Back in business……..

So, where were we when so rudely interrupted?        

I think I chatted about the weather and memories of walking up hill both ways to school in waist high snow…..Florida isn't that bad but we are having a bout of the chills these days.    As long as the sun shines, it's still good outdoor weather but 70-80 is why we moved here…..

We're meeting up with a couple from Jeff's Royal Oaks Country Club in Vancouver.   Chan saw the logo on Jeff's shirt at the club which says Palmer Legends Country Club, The Villages and asked Jeff about it.    Being an avid golfer, they are  looking the place over and being properly overwhelmed by the size.     He said that while in the sales office, in the past 2 days, 24 homes were sold…..over 300 a month.!!    Prices have gone up of course and I hope their experience will be a good one.     We'll meet over dinner  tonight  to give them our view of living here.   

We're back to playing bad golf .    And it's not going to get any better unless I spend hours working on it….. the knee hurts but I've decided that I'm not doing any damage and I'll just take drugs.   If Lindsey Vonn can ski on major knee damage, I can tough it up as well.    And I have MY Tiger at home to cheer me up ! (Mine  doesn't have a private jet even tho he could fly one ! )

I've decided to enter The Villages Photography contest.    I have a couple of pictures that I think are pretty good and each year I say I'm going to do this but never do.    I"m not holding my breath or anything but just curious how I'll stack up against the others.     Stay tuned.       Speaking of cameras….I'm sending my Tamron lens  in for cleaning.    It spent a bit of time in those dusty windy sandy Moab days and I can feel the grit on it.    I do have a 60 mm to use in the meantime.

While we were in ABQ for the Balloon Fiesta, the newspapers and TV news were all about an obit in the paper for Walter White, the lead character in Breaking Bad. (It takes place in Albuquerque)    People that hadn't finished the series were quite upset about this "spoiler'.      P started watching it on Netflix…..I wasn't so interested but being within earshot of the TV , I gradually got drawn into the violent, convoluted and absurdity of the plot….and it was  even funny at times.      There are 63 episodes of 47 min each so when you have nothing else to do, sit yourself down and get immersed.    Even the President admits to it being a favorite.    We only watch one episode a night due to the violence and retribution that never seems to end.   

The house is making progress.    We've been in communication with the neighbors and they said the weather is in the 40's and the snow is melting .   Altho there are some low hills and an occasional mountain in that western view, the best sighting of the San Juans  is to the left (south) and we will enjoy it from the patio.     Assuming that shadow is the outhouse but we will have indoor plumbing.

AND, if you are a devotee of this blog…it is currently a requirement that you vocally and physically (i.e.: yelling and jumping about ) support  the Broncos  on Sunday.      The Bronco blow-up guy

will be prominently displayed out front (as he is on all game days) and the Tee shirts will be worn and Coors Light ( made from pure Rocky Mountain water ) will be imbibed.      No excuses !!     

OOPS

Somehow, Blogger has gone a bit crazy.....one blog deleted and a notice from last July saying I am taking a hiatus.    Ignore all of it and I'll try and get it back on track.    

A new year....

A new you ??   Well, that ain't happening around here anytime soon....same old me, same old him and we are really good with that.      I've read a few blogs where the author is breathing a sigh of relief that 2013 is behind them as it was a crummy year.....  not so much at this house.    It was a very good year and each one we pass thru is a blessing.    We look forward to new and exciting happenings.    Change is good, if the change is good and for us, as we explore this time of aging, we look forward to good changes once again.  

The year started as it has for 71 years with a birthday happening on January 1st.    I have trouble remembering birthdays and have to resort to a cheat sheet. But friends  far and wide remember his and the phone rang and the emails were many.   The weather was gloomy and rainy but the Birthday Fairy made her way to the house and dropped off some mighty fine gifts.

The GoPro won't go on the helmet to record a ski run or a surfing event but might just capture the thrill of jeeping in the Colorado mountains.     Or maybe he'll take up diving and find the colorful fishes.  

 Also, a Dell Venue tablet arrived....since he's a Windows fan, this will coordinate nicely with his computer and he can playback the GoPro videos.

Now and then, I'll post a few pics taken by the professionals at the wedding.    This was right before Jon escorted us down the aisle.    

 Today is more fog this morning and heavy rain later but we are welcoming a couple from Colorado who are wandering the south in their motorhome.    Paul met her playing Pickleball in Parker, Co and we will show them  the uniqueness of The Villages and hopefully, the rain will hold off until after a game or two.  

Home in Style...........

It was a wonderful month, filled with an abundance of family and celebrations.   But all good things must recede into our memories and we need to float down to reality  and get on with the  everyday life of the happily retired.

  So we are home once again........   The journey was filled with pride as I was finally able to fly on the same plane as our son.    Paul has flown with Jon before but not I.     Jon is a First Officer with United (previously Continental before the merger).   Since he was very young, he has wanted to fly.    When he turned 16, he went out to the local small airport to see if he could volunteer to wash airplanes and was immediately offered a job !!   He was ecstatic and his career in aviation began.   From there, he went  on to get a degree and then worked his way up the ladder of aviation.   Despite seeing his father having to weather the Eastern demise, he was not discouraged from seeking a career in this changing industry.      This is a difficult time to try and go stand-by on crowded holiday flights but we took the plunge and with the help of our upgraded status ( traveling with a crew member) we were able to get the last two seats from Newark to Orlando.    He warned me that it would be a bumpy ride ( during which I turn in to a huddling mess of anxiety) but it was not of the scary kind.    And knowing that he was avoiding the "potholes" just for his mother, helped a lot.    Jon is on the right and his landing was smooth and skilled....just like his father's always were.     We wore our pride in our smiles.  

We will miss those two active boys .....  Mason spent the day working on his Lego creation (from a kit) and it was quite masterful.    The lion head with the huge teeth raises and lowers and there are assorted projectile firing mechanisms that periodically take aim at a cat or two.  

  

We have NO plans to pack a bag anytime soon but that doesn't mean that there aren't exciting plans being made....... Stay tuned.   

And a very Happy and Healthy New Year to you all !!

Celebrations

As we travel around the globe these days,  we join family in celebrating major events and happy gatherings.    Unfortunately, the resident photographer managed to delete all the graduation pictures except these two.    

 Becca received her Marketing Degree from Colorado State and Kelsey received her Degree the evening before .    The next day, Mike and Jenna held an open house with amazing food and friends and CAKE.  

 Then, leaving beautiful Colorado behind, we headed east to Connecticut to share in the excitement of two delightful boys.    Andy and Mason were all ready to open their Christmas pajamas and begin the wait for Santa.    Two Grandma's and one Granddad were thrilled to be a part of it all.  

 The morning brought laughter and glee and exclamations as Santa showered the family with generosity......and more good food !       We ate and played and read new books and napped and some of us even went for a 7 mile walk in the chilly grey day.    My excuse was an annoying knee once again.   Santa didn't bring a fix for that !    And then, another table filled with prime rib, sea bass and assorted family recipes.  

Today, I came down in the early dawn to find the two deep in concentration on their new iPads.   They are to be used for reading and school work ..... but games will always be their preferred choice.  

We wish you all a joyous New Year and we'll see you when we get back to palm trees and flowers.  

The best of times........

I have only a few pictures, very casual shots, to share.    In a wise move, the personable minister spoke up at the beginning of the ceremony and said that only the professional photographers would be allowed to use their cameras and they were to remain at the back on the church.     At the end, she encouraged everyone to get out their phones , ipads and cameras and take pics.    These are with my phone.    There were 6 attendants and the dresses were perfect.   And the bride looked radiant in her beautiful billowing gown.   

  

 The reception was a very joyous celebration......

 Here's my favorite college freshman......

 Do you think the parents and grandparents had enough glassware on the table ?.

 Even cowboys need to rest their feet.

 Mama was filled with pride and emotion.....

 Becca and her special beau Kory...... he's a very tall 1st grade teacher....and a delightful young man and we approve wholeheartedly  !!

We have a few more days at home and then we head WEST AGAIN !!  (We really need to move out there and save on airfare !! )   This time, it's to honor Becca and attend her college graduation from Colorado State.    She will return to Disney in February as an intern....a repeat of last year as a Fairy Godmother.   We are thrilled that she will be nearby once again.
On the 23rd we will head to Connecticut for Christmas with Andy and Mason.    They are getting a beautiful snowfall so we will hope for a white Christmas.

Memories are made of this..........

Because this blog is all about ME, this is the only picture I am posting today.     Yes, we were gone for almost 2 weeks and this is all that I have for the moment.     I made a big mistake when I packed.   I did not take my computer and I did not take my big Canon.    I decided to go light and took my small point and shoot Canon and my mini iPad.   Neither of which were worth a hoot for capturing the wonderful moments we had.    

We left on the 26th of November.   On the 27th was a perfect rehearsal dinner at a lovely Bistro that Mike and Jenna frequent and the french owner made it all very special and delicious.    On Thanksgiving, we were part of a large gathering at "the hostess with the mostest" home of Caroline and Doug.   They manage to make it look so easy in their lovely home.    And it was fun to watch the balloon team from the Fiesta cook 2 turkeys with all the trimmings and drink.    Remind me to share a Sangria made with fresh apple cider, gingerale, brandy and fruit.   

On Friday, we attended the wedding of Kelsey and Nicholas in the beautiful 125 yr old First Methodist Church in Denver.    The service was personal and beautiful.    Then we trekked across the street to the historic Brown Palace.  The pictures will not do it justice....the reception was everything you would want.   The bride radiant, the groom beaming  and the parents proud and happy that it all went off so smoothly.    We danced and ate and mingled and had really good champagne and were among the last to leave the party.    See, we're really not as old as we look !!

The next day, after walking to breakfast a few blocks away on a bright and sunny and warm morning, we all went our separate ways.     Since it was OUR day, we decided to enjoy the quiet and reflect on our 50 years of marriage and 55 years of being a couple.     There is no way to remember it all except that it has been just about perfect (well, most of the time) and we have been so fortunate, so very lucky and so blessed.    We could not ask for a better family.     ....................OK, now I need some tissues..........

Anyway, we walked the Denver streets, marveled at the excellent art museum, learned something about our favorite area at the History museum and finished the day with dinner at the Brown Palace.   

The next morning we headed WEST.....we had plans to come home but we do love the mountains so we went exploring.     And then it snowed, dry powdery deep fluff that made the ski resorts rejoice and put us in awe of Mother Nature's beauty.    But it was also very cold !!   Near zero and altho I had my new coat to keep me warm (read earlier post)  , I had to buy boots.     

And so, this story will continue, with pictures of the wedding and the mountains......We have the pictures in P's computer but having issues with transferring to mine......

Picture-free.......

Yes, we have no pictures !    Today, it's just my voice.    I've always thought that the blog needs pictures but I enjoy several that never or rarely have a single one.    And I look forward to the blog updates......however, those blogs may be written by persons with interesting lives or witty ways with words or share thought-provoking ideas .....  This blog does not pretend to have any of those talents and often relies on the beauty of the world to fill the voids.      Anyhow, I wanted to send off a note before we wing our way west in a couple of days.  

We're watching the weather as the storm tracks east and threatens to make the ride a bit bumpy.   Here's hoping the NY airports are OK on Thanksgiving when Jon tries to join us.    The forecast looks precipitation free in Denver for the big weekend.    But, I won't bet the house on it staying that way.  

This week, I've had to go shopping..... I just HAD to !    I went searching for a warmer coat.    I have had one forever, I love it and it works great for traveling.    But, when I managed to retrieve it from the back of the closet,  I realized it looked a bit faded and worn in spots.   Darn,  I really like that coat.    So, I went to Dillard's in Ocala.....they don't carry coats !!!!   I persisted and asked about rain coats or light coats and she said , NO....     Today, I wandered down the Turnpike to Orlando and tried the huge Dillards ...... still NO .....  People , it does get cold in Florida....  what happens if the natives or the transplants need to go NORTH??    So, I trotted (yes, I can still do that) over to Nordstroms and of course, they had coats.    And their usual excellent customer service.     And guess what I found....??   An almost identical copy of my favorite one....with a lining and removable hood and it was on SALE.   Because I was so happy and wanted to show my appreciation, I also found a few other things to add to the shopping bag.     

Today was just a beautiful day.    Highs in the 80's, low humidity and puffy clouds.    This is the weather that the tourists come down here for.....unfortunately, next week is supposed to be chilly and rainy.    

Wishing you all a delicious Thanksgiving with those who are special to you.     

Life in the slow lane........

I am aware that if you have a blog and don't ever contribute to it, you will lose the 3 followers that you have and then you will be writing it just for yourself.    Which is pretty much why I do it anyhow......but then the ego steps in and wishes for a worldwide audience to share in   these ramblings so I start writing again. 

  

   I'm still enjoying 'just being home'.....absence does make the heart grow fonder.    

Our "old" friends ,( no offense intended  but we did graduate with Mark so no hiding the age thing), stopped by on their way from the North to their home in the tropics of Naples.   It is very comfortable having them around and catching up on our busy retirement lives.    Annette and I look like we are being absorbed by the sofa.....it is overstuffed and very nap worthy.     (We were showing the photo capabilities of the mini iPad so the quality is lacking) 

I remain ever vigilant for the returning geckos on the lanai but so far, there is only a rare sighting.    However, I did see this brave invader peeking out of the drains to see if the way was clear.

We currently have a noisy crew of guys on our roof, putting in solar heating for the pool   Just another treat for Andy and Mason so they have bathtub temperature pool water when they visit in the winter....otherwise , we heat for days and days trying to get it warm enough.    The payback is several years but it seems a shame to let that Florida gold go to waste. 

This is our last full week at home before we head out again....via air this time.    We're looking forward to the family gathering for Thanksgiving and then THE WEDDING.    And the grandmother and grandfather are now properly attired .......one of us was able to get into a  nice suit from many years ago.......while the other required a shopping trip.    And speaking of the inequality of aging .....   Yesterday, on my morning power walk, I came upon a group of neighbors meeting up for golf.....one friend says (loudly),   "Sue, your hair is GREY !!   When you left you were BLONDE !! "  I thanked him for reminding me and sharing it with the group.  

And healing thoughts go to my much younger sister who managed to break her foot, requiring pins and fusion.    Maureen will be missed at her hospital where she is a highly respected and excellent Certified Nurse Midwife.   But, here's hoping the down time will be a healthy respite from her very busy life.       Now that she has the time, maybe she'd like  to go to Disney World........on crutches !!

Hi AGAIN.....

I have no news.....nothing to share, no photos of fabulous vistas, no adventures, nothing........ and I don't mind a bit.    Life has returned to the hum of everyday routine among the old people of The Villages.      The roads and golf paths are much too busy .....  the Squares are full every nite with the oldsters dancing and shopping and  eating and proving once again that life is a good thing down here in American's Friendliest Hometown.     The growth has been quite phenomenal since we left ...... entire Villages and Rec Centers and Golf courses have sprung up, extending the boundaries of our Community to distant corners of the counties.    The rumors have it that we'll be able to drive to DisneyWorld in our golf carts !!  The census is now well over 100,000.   Housing prices, after being stagnant for a few years, have gone up significantly.... and still they come.   

   The Villages is developing an entirely new health care model.    In conjunction with USF, they are calling it the "Marcus Welby MD" approach. (it has a more official name as well)   They have brought in Primary Care Physicians from around the country, given them a great salary and perks and set up homey  Health Centers ,  golf cart accessible, and the emphasis is on developing a relationship with your Dr who will not be rushed at appts and works on a salary rather than how many patients can be seen in a day.     So far, the initial reaction seems to be positive and I suspect, that private practitioners will be seeing their patient numbers dropping as this gets going.     We're still undecided if we want to join.     We have been somewhat pleased with our Internist but may make some inquiries into the new program. It's very innovative and I heard that this is being closely watched by the health care industry to see how it does.   

In other news in the aging field.....one of us has beautiful greying hair, the other, not so much.   But in the interest of saving hours in her busy days, she has decided to go au natural......   It's a shock everytime I look in the mirror and see this older woman, but I love the freedom and don't miss the blond.....much.  

The extermination system worked and the annoying little creatures are mostly gone from the lanai....they will return but in more manageable numbers.    Meanwhile, with that annoyance gone, another soon filled it's place and we had to have the professionals  come in a persuade the ghost ants to go away.   Apparently, its the season for them and the diligent young ladies also found a large nest of them beside the house , close to the fireplace where they were marching in.     I'm waiting for the next specie to invade and only hope it doesn't slither.   

We have a couple of  weeks before we put on our party clothes and celebrate Nicholas and Kelsey's wedding ....another advantage of being old is that we don't have any role except to look nice (despite the grey) act nice (careful with the wine) and be proud of two wonderful kids.    Stay tuned......

And speaking of proud......  The Villages has a huge population of pickleball players....what started out as a few courts has expanded into a highly organized system, designed to encourage everyone to have fun ... to play with others of your level and do it all safely.    P plays at least 6 days a week for  2-3 hours.....because it's a smaller court and is all doubles play, there isn't as much need to run around the courts...and his skill and cunning overcomes any of his issues with agility.    Yesterday, he went to a rating clinic .... based on a scale of 1-5 he came out as a 3.5 which is tremendous.    (4-5 is Championship level).....  And to think they said he might never walk  !!

Meanwhile, the extra inches from all the Mexican food this summer, seems to be hanging around much too long.   I'm pounding the pavement most mornings but now have developed those annoying shin splints so will have to back off a bit....... the golf game is slowly coming back.  

Busy weeks coming up with guests, travel and celebrations.     I wish I had started the blog FIFTY years ago so we could go back and read all about the good stuff , see the people and places we shared our times with, share the funny and touching memories of babies and toddlers and teens and watch us all grow in so many ways.     But NEVER older as we are always YOUNGER EVERY DAY.