DAY 110: FRIDAY, January 30, 2020: GIRLS TLC WEEKEND, FIRST FULL DAY

My 6:30 run was perfect by the beach and through Sombrero Isle Boulevard. 

When I returned, Ellen has made a beautiful dish with veggies and eggs for breakfast.

EGG VEGETABLE HASh

The boys stopped by after Mindy’s chair yoga class which they attend 3 times per week. No boys allowed here this weekend other than Bandit. (Once again GERI neglected to find. Cabana boy to serve us).

After a relaxing breakfast, we chatted, took photos, and read books. Lunch was our Thursday night leftovers. More reading, a walk, and.... naps out on the deck under the  pergola. 

At 7:15 we went to Isla Bella for dinner. It was delicious. The road in was windy curvy.. follow the yellow brick road! Waiter Garth from Jamaica was very attentive. We had planned to stay for dessert, but a storm was brewing, thunder and lightning were on the way. I got a warning  across my phone from Todd saying a severe thunderstorm was on the way. 

Bandit was frantic. We made it home to find him cowered in the bathroom corner. But he was safe.i

Found these posted when we got back...MURIEL s karate graduation! So proud of her!

DAY 109: THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020:GIRLS’ WEEKEND BEGINS

6:30 run followed by Step Aerobics at 8:00. All good. 

Then I began preparations for Pat and Joe coming for lunch. I did do a load of wash in between making things..

Lunch will be chicken salad on an avocado with tortilla chips, potato salad and key lime cookies. Seeing them will be great. They are members of BYC and our Catalina Sailing Club. 

A good lunch, a walk around the complex and interesting conversation make for an enjoyable visit. We are so happy they added us to their trip north to Naples.

Next, I packed for my TLC weekend with the Boston girls at Geri’s in Marathon. I repack Ed with clothes for the long weekend, gathered the dips and veggie trays I made and headed to TINGLER Island. I wish I could take credit for the beautiful Key Lime Pie, but I have to give that credit to Publix. 

I spoke to Joan and Linda  and chatted with Michael. I heard from David and Mm has been able to eat without getting sick. Finally , on her way to recovery. Linda headed to MIAMI for more treatment, We are hoping she gets completely well soon. 

Jane sent thanks for her birthday gifts. 

Old Myc friends were searching for our former Dock Master. Found him! He is at Faro Blanco enjoying the keys life. We plan to have dinner together soon.

Texts with Webb confirmed a pot luck supper TBA. When this group gets together, we become the rowdy MONDAY night MYC Dock crew with Webb and JEFF planning guitar and every one else singing. We knew those Monday’s were the best of the season, but we didn’t know they would end so quickly. No thanks to Hurricane IRMA.

The TLC girls are great. Taco dinner was made and we caught up on what happened to all over the past year. 

No plans for tomorrow, YET!

DAY 108: JANUARY 29, 2020: ZUMBA DAY

A great cool breeze run around the resort was easy today. Occasionally, that happens. It was a beautiful morning for a run. 

I returned home and made a pot of coffee. ZUMBA class was at 8:30. As usual, Sylvia’s class was energetic and fun. 

After a shower, I made chicken salad for lunch tomorrow. It always tastes better the next day. I finished unpacking from yesterday and started repacking for our girls’ weekend. 

After talking to MICHAEL and calling mom and dad,  we went to Curry Hammock for a quiet lunch aboard the Blue Goose with Joan and Gordon. Red wine, fresh tuna sandwiches, fruit- delicious and so relaxing but I said that already. The wind died, the fog came in, and so did the no Seeums. Who cared! Not us! It was so peaceful on the hook in the middle of the lagoon. We planned a day at the sandbar next sunny day with the correct tide. Thank you, Joan and Gordon.

I texted with Sharon D and Sharon R. Always good to hear from them.

The lagoon is such fun with these two.

We should have stopped home but didn’t. We headed to Banana Bay to see JEFF,  Carol and Lilly. We met them at Myc 8 years ago. They have stayed with us in RI after Block Island Race Week where they are judges. We stayed with them on our way south on Tomfoolery. 

Lily



            JEFF and Carol

It has been a great day. Carol agrees with me: Do as much as you can every day of your life. Life is too short. ❤️     

                                              😴😴

DAY 107: TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020: RETURNING TO THE KEYS

My last 5:30  class until Feb. Tough to say goodbye to all, but I’ll be back before I know it. Class was over at 6:30 and I was home my 7 and ready to leave for the airport by 8:00. 

At 8, Charlie came next door to pick me up and bring me to the airport. I was there early, but reading my book was peaceful. The airport was quiet.

The delight of the morning was I heard from  David that MM was doing much better . To increase my delight, he said to call and talk to her. I was elated. It is the first time she was able to talk to me since the beginning of December. Although very weak, she could listen. It was an emotional short conversation for both of us. We had been college roommates. We did so much together with our families and friends with their families. I was happy to hear her voice. 

I heard from LINDA who is also doing well. Amen for all who are healing. 

MICHAEL called. Emily sent photos. Joan called to invite us to lunch, and Carol had invited us to dinner. I am so happy to be able to see them all. I’ve been making little things for hostess gifts. I love doing it and giving them to people we meet and spend time with. 

LINDA SENT ME A PHOTO OF THE RED HAT SOCIETY LUNCHEON 

JANE V’S BROTHER SENT ME THIS

I arrived in Fort Lauderdale at 2:00. Tom was there already and we headed south. We did grocery shopping and 

picked up supplies I need to cook at True Lies Club this weekend. 

We had dinner at Mama Mias. Delicious Italian foods. Tom had a Stromboli filled with meats and cheeses. I had eggplant parmigiana. It was so so good. We also purchased a calzone to bring home. 

By 8 were were in the RV and my hours of packing began...

DAY106: MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020: WHAT WILL TODAY BRING

Up at 5:30. Not that wasn’t easy after last night’s party.  I needed to get up. I needed to row. It’s been too long. After a 20 minute run, it was time for Gina’s rowing, weights, and medicine ball class. Because we continue to change activities, the hour flies. 

 Mass followed the workout. So many people need our prayers. 

I finished making a huge pot of chicken soup. It looks delicious, time will tell. I mailed a package to Todd, did mom and dad’s grocery, Cvs, and Dollar Tree shopping, then began deliveries. 

I brought Jane's dad some soup, the headed to mom and dada’s carrying all their stuff plus soup. I couldn’t believe it was already no. I was taking them to I Hop, dad’s choice. I arrived and waited . They were waiting for their cleaning person to arrive. By 1:00, we were off. For me, this is brunch. I realized all I had was coffee.

I texted with Linda, Sharon and Joan, and talked to Tom, after his chair yoga class. I’m so happy he likes the class. 

David told me Mm was better. I tried calling but there was no answer, She has to be exhausted.

LOVE THIS ATTITUDE PHOTO

 

I returned home to do wash before flying out tomorrow morning.

The soup seemed to turn out well. I brought the huge pot to the Sullivans. Dinner and conversation were enjoyable! Miss them already. Funtime playing Jenga with MURIEL. She is good and creative at it until she decided to pull out a bottom block and swoosh... pieces everywhere. Very funny! I was too busy to take a photograph. 

I returned home to pack and finish laundry.  The girls walked tonight. MICHAEL asked me to go to Hometown so I could say goodbye to all. I did, just for a little while. I needed to finish packing and dry the clothes.

It has been a whirlwind weekend. I’m glad I came home to see everyone. Dad was fine. Mom too. Overall, a great visit. Only thing, always too short!

Our last, Happy Birthday, Jane!!

DAY 105: SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2020: UP TOO EARLY AFTER A LATE NIGHT

I was up at 7:15 for Ali’s 8am class. I had to convince myself it was the right thing to do. I put on my running shoes and took them off again. I needed more motivation than that. So, I took out my racing shoes, saved for 5 Ks only!

WEARING THE ZOOM GAVE ME WHAT I NEEDED 

After class I stopped by Jane V to pick up my cake dish and things I left there. Elaina arrived and said: You are coming to breakfast with us. When I said I needed to get home, she said: I’ll have to twist your arm. I went: Jane’s birthday breakfast. And, it continues...

I went to Judy’s before she was leaving with Jameson for a walk. I SHOULD have gone but it was noon and I haven’t been home since 7:40 am. 

I wanted to donut all and finish the arrangements for moms party. I skipped the walk, now I regret it! Ugh! I want to do it all.

I chatted with Joan and Tom and texted with Linda who is doing Great!

David texted .Mm had a restful night. May it continue. Mom and dad Are doing well. 

I texted with Sharon. I’m still looking at my notes for great places to stay in Florida on boats. Can’t wait til they are there too.

Hopefully, in this life, we will make wonderful memories.  Family and friends hold us up, make us laugh, dance, and sometimes drink wine. Blessed to have everyone in our lives. 

GOT TO LOVE THE ATTITUDE 

I made chicken soup to eat with the Sullivans tomorrow, then watch MURIEL at karate.

Tonight, I stopped by mom and dads to help with his ice pack, then went to the Wharf for Jane’s party, Part II. 

The night was fabulous. Reconnected with old friends. Saw a former student — she is now 40. Boy do I feel old. I had her when she was 8. She remembers our wonderful Patriotic performances at the Veterans Home. What an amazing girl! She is the second one of my students I saw this week. It is heartwarming to see these kids now adults, successful !

Now, party photos.

Armand gave us all percussion instruments to plan. I felt like I was in Kindergarten. We all laughed. He is a principal.we told JANE and Judy they could tell their bosses good bye. They are starting a new career- lol!

THE NEW PERCUSSION BAND

JOEY- NEXT BIRTHDAY BOY

ELAINA ANS ANTHONY 

MATT ANS MARISSA

GRUESOME CREW

DAY 104: SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 2020: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SON IN LAW , JOE

At 7:15, I was at the gym for Ali‘s class. Great ,work out as always. Followed this up with breakfast with my sisters and MICHAEL. Always good with too much coffee, but overflowing conversation and hellos to many friends. Lauren’s is a Saturday meeting place. 

  WHAT A CREW

TEXTED JOE: HAPPY BIRTHDAY! ENJOY A BEAUTIFUL FAMILY DAY

Sent texted to Jane V— Happy Birthday to our ´sister´. 

WE WERE SLEEP, IT WAS 5:30 AM, OUR FRIDAY MORNING ALTERNATIVE TO THE GYM— WALK

I checked in with Mom and Dad. All is good. 

After SATURDAY morning breakfast, we went for a walk around downtown Bristol and the great little shops. We all found something.

I checked in with Joan, Tom, Mm, and Linda. Mm is doing better and Linda sounds great. Amen!

GERI Sent a Photo of her Water Color class. Such amazing artists!

At 1:30, I left for Muriel‘s basketball game. What fun to watch ! Her team is u defeated after 6 games. I, so glad I was here for this. 

AN AMAZING WIN FOR MURIEL‘S TEAM : YOU GO GIRLS

I was fortunate to be here for so many reasons. I came home for mom and dad.Then I was able to see MURIEL at karate and basketball. Then, a birthday dinner and party were an unexpected part of my time at home. So Dad‘s little mishap brought me home to enjoy family and friends—totally unexpected !

Meeting Patrick was a treat. Hugs from MURIEL. Meals with family and friends and helping mom and dad. Fabulous!

All this ˋgood´ after Dad‘s ˋbad´. I should have known so many fun things would happen . Surprise, surprise!

At 4:00, I went to mass. 

At 6:00, I met with Judy and MICHAEL to drive to the Aviary, Jane’s birthday dinner. I’m 7! 3 couples Nd me! Thanks for the invite LA!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JANE V

ONE OF THE MANY GIRL WALKS: MONDAYS, FRIDAY MORNINGS, AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE 

 THE CREW WITH ATTITUDE: ONLY TOM AND LARRY ARE MISSING ( GUESS THEY DONT HAVE ATTITUDE)

What a party! And we get to do it again Sunday. . Dad‘s incident brought me home. Leave it to these girls to make it worth the trip besides seeing MURIEL and my parents. I still have Sunday — TUESDAY morning.

Home to late, way to late, but I WILL get up for class tomorrow!

I 

DAY 103: FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2020: A FULL DAY TO LOOK FORWARD TO

At 4:30 I was upland at sister Jane’s by 5 am. Jane, JUDY, Jane V. Did our FRIDAY morning 5 mile walk around Warren, but First to Dunkin Donuts for our walking coffee. It was cold, 33 degrees and  no Windsor the Walk felt great. This walk is one thing I miss when I am not here. The first sip, of course, was the best. FRENCH Vanilla— the heat helped keep my hands warm. But, then I had to take my gloves off. Iowa’s actually too warm. And, that never happens. 

Jane bought us all these great hats  so we could be seen in the dark. Jane V bought us yellow reflective vests road workers wear so we can be seen in the dark. We have been doing this walk on Fridays for more years than I can count. 4 girls with vests, hats with lights and more can now be seen totally in the dark.

    LIGHT OFF


             LIGHT ON

When I got home  and cleaned up, I began working on  the centerpieces for mom‘s upcoming 90th birthday party. I sent sample photos to my sisters to make sure they were a go. They are so my next plan was to gondola Newport to pick up more shells to finish them. 

I am having a hard time showing those samples.

GERI Sent photos of the places the TLC Girls will be going next week. Going to Bella  Isle, a new resort in Marathon, will be interesting.

In Newport, it was my lucky day. I found great craft things to make, but I can’t write them down. They will be made into gifts. I managed to go to Brick Market and get a few more. Best thing, I parked right near bb and had 3 hours of free parking. That was a first. I didn’t need 3 hours, though.

I stopped at Dr Alano‘s office when I received a call from Linda. Little Patrick will be with her today. I can Go to visit and meet this little guy. So exciting!! Adorable!

YEAH, THE PHOTO SHOWED UP: THIS LITTLE GUY IS SO BEAUTIFUL 

Tonight this is not allowing me to get emails where all my photos are. Ugh. So frustrating. All pictures may have to hold off until tomorrow. I hate that. 

I stopped my mom and dads then went to the post office to mail myself a  box to Florida. I said I bought a lot of craft stuff I can’t get there, right?

I next went to visit the little man . What a joy. Sorry, photos won’t download to the I pad. 

I brought my parents out to dinner. The first place was close until next week. This sounds like another case of driving around in circles looking for a bakery. We ended up at Lauren’s. It was good. They enjoyed it.

I heard from Tom, Joan and GERI who Are at La Niña for dinner then on to the theater. Cheryl is in the Play: 4 Old Broads. What fun!

Em and Todd Sent photos of Leo at school during show and tell. He is so serious showing his firetruck. He is a truck expert. He probably explained every part, what it’s used for, how it was made, how it works with other trucks, what firemen do..... get the idea. When he was here, Uncle Tony took him to the fire station and let him touch everything and sit in the drivers seat, etc. LEO loves trucks. I bet the teacher had to stop him to give someone else a chance. Ha! He is quite knowledgeable!

 

DEFINITELY UP TO THE TASK

Another busy day ended with me meeting Judy and MICHAEL at Hometown to listen to music for a bit. The place was booming. Great to see but I left after talking to Rose about plans for moms party. 

Tomorrow, Muriel‘s Basketball Game. Im so glad im here to see it!

DAY 102: THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020: GREAT TO BE HOME FOR A FEW DAYS

I was up at 4:30 and at the gym at 5 with my sisters. First a run then Ali‘s stretch Loop  band class. A slow but muscle feeling class. I went to mass. So many friends to pray for. Father Stephen always makes the homily interesting and meaningful. 

At 9 I returned to the gym for the Urban Rebounding Class. Those mini trampolines are such fun. 

Sherry works us hard using many ballet moves.

Next, shopping for mom and dad. Tracey always asks for dad. Such a kind person. Next Dollar Tree— cards for mom and more supplies for my projects. I returned home to make candy— mini turtles, fish, and star fish. These would be great for mom’s birthday party. Let’s call this a practice run. 

FUN TO MAKE AND TASTE GOOD TOO

I wrapped birthday presents and packed boxes to send to myself in Florida. I texted with family and friends, GERI and Joan.

I made plans to see Linda and meet her new grandson — so exciting!  

I texted and talked to Tom who brought my car to Key West Jeep for an oil change. 

I heard from Emily, Michelle, and Chan checking in on dad. We are so happy he didn’t break anything. 

I checked in with Michelle. MURIEL has karate tonight. Yeah! I can go watch. She is adorable and looks so cute kicking and jabbing. I guess that shouldn’t really be cute. Lol.

SUCH DETERMINATION 

I heard from Sharon and Paul who Are planning to take their boat to Florida next season! Yeah, I hope they get to the keys. They won’t want to leave!

 Pat and Joe Are visiting us this week! Can’t wait.

René emailed. I’m so happy the blog is keeping us connected.  Hope they continue to do well. One day we will return to St. Augustine. 

It’s really. Time to read and sleep. 4:30 comes quickly. 😴😴😴😴