Saturday, January 26, 2013
Consider Lasting Friendships.
You're lucky if you have one.
It's 9:45 on Friday evening. I don't usually post this late at night, but I had the most charming e-mail last night from an old friend that really made me feel warm inside...and wanting to write.
I e-mailed my friend and asked her permission to write about it. So, it's actually Saturday night now when I'm publishing it.
It was from an old old friend, actually she's a year younger than me, so that makes me older than dirt. I've known her since I was about Evie's age (2). But - like most early friendships, we haven't seen each other in. . . twenty-five, thirty years?
We lived around the corner from each other then.
Linda had the most beautiful long platinum blonde hair to her waist(just like Cinderella) that I so envied, and she had long legs that I also envied, and she wore the whitest shoes that I wanted for so long. Oh. So. Much.
Her mother and my mother would take us to ballet lessons every week (age 6,7). She managed, with her long legs, to do so much more than I could ever do with my little short legs! ( Ex: She could easily kick the back of her head. Me? With my short legs? I'd try. My mother said they would smile at my tries. They hid that from me. Good thing. . . I didn't find out till years later. Think how it would have crippled my self-esteem!)
Linda and her folks lived in an upstairs apartment in a two-family home around the corner from me. I could see her windows from the back of our house. We couldn't see in, but we could see it. That's how close we were. Linda's apartment was so much fun to visit. We'd sit on the rug and play with her mother's collection of little china animals (if we were very careful with them and put them back when we were done.) They were on a radiator cover in the living room, I think, in front of the window that overlooked their back yard.
She had the most fantastic attic where we could play make-believe. Lots of boxes, things. We'd take lamps in and make houses out of blankets. We didn't think of it being a fire hazard, and were allowed to do such things. At Christmas, I'd run over to her house with her present and admire all that Santa brought, and she'd run back with me and do the same.
So Linda and I go back - way back.
Before I got married, and while I was in college, her folks moved to another apartment - in a new garden apartment across town. (This was the time when lots of big old houses in our town were being torn down and apartment building went up in their places.)
I still visited.
Linda and I were able to keep up our friendship during those years too. I'd visit when I could. Of course when she got married, she moved away and started a family, two children like me - but a girl first, and a boy. Still, it was nice to see her from time to time. When we got married, the apartment across the way from her parents was vacant. . . It was perfect - one bedroom, livingroom/dining room combination and a small kitchen. We moved in and lived there for five years.
We've managed to keep in touch over the years - Christmas cards, birthday cards, and when I got married again- anniversary cards. (She even sent me flowers the first birthday I was separated from my husband and living alone.)
Linda wrote last night to tell me that she reads my blog.
Not all the time. But every so often. She even mentioned Nancy and hoped Linda asked how she was feeling okay now, ( Yes she is doing fine, Linda, and thanks for asking.) and how she feels so lucky to be only two hours away from her daughter, Laurie. She finds it's easy to deliver chicken soup.
So - thanks Linda. Your friendship is appreciated. And it was fun writing about it.
So. . .I hope you all have had a friend like that. It's important in life.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
I'm Back!
How come, when you're away, it seems like a week instead of the four days it really is? Because you're schedule's different?
Another thought: when you "start" it seems like you've got all the time in the world to do whatever you want to do. Four whole days. And then . . . flash - it's gone!. Guess I've contradicted myself.
It had been raining in Sarasota when Paul and Gracie dropped me off. They went on to Gainesville.
Chicago was sunny and cold. Four degrees at one point. and windy. I was inside most of the time though.
My flight was fantastic. And I really mean that. I had the whole row of three seats all to myself. You can't ask for anything better than that. (Okay. . .Perhaps first class) I was able to sit on the aisle, and then move to the window to see Lake Michigan and Chicago when we got to it. As we began to cross the east side of Lake Michigan, I could see lots of sandy beaches. Not much in the way of cities there. On the west coast, Chicago always is amazing.
We got to O'Hare airport early. I got my luggage - first one out, (How about that!)stopped at Starbucks, across from the Baggage Claim, sat and had a cup of coffee, read my Kindle, and then got a very clean cab.
The cabbie was very polite, talkative - but not in an annoying way. He was from Kenya, then Arizona, and then Chicago. He said Arizona was too hot. He said Kenya has a winter and was a lot like Chicago, cold but no snow. Anyway ... It was dark when we started out from the airport and rush hour. The cabbie apologized for the stop and go traffic. I'm getting to know the route from the airport and expected it.
It was most fun riding down Lawrence Ave (?) which goes on for many miles and is the main street to Nancy's. The little mom and pop stores were all lit up, as were the offices. Lots of bars across the glass windows, doors. A shame.
We didn't do anything very special while I was there, but I was needed. I was another pair of hands to help out though.
Nancy is feeling fine. She's all back to being just. . . 35 weeks pregnant. Her pneumonia is gone. She's tired of course and uncomfortable and will be happy to be back to regular normal.
Friday Nancy had to be at work. But in the morning, I went with her to drop the kids off at their schools. Evie went to Short Stuff, her pre-school place. So cute. All her little friends were so happy to see her. Then we traveled across town to Vincent's school and dropped him off. Then Nancy came back and dropped me off, and I spent the day home alone just doing little things around the apartment and reading my Kindle.
I'm reading Steve Jobs biography - I knew it was great, but at $19.99 I wasn't about to get it on my Kindlle. It came down to $11.99 and I used part of my gift card to get it. And oh, my -It was wonderful! I know so much more about Apple products now, and his life. What an awful horrible brilliant man he was. But I digress. But maybe not. . . Still about books. . .
We went to a bookstore on Saturday afternoon. I had told them they could pick out a book.
The bookstore was in Lincoln Park, a shopping area near Nancy. The area is beautiful - all these little shops, quaint old-fashioned lights, on a narrow old street, and an old-fashioned bookstore, called The Book Cellar, with the old squeaky wooden floors and floor to ceiling rows of bookshelves. Plus an open area with wooden tables and chairs for coffee/book lovers. The smell was grand. Old polished wood and coffee.
As we went through the children's section, Evie found several books and plopped herself down on
the floor to "read". The owner helped Nancy find a book about being a big sister for her.
Vincent saw some Starwars books, some dinosaur books, some series he'd read, and then some new series books. He finally decided on a series about strange teachers. One title was Miss Tilly is Silly, another. . .Mr. Harrison is Embarrasin' They were very inexpensive, so I let him get the first three.
From there we went to Spacco Natale (?).
The kids had the choice between Panera Bread or going italian. I helped make the decision and it worked out great. We had a cooked antipasta, seasoned bread, and a sausage and pepperoni pizza, and ice cream for dessert. Nancy said that works out great (the dessert) because the kids never finish it, but we could. The books worked out great also. Vincent finished his first book while we were there. Nancy read Evie her book.
Sunday afternoon, Dan was due home from his conference in New Orleans.
In the morning, Nancy and Vincent spent a couple of hours on his Science experiment. His subject was: Will the lumpiest washcloth pick up more water than one that is not as lumpy, and one that has none. Cute, but it was quite time-consuming. It had been started in school. He had to do the experiment, (Sunday), write out all the steps, make a chart, and then make another copy to be pasted onto particle board for a display. It took a lot of effort and it pleased me to see he wasn't cranky when done. Dan was impressed when he got home.
Paul had a very good trip to see Greg, Brenan and Gus. Unfortunately he didn't get to see much of Noi and NeeNee because they went to Orlando for a Volleyball Tournament, from Friday night through Monday. Brenan and his band played Saturday night, so Greg stayed home. So it was just the guys at home. . .including Gus. Gracie was fine. The only female. Hahaha.
Greg also drew up structural plans and modifications for our lanaii room addition. I am amazed at his work. It's wonderful to have a structural engineer in the family.
Paul brought home some cut camellias. About eight beautiful different ones. Greg has many many bushes of them. They're on our dining room table. Beautiful. Paul took them over to our neighbor Bob who has a green house up North. Bob thought they were beautiful too, and wondered why Paul hadn't brought some cuttings with him? A good thought.
There's more to write, but I think this is enough for today. Lotsa wash today and I finished it too! Except for some folding.
How're things goin' for you in your neck o' the woods?
Another thought: when you "start" it seems like you've got all the time in the world to do whatever you want to do. Four whole days. And then . . . flash - it's gone!. Guess I've contradicted myself.
It had been raining in Sarasota when Paul and Gracie dropped me off. They went on to Gainesville.
Chicago was sunny and cold. Four degrees at one point. and windy. I was inside most of the time though.
My flight was fantastic. And I really mean that. I had the whole row of three seats all to myself. You can't ask for anything better than that. (Okay. . .Perhaps first class) I was able to sit on the aisle, and then move to the window to see Lake Michigan and Chicago when we got to it. As we began to cross the east side of Lake Michigan, I could see lots of sandy beaches. Not much in the way of cities there. On the west coast, Chicago always is amazing.
We got to O'Hare airport early. I got my luggage - first one out, (How about that!)stopped at Starbucks, across from the Baggage Claim, sat and had a cup of coffee, read my Kindle, and then got a very clean cab.
The cabbie was very polite, talkative - but not in an annoying way. He was from Kenya, then Arizona, and then Chicago. He said Arizona was too hot. He said Kenya has a winter and was a lot like Chicago, cold but no snow. Anyway ... It was dark when we started out from the airport and rush hour. The cabbie apologized for the stop and go traffic. I'm getting to know the route from the airport and expected it.
It was most fun riding down Lawrence Ave (?) which goes on for many miles and is the main street to Nancy's. The little mom and pop stores were all lit up, as were the offices. Lots of bars across the glass windows, doors. A shame.
We didn't do anything very special while I was there, but I was needed. I was another pair of hands to help out though.
Nancy is feeling fine. She's all back to being just. . . 35 weeks pregnant. Her pneumonia is gone. She's tired of course and uncomfortable and will be happy to be back to regular normal.
Friday Nancy had to be at work. But in the morning, I went with her to drop the kids off at their schools. Evie went to Short Stuff, her pre-school place. So cute. All her little friends were so happy to see her. Then we traveled across town to Vincent's school and dropped him off. Then Nancy came back and dropped me off, and I spent the day home alone just doing little things around the apartment and reading my Kindle.
I'm reading Steve Jobs biography - I knew it was great, but at $19.99 I wasn't about to get it on my Kindlle. It came down to $11.99 and I used part of my gift card to get it. And oh, my -It was wonderful! I know so much more about Apple products now, and his life. What an awful horrible brilliant man he was. But I digress. But maybe not. . . Still about books. . .
We went to a bookstore on Saturday afternoon. I had told them they could pick out a book.
The bookstore was in Lincoln Park, a shopping area near Nancy. The area is beautiful - all these little shops, quaint old-fashioned lights, on a narrow old street, and an old-fashioned bookstore, called The Book Cellar, with the old squeaky wooden floors and floor to ceiling rows of bookshelves. Plus an open area with wooden tables and chairs for coffee/book lovers. The smell was grand. Old polished wood and coffee.
As we went through the children's section, Evie found several books and plopped herself down on
the floor to "read". The owner helped Nancy find a book about being a big sister for her.
Vincent saw some Starwars books, some dinosaur books, some series he'd read, and then some new series books. He finally decided on a series about strange teachers. One title was Miss Tilly is Silly, another. . .Mr. Harrison is Embarrasin' They were very inexpensive, so I let him get the first three.
From there we went to Spacco Natale (?).
The kids had the choice between Panera Bread or going italian. I helped make the decision and it worked out great. We had a cooked antipasta, seasoned bread, and a sausage and pepperoni pizza, and ice cream for dessert. Nancy said that works out great (the dessert) because the kids never finish it, but we could. The books worked out great also. Vincent finished his first book while we were there. Nancy read Evie her book.
Sunday afternoon, Dan was due home from his conference in New Orleans.
In the morning, Nancy and Vincent spent a couple of hours on his Science experiment. His subject was: Will the lumpiest washcloth pick up more water than one that is not as lumpy, and one that has none. Cute, but it was quite time-consuming. It had been started in school. He had to do the experiment, (Sunday), write out all the steps, make a chart, and then make another copy to be pasted onto particle board for a display. It took a lot of effort and it pleased me to see he wasn't cranky when done. Dan was impressed when he got home.
Paul had a very good trip to see Greg, Brenan and Gus. Unfortunately he didn't get to see much of Noi and NeeNee because they went to Orlando for a Volleyball Tournament, from Friday night through Monday. Brenan and his band played Saturday night, so Greg stayed home. So it was just the guys at home. . .including Gus. Gracie was fine. The only female. Hahaha.
Greg also drew up structural plans and modifications for our lanaii room addition. I am amazed at his work. It's wonderful to have a structural engineer in the family.
Paul brought home some cut camellias. About eight beautiful different ones. Greg has many many bushes of them. They're on our dining room table. Beautiful. Paul took them over to our neighbor Bob who has a green house up North. Bob thought they were beautiful too, and wondered why Paul hadn't brought some cuttings with him? A good thought.
There's more to write, but I think this is enough for today. Lotsa wash today and I finished it too! Except for some folding.
How're things goin' for you in your neck o' the woods?
Sunday, January 13, 2013
It's mid January already but we're in the middle of summer. The temp has been 85.
Paul and I went to Port Charlotte Mall yesterday morning. I got two new bathing suits at JCPenney. . . a one-piece and a two-piece. (It's nice to have two so I can switch-off.) We also stopped at Sam's Club, got some things and then on to lunch at a new Panera Bread in Northport. I didn't make the stupid mistake this time of ordering a soup bread bowl, because after I looked up the carb content on that, well. . . last time I goofed. This time I had a plain cup of onion soup instead. Too much sodium of course. Panera is noted for that.
Nancy is now 35 weeks pregnant. She'd been to the doctor's Monday morning.Her bad cold and cough turned into pneumonia. Plus she had pink eye from Evie. . Monday she called to say she had her work laptop and was going to stay home for the week and work there. (Luckily - Vincent is in first grade, and Evie in Daycare.) She said she'd never felt this badly in all her life, or never remembered being so sick. Nor did I. My kids were pretty healthy. When she coughed, her ribs hurt because there wasn't any room because of the baby and she was so tired and she couldn't rest. She's been sick most of the week. By Thursday, she was improving. Her doctor had prescribed medication for her to help her sleep. She said that made a lot of difference - getting the rest. And her ribs will heal.
It's times like this that I wish I lived closer.
But - Ta Da. . .Next week, on Thursday, I'll be going to Chicago to help out while Dan is away at a conference. This is a January thing I've done for several years. Just knowing that I'll be there makes me feel better, and knowing her medication is working. Plus. . . I can't wait to see the little ones!
Tuesday, we made a trip to Punta Gorda to see Bill and Epril. We had a table, chairs and a file cabinet from someone we knew. We are so lucky to have the van. . . it's really helpful to lug big things around. It was Epril's day off so we saw her too. All is well there.
Bob spent most of Saturday with his son Jon. Jon had two big dogs. One - Tank - is a loveable quiet one. He never gets into trouble. Sometimes his tail will wag too hard and knock something over, but for the most part he's good. Unfortunately, the other, Lacey, is a three year old, exuberant, large "puppy at heart." Ever since they got her, a year ago? she had been getting into all kinds of trouble (destroying furniture) and finally came the straw that broke the camel's back . . . she ate Jon's glasses. They found a new home for her in Tampa where she'll be much happier. Bob and Jon took her there yesterday.
Dorothy, Jeff and Alaina are back from Colorado from visiting their son, DJ, who's working at a ski resort. She sent a long e-mail to us and some other family members but thought you'd all like to know that DJ is looking into Americorp when he comes back, and Alaina, who'll be graduating in May is thinking of the Peace Corp. How exciting! Can you remember being so young and having your whole life ahead of you? The sky's the limit.
Getting started with rehearsals for Showtime. I'm the accompanist for several numbers. I've been practicing with cousin Alice and friend Audrey who are singing a duet to "The Best of Times." from "La Cage de faux" The key was too high, so the directress ordered a new arrangement. Alice left the new arrangement in a plastic bag hanging from our doorknob when we got home yesterday. So. . . We went from the key of F to the key of C, and the notes are now four notes down from the original key. . I tried it and I think it's too low, but we'll see how they make out at our next practice session.
Carol O arrived yesterday with her sister, Patti. They use the auto train. Carol got here and Comcast wasn't working. Her landlord forgot to go from "vacation mode" - thus the problem. No TV, no computer. She called us and asked if they could come and watch the Golden Globe awards on TV tonight. She feels helpless! Tomorrow everything should be fixed.
So that's the news from the Woods. How're things goin' in your neck o' the woods?
Paul and I went to Port Charlotte Mall yesterday morning. I got two new bathing suits at JCPenney. . . a one-piece and a two-piece. (It's nice to have two so I can switch-off.) We also stopped at Sam's Club, got some things and then on to lunch at a new Panera Bread in Northport. I didn't make the stupid mistake this time of ordering a soup bread bowl, because after I looked up the carb content on that, well. . . last time I goofed. This time I had a plain cup of onion soup instead. Too much sodium of course. Panera is noted for that.
Nancy is now 35 weeks pregnant. She'd been to the doctor's Monday morning.Her bad cold and cough turned into pneumonia. Plus she had pink eye from Evie. . Monday she called to say she had her work laptop and was going to stay home for the week and work there. (Luckily - Vincent is in first grade, and Evie in Daycare.) She said she'd never felt this badly in all her life, or never remembered being so sick. Nor did I. My kids were pretty healthy. When she coughed, her ribs hurt because there wasn't any room because of the baby and she was so tired and she couldn't rest. She's been sick most of the week. By Thursday, she was improving. Her doctor had prescribed medication for her to help her sleep. She said that made a lot of difference - getting the rest. And her ribs will heal.
It's times like this that I wish I lived closer.
But - Ta Da. . .Next week, on Thursday, I'll be going to Chicago to help out while Dan is away at a conference. This is a January thing I've done for several years. Just knowing that I'll be there makes me feel better, and knowing her medication is working. Plus. . . I can't wait to see the little ones!
Tuesday, we made a trip to Punta Gorda to see Bill and Epril. We had a table, chairs and a file cabinet from someone we knew. We are so lucky to have the van. . . it's really helpful to lug big things around. It was Epril's day off so we saw her too. All is well there.
Bob spent most of Saturday with his son Jon. Jon had two big dogs. One - Tank - is a loveable quiet one. He never gets into trouble. Sometimes his tail will wag too hard and knock something over, but for the most part he's good. Unfortunately, the other, Lacey, is a three year old, exuberant, large "puppy at heart." Ever since they got her, a year ago? she had been getting into all kinds of trouble (destroying furniture) and finally came the straw that broke the camel's back . . . she ate Jon's glasses. They found a new home for her in Tampa where she'll be much happier. Bob and Jon took her there yesterday.
Dorothy, Jeff and Alaina are back from Colorado from visiting their son, DJ, who's working at a ski resort. She sent a long e-mail to us and some other family members but thought you'd all like to know that DJ is looking into Americorp when he comes back, and Alaina, who'll be graduating in May is thinking of the Peace Corp. How exciting! Can you remember being so young and having your whole life ahead of you? The sky's the limit.
Getting started with rehearsals for Showtime. I'm the accompanist for several numbers. I've been practicing with cousin Alice and friend Audrey who are singing a duet to "The Best of Times." from "La Cage de faux" The key was too high, so the directress ordered a new arrangement. Alice left the new arrangement in a plastic bag hanging from our doorknob when we got home yesterday. So. . . We went from the key of F to the key of C, and the notes are now four notes down from the original key. . I tried it and I think it's too low, but we'll see how they make out at our next practice session.
Carol O arrived yesterday with her sister, Patti. They use the auto train. Carol got here and Comcast wasn't working. Her landlord forgot to go from "vacation mode" - thus the problem. No TV, no computer. She called us and asked if they could come and watch the Golden Globe awards on TV tonight. She feels helpless! Tomorrow everything should be fixed.
So that's the news from the Woods. How're things goin' in your neck o' the woods?
Friday, January 4, 2013
Now that Christmas is over
Where do we put the Christmas decorations in our small house now that Christmas is over? That's the puzzle right now.
This is our first Christmas down in Florida. But - guess what - there's more space than we thought. I found an empty (yes, empty!) area just under this computer desk behind some doors, where I can put a lot of it. Paul said - but what if you forget where it is? My answer is - put the majority of it there. . .or all. . . except for the tree. I won't forget. We had a small tree and small decorations. I asked him where he put the tree. He couldn't remember. He thinks he put it in the guest room closet. I bet he did.
We were a little dubious about having Christmas here in Florida. Away from family. And if we gave it some thought, we were a little. For one thing, there's no snow. Actually, that was a bonus. Putting the lights up, taking them down, fiddling with them to get them right, was done in comfort. No heavy clothing, no snow to shovel, no worrying about travel. Easy shopping on the internet. Stores close by though if needed.
We saved our worrying about weather for our families.
Sharon and Dave came down from Elmira - we worried that their flight wouldn't get going. The plane was de-iced twice, and they were off. Sharon said the kids were so excited! Unfortunately, Dave came down here ill, and brought lots of meds with him. He was so sick on Christmas day that they went to the emergency room up there, but he didn't want to miss out on the trip two days later. Bless him. He did fine. He was very tired, but was able to take long naps, soak up the sun - walk on the beach. If he wasn't feeling well, he put up a good front.
Nancy and Dan were in St. Louis, for a week. They used their "new" van they got from Dan's parents. So they had a lot more room than their Honda. I worried about the weather, but they got there fine.
Nancy called last night. She had a bad cold. She said they all were sick for Christmas. Evie even had pink-eye. It's yucky to be sick and have the family sick at the same time and be 34 weeks pregnant. And it's hard to be her mother and be so far away and unable to help. I'm glad her in-laws helped out with childcare in St. Louis.
When they got back to Chicago by themselves, it was different because they're by themselves. I wished they could come down to soak up some sun and to rest and relax, but right now they have other priorities. And rightly so.
My plan is to go up from Jan 17-21 to help her out when Dan has to go to a conference. He's one of the speakers. The baby is not supposed to come then, but you never know when the birth is so close.
Dave, Sharon and the kids spent a week in Florida.
They rented a car. The first part, December 27th - 30th they went to Noi and Greg's up in Gainesville. We joined them but stayed at a motel nearby with Gracie. It was cold! They were cold! We all were cold! But the sun was out! The second half of the week, they traveled to Busch Gardens in Tampa and then onto Venice. It was still cold!
The weather finally warmed up when they came down here and stayed with us. Noi, Greg, NeeNee and Brenan stayed at a motel here. (We reversed roles.) We had their dog Gus with us. The weather warmed up and they got to the pool, the beach, walked on the jetty, collected shells.
I had a dinner party on New Year's Eve with my family so they could get acquainted (Epril hadn't met Greg and Noi's family) or re-acquainted with the families. Bill, Epril, Bob, his son Paul, Cousins Carol and Alice were the extra. There were 17 of us. Alice lent me two bridge tables with folding chairs, so we were able to seat everyone! (also blankets for the beds - it was so cold!) Before I served the food, a lot of us sat outside because the weather was then ideal.
Sharon and Greg went to Walmart and bought a badminton set, a big rubber ball for soccer, and a Razr scooter for Ida (10) to use in the driveway and our circle. And for Vincent whenever Nancy's family come down. Thanks to Brenda and Greg, we also had loads of inside games to play.
Epril is working full time now. She says she's tired, and rightly so. But it's given her a chance to get out and meet people and earn some money. Bill takes her to work at 7 AM and picks her up at 3 PM.
She has the weekend off this week coming up, so she came to our dinner party from work all dressed up for New Year's Eve. ( They went to a party at some friends' home afterwards.) Paul likes to joke and call her Imelda because of all her shoes. She's about 5' tall and loves to wear fancy shoes. She wore shoes New Year's Eve that Uncle Bob called her "Lady Gaga Shoes". She ended up being about 5'4" and towering over me!
It's nice to see that she's becoming more acclimated here. Her English is getting better because she's conversing more. She gave hugs to people before Bill and she left for the party. Not so much cell-phone usage. Good! It's wonderful to see her blossom.
So now we're home alone. The decorations are down, the house looks fairly presentable.
We did a lot; in fact I think we were more active. We missed those who weren't here, but glad for those who were.
Hi Lights: Going to see The Christmas Carol. Our Carol Sing earlier in December was a lot of fun. . . . getting acquainted with neighbors. The New Year's Eve dinner party, likewise. Plus our trip to Gainesville. Our Christmas Eve with Jon and Nicole's family at their house, and our Christmas Day dinner with Cookie and Clarkie (Carol and John - Jon's in-laws). Yes. That is their nicknames. They are such wonderful kind people. Bob stayed with them for a couple of weeks while he was recuperating from his heart operation.
So how're things goin' in your neck o' the woods?
.
This is our first Christmas down in Florida. But - guess what - there's more space than we thought. I found an empty (yes, empty!) area just under this computer desk behind some doors, where I can put a lot of it. Paul said - but what if you forget where it is? My answer is - put the majority of it there. . .or all. . . except for the tree. I won't forget. We had a small tree and small decorations. I asked him where he put the tree. He couldn't remember. He thinks he put it in the guest room closet. I bet he did.
We were a little dubious about having Christmas here in Florida. Away from family. And if we gave it some thought, we were a little. For one thing, there's no snow. Actually, that was a bonus. Putting the lights up, taking them down, fiddling with them to get them right, was done in comfort. No heavy clothing, no snow to shovel, no worrying about travel. Easy shopping on the internet. Stores close by though if needed.
We saved our worrying about weather for our families.
Sharon and Dave came down from Elmira - we worried that their flight wouldn't get going. The plane was de-iced twice, and they were off. Sharon said the kids were so excited! Unfortunately, Dave came down here ill, and brought lots of meds with him. He was so sick on Christmas day that they went to the emergency room up there, but he didn't want to miss out on the trip two days later. Bless him. He did fine. He was very tired, but was able to take long naps, soak up the sun - walk on the beach. If he wasn't feeling well, he put up a good front.
Nancy and Dan were in St. Louis, for a week. They used their "new" van they got from Dan's parents. So they had a lot more room than their Honda. I worried about the weather, but they got there fine.
Nancy called last night. She had a bad cold. She said they all were sick for Christmas. Evie even had pink-eye. It's yucky to be sick and have the family sick at the same time and be 34 weeks pregnant. And it's hard to be her mother and be so far away and unable to help. I'm glad her in-laws helped out with childcare in St. Louis.
When they got back to Chicago by themselves, it was different because they're by themselves. I wished they could come down to soak up some sun and to rest and relax, but right now they have other priorities. And rightly so.
My plan is to go up from Jan 17-21 to help her out when Dan has to go to a conference. He's one of the speakers. The baby is not supposed to come then, but you never know when the birth is so close.
Dave, Sharon and the kids spent a week in Florida.
They rented a car. The first part, December 27th - 30th they went to Noi and Greg's up in Gainesville. We joined them but stayed at a motel nearby with Gracie. It was cold! They were cold! We all were cold! But the sun was out! The second half of the week, they traveled to Busch Gardens in Tampa and then onto Venice. It was still cold!
The weather finally warmed up when they came down here and stayed with us. Noi, Greg, NeeNee and Brenan stayed at a motel here. (We reversed roles.) We had their dog Gus with us. The weather warmed up and they got to the pool, the beach, walked on the jetty, collected shells.
I had a dinner party on New Year's Eve with my family so they could get acquainted (Epril hadn't met Greg and Noi's family) or re-acquainted with the families. Bill, Epril, Bob, his son Paul, Cousins Carol and Alice were the extra. There were 17 of us. Alice lent me two bridge tables with folding chairs, so we were able to seat everyone! (also blankets for the beds - it was so cold!) Before I served the food, a lot of us sat outside because the weather was then ideal.
Sharon and Greg went to Walmart and bought a badminton set, a big rubber ball for soccer, and a Razr scooter for Ida (10) to use in the driveway and our circle. And for Vincent whenever Nancy's family come down. Thanks to Brenda and Greg, we also had loads of inside games to play.
Epril is working full time now. She says she's tired, and rightly so. But it's given her a chance to get out and meet people and earn some money. Bill takes her to work at 7 AM and picks her up at 3 PM.
She has the weekend off this week coming up, so she came to our dinner party from work all dressed up for New Year's Eve. ( They went to a party at some friends' home afterwards.) Paul likes to joke and call her Imelda because of all her shoes. She's about 5' tall and loves to wear fancy shoes. She wore shoes New Year's Eve that Uncle Bob called her "Lady Gaga Shoes". She ended up being about 5'4" and towering over me!
It's nice to see that she's becoming more acclimated here. Her English is getting better because she's conversing more. She gave hugs to people before Bill and she left for the party. Not so much cell-phone usage. Good! It's wonderful to see her blossom.
So now we're home alone. The decorations are down, the house looks fairly presentable.
We did a lot; in fact I think we were more active. We missed those who weren't here, but glad for those who were.
Hi Lights: Going to see The Christmas Carol. Our Carol Sing earlier in December was a lot of fun. . . . getting acquainted with neighbors. The New Year's Eve dinner party, likewise. Plus our trip to Gainesville. Our Christmas Eve with Jon and Nicole's family at their house, and our Christmas Day dinner with Cookie and Clarkie (Carol and John - Jon's in-laws). Yes. That is their nicknames. They are such wonderful kind people. Bob stayed with them for a couple of weeks while he was recuperating from his heart operation.
So how're things goin' in your neck o' the woods?
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