Unwinding Now

Two lady friends and I just returned from another concert: this one was Danny and the Juniors, another group that was popular in the 50's and 60's. Their #1 song, and the #1 song in the United States and Europe for the longest period of time, was one of my favorite, "At the Hop". There were other pop numbers too but this was absolutely the best. Several twist numbers were also hits for them: "Twisting USA" and "Twisting the Night Away". They were also considered Dick Clark's #1 band on his show for many years.

We were surprised when we had an added bonus with special entertainment from The Crests. This group made popular, the song, "Sixteen Candles". What a wonderful night of fun with friends and other white-haired folks who remember the golden oldies from the fabulous 50"s! What can be better!! Now, it's unwinding time as I add notes to my blog!

Concerts and Sky Watching

I've been making up for a not-so-special week since yesterday. Hubby and I enjoyed an afternoon with the Lee County Community Band yesterday and they were absolutely fantastic! They used a country/western theme with their music (and dress) and played such music as "Grand Canyon Suite", "Happy Trails", "Hootenanny", and "William Tell Overture". It was an afternoon that was well-spent...and, it was free (except for donations).

Today, I started my walking regiment and traveled 2 + miles. I haven't been keeping up with the distance or steps so I have to do that now.

At 4:00 AM, Hubby and I went outside and watched the space shuttle, "Endeavor", as it was launched. It is carrying an extra room up to the space station to give them more space. The shuttle will return in about 8 days. My camera wouldn't pick up the sight because it was still too dark. We were able to see it as it crossed over our horizon but not as clearly as last year's. This launch was significant because it will be the last night launch so they are saying.

Nothing Special Week

This week has been a "nothing special week" for the crowd from North Carolina at least, as far as activity goes. In many way, it has been a wonderful week, I must admit. Sunday was the day for church and rest; Monday was a hang-around-the-park day; Tuesday was special with Bingo and my winning $35.00! (I had to split a $70 pot with another lucky winner); Wednesday, another Bingo day, for a lucky one for me when I won a $90.00 jackpot! (I won this one all by myself, too); Thursday was another stay day and we enjoyed a spaghetti dinner in the park (delicious!) and company from a couple from PA who stay in a different park from us; and, Friday, my friend and I went to the biggest flea market in Southwest Florida! (I was unhappy to see many of the booths closed and many others with half as much inventory. The economy is getting difficult for everyone, it seems.One of the booth owners is in a wheelchair and I heard him tell someone that he had to re=mortgage his home to get going! Now that is so dangerous and I feel so badly for him; he has the best attitude about it though, and so upbeat! I will keep him in my prayers).

It is extremely windy here today; we had to roll up our awnings to keep them on our RV's! Last year, one of our neighbors lost theirs during heavy winds; of course, they didn't have it tied down at all so everyone but the owner knew that it would go airborne, which it did, right into the side of another neighbor's RV and car! (I think that cost them $500 + to get the car fixed; luckier with the RV). Rains were very hard yesterday with tornado warnings in the area; the Lord protected us for which we are so thankful.

Now our granddaughter who lives in Washington, DC, is snowed in I'm sure! I need to talk to her mom now and see how she is.

Wherever you are, I hope that the weather is being kind to you and yours, that you are safe and warm, happy and healthy, and thankful to be alive and one of God's children.

Rambling Around

I can't believe that it's already February! Someone asked me if time continues to speed up and, from my experience, I would say this is definitely true! I guess when you start downhill, everything just speeds up.

Tonight was Bingo night again. I finally won a game but had to split the pot with another winner; however, $35 wasn't a bad night. My sister-in-law won again too; so far, I think she has won every single night since I have been playing.

Today has been a very rainy day for us; I would have much preferred the snow like they have been getting at home. In fact, I have heard that school will be out again tomorrow. One of my friends and I decided to get out in the rain today just because we were beginning to climb the walls. We went grocery shopping and, when I came home, I was so hungry that I cooked a big meal of chicken, peas, corn and collards. Vegetables are difficult to find when eating out (we have no cafeteria here): potatoes and salads are just about the limit. Thursday, we will be attending the big speghetti dinner here and they make the best sauce I have ever eaten!

There has been 8 of us here from my hometown; last week, 2 more arrived and will be here until the first of March. yesterday, another couple arrived from home and they plan to stay a month. If we keep on, NC will take over the park, at least our end of it anyway!!

Rambling is all I could do in my blog tonight but at least it will give my readers the chance to know what's been going on in the park.

Happenings

It is in the form of cold snow/ice at home but in Florida, it's in the form of cloudy skies, occasional showers, cold (for Florida) and breezy. It's back into the jeans, sweatshirts and jackets for everyone today, even to church for those who brought no warm dress clothes with them. The weather is quite uncertain here, jumping from 81 last week to 61 today. That's okay though; we like all weather but actually prefer the cooler temps. I would love to see the snow though.

Since my last blog, Hubby and I have been to see the Broadway show,"George M", the life story of George M. Cohan which was very good. We really enjoyed the music, especially the more familiar tunes: "It's a grand Old Flag", "Over There", Yankee Doodle Dandy", and "Give My Regards to Broadway". Next Monday, several of us girls are going to see Danny and the Juniors, a popular group in the early 60's. Sunday, we will be going to hear an orchestra whose members are formerly played with great bands. (I will comment on that later).

Our pastor here has been bringing us excellent messages each Sunday; today's lesson was entitled, "What Happens When God Shows Up", taken from I Kings 18. There is always a wonderful lesson to be learned in every sermon. Next Sunday is Communion. I know many at home missed a church service today due to the snow, but we can always receive a blessing from God's Word.

And that is the Happenings here in Florida for me.

Shirelles

What a fun night we had last night!! Three of us ladies from the park went to the Broadway Palm Theatre to see the Shirelles, a popular group from the late 50's and early 60's. They were absolutely great. When singing their hits, such as Tonight's the Night, Will You Love Me Tomorrow, and Soldier Boy, they brought the house down! And, there was a full house present too! The lead singer was dancing all over the stage (I would guess that she is around 70 or better and she could move!) Their singing was just as strong as before. I was as impressed with them as I am/was with Chubby Checker! There was real talent present in the 50's and 60's, and even before. Today, there seems to be a lot of "yelling" and "screaming", with no idea of what words they are using (and that's probably a good thing). Personally, I like all music, even today; it's usually the vocals that I think needs improvement (I thought the American Idol from 09 did an awful job with the National Anthem; some of the older singers can do a good job with it though).

If you want to see a great group of singers and, if you ever get the opportunity to see the Shirelles, my favorite group during my teenage years, I suggest you give them a chance. They are great and I thank them for giving me an evening of lively entertainment.

You Steal, You Pay

Today has been a day of football in the park. Many were sad with the final scores while others were shouting victory. As for me, I was unhappy on both counts; but, now that we know who will be going to the Super Bowl, I have chosen to pull for New Orleans. It probably doesn't matter a lot because most people can't remember from one year to the next who played the year before.

Temperatures are rising in Southwest Florida, up to 83 today; however, there is supposed to be a slight drop for this week, to the mid 70's (Now that's my favorite).

We observed a race in the park today, a race of three-wheel bicycles. All of us North Carolinians have the two-wheel versions, thus ineligible to race. It's fun to watch the older q-tips enjoy racing around the block as fast as they can pedal. Two would race at the time and the winner then would take on another biker until a final winner was recognized. People here will do anything to have a little fun.

Yesterday was a huge yard sale in the adjacent park. There were so many people who came from all over the city. Rose and I rode out bikes over and were immediately met by the security patrol to tell us to lock our bikes. Fortunately, I carry a lock and cable on my bike at all times; the most difficult part was finding a tree to lock our bikes to! Every tree was taken! Finally, we located one and I locked our bikes together. There is no way I want my new bike to disappear. It is a shame that now we have to keep everything locked at all times it seems. Our next door neighbor had his bike stolen last week; he was lucky that the police did find it within the week. Another man had his golf cart stolen. When it was found, he had to pay over $300 to get it back! When asked if he was going to press charges on the young boys, the man replied with a very forceful positive. I don't blame him. These young people need to face the consequences of their behavior; they need to learn that you cannot get away with theft. Parents often want to defend them, protect them, and that's only natural; my thoughts are, though, are you really need to pay the piper. Theft is against the law and needs to be dealt with.

Is the World Smaller?

We are enjoying a busy time in Florida so far. First of all, we have enjoyed visitors from home twice in less than two weeks! Wouldn't that be great if the trend continued! Friends came and spent the afternoon talking about traveling to Alaska and other topics; second, friends of Hubby's came. It's strange that the guy was Hubby's college roommate in college 50 years ago and they hadn't seen each other since. Now, they live within 15 miles of each other and have to meet in Florida, over 700 miles away! It just goes to show that even when you are away from home, you can enjoy seeing old friends; so, you better be careful and do nothing shameful, which we aren't anyway.

Mom always asked me when we returned from a long trip if I saw anyone I knew; I always laughed and said no. Now I know, she was smarter than I thought at the time because it happens. Mom was a very smart lady!

We ran into one of my college students at a restaurant in Alabama many years ago! We have experienced similar things in other places far away from home in the past. I think it's great that the world is so much smaller today.