Ennui

....has set in. (It's a good word to use in idle conversation). I blame the condition on the orange days on the graph. Don't even think of taking the kids, grandkids, or yourself to Disney /Universal. I think they should pay people to go there in this heat.

During these torrid days, I wonder what I would be doing if we still lived in a more temperate climate. I am not a gardner, I detest weeding and clipping and bugs and snakes. But I do like HOSTA. I miss the opportunity to admire them and grow them. They require so little. Our talented neighbors with the green thumbs, tried to grow some under a shady palm......and failed. When I am old, I will spend my summers in a garden surrounded by every variety. ....but I still won't weed. Meanwhile, I have developed a more pronounced fondness for my Kindle. And I just knew that once it became available at Target at a reduced price, a new model would appear..........
It's now available in black or white and comes with a built in light on the case. But the best
feature is a 50% increase in the contrast of the print. That has been my biggest gripe. So, my order has been placed and it will ship at the end of the month. I will return mine to Target (90 day return policy). I have given up on the iPad. That is a hard thing for me to admit but I think this new Kindle version is a much better e-reader.

Otherwise, blog worthy days are few and far between but we have hopes that ennui will soon be replaced......by off-ui. (yes, sometimes I try too hard)

For Sale

Wouldn't you like to have this lovely 4 bedroom house on 5 acres surrounded by the most beautiful views of the hills and countryside and near a vibrant urban setting? Jeff is trying out the market and seeing if there are any bites. It is located outside of Washougal, Washington, a pretty drive from Vancouver and Portland. He has added a lot of upgrades to the house and landscape and it would be perfect if you needed a place for your horse. The view from the front porch reminds Paul of Ireland when the fog is settled in the hills. MLS #10060162

Life continues at a slow pace in the heat. My friend Sonia from Newtown, is down for the week. Normally we walk at a pretty brisk pace, whether here or up there, but today, she found the heat oppressive and the walk a bit much. It was 81 with high humidity at 7 am. It was actually hotter and more humid in the North east but I think I have acclimated a bit as I was not that uncomfortable. So, maybe we'll just continue our chats in A/C for the rest of the week.

Went to the big mall in Orlando yesterday.....just window shopping in the coolness. And had to check out the iPad again. I still like it but someone else isn't as impressed. Had lunch at Brio again and again I had the risotto.....still yummy.

A special HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my sister Maureen today. Wishing we lived closer to help her celebrate.

It's too hot ...

to even consider getting away. We have been wanting to jump in the "moving roadblock" and head north. The thought of cool mornings and warm but pleasant days somewhere else was beckoning us. We checked temperatures near and far and decided that the hills of North Carolina might be a consideration. We only wanted to be gone a week or so and Asheville seemed about right. On the way, we would spend a couple days in Savannah. Now that would be hot and humid but we would wander about and explore the area and the beaches.

After making arrangements for plant watering, mail and papers, we decided to recheck the forecast and found that Asheville is now HOT and probably humid and that is not what we want......sooooo, we whined and complained and then decided to stay home. We'll try again when the stars are aligned and the temperatures drop. Altho the RV has excellent A/C, part of the joy of "camping" is being outside and meeting others. Not cooped up in front of the TV.

Meanwhile, the den is painted but picture will have to wait until the drapes are up and it looks more presentable. It is a great color but did take two coats.

Lazy blogger

For those looking for an exciting read from the old folks as we romp thru life, I'm sorry to say that not much is happening in retirement land. Yes, we are still playing golf, one of us continuing a streak of birdies and pars. Yes, it is still hot and we are planning a short excursion to find cooler weather in a few days. Yes, I am still reading on the Kindle and still undecided if I will keep it.......Target gives me 90 days to decide.

We both got haircuts of about the same length so now it's even

harder to tell us apart.....I believe they say couples start to look alike after many years of togetherness and we're starting at the top of our head.

After a year or so of procrastination, we're finally finishing the study/den/man cave/guest room. P is creating a desk and table out of our former dining room table. It was a hinged affair with a pretty inlay. I liked it but it just didn't work in this house and it was destined for the consignment shop. But his frugal nature fostered his creative side and he is busy repurposing the table. So, before we have a room full of furniture, I managed to pick out a color and begin the painting drudgery. I am not the neatest painter and couldn't resist writing on the walls. Unfortunately, this terra- cotta color is going to take two coats.....stay tuned for the finished view.

Someday, I'd actually like to see this place, St Andrews that is, in Scotland. But I would never consider playing this course. Besides the wind, the rain and the temperature, there are those amazing bunkers to consider. It's hard to imagine men clad in plaid skirts wanting to actually brave the elements with a stick and a ball.......seems like it should have been Ponce de Leon after finding Florida and the fountain of youth. But maybe the gators gave him second thoughts.

Of golf and garages

I need to brag a bit. Mostly because I usually complain about my golf game. This week, I played an Executive course called Roosevelt. It is a pretty course, fairly difficult, rated 3 on a scale of 1-4 difficulty and is hilly. Well, by Florida standards anyhow. I played from the forward tees which did make it pretty short. I got pars on the two 4 par holes and 2 additional pars and a birdie. I lipped out 2 simpleputts or my score would have been even lower......par on this course is 29 and I managed to eke out a 33. I'm not sure that is my lowest score but on a course of this complexity, I was pleased. Now, I know that all of you were thinking I was going to say I got a hole in one or broke a course record or won a tournament or something. But actually, this small thing will have me coming back for more.

Not sure how I happened on this site but found it a good laugh. It's called www.style-your-garage.com These are attached with velcro and therefore, easy to remove and put up. I would love to have one for ours but doubt that the we could keep it for long once the deed restriction patrols got wind of it. But we'd turn a few heads......

I would have liked to see one that looked like a view of a golf course. Since we live on one, it would appear as tho you could see straight thru the garage to the course.

Still using the Kindle....I've read 2 long books and ready to download another. I think there should be more contrast in the print and like the dictionary feature. It's light and comfortable to use and fits nicely in my various collection of handbags. But if an iPad happened to drop into my lap, I'd switch without hesitation.

Happy 4th

The holidays are always celebrated in a big way down here in retirement land. Today, the town squares had non-stop entertainment starting about 4 pm. We went to Lake Sumter Landing and spent a few hours enjoying the music and food. We have our very own twirling team. They are well known around the state and perform at sporting events and competitions. And no, I have no interest in pursuing this even tho I'm sure Lizzie would be thrilled if I did.....or horrified.
Freida had to have her picture taken with the stilt walkers. Despite all the entertaining events of the day, we do not have fireworks . I've always wondered why it isn't done down here.....they seem to offer so much of everything else. So we came home to watch it on tv. But just not the same.

We have had over 7 inches of rain this week and everything is lush and green and the irrigation is turned off. And the temperatures have dropped considerably altho the humidity is high in the mornings. But tonight it was about 80 with a lovely dry breeze.

Earlier today we went to see Toy Story 3. One of us had to get up to speed tho so we watched the first Toy Story last night. We haven't seen #2. I thought the latest was good but a bit intense for the little ones, especially the dump scenes.
And Ken and Barbie are a great addition to the toy box. We were the only adults in the theater without a kid.

Happy Birthday Princess !!

Isn't she lovely ?? We are all proud of Lizzie's accomplishments with awards
in Twirling and the opportunity to be an escort in the state Miss Colorado pageant. She is poised and talented. We are very proud and wish we were there to help
her celebrate her 12th birthday on July 1st. OK, you can stop growing up now. !!

Summer doldrums seem to have set in with nothing much going on. We have been playing golf, mostly early in the day and it is quite tolerable. The pool is a real treat and I use it as a bribe to get up in the dark and walk each morning, knowing I will come home and jump in to cool off and enjoy a coffee over the morning paper on the lanai. It's surprising how lively the neighborhood is at dawn.

I gave in to my conflicted feelings and actually bought a KINDLE. When amazon reduced the price, I was sorely tempted and then it showed up in Target and I capitulated. I'm still not 100% sold and find it not necessarily a good substitute for a real book. I'm talking about hard covers or large paperbacks.....there is something solid and tactile about a book and knowing how much is left and using an old favorite bookmark. Lately, the paperbacks have gotten much smaller in size and print. The Kindle seems more impersonal and not that easy to read in dim light, altho I love being able to change the size of the font. On occasion, I try and turn the page instead of pushing the button. And it is kind of cool to be able to sync to my iPhone or Mac and just continue reading. BUT, what I think I would really like is an iPAD...... it just seems a bit too expensive for an e-reader and a bit redundant if I have a computer. But like the iPhone, it just feels good. I'm still undecided but while I ponder this dilemma, I think I'll order another book for the Kindle.

Memories

Once upon a time, in a place far far away, a family of 6 3/4 had a great week together in a most beautiful place. Ouray, Colorado, in June of 1988, found the Miller clan with one very pregnant Jenna high into the rugged San Juan Mtns. Known as the "Jeeping Capitol of the World", we spend many days high up on goat trails in

rarified air, bouncing along in jeeps. It was grand, it was amazing and it was terrifying. The wild flowers and waterfalls were at their peak. We bounced over boulders, climbed vertical stretches and clung, just barely, to the paths as we crept along sheer clifts. It was truly one of the most beautiful and breathtaking experiences ever. (Nicholas arrived one month later, none the worse for wear after being bounced around so rudely).

And this week, Jon and Marybeth and Mason and Andy are high up in the San Juans, recreating those memories. MB sent these via text message on her phone so hoping Jon will send more from his camera.
The altitude is near 14,000 feet on some of the passes. I think we need to do this again. Maybe, looking 'older' now, we could get away with taking oxygen along.

Meanwhile, down at sea level, it is still WINTER. Well, mostly just from 9 am to about 6pm and then it seems to become more tolerable. We both played 9 holes of golf yesterday with our respective groups and it wasn't awful. Part of the ability to survive a couple of hours is to drink, drink, drink. Hydrating really helps the body stay cool enough. Down here, we all have our Tervis Tumblers.
They are actually made somewhere near here (doesn't make them any cheaper tho) and come with various logos. They are dual walled and will keep ice from melting for at least 4 hours (time to complete almost 18 holes of golf). They come with a straw and a cover and we have several. I went through 3 of the big ones during my round.....and still didn't need to ...........I was sweating it off.

The other day, there were storms skirting the area and altho we got no rain, we did get this ..... there were actually several that afternoon, one a complete one. This was taken
thru the screening so the color is diminished somewhat.

We are in the talking stage of considering a trip north in the motorhome. Just thinking for now but even that helps to make it cooler.

Oops......I was a bit high in my estimate of the altitude.....I should have said nearly 13,000 ft. I think a thousand feet makes a bit of difference.

Winter has arrived

I am always amazed at the ability to fly. To get from here to there in a few shorthours is just miraculous. Altho it is not calm, nor comfortable, nor relaxing, it is better than riding a horse.

We came north to see two cute kids play in the warm rain.
And on the first day in the cool refreshing air, I joined some long time friends and went to the NY Botanical Gardens. It is a majestic place. Aside from the flowers and plantings and gardens, the magnificent trees are humbling. Because I am neither a botanist nor a photographer, I have no words or pictures capable of describing this haven. You really need to go there.
In the Conservatory was a presentation of Emily Dickinson's poetry and a depiction of her garden. It was well done but not a focal point in my opinion.
It was good to return to the state where we lived for 34 years. It was cool and soothing and a wonderful respite. And watching Mason don his old shoes, his gardening hat and gardening gloves and taking up his shovel, sized for a 4 year old, was worth the trip. He enjoys everything about gardening and is very helpful. Andy..., well I think he got my gardening genes.

It was a very quick trip....just long enough to see a bad movie (Marmaduke, avoid it at ALL costs), watch them play soccer and remember it was just a few short years ago when their dad ran on those fields, and relish the weather.

But now we are home and I have named this miserable hot and humid weather.... WINTER. It is a time for staying inside and indulging in activities that don't get done when the outside is calling. Like drawing and painting and knitting and reading. There are heat advisories most days, the heat index is 105-110. The laborers are working with damp towels over their heads and the golf courses are mostly vacant in the heat of the day. Be happy you didn't plan a trip to Disney. I don't remember it being this hot last year. We are to play golf tomorrow and I'm not sure I'm up to it....... that's how bad it is !!

Speaking of reading. Recently, I read a popular blog and she asked her readers to name their favorite book. Hundreds, if not thousands of replies later (yes , she gets thousands of comments),the results were the usual; classics, Harry Potter, the Bible etc., but one of the most popular was called "Outlander". Now , I had never heard of this so went to amazon.com to read reviews. Well, it turns out that it is a series of 7 books, written over the last 15 years. It has been hard to label but is called a romance, a time travel, a mystery and a historical novel. Considering that I am somewhat of a book snob (yes, one of my few faults) I wasn't sure I wanted to associate myself with anything that smacked of a romance novel, I had P pick it up at the library to preview. The book arrived looking grungy . I washed the plastic cover and then gave it a thorough swipe with hand sanitizer. I began reading and was disgusted at the filth on the pages......NOT the words, but the goo and ick on the paper. I couldn't go on even tho by now I was interested. So I broke down and bought the book and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was escapism to be sure but a good story and yes, a bit of a bodice ripper too. I'm now beginning the 2nd book...... I look forward to the rest of WINTER.

Escape

We are in Connecticut for a few days.....it is gloriously cool and just delightful.   Unfortunately, blogger is misbehaving and the pictures aren't coming through.     I will try later.        Flannel pj's feel real good up here.