My Thoughts Exactly by Annette Kniola

February 3rd, 2012 A Life of Citizenship A perfect example of a person that has made a difference in a community is Benjamin Franklin. If you read about Benjamin Franklin, you will learn that he clearly made it as a contributing citizen to Philadelphia where he lived. "Who and what was Benjamin Franklin?" I can tell you who and what he was. Benjamin Franklin was a man of many things. He was a apprentice, printer, inventor, philosopher, politician, soldier, firefighter, ambassador, family man, signer, shopkeeper, bookseller, cartoonist, and grandfather. Much of what Franklin did was improving his city and the lives of the community. By the end of his life, Benjamin Franklin definitely became an outstanding citizen from all of his hard work. We have since been energized by Franklin's life and legacy as his most famous discovery was electric.. To have citizenship means being a good citizen of your community. It's giving back to the communit...

January 30th, 2012 I was talking to my husband this morning about the people in the world today. I have come into a "blip" in my life where I feel very uneasy. Uneasy enough to cause anxiety I so strongly oppose. For the past few weeks, I have been very much consumed in the lives of people absorbed by their very own egos and arrogance. I said to my husband that overall, the world is truly made up of mostly really good people. People that are true not only to themselves but to others. I bring that percentage around 85%. Then there is that 15% lately that has consumed a bit of me this last couple of weeks. Those are some folks that have there heads so far up there butts, they can't see the light of day. Then the rest of that 15% are the ones that just seem to hate life in general and as my sister would say, "They don't give a rat's a--!" I see myself in that thankful 85% along with the rest of my family. We care for one anoth...

January 8th, 2012 It's been some time since I have actually written anything. I think this morning I realized the reason why. I am overwhelmed. And I am sure I can vouch for everyone on that matter. The new year has begun, yet for me, the constant on the go has yet to stop. Personally as it being Sunday, I would love to stay in bed all day, comfy and cozy, squished between my huge comforter and an abundance of pillows. But that will never happen, I am too much of a busy body. The guilt would overcome me in a matter of minutes as I lay there thinking about what needs to be done. So here I am. My morning started up slow and full of aches. I rolled out of bed a bit slower than usual as I felt dull pains in my back and legs. I asked "What the heck is wrong with me?" as I whispered to myself that I must be getting older. After reading this morning's paper, I decided to do some stretches and loosen myself up. I will admit, I have not stretched...

January 2nd, 2012 Just this morning I received a letter from a friend Rita Lynch on behalf of an accident that occurred out here in The Estates Friday night. I was out of town camping and had no idea. I just found an article here on NDN website from Friday, yet no other updates since. I also looked for it in the paper today, and still nothing or I may have missed it. Here is the link: http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2011/dec/30/possible-fatal-wreck-golden-gate-estates/ I want to extend my prayers out to the families of these two men and hope to hear that they are both doing well. I do not know any more information than what I read, so if anyone else can give a better update I would appreciate it. I also want to say Rita has sent out a letter to friends in The Estates to help out the firefighters at Big Corkscrew Island Station 10. Here is her letter: Motorcycle Accident Friday night 2 of the firefighters that my husband works with were involved in a very ...

December 24th, 2011 Kniola's are ready, Santa so near, Stockings all hung with wishes held dear. Guest to arrive with delights in their hand, Ready to enjoy a night full and grand. Christmas Eve the Kniola's celebrate so true, Stories to be filled with many wishes, never few. Mistletoe hung on the doorway so high, Bringing kisses and hugs which no one can deny. Kids will be merry running about, Excited about Christmas, truly no doubt. Eggnog is lifted, toasts all around, Laughter and joy, oh such a beautiful sound. Eve settles down, the kids are in bed, Santa to surely be dancing in their head. Remembering the reason for this special night, Our Savior was born caressed by star light. Be merry, be safe, warm thoughts held true, A great future lies ahead and Merry Christmas to you! -The Kniola Family

December 20th, 2011 The last blog I wrote was on behalf of Orange Tree PUD. Unfortunately there were some people that felt I didn't know what I was talking about since I had not attended the meetings. I don't have to attend every meeting to know what's going on. I have my ways. So on behalf of Tim Nance and the response about myself not knowing any details of proposed changes or objections, I would like to enlighten him and everyone else. I wanted to place this into my comments on the last blog, "Our Future and Orange Tree PUD", but decided it was best just to do another. I have a pretty big map here the size on my desk I just pulled out which I received awhile back from a meeting with Burt Saunders. It shows the whole Orange Tree PUD master plan. This master plan map goes on to show all land use summary. From agricultural to residential, golf course, public facilities, and more. It also shows details of certain areas called R-2, R...

December 16th, 2011 I could not think about all the despair driving through the town of Immokalee today as I was heading out for my son's 3rd grade field trip to C.R.E.W. Even a teacher quoted, "It looks like a third world country here." What a shame the master plan did not pass after so much time and energy spent planning over the years. What a shame we cannot put aside personal differences to create a better future for our communities. What a shame we have to go back and try to work out issues that could have been worked out after it passed. What a shame. With the failure to pass the master plan of Immokalee, does the outlook for the Orange Tree PUD that is coming before the Commission in January look bleak too? Will our county be a consistent 3-2 vote from here on out getting absolutely nowhere on big and special projects? The majority of The Estates residents are certainly for the Orange Tree PUD to pass, just like the families of Immokalee...

December 11th, 2011 Do you read the latest letter to the editor titled, "Will you get a grip?" It's written by Norma Henning and the truth about anonymous comments from people who hide behind their real names on this site. Here is her link: http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2011/dec/08/letter-will-you-get-a-grip/ Don't get me wrong, it can be interesting not knowing who these people are because they may give out their true feeling on subjects, but I agree with what Norma wrote and it would be much better if they carried themselves out in a more professional manner. The comments of hate, racism, and insults on this site has really gotten out of hand. But will NDN ever change anonymous names to real ones? I doubt it. It's unfortunate people are afraid to place their real names. And why is that? What are they hiding from? I use my name and I'm not afraid of certain repercussions, as long as I handle them in a professional manner like ev...

November 29th. 2011 If you have read my efforts in the past, I continue to push forward a path to the future of Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park here in The Estates Community. Not only is this park top priority, but others such as a new fire-station and bridges are too. Priorities that need attention. First, our park. I have been working on requesting donations. At this point with the economy the way it is, we have to get creative and that's what I plan to do. Otherwise I just may be dead before it's ever built. :) This article, hoping it will graciously be passed on to Mr.Bollt, owner of Orange Tree, Bryan Paul Family Partnership of Orange Blossom Ranch, Pulte Homes,Beazer Homes, DR Horton, and the future Town of Big Cypress by Collier Enterprises. All of which are big developers of surrounding communities that can put forth one big effort for this regional park. I have spoken recently with Burt Saunders over the idea and maybe sometime in the nea...

November 25th, 2011 I will have to admit, last night after a very nice evening of Thanksgiving with my family, my two oldest and I were actually pumped up to go Black Friday shopping! I did it the first time last year, which was okay yet crazy, but this year was actually the most stupidest (sorry, I usually never use that word), night of all shopping history. I sit here typing with three hours of sleep under my belt saying to myself that I will never do that again. I may say that now and had again last night traveling home at two in the morning. Was it worth it? I guess I have to open my van and take another good look at the deals I got. Which weren't many. But I will admit, the boys did have alot of fun. We arrived at Walmart Super Center off Immokolee at around 9:10 pm. Our mission of the evening; PlayStation 3 and a HP laptop computer. The PlayStation was to go on sale at 10pm, and the HP at 12am. In the rundown of "The Plan" for our sho...

November 19th, 2011 This morning's paper I read about the whole situation with the Immokalee Airport concerning Hiller, Nance, Fletcher and allegations that followed. Then I went on the watch the video on behalf of Commissioner Hiller one on one Newsmaker with Jeff Lytle. You can find that under videos on this site. Anyway, forget all of that for a moment and ask yourself, why were they there to begin with? I understand the Commissioner Hiller is concerned with land owned by the Barron's as it is adjacent to the airport and it is zoned agricultural. The county needs it in order to expand the airport. And yes, agricultural is alot less expensive than commercial. So who do the Barron's think they are wanting it rezoned and then turn around and charge the government more? She is right on with that and that's a perfect example of a Commissioner doing her job looking out for us taxpayers. There is no reason we should be buying any land after it is ...

November 16th, 2011 Looks as though the Kniolas are preparing for a holiday Thanksgiving, filled with plenty of turkey turds and rainwater! Yes, it's true, we now own two adorable, yet really ugly turkeys. I specifically rounded them up for my husbands birthday since it was coming up soon. I figured since they were only three months old, they would be small enough to hide until his actually birthday. Well, I was wrong! When I arrived to pick them up with my two youngest, I just about fell over dead. They already stood two feet tall! My mind swirled around in shock over their sizes as I wondered how was I going to fit them in this little box filled with hay? How was I going to drive them in my van if they flew around crashing into windows? I knew I was in for an interesting ride home. The boys helped me pick out just the right two as a flock of 12 to 14 other adult turkeys gobble, gobble, and gobbled some more as they followed their owners every move. ...

November 10th, 2011 Have you ever wanted a job where you're on your own, no executives, no paperwork, no mandatory time schedule other than punching in/out, yet having the pleasure of beauty, the wildlife, sunshine and fresh air all day? Well, I just got that job! The best job ever! You can now call me the Olde Cypress Beverage Cart Girl! (Part time of course). This past week I was asked by my husband to come into his work at The Club at Olde Cypress and help out due to an illness by one of their staff members, Gail. I reluctantly accepted on the terms I work only two days a week until Gail returns. He wanted four,I got three, and they since hired my sister Mary to help too. I can't work much more than two days. I worked three this week and I am just exhausted! I haven't worked outside the home in almost 16 years! Do you know how much laundry that is? Let's just say the kids were climbing a mountain. And the house, what a mess! Caring...

November 3rd, 2011 As I sing this in my head, "I made it through the rain and found Naples unprotected, by the others who, go rained on too and made through!" Well, something like that Barry Manilow sings as I describe my latest adventure on my cruise and the Naples life that was hammered by pouring rain. I had no idea Naples was getting so drenched as I sipped margarita's by the ships poolside. I went on a 5 day Carnivals Destiny cruise last week with 13 other ladies, or maybe I was the 13, can't remember. Anyway, I was a bit nervous to leave because of Hurricane Rina that was brewing in the south. Unfortunately she took away my "Amazing Race" excursion in Cozumel due to the ships new destination of Nassau. I guess I was okay with it since I had never been to Nassau. The Keys were actually our first stop on our itinerary. The only reason I got off the boat there was the interest of Fantasy Fest. I was curious to see if there wer...

October 22nd, 2011 As I set my mind to a peaceful Caribbean cruise to the great blue south, I see myself lounging poolside sipping margaritas. Then as I finish up my afternoon with a relaxing nap in my cabin, I awake for my evening out with friends and a fancy dinner. Sounds dandy, doesn't it? Now reality set's in, today, October 26th, 2011. As I set my mind to a peaceful Caribbean cruise to the great blue south, I see myself holding on for dear life as my ship maintains 20 foot swells, threats of lightening, pouring welts of rain, and 75 mile an hour winds! Passengers are running and screaming for their lives as lounge chairs fly around mid air crashing all around and consumed by sea! Crew members are scrambling to take cover as Hurricane Rina casts her wicked spell upon us! Will life be over as I know it? Will I ever be back to beautiful Naples as it was? Stay tuned! If you do not hear back from me on my blog by next week, I'm a goner!

October 20th, 2011 Dear Ms. Kniola, Thank you for writing to Governor Rick Scott regarding the Florida End-of-Course (EOC) Assessments and the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test® (FCAT), which is currently transitioning to the FCAT 2.0. The Governor received your e-mail, and I have been asked to respond on his behalf. Based on your blog and the information that you provided in your e-mail, one of your primary concerns about the statewide assessments seems to be the issue of “teaching the test.” All schools are required to teach specific educational standards, and the FCAT 2.0 and Florida EOC Assessments assess how well students are learning these standards. If you wish to learn more about Florida’s educational standards, they may be accessed at http://www.fldoe.org/bii/curriculum/sss/. No school should be ignoring its instructional responsibilities to spend long hours in activities called “FCAT preparation.” All-around good instruction of the standards will p...

October 18th, 2011 It's been a long time since I have lost my niece Ivy Rose to an accidental drowning over 5 years ago. I have written stories of Ivy in the past that has continued to bring many painful memories of that night and the years since. Recently, I have been in touch with Derek Frechette, the father of Christian who passed away over four years ago, also to an accidental drowning, he was only four. Just like myself and my business Heavens Pennies, which donates 10% of proceeds of Heaven Cent to charity for prevention of drownings, Derek has made a very strong effort to pass a law called Christians Law. You can read more in his story below. I personally would like thank Derek for all of his hard work and would like to bring his ideas to Naples. I have since become a member of the Safe & Healthy Children's Coalition of Collier County and prevention of drowning deaths have become a major concern. Maybe in time, Derek's work will lead ...

October 13th, 2011 It seems so much is going on lately, I just do not know what story I want to focus on. I have so many thoughts spiraling in my head, I just decided to get it all out in one blog. Short and sweet, so I hope. Here goes. Last night I had the pleasure of going to the 1-75 interchange meeting that turned out to not so pleasurable. It started off with great intentions with Brett Batten at the realm of moderator and Nancy Peyton giving her 20 minute spiel on the environmental side of it as Mr.Trebilcock took the reigns for 20 minutes for the "need" side of it. Which I feel we do need. The meeting had some sour points which I think we all expected but really unnecessary. And yes,we have to consider the environmental side of it but we also have to think about the need side of it too. Do you realize that the last Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was done in 1972! Don't you think we need an update! I love the panthers but how much ...

October 2, 2011 The chill is in the air! The mornings of October have enlightened us with the sense of fall. Kind of like being up north and the excitement of the trees changing colors to the long await of snow to begin once more. Here at the Kniola household, October is the month of witches and warlocks and of course my birthday, as it falls on Halloween. October 1st is the day we pull out all of the Halloween decorations and prepare to turn our house into The House of Horrors. To some extent at least. So as I pull out all of the Halloween bins from the attic, I get to enjoy little Mommy moments as I watch my kids rummage through their chest and start pulling out costumes left and right. One hurries to be a GI Joe, the other a mix of Bigfoot and Jason. "Oooh, I holler, your scaring me!" Item after item gets pulled out from each bin bringing up memories of the year before. The excitement of scary stories, creepy images, and trick or treating be...

September 22, 2011 What a hoot! Last night was actually a very informative affair as guest speaker Dwight Brock took the floor at the Golden Gate Estates Area Civic Association meeting. An evening spent with a man that has quite the character, is honest, to the point, and definitely loves to talk! Mr. Brock, our Collier County Clerk of Courts, spoke of his legal responsibility to defend the public, protecting his responsibility as working, "zealously." Or in another word, passionately. Which is quite nice to hear honestly. He was certainly whole hearted during his whole presentation, especially when he talked about the ongoing $4 million of our taxpayer dollars used up so far on this audit. If you remember, and I hope I get this right, Brock sued the Commission because he was restricted from auditing certain accounts. But he won and the audit continues. The audit is in reference to Collier County’s Housing, Human and Veteran Services Department. Mr....

September 8th, 2011 I little feather has been ruffled on behalf of our School Board and the almost $1 billion dollar budget recently passed for our Collier County Schools. Through emails I have recently received, I find out that only two board members were present at this meeting. Seems odd, don't you think? This is a pretty important meeting, am I right? I thought we had more members than that? I recall voting for, let's see, five! Yes, five! The email also went on to say that two others were called in and one did neither. This person who emailed me and yourself are probably wondering if this is a big deal or not? Is this normal that only two of our School Board members physically show up for such a big budget meeting? Now don't get me wrong, I did read that there was an earlier workshop pertaining to this budget and conclusions may have already been set in stone. But why on earth do us taxpayers hire board members if they cannot attend meetin...

August 26th, 2011 As my mom would put it, “Let's all simmer down for a minute!” Basically telling us we are all out of control and to settle down. So why do we continue back and forth politics on issues that are very important in the Golden Gate Estates area? A political spotlight over and over? Is this how this next years election is going to play out between Coletta and Nance? What we need to focus on is what is important. The 1-75 overpass, redistricting maps, mobility plans, master plans, and so on. Not egos and arrogance, please. I have come to the conclusion where I feel stuck in the middle. I personally have ventured into meetings at the GGEACA and HOAGGE seeking information that will lead our community in the right direction. I enjoy these meetings very much and enjoy not only meeting new people but to be able to voice my opinion on "My Thoughts Exactly” the very issues that spark interest. The main issue that has sparked with me lately ...

August 20th, 2011 Twas the night before school, and all through the house, Not a creature was stirring, not even my spouse. The backpacks were hung by the door with care, In hopes school will come sooner with no more despair. The Kniola's were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of freedom danced in my head. As Dan in his boxers, and I in my cap, Had settled our brains in just a quick snap. When alarms rang they arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. “Up Davinci! Up Napoleon! Up Beethoven and Mozart! Hurry up, get ready, it's school and soon it shall start!” And then, in a twinkling, I could see from the boys, The stress and the fears took over their joys. Don't worry I shout with a gleam on my face, It's a glorious day for us to embrace! They were dressed and ready from head to foot, Clothes all new without sand and soot. Their backpack flung onto each of their backs, Heading to each school, all ...

August 13th, 2011 As you all know, I have been dealing with a bobcat in my backyard for weeks now, lurking around fulfilling it's dream of a belly full of fresh chickens. Since then, I have been spending a lot of time on the land we call home, mostly watching and waiting for this fascinating predator to appear once again. Yet, nothing. So I blare Christian music into the backyard, hoping this bobcat will think to listen for just a moment before he thinks twice about his actions. My thought is, maybe the word of God will sink in so he can then move on. Then soon, the Kniola's can live in the world we once knew. I may be the oddest person you met, I know myself I must be. I not only talk to myself often, contemplating my thoughts over and over about the world as we once knew it, but I also talk to all the animals as if they were humans. And you know what? They really listen. The kids cannot understand how I do what I do with animals, especially th...

August 9th, 2011 Something is lurking in my backyard!! oooohhhhh........aaaahhhhh....... Pretty creepy when you know somewhere out there something rather large is watching and living nearby or let alone right on our property and we don't even know it! Could it be under the shed? In a hollow tree deep in the underbrush? Or could it be living nearby and just jump our fence? It's something, and it's not small. Over the past week, we have had three hens and one chick swiped from the land we call home. Every morning I have a routine as I let out the chickens from the coop to graze in the yard. Something has since gone awry. Starting with one chick that led to the loss of it's own mother hen, Sweet Pea, onto the loss of her mother hen, Daisy. Daisy as you may recall, was the mother hen along with her six chicks my sister rescued last year and I wrote an article about. Daisy must have really put up a fight as her rooster son, Mojo, defended her to thi...

July 26th, 2011 A letter written to John Boehner from yours truly. I just could not resist! Dear Mr. Boehner, I have been watching and waiting respectively for an agreement to made with you and the Senate over the debt ceiling. As a taxpaying citizen, you may actually have to give up at this point before you ruin my life along with everyone elses. There is no reason that you cannot place this into agreement until 2013. No band-aids into the next 6 months , especially during election time, no. The economy will sure to falter even more. Agree on the $2.4 trillion debt increase with possibly the same amount in cuts. Giving the time frame worked out through 2013, to say the least. Let your ego go, let yourself start to shine and make this decision and make it now! And who are you to hold the U.S. hostage anyway? You do not have the right. And if a decision cannot be made, then you may need to resign or I may call for an impeachment! Annette Kniola Naples, Flor...

July 19th, 2011 I sit here at my desk having been without a computer for almost 8 days. 8 days enough to kill me without checking into my world of life as I know it. But you know what? It really wasn't so bad after all. I enjoyed every minute of our family vacation that certainly did a world of good for all of us to check out of all the things in life that motivate us a little too much. Dan and I, our boys, DaVinci(14), Napoleon(11), Beethoven(8), and my little Mozart(5) all took a trip to the land of slime at Nickolodeon Suites, the blue of Blue Springs State Park, and where dreams do come true, Disney World. Getting slimed and Disney World has been a dream of our boys for years and with the wonderful grades they all received this past year, how can you deny such a request? So we packed our bags and headed north. It was a blast getting slimed beneath a gigantic bucket of slime. With big slides, tunnels, sprays, live music celebration and arcade, ...