Tuesday

Ah, March, I hate to see you go!!  Hope April will be better for the world!

This morning we met Dave's cousins at Largo Nature Park.  We tried to stay 6 feet away from everyone...for the most part it worked.  No hugs!! 

Had lunch shortly after we got home.  Then we both took naps and when I got up, I baked cookies!  I also worked with the alcohol inks.  These are some of the backgrounds I made yesterday and today.  I'm very happy with them.

We took our evening walk around 6:30 - it was cooler than it has been.  Another pretty quiet day in the 'hood!

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Monday

March is about gone.  In some ways it's gone really fast and because of our isolating, it's gone really slow too!  After we got home from our walk this morning, I got out the alcohol inks and did some more backgrounds.  I really enjoy it and I think the ones I did today are better than the ones from yesterday!  I know I got more ink on my hands today!!

Here are a couple of the ones I did:

I love the pink one.  Every time I look at the bottom one, I think of the creation story!  I guess that's the beauty of abstract art!  I've got a few more supplies coming so the looks of them will change in the next few days.

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Sunday

After we attended church online, Dave and I went to LNP to walk.  We were excited to see all 4 baby limpkins today!  The alligators didn't get them yet!!

Not only did we see the babies, but on the back of the park, we saw two pairs of wood ducks.  They are beautiful and in all the years we've been going to Largo Nature Park, we've seen them only once before.

Dave got a really good closeup shot of the male, but I can't find it.  I'll have to find out where the computer stored his files from today!  I found all of my pix, but none of his.  Hmmm??

I worked a bit with my alcohol inks today, but didn't get any pictures.  Hope to show you what I created tomorrow!

This evening when we got home from our walk around the park, we watched a good movie called "Instant Family" on Amazon Prime.

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Saturday

Today on our walk in nature, we saw the cutest baby limpkin.  Mama was teaching it to forage for food.  Yesterday there were 3 babies, today there was only 1.  That's the bad part of nature.  The other 2 babies probably became food for the alligators...or the otters.  But here's that cutie!!

This evening right after our walk around the park, Bryan called and we got to talk to Kaitlyn and Aidan.  Kaitlyn decided to be shy at first, but she came around!   She tried out some new words on us - she says hi, uh oh, wow, and Aidan.  I tried to get her to say Grandma Peg, but she  just pointed at me. 

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Friday

It was a hot one today!  We walked at LNP right after breakfast but it was already hot here.  I told Dave that my face was leaking!  (Sweat!!)  When we got back to the house, it took us a while to cool down.  We walked again this evening about 7:15 - lovely time to walk!!

Other than installing a Fire Stick I didn't do much of anything today.  I did a virtual weigh in for WW.  I'm just learning all kinds of new technology!!

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Thursday

So today we tried a couple more new things.  We went to the bank yesterday where we sat in the drive up line for over 15 minutes, and we were the 2nd car!  While we were sitting there, we read a sign that talked about depositing checks on your phone...now how in the world does that work???  This morning, I downloaded the app for the bank and DEPOSITED 2 CHECKS ON MY PHONE!  Awesome!  Now we don't have to go to the drive up just to deposit checks!!  What will they think of next?!!

The second thing we did that was new for us was we ordered food from Olive Garden again on my phone!  OG is having their buy one, get one special so we did that.  Then we went to Olive Garden where the "waitress" met us 6 feet from our car, got our name, and went back in to get our food...20 minutes from the time I ordered it!  When she came out with the food, she put it on this little table 6 feet from the car and thanked us.  Dave opened the car door and picked up our bag and off we went.  The car smelled heavenly!  Anyway, I digress!!  There was no contact with our waitress and she never got closer to us than 6 feet away.  We'll definitely do this again - maybe try another restaurant to see how they're handling this self-isolation.

Bob and Ann got home this evening, about 6:30 our time.  Said that other than semis on the road, there was hardly any traffic!  Good to know!

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Wednesday

I forgot to hit publish on last night's blog.  So now you'll get two for the price of one! 

Dave and I walked at Largo Nature Park this morning.  Tonight, however, Pinellas Co goes into a shut down with essential travel only allowed.  I suppose we'll have to be content to just walk in our community from now on.

Bob and Ann got to Dyersburg, TN about an half hour ago.  I'm glad they're in for the night.

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Tuesday

It was another beautiful day in the neighborhood!  Bob and Ann are all packed and will leave early in the morning..  They're heading back to Iowa.  I sure hope their trip goes well.  We will miss them, but understand about wanting to be back in Iowa.

We picked up our grocery order today at Walmart.  It worked pretty slick!  We pulled in, called the number on the post, and our groceries were delivered in about 30 seconds!  I'll do that again!

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Monday

Thanks to Dave, Gayle, and Eileen, we got all of the newsletters delivered today.  I've still got to send them out in emails to our residents who get them that way...but I don't usually do that until about the 25th. 

Dave and I took our walk early today because it was so hot and no breeze.  We didn't take cameras so we just walked.  We did take our phones.  We saw several critters including this juvenile yellow crown night heron.  

I ordered groceries from Walmart today.  We pick them up tomorrow.  We'll see how that works!!

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Sunday

Church today was good...especially good because I was still in my jammies watching it!!  At least I know it's Sunday when I can "attend" church!

After church Dave and I went to Largo Nature Park for our walk.  It was really hot walking this morning!  I think I drank my whole tumbler of water on the way back home!!

The rest of the day we just putzed! 

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Saturday

I don't even know what day it is anymore.  When you're used to being busy and then all of a sudden you're not, you don't know if it's Monday or Friday!  Weird world right now!!

We stuck around here today.  I finished putting together the Holiday Ranch directories and sorted them so that Eileen could deliver them by streets.  So nice of her to volunteer!!

I also finished some paperwork and tried twice, unsuccessfully both times, to take a nap!  Grrr...  Oh well, I read so it wasn't a total waste of time!

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Friday

I'm still working on directories...I've got 19 more to put together and then distribute.  I'll be glad when this project is over.  You know I had all kinds of volunteers before the self-imposed quarantine!  So now I'm doing them myself.  I figured Dave would help, but he hasn't!

Today we took Bob and Ann and went for a walk at Largo Nature Park.  Didn't see much in the way of wildlife, but still had a good walk.  John & Gayle met us there and our neighbors across the street were there walking, too. 

I made rice jambalaya for supper.  That tasted really good!

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Thursday

Today was another beautiful day.  We even had the windows open all morning.  We took a bike ride for our exercise instead of walking.  I worked on folding and stapling the directories for  the Ranch.  I've got them all folded, now I have to do the stapling. 

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Wednesday

Dave and I finished a day of pretty much self-isolating.  We did  go to Largo Nature Park for our walk.  It was a hot one out there today.  When we got home, my hair was wet - I sweat so much.  No cards for me tonight - I'm not going to touch cards that everyone else touches!  Dave even cooked on the grill today!

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Tuesday

I went across the street for a pedicure this morning and when I came home, ELS had closed the pool and the office!  What a hoot!  Now you have to call the office if you want to see the manager or the assistant.  I don't tend to go there often, so it's not a problem for me. 

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Monday

I slept in this morning!!  I didn't wake up until 8:45 - that was fun!  I read until midnight last night, so I must have overcompensated.  It was okay, though, because I didn't have anything to do until 1:00.  At 1:00 we left for Ford's Garage for lunch.  Nine of us went.  At the restaurant, they disinfected the chairs, table, and menus before we were seated.  Then we were asked if we wanted silverware or plasticware.  That was kind of nice. 

This evening 9 of us gathered to play cards.  We met at the clubhouse and then drew for tables.  I hosted one table and Anita hosted another.  It was much quieter just having 4 people in our lanai.  Fun, too!

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Sunday

Since we didn't physically go to church today, it doesn't really feel like Sunday.  We both watched church online, though, so we got the music and the sermon.  Pastor Jack was preaching to an empty room, so it was kind of strange. 

Tomorrow is supposed to be fun shuffling, but because of the edict handed down from management, we don't dare have it.  Some of the ladies are talking about playing cards out by the pool tomorrow night, but again, I don't think it will happen.  I'd rather see us play at individual houses.  Management could take the pool away from us if we abuse the rules.  Speaking of the pool, Dave and I went up there this afternoon for about 2 hours.  I thought the water was cold, but then I'm a wimp when it comes to pools - I want it like bath water!!

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Saturday

Dave and I went to Largo Nature Park to get our walk in this morning.  We didn't see either of the alligators.  I don't like to walk around a park when I don't know where the alligators are...especially that big guy!  It's a little nerve wracking!  But we got our walk in any way!

After lunch I went to Office Depot to get the HR Directories printed.  I swear I'll never go there again.  Both of the people I dealt with were rude and after 4 hours they still didn't have my directories collated, folded or stapled so I ended up bringing them home to finish them up myself. 

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Friday the 13th!!

Coronavirus has hit the Holiday Ranch!  We don't have anyone sick, but regardless, the park owners shut down all activities today.  Anything where 10 or more are gathered is verboten!  That means no cards, no shuffleboard, no baked potato bar, no nothing!  It is going to get old pretty quickly! 

Dave and I went to Home Depot and to Sam's today.  Sam's was so crowded that the checkout lanes were 5-6 people deep...and there are at least 10 checkout lanes! 

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Thursday

Today was pretty much a typical Thursday, except I had to go to the dentist's office to have an old filling removed and a new one put in.  Isn't that special?!!  One of my canine teeth had an old filling that was leeching into the tooth itself, making it dark.  Just after putting the new filling in, the tooth is much whiter - yay!!

Unfortunately the numbing shot I got affected my sinuses which made me have a headache, so I slept quite a bit this afternoon.  But not until after I helped Dave.  I cleaned out the kitchen cabinets while he lined the shelves with vinyl flooring like we did at the clubhouse.  When he finished lining the cabinets, then I put stuff back in them.  We make a pretty good team!

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Wednesday

After coffee this morning, we had our HOA membership meeting.  It was short but sweet.  Didn't have much  to report so got the meeting done in under 30 minutes.  I hope people realize what planning and organizing goes into the meetings.  We work hard to keep things on an even keel around here..

This afternoon, Dave and I went to a different nature park for our walk.  We went to Eagle Lake on Keene.  It's a good park to walk in.  Lots of people around.  Saw lots of turtles and several birds, but no alligators.  It was fun.

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Tuesday

Today was the day we said goodbye to Linda and Blaise.  They flew out this afternoon, back to Iowa.  They are home with lots of memories!!  We'll miss having them next door and look forward to seeing them this spring.

We went bowling this morning.  Both Dave and I bowled well.  My games were a 133, 146 and 141 or something like that.  Dave had a 121, a 135 and a 133 or so.  We were both happy bowlers.  I hit the pocket 8 times out of 10 each game, but only got 3 strikes.  Grrr.

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Monday

Started out a bit chilly today, but warmed up very nicely!  Sixteen of us shuffled this morning.  We played doubles again - I really like that.  My team won one and lost one. 

After shuffling, Dave and I went to do our early voting.  It only took us a few minutes.  Then we came home and I got ready for my board meeting.  Bob and the family went to a dolphin boat to see dolphins.  Didn't see any on the boat ride, but saw one as soon as they got off the boat.  Oh well, they got vouchers for another trip.

Dave and I walked today after the board meeting.  Then I went to bingo where I was a loser again.

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Sunday

Church was pretty amazing today.  Everyone greeted everyone with a wave and a hi instead of shaking hands or hugging.  The pastor who was supposed to preach was sick, so Pastor Richard preached about hope.  He did a good job.  We had a pretty full house!

We had an ice cream social at the clubhouse this afternoon.  About 40 people signed up for it.  Good ice cream with hot fudge...yum! 

This evening we ate supper at Bob & Ann's and then we played games - See It Jr. and Tenzy.  Both fun games!  Blaise is very competitive, which doesn't surprise me a bit!  He does a really good job for a 5 year old!!

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Happy birthday to me!

I've had a very good day!  Turning 72 wasn't so bad!

Dave and I went to St Pete for the Farmer's Market.  LOTS of people!!  We got a pint of the world's best guacamole and a pint of their salsa, too.  Yum, yum!!  The problem is  that a pint goes too fast!  It's hard to save guacamole without it turning brown, so you just have to eat it up!! 

After that we went to Gators for lunch.  We were able to sit outside - it wasn't bad at all.  While we were there we saw 5-6 dolphins and one even jumped out of the water - almost straight up in the air, right in front of us!!  Thank you, Mr Dolphin!!  That was a wonderful birthday present!!

Naps were in order and now it's bedtime!  I hate Daylight Savings Time!!

More later...

PS:  Here's a picture of the BIG alligator at Largo Nature Park.

 

Friday

We had a good day today - kind of a lazy one though.  I did make chili for supper,,,with Dave's help!  I also made Hidden Valley oyster crackers.  Then I made chocolate chip cookies!  I guess I was into being Susie Homemaker today! 

Tonight Dave had a birthday cake for me at cards.  That's always fun celebrating with friends.  Bob, Ann, Linda and Blaise came up to have cake, too. 

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Thursday

Nice warm day here today.  Dave ran errands this morning.  I vacuumed and cleaned up around the house.  Plus, I got the directory ready for printing.  YAY!! 

This afternoon, my crowns were in so I went to the dentist to get them seated.  YAY again!!  Now I just have to get one old filling out and a new one put in.  That will happen a week from today.  Yuck!  When I got done with the dentist, we met Bob, Ann, Linda, and Blaise at Largo Nature Park.  Bob used my scooter and we did a tour to see alligators.  Did we see an alligator?  Yes, a huge one - probably 10 feet long...and he was right at the entrance of the boardwalk...out in the open.  It was a little scary, but we got to the boardwalk and took plenty of pictures of him.  There was another one at the back of the boardwalk, probably a 7 foot one.  Blaise got to see both of them and lots of different birds, so he was happy!!

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Wednesday

Coffee this morning with the family.  Then about noon we all gathered at Sand Key where Ann & Ron took Linda and Blaise for sailing.  The water was pretty choppy, but Blaise loved it...especially when Linda got soaked by a wave.  When they finished sailing, Ann, Linda and Blaise came over to where we were in a kayak...another first for him.  Then he  played in the water.  He has to be pooped!!  First day was a success!

We enjoyed sitting on the beach today.  It wasn't so hot that we melted and  there was a nice breeze.  Unfortunately I got burned, but it'll go away.

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Tuesday

I did it again.  My first game at bowling was my best.  I had a 144, a 108, and a 128.  At least they were all over 100!  The way the 2nd game was going, I was afraid I wouldn't break 100!  Everyone seemed to have fun though.  We've only got 4 more weeks of bowling for the year!  Where did the time go?

After  bowling 17 of us met at Miller's Ale House for lunch.  Good food and good company! 

Linda and Blaise arrived this evening.  Their plane was late.  Dave and I went out to say hello.  Blaise got out of the car and came running to me for a hug!  That was fun.  He's so excited to be here! 

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Monday

This morning at shuffleboard, we played doubles instead of singles.  It's a better game as far as I'm concerned.  More strategy involved.  My teams didn't win, but it was still fun! 

Worked on some board stuff this afternoon, took a nap, made a casserole for supper and got to bingo in time to sell cards.  I bingo'd once, but didn't win enough to cover the cost of bingo.  Darn!

More later.

Sunday

Powerful church service today - calling us to action - to missions!  Big crowd, too!  After church we went to JD's for breakfast.  We haven't done that for a while.  Then we came home and both took naps.

When we woke up, we went to Largo Nature Park (again without cameras) just to walk.  A bike rider told us about a trail we'd not been on.  We'll do that again - more birds that way because we were by water.  Plus, we found a picnic table right on the water.  It would be a good place for a picnic!

Last night, I forgot to tell you something fun that we did.  We did a video chat with Linda, who had all 4 grandchildren at her house.  So we got to see Blaise, Oaklyn, Rowyn, and McCoy!  Linda asked Oaklyn to say hi Peg and she did!  McCoy kept blowing us kisses, as did Oaklyn.  Rowyn and Blaise were very busy just running around showing off!  Fun times!  Love these video chats!!

More later...