Cool & Blustery in Florida

It was a cool 39 this morning in Southwest Florida and a high of 63 they say; however, it seemed cooler than that because of the winds. I felt a little tired again today, probably because of the weather change plus I'm still trying to get over this terrible case of the flu. Everyone says that it will take 3 weeks to regain total energy levels. Hubby is talking long distance to his brother but all they have discussed has been about the price of fuel.

Tomorrow is church day and I hope I will be able to attend; I went last week when I shouldn't have and was miserable. I'm really afraid to try it for that reason. Tomorrow is Communion day and I hate to miss it but one has to do what one has to do (that's what my deceased brother-in-law always said). I'm glad to report that my other brother-in-law who had surgery is doing very well, in fact, he was able to go home today. The doctors say that he is 2 days ahead of the healing process. This is happy news.

Rains Fall While Prices Soar

It has been a rainy, cool day in Southwest Florida today; however, rain is much needed here and the residents were sad that there wasn't even more of the wet stuff. Of course, I love a rainy day so I had no problems with it. One of our friends here from Canada had planned to have a special picnic for many of us tomorrow; however, she came walking up in the rain to tell all of us that the party will be cancelled. I wouldn't mind seeing snow; I understand there may be more snow in the more northern states by Tuesday.

Thursday, some of us plan to go see the beautiful horses, the Lappizan, depending on the weather there of course. If so, I hope to add more photographs to my collection. I haven't even unpacked my new digital camera yet; I have been so ill that I really haven't wanted to take a picture of anything. Now I have been working to restore my energy which is slowly, very slowly, returning.

The local cyclists here have been unhappy today since they were unable to ride; with the forecasts being unfavorable for the next several days, they will have to find something else to keep them occupied. There are probably 25 or more "Q'Tips" in our village who now own motorcycles, several of whom prefer the trikes, for safety sake, they say. I just hope they all stay safe because traffic here is extremely heavy.

Several of us went out to eat at CiCi's Pizza tonight. This is a pizza buffet which has a price of 9.00 per couple; however, for some reason, which we didn't discover until we were home, ours cost 14.00 for the two of us. I think we may need to go back and question that bill. One young guy filled his plate 4 times and was still eating when we left. Perhaps, that's why the price has increased so significantly since last year!

God Answers Prayers

Yesterday, on my granddaughter's birthday, my brother-in-law had a pretty serious surgery. To show what prayers can accomplish, many people were praying for him during this surgery. We were so happy to hear that his surgery was a textbook case, that his recovery is not only on target but actually a day ahead of the surgeon's expectations! God is so good and so faithful when we trust in His Wisdom. J has been up walking and kidding me this morning about looking for someone to race around the hospital halls. I must admit that he is in excellent condition for a 65-year-old, very strong and athletic.

Keep improving, J!

You must read my daughter's blog today and the conversation she had on the way to school with her two little ones. They are so entertaining and are absolute sponges! Click on keni's blog on the left of my page and enjoy.

A Grand Day for a Granddaughter

That's right. This has to be a grand day for our granddaughter who has found the perfect home with the most perfect parents and little brother. Whether she realizes today how much she is loved, she has to know the special home in which she now lives is full of so much affection. This little six-year-old has brought so much love, laughter, and joy into our family. She is almost always wearing the cutest, winning smile, and has no problem edging her way into your heart and mind. A more entertaining child would be difficult to find, constantly on the move, yet so eager to please and to be loved. Her manners are impeccable at most times and Hubby says she and her brother are a pleasure to go out to eat with in public places; her mom has taught her to put on her best restaurant manners and, believe me, adults can take a lesson from her and her brother. I spend most of my time around them just observing the brother and sister because they are so entertaining.

I do hope that you have had a great birthday, L, and that you will have many, many more. I look forward to spending many more days laughing with you and loving you lots! Happy, happy birthday!!

Gator in the Sewer

I was finally well enough this week to try my hand at Bingo. Oftentimes, when people come to play after being away from a long time, or first-timers, they are winners. I guess you could call me one of those who had not been able to play for a long time because my luck was very good. In fact, I won 3 times! People began yelling that if I won again I would be thrown into the pool! They will actually do that too! I was concerned for two reasons: I don't really swim and I was recovering from an extremely bad sick experience! Well, I did win once more making a total of $130.00! The folks were kind to me, however, and didn't punish me very much. Some of my friends told them that I had been very sick for 2 weeks (not that that made a lot of difference in the long run) so then they must have been satisfied enough to congratulate me. Tonight we went over to the fellowship hall in the adjoining park but I didn't win anything over there which was fine with me. One of my friends did win a door prize of $10; otherwise, we all returned just after having a enjoyable outing.

There was a gator attack on a local fellow yesterday. The guy had some damage done to his hand after being dragged into a gator infested lake just south of us. In another situation in Cape Coral, There was also a gator trapped in a sewer today. Ooh! How scary is that! How would you like to find that in your toilet bowl!!!

Flea Markets all Around

Today, I will continue to add my minutes to my movements. Yesterday, I rode my bike a mile in the morning and a mile in the afternoon. Perhaps I will try to add a third mile; however, that maay prove to be too much. We'll see as the day goes on. Today is Bingo in the park and I hope that I will be able to take part in that activity. I always look forward to that, so to miss two weeks of playing certainly lets you know how sick I have been.

Hubby rode his bike across the street to the flea market. The other guys walked over but since he cannot walk much due to aneurism behind his knee, he does better riding. Also, with his shoulder still not doing well, at least when he's on the bike, he can rest that hand on the handlebar and steer with his good arm. Perhaps I will ride over later this morning. This is a new flea market they have added to the area; it is held every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings and draws a large crowd to the Shell Factory. The one held at the Drive-In Theatre is still held on Wednesdays but I haven't been there yet. And of course, the big Fleamasters is open every Friday through Sunday. That's the one that is so great!

Gumbo Fest 09

Another few minutes have passed and another band has taken over the stage at the Gumbo Fest at the Shell Factory. The festival always brings a huge crowd. We went over one year but since then we have just sat outside and listened to the music and watched the crowd come and go. I believe this year is even larger than ever. They have our entrance blocked off so if you just want to go into the shell factory or the Subway, you have to enter from the exit off of Tamiami Trail. We'll just wait it out today and perhaps go over to the post office tomorrow. I should have sent a birthday card to my older sister but I neglected to get one mailed. Her birthday is tomorrow so I did call her today and have a very long conversation with her. I hope she has a great birthday for she so deserves one. One of her daughters gave her a birthday dinner last night and all her children and part of her grandchildren were present. She's had a tough year this year, health-wise and she lost her husband in couple of years ago. Happy Birthday, Sis!!

I did make it to church this morning but I was absolutely fidgety during the entire service. It turned out that it was very hot and crowded in there. I really wanted to come back and rest but I stuck it out. It's a fairly long walk down there and back too so I think I wore myself out just coming and going. After lunch, I came back but just seemed to tired to even rest, still have that fidgety feeling I guess. Some of our friends went down to the bean and ham supper the park provided for us but I just didn't feel that was what I could handle for dinner. I keep hoping to wake up in the morning and feel up to par. I believe it will take a good many days yet though.

Energy Short-Lived

Yesterday, I awoke up with big ideas: going to the RV Show, enjoying friends, and eating out. Not on most of those ideas. After a short while, I realized the energy level would be very short lived. I stayed inside most of the day, again. Now, that's getting a bit tiring. I don't think I'm sick anymore but, man, does this stuff leave you drained. After being still so long, it's very difficult to get up and go again. Now, I'm in my 10th day so perhaps the energy level will hit a spurt tomorrow as was predicted by the doctor. I do plan to get out a little this afternoon and just try to move more. Yesterday, Hubby and I did go to Target where I walked around, very slowly I might add, for about an hour. At least I got out for awhile; I have to admit that I was very tired after that hour and ready to return home.

Tomorrow is the big Trash and Treasure show at the adjoining fellowhip hall so I may try to make it over there sometime in the morning. Usually, it is mostly trash but at least it is something to make me move.

Time Equals Changes

Wow! I woke up this morning full of energy and ready to spend a day at the RV show. All of our friends took off about 9:30 for the show and Hubby and I planned to leave a bit later, going alone because we felt I may not need or feel like staying as long as the rest. After getting ready, I was totally exhausted...again! I ask myself if I should try to make it awhile; however, after discussing this with Hubby, he felt it better to wait at least until tomorrow or Saturday. It is much warmer here today than it has been since my illness and should be even warmer for the next few days. Since the show will go on until Sunday, we will be waiting awhile before taking off for that show; there is a good bit of walking involved so we will try some shorter exercise today (ie, Wally World or Target and the grocery store).

Our neighbors who rent their site for 6 months arrived last night. They had a beautiful chow but he is in such bad shape, he cannot even make it across the street to the walking area. The guy literally pick up this huge dog and carries him across. It's really pitiful to watch. I'm really surprised he made it another year; he is quite disabled.

Two of my friends have recently come down with this awful cold/flu; I hope they don't suffer so long as I have. They are such nice folks: one from West Virginia and one from Delaware. In fact, there are many nice folks here. I'm missing one of my friends from Tennessee who lost her hubby since last year. He hadn't been well for some time but the loss is still great for her. They had lived in Alaska until a few years ago. Time sees a lot of changes.

Money? Throw it Away

It's very cold here but unfortunately, there is no snow to make it a more beautiful day. However, the sun is shining and the guys are hovering close together trying to stay fairly warm between the heat of the sun and each other. They cannot stand to be inside very long at the time. Hubby has been in and out so many times that he's going to wear out his coat putting it on and off. I think it was down in the low 30's last night and is supposed to do the same tomorro, but I think the day is supposed to warm up more than the upper 50's as is today. Maybe by Friday or at least Saturday I will be able to get out some; it's just too cool right now for me to even think about it. Plus the wind is blowing and causing the chill factor to be even cooler.

I have had many well-wishers from a distance that is: cards from 5 friends, calls from family at home, emails from family,a visit from my brother this morning, and several phone calls. I think I have assured them that I will survive this ordeal. We all need family and friends no matter where we are.

The big Southeast Florida RV Show will begin here Friday and I look forward to being well enough to take that in. This is one huge show that we like to visit; maybe if I can't go, Hubby will go with some of the other guys. I've not been able to play Bingo this week or last week and that needs to change too. That's one of the highlights of the week. Not that I would win anyway. I can always stay in tonight and watch some of the top basketball teams play each other. That's always interesting to me. Most of the girls aren't winning anyway, that is except one who has won about $150! That's pretty good. But the fun is in the fellowship. I still have a few more weeks to enjoy the game.

Thank goodness, I can see something on tv tonight besides DC. I've had enough, actually, more than enough as I think everyone around here has. And to think, Last night, our country was $150 million better off than it was when I awoke this morning!! Awful waste!! What's money? Just throw it away!!! (and, as my granddaughter would say, yes, I'm being facetious!)

6 Days and Counting

Well, it's been an entire week now and I'm still under the weather. I tell you this stuff really hangs on a long time. Hubby has talked to some other guys whose wives have been down with the flu also and they say it sticks around for about 10 days. Maybe by the weekend things will improve. My joints still ache, my shoulders and behind my knees are the 2 worst parts. At least today, I ate a bowl of chicken noodle soup and that seemed to help me more than anything I've tried to eat so far.

If you aren't reading my daughter's blog, you should go see the beautiful pictures of the snow she has posted. We are missing a beautiful snow at home so I'm having to enjoy it vicariously. It is a fluffy, clean snow and looks like it would make wonderful snow cream!!

It's very cold here today today and the winds are blowing pretty hard. Last night we had rains and winds. I felt sorry that Hubby had to go out alone and put up the awnings. He's a pretty good guy.

Still Sick

I am just as sick as I was Tuesday night I came down with the bug. It is awful! I hope that all of you are spared. I'm still having chills, fever, sweats, aches all over my body. I'm on an antibiotic but if it going to work it surely is slow. I can't get comfortable anyway I turn. My head and muscle all hurt badly.

It's very cold here today, a high of upper 50's they say. Of course, I'm staying inside all day as usual.

No Pneumonia

I ended up spending 2 hours at the doctor's office this evening. The doc wanted to do some chest x-rays to make sure I didn't have pneumonia, which I'm happy to report that I didn't and don't. I was given a prescription for an antibiotic and a decongestant. I hope by tomorrow I will be feeling much better. Feeling bad is just not good. I'm going to sack out soon and see if a long night's rest will help the situation.

Day to be Ill

I don't think the flu shot helped me much because I do have the flu, a pretty bad case of it I would think. I've had a horrible headache (better today) and I'm aching all over! Last night, I had a fever of 102 and today, after taking tylenol PM all night, my fever is still 100.1. I don't know what it would be without the tylenol. I didn't even get to play bingo last night and probably won't be able to play tonight.

I may need to find a local doctor and get an antibiotic. I'm isolating myself from my friends since I don't want to infect them; however, it's a good chance that one of them infected me. It's no fun when everyone else is outside enjoying themselves and I'm having a day to be ill!

Birthday Wishes

Today is a special day for a couple of people I know: one, a fine son-in-law; and, two, a very dear friend and past co-worker. I do hope that both of them have a great day and many, many more. Our son-in-law is a great one, not a son-in-law like some talk about; but, one who is always willing to help in any way especially to his in-laws, shows love and dedication to his wife and children, works hard to support his family in a very comfortable manner, loves for his in-laws to go camping with them (in other words, he doesn't mind having us around and makes no serious jokes about his in-laws); and, he makes himself at home whenever he comes over with the children (or anytime he stops by). In other words, he's a special son-in-law whom we believe that our daughter made a fine choice! Happy Birthday, M!

A special friend/co-worker is another person who cares for others, obvious through her treatment of us. She is a most giving, caring person who will sacrifice much for her friends and family, and for her pup. I remember when I first met her, she had the cutest mina bird (I think it was) and she had him talking a lot. I even remember his name: Herschel! MLM has a personality that will win friends easily. She's a very hard worker and has been recognized statewide for her talents. We both left the private college life to join the public administration system at the same time and have been fast friends ever since; however, we have been remiss in spending much time together since I am retired. I would like for that to change because I do miss her company, her sense of humor, her intelligence, and just MLM. Happy Birthday, dear friend!!

Great Relationships

Happy Sunday to everyone! We have church here at 8:45 until 10:00 AM. That's really nice for us because we get out to the restaurants before the crowd. Our pastor is as good as ever. He and his wife now have a dozen children ranging from age 0 to 23, but what a nice family they are, and so talented too. Most of them play the piano and the bells; one plays the cello, and several are very good with the violin. God surely blessed them with many talents.

This morning, Pastor Jon preached from the book of Matthew 18:15-35, making his point about ten important words in any relationship. He presented the message in such a down-home way that everyone sat with attentiveness. The words he chose to emphasize were: "I was wrong; will you forgive me?; and I forgive you." Our fellowship is one of believers meeting together seeking to worship and follow the Lord and His Holy Word. We want to know Him and make Him known. We believe that abundant and eternal life is found in a relationship with Jesus, and we should seek to proclaim that life to the world. Our church was fun today as many people are arriving for the winter months. Last Sunday there were 47 present; today, there there were about 98 I would guess.

After church, we went to the cafeteria nearby. If you arrive before 10:45, you get your meal for the breakfast price which is much less than lunch prices. Once there, you are free to enjoy either breakfast or lunch; some of the 18 in our group ate both!! Actually, I saw one of the guys going back at least 6 times! Not me, I couldn't hold that much but everything looked so good!! Now, everyone says they are ready to exercise (their lungs and vocal cords as they nap!)

Making New Friends

Today, I have met 2 new folks, one from North Carolina and one from Michigan. It's always nice to meet new people and make new friends. Several of us ladies went to Macy's and from there to the local craft fair (not much to that though). We then indulged in a nice salad from Applebee's. Now, Hubby and I are watching the Panthers get smeared by the Cardinals, the team who was supposed to lose. Oh well, perhaps since the game is no good, I can soon retire and be alert in church tomorrow morning.

Weather here has been very cool in the mornings (50 degrees) but climbed to the upper 70's today. Tomorrow they are predicting a high of 80. I guess we will be bringing out the shorts. I think the latter part of the week is to be cool again. Surely, everyone will be more awake and ready to get out and do things. So far, too many folks are just lazing around.

WIFI problems

I keep checking my internet connections and often find it down. I don't understand the problem but it must be in the RV park. It comes and goes five or six times each day but I will try to catch it up often enough to blog.

So far, nothing exciting is going on at the park; there are many vacant sites available probably due to the economy. I'm told that the management is expecting only an 89% occupancy this winter season. There are 15 vacant sites just in our block and I understand there are 54 sites available in the park so far. Usually, when we arrive, which is later than most, there are only about 15 at most open in the entire park. I wish some of my friends and other family friends would come on down. There are 10 here from my hometown and a few more from my home state. They guys like to stand on the corner and talk to everyone walking by. I guess the ladies are inside washing as I am. I plan to change that in just a few minutes though.

Too Bad, Sooners

the Sooners didn't play quite hard enough I think. Of course, with the game being in Florida and their opponent being in Florida, the crowd was quite prejudiced. Oh well, at least our quarterback won the Heisman award this year. I'm proud of Sam Bradford and the OU team; better luck next year. They never have played well in bowl games. But, do you know what? It is just a game that in a few weeks, most folks won't even remember who played in the BCS bowl or who won, other than the players and the die-hard fans.

Tomorrow, we will be busy cleaning windows in the RV, washing the little SUV that got so very dirty in the rain, and visiting around with old friends. It's great to be able to get around and be fairly healthy at least.

Let's Go, Sooners!

I'm up and running a day sooner than expected. I just plugged her in and up she came! I'm impressed! Last year was such a hassle trying to get on the air that I wasn't sure that I would even worry with it this year; however, many changes have been made here in the past few months, much needed changes too I might add.

It was good to see many old friends tonight. Everyone seems to be happy if not too healthy; as I was told, we are getting older too fast, I'm afraid.

We are now watching the Oklahoma/Florida bowl game and of course, we are pulling hard for OU, not the way most of our friends here are yelling. That's okay; I just hope that we can come out on top. I will be pulling very hard for my alma mater and hubby's. Right now, at halftime, the game is in a tie. Let's go Boomer Sooners!

Loving a Rainy Day

For the next 2 days, I will be off the air. My computer will be unplugged from the internet that long but I should be back up and running on Friday. Don't go away because I do plan to boot up on Friday.

One of my sisters had a nuclear stress test today to check the condition of her heart. She was blessed when the cardiologist called her a few minutes ago and told her that everything was normal. As you can imagine, she is walking on clouds and I don't blame her a bit. I'm happy for her. Seldom do we hear good news like that it seems. There is so much sickness all around us.

What a beautiful rainy day we have had in the South today. As I have said previously, I do love a rainy day; there's just something about it that makes me feel all warm and cuddly inside. I don't feel lonely or sad; I feel like I want to hug someone and tell them I love them. How about you?

Dont' forget to come back now, you hear?

Hearing is Believing

Today, I visited my audiologist. We are still tweaking my hearing aids trying to get them adjusted as perfectly as possible. While waiting for my appointment, I picked up the latest newsletter and began to peruse the information provided. I learned that a new, much upgraded and improved hearing aid was/is hot off the market. Since I was still in my trial period, I requested the upgrade which I was able to acquire without penalty. How fortunate I was since today was my last day in this period. I am so happy that I can begin my hearing experience with the latest and best hearing aid available on the market. I understand that for "down time" and/or relaxation, one can even listen to soothing music of one's choice...wow!! I don't know yet if I will have that downloaded or not at this time. I am just anxious to get the new ones. I have been having some difficulty with background noises and these new ones are supposed to take care of that problem. Seeing is believing but so is hearing!

After my appointment, I met my very good friends for lunch. That was a very special treat to get to enjoy their company on the spur of the moment. Both husband and wife have been very dear to me as long as I can remember. That really made my day a very special one. Thanks again, Friends, for taking time out of your day to spend time with me.

Time with Family

What a way to begin the new year! My sisters and brother and I went to the funeral home to pay our respects to the family of our first cousin who passed away on Wednesday night. This was not a happy way to begin the year but a necessary one. Her daughters and granddaughter were having a difficult time coping which I can understand. The main thing I remember about our cousin was her love to talk and laugh. She called everyone "Honey", a very jovial soul she was.

After the visit with family, we decided to enjoy a meal at a nice steak house. Time spent with siblings is always a treat because we love to laugh and act lighthearted, especially the brother. He seldom seems to have too many serious thoughts; at least, he doesn't like to show a serious side. That makes his company enjoyed by most people who know him. I spent much of the afternoon with a niece who surprised me by wanting to buy my lunch. She is a very sweet young lady and a pretty one at that. Spending time with family is so enjoyable that I wish for you the same opportunities.

Hoping for a Healthier '09

What a busy busy time this has been thus far! My high school classmates met today for their first quarterly luncheon in 2009. With the weather being inclement, fewer people showed up; however, the 10 who arranged to meet had a wonderful time as always.

Yesterday was the day for black-eyed peas, greens, and fatback. We were all told that such was the necessary menu for New Year's Day. I think we are to eat the peas for good luck; the greens for a good financial year; and, fatback (or hog jowls, ham, or some part of a hog) for good health. Now I may be wrong about what stands for what but I did eat some peas, greens and country fried ham (just a small slice of the ham). All of our friends brought in the New Year with a toast for a better year. Many of us had health problems or at least some of our family members did. Hubby has an awful cold now; he always seems to get one this time of year so he takes Nyquil morning and sleeps much of the day, then he repeats it at night. He has had his dose already so will be out soon. Me? I cannot stand the stuff! He keeps me awake so I have to find something to help me. I'm a believer in Zicam so far, that is, until I come down with the cold after faithfully using the stuff. I hope that you stay well during this wintry season when so many have the cold or flu. Maybe this year will be a healthier one for all of us.

It's Here!

2009 has arrived! I just cannot believe that another year has come and gone so quickly! Can we slow time down? We had our annual get-together again tonight as friends joined us in welcoming the new year. We decided not to have breakfast as we normally do because we are all getting a bit older and the ones who have to drive the farthest prefer to get on the road by 1:00 AM at least. Usually, it's 2:00 and later before we bid each other adieu. We had planned to play with our Wii but dummy me could never get the thing to turn on. I don't know what I was doing wrong but we finally decided to wait until next year and try again. I called my daughter at the lake and woke her up to see if she could talk me through it but that didn't work either. I must have had it hooked up to the big tv incorrectly. Tomorrow, I will try again and hope that I will be more successful. We were all disappointed because we wanted to try some of the sports. Ah well, no big deal.

I wish for you and yours a very happy new year. May your year be filled with all good things. In our toast tonight, we toasted for a better year for several of us who had physical issues. May you have a healthy and prosperous 2009!