Monday, December 31, 2012

New Year's Eve

As I sit here writing this, it's 9:00 PM and I'm in my jammies and robe!  We're real party animals, Dave and I!

This morning Dave worked at church and I went to Bible Reading Time for the last time before we return to Florida.  It was a great discussion this morning.  Then this afternoon we went to Mark and Mary's to watch our Cyclones.  That was a disgusting game!  There was basically no offense and at times, no defense.  It just looked like the 'Clones didn't show up.  I felt bad for them!  We came home after the game and are just hanging out now.

There was a highlight to my evening...some of my former Cyclones called to wish me a Happy New Year.  It's always good to hear from those guys!

More later...

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Sunday night

Last night when we got home from Christmas with my family, it was almost midnight and there was just no  way I wanted to blog.  We had a wonderful time at Bob & Ann's.  It's always fun to be around my nieces and their families.  Al B didn't get to come.  He was working security from midnight to 8:00 AM at Wartburg   both Friday and Saturday nights.  Since he's about 3 hours away, and needed to sleep, he made a wise decision to stay home.  We missed him, though!  He's such a good guy.  So without Al, we had 14 of us around the dinner table!  After a HUGE meal, we unwrapped presents which took until 5:00 PM!  Then after a little bit of supper we played games!  We played Smart Ass and Buzz Word - both really fun games.  Cheyenne and Allison both wanted me on their teams!  Let's just say I had a good night!!!

Today we went to church, came home for leftovers, and then both of us read for most of the afternoon.  Tonight we popped popcorn and watched The Help, one of the 7 movies we received as Christmas gifts!  What a wonderfully moving story...now I've got to go back and re-read the book.  From what I recall, the book is quite different from the movie.

More later...

Friday, December 28, 2012

We're Ready!

Dave and I are ready for Christmas tomorrow!  We finished wrapping the packages, putting on name tags, making the gift card holders, making the apple salad, defrosting the apple cream pie, buying the wine, cleaning up the craft studio, and putting away the wrapping paper and bows!!  All we have to do tomorrow is cook the ham and we borrowed a roaster from church to do that!!  Hopefully all of our family is in southeast Iowa tonight safe and sound!  It'll be good to see them all again!
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I went out today and got my flu shot...yuck.  I was hoping to skip it this year, but Dave insisted.  I also renewed my driver's license.  It would have expired on my birthday and I'll not be in Iowa during that time...so now I'm good for 5 more years!!

More later...

Thursday, December 27, 2012

At last!

The sun finally came out this afternoon.  It's still mighty cold, but it was good to see the sun regardless!  We just were leaving the church after the funeral when the sun made an appearance!!  Yay!

This evening we went to Craig & Sue's.  We had a great evening eating pizza and drinking coffee laced with a chocolate alcoholic beverage!  I could really like coffee if it always had this chocolate stuff in it!  In fact, I think we should introduce it at coffee hour at The Ranch!  Sure would liven up those donuts!!

More later...

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Gray Day

OK, I'm tired of gray days already!  Dave told me tonight that today has reinforced for him WHY we go to Florida.  When you get bored in Florida, at least you can go outside and ride your bike, or water the plants, or just sit outside and read.  Here you just have to stay inside 'cause it's too cold to do anything else!

I was lazy getting around this morning, but I did finally take my shower and get dressed around 10:30.  We had an early lunch and then I went to the Club and taught 5 people how to play Sevens from Hell.  I think they all enjoyed the game.  We ladies clobbered the men, however, so don't know if the men liked the game or not.  I hope so!

Tonight, we've just been reading and playing games on the computer (me)!  Now I'm going to bed!  Tomorrow's a busy day.  We have a funeral in the afternoon and dinner with the Sylvesters tomorrow night!

More later...

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas

It's really been a busy two days.  Since Christmas eve was on a Monday, I started my day off by making chili and spiced oyster crackers for supper after church services.  Then Dave and I hurried and wrapped Bryan & Erin's packages!  At 10:30 I went to Bible Reading Time.  There were 9 of us there and, boy, did we have a lively discussion!  We started at John 6:36 and I think we made it all the way to John 6:41 - 5 verses!  We don't strive for speed - just knowledge!!  Fun time!

When I got home about 11:45 Bryan was here and he and his dad were enjoying coffee in the kitchen.  We fixed a late lunch and then while Bryan ran an errand, Dave and I rested a bit before church.  Christmas eve service was wonderful - great music and wonderful message!  We got out about 6:45 and waited until about 7:30 to go to Bob & Ann's for soup.  We loaded up the chili and crackers, plus a pecan pie that Erin had sent with Bryan and enjoyed them PLUS oyster soup - a family tradition!  We didn't get home until 11:00 or after and we went right to bed in case Santa Claus came a little early (lol)!!

This morning while the guys were making bacon and eggs, Dave cut  up apples and we made apple salad for today's lunch with Bob & Ann.  Breakfast was wonderful - topped off with Erin's homemade cinnamon rolls!!  It's a good thing we didn't eat lunch until 2:00 because that was a HUGE breakfast!  We made up for it, though.  We didn't eat supper tonight!  It was a good day - just pretty much laid-back enjoying visiting with Bob & Ann!

I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and rejoiced over the birth of Jesus!  More later...

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Billy Bailey

I love Sundays!  Church was wonderful today.  It was so good to see our friends - we miss them so much!  The choir number was fantastic.  Pastor David's sermon was great as usual!  He talked about God's gift to us, Jesus - Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6-7).  Church started with singing of carols - led by Mark, Mary, and PraiSing.  Great job!!

We took off after church to go see Auntie Mae in Mt Pleasant.  She's in Hospice care, or was.  When we got there she was shivering.  Her skin was so cold!  We put another blanket around her upper body and she said that was better.  She doesn't talk much now...but when I told her who I was, she just smiled and said, "Well, it's been a long time."  I know she knew who I was - her eyes just lit up!  We stayed for about 30 minutes - it's hard just talking to someone when they don't answer...but I'm sure glad we went.  I thought she looked good, but you can certainly tell that she's failing.

Lunch today was in MtP at the Press Box.  Good food - so much better than Courtside, and it's the same menu.

Billy Bailey is our new puppy!  Here's a picture of him!  He's a little doll!!


(Literally!!)  He's about 5" tall by 5" long!  Heartland Humane and Bailey's Office Supply sold them for a fundraiser and our friend, Ed, bought one for us.  He thought Dave wouldn't be allergic to him!  So I named him Billy, as in Bill Bailey won't you please come home!  Gotcha!!

Tomorrow's a really, really busy day, so I'm going to bed early!

More later...

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Saturday

Today I was alone most of the day!  Dave went to habitat to work and to meet the new homeowner.  I couldn't go anywhere because he had the truck.  So I stayed home and worked on gift card holders for the gift cards we got for Christmas presents.  I've got them all made.  All I have to do now is decorate them and put name tags on them.

I also made a card for my brother's birthday which was Thursday.  Ann got a few people together at the club for dinner and drinks...and birthday cake.  He asked for no gifts, just cards.  It was a fun night!

Oh, I think I forgot to tell you that we got a new puppy when we got home.  I'll hopefully post pictures tomorrow!!  He's so sweet!!

More later...

Friday, December 21, 2012

We're Done!

I think we're finally done with our Christmas shopping!!  Hip, hip, hooray!  Now I've got to make gift card holders for all the gift cards we bought!!  I'm planning to work on those tomorrow while Dave's at Habitat.  Since I don't have a vehicle, I won't be tempted to leave for a while!!

Ever since we've been home, I've been so tired I can hardly stay awake!  I'm sure it's just being stuck inside in this dry air!  I've caught myself referring to Florida as home, as in:  "When we get back home...."  Funny!

Today was a beautiful day.  It was only in the 20's, but the sun was shining brightly!  I guess it's cold in Clearwater, too...maybe in the 50's and 60's.  That sounds heavenly to me after being in THIS cold!

More later...

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!

I am freezing!  Today all day, we've had 40-50 mph winds from the Northeast/North and frigid temps - what snow we have was blowing so hard at times I could hardly see my neighbors!  Quite a difference from yesterday when we left Florida!!  At one time today it was 4 degrees wind chill!  Most of the day I spent in bed, but I did have a massage at 4:00 so I had to go out for a while.  Now I'm sitting here wrapped up in a blanket - not that it's cold in our house, but the sound of the wind outside makes you cold!!

Since I slept most of the day, I didn't do anything, so this is boring!  Today is my brother's birthday - I did call him.  We're celebrating on Saturday, though.  We also had sad news - Cassie & Kyle lost their baby.  We're all really bummed.  They went in for their 11 week check and there was no heartbeat.  Sad...

More later...

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Welcome Home!

We had a wonderful flight home - everything was so smooth!  Seatbelt sign was off for most all of the trip!  Then about 35 minutes from DSM, the clouds moved in.  We still didn't have turbulance, but we were in clouds all the way.  Then when we got within 10 minutes of landing, we could see the snow in the wing lights - it was parallel to the ground!!!  It still wasn't too cold - maybe about 35, but the snow was really coming down.  It was very, very hard to see to drive...couldn't see the white lines on either side of the car and the snow was blinding, too.  I'm guessing there was about an inch of snow on the ground because of the tracks on the highway.  Then around Pella it started raining, then snow, then back to rain.  By Eddyville there was nothing!  Now, however, we're having rain and thunder and lightening!  Blizzard is still supposed to hit tonight and tomorrow.  Welcome home!!

More later...

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Last B&B for the year!!

We bowled this morning and both of us bowled pretty well.  I had 127-140-121.  Dave had 121-105-95 or something like that.  We were both pleased with our bowling...I struggled my third game - I kept getting splits!  Maybe next year I'll bowl better!!  After bowling we went to Peters - good food and no one complained!

I took a short nap this afternoon while Dave helped Sue & Penny.  Then I went to bingo.  Francine (a French lady who lives near the park) won the first 5 games.  She ended up winning 7 of the 16 games!  I told her she should go buy a lottery ticket!!  I won  one game, but had to split the pot with another lady...so I almost won my entry fee back!

Tomorrow we fly home.  Our plane leaves at 3:00 and we get in around 5:00.  I've seen that O-town may get 10-11" of snow tomorrow night...I hope not!

More later...

Monday, December 17, 2012

Sunday/Monday

I'm tired!  I guess I'll get to rest when we get back in O-town!!  Sunday we went to church, came home for a little bit, and at 2:30 left for Homosassa Springs for a Christmas program in Sue's brother's church.  He had written the dialog for the program, plus acted and sang in it.  His wife also had a solo song.  It was fantastic!  It's hard to believe that there's THAT much talent in any one church.  The singing was top-notch, as was the instrument playing!!  It was a great story about how the nativity would have been portrayed in various time periods...like today, during King James' time, etc.  Jesus even had a stereotypical Jewish mother!!  Great job!  After the program, which started at 6:00, we went to Jeff and Faith's home for a little party.  We had a great time; the only problem was we didn't get home until midnight!!

This morning, we got up, got around, and went to Sarasota.  Dave and his dad went fishing - this time they brought home 6 fish!!  Roberta and I went shopping.  We didn't get to eat lunch until 2:15 when all 4 of us got home!!  We were just having too much fun!!  It was a beautiful day!!

I played 7s from Hell tonight - I was on the winning team again!  Woohoo!!

More later..

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Beautiful Saturday!

Our day started out with breakfast at the clubhouse...one of Marv's famous breakfasts.   Today we had quiche!!  Not only did we have quiche, you could also have scrambled eggs, biscuits & gravy, sausage, pancakes, 3 different kinds of quick breads, country fries, juice and coffee.  Quite a spread for $5.00!!  Plus, the guys make the breakfast AND do the cleanup!  Good deal!

We had to run out to get some more envelopes, so we went to the Largo Mall to Michaels - no envelopes the size of my cards.  Dave had suggested we try Office Depot, but I doubted they'd have A2 envelopes.  Well, guess what?  They did!  So after a short stop at Publix, we came home and both of us took naps.  Mine was longer than Dave's because I had a really hard time sleeping last night.  I think it was just too much  sorrow about the shootings in Connecticut!

This evening we were to meet Sudi & Howard at JD's about 5:15, so about 4:00 we went down to Redington Shores to a park and watched the birds - even took a few pictures.

 Beautiful blue heron.
 Osprey.
 Blue heron.

Across the water was this nice housing area, so we drove back in there and took some pictures of for sale signs.  These 3 all had waterfronts - I wonder what they cost!  Nice area - kind of crowded, but very livable...or so it looked to us!



We met Sudi & Howard at JD's - good food, great company AND even a boat parade!!

I also am posting a picture of Ron & Marcia's Lexus after their wreck.  It is pretty well crunched up.














More later...

Friday, December 14, 2012

Chilly tonight!

It's a little chilly here tonight.  It's already down to 60 - guess we'll have the bedspread on again tonight!  We're sitting here all snuggled into our chairs - I love having my computer on my lap for evenings like this...it's so warm and toasty!!  It was beautiful here today, though!  Dave even went fishing at the nature preserve.  He got some bites, but didn't catch anything.

I finished up my candy and cleaned up my mess.  Then I got all of our Christmas cards in the mail!  I've got most of the cards for our friends here at Holiday Ranch ready to go, too.  Time's getting short, so I'd better get a move on!!

I thought you'd enjoy seeing me in my Red Hat garb!  When I uploaded this picture, all I could think of was how much I look like my mom!


This is such a sad day for America.  I can't believe that a 20 year old could get so angry to shoot 27 or 28 people, especially innocent children.  What made him so angry?  Where did he get the assault weapons he used?  What kind of upbringing did he have that he had no regard for human life?  Why kill innocent people if you hate your life and want to die?  Where do we go from here?  When will this insanity stop?  When will people stop acting like this?   I have so many questions and no answers, unfortunately.  All we can do is pray that God will stop the craziness.

More later...

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Fish & Candy

We went to Sarasota today and it turned out to be a beautiful day!  Nice enough that Dave and his dad could go fishing!  Maury put on a fishing clinic for Dave today.  He caught 6 fish and Dave only caught 1.  They brought home 3 nice whitings to put in the freezer.

While they were out fishing, Roberta and I made candy.  We made the peanut butter insides for her "Clark Bar lookalikes" - 2 batches of them.  We've still got to dip them in chocolate, but I ran out of chocolate...so that's a tomorrow job.  At the same time we made a batch of crock pot peanut clusters and got to dip them out about 15 minutes after the other two batches of candy were done and the kitchen cleaned up.  Then we had to wait for about 2 hours or so before they set up enough to put away.  Everything is delicious if I do say so myself!!!

We didn't get home until after 5:00.  Lunch wasn't until about 2:30, so no supper tonight.

More later...

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Busy, Busy, Busy!!

This was one of those BUSY days!  We went to coffee this morning, then I took off for Bealls to get myself something purple to wear with my red hat to the Red Hat luncheon today.  There were 14 of us dressed "to kill" (actually that's because people die of laughter after seeing us in our finery!) that went to the Ivory Mandarin restaurant in Dunedin for lunch.  It was pretty good for Chinese food.  I'm not a fan.  Next time I go to a Chinese restaurant, I'm going to ask for steamed veggies and rice - no sauce.  Then I'd probably like it, cause I love steamed veggies and rice - no meat.  Someone took a group picture, so I'll try to get one to post.  We really looked good!

After lunch we went to this little shop that was kind of like a dollar store, only crammed into an itty bitty area.  I found a red hat with a cool purple hat band all for $15.  Next time, I'll REALLY be styling!  The hat I bought at the beach wouldn't stay on my head - my hair is too slick or something!!  Plus, it's not very comfortable for long periods of time.  We left here at 11:45 and didn't get home until after 3:00!!  I sat down in my chair to get on my computer and fell asleep for about 1/2 an hour.  Dave invited Sue & Penny over for supper, so we had to get things ready for that!  It's so good to see them and they love their new home!  They've got a wish list a mile long, but all in due time!!  Glad they're here!  They didn't leave until 7:30 and then we did dishes, so it's been a long day!

Tomorrow we go to Sarasota - the guys are going fishing and Roberta & I are making candy!  Sounds like we've got the better end of things!!  Stinky fish or wonderful chocolate smells...hmmm??  Chocolate wins out every time!

More later...

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Tuesday

This was an interesting day!  This morning was bowling.  I bowled pretty well this morning...I had a 130, 142, and a 129!  I threw the ball really well...most of the time I got 9 on the first ball!  I was pretty close to bowling really, really well!  Plus, I won poker on one game with two pairs!

Then, this afternoon, I had a phone conference with DuPont's Extend Health to determine what I would do for my  medigap coverage and drug coverage as soon as my birthday month gets here!  A phone call that was supposed to take about 30 minutes ended in about 100 minutes!  At least I'm all signed up so I can forget about that issue!!

Tonight at bingo, I ended up with an L on my forehead again.  I was sooo close, just no cigar!!

More later...

Monday, December 10, 2012

9 more days

Actually only 8 more days until we're on our way home for Christmas.  Right now it's only 18 there and it's 70 here.  In fact, we turned on our A/C today because it is so humid!  We had a nice rain tonight and are supposed to get more the next two days...but the sun DID shine this morning, so we can still count it  toward the 361 days of sunshine per year average!  I'm really going to miss this!!

I don't know what was going on with our printer today, but it kept saying the wireless connection was off.  I finally took my computer in by it and hooked it up manually.  I got my labels printed that way...then I brought my computer back out to the living room and the wireless started working again!!  Have no clue what happened!

At 7s from Hell tonight, Coreen and I won!!  Yay!  We'll see how I bowl tomorrow...maybe I'll win at bingo...hmmm!!

More later...

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Beautiful Day!

It was another beautiful day here.  I think we're supposed to get about 3 days of rainy weather this week, so maybe I won't get to say that it's a "beautiful day" every day this week!  I just talked to my brother - it's only 28 there.  He said that's about as high as it's going to get tomorrow - yuck!

We went to church today, then to Office Depot to get some labels for Christmas cards...then I took a nap instead of doing the cards.  Shame on me!  Actually, it was a book's fault!  I wanted to finish this book I started yesterday.  Reading leads to sleep...so, after I finished my book, I felt a nap was in order.  Dave had gone to work on 441 after lunch, so napping was easy.  It was quiet with no interruptions.  He came home 1/2 hour after I started my nap.  I got up out of my chair, walked into the bedroom, and fell asleep again!  I must have been tired!  Sure hope I sleep tonight!

More later...

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Saturday

I felt better again today...I'm not coughing as much as I did!!  Yay!  I'm about ready to chop out my right tonsil, though.  It still hurts!  Bummer!  Maybe by tomorrow it'll be okay again!

Dave worked at 441 again today.  He got the bathroom all done and cleaned up.  Now he's going to work on the kitchen area.  It has some nasty wallpaper!!  He's hoping to get it all off and paint the walls and cabinets before Sue & Penny get here last next week.

We also went to SuperCuts to get our hair cut today...that took an hour, maybe more!  The lady we like to cut our hair was behind, but we waited for her!  When we got done, we went to Carmelita's for lunch, then back to the park so he could work some more.

This evening we had just come in from the lanai and locked all the doors, when the phone rang.  Ann's brother & sister-in-law had been in a wreck and needed a ride home from the hospital.  It seems they were sitting in traffic when an impatient young lady zoomed around traffic, hit an Escalade broadside and knocked it into Ron & Marcia, which pushed them into a car, and that car into another car, etc.  They are banged up, but it could have been far worse...thank God for watching out for them.  Traffic was a mess.  We were to go  S on 19 to 49th South, to the 6000 block...well, we had to make 2-3 detours because of a holiday parade that was blocks long.  It took us 3x as long to get there as it should have!  Coming back was relatively simple because the parade was over, but it was definitely a challenge getting there.  Of course, the insurance company can't get to their car until Tuesday, so they're without wheels.  Good thing to have "relatives" in the park!

More later...

Friday, December 7, 2012

Super Friday!


It turned out to be a beautiful day today!!  It's still 68 here.  I wondered about today because it was overcast all morning.  Finally about noon, the clouds burned off and the sun came out.  We ate our lunch and then went to the Legion to join the rest of the gang there.  Gorgeous day to sit on the water with friends!  Some of our friends may have headaches tomorrow, if you know what I mean!!

I did some Christmas shopping online and now I don't have a lot left.  I've still got to get something for my brother (he's so hard to buy for!) and for a couple more of the guys.  Then I'm done!  Tomorrow I'm going to print out labels for our Christmas cards and then maybe I'll be ready to head home for Christmas!

More later...


Thursday, December 6, 2012

Beautiful, fun day!

Today was a beautiful day in the neighborhood!  It's still 73 degrees, even after a little shower this evening!  Dave worked on unit 441 this morning, putting a coat of paint on the cabinets in the bathroom and painting the ceiling.  Then Sudi, Howard, Nancy, and Rod came over around noon.  Nancy & Rod hadn't been to our park so we gave them the nickel tour before we went to Clearwater to have lunch.  Lunch today was at the Post Corner where we all had pizza!  Six of us and we all like different kinds of pizza - what a hoot!  Ours today may have been the best we've had!  We had a 4 topping - pepperoni, bacon, onions, and fresh tomatoes.  Delicious!  Good food, beautiful scenery, and wonderful friends!  Can't beat that!

Dave was going to go back to 441 to work this afternoon, but instead he read a book and I took a nap.  I read for a while and then I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer!  This evening we've just been hanging out.  A little shower went through here about 45 minutes ago.  We really needed it...it didn't last long, but appreciated nonetheless!

More later...

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Sick of being sick!

I finally got out today.  I'm no longer contagious, so I went to coffee and to the association meeting.  Dave sneaked out after coffee, because he wanted to get busy painting at Sue & Penny's place.  I think the meetings are pretty boring, so I don't blame him for leaving.  I tried riding my bike around the park, but I'm just not able to breathe that well right now.  I am really tired of coughing!  I think if I could quit coughing, my throat would no longer be sore.

Tomorrow we're meeting some of my friends from high school.  They're coming here first and then we're going to the Post Corner for pizza.  Should be a nice day to sit out and watch the water!  I hope I remember to take my camera!

More later...

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Still sickly!

Today was my second day of being home and "nursing" my crud!  I'm on day 2 of antibiotics...I do feel a little better, but my cough is awful!  I'm not coughing as much, which is good.  My throat is sore this evening, but it wasn't too bad all day.  Hopefully tomorrow will be a much better day!

It was beautiful here again.  Dave & I eat all of our meals (except breakfast) on the lanai...we don't eat breakfast out there because I'm usually still in my pjs and our neighbor sits outside to have his coffee.  He has a direct view of our lanai!

Dave took the wallpaper off the bathroom at Sue & Penny's house...he'll start taping and painting there tomorrow.  I'm hoping I get better quickly so I can help him paint.  They'll get here in about a week and a half.  We can hardly wait to see them!

More later...

Monday, December 3, 2012

Doctor today!

I got up this morning, took my shower, dressed, and left to find a doctor!!  I've got a sore throat and what feels like ear infection...my glands on my right side hurt, as does my ear, and my teeth!  I was able to get in to see a doctor at an emergency care clinic - I had to wait about 5 minutes after I completed my new patient paperwork is all!  I have tonsillitis!  Yuck - I had that all the time when I was a kid.  My lungs are clear, no fever, no ear infection, just ulcerated tonsils and a cough that irritates my tonsils more!  So I'm on a Z-Pac.  I took 2 pills when I got home and I've taken 2 naps - sure hope I can sleep tonight!

More later...

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Super Sunday

Another beautiful day here in central Florida.  We got up and went to church this morning.  Church ran extra long today because it's the first Sunday in Advent, the hanging of the greens Sunday, plus communion.  Whew!  It was a nice service, though.  Unfortunately they had the A/C cranking and by the time we left, we were both frozen.

We knew we were going to see Dave's dad before we left for church, so we packed our shorts and left right from church.  We had hoped to have lunch with Sudi & Howard, but they passed.  So we went to Gators and sat in the sun by ourselves.  We ate our lunch and then took a detour (we took the scenic route!) south...we actually ended up going north for quite a while.  I need to look at a map to see where we were going to come out.  We decided to turn on the GPS and those instructions took us a round-about way out to I275.  It took us a lot longer to get to Dad's than we thought!  At least he and Roberta got a nap before we got there!

We hung up their Christmas lights on the outside of their mobile home, plus I replaced lights on their little palm tree on their lanai.  They look quite festive now!!  We didn't get home until about 9 hours after we left this morning - it was a long day!

More later...

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Can it really be...

December 1st?  No way!  Where did this year go?  My mom always said that time went faster the older you got.  I guess she was right...again!

Dave and I had a rather lazy day today.  We DID get some of the Christmas decorations out and up.  I went to Walmart and bought a couple of spiral trees for out in front of our mobile.  They look really cool.  Dave put white lights up around the carport and we have the tree up in the lanai.  It's beginning to look like Christmas here!

This evening we had a taco bar at the clubhouse.  Cost us $5 each for all you can eat tacos.  Very good food!  I don't know who made the guacamole, but it was REALLY good!

Yesterday I didn't feel very good and thought I was getting sinus infection, but today I feel much better!  Hopefully nothing except a cough!

More later...

Friday, November 30, 2012

We're home!

We're back home in Largo and does it ever feel good!  We got ready to leave this morning and Jami called.  Her car wouldn't go into gear, so we went to rescue her!  We took her to the Buick garage where she was given a loaner.  The garage was going to pick up her car with a wrecker.  I sure hope it was caused by something they did earlier in the week...if not, she'll have to pay for the repairs.  She hadn't heard from them late this afternoon, so it could be more extensive than a broken cable.

We are both coughing and sneezing tonight.  Hopefully it's just getting Beau out of our systems.  Danny had a cold while we were there, so it could be a cold - yuck!  I'm exhausted tonight...it'll be good to sleep in our own bed tonight!

More later...

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Beautiful Day

Dave took Jami to work again today, but not until they attended an awards ceremony for Megan...she was on the honor roll at her school!

Megan's in the back left - way to go, Megan!

Now for more pictures from Butterfly World.  Lots of butterflies, exotic birds, and beautiful plants!
 Enlarge this one and look at this butterfly's eyes!  Spooky!
 A little hummer!
 Another passion flower!
This little girl had the most beautiful song!  She sat there and sang while I talked to her!
 Cute juvenile!  Check out some of his white baby feathers!
Just another beautiful flutterby!

Today we took Bryan & Erin to Bru's room.  They fly out tomorrow!

More later...

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Fun Day!

Dave had to take Jami to work again today because her car still wasn't done at the repair shop.  In fact, it's still not done so he's taking her tomorrow too.  When he got back, he and I went to Butterfly World.  We took almost 500 pictures between us!  Here are a few!

This butterfly's other side is green and black...couldn't get that side!

Passion flower...Butterfly World has scores of them!
Lorikeet - funny guys!
 He scared me!
Beautiful!
The end!
Some roses in the rose garden.

Love Butterfly World!  As we waited to hear from the Buick dealership, we ate a light lunch.  Then we came back to our condo and rested before Dave went back to Boca to pick up Jami.  When they got back, Tom had the kids, Bryan & Erin were still in the Keys, so Jami, Dave and I went to Nick's for Italian food!  Wonderful place to eat!!

More later...

Monday, November 26, 2012

Monday in Ft Lauderdale

This was a beautiful, beautiful day and we had lots of fun in it!  Dave took Jami to work this morning so her car could get worked on.  She was only going to work until 1:00 so we went back to Boca after spending some time on the beach looking at the beautiful sights!  Gorgeous day for the beach!  These are pictures we took at Deerfield Beach.



We also picked up the girls from school, got my eyebrows done, got my glasses adjusted, and ate at Five Guys!  Oh, we also took the girls for ice cream!!  Great day!!

More later...

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Day #3

Our third day in Ft Lauderdale started out by going to church, as usual.  This time, though, we went to the Catholic Church with Jami's family.  The girls are now in the choir, so I thought it was important for us to see them!  It is always interesting to go there because it's so different from our religion!

I found out on Saturday that Dave and I are going to be great-greats in the summer.  Kyle told me that they are expecting!!  I'm so excited...I hope that all goes well for them!  Aren't great-great aunts supposed to be old???

More later...

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Day #2 In Ft Lauderdale!

This was a wonderful day, even though it started out early and lasted late!  We went to two soccer games - Kelly's team played this morning early and again at 4:10 this afternoon.  They won the first one 4-1 and tied the 2nd game 1-1.  I don't think they'll play tomorrow, which will be all right.

Other than that, we helped Megan clean out her drawers and enjoyed the sun!

More later...

Friday, November 23, 2012

Ft Lauderdale

We're in Fort Lauderdale.  We got here in 4.5 hours after driving cross country.  We got to see sugar cane and citrus!  Lots of both!  We didn't get to see a bear, but we saw lots of sand hill cranes, cattle and horses. We stopped at Wendy's in Clewiston to eat lunch.  Wendy's has a really good spicy chicken sandwich!  Just thought I'd tell you!

When we got to Jami's, Bryan & Erin were heading out to the beach, Kelly had a soccer game and we had to go to our resort to check in.  After a short nap, we went back over just as Jami & Tom got back from the game.  Bryan & Erin took off to Nick's to have dinner (my recommendation) and the rest of us ate leftovers! We weren't very hungry because we had stopped at Razzleberry's for an ice cream before going to Jami's.  You should see the beach area at Atlantic and Briny.  It is really built up...all the shops have new facades.  There's a huge parking lot and lots of palm trees!  The beach area has been cleaned up and a huge playground and workout area have been added, as well as having the Pier opened again.  There's a new restaurant about to open next door to Razzleberry's and when the electric crews return from the NY area, there will be lights all over the area!  Wow!

We're told that A1A down toward Ft Lauderdale is closed because of the high tides and most of the beaches have been washed away.  I'll try to get some pix to share of that area.  We can compare the beach to last year's pictures.  I can't imagine!

More later...

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving

What a beautiful day for Thanksgiving.  It's really hard to get in the mood for the holiday season when it's sunny and in the 70's!  Today we boiled 15 pounds of potatoes and mashed them.  That's a bunch of potatoes!  I think there were 3 of us doing white potatoes and then another 2-3 doing sweet potatoes.  We also had what they call turnips (we call them rutabagas), turkey, green beans, carrots, salads, appetizers, and tons of desserts!  It was quite a feast!

Tomorrow we leave for Fort Lauderdale.  We get to see the kids and the grands!  Should be fun!  More later...

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Thanksgiving eve

After coffee this morning, Dave went to Treasure Island to help Howard cut down some of the imposing branches or excess greenery at their place.  Now they will definitely be able to get some sun on their patio!  I'm sure Missy is happy, let alone Sudi and Howard!!  He got home earlier than he thought, so we ate a bite of lunch and went to Hammerhead Hardware to see if we could find Christmas decorations that we like.  Nothing jumped out at us, so we didn't buy anything.  I guess we'll be going pretty simple this year.  The lady that we bought our mobile from had a little train that lights up...I'm not really very fond of it, plus part of the lights are out.  I think we'll just put up lights around  our place and a little tree inside the lanai and that'll be enough.  After all we're not here long!

Tomorrow is a big day.  Thanksgiving meal here at the Ranch starts at 4:00.  I've got 15 pounds of potatoes to cook and mash before then!  Dave peeled them and cut them up - my hands hurt too much to do that many spuds!

More later...

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

B&B Again!


This is Tuesday, which means B&B - bowling & bingo!  Bowling wasn't too bad - not good, but not too bad!!  I had a 350 series, which means I had a 103, a 125 and a 122 or something like that.  I picked up some spares today and actually won one of the poker hands with 3 queens.  Dave also won one of the poker hands with 3 fours!  Women ruled again - Donna had 176 and a 179 and Bobbi had a 179.  The high men's game was 166.  One of these days I'm going to have a high game!  I just don't know when!

After bowling we went to Acropol for lunch.  Good food, good service!  They serve breakfast all day which is wonderful!  So I had bacon & eggs and wonderful hash browns!  Bingo wasn't so good.  I needed one number for a long time, but my numbers just wouldn't come up.  Maybe next time!

Dave got the front porch done this afternoon.  It really looks nice.  Tomorrow he's going to Treasure Island to help Howard & Sudi.  I've got some things I need to do around here, so I'm staying here.  

More later...

Monday, November 19, 2012

Monday at the Ranch

My day started out at the pool for water aerobics.  It was a little chilly this morning, but with abundant sunshine, it warmed up beautifully.  The water in the pool was wonderful...but it was pretty cold when we got out!!  Thank goodness the sun warmed us up right away!

When I got home, Dave had started putting the skid-proof "paint" on our front porch.  It looks really, really nice.  He also did some tuck-pointing on the steps so tomorrow he'll paint them, too.  I wish I'd taken a "before" picture so you could see the difference in the before and the after.  It really looks nice!  He's still going to put a second coat on everything, but I love it!!

Tonight I went to play 7s from Hell...I'm a winner!!!  In fact, we won big!!  Hope my luck continues into tomorrow!

More later...

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Sunday

Dave got up early and took Bob & Ann to the airport.  I slept.  Something woke me at 6:30, though, and I couldn't go back to sleep.  By that time, Dave was home, so I just got up, had breakfast, and got ready for church.  By the time we got out of church B&A were home in Iowa already!  Dave & I had some shopping to do after church.  We went to Lowe's and to Sam's Club.  Yuck, yuck, yuck!!  The weekend before Thanksgiving was NOT a good time to shop!  Now I know why I buy Christmas presents online...I hate to shop!!  Sam's Club was a complete zoo.  You could hardly get around the aisles, it was so busy!

The rest of the day was a lazy one.  We watched the race, read the newspaper, and just hung out.  Neither of us did anything worthy of telling about!  Our guy (Jeff Gordon) won the race!!  Woohoo!!

I've got a few more pictures to share with you.  I really like taking closeup pictures of flowers.  This is my amaryllis which was blooming this summer and is now blooming again.  Pretty, isn't it?

This rose is up second street from our place.  It is so fragile looking!
This is a picture of a kite that was on the beach when we went to the Sanding Ovations on Saturday.  It was fascinating to watch.
Of course, I must have the required fishing picture!  Here is Dave fishing on Lido Beach.
 Just a picture of some of the crowd on the beach at Sanding Ovations.
Interesting story...this guy is from St Louis.  My next door neighbor when I was growing up (Susan) has a daughter who lives with this man!  It's such a small world, isn't it??!!!
Hope you enjoyed my pictures - more later...

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Woohoo

If we're up past 10:00 Dave always says we're turning into pumpkins.  Well, here we are up after 10!  So this post is from Mrs. Pumpkin!!  How about those Cyclones!!  What a game!  I hope Sam Richardson knows how to be humble because next week he has to lead the team again West Virginia!  That will not be an easy task!  At least we're bowl eligible and we had the 2nd toughest schedule in the nation!!

We had a fun day today, but a busy day!  We had breakfast in the rec hall at 8:30 - pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, juice, coffee.  Good way to start a Saturday.  Then we met Sudi & Howard in Treasure Island for the Sanding Ovation - sand sculptures on the beach!  We parked out on the beach itself.  It was an absolutely beautiful day for beach walking.  The sculptures were incredible!  We had lunch outside at Sloppy Joes (on the beach)!


We went to Bob & Ann's to say goodbye to them.  They fly out early in the morning.  Dave's taking them to the airport.  Then we're off to church.

More later...

Friday, November 16, 2012

Fun Friday

It was really cool out this morning, but we're tough!  Our day started early again!!  We took off at 8:30 this morning - headed to the Red Barn in Bradenton.  We shopped til we dropped!!  We actually stayed at the Barn until about 11:30, then because it was still so cool, we took off for St Armand's Circle.  It was a beautiful drive from Bradenton down to Sarasota because we went through Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key to get there.  Everyone in America was at St Armands and we couldn't get a parking place...so we went on into Sarasota.  We hadn't shopped enough yet, so we stopped at the Women's Exchange.  Needless to say, Ann, Bob, and Dave had never seen a thrift store with crystal chandeliers!  When we left the WE, we drove by Sun-n-Fun just to show Bob & Ann where Dad & Roberta live.  Then we took off for Clearwater and the Legion.

When we got to the Legion, the sun came out and we had a lovely day to sit out by the water.  There were 3 dolphins - two adults and a baby showing off for us!  The baby kept jumping up and splashing as all three of them went by, then came back, then went by again!  Plus, there were two guys singing...Blinky and Fritz...very good entertainment.  They sang 60's rock & roll, a little bit of country, some easy listening, and even "Jingle Bell Rock".

We finally got home about 4:00!!  Long day, but a fun one!!  Dave said he was going to take a short nap, but the mailman knocked on the door delivering my camera lenses.  So the next hour or two were spent playing with the new lenses.  I can't figure out the wide angle lens, but I got the other one working very well.  We'll probably take them with us tomorrow if the sun is shining - try them out in the field!!

Tomorrow is another busy day.  More later...

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Run, run, run

It seems like we do a lot of running down  here!  I don't mean the kind of running like jogging.  I mean the kind like running from here to there because of things to do!  This morning we left for Sarasota about 8:30 AM.  Dave and his dad wanted to get a head start on those pesky fish in the Bay.  So they took off for Lido Beach to fish.  Roberta and I decided to do our running shopping.  We went to Bed, Bath & Beyond because I wanted two things - some new Tervis tumblers and a footstool for the shower.  I have a devil of a time shaving my legs in a walk-in shower!!  I found a little folding stool that I can put my foot up on - that will make it a whole lot easier to shave my legs!!!  I also found some ice cube trays for Dave to use in his gin refrigerator and some clips to hold a tablecloth on a table.  Plus, I got Dave a new coffee travel mug.

When we left BB&B, we ran to Subway to get sandwiches for all of us, then ran to Lido Beach to eat lunch with the guys - fish smell and all!  Dave caught 3 fish and his dad caught 2.  They threw the fish back in the water (or maybe gave them to a waiting heron!)  We pulled up a picnic table and ate our lunch by the water. Then, Roberta & I ran to Barnes & Noble to get me a D80 book and to get Roberta a book light!

At 3:00 Dave and I ran back up to Clearwater because the Ranch was having a wine & cheese party.  That was fun!  Good wine, good cheese, and good people!

Tomorrow we start running all over again!!  More later...

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Wednesday

This morning we had coffee and our monthly home owners' meeting.  The Board had met Monday and then everyone met today.  It's interesting to hear what others say.  There's some unrest among the owners - hopefully all can be resolved before too much time has elapsed.  I will say, even though we don't have a new kitchen in the rec center or new asphalt on our streets, the association is cleaning up 8 old trailers.  They're gutting them, putting in new sheetrock, etc.  They're making them habitable again.  Should be good for our park!

Tonight we went to the Post Corner with Bob & Ann.  Good pizza there!  Plus we got to sit outside without freezing.  It was a lovely evening!

Tomorrow we're supposed to go to Sarasota so Dave & Maury can fish.  Dave just read the forecast, though, and there's a possibility of rain all day.  So, that may not happen.  We'll wait and see!

More later...

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

B & B Tuesday

This morning was bowling for residents of the Ranch.  I started out pretty bad - a 105.  I improved every game at least.  I got a 105, then a 109, then a 130!  This is a far cry from what I used to bowl, but at least I'm feeling a little more comfortable.  I feel like I'm throwing a pretty good first ball, but I'm struggling picking up my spares.  I guess I just need to work on that!

After bowling, we went to PJ's for lunch.  PJ's is an oyster bar.  It's decor is dollar bills pasted all over the walls and every surface you can imagine.  I just had a real problem with all that wasted money!  I ordered a blackened chicken sandwich.  It was really good, but boy was it blackened...it made my nose run!!!

I took a little nap this afternoon.  For some reason I had a headache .  It was gone when I woke up, though. Tonight was bingo - the second B.  I didn't do so well at bingo!  I got close, but no cigar.  I'll win again one of these days...just not tonight.

More later...

Monday, November 12, 2012

Winner!!

I was finally on the winning side of 7s from Hell tonight!!  Yippee!!  We were up 4,000 going into the 3rd hand, but were down 115 going into the 4th hand.  We pulled it out in the last hand!!

It was beautiful here again today.  It's supposed to be in the 70s all week!  It's still 72 out now at 10:00 at night.  It's 29 in Ottumwa.  Yuck!

It's really hard to believe that next Thursday is Thanksgiving.  This month is flying by!  I've got to get some more birthday cards into the mail!!

More later...

Sunday, November 11, 2012

What a difference!

Yesterday the temps here and in O-town were the same...not today.  What a difference a day makes!  It's still 70 here and only 31 in the big O!  I'm glad I'm here!  This was a gorgeous day.

We went to church this morning and then came home and took a bike ride while lunch was finishing up.  This afternoon, we read and just hung out.  Tomorrow we'll go back to accomplishing things!  It was good having a weekend of not working!  Tomorrow I'm really busy...aerobics at 9:30, lunch at 11:45 with the ladies, and 7s from Hell tomorrow night.  Whew!  I'll probably have to sleep a little later on Tuesday!  Oh, no, I can't do that...we bowl on Tuesday morning.  We're just so busy!!!

More later...

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Beautiful Saturday!

This was an absolutely gorgeous day both here and in O-town, evidently!  At one time I looked at the temps and it was 73 both places!  Right now it's 68 in both towns!  Pretty cool for November 10th!  Fortunately, though, our weather will stay about the same and O-town's is supposed to go to pot...I think they're saying around 40 and possible snow tomorrow.  Yuck!

We decided to go see some sights today, so we headed to the water.  I took both cameras because I wanted to try out the new one...and compare the two.  I got some pretty pictures with both cameras.  I still don't know much about the new camera, but I'm learning!!

Here are some shots I took today.

We took a hike at this nature preserve - it's in Indian Shores (I think).  It's just a neat wooden walkway out to the water.  At the end of the walk, this heron was watching a young family fishing...waiting patiently for a shrimp or a fish.
At the end of the walkway, we were surrounded by water, but also by mangroves.  We saw some big fish and some little gars, but other than them and the heron, there was no other "nature" around.
So we went to lunch with Sudi & Howard at Gators in Treasure Island...right at the big drawbridge.  While we were there, this guy threw out a net and caught dozens of bait fish.  They hauled them in and took off to go fishing!!
I caught this pelican as he was just taking off...notice his damaged feathers...I hope he flies straight!!
There was a Veterans Day boat parade while we were eating lunch.  This is just one of the boats...there must have been 50 boats or so taking part.
All the time the boat parade was going, these pelicans were sitting on this rail.  It appeared to me that they were watching the parade!!  I thought it was funny!
Right now I'm trying to watch Kaylee's soccer game online, so I've got a split screen going.  It's not very easy to watch and there's no audio, so you don't know much that's going on.  This is the first game of the national tournament, and I think Wartburg is down 1-0...but I'm not sure.  Let's go Knights!  Speaking of games, it wasn't a good day for either Iowa State or Iowa.  Since Purdue won, it wasn't a total bust for our teams!  It's been a bad week for the Cyclone Nation, though.  Both Trent Van Hoosen and John Arnaud died this week.  Trent died suddenly of a blood clot and John died in Hospice (I assume of cancer).  Plus Coach Anderson (wrestling when I was there) also passed this week.  RIP my friends.

More later...

Friday, November 9, 2012

Woohoo!

No water aerobics today again - it was only 61 at 9:00 AM!  So we went out bicycle riding instead!  We wore sweatshirts but it didn't take long to shed the sweatshirt.  It was 73 today at one point - it was beautiful!!  While we were out riding our bikes, we stopped at two yard sales in the park.  At one, they had a Nikon D80 DSLR camera...hmmmm.  Woohoo!  I offered him $100 and he took it.  I'm now the proud owner of a DSLR!  Woohoo!!!  We  went to Best Buy this afternoon and bought a second battery and a battery charger.  This camera new today costs somewhere between $1200-$1700.  I did good!  Now I've got to learn all about it.  It's certainly more complicated than my Canon T30si!!

This afternoon we had our first happy hour of the season.  There were 14 of us there.  Fun time!  Dave's been channel surfing tonight.  I've had about all I can handle of Pawn Stars (or whatever)!!  His choice of TV and mine vary greatly!!

More later...

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Sarasota

I had a sleepless night last night.  I was still up at 3:30.  At least I was able to get to sleep by 4:00.  I hate that, especially when I can't figure out why I can't sleep!  I didn't have iced tea or anything - just couldn't sleep.

Today we went to Sarasota.  Dave and his dad worked on their shed...cleaned it out, condensed things, and even sent some things home with us.  While they were doing this, Roberta and I went to the Women's Exchange in Sarasota.  Wow!  That's quite a place.  They have some BIG diamonds and LOTS of good jewelry, furs, paintings, and furniture.  I didn't find anything there, but Roberta found 2 blouses - name brands and didn't look like they'd even been worn!  She paid $16 for 2 of them!  Quite a bargain!

When we finished there, we went to Home Goods.  I finally found some things for our lanai walls.  We'll probably get them hung up tomorrow.

It's cold here tonight.  It's only 59.  I don't think I'll be doing water aerobics tomorrow morning, although it's supposed to be beautiful for the next week.  We've got the heater going as we sit here.  By Saturday it's supposed to be back up in the 80's so it's kind of like Iowa...if you don't like the weather, stick around...it'll change!

More later...

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Cool today!

It was only in the 60's here today, so when the sun went under a cloud, it felt really chilly!  We rode our bikes up to coffee this morning, but when we got out of coffee, I thought it was really cold.  We went to Wally World today - we're looking for some decorative items for our lanai.  We're going to have to look elsewhere, though, because there wasn't anything at Walmart.  After Walmart, we went to Albertsons for some groceries.  This is the first time we've been to Albertsons.  I thought it was a lot like Fareway at home. We liked it and will be back!

The rest of the day, we didn't do much...just hung out!  The roof inspector came and gave our roof a 10 year rating!!  Yay!

Tomorrow we're going to Dad & Roberta's in Sarasota.  It's going to be too cold to fish (60's again :( ) so Dave & his dad are going to work on Maury's shed...cleaning it out.  Roberta and I are going to the women's exchange which is a neat thrift store.  Maybe I can find something there.

More later...

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

L - L - L

I'm still a loser!  I didn't win at bingo tonight...but I was oh so close!  I was waiting for 1 number several games, but no luck!  It was still fun, but I didn't need a wheelbarrow to bring home my winnings!  Ha

This morning at bowling, I had a terrible time!  I couldn't figure out where I should stand so I kept experimenting.  That means I bowled awful!  I bowled well the 3rd game.  After the first 2 frames, I figured out where to stand and I figured out how to keep my wrist straight!  That really helped my score!

It was raining when we went to bingo this morning...we needed some rain!  But it sure didn't take long for it to clear off.  The sun was shining most of the afternoon!  Dave even got to finish paining the trim, so now our place looks pretty good.

Now we're sitting here watching the election results.  Who's going to win????

More later...

Monday, November 5, 2012

Oh my!

I have several thoughts tonight!

I LOVED Dancing with the Stars!  That dance fusion was great!  Shawn & Mark were fabulous!  Plus the dance marathon was wonderful!

I hope everyone votes tomorrow, if you haven't already!

I've still got an L on my forehead.  I was on the losing end at cards again tonight!  My partners and I got clobbered!

Tomorrow morning we're starting to bowl.  I sure hope I do well at that!  I'm due for a success at a sport!

Aerobics and bicycling today were great - this was another beautiful day.  It's supposed to rain tomorrow.  We could use some!  Dave got the roof coated and got most of the trim painted!

More later...

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Beautiful Sunday

We went to church this morning .  We had two missionaries from Africa tell us their stories.  Wonderfully strong, brave women!  When we got out of church, I called my brother to find out where they were.  They were just getting ready to get onto 275, which meant they were close!  It was good to see them and even though they are only here for two weeks, I'm glad they're here!  I've already ridden bikes with my brother!!

Tomorrow morning, bright and early, our new refrigerator comes.  Dave & our neighbor got the old one out of here this afternoon.  Dave put it in his shed.  So now we've got a dorm sized refrigerator, an apartment sized one, and tomorrow we'll have a full-sized one, too!  Kind of goes along with the 3 bicycles we have!!

Tonight we went back to church for a mission program of singing.  It was good...some "acts" better than others!  Oh well, it was for a good cause!

More later...

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Sad Day for the Cyclones

I just found out that Trent Van Hoosen, one of our former players passed away very suddenly on Friday.  RIP my friend!  My heart goes out to his family.  Cyclone nation lost a game today.  It wasn't like we were expected to win it, but it's still sad.  We just don't have the guns to play with the Oklahomas of the world.  I didn't get to watch the game because it was on regionally instead of nationwide.  The loss is trivial when you compare it to the loss of a husband, father, friend.  Sad, sad, sad.

Dave painted another coat on the roof today, plus he painted some of the trim.  He's just a busy little bee!  We also purchased a new refrigerator today.  The one we have is so small if you buy a bag of oranges and put them in the frig, it is full!  You can't put ice cube trays in the freezer if you have anything else in there...you can't put the trays in except for sideways.  The poor thing is making so much noise, that it's about to die.  Our new one will be delivered on Monday...it's a full sized refrigerator - I can hardly wait.

I had a pedicure today.  I called to gee an appointment and I was able to get in today (in 20 minutes)!!  That was nice.

I hope Bob & Ann are okay.  I didn't hear from them except this morning.  They called to tell us they'd found a new way thru St Louis, missing all of the traffic!  That'll be fun to hear about!

More later...

Friday, November 2, 2012

Fun Friday!

I actually got to do water aerobics today!  It was only 63 this morning when we went to aerobics, but the water was very warm so it didn't feel like only 63.  It was beautiful in the water.  After aerobics, I came home and dressed for the day.  Shortly after I got dressed Dave's family got here.  Pat & Milt hadn't seen our mobile home, so we did the tour, then sat around and gabbed until time for lunch.  We went to Columbia Restaurant for lunch.  I had a 1905 salad and it was wonderful again!  Love those salads!!  It was a beautiful day to sit outside and eat.  It got really, really hot.  Dave and I switched seats about half way through lunch because I got so hot.

Dave's family left about 3:00 and Dave went up to Bob & Ann's to finish getting it ready for them to arrive.  Then we went for a bike ride and worked on both bikes.  This evening we had chips and guacamole, then we just hung out!!

More later...

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Thursday

Still no water aerobics...I guess it's too cold.  I was all ready to go this morning, but Bobbi forgot to call me. So, I rode up to take the trash to the bin and came home.  Dave and I went to the Nature Preserve on Highland.  We walked all around the lake and saw...

our first alligator of the year!!  Better yet, we DIDN'T see any snakes.  I was looking for them, too!  We had a nice walk...also didn't see any ospreys or turtles.  Darn.

I thought you should see a picture of us dressed in our Halloween costumes.  Love my pink and black hair!!
Here are the winners of the costume contest.  Dave won for being Julius Caesar and Jean won for being a sad clown.
This is a picture from Sunday.  We were at the Beach House Restaurant in Bradenton.  The wind was really churning up the waves!
Same setting - just a different time.  How can anyone deny the existence of God after seeing His beauty in a sunset?
Tonight we met Sudi & Howard at Bubba Gump's for dinner.  It was good to see them!  I tried to capture tonight's sunset, too.  I'll get those pictures on tomorrow, hopefully.

More later...

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Happy Halloween!!

We had a fun day today.  Went to coffee this morning.  Since our sunshine lady was under the weather, I got up to tell the joke of the day and everyone loved it!  Then after coffee, we went over to Doris' to take pictures of her home to send to Sue & Penny in Canada.  We loved her place.  They ended up buying her unit and Doris bought Sandee's!  So we were wheelin' and dealin' at the Ranch today.

This afternoon we went to Wally World to buy our Halloween costumes for the party tonight.  I'll hopefully get pix uploaded tomorrow.  Dave went as Julius Caesar and I was a witch.  Dave won the best men's costume!!  Then he and I won one of the games.  After that we had pizza and  played a scavenger hunt in our purses!!

More later...

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

W-W-W!!!!!

I won at bingo!!  Yay!  I'm not a loser any more!!  I didn't win a lot, but at least I won!!

Dave went to Sarasota today to help his sister do some honey-do's at his dad's.  I stayed home.  We didn't have water aerobics because it was only 58 when it was time to go up there.  So I rode my bike circuit instead.  When I turned to come north I about froze!  It was cold out there!!  I rode the circuit again this afternoon when it was a little warmer.  It was  still cold when I faced north!  While I was out, I stopped at Bob & Ann's and removed some of their furniture covers.  Thought maybe things could air out a bit.

Dave got home about 3:30 and just before I left to go to bingo, we rode the circuit again!  That was 3 times today for me!!

More later...

Monday at the Ranch

We woke up to cold weather today - it wasn't even 60!!  You know these mobile homes aren't really insulated very well, so when it's cold outside, it's pretty chilly inside too.  Dave got up early, early to take his sister and her hubby to the airport for a 6:00 flight.  Only 1 flight in and out of St Pete/Clearwater airport and it was their flight!  Is that good news or bad...it wouldn't be so bad to be stranded in Clearwater!  They made it home safely...and early.  Their plane left early and got in early.

We didn't have water aerobics, so we rode our bikes two different times yesterday.  It was so windy that it was really hard to go north...you really had to pump your bike hard.

I went to 7s from Hell.  My partner and I lost (can you belive it?)  We were ahead by 1900 points going into the last hand and ended up losing by 70 points.  I hope I find my winning mojo before bingo tonight!!

More later...

Monday, October 29, 2012

Busy Sunday!

After church, we came home, changed into swim clothes and headed to meet Dave's family at the pool in Sarasota.  Both of Dave's sisters and their husbands were here, so there were 8 of us that spent the afternoon and evening together.  We stayed at the pool until about 3:30 even though at times it wasn't very warm...it was cloudy and windy!  It was still fun, though.  When we left the pool, we got ready to go to the Beach House for dinner.  Now the BH is right on the beach, probably about 50 feet from the water.  The water was really riled up because of the winds!  The waves were probably 2-4 feet high.  It was just beautiful!!  We ate in an enclosed area (enclosed with plastic) so we were technically outside, but all of us had jackets on.  I didn't get cold at all - I had on shorts and a light jacket, but my MIL was really, really cold.

We brought Suzy & Greg home with us because they flew out of St Pete/Clearwater airport at 6:00 this morning.  Busy, busy day!

It's only 55 here this morning and I'm thinking we probably won't be having water aerobics...I'm waiting to hear.  More later...

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Having Trouble

I'm having trouble with my internet tonight.  I don't know if I'll get this posted or not, we'll see.  I hate to do all the typing just to lose it, but hopefully it'll be okay.

Today Dave and I both got our hair cut.  We got in at Super Cuts on E. Bay - didn't have to wait too long.  I was really surprised for a Saturday.  We also went to Lowe's and stopped at the bicycle shop for a new seat for my bike.  It's a really nice one!!  We also got me a light since mine died!  Plus, the best - we ate lunch at Five Guys!  Love those burgers and fries!

Dave washed my car this afternoon, put my bike seat and lights on, while I cleaned house!  Tomorrow we're going to Sarasota to spend the afternoon with Dave's two sisters and their husbands, plus Dad & Roberta.  I'm sure we'll be at the pool!  We'll go to church first, then be down there around 12:30 or so.  We're all going to the Beach House for supper.  It's a neat place to go...right on the beach.  We've seen dolphins there before - hope we do tomorrow.  We haven't seen one, yet.

Tonight we're sitting here  watching the Cyclones play against Baylor.  There's 6 minutes left in the game, and we're up by 2 touchdowns.  Hope we can hang on to win this.  It'd be a great homecoming victory, if so.  As we sit here, the windows are open - it's still 74 (only 35 in O-town).  We've had a gorgeous, but windy, day.  
I hope this game gets over and I can sleep better than I did last night.  I had iced tea yesterday (2 glasses)...I guess I'd better stop drinking that stuff!  It seems to keep me awake!  Back to the game!

More later...

 My blog has been hacked so I am suspending blogging for the immediate future.  Sorry!  More later...