Sunday

After church today, we went to Gators for lunch.  The water was so cal and calming!  While we were there, we saw at least 100 boats either going out to the Gulf or coming in! Boats and jet skis, but no dolphins!

I finished a book this afternoon and went for a long walk. 

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Saturday

We (mostly I) stayed up last night to watch my Cyclones get beat in the Alamo Bowl 26-28.  Bummer.  We didn't play very well in the first half - lots of penalties, which is pretty much opposite of what this team was all about.  We hardly had any penalties in the regular season.  These officials didn't seem to want either team to get up any steam.  You'd just get to moving the ball and down would go a flag.  Oh well, the sun came out today!  Good season, Cyclones!

After that game, I couldn't sleep so I read until about 2:30.  Then I slept until 9:30 this morning.  We didn't have anything we had to do today anyway.  Barb & Gary got in this afternoon and I did a video call with my family at their Christmas gathering. 

Tonight we did a video call with Bryan and his family. 

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Friday

Beautiful day here!  It was so pretty that after my treatment, we came home and fixed us a picnic lunch.  We took it to the Courtney Campbell Causeway park to enjoy the water!  It was nice getting out near the water and not spending a fortune!  It cost us 50 cents to park and that's all!  We needed that! 

Speaking of my treatments, I've now finished 1/7 of them! 

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Thursday

Life is good!  Our manager, who has been AWFUL, is no longer employed by ELS!!  Yes!  We've been working for this for over a year!  The board members are doing our happy dances!  We'll have an interim manager until they can hire someone.  Hopefully our Regional Manager will have a say in who they hire.  She's good and expects good employees.

Day 2 of radiation...this time, I was in the room for 10 minutes only.  Hope it goes that fast every day.  I spend my time on the table praying for others with cancer.  I have many to pray for.

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1 Down!

I had my first radiation treatment today.  It was quick and painless.  I was pretty hyper before it happened, though.  Dave timed it and said from the time I left until the time I got back was 14 minutes.  The guy who went before me was 14 minutes, too.  I'll get 3 treatments in this week and 4 next. 

We also went to Bed Bath & Beyond and to GNC for some aloe gel.  I didn't want to be a slug and just sit around.  I also walked the block today!
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Merry Christmas

Dave and I both slept in this morning.  We didn't really have anything to get around for until later in the afternoon.  We ate a late breakfast and then no lunch.  I took a long walk after breakfast - it was just beautiful outside today!  We only had corn to fix for the Christmas dinner and that didn't take too long.  By the time Sudi and Howard got here, we had the corn ready to take to the hall. 

Dinner was just so-so in my opinion.  The company was great, but they ran out of prime rib and the ham was way too salty.  The potatoes weren't salty enough, but the corn and the cole slaw and the broccoli/cauliflower mix were good.  We've had far better meals in my opinion. 

After Sudi & Howard left, Bob called and we chatted for quite a while.  Dave did his exercises and now I'm ready for bed.

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Christmas Eve

What a beautiful day we had here.  It must have been near 70 with plentiful sunshine!  Bobbi, Alan, Lorraine, Marilyn, Lori, Dave and I sorted Christmas cards for the park and then delivered them to everyone!  This year it was about a 2-hour job and then we were finished!  When we got home, we made a meatloaf for tonight and stuck it in the fridge to bake later.  Then lunch, then a short nap!

We heard from Kaylee - she had a baby boy last night in the Netherlands.  He's a cutie!  His name is McCoy.  Mother and baby are doing fine.  When she called us, she was nursing him.  Then she sent us some pictures and he's just darling!

This evening, we had our Christmas Eve party, complete with a Yankee swap.  I got two really cool mugs and Dave got a mug with hot chocolate in it.  We went to the contemporary service at church - very moving!

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Sunday

We had a whirlwind of a weekend!  Jami and the kids came over on Friday evening.  I fixed tenderloins and the potatoes they like and had them ready the minute they pulled into the driveway.  When we'd eaten our fill, they unloaded the car and we played our first game of Farkle.  Megan couldn't miss and won the Friday version. 

Saturday, we fixed bacon and eggs for breakfast and then Jami & Danny, Dave and I went for a walk around Sawgrass Lake Park.  We saw a HUGE alligator sunning on the opposite bank.  Saw a small alligator and a few birds, but other than that it was too cold and windy to see many critters.  Still a good walk, though.  We had our second round of Farkle while Dave went to the grocery store.  I won that one.  For lunch we just ate leftovers and for supper, Dave fixed hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill.  Saturday evening we had our 3rd round of Farkle and I won it, too.  Miracles will never cease - I never win Farkle! 

This morning we got up early.  Everyone showered and we took off for Sarasota to spend some time with Roberta before Jami and the kids had to head home.  They had the heaters going up at the pool, so we were able to eat lunch up there without freezing. 

Now the sheets and towels are washed and the house is put back together and we're about ready for bed!  Fun weekend but a rushed one!

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Thursday

I finished the January newsletter for The Ranch and Dave and I together cleaned house.  Quite a productive, rainy day!  We had over 6.5" of rain since late yesterday afternoon.  It sure wasn't a day that you wanted to be out in...hence, the house-cleaning! 

Jami and the kids are coming tomorrow afternoon.  I can't wait to see them.  I just hope the weather cooperates so we can be out and  about! 

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Wednesday

After coffee this morning, we held our annual cookie walk.  We had TONS of cookies which we sold for $3.00 per pound.  I think we sold $119 worth of cookies and still have a bunch left which went into the freezer to be brought out for Christmas eve, Christmas, etc. 

Then around 11:00 the Board met with the Regional Manager and our community manager for our monthly meeting.  We didn't get a lot accomplished, but we did get some questions answered. 

I didn't get to sleep until after 4:00 this morning, so I took a nap this afternoon.  It rained again this afternoon so it made for good napping.  I walked up for cards this evening - in the rain.  There were 8 of us who braved the rain!  Fun evening.

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B&B

I bowled today!  I thought I'd only bowl one game, but at the end of the game I felt pretty good so on I went.  I ended up bowling all 3 games and now I'm stiff and sore!  My back and hip are where I feel it most, but my bicep on my throwing arm is sore too!  It's hell being out of shape!  My scores weren't what I wanted, but I didn't do too bad.  The monkey bread was a huge hit!!

After lunch I rested for a bit, then I made 4 dozen cookies for tomorrow's cookie walk.  Then this evening I went to bingo.  Since we only had 5 players, we cancelled bingo for tonight.  We'll resume after the new year when everyone is back!

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Monday

This was a stay at home and in the kitchen day.  I put all the ingredients for peanut clusters in the crockpot.  When they were done, Dave helped me dip them out onto parchment paper - all 104 of them!  We also worked together  to get a monkey bread ready for the oven in the morning.  We have our little Christmas gathering at bowling tomorrow.  Ann used to make monkey bread for the group.   Since she's not here, I make it it instead.  Yum!!

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Whew!!

This was one busy day!  We went to our normal church service this morning and then we stayed for the next service, too.  We go to a contemporary service, but the 11:10 service was a Christmas Cantata and it was wonderful!  We loved it and so did the packed in congregation!  After church we stopped at the orange place on Walsingham to have an ice cream cone made with fresh orange juice.  That ice cream is fabulous! 

We got home in time to eat a small lunch, then I was off to watch the play, "A Doublewide, Texas  Christmas" with 5 other ladies from the park.  It was a fun afternoon.  Dave needed a nap when I got home, so I took one too.  Then we dressed in warm clothes and went to the Florida Botanical Gardens to see the Christmas lights.  Beautiful!  I highly recommend it!

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Saturday

More rain!  We had 4.1" from after dark last night until this morning.  It sprinkled a little on us as we went to breakfast at the clubhouse.  This was our annual breakfast buffet and it was delicious!  Since Bob is already gone back to Iowa and Rich is in the hospital, the guys were a bit short-handed.  But several people stepped up and got it done!  Unfortunately, only about 34 people signed up.  It's a lot of work for no more than come.  The Iowa contingent - Dave, Ron, Marcia, and I - did almost all of the cleanup.  It'd be nice if some of those who sit and watch us clean up would actually get up to help. 

Later I was able to get my hair cut and my eyebrows waxed.  I really needed both done!

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Friday

We started the day off early again.  I had an appointment at the oncology radiologist's first thing.  When I arrived, I was taken in to get my "tattoos" and to have a cat scan.  From what I understand, the reason for the scan was to "measure" my breast for the upcoming radiation.  Lots of pictures were taken and I got 4 tattoos so they'll be able to position me properly.  After all of this, we were taken on a tour to see the radiation machine and see how it works.  I will start radiation on the 26th of December.

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Thursday

I'm making great headway on the Christmas cards.  We give out about 75 cards here in the park - glad we don't have to buy postage for all of them!  We also send out about 60 cards to friends who we don't see frequently - those are the ones I make.  I've got those pretty much done - just waiting to hear back from a couple of friends who have moved.  I'll be glad to get the mess off my kitchen table!  Unfortunately I'm about 6 cards/envelopes short, so I have to get some more cards...then I can finish.

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Wednesday

This morning we had about 30 people at our HOA meeting following coffee.  That's a pretty good turnout now.  It was cold this morning, but the day turned into a very nice one.  I guess it's going to be a little chillier than normal this winter.  That'll make up for the 3 days of winter last year or the year before!

This afternoon, Dave helped me and we got our Christmas cards out - most of them anyway.  There are a few more we need to do.

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B&B

Bingo wasn't very  successful tonight.  I did bingo twice, but we only had 10 people, so I only won $7.  I spend $11, therefore I lost $4!

As for bowling, we didn't go.  I met with the oncologist and oncology radiologist this morning.  I will start radiation after Christmas and will have 21 sessions.  Then I'll be on a estrogen inhibitor daily for 5 years.  Good news.  I was afraid I'd have 30+ sessions.  I go back on Friday for a Cat scan and some measurements. 

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Monday

I'm going to have to get my flannel jammies out!  It's sure chilly tonight.  I have worn jeans far more this winter than I have in the last 4 winters combined!  I have an oncology apptmt at 8:00 in the morning, so I'll have to find something warm to wear!!

The Red Hatters went to Cheddars today - there were 13 of us who braved the chilly temps!  Good food and good conversation!!

I just read a cool statistic.  So far in 2018 I've read 90 books.  Those encompassed 30,045 pages.  The longest book I read was 1593 pages and the shortest book I read was 127 pages.  Fun reading!!  Thank you, Good Reads!

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Sunday

It was a damp one around here today.  Bob's rain gauge showed  3.5" of rain just today.  It poured when we were in church.  We really needed the rain, though.  Church was great again.  After church we went to Lowes to return some things and then went to Peters for breakfast - yum!

Dave took a nap and I got a walk in between raindrops. 

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Saturday

Dave and Bob worked at Gary & Barb's house this morning.  I slept in and didn't even take my shower until about noon.  After my shower, I took a long walk!   When Dave got home and took his shower, he said he'd like to go to the water to eat.  We went to Whiskey Joe's.  The water and the weather were beautiful. We had good food and enjoyed a quiet, peaceful lunch!

This afternoon, Dave took a long nap and I worked on financial stuff until he got up.

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Yay!

We have hot water - yay!!  Dave, Bob, Ron, and Rich, along with advice from Kenny and Bill, and now we have hot water again.  Dave still smells the hot wire smell tonight so he turned it off, but the new water heater is installed and is not leaking! 

I finally got my lifetime membership with WW figured out and activated.  I also worked on financial stuff, plus I went out twice - once to get lunch for the guys and once to get groceries.  If it's going to be cold down here, I want  some chili!!

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Interesting Day

Dave worked on the lawn crew this morning - I just hung out!  After Dave got home, I told him I was smelling burning coffee, but the coffee pot was off and the pot was empty.  Oh well. Around 2:15, I decided to take a short nap.  I set my phone alarm for 3:30 because I had a 4:00 meeting.  About 3:35 Dave came rushing around the house saying he was smelling hot or burning wiring, but he couldn't find anything.  I went outside and the smell was really strong in the lanai.  I didn't smell it in the house or outside.  I called 9-1-1 and got the fire truck here.  They found it right away.  It was the hot water heater.  It was a good thing we were here and smelled it - we could have been homeless tonight had we been gone!  Guess what's going on around here tomorrow?  We'll be getting a new water heater and the guys are going to install it.  I think I'll go shopping or something!

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Wednesday

We had a very chilly Wednesday!  This doesn't feel like Florida right now!  The furnace is going and I'm wrapped up in my blanket!!  At least the sun is shining!

We didn't do a lot today - just the typical stuff that we usually do! 

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B&B

We had 10 bowlers today - fun group.  Betty and I were cheerleaders and just gabbed the whole morning away!  After bowling we went to Acropol for lunch - good as always!

This afternoon Bob & Dave painted the trim around their windows.  I finally have an appointment with an oncologist - Tuesday morning at 8:00 AM!!  After that I should have a schedule!!

Tonight at bingo I won 5 games!!  Don't get too excited - there were only 7 of us playing so the pots were very small!  I only won $15 and I spent $11! 

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Monday

Dave, Bob, and I went to Lowes today.  We each had things to look for.  I am thinking about a backsplash for the kitchen.  I wanted to see what they had in the way of vinyl flooring that we could put on the walls for backsplash.  I brought home 3 samples and none of them looked good.  At least we're not out any money because we can take them back and get our money back.  Now what shall I try? 

It was a humid day here today and we got a couple of rain showers this evening.   I did manage to get a walk in, though!

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Sunday

Good service again today.  Pastor Jeremy preached.  He talks so fast that I have a hard time keeping up with him.  I'm always worrying about our older friends at church and wonder if they can follow him.

After church I took a nap while Dave worked at a neighbor's house.  She's 91 and wanted a tv antenna so she didn't have to have a box. 


When I got up I took a walk and then we had lunch around 2:15 so tonight we had popcorn instead of supper!

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Saturday

Yesterday I had a really good day...I felt very good.  Today, not so much!  After I took a short nap this afternoon, I felt better! 

Dave and I went to Sam's Club this morning - they have lots of Christmas gift items so it was fun looking at all the stuff!  This afternoon, after my nap, we made meatloaf for tonight's zero birthday party.  There were about 30 of us at the party.  Fun time!!

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