It's been awhile. Time is flying by. Life happens . . . . even when you just sit back and watch.
Thursday I started out with what seemed to be the flu, but I'd had my flu vaccination. BTW - if you don't get it, do get your flu shot.. I couldn't understand it. I was achy, had a bad sore throat, began coughing. Felt quite drowsy. But, nope. I didn't have the flu. I had inadvertantly been drinking decaff coffee for the past several days. Noting that - I immediately began my regiment of half-caff. That eliminated the achy drowsy feeling. However, the sore throat and coughing continued. That is now down to a dull roar and I'm feeling better. I had thought I was getting a cold, but it hasn't materialized. I've been sitting back. Poor Paul - he hasn't been getting any hugs or kisses. Nor did we go to church yesterday.
Epril now has the same symptoms. I've given her sucrets, left the bag on the table. I noticed the bag is empty now. Good. I imagine she'll be susceptible to all sorts of things here. She is doing okay. It's amazing how many friends she's made. It's nice to see that, as it's helping her homesickness.
Last Sunday, She and Bill went to Tampa to visit with a Facebook friend and her family for a Filipino tradition. From what I understand, but I don't quite understand, so if I mess it up, I offer my apology: this family was one of six chosen by their church to host "Mother Mary" (a statue) for a week during lent. So, the statue goes to six houses (one each week), during which time the designated family kneel and pray to the statue each day for Mother Mary. Epril mentioned at dinner that night that her mother will be happy to know about that trip to Tampa... I'm sure.
So I'm coughing now. I'll go and take a sucret. . .I do have some extras.
How're things goin' in your neck o' the woods?
Monday, February 27, 2012
Old news:
Friday evening, Cousin Alice sang well. Adelaide's Lament - "a person could develop a cold" - She was very appropriately dressed in a bright red bathrobe, with red Clifford the Big Red Dog slippers. Being second on the program, we were able to enjoy the rest of the performers. Six choir members performed.
The dinner was held in their Fellowship Hall which has a stage at one end, a kitchen area at the room for several hundred people. With the 74 choir members with spouses and friends, I'd estimate about 150. Carol O. was there also, as guest of her friends, Fran and John. He has a great voice. He was next on the program. I kept wishing they still lived in Circlewoods, so he could be in Showtime. But they moved several years ago.
I get a kick out of their sectioned parking lot: (From the front) Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. And the very last is Revelations. Sometimes when we've gone to functions there, we've had to park in Revelations.
Friday evening, Cousin Alice sang well. Adelaide's Lament - "a person could develop a cold" - She was very appropriately dressed in a bright red bathrobe, with red Clifford the Big Red Dog slippers. Being second on the program, we were able to enjoy the rest of the performers. Six choir members performed.
The dinner was held in their Fellowship Hall which has a stage at one end, a kitchen area at the room for several hundred people. With the 74 choir members with spouses and friends, I'd estimate about 150. Carol O. was there also, as guest of her friends, Fran and John. He has a great voice. He was next on the program. I kept wishing they still lived in Circlewoods, so he could be in Showtime. But they moved several years ago.
I get a kick out of their sectioned parking lot: (From the front) Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. And the very last is Revelations. Sometimes when we've gone to functions there, we've had to park in Revelations.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Lotsa rehearsals, dinners
I always seem to start my posts about the weather.
I don't know...perhaps so much of what we do here depends on it. It's cloudy. Hope it clears up so I can enjoy the pool later this afternoon. Rain is scheduled for Saturday evening. So far. Great timing - as long as it isn't during the day.
Mid-afternoon, we have the second (of four) whole-show Showtime rehearsal at the clubhouse. Since Alice is the only one I have to help with, I won't be there too long.
At the last rehearsal, the show's director gave me music for two other times - the finale, and a piece of music that looks like a Round. The piece is handwritten (yuck). It's only the melody with chord names above. I have to guess from the key signature what some notes are. I've been working on the chords. Not sure what that's for, perhaps I'll find out when I get there today. The finale arrangement has the opposite problem: It's only chords. I am working on combining it with the melody. The director usually works on that during the final rehearsals.
We're going to practice earlier this afternoon, at Alice's house because we're "taking her act" to her church choir's annual dinner/entertainment tomorrow night. So, Paul is accompanying me (ha!). Carol O. is going with her friends Fran and John because John is singing with a group. This is a big methodist church, and a big choir. Lots of talent.
Lue's health problems are hanging on, but seem to be getting better slowly. We're thinking of you, Lue. Hope you'll soon be completely well. Carol O is feeling a lot better. I guess time and accupunture solved her problem. We even went to Curves yesterday.
Nice Valentine's Day here. Paul outdid himself - cooked steaks for everyone, made twice-baked potatoes - we invited Bob to join us. . .making it five for dinner. Then last night, Wednesday night, we had another wonderful meal. Bob and his son, Bobby, cooked a wonderful pork dinner.
Sunday, Bobby's grown children, Bert and Nicolle (my great-niece and nephew) and her boyfriend, are coming here from Tampa. We're looking forward to seeing them. Haven't seen them in a couple of years. But we keep in touch via Facebook. We'll have a cookout at our house because we've got a bigger table.
It's lunchtime and Paul's being very patient.
That's all the news from this edge of the wood.
What's happenin' in your neck o' the woods?
I don't know...perhaps so much of what we do here depends on it. It's cloudy. Hope it clears up so I can enjoy the pool later this afternoon. Rain is scheduled for Saturday evening. So far. Great timing - as long as it isn't during the day.
Mid-afternoon, we have the second (of four) whole-show Showtime rehearsal at the clubhouse. Since Alice is the only one I have to help with, I won't be there too long.
At the last rehearsal, the show's director gave me music for two other times - the finale, and a piece of music that looks like a Round. The piece is handwritten (yuck). It's only the melody with chord names above. I have to guess from the key signature what some notes are. I've been working on the chords. Not sure what that's for, perhaps I'll find out when I get there today. The finale arrangement has the opposite problem: It's only chords. I am working on combining it with the melody. The director usually works on that during the final rehearsals.
We're going to practice earlier this afternoon, at Alice's house because we're "taking her act" to her church choir's annual dinner/entertainment tomorrow night. So, Paul is accompanying me (ha!). Carol O. is going with her friends Fran and John because John is singing with a group. This is a big methodist church, and a big choir. Lots of talent.
Lue's health problems are hanging on, but seem to be getting better slowly. We're thinking of you, Lue. Hope you'll soon be completely well. Carol O is feeling a lot better. I guess time and accupunture solved her problem. We even went to Curves yesterday.
Nice Valentine's Day here. Paul outdid himself - cooked steaks for everyone, made twice-baked potatoes - we invited Bob to join us. . .making it five for dinner. Then last night, Wednesday night, we had another wonderful meal. Bob and his son, Bobby, cooked a wonderful pork dinner.
Sunday, Bobby's grown children, Bert and Nicolle (my great-niece and nephew) and her boyfriend, are coming here from Tampa. We're looking forward to seeing them. Haven't seen them in a couple of years. But we keep in touch via Facebook. We'll have a cookout at our house because we've got a bigger table.
It's lunchtime and Paul's being very patient.
That's all the news from this edge of the wood.
What's happenin' in your neck o' the woods?
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Cold Descends
We've got the heat on. Sun's out, blue skies, but it's cold! Mid 40's this morning. It's much warmer now, but Paul put a sweater on to walk Gracie this afternoon. Supposed to be freezing tonight, so we'll have to cover flowers.
Went to church this morning to the early Contemporary Service in the fellowship hall. The service is usually 45 minutes from 9-9:45.
We had gotten in contact with Marcia and Hal's friends, Bev and Tom, who are renting a condo in Englewood. So, I made plans for us to meet at the Moose Club in Englewood (one town south of us - 8 miles) for breakfast this morning at 10:00 after church. Wouldn't you know, our regular minister wasn't there. They had a long-winded associate minister speak, and we ended up making it just on time for breakfast by skipping out on the last song. I don't like to have things scheduled that close.
Bev and Tom were waiting for us there, having walked from their condo. We had a good time and hope to see more of them. Bev e-mailed us a list of events in Venice. It sounds like they might be fun to go to.
Bill and Epril went to the church in Port Charlotte to meet with their new found friends. Bill admitted to me that he missed the cameraderie found with ex-patriots and their wives. Epril and he had it in the Philippines. These new-found friends are filling the gap. It's almost the same, but he said the roles have been reversed - Epril is the ex-patriot now. The feeling's the same.
Epril came home from church with a red rose. All the wives, she said, got a red rose. I found a bud vase for her. They're out now, gone to the jetty to take some pictures. It's a beautiful, but cold, day. We had the heat on for the first time last night.
So - how're things goin' in your neck o' the woods?
Saturday, February 11, 2012
We had a steady rain last night, and it was cloudy when I finally got down to the pool yesterday afternoon. Now, it's cloudy. The weather's changing. Epril finds it very cold. Long pants weather for her, long pants for us in the early morning, changing to shorts towards lunchtime. It'll get warm again. That's the truth, Epril.
Showtime is at the beginning of next month. Since I'm not accompanying anyone except Alice, my time has been a lot freer this year. We had our first rehearsal at the clubhouse on Thursday, and the director had two more songs for me to do - near and including the finale. I haven't practiced them yet, but they seem easy enough.
Bodies are falling apart:
Lue appears to be mending. She's been keeping us informed through e-mails how she's doing.
Carol O. seems to be suffering from the same problem as Lue. It's very painful. She was at the pool yesterday with her friend, Pam, who was visiting from Bath. It's not easy being incapacitated and alone . . . . as Lue would know. But Carol is far from home. I talked with Carol and she's managing, her guest has gone, and so she's alone. She has an appointment with an acupuncturist on Monday, and called her doctor at home to possibly get some pain medication. She knows we're here for her at any time.
Step-daughter, Sharon, sent out a group-note that she's due for an operation March 5th on one of her leg tendons. They've worked on it, but it's still bothering her.
Two weeks in a row we've gone to the Venice Moose Club for their Friday night fishfry. We've arrived early each time to avoid the crowds. That doesn't seem to work, but we've been satisfied with where we've sat both times. Instead of sitting at the bar, like last week, we ended up at a nice round table over in the back corner. Other than we had to kinda wave our arms around to be seen by the volunteer waitresses, the service was timely, and the food and drinks inexpensive and good.
Afterwards I went off my diet and treated everyone to an ice cream at Scoops ice cream parlor. I had a small cup of "gator tracks." I must admit, it tasted so good on my hot tongue.
After a couple of hours' break, I'm finishing this up in the afternoon and the sun is out! Good. It could even be pool weather.
That's all the news from this part of the woods. How're things goin in your neck o' the woods?
Showtime is at the beginning of next month. Since I'm not accompanying anyone except Alice, my time has been a lot freer this year. We had our first rehearsal at the clubhouse on Thursday, and the director had two more songs for me to do - near and including the finale. I haven't practiced them yet, but they seem easy enough.
Bodies are falling apart:
Lue appears to be mending. She's been keeping us informed through e-mails how she's doing.
Carol O. seems to be suffering from the same problem as Lue. It's very painful. She was at the pool yesterday with her friend, Pam, who was visiting from Bath. It's not easy being incapacitated and alone . . . . as Lue would know. But Carol is far from home. I talked with Carol and she's managing, her guest has gone, and so she's alone. She has an appointment with an acupuncturist on Monday, and called her doctor at home to possibly get some pain medication. She knows we're here for her at any time.
Step-daughter, Sharon, sent out a group-note that she's due for an operation March 5th on one of her leg tendons. They've worked on it, but it's still bothering her.
Two weeks in a row we've gone to the Venice Moose Club for their Friday night fishfry. We've arrived early each time to avoid the crowds. That doesn't seem to work, but we've been satisfied with where we've sat both times. Instead of sitting at the bar, like last week, we ended up at a nice round table over in the back corner. Other than we had to kinda wave our arms around to be seen by the volunteer waitresses, the service was timely, and the food and drinks inexpensive and good.
Afterwards I went off my diet and treated everyone to an ice cream at Scoops ice cream parlor. I had a small cup of "gator tracks." I must admit, it tasted so good on my hot tongue.
After a couple of hours' break, I'm finishing this up in the afternoon and the sun is out! Good. It could even be pool weather.
That's all the news from this part of the woods. How're things goin in your neck o' the woods?
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Hooray! Hooray! I think we have the problem fixed. Paul disabled the touchpad which I guess I've been touching without knowing it - throwing my posts to the wind. Now I can write and write and it won't disappear. I don't promise my writing will improve or become more plentiful, but it will be more enjoyable for myself.
My former mother-in-law died last week. She passed away on my former husband's birthday. She was 102. She lived in a nursing home for about a decade, but for the last four years she wasn't even aware of her surroundings Her funeral was very small, with only close family members, near Albany NY. If we'd been upstate, we'd have gone, but from here. . . it's just too far. BUT - Family members continue being family members long after the ties are no longer there. She and I were related for 29 years.
I went to Curves today. I try to go three times a week, I can see Paul shaking his head. - and I agree. It could be wishful thinking because some weeks get neglected.
The Spectra's gas tank was just about empty. Someone else (guess who) drives it mostly, so I decided that I needed to use the van. (I did today) It kind of spooks me because it's hard to get into. It's high and when I grip the steering wheel, it rolls a little towards me as I climb up. But as soon as I started on my journey, the ride became quite comfortable. It is just a matter of getting used to it. The ride is so smooth - it's like riding in a cloud.
So - I got in the car, started on my way, and noticed I didn't have my change of shoes with me, so I exercised in my socks. I didn't return for the third time. I'd left in the Spectra, turned around, and came home to change cars. Worked out fine. And I feel like I've started my day off well. And now my computer is working great. Whatta day!
I came home just in time for lunch.
There's a little dog that barks in the condo development next door that often keeps up quite a racket. It really bothers our next-door neighbors Crystal and Bob who live closest to it. We were eating and the little dog barked and barked. And we both said someone should really do something about that yappy little dog!
Paul looked out front, and it was Gracie making all the noise. She'd snuck out. Our neighbor on the other side of us, Linda, had brought her big old dog Fiona (looks like a cross between a greyhound and a pitbull - that's a striking combination isn't it?) out on a leash, and that's what Gracie was barking at. Linda saw some hawks in the sky eyeing Gracie. So she brought her big old dog out to protect Gracie. They won't swoop if they see bigger animals around. That was a close one. Paul and I both decided we have to be extra careful when we go out and Gracie has to get used to the idea that she's not to go out unless she's invited.
I am nominally involved with Showtime this year. Alice is having me accompany her on the piano while she sings Adelaide's Lament from Guys and Dolls. It's kinda nice to have so much extra time to myself. I'm enjoying the inactivity or I should say - the right to do what I want to do when I want to do it without having to worry about rehearsals.. I wouldn't say I'm not busy!
I didn't mention that Epril spent some time in the Emergency Room at the hospital during the time I was in Chicago. It seems she was in a great deal of pain - an ovarian cyst. She had an MRI. Bill got the bill from the hospital and he's finding the down side of not having medical insurance. He's due to go to the billing department today to see what they can do to eleviate his pain.
So - guess that's all the news from the Woods Circle for now.
How're things goin' up by you'all?
My former mother-in-law died last week. She passed away on my former husband's birthday. She was 102. She lived in a nursing home for about a decade, but for the last four years she wasn't even aware of her surroundings Her funeral was very small, with only close family members, near Albany NY. If we'd been upstate, we'd have gone, but from here. . . it's just too far. BUT - Family members continue being family members long after the ties are no longer there. She and I were related for 29 years.
I went to Curves today. I try to go three times a week, I can see Paul shaking his head. - and I agree. It could be wishful thinking because some weeks get neglected.
The Spectra's gas tank was just about empty. Someone else (guess who) drives it mostly, so I decided that I needed to use the van. (I did today) It kind of spooks me because it's hard to get into. It's high and when I grip the steering wheel, it rolls a little towards me as I climb up. But as soon as I started on my journey, the ride became quite comfortable. It is just a matter of getting used to it. The ride is so smooth - it's like riding in a cloud.
So - I got in the car, started on my way, and noticed I didn't have my change of shoes with me, so I exercised in my socks. I didn't return for the third time. I'd left in the Spectra, turned around, and came home to change cars. Worked out fine. And I feel like I've started my day off well. And now my computer is working great. Whatta day!
I came home just in time for lunch.
There's a little dog that barks in the condo development next door that often keeps up quite a racket. It really bothers our next-door neighbors Crystal and Bob who live closest to it. We were eating and the little dog barked and barked. And we both said someone should really do something about that yappy little dog!
Paul looked out front, and it was Gracie making all the noise. She'd snuck out. Our neighbor on the other side of us, Linda, had brought her big old dog Fiona (looks like a cross between a greyhound and a pitbull - that's a striking combination isn't it?) out on a leash, and that's what Gracie was barking at. Linda saw some hawks in the sky eyeing Gracie. So she brought her big old dog out to protect Gracie. They won't swoop if they see bigger animals around. That was a close one. Paul and I both decided we have to be extra careful when we go out and Gracie has to get used to the idea that she's not to go out unless she's invited.
I am nominally involved with Showtime this year. Alice is having me accompany her on the piano while she sings Adelaide's Lament from Guys and Dolls. It's kinda nice to have so much extra time to myself. I'm enjoying the inactivity or I should say - the right to do what I want to do when I want to do it without having to worry about rehearsals.. I wouldn't say I'm not busy!
I didn't mention that Epril spent some time in the Emergency Room at the hospital during the time I was in Chicago. It seems she was in a great deal of pain - an ovarian cyst. She had an MRI. Bill got the bill from the hospital and he's finding the down side of not having medical insurance. He's due to go to the billing department today to see what they can do to eleviate his pain.
So - guess that's all the news from the Woods Circle for now.
How're things goin' up by you'all?
Monday, February 6, 2012
Somehow my posts are disappearing after I've written a hundred lines or so. It doesn't make me very happy. Bill can't understand it. Paul neither. . . either? Well I'll see if I can get a post done.
Evie is sick - but doing better. Nancy is sick - but hanging in there. If you remember, it's not easy being sick and having a young'un around. I still think it's better being sick rather than your child. I'm feeling your pain, Nancy, my child.
I've turned off my mouse, so it's just me and this computer. Perhaps it will cooperate now. Let's hope so. I've had some unpleasant words come out of my mouth just now. Don't like it acting up!
We had company the day after I came home from Chicago - with Evie's headcold. Luckily my housecleaner was due to come and clean Monday, the day I flew home. Good planning on my part!
Dayle and Daryl - good friends of ours who moved to Virginia - had spent from Christmas week to last week in Florida - touring, and going on a Caribbean cruise. They spent the day with us before continuing on to Tampa for a couple of days. Then they're heading back home.
Wednesday, we had lunch out with our good friends Marcia and Hal and their good friends whom they were staying with in Englewood, our neighboring town. It was good to see Bev and Tom. I feel like Bev and Tom are my friends too, as I have been included in a lot of their activities up in Big Flats, their hometown, when Marcia and Hal have been visiting up there.
Talked with Lue last night. She's having trouble with sciatica. Poor thing. It's such a painful thing. We feel for her. Wish she could get down here and get some sun. Also, Nancy and family.
My computer is acting up. Think I'll close.
Now is as good a time as any to say - so what's happenin' in your neck o' the woods?
Evie is sick - but doing better. Nancy is sick - but hanging in there. If you remember, it's not easy being sick and having a young'un around. I still think it's better being sick rather than your child. I'm feeling your pain, Nancy, my child.
I've turned off my mouse, so it's just me and this computer. Perhaps it will cooperate now. Let's hope so. I've had some unpleasant words come out of my mouth just now. Don't like it acting up!
We had company the day after I came home from Chicago - with Evie's headcold. Luckily my housecleaner was due to come and clean Monday, the day I flew home. Good planning on my part!
Dayle and Daryl - good friends of ours who moved to Virginia - had spent from Christmas week to last week in Florida - touring, and going on a Caribbean cruise. They spent the day with us before continuing on to Tampa for a couple of days. Then they're heading back home.
Wednesday, we had lunch out with our good friends Marcia and Hal and their good friends whom they were staying with in Englewood, our neighboring town. It was good to see Bev and Tom. I feel like Bev and Tom are my friends too, as I have been included in a lot of their activities up in Big Flats, their hometown, when Marcia and Hal have been visiting up there.
Talked with Lue last night. She's having trouble with sciatica. Poor thing. It's such a painful thing. We feel for her. Wish she could get down here and get some sun. Also, Nancy and family.
My computer is acting up. Think I'll close.
Now is as good a time as any to say - so what's happenin' in your neck o' the woods?
Saturday, February 4, 2012
My post just disappeared. Good thing I hadn't written much. I seem to hit a key on my laptop that erases everything. Who knows. Anyway. . . . I'm pushing "save" every couple of lines.
I'm back! Seems like ages since I last wrote.
So - how're you all doin'?
My trip to Chicago was wonderful - I had a non-stop two and a quarter hour flight up there. It's been
ages since I'd been on a non-stop. Plus there wasn't anyone in the middle seat! How great can it get!
I had a nice visit too. Dan was in San Diego for a conference. Nancy was left with two little kids, a job, and no adult company since Monday night. We enjoyed being with each other. Vincent is five and a half now. Evie is a year and four months - 16 months. She's cute as a button - but poor thing, she had a cold which unfortunately got worse as the weekend progressed. We picked her up at daycare on Thursday (a really nice place) and Vincent at his afterschool program.
On Friday morning, Evie was doing pretty well, so Nancy put her back in daycare.
Vincent had the day off (teacher conference) and he, and two other little guys, Nancy and I went to the Shedd Aquarium. Nancy's brother-in-law, Robbie, who works there, got us free tickets. The boys and their parents are good friends of Nancy, Dan and Vincent.
About Robbie: He graduated from college and pursued a life-long dream - to work with zoo animals. This meant that he had to complete another degree (two-year) beyond his bachelors. He did that and was hired by Shedd. Presently, he and several others train the otters and the penguins. These wild animals need medical exams, etc. requiring getting used to human touch. So lots of tricks we saw at the show were used for that reason.
Our trip to the zoo: Those three energetic little boys, two aged five and one - seven - were here, there, everywhere. They'd all been there several times, so they felt at home. Believe me -Nancy couldn't have done this on her own.
Saturday was Nancy's fortieth birthday. We went out to lunch and did some shopping. Rather than come in on Sunday, Dan flew in to Chicago Saturday night and met her for her birthday. They spent the night in the city. Nancy had her sitter help me out. The sitter stayed from Saturday morning to Sunday morning. The kids were super good.
Evie's cold came in full force on Sunday after Nancy and Dan got back - and Evie kindly gave it to me. I left for home with it on Monday morning. She stayed home Monday with Dan.
So - what's happenin' in your neck o the wood?
I'm back! Seems like ages since I last wrote.
So - how're you all doin'?
My trip to Chicago was wonderful - I had a non-stop two and a quarter hour flight up there. It's been
ages since I'd been on a non-stop. Plus there wasn't anyone in the middle seat! How great can it get!
I had a nice visit too. Dan was in San Diego for a conference. Nancy was left with two little kids, a job, and no adult company since Monday night. We enjoyed being with each other. Vincent is five and a half now. Evie is a year and four months - 16 months. She's cute as a button - but poor thing, she had a cold which unfortunately got worse as the weekend progressed. We picked her up at daycare on Thursday (a really nice place) and Vincent at his afterschool program.
On Friday morning, Evie was doing pretty well, so Nancy put her back in daycare.
Vincent had the day off (teacher conference) and he, and two other little guys, Nancy and I went to the Shedd Aquarium. Nancy's brother-in-law, Robbie, who works there, got us free tickets. The boys and their parents are good friends of Nancy, Dan and Vincent.
About Robbie: He graduated from college and pursued a life-long dream - to work with zoo animals. This meant that he had to complete another degree (two-year) beyond his bachelors. He did that and was hired by Shedd. Presently, he and several others train the otters and the penguins. These wild animals need medical exams, etc. requiring getting used to human touch. So lots of tricks we saw at the show were used for that reason.
Our trip to the zoo: Those three energetic little boys, two aged five and one - seven - were here, there, everywhere. They'd all been there several times, so they felt at home. Believe me -Nancy couldn't have done this on her own.
Saturday was Nancy's fortieth birthday. We went out to lunch and did some shopping. Rather than come in on Sunday, Dan flew in to Chicago Saturday night and met her for her birthday. They spent the night in the city. Nancy had her sitter help me out. The sitter stayed from Saturday morning to Sunday morning. The kids were super good.
Evie's cold came in full force on Sunday after Nancy and Dan got back - and Evie kindly gave it to me. I left for home with it on Monday morning. She stayed home Monday with Dan.
So - what's happenin' in your neck o the wood?
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