DAY 49: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2019: SAYING GOODBYE TO PATTY AND TOM

Today, i slept later today. Patty and Tom headed out very early, stealthily! They were going snorkling and kayaking. Very easy guests. 

Happy 62 anniversary, Gordon and Joan. So happy for you!

Yesterday they helped us get Geri’s tree up before we went to Burdines. By 6:30 pm it was so so dark. Hard To believe we were all so tired!

Again the capitals and spelling are going crazy. I’ve looked it up and still no relief. Something new on this crazy device. I never saw this before, and it’s driving me nuts. 

I had planned to make pancakes for all of us for breakfast. I have so many blueberries I had to use them.. The pancakes were good and filled with fruit.

Yummy! I made them big so I could make less. 

These kids have so much fun. Leo, always the lumberjack, ready to help cut down their. Christmas tree at the tree far. What memories!

IS STELLA HOI G TO HELP CARRY THAT BIG TREE?


LUMBERJACK LEO

Today is a beautiful sunny warm day in the Keys. As we leave tomorrow, we will probably hit heaby rain and ugh, a snow storm the further north we get. I don’t want to be cold but I do want to see my family. 

We heard from Sharon and Paul. We hope to see them when we get home. So many great memories of our quiet summer nights on their boat, sipping wine and the boys smoking a cigar. 

Time to start packing. Well, I won’t have to bring any summer clothes. Packing is not fun. I asked Todd for a weather report. There are all kinds of storms everywhere moving East. We are boubd to hit some weather we do t want. It is December after all. 

Tonight we go to Marathon Community Theater with Grace, Werner, Geri, and Bill after going to the Cracked. Conch for dinner. I like the conch but the fried doesnt like me especially at 3:00. 

The show is Greatsr Tuna, a funny story about small town morals and mores, should be hysterical.Two characters are playing 20 characters.

Spent the day making shell napkin rings- kind of cute! 

Tom and I put away the table, rug, bikes, and everything else that would be out in the weather while we are home. 

We visited with carl, linda and their daughters. Beautiful family. We will miss them while we are gone. 

Tom washed my car and we closed up the table, bikes, rug, and other outside set up to store while we are gone.

At 6:30 we met the crew at the Cracked Conch for dinner then on to the theater to see Greater Tuna. It was hysterical. 

By the time we returned home, it was 10:30. We have an early start tomorrow. Time to sleep.

LEO CLIPPING THE BOTTOM PIECES OF THE TREE BEFORE IT IS PUT UP

Todd and i chatted this afternoon about the hunt for the tree. Michelle and I talked about Christmas gifts for the kids. 25 days until Christmas.

Sharon and Paul invited us to dinner on Friday night. So many fun things to look forward to. 

DAY 48: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019: GUESTS COMING TODAY

Excuse the effies in this entry. The iPad had lost its mind!!

Up at 7:45 To head To KCB for MaryAnn’s great full body pilotes class. I didnt  want to run today.  Yesterdays run was great, hard and fast. I thought pilates was a better choice today. 

After class, I went To the post office on Long Key. This post master is the best ever: pleasant, helpful, and always ready for pleasant conversation. I told her we would be away til January and would see her then.

I heard From Linda who Will be coming home today To recuperatie. Sorry about these capitals, the spelling, the capitals, keep popping up Out of No Where. I shut the iPad off To Reset. Still No Lück. So frustrating. 

Can’t understanding why this is so hard. Brand New i pad shouldnt do this.

Lots of tests: Geri, Michael, Emily, Joan, Claudia , Charlotte, Jessica, Patty, Michelle Linda and Shirley. 

The Ostiguys face timed us! Too cool! Claudia and Burt are hoping To visit. 

We are going To Geris To put up the Christmas tree. Patty and Tom are coming today. Linda is coming home- yeah! Shirley liked our card. Michelle NOS jas My PS 66 plates on Maddys Car. I waited 3 yeats for Thaise plates. I‘M so happy someone has them in our family!

I walked over To see Julie for News About Linda. Joanne called To Day she was coming home today. What a caring group of People! 

Patty and Tom arrived at 1:30. At 2:30 we went To help Geri with the tree. Next stop- Burdines . Delicious Fries and more. Saw Amalia: she was so busy we could not talk!.

IT was a great dinner with good food and conversation. We were so tired we return To the rv To sleep. 

Great having company. So easy To keep busy!

  

FAMILY ANF FRIENDS

I WILL SLEEP  WELL TONIGHT

DAY 47: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019: HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY TO ALL: SO MANY REASONS TO BE GRATEFUL

It was a hot sunny breezy morning and 80 degrees. At 8:15, we left for Duck Key and found a parking place near the Angler and Ale. Tom did something weird to his shin. It bothered him as he walked to the starting area then seemed to be okay. Al and I ran. GERI and Susan walked the race. All good. We came in first in our age groups. I remember when Bob used to run with us. It was an invigorating way to start the day. We did hear from Rene and Bob. We are happy that they love their new home. 

GETTING READY

A 5 K IN THE BEAUTIFUL FLORIDA KEYS


FOUR ADVENTUROUS PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY AL!

Only two bridges that weren’t very long or steep so the course was flat.

AL AND I CELEBRATE OUR AGE GROUP WINS


TWO MEDALS FROM THIS RACE

ALWAYS A FUN RACE WHERE I MEET SO MANY PEOPLE



MADDY AND PORTSMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND AT THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE

Busy day for everyone. Great to talk to JUDY and Jane, as well as Michael and Mike, JR.

Connecting with Todd, Matt and Marissa, mom and dad, our Grandkids, Carolyn and Rick , Linda, Pat, ROLAND and Janet...  so many friends and family that we are blessed to know and share experiences with! I’m still amazed that mom’s vision is now 20-20. Not only did we chat, we texted with Em who sent us an adorable video of the kids. We texted with SHIRLEY, Kevin, Carol and Gerry, Gordon and JOAN, Claudia and Burt, CATHIE, we are saying prayers for Linda at Miami Baptist. 

At  2:00, I began making the stuffing And potatoes for our 5:00 dinner. Møre To follow...

Okay, iT is now 10:13 And we are home From a fabuleus dinner Sith Geri, Bill, Gordon, And Joan. Turkey On The grill rotisserie was delicious, the sides made in crock pots and on a hot plate Sith No kitchen, juist the Tim’i bar and grill. We Made do. IT is  a Holiday we will always remember. Unique!

Because it is late, I’ll let the photos tell the story:

SUNSET OVER LITTLE SISTERS ISLAND

We kayaacked there once. Took all day since there was No water there- low tide.

GERI AND BANDIT

THE DINNER CREW AS WELL AS CHEFS AND BUS GIRLS

OUR RI FAMILY AT DINNER

I think I will finish up the Thanksgiving Photos Tomorrow. The internet is crazy, and the Ipad keeps putten in Capital letters. I have No idea why. Words are Boeing underlined thatvarecspelled correctly. SHO knows!Im tol tired to fight with iT. Sorry... see what i mean?

Good News: One mouse dead in the glue trap! Yeah!

Good Night!

DAY 46: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019: THE DAY BEFORE THE THANKSGIVING

Up at 7:00 am for a 9:00 exercise class at KCB. On the way to class, I stopped for gas and to the hardware store to pick up more mouse bait. Ugh! Whichever mouse got in last night, took the bait , again. I needed to replace it. I think I am feeding him/ her/ it rather than trying to get rid of it. It’s playing with me or sending its family. The bait is suppose to be eaten, then the critter is supposed to leave looking for water and die someplace and not in the lower compartment of the Coach. I should be happy....at least it is not inside. I would then be a murderer because if I get it, it has NO chance. 

Our resort:

I returned to Publix for more potatoes. On Monday, I carefully picked out individual red bliss ones I didn’t get any rotten ones on Monday so I wouldn’t have to return to the grocery store again. So busy! Well, today I pulled out the bag. One was rotten and I can’t tell you how badly it smelled, wreaked.Awful!

So I went to Bayside, the little store on site and bought more. Now I have a huge pot filled with fresh potatoes soaking in water. My mom always makes the best mashed that everyone loves, I don’t t like them but I make them. Probably not as good as hers. I could have pretended and used instant but I couldn’t do that. This crew loves mashed potatoes. So, tomorrow I’ll use lots of butter and cream as they are smashed. 

I heard from Lucia and Carolyn. I wished they lived closer so we could see them more often.  Every one sounds great and ready for family and Turkey time. I heard from Linda . I am looking forward to meeting her new grandson when I get home. Many texts from home about Turkey Day. So wonderful to hear everyone is happy.

Good news about mom’s eye operation today also. 20-20 vision!!! Doesn’t get better than that. 

GERI and I set up her Tiki Hut, ready to go. Tomorrow, Joan and I will set up the table and make it look perfect for a Keysie Thanksgiving Day. 6 of us. We will have a great day Oceanside on this day to give thanks. Well, we give thanks everyday. 

At 5:00 I went to Duck Key, Hawks Key to pick up bibs and t shirts for GERI and me.

At 9:00 Thanksgiving Day, the race begins!

My NUMBER


A GREAT NIGHT REMEMBERED

Linda is now in the hospital. Today we texted. She is in good spirit. So happy her family is in Miami with her. 

LOVE THIS AREA OF OUR SITE


OUR BIKES: SUCH AN EASY RIDE

Traps are set. I. Hoping we have no unwanted visitors tonight. 

Hope everyone is ready for tomorrow’s big day!

Happy Thanksgiving!🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃

DAY 45: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2019: ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE

Up at 7:00 for a great run around the park . I saw many of the Pavement Pounders, the walkers. After I ran, I went to the rec center and registered my 22 miles for the last 7 days. The walkers add their miles and the leader shows on a map how far across the country the team has walked. Pretty cool!

After breakfast, I did all the wash knowing I had to dry at the laundromat on site. I truly wish our dryer would just start working again as the water pump did-a mini miracle but I’ll take it. 

On a sad note, Linda and I were  supposed to go to the beach with Julie this afternoon. It was devastating news to find out that Linda’s hospitalization 2 days ago was very serious. The doctors found some unexpected things. We don’t know when she will return. Carl and she were supposed to fly to Canada to see their daughter, now their daughters are here to help their mom. Linda and I have talked about do what you can while you can. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Actually many of my friends and I have discussed that. My dad always says it! So true and truer today. 

I didn’t feel like going to the beach without her, so I stayed put and wrote out Christmas cards all day and waited for Carl’s call. He texted then JOANNE visited to tell me the bad news. Linda and Carl have faith. May she do well with the treatments and return soon. Carl said she wants her treatments here where it is warm not Colorado where it’s cold. 

Dinner tonight was at Bonnie and Loyal’s. After an enjoyable cocktail on the deck, we stood in a circle holding hands and stated what we are thankful for. We are blessed with caring families and friends, and good health and said a prayer for those who need health improvement. 

LOVELY DINNER 

TOM and LOYAL 

Today, at the post office, the post master showed me a Grape leaf Post Card. I wrote one out and sent it to Muriel for her birthday. It is so cooL 

I’ll have to post a photo tomorrow. I can’t get it to send. Frustrating!

Oh , here it comes now! Ugh...

ISN'T THIS COOL

GORGEOUS SUNSET 

DAY 44: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2019: MONDAY OF THANKSGIVING WEEK

DAY 44: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2019: MONDAY OF THANKSGIVING WEEK

Tom dropped me off at 8:38 for a 9:00 am class then did his Home Depot and Publix Run. By the time he finished, GERI and I were done and feeling strong. Time for breakfast.

LOOKS SIMILAR TO YESTERDAY, BUT, I ADDED CHICKEN , AND WE ATE IT WITH A WRAP: DELICIOUS 

I checked email and noted that Lucia is reading my blog. Keeping connected with her is great. Getting together for our class reunion was the best. 

CHECKING IN WITH DEB AFTER HER CRUISE 

I don’t know where the day goes, but it goes. After breakfast, we went into town for some plastic storage boxes and more things for Thanksgiving. 

We had a new visitor- a non invited one. Tom found a mouse in one compartment below. Fortunately, it was only one compartment, one mouse and he ran away when Tom got him out. Carefully we got rid of the few droppings and headed to town, Specialty Hardware, who to,d us exactly what to do. I guess we are lucky it’s only the first time and will be the last. I hate meeses to pieces. I was happy this happened while we were here and not when we were home for Christmas. We haven’t had any insects or critters inside, and I want to keep it that way. Let outside creatures stay outside if they want to live. Friends have told us about having them inside. No way！ We are now ready! 

Carl callto let us know Linda is in the hospital. We were so surprised since we had Ben together Friday and Saturday . Life is so so fragile and precious. Things happen too fast. Enjoy life while we can.

There went our day, but it was worth it. By 5:00 we were done and I was starting to make dinner- some absolutely delicious homemade sausage from Bucksport. That was the last of it. Sautéed with cauliflower and broccoli, add a salad and dinner is done.

I chatted with Michael and texted with Joan and Michelle. Chan sent some good news about the girls running track and doing so well. Morgan’s interview of Grandpa came out well , Morgan said. 

What would we do without phones and internet? Connections would not be made. 

AN OLD PHOTO OF US

Tomorrow we go to Loyal and Bonnie’s for dinner. I need to search for an appetizer.

DAY 43: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2019: FOOT BALL SUNDAY: PATRIOTS VS COWBOYS

I was up at 7 before the sun burst into the sky. It is supposed to be a real hot one so getting our early was necessary. It was warm even before sunrise. Lots of people out walking this morning. I think I should add my running miles to the Pavement Pounders walking miles. They are trying to get enough miles on pavement to reach Washington State , I think. 

Tom and I went to 10:00 mass at San Pablo’s. Very sincere new pastor. We then went to Marathon Marina and Boatyard to pick up JOAN and Gordon s care to bring it to the Lagoon in VALHALA. We wanted to visit with Cheryl and Duke, but she sounded like she had a terrible cold. Next time.

We want to watch the Patriots game and with the controversy between the Fox networks and Cable, the Fox stations are blocked! Ugh! We stopped at eye local sports bar, 2 miles away, and the bar tender said: come join us, we will have it on!

By the time we returned, we were both pretty hungry. This was breakfast with lots of coffee.

OUR SPINACH, BACON, CHOURICO, TOMATO, AND CHEESE OMELETTE:DELICIOUS 

At 1:00, Morgan called Grandpa to interview him for a report she is writing for school. It is basically his biography and his life in the service before and beyond. It was very interesting to watch both of them on FaceTime and listen to the questions and answers. I sent her many photos of him from through out his life that I had.  

FAMILY APPLE PICKING TRIP

GRANDPA BEING INTERVIEWED BY MORGAN

PHOTO SENT TO MORGAN:

What our friend Guy sent us. Too funny....Taking directions literally! Ha!

                  HOME SWEET HOME

At 4:00 we went to Florida Boys Sports Bar to watch the Patriots play the Dallas Cowboys. Patriots won by the skin of their teeth but a win is a win. We will take it. Pats are now 10-1.  Chicken wings , Buffalo of course, and a rib let basket we shared was lunch and dinner. Jordan was our waiter; Dee was the bartender. Everything was delicious. The staff was friendly, and we enjoyed conversing with them Jordan was definitely a Pats fan. 

We will return there. I wrote a review for Trip Advisor while there. 

After the game we headed home. Tomorrow is another day at KCB for exercise. Looking forward to it. No time to run. Later....

DAY 42: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2019: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BILL!

After a run, I made cinnamon rolls with cream cheese and walnuts. They came out the best ever.

At 9:15, we went to check mail at the post office. Tom mailed some items at the UPS Store. We went to Jaime and Peters for brunch with the gang. It was great. 8 of enjoyed a long leisurely brunch from 10—1 pm. We know how to lengthen any get together. Their home is beautiful — the Perfect Island Home in the Florida Keys. 

THE PARTY CREW: NEXT PARTY AT THE RV

HAPPY 80th BIRTHDAY, BILL!

GORDON AND JOAN: HEADING TO THE LAGOON IN VALHALA TOMORROW 

 GREAT HOME.... COMFORTABLE AND BEAUTIFUL 

Brunch was delicious. Bill‘s birthday cake soooo chocolates. We sat  and chatted for hours. 

THE POOL

POOL DECK


SCREENED IN PORCH

You too can stay in this beautiful home as it is a rental. They rent it when they aren’t here. It is beautifully decorated. Congratulations, Jaime and Peter.

After a great time, we went to Home Depot. Ugh....We were there too long then a quick trip to Winn Dixie, then back to the Rv. Tom had tasks to  do. 

At 4:30 we picked up Linda and Carl to go to the Hawaiian event at KCB they invited us to. We wore brightly colored clothes, Hawaiian shirts, flowered dresses, and off we went.

Carl and Linda invited us to Luau Night at Havana Jacks. Fun night of music, food and dancing! 

A wonderful ending to a fabulous day.

Tomorrow we pick up JOAN and Gordon’s car and deliver it to the park near the lagoon where they anchor. We hope we get to see them when we leave their car.  Safe travels on your sea journey, friends.

⚓️⛵️⚓️⛵️

DAY 41: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019: PILATES AT KCB: VISITORS FROM HOME

At 7:30i left for Geri’s to finish moving into 79 intus middle of remodeling. Our next fun activity was Pilates T KCB with a wonderful instructor, Mary Ann. GERI and I had a great Time along with the other 40+ people there. So good!  There will be muscles I feel tomorrow. 

After class I picked up Tom‘s Dry cleaning, some rolls for lunch, and filled the Jeep with gas. I noticed after many trips back and forth to Marathon , I was low on fuel. We haven’t filled up since Homestead last Saturday. 

I chatted with mom and dad. All well there. I texted with Joan about our plans for Bills birthday. I made the chicken salad and set the table for Pat and Ruth‘s visit. Next was make the salad and get the sides ready. All simple but so good. 

Texting with Carol made me happy. We are so happy  Gerry is improving. We are so thankful for that. 

At noon, Pat and Ruth arrived.

Great conversation and catching up on RI news and BCY‘s renovations after the fire. It was fabulous to see them. Time , of course, goes by too quickly and they had to be in Miami at 3:30.   

At 3:30, linda and Carl invited me to San Pablo’s for a Christmas bazaar and Hot Dog night. Tom didn’t go. He wouldn’t have liked it— crowded and nothing he would want. When I came back to the Rv, Tom had our new lights shining in the palm trees. It looks  great!!

OUR NEW LIGHTS LOVELY

OUR FRIENDS INVITED US TO THIS  AT THEIR CHURCH. IT IS ONE OF THE MOST VISITED CHURCH IN THE KEYS


THE NEWEST PLACE SETTING NAMETAG I MADE. 

CRUISE SHIP MEMORIES: LOOKING AT OTHER CRUISES

ANOTHER GREAT DAY IN PARADISE