Did you ever get in a "funk" and even though you had no reason at all to feel that way, were just plain depressed? Well, I've been like that for a couple of weeks now.
Here I am in an absolutely beautiful resort in a beautiful city, with my wonderful husband, in our beautiful new fifth wheel , and I have been so down in the dumps I could hardly keep from crying most of the time.
I have no right to feel this way, but until my niece, Cara, got here a week ago today, I was just dragging myself through the days. I have never been away from home and my family this long, and I believe I was just very homesick.
My lovely mother was admitted to the hospital a week ago Tuesday, and I was so far away, and so worried about her, that I wanted to pack up and head North. My younger son, Justin, had been having some serious dental problems, and I was worried about him too.
Dennis and I kept busy doing lots of fun things here. We went sightseeing, shopping, to several different beaches, out to fun restaurants, all of the typical vacation things. And yet, I couldn't find any words to put down for you to read. Talkative me didn't talk very much. Then Cara Jo got here.
When we picked her up at the airport, I cried and let it all out and immediately felt much better. We stopped at the Cracker Barrel restaurant right by the airport and fed her, and started planning her visit.
When we got "home", we changed into our swimsuits, and hit the pool. Then the rainy season hit us! Well, that didn't slow us down! We came home, changed clothes and went to the outlet mall just south of Fort Myers. Closed that place down! We bought LOTS of stuff, including matching Coach purses! (Great sale there!!!)
Thursday, we went to The Shell Factory (which is a really odd name for a place that one just can't begin to describe). We spent quite a few hours there shopping and looking at all the strange and wonderful things they had to sell and amaze you. We bought quite a few of those wonderful, amazing things too!
We packed so much into her visit, that it now seems like a big blur! We went to Fort Myers Beach, to Siesta Key Beach, to Naples and Bonita Beach. We went to worship services Sunday, out to eat a few times, and cooked out several times. We hit the pool every chance we got, rode bicycles, and just had a wonderful week!
And then today, we had to take her to the airport and put her on a plane to go back to Ohio. And I started crying all over again. Poor Dennis. His "very emotional woman" is back.
When we got home after taking Cara to the airport, Dennis told me we are going home. He could tell that I was way too homesick to enjoy this any longer, so tomorrow we are going to start our preparations to head back to Ohio. And guess what? I am not in a funk anymore!
This evening I went outside and took pictures. I haven't done much of that in a couple of weeks either. We didn't even turn the television on this evening. Dennis read and I played on my laptop. And tomorrow, we are going to start planning our trip back home, so I'm going to head to bed with a smile on my face, and in my heart. Lord willing, I'll see my family and friends in just a few days, and that makes me very happy!
Here we go again
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
A Very Emotional Woman
The most wonderful week just came to a close yesterday afternoon. On Tuesday, June 7th, my youngest sister, Kim, arrived in Fort Myers, Florida to spend a week with me. (With my hubby too, but mostly with me) What fun we had! We didn't make any particular plans, except for going to worship services on Sunday, we just did what we wanted, when we wanted. And Dennis was wonderful to just haul us around, and never once complained.
There is a place in Fort Myers called the Calusa Nature Preserve and Planetarium, and it is an awesome place to visit for a few hours. This center has rescued wild life of varying kinds that have been injured so severely that the animals are permanent residents because they can't survive on their own in the wild. It's heartbreaking, but without this place, these critters would never survive at all. There are owls, eagles, raccoons, (even an albino raccoon), foxes, and a whole assortment of birds that I can't recall the names of. Beautiful and proud creatures that humans have inflicted so much harm to, well, it not only should be a crime, it is a crime!
Two of the eagles there were shot by turkey hunters and both lost all or a portion of their wings, so instead of majestically soaring in the skies, they hop around in a large cage. (I think someone should put those turkey hunters in a cage and be made to hop!)
My sister, Kim, has her camera permanently attached to her hand, so this place was a smorgasboard of photo opportunities. One of the young men that works there, his name is Justin, was outside with us while Kim and I were taking pictures, and he asked me which one of us was the best photographer. Well, My husband said "That's usually the person with the biggest camera.", and I agreed and told him Kim was the only good photographer. That nice young man took Kim in the big bird sanctuary and let her take pictures up close and personal! It was wonderful for her, and she was in her glory. We really got lucky. Most folks just walk around and look at everything, we had our own personal guide and teacher while we were there.
We got to see a rare albino raccoon, which I had never even heard of before that day. Beautiful creature! And it lives with a standard looking raccoon that has bad allergies, so they have to give it medicine every day, which is why it can't be set free.
There is a planetarium at this center also, and we saw two different screenings while we were there. The only bad thing about that, for me, is the looking up. If you have ever been to a planetarium, the room is sort of a half circle, with the ceiling being rounded and when the lights are turned off and the projector is turned on, you must look up and it looks like the sky at night. Well, I've had two surgeries on my neck which left me with almost zero mobility or flexiblilty in my neck, sooo, I had to almost lay down in my seat to look up. I'm thinking the others in there probably thought I was taking a nap. It was really beautiful though, and well worth the trip!
One day we spent entirely on Sanibel and Captiva Islands, and the weather was beautiful. Hot, but beautiful. We went to the "Ding" Darling Preserve and learned about how he worked to make sure the beauty and the creatures last for generations to come. More of us should be so concerned with the preservation of our world and all things in it. God gave us that responsibility, and I know we aren't taking it seriously enough...at least I haven't. I will from now on, I promise.
Then we went shopping! We hit just about every store on the islands. (Not really, but I'm thinking that to Dennis, it seemed like it) We looked at jewelry, sea shells, clothes, purses, art, food, well, you get the idea. And we went to Pinnochios for their sinfully delicious ice cream. I told you it's like paradise here!
Some days we lounged away at the pool reading and catching some rays, some days we went out exploring. Some days we cooked at home, some days we went out to eat. It was just, to me, a perfect week. But, all good things must come to an end.
Tuesday morning we had to have Kim at the airport around 9:15 AM or so to catch her 11:00 AM flight. We all got up early so we could have some time to wind down our visit, then we headed to the airport about 9 AM. Before Dennis could carry her luggage around the side of the truck, I was already crying. I fought back my tears long enough for Kim to check in, then we embraced and both of us cried our goodbyes. (I'm crying right now just telling you about it). As she was walking in the terminal, I was sobbing and yelling "I love you!" Dennis and I got in the truck and slowly pulled away from the curb. I cried all the way back to our park.
When we got home, I took my little dog, Chico, outside and I sat in my rocking lawnchair and quietly shed a few more tears, missing my sister already. I hadn't been sitting there more than 5 minutes when Kim sent me a text that her flight had been overbooked, so she was going to fly out "later" and the airlines had given her a free round trip ticket for being so accomodating and taking the later flight. I texted her back and asked how long the delay was going to be, to which she replied, "Flying out at 3:38." Okay, lets see, it's now 10:00 AM, and she's not leaving until 3:38 PM... The airport is only about 15 minutes away, hmmm. I told her I was coming to get her, and she agreed, we could do some more shopping and then have lunch! So, I ran inside and told Dennis what was going on, and he said go for it! I did.
I picked Kim up, we went shopping for a couple of hours, then had lunch before she needed to be back at the airport. As she put it, it was like God knew we needed just a little more time, and he gave it to us. It was wonderful! And she got a free round trip ticket to anywhere in the continental United States and a whole year to use it. She can come back!!!
When I dropped her off at the airport for the second time that day, I told her I felt better about it this time. I sobbed again anyway. When I got home, I sat down in my recliner and proceeded to cry all evening, and most of the day Wednesday too. I kept apologizing to Dennis for being such a cry baby, but he told me it's okay, he understands. (No he doesn't. He thinks I'm crazy, if you ask me.) He told me I'm a "very emotional woman". Now, that's an understatement if ever I heard one.
This evening I was "talking" to my niece, Cara, on Facebook, telling her how blue I was feeling since Kim left, and she said I needed a Skype visit to cheer me up. ("Meet George Jetson!") I thought that was a wonderful idea, so we both connected and visited for a while, and it did indeed cheer me up.
While Kim was here, Cara booked a flight to Fort Myers Florida arriving here on July 6th, and is staying with us for a week too! YEA!! So, since it is now past midnight, it's only 13 days until I have more girly fun again. I can harldy wait. And I'll probably cry like a baby when she has to leave too. I'm crying just thinking about it. Poor Dennis.... He's stuck with such a very emotional woman.
There is a place in Fort Myers called the Calusa Nature Preserve and Planetarium, and it is an awesome place to visit for a few hours. This center has rescued wild life of varying kinds that have been injured so severely that the animals are permanent residents because they can't survive on their own in the wild. It's heartbreaking, but without this place, these critters would never survive at all. There are owls, eagles, raccoons, (even an albino raccoon), foxes, and a whole assortment of birds that I can't recall the names of. Beautiful and proud creatures that humans have inflicted so much harm to, well, it not only should be a crime, it is a crime!
Two of the eagles there were shot by turkey hunters and both lost all or a portion of their wings, so instead of majestically soaring in the skies, they hop around in a large cage. (I think someone should put those turkey hunters in a cage and be made to hop!)
My sister, Kim, has her camera permanently attached to her hand, so this place was a smorgasboard of photo opportunities. One of the young men that works there, his name is Justin, was outside with us while Kim and I were taking pictures, and he asked me which one of us was the best photographer. Well, My husband said "That's usually the person with the biggest camera.", and I agreed and told him Kim was the only good photographer. That nice young man took Kim in the big bird sanctuary and let her take pictures up close and personal! It was wonderful for her, and she was in her glory. We really got lucky. Most folks just walk around and look at everything, we had our own personal guide and teacher while we were there.
We got to see a rare albino raccoon, which I had never even heard of before that day. Beautiful creature! And it lives with a standard looking raccoon that has bad allergies, so they have to give it medicine every day, which is why it can't be set free.
There is a planetarium at this center also, and we saw two different screenings while we were there. The only bad thing about that, for me, is the looking up. If you have ever been to a planetarium, the room is sort of a half circle, with the ceiling being rounded and when the lights are turned off and the projector is turned on, you must look up and it looks like the sky at night. Well, I've had two surgeries on my neck which left me with almost zero mobility or flexiblilty in my neck, sooo, I had to almost lay down in my seat to look up. I'm thinking the others in there probably thought I was taking a nap. It was really beautiful though, and well worth the trip!
One day we spent entirely on Sanibel and Captiva Islands, and the weather was beautiful. Hot, but beautiful. We went to the "Ding" Darling Preserve and learned about how he worked to make sure the beauty and the creatures last for generations to come. More of us should be so concerned with the preservation of our world and all things in it. God gave us that responsibility, and I know we aren't taking it seriously enough...at least I haven't. I will from now on, I promise.
Then we went shopping! We hit just about every store on the islands. (Not really, but I'm thinking that to Dennis, it seemed like it) We looked at jewelry, sea shells, clothes, purses, art, food, well, you get the idea. And we went to Pinnochios for their sinfully delicious ice cream. I told you it's like paradise here!
Some days we lounged away at the pool reading and catching some rays, some days we went out exploring. Some days we cooked at home, some days we went out to eat. It was just, to me, a perfect week. But, all good things must come to an end.
Tuesday morning we had to have Kim at the airport around 9:15 AM or so to catch her 11:00 AM flight. We all got up early so we could have some time to wind down our visit, then we headed to the airport about 9 AM. Before Dennis could carry her luggage around the side of the truck, I was already crying. I fought back my tears long enough for Kim to check in, then we embraced and both of us cried our goodbyes. (I'm crying right now just telling you about it). As she was walking in the terminal, I was sobbing and yelling "I love you!" Dennis and I got in the truck and slowly pulled away from the curb. I cried all the way back to our park.
When we got home, I took my little dog, Chico, outside and I sat in my rocking lawnchair and quietly shed a few more tears, missing my sister already. I hadn't been sitting there more than 5 minutes when Kim sent me a text that her flight had been overbooked, so she was going to fly out "later" and the airlines had given her a free round trip ticket for being so accomodating and taking the later flight. I texted her back and asked how long the delay was going to be, to which she replied, "Flying out at 3:38." Okay, lets see, it's now 10:00 AM, and she's not leaving until 3:38 PM... The airport is only about 15 minutes away, hmmm. I told her I was coming to get her, and she agreed, we could do some more shopping and then have lunch! So, I ran inside and told Dennis what was going on, and he said go for it! I did.
I picked Kim up, we went shopping for a couple of hours, then had lunch before she needed to be back at the airport. As she put it, it was like God knew we needed just a little more time, and he gave it to us. It was wonderful! And she got a free round trip ticket to anywhere in the continental United States and a whole year to use it. She can come back!!!
When I dropped her off at the airport for the second time that day, I told her I felt better about it this time. I sobbed again anyway. When I got home, I sat down in my recliner and proceeded to cry all evening, and most of the day Wednesday too. I kept apologizing to Dennis for being such a cry baby, but he told me it's okay, he understands. (No he doesn't. He thinks I'm crazy, if you ask me.) He told me I'm a "very emotional woman". Now, that's an understatement if ever I heard one.
This evening I was "talking" to my niece, Cara, on Facebook, telling her how blue I was feeling since Kim left, and she said I needed a Skype visit to cheer me up. ("Meet George Jetson!") I thought that was a wonderful idea, so we both connected and visited for a while, and it did indeed cheer me up.
While Kim was here, Cara booked a flight to Fort Myers Florida arriving here on July 6th, and is staying with us for a week too! YEA!! So, since it is now past midnight, it's only 13 days until I have more girly fun again. I can harldy wait. And I'll probably cry like a baby when she has to leave too. I'm crying just thinking about it. Poor Dennis.... He's stuck with such a very emotional woman.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Time Flies When You're Having Fun
What a wonderful time I'm having with my baby sister, Kim, here in sunny Florida!
It seems like we just picked her up at the airport, and yet it's Friday evening already. We have been laughing and talking and laughing, and...you get the picture. Especially if you know us at all! Poor Dennis. I'm sure his ears must be tired from just listening to us. I have to give him props for being so gracious about this, because I know we can be overwhelming at times. I grew up in a big, noisy, happy family, and, well, he didn't. And yet, he is handling all of this so well, I think he deserves a medal for his patience.
Last night we had a really big storm here, and I did not like it one bit. I have never been afraid of storms, actually, just the opposite. I love listening to the thunder and the rain pelting the windows and the roof, especially at night. However, that was always in the safety of my house, not in an RV. Quite a different environment during a storm. The winds were whipping, the hail was pounding, the rain was a torrent, and I was very scared. That was new to me! This 5th wheel was literally swaying in the wind last night. I could just picture it...one great big gust hitting the back of this thing and us rolling right into the lake just outside our door! I kept thinking this stupid thing won't float...
We have had some interesting things happen this week. One evening, Kim and I were out walking and taking pictures when it started to rain a bit, and pretty soon, Dennis came looking for us in the truck. When he found us he said "you need to come home and see the cows." Now, if you knew Dennis, you just knew he was joking with us trying to get us out of the rain. So we laughed, got in the truck and headed back to our little home. When we got close to the RV, lo and behold! There were four cows, real, honest to goodness COWS, standing in the empty lot just across the road from our lot! We couldn't believe our eyes! We jumped out of the truck and I managed to get a couple pictures before they got spooked and ran away, but I have proof that there really were cows in this Resort Park. The funniest thing I never imagined I would see here. Tropical birds, lizard, yes. But cows??? Come to find out, the man that owns the park here, also owns the property just behind the park, and he keeps "free range" cows there. Turns out that in Florida, if you have property with "free range" cows on it, you get a tax break. Who knew???
So, this evening, I'm going to highlight Kim's hair for her, then we're going to have a pedicure party. Girly stuff is just so much fun! I couldn't do this with Dennis alone! Not if he were awake, any how. Hmmm, next week I just might have to try that when he naps on the couch!
I'll let you know how that goes!
It seems like we just picked her up at the airport, and yet it's Friday evening already. We have been laughing and talking and laughing, and...you get the picture. Especially if you know us at all! Poor Dennis. I'm sure his ears must be tired from just listening to us. I have to give him props for being so gracious about this, because I know we can be overwhelming at times. I grew up in a big, noisy, happy family, and, well, he didn't. And yet, he is handling all of this so well, I think he deserves a medal for his patience.
Last night we had a really big storm here, and I did not like it one bit. I have never been afraid of storms, actually, just the opposite. I love listening to the thunder and the rain pelting the windows and the roof, especially at night. However, that was always in the safety of my house, not in an RV. Quite a different environment during a storm. The winds were whipping, the hail was pounding, the rain was a torrent, and I was very scared. That was new to me! This 5th wheel was literally swaying in the wind last night. I could just picture it...one great big gust hitting the back of this thing and us rolling right into the lake just outside our door! I kept thinking this stupid thing won't float...
We have had some interesting things happen this week. One evening, Kim and I were out walking and taking pictures when it started to rain a bit, and pretty soon, Dennis came looking for us in the truck. When he found us he said "you need to come home and see the cows." Now, if you knew Dennis, you just knew he was joking with us trying to get us out of the rain. So we laughed, got in the truck and headed back to our little home. When we got close to the RV, lo and behold! There were four cows, real, honest to goodness COWS, standing in the empty lot just across the road from our lot! We couldn't believe our eyes! We jumped out of the truck and I managed to get a couple pictures before they got spooked and ran away, but I have proof that there really were cows in this Resort Park. The funniest thing I never imagined I would see here. Tropical birds, lizard, yes. But cows??? Come to find out, the man that owns the park here, also owns the property just behind the park, and he keeps "free range" cows there. Turns out that in Florida, if you have property with "free range" cows on it, you get a tax break. Who knew???
So, this evening, I'm going to highlight Kim's hair for her, then we're going to have a pedicure party. Girly stuff is just so much fun! I couldn't do this with Dennis alone! Not if he were awake, any how. Hmmm, next week I just might have to try that when he naps on the couch!
I'll let you know how that goes!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
We are Family!
I am so excited right now that I can hardly be still enough to type. I just got a text from my youngest sister, Kim, asking if I'm still awake. Strange. Well, I never have slept much, so I sent a quick "Yep" text back to her. The next text I get says simply, "See you Tuesday". Moments later, my cell phone rings and it's Kim calling to confirm that she's flying in to Ft. Myers airport on Tuesday at 11:59 AM, and will I please pick her up. DUH!
Dennis and I have been having such a nice time together, and we get along so well, however... When you grow up with four sisters, and stay really close to those four sisters all your life, you need a sister fix quite frequently. And I am in dire need of a sister fix! (or four)
Kim told me Friday that she was thinking about coming down to visit while we're here, so what did I do? Saturday morning, I made Dennis take me shopping so I could get some things we would need for her to stay with us. Our 5th wheel has a sofa in the living room that makes into a bed, but I didn't bring sheets, blankets or a pillow for it, not really thinking anyone would come visit us. So, we now have new sheets, a blanket, a soft comfy pillow as well as a beach towel and a floaty thingy for Kim. (Good thing she actually did decide to come, hu?)
So, tomorrow I'm going to run my little sweeper, dust the furniture and cook something yummy for her first day here. She said she just got home from Akron this evening, (Kim lives in Troy, Ohio, which is near Dayton) so she just got unpacked from that trip. Tomorrow she will have to pack for her trip to Florida, so she's thinking she may be exhausted by the time she gets here. I told her it's okay. I'll put her on the floaty thingy so she can rest in the pool but not drown. I have a plan for everything!
God has blessed me so abundantly, and I am so very thankful for each and every one of those blessings. My sisters are four of those blessings. Don't get me wrong, we have had our differences over the years...boy have we had our differences! It's hard to imagine five girls being raised in the same house, by the same parents, being so very different, but each of us is unique from the others.
When Kim was a very little girl, one day she announced to the family that we were the Seven Dwarfs. We all just looked at her questioningly and she proceeded to explain how she came up with THAT. My Dad's given name was Dock. Really. Growing up, everyone thought my Dad was a doctor...My Dad was a truck driver. My Grandmother named my Dad after his Grandfather, Doctor Kilpatrick...and HE wasn't a Doctor either! (She just shortened it to Dock) HIS mother named him after the man who delivered him...the DOCTOR! I could not make this stuff up!
Anyway...Kim said Dad was the dwarf, "Doc". Okay, but the rest? Well, she said, Mom always falls asleep when she sits down, so she's "Sleepy". Mom worked non stop at home; making us a wonderful home. So, if she ever did sit down, she promptly fell asleep. Okay, that one makes sense too. The rest? Linda, my second to the oldest sister has always been very shy. Most people think she's stuck-up. Nope. She is just really shy. So, Kim named her "Bashful". Makes sense! Kaye (that's me) is the cut-up of the family. (I'm not sure if she was that nice about it, but it WAS a long time ago, and I'm telling the story...) so, Kaye is "Dopey". Thanks, Kim! Kathy, the sister right after me in birth order, was, hmmm, how to be nice about this? Grouchy. Always. Sometimes just plain, downright nasty to Kim, the youngest sister, HER younger sister! Nicer way to put it was "Grumpy". We'll leave it at that. (Love you Kathy!!!) And Kim has sneezed her whole life! It was actually annoying growing up listening to it non stop! She finally had surgery on her poor nose to help it. Guess who she is?" Yep," she said! "I'm Sneezy."
She skipped over Jeannie! The oldest sister. So, we asked, what about Jeannie? The one who always got stuck taking care of four younger sisters. The one who bossed us around like a Nazi. Well, Kim decided that there was no "Bossy" dwarf, but Jeannie was happiest when she was bossing us around, so she was "Happy". Good thinking! And there you have it! And we take those titles very seriously. Until they became indecently expensive, we all had license plates on our cars that proclaimed our "Dwarf" status. (Kim still has hers. The rest of us are too cheap) I have a "Dopey" tattoo. (Mom, no I don't!) Serious business.
We really are five very different personalities, but we are the closest of sisters, the best of friends, and so very blessed to have each other. And Kim is coming to visit me here in my little paradise for one whole week! I can hardly wait until Tuesday. We will have so much fun! Girl talk!!! Singing together!!! Laughing!!!
Oh! Did I mention we are REALLY LOUD???? Just ask Dennis....
Dennis and I have been having such a nice time together, and we get along so well, however... When you grow up with four sisters, and stay really close to those four sisters all your life, you need a sister fix quite frequently. And I am in dire need of a sister fix! (or four)
Kim told me Friday that she was thinking about coming down to visit while we're here, so what did I do? Saturday morning, I made Dennis take me shopping so I could get some things we would need for her to stay with us. Our 5th wheel has a sofa in the living room that makes into a bed, but I didn't bring sheets, blankets or a pillow for it, not really thinking anyone would come visit us. So, we now have new sheets, a blanket, a soft comfy pillow as well as a beach towel and a floaty thingy for Kim. (Good thing she actually did decide to come, hu?)
So, tomorrow I'm going to run my little sweeper, dust the furniture and cook something yummy for her first day here. She said she just got home from Akron this evening, (Kim lives in Troy, Ohio, which is near Dayton) so she just got unpacked from that trip. Tomorrow she will have to pack for her trip to Florida, so she's thinking she may be exhausted by the time she gets here. I told her it's okay. I'll put her on the floaty thingy so she can rest in the pool but not drown. I have a plan for everything!
God has blessed me so abundantly, and I am so very thankful for each and every one of those blessings. My sisters are four of those blessings. Don't get me wrong, we have had our differences over the years...boy have we had our differences! It's hard to imagine five girls being raised in the same house, by the same parents, being so very different, but each of us is unique from the others.
When Kim was a very little girl, one day she announced to the family that we were the Seven Dwarfs. We all just looked at her questioningly and she proceeded to explain how she came up with THAT. My Dad's given name was Dock. Really. Growing up, everyone thought my Dad was a doctor...My Dad was a truck driver. My Grandmother named my Dad after his Grandfather, Doctor Kilpatrick...and HE wasn't a Doctor either! (She just shortened it to Dock) HIS mother named him after the man who delivered him...the DOCTOR! I could not make this stuff up!
Anyway...Kim said Dad was the dwarf, "Doc". Okay, but the rest? Well, she said, Mom always falls asleep when she sits down, so she's "Sleepy". Mom worked non stop at home; making us a wonderful home. So, if she ever did sit down, she promptly fell asleep. Okay, that one makes sense too. The rest? Linda, my second to the oldest sister has always been very shy. Most people think she's stuck-up. Nope. She is just really shy. So, Kim named her "Bashful". Makes sense! Kaye (that's me) is the cut-up of the family. (I'm not sure if she was that nice about it, but it WAS a long time ago, and I'm telling the story...) so, Kaye is "Dopey". Thanks, Kim! Kathy, the sister right after me in birth order, was, hmmm, how to be nice about this? Grouchy. Always. Sometimes just plain, downright nasty to Kim, the youngest sister, HER younger sister! Nicer way to put it was "Grumpy". We'll leave it at that. (Love you Kathy!!!) And Kim has sneezed her whole life! It was actually annoying growing up listening to it non stop! She finally had surgery on her poor nose to help it. Guess who she is?" Yep," she said! "I'm Sneezy."
She skipped over Jeannie! The oldest sister. So, we asked, what about Jeannie? The one who always got stuck taking care of four younger sisters. The one who bossed us around like a Nazi. Well, Kim decided that there was no "Bossy" dwarf, but Jeannie was happiest when she was bossing us around, so she was "Happy". Good thinking! And there you have it! And we take those titles very seriously. Until they became indecently expensive, we all had license plates on our cars that proclaimed our "Dwarf" status. (Kim still has hers. The rest of us are too cheap) I have a "Dopey" tattoo. (Mom, no I don't!) Serious business.
We really are five very different personalities, but we are the closest of sisters, the best of friends, and so very blessed to have each other. And Kim is coming to visit me here in my little paradise for one whole week! I can hardly wait until Tuesday. We will have so much fun! Girl talk!!! Singing together!!! Laughing!!!
Oh! Did I mention we are REALLY LOUD???? Just ask Dennis....
Friday, June 10, 2011
Inspiration
What a wonderful couple of days we have had here in our own little paradise. After working all of our lives, it seems so strange to be able to do what we want, when we want, or do nothing at all. Actually, it's rather nice, to be honest.
We are both getting as brown as island people, especially me. I love the warmth of the sun so very much. With every bone and joint in my body aching from the long, cold winter, and long damp spring, I relish laying in the sunshine, soaking up the heat into this tired old body. Things aren't hurting nearly as bad as they did only 2 short weeks ago, and I am thankful for that.
We have both been slathering sunscreen on us diligently, and if you have ever had a bad sunburn, you understand why, but I tend to gravitate to the bright sunshine while Dennis hides in the shade.
Speaking of Dennis, he is on a reading bender of epic proportions! I bought him a Kindle for Fathers' Day before we left on our journey, and he didn't seem all that thrilled with it at first, but I downloaded a few books on it for him, from one of his favorite authors, and thought he would like it once he tried it. Well, he bought several books at a bookstore in Georgia and proceeded to read those first. When he was finished with his "real" books, he had no choice but to get his Kindle out and try to figure it out. It didn't take him long! Now, he never puts it down. I have become an e-book widow, of my own making! Yesterday, we were sitting outside, reading, when all of a sudden he proclaimed loudly, "I did it! I bought a new book!" Hu? Seems he even figured out how to get online and download more books...on my account. I have created a monster!
Today we went to the winter estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Oh my! Such beauty, inside and out. Simple beauty. The trees, the flora and fauna, the porches and verandas from which to enjoy said beauty...amazing. Breathtaking! And then, you go inside the museum and look at all the inventions these two men were involved with and it made me feel rather unimportant, like maybe I wasted a large portion of my life when these men were such an inspiration to so many, including each other. Try to imagine our lives without electricity or automobiles...no way!
Now I'm inspired to inspire my grandchildren with words of wisdom from these men, maybe cheat and let them think they are my words if only for a little while. "Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." (Thomas Alva Edison) Boy, I wish I had thought of that.
We are both getting as brown as island people, especially me. I love the warmth of the sun so very much. With every bone and joint in my body aching from the long, cold winter, and long damp spring, I relish laying in the sunshine, soaking up the heat into this tired old body. Things aren't hurting nearly as bad as they did only 2 short weeks ago, and I am thankful for that.
We have both been slathering sunscreen on us diligently, and if you have ever had a bad sunburn, you understand why, but I tend to gravitate to the bright sunshine while Dennis hides in the shade.
Speaking of Dennis, he is on a reading bender of epic proportions! I bought him a Kindle for Fathers' Day before we left on our journey, and he didn't seem all that thrilled with it at first, but I downloaded a few books on it for him, from one of his favorite authors, and thought he would like it once he tried it. Well, he bought several books at a bookstore in Georgia and proceeded to read those first. When he was finished with his "real" books, he had no choice but to get his Kindle out and try to figure it out. It didn't take him long! Now, he never puts it down. I have become an e-book widow, of my own making! Yesterday, we were sitting outside, reading, when all of a sudden he proclaimed loudly, "I did it! I bought a new book!" Hu? Seems he even figured out how to get online and download more books...on my account. I have created a monster!
Today we went to the winter estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Oh my! Such beauty, inside and out. Simple beauty. The trees, the flora and fauna, the porches and verandas from which to enjoy said beauty...amazing. Breathtaking! And then, you go inside the museum and look at all the inventions these two men were involved with and it made me feel rather unimportant, like maybe I wasted a large portion of my life when these men were such an inspiration to so many, including each other. Try to imagine our lives without electricity or automobiles...no way!
Now I'm inspired to inspire my grandchildren with words of wisdom from these men, maybe cheat and let them think they are my words if only for a little while. "Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." (Thomas Alva Edison) Boy, I wish I had thought of that.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Bittersweet
The weather is unbelievable here in South Florida. Sunny and hot...but I like that. There is always something to do, if you feel like doing something. If not, laid back and lazy is okay too. That's been us today. Well, except for doing the laundry this morning.
There is a flea market in Ft. Myers that boasts 900 vendors...and I believe it! We went there Friday and shopped till we dropped. Bargains galore! Junk too! We must have walked miles just looking at all the goodies for sale, then went back and did it again. That was a fun way to spend two days.
Friday evening, I was sitting outside enjoying the cooling breezes, minding my own business, when I was attacked, unprovoked! I was bit many times over all about my feet and ankles, even on my elbows by huge, blood thirsty mosquitoes!!! I am literally covered in mosquito bites. And let me tell you, they are driving me crazy itching. I went to the local CVS drugstore and bought a gallon of calamine lotion, and look rather like a painted lady right now, but the swelling and redness is much better.
Okay, maybe not a gallon, but I did buy a big bottle and cotton balls, and proceeded to dab this amazing pink nectar of the gods all over me. Aaahhh....better!
I also bought myself a new bottle of bug spray, and one of those new bug repellant clip on, battery operated personal, individual, Off brand things and a package of refills hoping to encourage the mosquitoes to go bite someone else!
Tomorrow, the plans are to go to visit the winter homes of Thomas Edison, and Henry Ford. They are only a couple of miles from where we are staying, and both Dennis and I love anything to do with history. It should be a fun day, hopefully.
I talked to Mom today, and this is where I got the bittersweet, that's what Mom called it. Her beautiful house, our Family home, closed today. Closed...like shutting the door...ending a chapter of a good book. It's something that had to be done, but it sure wasn't something we wanted to do. Closed...a very appropriate way of putting it.
Wouldn't it be nice if we could pick "the best day of our life" and stay there? Like going to my parents house for a family gathering, everyone there, happy, healthy, having a really good time. No worries, no problems, at least for the moment. Dad still with us, and my dear nephew, Joe, who died unexpectedly at the tender age of 25, back in 1995. Actually, I would have a hard time with this. I hadn't met my wonderful husband yet, and I didn't have my awesome (step) daughter, nor my 5 grandchildren. I suppose that could be ONE of the many reasons that isn't possible, eh? Ah, well. It was just a thought...
So, I'm really glad to still be here, but I'm really missing my family. We left home two weeks ago today, and are still enjoying ourselves tremendously, but wish our family were here too. Bittersweet. That's what it is...
There is a flea market in Ft. Myers that boasts 900 vendors...and I believe it! We went there Friday and shopped till we dropped. Bargains galore! Junk too! We must have walked miles just looking at all the goodies for sale, then went back and did it again. That was a fun way to spend two days.
Friday evening, I was sitting outside enjoying the cooling breezes, minding my own business, when I was attacked, unprovoked! I was bit many times over all about my feet and ankles, even on my elbows by huge, blood thirsty mosquitoes!!! I am literally covered in mosquito bites. And let me tell you, they are driving me crazy itching. I went to the local CVS drugstore and bought a gallon of calamine lotion, and look rather like a painted lady right now, but the swelling and redness is much better.
Okay, maybe not a gallon, but I did buy a big bottle and cotton balls, and proceeded to dab this amazing pink nectar of the gods all over me. Aaahhh....better!
I also bought myself a new bottle of bug spray, and one of those new bug repellant clip on, battery operated personal, individual, Off brand things and a package of refills hoping to encourage the mosquitoes to go bite someone else!
Tomorrow, the plans are to go to visit the winter homes of Thomas Edison, and Henry Ford. They are only a couple of miles from where we are staying, and both Dennis and I love anything to do with history. It should be a fun day, hopefully.
I talked to Mom today, and this is where I got the bittersweet, that's what Mom called it. Her beautiful house, our Family home, closed today. Closed...like shutting the door...ending a chapter of a good book. It's something that had to be done, but it sure wasn't something we wanted to do. Closed...a very appropriate way of putting it.
Wouldn't it be nice if we could pick "the best day of our life" and stay there? Like going to my parents house for a family gathering, everyone there, happy, healthy, having a really good time. No worries, no problems, at least for the moment. Dad still with us, and my dear nephew, Joe, who died unexpectedly at the tender age of 25, back in 1995. Actually, I would have a hard time with this. I hadn't met my wonderful husband yet, and I didn't have my awesome (step) daughter, nor my 5 grandchildren. I suppose that could be ONE of the many reasons that isn't possible, eh? Ah, well. It was just a thought...
So, I'm really glad to still be here, but I'm really missing my family. We left home two weeks ago today, and are still enjoying ourselves tremendously, but wish our family were here too. Bittersweet. That's what it is...
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Summer Breeze
"Summer breeze, makes me feel fine. Blowin' through the jasmine in my mind... Seals and Crofts
We have had a couple of glorious days here at Cypress Woods Resort in Ft. Myers, Florida. The weather has been absolutely perfect! Lots of sunshine, Gulf breezes blowing to keep the air refreshing, and no humidity.
Yesterday Dennis and I got up early and drove to Sanibel Island to hit the beach, and sight see. I had heard about all the sea shells there, but until you see them with your own eyes, you just can't imagine the sight. I'm not a collector of shells, but I did put a few in my beach bag to bring back to my grandchildren. How fun it would have been to have them walking along, picking them up with me. Ahhh, someday, Lord willing!
There are so many quaint shops on the island too, and I just had to go in a few of them. One in particular piqued my interest, if just for the name alone..."She Sells Sea Shells". Really. (I'm glad it wasn't named "She Sits on The Sheets").
This store was awesome! Everything from a little dead shark in a glass bottle with some kind of liquid, (eeewww!) to any kind of shell imaginable. I bought a few souvenirs in there, but mostly just looked at all the interesting things that can be made using sea shells.
There is a little ice cream parlor on the island called Pinocchio's. OH MY! I believe that was the best ice cream I have ever tasted, and I've tasted lots of ice cream. Just look at my hips if you don't believe me.
There are signs along the paths where we walked on the island that say "Please don't feed the alligators". Now, I didn't see any alligators myself, but I'm here to tell you that I had no intentions of feeding them if I did see some! Dennis told me to keep an eye out for them, and if I hear rustling in the brush, to run as fast as I can. I am rather old and decrepit to be running from anything, let alone alligators, so I told Dennis that if I heard any rustling, I'd push him towards the sound and walk away as quickly as I could. Luckily, none of that transpired. Good thing too, I don't know how to drive the truck pulling a 5th wheel!
Today, I had to find a Verizon store. My smart phone (which I'm thinking ISN'T so smart) is on the fritz. When I try to text or type something on facebook, some of my vowels on the keypad won't work. So...if I try to type, oh, say, "Help! I've fallen and I can't get up!", it looks more like "Hlp, v flln nd cn't gt p.". It's rather hard to get anyone to take you seriously like that.
I've been paying something like $6.00 a month for insurance on my phone since I got it on May 25th, 2010, mostly because I have a terrible habit of dropping my cell phones in water...dish water and toilets are the biggest killers of my phones. So, after waitingx in line for about 45 minutes at Verizon, I was told that the warranty on my phone expired 10 days ago. Figures. It was probably programmed like that, if you ask me. So, I had to use the insurance policy I've been paying on for one year (and 10 days). My deductible is $99.00. So, that's $99.00 plus $72.00 = $171.00. Swell. AND, I have to wait until they ship me a new phone, then send my old broken phone back to them. Swell. It's always something!
However, I am on an extended dcvacation with the most wonderful husband in the world in one of the most beautiful places in the world, so I suppose I should thank the Good Lord for all my blessings and hush up about the small stuff. I'm going back outside and sit in my rocking chair and let the summer breeze blow through the jasmine in my mind!
Talk to you later!!!
We have had a couple of glorious days here at Cypress Woods Resort in Ft. Myers, Florida. The weather has been absolutely perfect! Lots of sunshine, Gulf breezes blowing to keep the air refreshing, and no humidity.
Yesterday Dennis and I got up early and drove to Sanibel Island to hit the beach, and sight see. I had heard about all the sea shells there, but until you see them with your own eyes, you just can't imagine the sight. I'm not a collector of shells, but I did put a few in my beach bag to bring back to my grandchildren. How fun it would have been to have them walking along, picking them up with me. Ahhh, someday, Lord willing!
There are so many quaint shops on the island too, and I just had to go in a few of them. One in particular piqued my interest, if just for the name alone..."She Sells Sea Shells". Really. (I'm glad it wasn't named "She Sits on The Sheets").
This store was awesome! Everything from a little dead shark in a glass bottle with some kind of liquid, (eeewww!) to any kind of shell imaginable. I bought a few souvenirs in there, but mostly just looked at all the interesting things that can be made using sea shells.
There is a little ice cream parlor on the island called Pinocchio's. OH MY! I believe that was the best ice cream I have ever tasted, and I've tasted lots of ice cream. Just look at my hips if you don't believe me.
There are signs along the paths where we walked on the island that say "Please don't feed the alligators". Now, I didn't see any alligators myself, but I'm here to tell you that I had no intentions of feeding them if I did see some! Dennis told me to keep an eye out for them, and if I hear rustling in the brush, to run as fast as I can. I am rather old and decrepit to be running from anything, let alone alligators, so I told Dennis that if I heard any rustling, I'd push him towards the sound and walk away as quickly as I could. Luckily, none of that transpired. Good thing too, I don't know how to drive the truck pulling a 5th wheel!
Today, I had to find a Verizon store. My smart phone (which I'm thinking ISN'T so smart) is on the fritz. When I try to text or type something on facebook, some of my vowels on the keypad won't work. So...if I try to type, oh, say, "Help! I've fallen and I can't get up!", it looks more like "Hlp, v flln nd cn't gt p.". It's rather hard to get anyone to take you seriously like that.
I've been paying something like $6.00 a month for insurance on my phone since I got it on May 25th, 2010, mostly because I have a terrible habit of dropping my cell phones in water...dish water and toilets are the biggest killers of my phones. So, after waitingx in line for about 45 minutes at Verizon, I was told that the warranty on my phone expired 10 days ago. Figures. It was probably programmed like that, if you ask me. So, I had to use the insurance policy I've been paying on for one year (and 10 days). My deductible is $99.00. So, that's $99.00 plus $72.00 = $171.00. Swell. AND, I have to wait until they ship me a new phone, then send my old broken phone back to them. Swell. It's always something!
However, I am on an extended dcvacation with the most wonderful husband in the world in one of the most beautiful places in the world, so I suppose I should thank the Good Lord for all my blessings and hush up about the small stuff. I'm going back outside and sit in my rocking chair and let the summer breeze blow through the jasmine in my mind!
Talk to you later!!!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
I Want To Live Here!
I don't know why I couldn't have been born rich instead of just so good looking...hahaha! But, really, I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around just how rich some people are.
We were invited to dinner today at the clubhouse. We really enjoyed ourselves, and sat and talked to some of the "seasoned" travelers for quite some time. My goodness! One couple told us about a few of the trips they have taken and I was in awe of the stories. Helicopter rides in Alaska and over the Grand Canyon. Cruises to all sorts of exciting destinations. They have their own private street that their house is on at the top of some city, and they have a motor home the size of my house in Burbank, Ohio! I'd say he robs banks for a living, but that motor home wouldn't make a very good getaway vehicle.
Dennis and I were talking about it on our walk this evening, and we decided that as nice as all that must be, we are still very blessed to be where we are, and have what we have. And we woudn't change a thing!
HOWEVER! I really would like to live here. We talked to another gentleman who knows a gentleman that owns a lot down here, but wants to rent it out this winter, soooo. I think we just might come back when the snow flies this coming winter.
We are going to get all the information from John (that's the gentleman that told us about the other gentleman) and check into it. Wouldn't that be nice?
And to all my friends and family, come on down!!!
We were invited to dinner today at the clubhouse. We really enjoyed ourselves, and sat and talked to some of the "seasoned" travelers for quite some time. My goodness! One couple told us about a few of the trips they have taken and I was in awe of the stories. Helicopter rides in Alaska and over the Grand Canyon. Cruises to all sorts of exciting destinations. They have their own private street that their house is on at the top of some city, and they have a motor home the size of my house in Burbank, Ohio! I'd say he robs banks for a living, but that motor home wouldn't make a very good getaway vehicle.
Dennis and I were talking about it on our walk this evening, and we decided that as nice as all that must be, we are still very blessed to be where we are, and have what we have. And we woudn't change a thing!
HOWEVER! I really would like to live here. We talked to another gentleman who knows a gentleman that owns a lot down here, but wants to rent it out this winter, soooo. I think we just might come back when the snow flies this coming winter.
We are going to get all the information from John (that's the gentleman that told us about the other gentleman) and check into it. Wouldn't that be nice?
And to all my friends and family, come on down!!!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Make New Friends
Most people that know me, will tell you that I'm very outgoing, even "the talkative one". Most would never think I'm shy. The truth lies somewhere in the middle.
I've never been a really confident person, I just try to look like I am. No small feat, that. But today, I made new friends.
Dennis and I went to check out the clubhouse here late this morning, and we ran into some very friendly folks who are owners in this Retirement Community. (You have to be an old person to stay here. Much to my chagrin, I qualify).
One very nice woman, Dorie, started the conversation by asking us if we were "new" here. When Dennis told her and the others with her that we had just retired last month, we became the "newbies". If you remember, earlier in the week we were called "greenhorns". I am totally enjoying being the new "kids" on the block! Who would ever have thought that Dennis and I would be the "younguns"?
After some conversation, we were invited to a Memorial Day picnic here with some other campers. This really made my day, as this morning I had talked to my mom and my sister, Jeannie, and was feeling just a tad blue and homesick. I know my great big, happy family will all be together this whole holiday weekend, and I won't be with them. And I'm thinking they will still have fun even when I'm not there! Maybe not quite as much fun, but fun, none the less.
So, the song that is going through my mind today has been one I remember from Girl Scouts many, many years ago. "Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold." Today, I made some new friends!
I've never been a really confident person, I just try to look like I am. No small feat, that. But today, I made new friends.
Dennis and I went to check out the clubhouse here late this morning, and we ran into some very friendly folks who are owners in this Retirement Community. (You have to be an old person to stay here. Much to my chagrin, I qualify).
One very nice woman, Dorie, started the conversation by asking us if we were "new" here. When Dennis told her and the others with her that we had just retired last month, we became the "newbies". If you remember, earlier in the week we were called "greenhorns". I am totally enjoying being the new "kids" on the block! Who would ever have thought that Dennis and I would be the "younguns"?
After some conversation, we were invited to a Memorial Day picnic here with some other campers. This really made my day, as this morning I had talked to my mom and my sister, Jeannie, and was feeling just a tad blue and homesick. I know my great big, happy family will all be together this whole holiday weekend, and I won't be with them. And I'm thinking they will still have fun even when I'm not there! Maybe not quite as much fun, but fun, none the less.
So, the song that is going through my mind today has been one I remember from Girl Scouts many, many years ago. "Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold." Today, I made some new friends!
Leave Your Troubles Behind
I'm sure you've heard that old expression, "Just leave your troubles behind!" Well, I'm here to tell you that isn't always possible. Even in "paradise".
The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and I'm sitting here clenching my teeth like someone is trying to pull them out of my mouth. Why? Because that's my nature. I worry. And I do it so well!
We have had to help Mom sell her house because her health is no longer such that she can live alone anymore. That alone has had me all bent out of shape for quite some time. For many reasons, some even very selfish on my part. But I've tried really hard to "pull up my big girl panties" (as a very dear friend says), and deal with it. So, we put it up for sale last September, and waited, and waited, and waited. Finally, we got some action on it. It's a beautiful home, and we fixed everything that needed fixing, so it's "move in ready". Now, we have an offer, now we have a contract, now we start moving her things out. And now we have a problem!
With todays economy being what it is, Mom's beautiful, move in ready house appraised for less than the contract. This is a legal and binding contract. But...greed has popped its ugly head out and decided to ask us to drop the price. And, here's where it comes in, I'm here, in "paradise" while the rest of my family deals with all of this. So, I'm sitting here with my teeth clenched, my head pounding, and worrying! And I'm doing it really well!
Maybe YOU can leave all your worries behind, but I just haven't figured out how to just yet. But, I'm working on it!
The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and I'm sitting here clenching my teeth like someone is trying to pull them out of my mouth. Why? Because that's my nature. I worry. And I do it so well!
We have had to help Mom sell her house because her health is no longer such that she can live alone anymore. That alone has had me all bent out of shape for quite some time. For many reasons, some even very selfish on my part. But I've tried really hard to "pull up my big girl panties" (as a very dear friend says), and deal with it. So, we put it up for sale last September, and waited, and waited, and waited. Finally, we got some action on it. It's a beautiful home, and we fixed everything that needed fixing, so it's "move in ready". Now, we have an offer, now we have a contract, now we start moving her things out. And now we have a problem!
With todays economy being what it is, Mom's beautiful, move in ready house appraised for less than the contract. This is a legal and binding contract. But...greed has popped its ugly head out and decided to ask us to drop the price. And, here's where it comes in, I'm here, in "paradise" while the rest of my family deals with all of this. So, I'm sitting here with my teeth clenched, my head pounding, and worrying! And I'm doing it really well!
Maybe YOU can leave all your worries behind, but I just haven't figured out how to just yet. But, I'm working on it!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
We're home!
After another long day of driving south on Interstate 75, we're finally at our destination; Ft. Myers, Florida!
The park we're staying in, for at least one month, is called Cypress Woods RV Resort. This is the fanciest, schmanciest place I've ever vacationed! It's a "gated" community. You have to have some sort of credit card looking thing you wave in front of some sensor thing to get the gates open so you can drive in. And there's a guard house, just like the Army bases where my son, Jason, lived when he was in the Army. Well, there's no soldier to salute you in, but still... And the sign that's planted right in front of the first gate says "Welcome Home!" Oh yea...
There are virtually no other people here right now...snow birds went home already. Kinda nice for us, really. There are 2 really nice pools, exercize rooms, a library, tennis courts and shuffleboard courts. There are 2 lakes with big sprinklers in them, and at night, there are lights shining in the sprinklers! Beautiful!
Palm trees are everywhere. And the landscaping is absolutely the prettiest I have seen outside of a National Park. Someone must work on it all day, every day.
After we got all "set up" (that's camper talk), we went to dinner, then came home and went for a walk. It had cooled off and was perfect walking weather. Chico loved it too, especially when we ran in to a couple from Minnesota walking their 2 little white dogs of some sort. We stood and talked baseball for a while; they are Twins fans, and of course, I'm a Cleveland Indians fan. (nanananabooboo!) Nice people though. I don't think we'll run into any tobacco spittin' folks in this park.
Dennis got his fishin' pole out and stood at the lake that sits right at the back of our 5th wheel for a bit. Didn't catch anything, but I could see him relax completely while he was holding that rod and reel! He looked like a retired man ought to look. Content!
Now, that's what I'm talkin' about!
The park we're staying in, for at least one month, is called Cypress Woods RV Resort. This is the fanciest, schmanciest place I've ever vacationed! It's a "gated" community. You have to have some sort of credit card looking thing you wave in front of some sensor thing to get the gates open so you can drive in. And there's a guard house, just like the Army bases where my son, Jason, lived when he was in the Army. Well, there's no soldier to salute you in, but still... And the sign that's planted right in front of the first gate says "Welcome Home!" Oh yea...
There are virtually no other people here right now...snow birds went home already. Kinda nice for us, really. There are 2 really nice pools, exercize rooms, a library, tennis courts and shuffleboard courts. There are 2 lakes with big sprinklers in them, and at night, there are lights shining in the sprinklers! Beautiful!
Palm trees are everywhere. And the landscaping is absolutely the prettiest I have seen outside of a National Park. Someone must work on it all day, every day.
After we got all "set up" (that's camper talk), we went to dinner, then came home and went for a walk. It had cooled off and was perfect walking weather. Chico loved it too, especially when we ran in to a couple from Minnesota walking their 2 little white dogs of some sort. We stood and talked baseball for a while; they are Twins fans, and of course, I'm a Cleveland Indians fan. (nanananabooboo!) Nice people though. I don't think we'll run into any tobacco spittin' folks in this park.
Dennis got his fishin' pole out and stood at the lake that sits right at the back of our 5th wheel for a bit. Didn't catch anything, but I could see him relax completely while he was holding that rod and reel! He looked like a retired man ought to look. Content!
Now, that's what I'm talkin' about!
Signs (written at 10:30am)
"Signs, signs, everywhere there's signs; blockin' out the scenery, breakin my mind..."
As we drive south on Interstate 75 in southern Georgia and northern Florida, this song comes to mind. (Yes, I'm a '70's gal and this is a '70's song). But, a more appropriate song, I can't think of at the moment.
"All trucks use right lane"; "Golf, fun, retirement living at it's best!"; Cracker Barrel next exit"; "Pecans and fresh Peaches in 5 miles". These signs can be helpful, although they needn't be the size of a small building, in my opinion.
All of a sudden, I begin seeing signs that truly shock me..."We Bare All"..."Strippers!"..."Semi Parking Provided!" Now, If you know me, you know I'm not often at a loss for words, but momentarily, I was.
Then my mind went to my sweet, innocent, precious granddaughters. Someone else's sweet, innocent, precious granddaughter grew up to be advertized on a 100 foot billboard as a stripper that "bares all". And lets not leave out that someones sweet, innocent, precious grandSON grew up to go there and lust after her!
"Adult Supercenter!" This makes me sick to my stomach. Literally! And, ironically, the sign right behind the "Adult Supercenter" sign says "Sex without consent is rape!" Uh...sex without MARRIAGE is a sin! And so is "Baring All".
What ever happened to morals? I know, I know...not popular in this technologically progressive society we find ourselves living in. But, really...even if one isn't "religious", is it really all right in their minds to "bare all", and advertize it on a sign??? This conduct isn't new, it's gone on pretty much forever. Look at Sodom and Gomorrah. But now we're so morally bankrupt that we have no shame and advertize it on a sign.
Jesus BORE it all. And he did it without sinning, knowing we would sin. And I don't think, no, I KNOW he wouldn't approve of these signs, or the people represented by them.
Another song comes to mind- but I'm changing the lyrics just a wee bit.
"Mama just let your babies grow up to be cowboys!!!"
As we drive south on Interstate 75 in southern Georgia and northern Florida, this song comes to mind. (Yes, I'm a '70's gal and this is a '70's song). But, a more appropriate song, I can't think of at the moment.
"All trucks use right lane"; "Golf, fun, retirement living at it's best!"; Cracker Barrel next exit"; "Pecans and fresh Peaches in 5 miles". These signs can be helpful, although they needn't be the size of a small building, in my opinion.
All of a sudden, I begin seeing signs that truly shock me..."We Bare All"..."Strippers!"..."Semi Parking Provided!" Now, If you know me, you know I'm not often at a loss for words, but momentarily, I was.
Then my mind went to my sweet, innocent, precious granddaughters. Someone else's sweet, innocent, precious granddaughter grew up to be advertized on a 100 foot billboard as a stripper that "bares all". And lets not leave out that someones sweet, innocent, precious grandSON grew up to go there and lust after her!
"Adult Supercenter!" This makes me sick to my stomach. Literally! And, ironically, the sign right behind the "Adult Supercenter" sign says "Sex without consent is rape!" Uh...sex without MARRIAGE is a sin! And so is "Baring All".
What ever happened to morals? I know, I know...not popular in this technologically progressive society we find ourselves living in. But, really...even if one isn't "religious", is it really all right in their minds to "bare all", and advertize it on a sign??? This conduct isn't new, it's gone on pretty much forever. Look at Sodom and Gomorrah. But now we're so morally bankrupt that we have no shame and advertize it on a sign.
Jesus BORE it all. And he did it without sinning, knowing we would sin. And I don't think, no, I KNOW he wouldn't approve of these signs, or the people represented by them.
Another song comes to mind- but I'm changing the lyrics just a wee bit.
"Mama just let your babies grow up to be cowboys!!!"
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Hi Y'all!
As day 3 comes to a close, I feel such a sense of contentment that I haven't felt in a very long time. I just got off the phone with my dear, sweet mother who I really hated leaving behind in Ohio.
When Dennis and I first started planning our retirement, we spoke frequently with Mom about it, and how we were going to take her with us. My parents spent many, many days traveling around this beautiful country pulling their travel trailer behind them. They actually were in every state of the Union, except, of course, Hawaii. I never got to go with them because by the time they were able to travel, I was raising 2 small boys. I will always regret that, but it is what it is.
Now, Moms health isn't good enough for her to travel with us, and it breaks my heart. She is one of the most fun people to be around, and is a wealth of knowledge about traveling. What we are learning every day, sometimes the hard way, she could be telling us and saving a lot of hassles! I so wish I could be sharing all of this with her, and her sharing her experience with us. Ah, if wishes were horses...as she used to always tell me.
We didn't travel today, at least not with the 5th wheel. We did some around town sight seeing, but mostly rested today. We went to the outlet mall close by, and there were only about 5 stores left, the rest closed and boarded up. Sad, this economy is affecting so many. We did find a discount book store, and even though both of us have brand new Kindles, we bought a few books to take to the beach with us. Old habits die hard. I bought a great Fairy Tale book for my grandchildren, hoping to instill our love of reading and books in them. I'm now anxious to sit down and read it with them.
We found a good steak house to eat dinner at, and enjoyed it very much. When we get to Ft. Myers, we'll grocery shop and I'll have to start cooking again. All good things must come to an end.
I also went to the local Walmart and bought a small vacuum cleaner for our new home. Got it out and put it to good use already too. Much better. We dragged so much muck and grass in when we were packing in the rain at home, it really needed a good sweeping. You don't have to sweep in a hotel!
I still miss my family. My son sent me a picture of my front yard, or as we're calling it now, Johnstonbaugh Pond. When will the rains end? If not soon, Justin may have to fire up the boat by our barn and take it to work. And still dry as a bone down here in the South.
Gonna go to bed and rise early to hit the road again. Destination tomorrow, Ft. Myers, Florida. Happy trails!!!
When Dennis and I first started planning our retirement, we spoke frequently with Mom about it, and how we were going to take her with us. My parents spent many, many days traveling around this beautiful country pulling their travel trailer behind them. They actually were in every state of the Union, except, of course, Hawaii. I never got to go with them because by the time they were able to travel, I was raising 2 small boys. I will always regret that, but it is what it is.
Now, Moms health isn't good enough for her to travel with us, and it breaks my heart. She is one of the most fun people to be around, and is a wealth of knowledge about traveling. What we are learning every day, sometimes the hard way, she could be telling us and saving a lot of hassles! I so wish I could be sharing all of this with her, and her sharing her experience with us. Ah, if wishes were horses...as she used to always tell me.
We didn't travel today, at least not with the 5th wheel. We did some around town sight seeing, but mostly rested today. We went to the outlet mall close by, and there were only about 5 stores left, the rest closed and boarded up. Sad, this economy is affecting so many. We did find a discount book store, and even though both of us have brand new Kindles, we bought a few books to take to the beach with us. Old habits die hard. I bought a great Fairy Tale book for my grandchildren, hoping to instill our love of reading and books in them. I'm now anxious to sit down and read it with them.
We found a good steak house to eat dinner at, and enjoyed it very much. When we get to Ft. Myers, we'll grocery shop and I'll have to start cooking again. All good things must come to an end.
I also went to the local Walmart and bought a small vacuum cleaner for our new home. Got it out and put it to good use already too. Much better. We dragged so much muck and grass in when we were packing in the rain at home, it really needed a good sweeping. You don't have to sweep in a hotel!
I still miss my family. My son sent me a picture of my front yard, or as we're calling it now, Johnstonbaugh Pond. When will the rains end? If not soon, Justin may have to fire up the boat by our barn and take it to work. And still dry as a bone down here in the South.
Gonna go to bed and rise early to hit the road again. Destination tomorrow, Ft. Myers, Florida. Happy trails!!!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Our Second Day
We have finally reached our second days destination! As we were driving through Atlanta, I had my doubts, but by the Grace of God, and Dennis's good driving skills, we made it to Valdosta, Georgia.
As we were getting further and further South, I noticed the greenery getting less and less green. How sad that it is so very dry down here, when home, Ohio, is so saturated that walking through my back yard is like trekking through a swamp. Makes one wonder why? Like many other things, God knows the why, and I'll not question Him.
I already miss my family. No suprise there. I love my kids and grandkids so much, that if I were a rich woman, I'd have a great big castle with many wings in it for all of us to live together. Alas...that is not to be. So, I'll keep in touch the new "fangled" way by cell phone, internet and Skype. I feel like Jane Jetson every time I use Skype!
We had a few frustrating moments when we first set up at the campground this evening. We could NOT get the truck unhooked from the rv. It was beginning to scare me, nothing unusual about that, so I got out my laptop and Googled " how to unhook a truck from a fifth wheel hitch"...and it worked! Soon we were out shopping for a few things we didn't realize we needed; like hose so we could have water in our fancy new home away from home. Oh, and cable so we could hook up the free cable offered at the campgrounds. All the comforts of home. Sit in front of the boob-tube.
My little Chihuahua, Chico, has become quite the traveller in two days. He slept most of the trip, and did what he was supposed to at the stops along the way. Now, if he just doesn't bark and bother the neighbors, we're a-okay!
I have decided it's much easier to pack a suitcase and get on an airplane to go on vacation...but you don't really see as much from the air as you do flying down the highway. Look at all the semi's you wouldn't get to see! So far, that's all we've seen. I told Dennis during the last hour of our trip today that this is it! We are NOT in a hurry any more. SLOW DOWN and enjoy the journey. That should be part of the enjoyment of our trip, not just getting there. We'll see what the next leg of this trip holds. I'll keep you posted!
As we were getting further and further South, I noticed the greenery getting less and less green. How sad that it is so very dry down here, when home, Ohio, is so saturated that walking through my back yard is like trekking through a swamp. Makes one wonder why? Like many other things, God knows the why, and I'll not question Him.
I already miss my family. No suprise there. I love my kids and grandkids so much, that if I were a rich woman, I'd have a great big castle with many wings in it for all of us to live together. Alas...that is not to be. So, I'll keep in touch the new "fangled" way by cell phone, internet and Skype. I feel like Jane Jetson every time I use Skype!
We had a few frustrating moments when we first set up at the campground this evening. We could NOT get the truck unhooked from the rv. It was beginning to scare me, nothing unusual about that, so I got out my laptop and Googled " how to unhook a truck from a fifth wheel hitch"...and it worked! Soon we were out shopping for a few things we didn't realize we needed; like hose so we could have water in our fancy new home away from home. Oh, and cable so we could hook up the free cable offered at the campgrounds. All the comforts of home. Sit in front of the boob-tube.
My little Chihuahua, Chico, has become quite the traveller in two days. He slept most of the trip, and did what he was supposed to at the stops along the way. Now, if he just doesn't bark and bother the neighbors, we're a-okay!
I have decided it's much easier to pack a suitcase and get on an airplane to go on vacation...but you don't really see as much from the air as you do flying down the highway. Look at all the semi's you wouldn't get to see! So far, that's all we've seen. I told Dennis during the last hour of our trip today that this is it! We are NOT in a hurry any more. SLOW DOWN and enjoy the journey. That should be part of the enjoyment of our trip, not just getting there. We'll see what the next leg of this trip holds. I'll keep you posted!
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