect this process will have on you.
You attract what you think. So, why not think and speak positive, powerful, successful thoughts?

Hope this helps