Sharon’s Blog

Last year, we had another couple stop over for the 4th of July celebration, but she’s not well, and tonight will be very cool, so it’ll be just the two of us.

We’ll bar-be-que a lovely steak dinner on the deck, and then enjoy fireworks.

We spent the day on the deck, taking in the pleasant weather and relaxing.

Our home is on “Lake Cecil” in Thomas Township (about 12 miles from Saginaw, 7 miles from St. Charles, 3 miles from Swan Creek, 7 miles from Hemlock). The man-made lake was named for Cecil Sepanski who dug and developed the subdivision around the 23-acre pond. It’s 20 feet deep at it’s deepest, with two small islands. The subdivision is called “Dude Estates” after his son, Dude.

This afternoon we watched workers plant launchers in the island right in front of our property so they can shoot-off fireworks tonight.

Florida is lovely, but this time of the year, I prefer our home here where the temperature was only 73 today and a nice breeze kept things very comfortable.

Looks like we’ll wait until the 10th to head to the festival grounds. We’ll leave next Friday early in the day.

Sharon

I seem to be prone to breaking my little toe(s). It’s been a couple of years since I did it, but two winters ago, I broke them twice within a month. I ran into the base of a ladder, the first of the two times. Actually I dislocated (or broke it) it to the point that the toe was a right-angles to the one next to it.

This time it may just be bruised. It’s sore and I’m limping around but it’s not as bad as it’s been when I hurt it before.

Two years ago, my friend Dr. Doug confirmed that it was undoubtedly broken. It took a couple months to heal. At his suggestion, I wore sandals most of the time after it happened. At least it’s summer this time. Sandals work.

Today I was walking from the kitchen to the dining room, trying to avoid Willow, our small dog, who moved suddenly. I caught the corner of the doorway with my left little toe. Ouch!!

A glass or two of wine will help sooth away my pain — guaranteed.

John and I married in 1985. In 1986 we moved into our lovely home on Lake Cecil. It’s a small (26 acre) man-made lake in Saginaw County. The house we had built for us has been perfect. It’s not huge, but has a soaring two-story living room with a real split field stone fireplace. We have a lovely view of the lake, a room off our bedroom with a hot tub, three bedrooms and three baths, a sorta finished basement and many other lovely features.

But, for the past few years, we’ve felt our place needed to be up-dated. The exterior is T1-11 siding which is basically a form of plywood that looks like board and batten siding. (I’ve hated it from the beginning and recently the wood peckers (destructive birds) have loved to peck rows of holes across it.)

We have also found we had a shortage of storage space for John’s “work toys”. Things like the snow blower and the lawn mower no longer fit in the extra space in our limited 2-car garage.

We have decided that an under-utilized covered porch off the back of the garage could have walls added and it would be a nice (10′x7′) storage space for lawn equipment.

In June, we also replaced the roof with shingles which will last longer than we will.

When we started the covered porch addition project, we knew we would have to extend the garage siding to make it match. But as we got closer to the point where the siding needed to be added, we realized that we hated the old stuff and adding it to the new space wasn’t a good idea. So we went shopping.

We’ve evaluated all kinds of vinyl siding. We want something that is totally maintenance free. We’ve finally decided that a rough sawn look that replicates cedar shakes would look nice. It’s pricey but we love it. The color will match what is currently on our siding (called “natural clay”). We like the looks of the “rough sawn shakes.” So that’s currently the plan. The siding is expensive, but the installation is the costly part. John is firm about doing the job himself. (I’d rather hire a contractor.) He feels it can be done is stages. If he starts with the garage side, it’ll tie-in the new covered porch addition. We’ll then go to the front. The lake-side and the east end will be last but we’ll buy all the materials at the beginning to save a significant discount which we’d get if we buy it all now.

I’m sure it’ll be grand. It’ll really add to the value of our home and since the exterior will be virtually “maintenance free” the house will be much more appealing, if we ever decide to sell it.

The next project which is waiting in the wings is a total kitchen re-do. Once we finish the kitchen, the flooring in the dining room and living room will be changed to all hard-wood.

It’ll be lovely when we complete it all.

As I said, my John wants to do most of the work. I would rather see it done sooner by hiring a contracor, but he loves the challenge. So whatever he decides will be the way it’ll be done.

Oh, and then, after the siding, and the kitchen, and the hardwood floors, the next thing will be adding a stone chimney to match the front of the house.

(We have real field stone across the front of the house (as well as on the fireplace inside). The chimney chase which shows above the roof is currently just wood (T1-11 siding). Adding fake field stone to match the real stone would really make the chimney out-standing. It may not be the same material as the front, but no one could tell. Once everything else is done, when we add a fake field stone chimney, it’ll it’ll look awesome.

We just took life expectancy tests. John is expected to live to be 100. I have a 106 life expectancy. (We’re 71 and 67 respectively.) So we have close to 30 years to go. I wonder if we’ll finish our many projects?

Or I guess you could say, “It’s a wrap.” Either phrase describes a completed project.

I FINALLY, have the Evart ODPC Workshop Program ready to go to the printer tomorrow. Whew! What a relief.

About three festivals ago, a lady stepped forward and volunteered to assist me by proofing the program. Her name is Nancy Basford and she’s been a God-send. She comes to the festival from Oak Ridge, TN, so all of our communication is done on line. She has a keen eye which is tuned to detail. She patiently corrects my many errors. She’s easy to work with and a genuinely nice person.

Before she came along, John and I would “read” the program to each other to verify that it was accurate but it was a challenge, and I know many things slipped through. I can’t begin to tell you how stressful it was on the two of us. John is not a detail person, and it drove him crazy to have to look for tiny errors that I felt were important. He has enough to do and the time it took drove him crazy, therefore much of the proofing was done just by me. It’s really hard to spot your own mistakes.

I tell everyone that Nancy saved our marriage. Although that’s an exaggeration, it does make for a much happier household.

The 2009 festival program is now completely ready. It is available for download at http://dulcimers.com/workshops. I just hope I don’t discover any errors after it goes to the printer. When it’s too late to do anything about problems, I don’t even want to know that I’ve made a mistake. (Ignorance is bliss.) We can always put a notice on the bulletin boards around the fairgrounds, if it’s something that makes it difficult for the attendees to understand or misdirects them.

So today I feel a real load lifted. Now I can start packing for the festival. We leave in 11 days and there’s lots to get ready.

Thanks again, Nancy, for making the job much easier.

Last night our Subterranean Strings Hammered Dulcimer Club played at Haithco Park for the first in our 2009 series of three summer concerts. We’ve put on these concerts since 1993 and we usually attract 300+ audience members and about 25 performers. We got the performers, but had only about 110 in our audience. The reduction in numbers was probably because the Saginaw News is no longer printed daily so the news about local entertainment doesn’t get out, but also last night was also truly HOT. Sweltering!! Definitely the hottest concert we’ve every performed at that venue. It was 97 degrees when we arrived at the park at 6:30 p.m. and it had only cooled to about 92 at 9:00 when the concert was over. We nearly melted. A light breeze kept us upright, but we were hot and dehydrated.

I also experienced an allergy attack and by the end had almost lost my voice.

So it was an evening that was uncomfortable, but we nevertheless had a good time. How could that be? I can’t tell you. It was fun. We saw old friends, got lots of hugs, had lots of thank-yous, and were really over-joyed being there.

Time is fleeing as the summer passes by. Life is like that. I wish it would slow down.

Lots to do!

We haven’t used our fifth wheel since last August so we need to get it cleaned up and checked out.

On July 8th, we’ll drive up to the Evart fairgrounds and live there for 12 days. The festival doesn’t actually start until July 16th. It’s over at noon Sunday so we get home by the evening of the 19th.

It’s the most fun we have all year. We see old friends and meet new ones.

Last year’s event was filled with strife, but this year I’m hoping the whole festival will be even more fun since it’ll be managed by new folks who are excited and up for the challenge of putting on the best festival possible. They are listening to folks and trying hard to satisfy them. (If I have any concern, it’s that the new management is “trying too hard.”)

Can’t wait.

Tonight we held our June Subterranean Strings Hammered Dulcimer Club practice.

Sub-Strings, as we’re known, got the name because, when the club was started, it seemed that all of our practices were held in “basement” locations. The name stuck. We used to take the summers off, but this year since we’re the leaders and we’ve been in Florida so much, the club has been on a “break.” Now we need to get our tunes polished up to performance quality for several gigs coming in July.

So we worked hard starting 6:45.

The last part of the evening featured a surprise event for our dear friends Jane and Bill Kuhlman and everyone was in on it but them. They are a lovely 91-year-old couple who celebrated a special anniversary on June 17th. They had no idea we had a party planned to honor them. At 8:20, I suggested that we practice another tune, “Anniversary Waltz.” It was a ploy. As we played, they were presented with a large cake which said “Happy 70th Anniversary Bill and Jane.” They were totally surprised.

My John had made home-made ice cream and the banana cake was beautifully decorated from the best bakery we could find…. really tasty. We also served lemonade, punch, soft drinks and coffee.

About 35 members of our club including some spouses were present.

Everyone seemed to enjoy it. We were tired at the end, but several members pitched in and helped with clean-up. They’re a good group!

This part of Michigan is predicted to experience several days of rain. I guess we need it, but I had hoped to soak up the sun today. Instead we’re stuck inside.

I guess I shouldn’t complain. We had perfect weather for the Bavarian Parade. Both John and I rode on the Flint Banjo Club float. (John played and I was the best “waver” of the bunch – I can rile up an audience and get folks dancing, singing, waving, and clapping along.) The past few days have been flawless with pleasant breezes and moderate temperatures.

Our roof was replaced last week while I was in Florida. Weather could have been a big factor, but it wasn’t an issue.

John has been building a storage area behind our garage (enclosing a covered porch) but that can wait. He’ll finish it in good time, but it’s not something that creates a crisis.

I sure don’t want to have rain interfere with the outdoor activites we have planned for the rest of the summer: the big Evart Funfest in July, the three summer concerts on the fourth Wednesdays of June, July and August, and the Midland Dulcimer festival. We also have a camping weekend planned with our music club the second weekend of August. And we have a week scheduled for the U.P. at the end of July.

So considering all that, today’s as good a day as any for rain.

Denise Stein, (only 48 yrs. old,) one of my popular workshop leaders at the ODPC Funfest passed away this morning from leukemia.

She had been fighting the disease for about three years. She was tough, but it won.

She had a lovely voice and a spirit to match. Her voice fit the “folk music tradition.” If you’d like to hear her, you can by clicking here: Foxfire with Maggie and Denise

What a loss!

Today we’ll be going to Frankenmuth for the Bavarian Festival Parade. John will be playing banjo with the Flint Banjo Club. Sometimes they have the wives ride along so fill-up the float. I don’t know if that’s the case this year, but I’ll go prepared to be a banjo lady.

I took this picture Friday night from the back door of our condo.

I’ve taken so many photos of this view. It amazes me. But this is the last one. (Until next time.)

Today is my last day here in the sunny south.

I have a whole list to do before I am picked up to go to the airport at 1:00 tomorrow. It’s really hot, so I decided that I will do all the stuff I need to do inside where it’s cool (packing, cleaning, laundry, etc.) and then this afternoon I’ll head to the pool. From 5:00-9:00 there’s a get-together at the South Club called “Sunset Celebration.” There’ll be music, food, and dancing. All of it will be beside the pool.

If I have everything ready tonight, I can go to the Saturday morning “Re-sale Shop.”

Last night I enjoyed Rockin’ Rondezvous in the newly redecorated and re-named Palm Court Cafe. I sat with a really nice couple (Patsy and Merle). I was home about 6:30.

I better get busy and finish my chores so nothing will stand between me and the pool this afternoon.

I just realized that the hot weather has caused a change. When I got here 10 days ago, the vicinity of the pool was invaded by a swarm of love bugs. Yup, those pesky flying critters had invaded. They swarmed. They were everywhere. They don’t bite but when you have them crawling on you, they’re definitely hard to endure. Click here for an earlier blog entry about love bugs, complete with a photo.

But this week the temperatures went up and the love bugs have vacated.

It was too hot. At least there’s one good side to the extreme heat!

It was a tad too warm yesterday (92 with a “feels like” temperature of 100). More of the same is predicted for today. I spent a lot of time in the shade at the pool. I filled a spray bottle and “misted” myself every few minutes. There was a slight breeze so I felt comfortable, but by about 3:00 I started feeling a little light-headed. I knew I was dehydrated. I hadn’t been consuming enough liquids, so I headed home. After a hearty consumption of water and the pleasantly cool A/C, I was fine.

Gerry, a really nice neighbor lady, invited me over for wine and conversation at 4:30. She had a fascinating history. I was glad I got to know her better. I stayed a couple hours.

After three days of renovation, the South Club’s lounge area, formerly called “BC’s,” will reopen as “Palm Court.” Hopefully folks will turn out tonight for Rockin’ Rondezvous and to see the newly decorated area. I’ll say good bye to friends.

Tomorrow night, they’re going to have a “Sunset Celebration” poolside. I plan to attend.

I only have two days left so I need to make a list if the stuff I don’t want to forget: bring in the cushions from the lanai furniture, close the hurricane awning, shut off the water, turn up the A/C, etc.

I will be glad to be back in Michigan where temperatures are predicted to be ideal (low 80’s).

It looks like the rest of my stay here in Florida will be under clear skies.

Today was absolutely lovely. I was at the pool all afternoon. Did lots of visiting. I’d thought I’d leave about 4:00, but an hour later and I was still yacking with friends.

I’ve been here for a full week. I have four and a half more days.

When in Florida, I love taking pictures of the sky. The skies down here are incredible. They are often colorful with big poofy clouds. Sunsets are fantastic.

I talked with John. He said it’s been in the low 60’s in Michigan and raining. At least the forecast for Sunday, when I will be back home, is for temps in the high 70’s. Yes!

It sounds like John has tackled some pretty big projects in my absence. I should feel guilty, since I am enjoying the sun and lovely weather, and he’s working hard, but I think we both enjoy some private time. I know I’ll sure go back “refreshed” and I’ll appreciate him even more.

This morning, I was ready to go to the “Nearly New” sale (which is only held on Saturdays during the “summer months”) but as I was about to head out the door the rain hit. For the next two hours it really came down. Obviously my plans changed, so I took a book I was reading to the lanai and enjoyed view and sound of the rain. I guess there was a lot of rain over-night but I slept through it.

By noon the rain had moved on. The temperature was perfect. I was at the pool most of the afternoon. I floated around a lot and visited with friends. I may have gotten a bit too much sun, but I’m trying to watch it with sun screen and shade. I must admit I forgot to “renew” the sun screen and was out there for a loooonnnng while.

This evening I figured I’d go enjoy a Belmont Stakes horse race party at the South Club, but when I got there, I was disappointed. It wasn’t much of a party and sitting around a bar isn’t my thing. I visited for a short while with a friend, and I left. I’d planned to eat dinner at the party but they weren’t grilling, so I went shopping, got myself a nice little steak and had it with a baked potato. (My favorite meal.) I was home before 7:00 p.m.

The days are blurring together. Most of the time, it’s glorious sunshine (at least part of the day) and lots of great pool time. I’ve read a couple of books, and I’ve been working on the scheduling of the workshops and preparation of the program for the big dulcimer festival next month. A week from tonight I’ll be back in Michigan. It’ll be hard to leave. It’s so nice here.

What a wonderful life.

Here it is Thursday evening. I’m really enjoying my Florida visit. It’s been relaxing and quite warm. I got here on Tuesday, and my primary activity has centered on the pool. It’s been really warm (high 80’s). I aim for at least four hours at the pool – more if possible.

Both Tuesday evening and last night (Wednesday), it rained really hard at about 7:30 p.m. The rain was also predicted for this afternoon. I was determined to get my pool time before the rain chased me away. I arrived about 10:00 a.m. and stayed until 2:00. That left me plenty of time to wash my hair and spiffy up for tonight’s Rockin’ Rondezvous. As it turned out there was a little thunder, but no rain.

Rockin Rondezvous, the Thursday evening get-together at the South Club, was fun. I saw lots of folks I knew. Sat with our friend Sue Sussman. All of the regulars were there. Of course no snowbirds, but it still felt like I was among friends.

At 7:00 they had a jitterbug contest with only five couples competing. They decided it was a tie and all won dinners for two. Personally I had my favorite but it was good that all the brave souls we declared winners.

Tomorrow afternoon there’s a 50-60% chance of rain in the afternoon. I intend to be at the pool early. If it rains, I’ll go shopping. I’d like to get there by about 9:00. If I stay until noon, and it doesn’t rain, I can maybe take a break for a couple hours and come back later.

I have been watching my sun exposure because I don’t want to over-do it, which would be easy this time of the year. I’ve got a nice “glow” but so far, using sunscreen and staying in the shade has worked.

I haven’t worked on my stuff for the festival today. I figure that’s a good rainy day job.

The forecast is for rain nearly every day, but I’m discovering that rain can be only an hour and the rest of the day is great. I plan to make the best of the next eight days. They’ll fly by.

This morning the alarm went off at 6:00. I bounced out of bed thinking I’d planned things out and I’d have lots of time to get to the airport before my departure. Then it hit me! I’d mis-calculated. My plane was leaving at 7:00 – boarding at 6:30, so I should have gotten up an hour earlier. But I flew around getting ready. We left the house by 6:10. We were at the airport by 6:30. I wasn’t able to swig down my normal quota of coffee until I got to Detroit. But with a two and a half hour lay-over, I had time to “catch-up.”

The fellow who I hired to give me a ride from the airport in Tampa was there even though my plane came in about 30 minutes late. Everything went smoothly. By about 3:00, I was home in our condo. No problems. I was able to turn on the water, get the hot water back on, and the ice maker working. I had a slight problem getting our cable TV up and running, but with the help of the cable company, it is working fine.

I spent a couple hours at the pool and saw some of our best friends. The water was actually too warm to be refreshing but I feel younger and more alive.

About 5:45 I went shopping for a few groceries. A thunderstorm hit while I was in the store. Thank heavens I’d brought along an umbrella, but it rained so hard and the wind blew so strongly that, as I was getting into the car, it turned the umbrella inside out, and I was drenched.

My “MagicJack” phone device, which plugs into a usb port when you have high speed internet and you can plug a phone into it, is working beautifully so I have nice clear phone service. I feel like I’ve really moved into the 21st century. A phone! (Sure I’d have had a cellphone, but this provides unlimited service at no cost.)

So I’m here in Florida. I’ve talked with John twice. I wish he had been able to come with me, but I have lots to do. Tomorrow I have an appointment at the bank. I need to clean the lanai (which is really a mess from all the rain they’ve had here).

For the month of May, the high temperatures in our part of Michigan have been under 70 degrees (with maybe one or two warmer days all month). June is starting out the same way. The forecast for the next 10 days shows highs in the low to mid 60’s. Tonight it’ll drop into the high 30’s or low 40’s. Not much sunshine. It’s been lousy. We’d be happy if it was March, but not for June.

I’m ready for Florida. I can’t wait!

I just ordered a new bathing suit and I’m ready to “try it out.”

The Kings Point activities which are scheduled during the period I’ll be down there will be fairly laid back and quiet. Afterall it’ll be June and the snowbirds will have departed leaving only the quieter “full-time residents.” I’ll arrive Tuesday, the 2nd.

The day after I arrive, there’s an ice cream social, but no other social activities are planned until Thursday evening. Every Thursday starting at 4:00 p.m. there’s a Rockin’ Rendevous get together at the South Club lounge. (The 4th, they’ll have a jitterbug contest which should be fun to watch.) I know it’ll seem deserted, but I’ll plan to go about 5:00. I doubt if I’ll stay an hour. Regardless, I’ll be fun to see anyone who is there.

Friday’s (11:00-2:00) and Saturdays and Sundays (12:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.) there are always pool parties. The ‘burgers and beer are ok.

Saturday (the 6th) a Bellmont Stakes horse race party will be held at the South Club. (I don’t know what to expect, but I’ll go.) There’ll also be a “Nearly New” sale from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 noon Saturday (in town).

The last evening I’m there, Friday the 12th, they’ve scheduled 5:00-9:00 Sunset Celebration pool party. I’m guessing there’ll be entertainment, a bar-be-que, and music. It sounds like a good way to end my visit.

But what I’m looking forward to most is the pool time. I need the sun. My skin feel bleached and dry from too much “in the house” time. I’ll love a little sun-glow.

I’m packed for my trip. I will be traveling light (no luggage). I left most everything in Florida when we came home in April. I don’t need to bring clothes, and if I have forgotten anything, there are always stores.

I could also go to Busch Gardens, but I probably won’t. Instead I’ll relax, be lazy, and take in the rays.

I’ll leave Michigan Tuesday at 7:00 a.m., the 2nd, and be gone until Saturday evening, the 13th. It’ll be a nice get-away.

I’m ready.

I made a stupid comment back a few months ago.

I was talking to a senior citizen friend and I commented that “old folks” like us aren’t as hurt by the recession. She looked at me with shock and asked what was I talking about. She and everyone she knew had lost much of her retirement income because of the change in the economy.

My comment was made thinking only of “seniors” as not being as apt to “lose jobs” because we’re already retired. But she’s right. Many of our friends have told us tales of woe because their income from investments, which they are depending on for the staples of life, is now greatly reduced.

I’d lost a bundle back in 1987 when the dot coms failed. Nasdaq had shown remarkable growth so I moved much of my retirement to “risky” ventures. When the dot coms went broke, I was hit hard. It took me years to recover – actually I never recovered because I’d have twice as much in my retirement fund as I do now, if the fall then hadn’t occurred.

That experience taught us to become more conservative. Over the years, we did get back into stocks, but we were always on guard. By mid-2008 we started feeling really skiddish. In late summer we had moved most everything out of the stock market. When the September crash occurred, we were safe. We had moved almost everything from stocks to secure bonds. True, we weren’t earning much, but we didn’t lose anything.

Some of our friends ask why we didn’t warn them about a “pending collapse.” At the time, we felt we were being overly cautious.

Settling Mom’s estate occurred at an opportune time, but it was a matter of chance. It happened that she died just before the crash. I had invested her funds in annuities. She had a sizeable portfolio.

Mom died on September 14th. Later, as I reported her death to her various investment companies, they were obligated to pay at the September 14th rate. The crash had occurred about September 22nd. As her heir, I benefitted from the timing, although it certainly wasn’t in any way anything I would have wished for. It just happened that the cash-out was timely.

We also benefitted because the condo we bought in October 2008 was priced at $240,000 in 2006 but because of the economy, the price dropped drastically. By the time we bought it, the price was $125,000. Yes, it’s continued to lose some of it’s value over the past few months, but we’re sure it will go up in value eventually.

I feel truly sad for our friends who have been hard hit. A year or 18 months ago, I remember talking to a close friend who mentioned that he’d paid over $320,000 for a condo. I was envious. That same condo is now worth “maybe” $200,000 (probably less). It is likely that is was financed. They could owe more than its current value.

Over the past few years in Florida, I became acquainted with a sweet lady at the pool. She must be in her late 80’s. She and her husband have loved investing. She was proud of how well they’d done. But that was before September 2008. I spoke to her right after the crash. She and her husband had lost $100,000 in the value of their portfolio. A few days later she said their loss had grown to $200,000. I haven’t seen her lately but the last time I saw her, she wasn’t mentioning her investments.

These aren’t people who are rich. They are retirees who earned their funds with hard work. They saved and invested. They felt they were “set for life.” Now in their 70’s or 80’s or 90’s, they are in a different position.

John and I are among the fortunate few. We have our debt-free home(s) and we are “comfortable.” We are conservative in our spending and don’t go over-board. We don’t do things extravagantly. But we don’t go on cruises nor have we ever purchased a new car in the 24 years we’ve been married.

I shop eBay and re-sale shops. We are bargain hunters.

John and I have not been hurt by the “stock market” but we have other losses. We are “property poor.” In addition to our home in Saginaw and our new condo in Florida, we own two farms and one-sixth interest in another. Obviously real estate values have tanked.

When I mentioned that we pay taxes on our home, our condo, our place in the U.P., two farms, and a camping club membership, I was asked if I was “bragging.” What??!! Bragging??!! Are they kidding?! That comment can only be made by someone who hasn’t watched what’s happened. At this point, we can’t sell the properties which we thought of as “investments.” Now we’re stuck paying property taxes on all of them plus camping club dues, and association dues on our home, U.P. property, and our condo. We would like to divest, but who’d we sell to? I sure wasn’t bragging. I was complaining.

So thinking about it, I realize I sure was stupid when I said that the recession doesn’t affect retirees.

Yesterday was Memorial Day.
Coincidentally my daughter called and reminded me she wanted a picture of my father, Curtis A. Layman, in his World War II uniform for a military tribute at her church. Dad was a Marine and in the second wave that came ashore at Iwo Jima. He served from 1944 until 1946.

It took a while to find a picture of Dad. I finally located one of him taken September 5, 1944.

As I looked at the picture with a “critical eye,” I had to say to myself that he was darned good looking. In fact he had almost movie star good looks. Of course he was young — in his very early 20’s.

His hat was at sort of a jaunty angle (probably not as it should have been), but he was always a bit of a non-conformist.

He was a very proficient artist. The only example I have of his artistic talent is a picture he drew of me as a seven-month-old baby. It was beautifully done! When in the service, Dad sketched pictures of fellow soldiers so they could send them home to their loved ones. A year or so ago, I found his “diary” which he wrote during his time in the military. He talked about going ashore and the losses of his friends.

After the war, Dad became a design engineer at Dow Chemical Company. He helped design the equipment that was used for the production of Saran Wrap. Among his papers, there’s a patent which Dow bought from him for some of his designs for the saran process. (The patent was purchased for $1 – which was the way it was always done.)

Dad died when he was only 65. He had enjoyed a couple of years of retirement in Sun City Center, FL, the city where we now have our condo. He loved “the good life.”

So on Memorial Day. I did what was right. I thought about my father and others who have fought to defend our country. I felt grateful.

In 11 days I’ll arrive in Sun City Center, Florida, which right now is anything but a “sunny city.”

I’ve been watching the daily weather reports and it’s been raining down there EVERY single day since the 12th of May. During that period there’s been about an 8-inch accumulation of rain. Yesterday, it rained 1.14 inches!!!!! That’s a monsoon.

Of course, there is still plenty of time for a “break” in the weather, but looking ahead to the next ten days, there is a strong possibility of rain EVERY day between now and then.

There’s time for that “stuck front” to move northerly. But will it? I can deal with a few crummy days. I have lots to finish on the workshop program for the big dulcimer festival. But Florida represents wonderful, warm sunny days!

During my 11 days in Florida, I am looking forward to pool time. Lots of it! Enjoying stuff from the “grill” at the South Club. I want to take a good book, and watch the palm trees sway, but not from under an umbrella.

So I’m praying for sunshine and lovely temperatures for the next week or so in Michigan and then, from June 2nd until the 13th in Florida.

It’s hard enough to get results on prayers for one place. Guess I’m pushing it by asking for two areas with nice weather. Today is cool and cloudy, so I’m not doing well with either “request.”

I’m out on our deck, enjoying a lovely summery day. I’ve described at length our place in Florida, but haven’t said much about our home on Lake Cecil in rural Saginaw County.

We’re on a small lake called Lake Cecil. Yup, that’s it’s name. John and I had our home built in 1986. We were the seventh house on the lake. You can see small boats on the beaches of some of the houses across the lake from us. It’s only 26 acres but about 20 feet deep. Summer swimming is enjoyed by the neighborhood kids. Fishing for pan fish doesn’t require a license because it’s “private.”

The fellow who developed the man-made lake was Cecil Sepanski – hence the name. The street names around the lake are Lake Circle Drive with designations for the side of the lake you’re on. We’re on Lake Circle Drive North.

We’re about 12 miles west from Saginaw, MI, off M-52. Our mail is addressed Saginaw, but we are closer to Hemlock, Swan Creek, and Shields.

It’s fairly quiet here. The wind, birds and someone’s wind chimes are the only sounds I can hear today.
John has a small (very small) vineyard on the left side of our back yard toward the water. There are 10 grape vines, so he should be able to harvest six or so bushels of grapes. We also have a couple apple trees, and a small garden with a half dozen tomato plants and a large area of rubarb (also used for wine).

This afternoon I’ve tried to devote some serious time to the workshop program for the big festival in July. I really want to keep pecking away at it since I’ve promised it’s completion within the next couple of weeks and festival goers will be looking forward to the completed program so they can “plan” for the festival.

The program is a monsterous 16 pages (sometimes even 20). I have about six pages done. That still leaves a lot to complete and then there’s the tweaking that I’ll have to do to what I have already finished.

But today, the beautiful weather has me feeling optimistic about everything.

Ahhhh, it’s a great life!! A tad windy but very nice!

Today, for the first time in weeks, the sun was out!!

I loved enjoying the rays. I took my computer outside and worked on necessary stuff in the warmth of a Michigan summer day.

Tomorrow it’ll be even warmer. I’ll enjoy it even more.

Two weeks from today, when I’m in Florida, I want to be able to move my computer to a beside the Florida pool to a shady spot, and stay there all day. I’ll work (part time) getting stuff done, but I’ll spend most of my time relaxing.

Yes, I can follow the same routine in Saginaw, MI, beside our private lake. I can read, sun bathe, relax, and enjoy. It’s what I plan for tomorrow.

Life is grand. There’s nothing that I lust after. I have it all. I have what makes me happy: John, the sun, Willow, two lovely residences. (in Michigan and in Florida).

What more could I want?

In July and August, the music festivals are coming up. When at the dulcimer festival, we will need a good email wifi signal, a comfy residence/trailer, air conditioning and the close proximity of lots and lots of close friends. The music will enhance everything. Hopefully all of those components will be present. We’ll enjoy a wonderful festival season. It’s fun to have something to look forward to!!

We went to a wedding reception party for a friend’s son this afternoon in Midland. We’ve watched him grow up. I recall going to his high school graduation party and now its a wedding party. The happy couple got married last weekend in the U.P. (where they both live). This party was for their home-town friends and family.

On the way home, I said, “Let’s do something exciting and unexpected.” We were all dressed up with no place to go. I suggested going to a movie. (John’s not a movie fan.) We tried to think of somewhere we could stop. Walmart didn’t do it. Kohl’s didn’t work out because we didn’t need anything, so left empty handed. We stopped at a couple garage sales (I bought two paper backs). It was feeling like it had been a wasted day.

But then we stopped at a gardening shop filled with flowers. It was lovely. We roamed around the store for about a half hour. The flowers smelled so good and were in their prime. The red geraniums, the colorful petunias, the pots of daisys.

We bought a flat of pansies.

It’s been so cold and gloomy and the pansies looked so spring-like. Tomorrow I’ll dig in the dirt and plant a flat of pansies. Sounds sensational.

John hasn’t been feeling well so this afternoon he went to the doctor. He then had to wait three hours for a cat scan. (It’s a “guy thing” to just tough it out health concerns but I was pleased that he was smart and sensible and went to the doctor.) I took advantage of his absence and FINISHED the three daily grids for the ODPC Workshops.

I have been saying that I’ll have the grids ready by the end of May. Since today is only the 15th, I am officially “ahead of schedule.” Yeah!

I plan to start on the 16-page “program” and maybe it’ll be possible for me to enjoy my time in Florida (June 2-13) rather than having to work non-stop on this project.

It’s still gloomy and cold. John is on antibiotics and will hopefully feel better.

In 20 days (two weeks from this coming Tuesday) – on June 2nd, I’ll be in Florida.

I’m really looking forward to some nice warm temps. Sunshine. And solitude.

I adore my husband. But it’s nice to know that for 12 days I’ll answer only to myself.

I hope this isn’t the last time when I’ll be able to enjoy a solo vacation. I had a good excuse this time because I bought the tickets when Mom was still living, but I already know I want to do it again in 2010. I hope I can. I don’t really want to take “separate” vacations, but a week or so apart gives us both time to enjoy solitude.

20 days and counting!!

A friend of mine, Jim Rathbun, paid me a supreme compliment. He referred to me as, “A tech goddess who pole dances. . . .A geek’s dream.”

What a image. A 67-year-old lady doing a pole dance with friends. Yes, I’m guilty. It was last year (August 2008.) We were at a festival in Midland, MI. Things had gotten too intense so I tried to think of something fun. Another campsite had created a wonderland with tiny Christmas tree lights. We tried to enhance our area with all the Christmas lights and hanging decorations we could find, but by comparison, ours looked tacky.

The canopy (20 x 20) was supported with nine aluminum poles. We (a bunch of us in a crazy mood) decided to put on a pole dance. None of us knew what we were doing but we enlisted two good dulcimer players to belt out “Night Train.” We grabbed our respective poles and did what we considered to be “dirty dancing.” It was laughable. All of us are over-the-hill. None showed any true talent nor aptitude.

I took the pole next to a tree which had a huge “hill” at the base of the tree. It was all I could do to keep my balance.

Actually within the group, two of the ladies made it memorable. Gail Schwandt is a total extrovert so that made for a showy display. And the youngest of the members, while wearing a face mask really got going. Her name: Rochelle DeAnda. I think she felt she’d never be discovered, so she did “moves” none of the rest of us would even consider.

Oh, and also Gwyn Besner showed talents we didn’t know she had.

So it was fun. Silly but fun. It made us laugh and will forever be part of our “memories.”

Probably, as the years go by our memories will enhance our performances and in a few years, we’ll be described as fantastic. Unfortunately it’s too soon now. I know we were bad!

Our dulcimer club played for a Mother’s Day party at an assisted living facility. We played for families and residents, and all seemed to enjoy it.

It was one of those plays that “felt good.” We had a great balance of instruments (19 musicians): dulcimers, fiddles, whistle, dobro, harmonica, guitars. autoharps, bass, and several were excellent vocalists.

It was fun.

Michigan’s finally warming up. It’s still not up to “Florida” temps, but today it’ll get close to the 70 degree mark which is a distinct improvement from what we’ve been “enjoying.”

I can’t believe it was only three weeks ago that we left the sunny south. In less than a month I’ll be flying back down to Florida by myself to check on things and spend 12 days in the sun. I am looking forward to it. I really love Sun City Center (Kings Point). I know that it’ll seem very “empty” in June compared to the winter months when it was crowded with “snow birds” but I can lounge around the pool and visit with our “full-time” Florida friends. It also gives me so “alone time” which I think everyone needs occasionally. (In fact, I’m thinking that next year, I may try to schedule a solo week or two in Florida.)

Much of my time the past week or so has been spent trying to get workshops organized for the ODPC dulcimer festival which will be held in July. I really want to get on top of my commitment so I can enjoy Florida and not have to spend all my time on the computer.

We have a few activities coming up this week: a luncheon tomorrow, a practice tomorrow evening, and a “Mother’s Day” performance Thursday, but nothing very exciting. Writing something of interest for this blog gets tough. Our life is boring during this part of the year. I could tell about the “red-bud” which is about to pop into glorious color, or the young goslings that hatched out and are swimming around our lake. I could tell about our lawn that is looking ratty, and all the stuff that we need to do to get our place polished up. I could talk about contractor discussions to get our roof replaced, or the state of the economy. But none of that is anything anyone would care to read about.

I could tell about my resolve to skinny down a bit before fall so I’ll look better in my bathing suits. My eBay purchases have been routine — no exceptional purchases, I haven’t heard any super jokes. I could discuss the latest book I’ve read or discuss my tan which has faded, but that’s “me” stuff but I don’t like to include posts that feature me. I’m just a stoggy, boring 67-year-old non-descript woman.

Maybe you can tell I’m in kind of a funky mood —- and feeling “moldy” because of all the bad weather we’ve faced. I think I just need some sunshine.

Life is great, but not especially interesting.

Today John and I drove to the Dearborn, MI, area which took us over two and a half hours each way. The meeting was satisfying. I’m very proud to be associated with the new ODPC board. They are a bunch of hard working, thoughtful individuals who are like-minded in trying to keep the wonderful festival we all love on track.

The meeting today was well-attended. We had a very good time, and I even won one of the door prizes (an embroidered stadium blanket).

I’ve been working for the past few weeks to get the “workshops” in order. (I’ve been workshop chairman for 14 years!) It’s a grueling job. I requested the submitting of classes starting in December 2008 for this year’s festival, but I started really working hard on the organization of the workshops in mid April. I’ve been spending about five or six hours a day for the past couple of weeks. That’s just the start. I can’t begin to count the total hours I work getting the whole line-up ready.

Today was sunny and slightly warmer (64 degrees). It’s not like Florida, but I love the sun.

The whole area seems to be “under water.” We drove west on M-46 today on our way to our friend George Horny’s son’s memorial visitation in nearby Hemlock, MI. With about four inches of rain this week, and a few inches the week before, we’re more than saturated. Farm fields are underwater. But more rain is anticipated.

I look at Sun City Center, Florida’s weather and wish we could send our over-abundance of precipitation down there.

At least I hope that this soggy weather and massive snowfall this past winter in Michigan will have raised water levels on the Great Lakes – especially Lake Michigan. Our vacation place in the Upper Peninsula (near Thompson) has seen a depressing decline in the water table up there.

Please don’t think I’m in any way bragging about our U.P. retreat. Our place up there was purchased in 1990 strictly because we figured “property” would appreciate. The residence which came with the land is a grungy, smelly, 1960’s 12 x 55 foot trailer but about five years ago we added an off-set pole-barn type roof over it which covers the trailer and a newly built 24 x 12 elevated deck toward the lake (Lake Michigan). It does have a good well, power, and a septic system. But it seems we are always fighting black flies, ticks, beach flies or mosquitoes. The white sand beach which we enjoyed for the first half dozen years is now gone. We purchased the trailer and land (nearly 200 feet of frontage by over 700 feet deep) for a steal price but we have watched the taxes go up and up and up. We thought it was a good investment. Now we’d probably have a hard time giving it a way.

Maybe/hopefully this rainfall will be beneficial in bringing our U.P. property back to the state it was in when we bought it.

We finally retired/replaced our 1997 Saturn with about 150,000 miles on it. It had gotten to the point where we were going to have to spend quite a bit to keep the Saturn running. We needed to replace the tires and exhaust system and it didn’t seem worth it. The newer vehicle we got today is a modest but much nicer 2004 Chevy Malibu.

We were both tired of looking. This one came with a one-year warranty and has lots of bells and whistles (leather heated seats, moon roof, and everything automatic). It’s a pretty sapphire/midnight blue.

It’s a good day. A tad cool, but at lest the sun was out.

We live on a small lake west of Saginaw, MI, and east from Hemlock. The lake has two small islands, but right now the islands are much smaller because the lake level is so high. We’re fortunate because we aren’t connected to any storm drain. In many areas the high water is putting a strain on sump pumps and water is coming into basements. Even with near continuous rain for the past few days, our basement is dry.

The current weather is cool and drab but currently not raining. More is expected this week. We’re already saturated.

And to think that in Florida, Sun City Center is experiencing a drought. Water is being rationed. No one can run fountains, lawns can only be watered occasionally, and cars can’t be washed.

Sad news for our music community: our friend, George Horny, who is a very active member of our music club, lost his 34-yr. old son, Tim Horny. Tim passed away Sunday night after a 2-year fight with leukemia. Today there is a column on the Saginaw News website about this remarkable young man.

Today I think our plan is to look for a replacement car for our old Saturn which we use for short trips. We want something that gets good gas mileage, is cheap with four doors, A/C, and is trouble free. The Saturn needs work and we can’t see spending anything on a vehicle with 152,000+ miles on it.

The weather since we got home has been crappy. We had one warm day a few days ago but even that day it rained some and for the past two days, we’ve had about 2″ or more. It’s depressing.

I feel as if I’m getting moldy.

Today I optimistically bought a new bathing suit on eBay. (I’d left all of mine in Florida.) I am hoping to spend some time in the sun here in Michigan soon. I need to do some window washing and gardening so I’d have a good excuse to get out. I’d even like to do some sunning like we do beside the pool in Florida. We’re on a lake so wearing a bathing suit is very appropriate. Tomorrow? Maybe? I keep hoping that a little sun will make me feel human.

Our good friend, George Horny, just called us to say that his 35 year old son, Tim, died this evening after a 2 year fight with leukemia. George is a big part of our music family. He attends Evart, Midland, and many other music events. He’s John’s best friend. They make wine together. George is a super friend. He was here several times last week helping John get the yard in order. It’s so sad.

John’s been cleaning up the yard. In December, he had a bunch of trees cut down. He worked hard to collect as much as possible before we headed back to Florida, but some of the mess had to wait until spring (now). This week he’s been moving man-sized logs to a trailer and hauling them to a friend’s house where they’ll be used for firewood. He’s in heaven doing hard physical outside work. Not me!! Especially since it was only in the 40’s this week. Today it’s supposed to up to about 60, but I miss the 70’s and 80’s we enjoyed in Florida. I understand tomorrow and over the weekend, it’ll get that warm here!! Can’t wait!.

I’m settling in to the routine here and it feels good to be home.

I try spend some time every day working on the organizing of workshops for the huge dulcimer festival (ODPC Funfest), which will be held in July. I’m trying to keep up with my commitment. It’s a huge job and I don’t want to let it become over-whelming.

Anyone who knows us, knows Willow, our dog. She’s a tiny (5 lb. 2 oz.), a chihuahua named after Les Raber’s “Willow Waltz.”

This morning about 7:15, John got up and Willow was no where to be found. It didn’t take him long to get concerned enought to get me up too so I could help search. We called and looked.

The last time either of us had seen her was about 11:15 last night when she curled up on “her” pillow next to our bed.

John said it concerned him when she didn’t pester him to get up as soon as it was light.

I heard her when I got up to go to the bathroom before 5:00 (it was still dark). She made a slight noise but I figured she was laying beside John on her pillow, so I didn’t give it any thought nor did I look for her then.

With both of us looking, it only took about five minutes to find her. What had happened to her? Where was she?

Willow had apparently gotten up to use her “paper.” (She uses a paper like a cat uses a litter box. Her paper is a spread out newspaper on a plastic runner in the laundry room.) Instead of going through our bedroom door toward the laundry room, she went sightly right and ended up behind the door. (It probably wasn’t totally open.) When she missed the door opening and instead headed into the area behind the door, it was too narrow to turn around. She couldn’t back up. She was stuck. Being 14 years old and blind in one eye, she has her challenges. The space behind the door trapped her. She probably could see us through the slit by the hinge, but couldn’t move forward, nor back. We have no idea how long she was there but she was traumatized and so were we.

Poor Willow.

When we found her she was quiet and frightened. She seems to have recovered, but I feel so badly that she went through that scarey trauma.

We returned home from Florida Thursday; beauty shop appointment and dulcimer club practice Friday; trip to Chesaning and Lansing (most of the day in an ODPC Board meeting) yesterday; today (Sunday) a benefit for a friend’s son (Tim Horny, son of George Horny) so we’ll be tied up until probably 6:00 p.m.

The house is a disaster: three months of dust, stuff half unpacked, windows needing to have the winter dirt washed away, clothes begging to be laundered.

Florida is much easier because we have less stuff and we’ve kept it organized. (I can clean that place totally in an hour.) Here, even if I had a month with nothing else to do, I couldn’t catch up.

I also need to get busy on the organization of the workshop information for the big dulcimer festival where I’m workshop chairman, I need to update many of my the ten websites I maintain, and also provide our dulcimer club members with some additional printed music which I promised to prepare.

I’m over-whelmed.

John and I are home in Michigan now.

We had truck trouble in Ohio about 10:30 this morning. We were just south of Lima, Ohio, when we heard a strange noise like something hitting our truck. It was the drive belt breaking. A dash warning light came on and from the car’s manual we read that it was probably a power problem and we needed to stop as soon as possible. At the next exit we found a garage and helpful folks. The main drive belt had broken and we needed two other ancillary parts. The guy at the garage finally located the parts and we were back on the road within an hour and a half but $180 poorer. John’s attitude was that the parts we replaced wore out. They needed to be replaced. It was just not a very convenient place/time.

We were able to continue flawlessly after the repair on and made it home by about 3:30.

When we got home, I was disappointed that our Speednet Wireless Internet Service wasn’t working. I spent close to two hours working on it with tech support and trying everything possible on my own. Since nothing worked, a service call was scheduled for tomorrow. I hooked it all back up and after an hour or so, tried again. It started working. (I think the tech support person may have continued to work on the problem.) So now the service is purring, the truck is working fine and we’re home.

Temperatures tonight will require an extra blanket (32 degrees), but the sun’s out and it feels good to be home.

We’re back and forth on I-75 between Florida and Michigan so often that our vehicle now knows the way. This a.m. we started out before 9:00 and pulled into the motel tonight before 5:30. We’re in Kennesaw, Georgia. Traffic was heavy around Atlanta but at least we’ve already gone through Atlanta so tomorrow morning when we hit the road, the traffic should be heavier going south toward Atlanta rather than north like us. (Maybe we’ll have the road to ourselves… joke joke.)

I had limited email access as we traveled but it was spotty and slow (I was using a cell phone as a modem.) The motel has high speed internet. So I’ve caught up on my correspondence.

Our last day in Florida was relaxing and fun (more pool time and fewer visiting kids). We saw a lot of friends and made plans to get together when we return.

We’re both anxious to get home to Michigan, but also looking forward to being back to our Florida condo in the fall.

Tomorrow will be another day of travel.

This morning we went to the early Easter service at the Methodist Church in Sun City Center. It was a perfect way to start our Easter.

We had planned to spend most of our day at the South Club pool, but the volume of visitors was over-whelming. We arrived early and found a nice shady spot, but it seemed every grandparent had been invaded by their grandchildren. Well-behaved kids are one thing, but these kids ran wild. They out-numbered adults 2 or 3 to 1. I blew up at some kids who cannonballed into the pool, just missing and drenching me. John was hit in the face with a ball. We weren’t the only ones complaining. It’s too bad that parents (and grandparents) don’t understand that there are a lot of us who aren’t accustomed to kids and when they are out-of-control, we aren’t going to be happy. I’d be embarrassed if I had visitors who made others so uncomfortable. When we couldn’t take it any longer we went home. Tomorrow, if we get our packing done, we’ll find a pool that is less kid-friendly. (Or maybe/hopefully the kids will have gone back home.) Thankfully there are two other outdoor pools available to us at Kings Point (plus a couple indoor ones). We like the South Club because it’s close, but today’s experience really soured our Easter.

We have tomorrow left before we head to Michigan on Tuesday.

There’s always a lot to get done the last day: We need to pack our truck. I’ll do laundry and clean up the place before we leave. Hopefully we can complete it all by noon and have the afternoon for a last day in the sun. Michigan has warmed up since last week when they enjoyed several inches of snow, but “warmer” still only means a high of 55 and it’ll be cloudy or rainy. Quite a change from non-stop sun, and 89 which we enjoyed today!

Today’s weather was flawless.

We’re over-run with Easter/Spring vacation folks so our pool here at the Kings Point South Club was packed, but we found chairs by arriving early and had a great time. The water was warm. Lots of friends were present.

Thursday night’s Rockin’ Rondezvous was totally boring. I was hoping it would be a ball and we’d have a nice send-off carry us through until we can get back, but instead it was empty and dull. We left at 6:00. Very few danced. There were, at the most, about four couples on the floor dancing at any time. The crowd was very small. I guess that makes it easier to miss next week’s. (We’ll be back in Michigan Thursday.)

I heard from our Kings Point friends Brenda Wiley and John Berbard who are back in Maine. Sadly Brenda lost her brother to cancer April 3rd. She did make it back to spend time with him before his passing, but he was only 58.

Tonight we have plans to go to a potluck dinner/dance at the North Clubhouse, it’s a group of country dance folks. We haven’t ever country danced but enjoy potluck dinners and maybe we’ll learn to two-step. (Right now we’re upset because the beans we’ve been slow-cooking all day still aren’t done and we have about a half hour before we need to leave.)

Tomorrow is Easter. We’ll go to 9:00 church service and then stake out a pool spot.

I’ve been packing a little at a time, so hopefully the chore won’t be too bad Monday. I want to be able to enjoy pool time as much as possible between now and Tuesday.

Yesterday it turned cool and today there were gale force winds with a high temperature of less than 70 degrees. It would seem like wonderful weather if we were in Michigan, but since it’s our last week in Florida, and we want to cram in as much pool time as possible, it isn’t appreciated.

Thankfully it’ll warm up by the weekend so we’ll be able to enjoy the sunshine.

Today we had a condo association meeting. I did a little house-cleaning, some bill paying, and worked on the stuff I do for the Evart Funfest hammered dulcimer festival.

Tonight it’ll be down into the 40’s!

There tends to be an urge to cram in everything when we get down to the last few days. It’s been a grand visit and I hate to have it end but Michigan is still home.

I’ve become a lover of Florida vegetation, especially palm trees and orchids.

Palm trees fascinate me. We have two in our yard. And we’ve used a “palm” theme in decorating our condo.

They come in a dozen or more varieties. Some look like pineapples, others like feathers. They are towering and stately and oh, so Florida!! I love all the species. The canary island date palms (aka pineapple palms) are especially appealing. There are the cabbage palms which are native to Florida and grow in the “wild.” Some look like “fans” some are whispy. All seem to have a special personality.

I tried growing a palm inside, and it nearly died when we went home for two weeks, but now that it’s outside it seems to be recovering. (It was in a pot that was too small and no moisture could get to the roots. John replanted it.)

In case you’re wondering, none of the trees here are coconut palms. In Florida the coconut palm is successfully grown from Stuart on the east coast and Punta Gorda on the west coast, south to Key West but not in Sun City Center.

The other tropical plants I have come to love are orchids.

Orchids are exotic and lovely. The first two I owned died before I understood how to keep them nourished. Now I know watering needs to be restricted to once a week and it should be a flushing type of watering where you let the water run through the container, but never let the plant sit in standing water.

I have a lovely white orchid which is doing well with about nine large blooms. Two opened from buds after I got the plant and there is some “new growth” which is encouraging.

But I know that when we head back to Michigan (in less than two weeks) it’s doubtful that I’ll be able to keep it alive.

My orchid only cost $10, and I’ve enjoyed it for about a month so I’ve certainly gotten my money’s worth, but I’d love to be able to bring it back and forth from Michigan to Florida. I don’t know how. It’s tall (about three feet) and extremely fragile and sensitive.

Orchids seem to have a personality. The lady who sold this one to me referred to the one I have as as “her.”

She said, “I hope she will do well for you.”

Plants with enough personality to be defined by gender deserve to encouraged to thrive.

Today was fun. We must have hit fifteen garage and estate sales. We were able to replace our microwave for only $20 and got a couple of other small items ($1 each) which we needed. It was a fun morning. Since it was rainy and overcast, it was a good thing to do.

This afternoon we went to the pool and John played Pickleball while I read. He’s really getting toned. I’m really proud of how he’s staying so fit. Heck, he is the “male body” of the pool! At 71, he’s awesome.

Last night we played music for the Stained Glass Club dinner. It was a very nice event. John was sort of disappointed in his/our performance, but personally I feel we did fine. It was a tough room with a large percent of the folks were more interested in conversation and eating, but as we played, we “captured” them. They ALL stopped and listened. What more can you ask for? It definitely worked as good as it could under the circumstances.

John was notified last night that his nephew was killed in an accident. A truck he was working on slipped and crushed him at his home. He’d been married for 21 years and had two children. How sad!
You can read his obituary here http://obit.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com

John truly wanted to go back for the funeral, but it’ll be Saturday a.m. and we have a Thursday commitment we can’t get out of. That means we’d have to leave Friday and there’s no way we can drive back by the funeral time Saturday. John could fly home alone and then come back to Florida on the 6th to get me so we could drive home leaving on the 15th but it would be tough and expensive to get flights this late. It just won’t work so he won’t be attending the funeral.

On a lighter note, we’ve been practicing for our performance tomorrow.

And today we had to look for a microwave. We didn’t have one when we moved into our new condo but a friend loaned us one and said, “We’ll never need it back, just consider it yours.”

We had extra one in Michigan, but since we had that assurance, we didn’t bring it back with us in January. Wouldn’t you know, our friends had a change of circumstance and needed their microwave so we returned it to them. Now we have none.

Especially since I’ll be here alone in June, we want to make sure one is here when we go home in two weeks.

Since we can bring one back from Michigan in September, we’re not anxious to spend much on one. Our first choice would be to get something to fill-in until we can bring one from home. We’ve been shopping like mad. No success yet, but we’ll figure it out.

The pool was lovely today. The air temps were in the mid-high 80’s. It was a tad humid and sorta over-cast but the water was warm and our friends were there. Nevertheless the shadow of the tragic accident in Michigan clouded the day.

I lost John for over an hour today.

We had gone to the Big Top Flea Market north of Brandon. We arrived about 10:00 a.m. It is a huge place so we came prepared with FRS radios. I knew he would have his interests and I’d have mine. Once inside, we intentionally separated but I ran a check to make sure the radios were working, and everything was fine. It was agreed that I’d call when I’d “had enough.”

A couple of hours later, when I was ready to leave, I tried to contact John but he didn’t respond. As I said, the place is enormous so I searched for him, without success. I looked everywhere but it’s a maze. I even went back to the car thinking maybe he’d gone back there. Of course, I also kept trying the FRS radio.. but no luck. Finally after over an hour of intensive searching, I found him. His radio had somehow been turned “down” so the volume wasn’t loud enough for him to hear my calls. He was more than ready to leave, but waiting for my “call”. We were both pooped.

The radios let us down.

We then tried furniture shopping in Brandon, but we were both too tired to make any big decisions.

We got home in time to catch the conclusion of the Michigan State Final Eight Basketball game, enjoy a nice dinner, and spend a relaxing evening watching TV.

It was a nice (but frustrating) day. At least this morning there was a little rain. (The first in weeks.)

Boy, has ever been windy. We’ve had two or three days of 24 mph sustained winds. Today we watched a canopy at Falcon Watch Golf Club blow across the lawn. A table umbrella also blew away and my sun umbrella turned inside out. It hasn’t stopped us from going to the pool, but it has been uncomfortable.

We had another busy week. Wednesday we took our last intermediate swing dance lesson, John picked grapefruit and in the evening, we went to Ruskin for a spaghetti dinner with good friends.

Thursday evening’s Rockin’ Rondezvous was much better than last week’s. We had a good time. It was slow to get started with very few dancers until about 5:30, but we hung in there and it finally got going. The people make it, and we had a good group of friends.

Last night (Friday) after another day at the pool, we went to a Men’s Chorus concert at a local church. Very impressive.

Today we enjoyed a tour of the Falcon Watch Golf Club. We’d never been there before and it was nice to see what they have. We were invited to take part in an 18 hole mini-golf type competition on a large green. We were pretty bad, but I could see improvement by the time we ended and John even one-putted a couple of the holes. I was lucky to two-putt two or three holes (which was considered par).

Tonight rain is expected to pass through the area and bring temperatures about 10 degrees lower. (It’s been about 85 for the past few days.) But by early next week, it should be back up in the low 80’s.

Today someone at the pool said, “I must have died because this is heaven.”

We’ve been busy but it’s mostly fun stuff.

Yesterday John worked on our car (fixed the brake line) and we spent about an hour with Mom’s accountant. We also had our golf car inspected and went clothes shopping.

But today was a fun day: after practicing our music, we enjoyed lots and lots of lovely pool time, a little shopping, and when we stopped at our bank, they washed our golf cart and gave us a free lunch!

We have only 22 days before we head home. John’s ready to go now, but our schedule for the next three weeks is packed with fun stuff.

I checked the next 10 days for Michigan and found every day on http://weather.com was shown as being cool and most were cloudy or mostly cloudy. For those same 10 days in Sun City Center the prediction is that the temps will range from 82-87 for highs with the forecast for lots of sun. Guess where I’d rather be?

When we get back to Michigan, we’ll have to get busy so our club will be ready for some performances.

I’ll be back in June for a week and a half, but John won’t return until September. I’ll miss this life-style.

Yesterday we went to Busch Gardens and saw the Fifth Dimension. It was a super show. I’d like to have gone back again, but today was their last day and we were busy doing a demo dance for the Sun City Center Funfest, a community festival.

It was fun re-hearing their many hits. The music from the mid 1960’s really brought back great memories. At the end, the whole audience stood, swaying with arms in the air singing “Let the Sunshine In.” It was a moving tribute to another era when life was easier.

Most of the time Rockin’ Rondezvous which is held every Thursday night at the South Club is the high-point of our Kings Point week. Since we’ll be heading back to Michigan soon, I’ve been looking forward to Thursday nights even more than usual but tonight’s was disappointing. The crowd was small and late to arrive. Friends were missing, and I had a head ache.

Maybe it’s because I was anticipating a great time, but it was definitely lacking it’s usual zest for us.

Tomorrow we’ll go to Busch Gardens and see the 5th Dimension. Should be a fun day.

I’m blessed with naturally thick healthy hair. But for the second time in a few months someone has asked if I wear a WIG. In fact, I’ve resorted to letting them pull my hair as hard as they can, but after they’ve run their own tests, they still seem to be doubtful.

Believe me, on my head there’s no wig. I pay good money every six weeks to have my hair cut and colored. I go to Looks Beauty Shop in Saginaw and in Sun City Center, I have been using Sue’s Salon. (I sure wouldn’t need to have someone cut my hair, if it wasn’t “growing” as natural hair grows.)

I know those who question my hair are in effect paying me a compliment, but somehow thinking that my hair appears fake is hard to take and a gentle affront. I feel that I need to prove to the doubters that I’m the real “McCoy.”

Yes, I use hair color, but in more than 60 years, I have never had a perm and my hair is healthy and extremely thick. I wear it at a moderate length, smooth, and with a sort of under curl like a page-boy. That apparently looks artificial to some people. (I cover it with hats to keep the sun from it, I don’t over shampoo and I treat it gently.)

My hair is MINE, all MINE. Not because I paid for it, but because I obtained it the old-fashioned way: I grew it out of my scalp.

If ever I decide a wig is necessary (chemo and aging sometimes require a wig) I will buy one and wear it proudly and without reservation, but for now my head of hair is my own – naturally. Please don’t think my hair isn’t a growing part of me.

Any questions?

John’s sister, Suzie, has been visiting for the past eight days. She’ll be leaving tomorrow. Most of our days have been spent at the pool. We’ve had perfect weather.

She’s been busy: a potluck, dances, Rockin’ Rondezvous last Thursday, luncheon, late night golf cart tour, and shopping.

Last night we took her and our friend, Richard, to Goodson’s Market for pressed Cuban sandwiches and strawberry shortcake. We then went to the beach at Little Harbor to watch the sunset. The photo was taken from the breaker down the beach from the Sunset Grill. The weather was flawless. We walked the beach and had a lovely evening. We came back to our place for a little wine and conversation.

Tonight we’ll top things off with a St. Patrick’s Day party at the South Club. It should be fun. Lots of beer, corn beef and cabbage, Irish music, Irish trivia, and everyone dressed in green.

Right now it’s cloudy but it’s totally dry around here so we wouldn’t mind some rain.

Today: laundry, a few house chores, and tonight the party!!!

Suzie has been a great guest.

Maybe eight hours is a tad overdoing it, but we’ve been at the pool about that long for the past couple of days. It’s been beautiful weather and we’re taking advantage of the balmy temperatures and sun.

Tonight we’re taking it easy. We’re looking forward to Tuesday’s St. Patty’s Day Party at the South Club.

John’s sister, Suzie Skaryd, (who is really cute) arrived Monday mid-day. Since she arrived, we’ve been on the go. In fact after we picked her up and had her eating at a potluck within a couple hours. We’ve shopped, gone to the pool, hit the resale shop, joined our condo association for a luncheon, viewed the manatees, gone to a lovely dance, joined some friends at the spaghetti dinner at the Elks in Ruskin, and last night attended Rockin’ Rondezvous. That’s all within five days! She’ll be here until next Wednesday (which means she’s about half through her visit).

Yesterday we were up at 4:15 a.m. At a little after 5:00 a.m. we left the condo to take my daughter, Kelly, and her friend, Dottie, to Tampa International to fly to Monterey, CA. We got her there before 6:00 so she could leave at 7:00 a.m. We came back and zoned out all day.

Our final couple of days had been as full as we could make them. Tuesday we went to the street party at Bill and Donna Markham’s and had a very nice evening. Wednesday we were at Busch Gardens all day. It was fairly warm weather and fun (but exhausting).

Getting up at 4:00 a.m. yesterday (Thursday), was tough. The rest of the day we lounged at the pool and took it easy. Last night we went to Rockin’ Rondezvous and sat at a table with Brenda & John and Sissy & Jim, four of our favorite friends. As tired as we were, it was still a great night. We got home fairly early.

Today, lots more pool time.

Kelly called to say she made it safely home to California and is fitting back into the groove of her life. She’s the daughter every parent would love to have: smart, hard-working, fun, considerate and adorable in every way. I miss her already.

I am so glad she brought her friend, Dottie, with her. Dottie is super sweet and really easy to be around. They had a grand time and so did we.

Now the house seems quiet and empty.

I’m glad Kelly loved our place and the entire Kings Point complex. It was nice to have “family” to show it to. The fact that she could so easily see why we like it, made it seem “right.” It was like she gave it her stamp of approval.

Suzie, John’s younger sister is arriving Monday for nine days. I’m sure she’ll fit right in here.

Weather is flawless. We have a busy weekend planned.

My daughter, Kelly, and her sweet friend, Dottie, have been visiting since Thursday, February 26th. We still have today and tomorrow to cram in lots of fun and memories.

We had two warm, and flawless days on Friday and Saturday so we took advantage and spent those days at the pool, but it turned cool Sunday. We’ve tried to make the most of our time despite the weather. Sunday we went to Roarin’ 20’s Pizza place in Ellenton, FL. It is a popular spot with a large theater-type pipe organ. The music was fun, the pizza super, so it was a good choice for John’s birthday. Yesterday (Monday) we went to Apollo Beach to watch the manatees in the warm water near the power plant in Tampa Bay. After a little bit of shopping we returned to the condo for a nice dinner and a movie. This afternoon we’re going to a street party/potluck at the home of some friends. It’s bound to be fun. Tomorrow, Busch Gardens.

I wish I could claim that this video was done here at Kings Point. It wasn’t, but it’s of an 80+ year old lady who is definitely inspirational. The first part is great, but the second segment is astounding.

I see some amazing people here in Florida, but I’d like to know how she does it.

I love my life! I have a great husband. I have a sweet dog. I enjoy the good life here in Florida in the winter and a equally great time in Michigan in the summer. We are worry free. Life is grand.

How can I stretch it out? Days fly past. I realize I’m on the downward slope of my lifespan. I know I’m well past the half-way mark. I want to savor every moment and take it all in. I want to put on the brakes and make time stand still – or at least let it go slowly past.

Here in Florida, time is not just rushing past, it’s at sonar speeds. Every week gains momentum. When we arrived we had three and a half months. We wondered if maybe it would be too much time down here. Now we’re looking at March which is just around the corner, and we leave in mid April. It’s just too soon.

No, it’s not our “thing” but we admire those with the talent to take the mic… even those who do a less than perfect performance.

Tonight’s lip sync was fun to watch. This afternoon we purchased tickets for the Kings Point Follies (a residents’ talent show.), There was a display of art at the main clubhouse.

All of these activities (the lip sync, the paintings and artwork, and the Follies) are examples of the zest for life that is exhibited here in Kings Point.

Temperatures were a tad cool for the pool, but it was a good day.

Last week we had some “perfect” days, weather-wise. They were flawless with blue skies, no wind, and balmy temperatures of about 78. We greedily took them in.

This week we expect a cool-off. It wasn’t bad today, but as the week goes on it’ll be cooler and by Friday, definitely COLD.

Today it got up to about 74. It was also Presidents’ Day which meant all the grandparents would be baby sitting their grand children. So we went to the pool today but we selected the smaller, quieter, Nantucket Pool. It’s a little further from our place, but they keep it several degrees warmer and they only allow children a couple hours a day.

It was blissfully quiet. We enjoyed the afternoon.

The South Club’s pool is more enchanting, but with the extra kids today, we were glad to have a sanctuary.

Tonight we’re just having a quiet evening, but every night the rest of the week we have things to do. I love it here in Kings Point.

Another rockin’ time at the South Club in Kings Point, Sun City Center. Maybe you were there and can spot yourself. I try to capture everyone having fun.

We’ve been enjoying fresh grapefruit and I believe I over-did it yesterday. I had several during the day and one last night. When I ate it, I could tell it didn’t set well. I’m not feeling up to par today but hopefully after lunch, I’ll do better.

Tonight’s a Rockin Rondezvous and it’s always lots of fun. Gotta get feeling better.

Maybe you were there, maybe you missed it. It was a typical “Rockin’ Rondezvous” the Thursday night gathering at the South Club at Kings Point, Sun City Center, FL. It’s a fun way to meet other Kings Point folks and stay in touch with those you already know.

Yesterday we went to Venice to Snook Haven (a riverside restaurant and resort) where we combined with about 40 other musicians to entertain a nice audience. It was a tad chilly (probably 60-65). We had our friends, Wayne and Linda, follow us back to our condo where we all “warmed up.” Last night we had lively conversation late into the evening, but today we made music. By early afternoon I suggested that we take the golf cart and see what “ourside” felt like.

We went over to the pool (not to sun bathe, but to check it out). We found that it was crowded and warm. We drove around a bit more. After about an hour outside, we came back and played a little more music, then had a lovely dinner.

It was a nice weekend.

Tomorrow it’s going to be mid-70’s and even warmer toward the middle of the week. I’m so ready for some pool days!

The temperature today wasn’t hot. But folks at the pool seemed to be enjoying the sun. Tomorrow I plan to be there!

It’s been so cold since we got down here, that we’ve barely ventured “out.” Last night we had a fun time with friends at the South Clubhouse. It was like we all emerged from our hiding places. The event was Rockin’ Rondezvous which means conversation, dancing, food, and liberal libation.

Tomorrow a.m. we’re heading to Venice (Snook Haven) to play music with lots of other “snowbirds.” We attended last year and it’s a lovely place. We will be playing outdoors. It is supposed warm up into the mid-70’s by late afternoon, but when we start playiing (11:00 a.m.), it will be a tad chilly (65).

Our friends, Wayne and Linda Conklin, are down here too (in Sarasota.) The plan is that they will follow us back to our condo. We’ll make a little music and they’ll stay over night. Maybe we can head to the pool on Sunday. (It’s supposed to be about 77.)

So if the weather warms, it sounds like a fun weekend.

We sure had a fun time watching the Super Bowl thanks to Brenda Wiley and John Berbard. They hosted a Bowl party last night which featured nice people and great food.

We bought a few chances on John’s “pool” which was very affordable at 50 cents per square with quarterly and final score winners ($5, $10, $5, and $30). Funny thing was that our hosts each won one of the quarterly scores. We teased them about how it must have been rigged, but it was a “blind” board meaning no one knew what order the scores would be assigned until the whole board was sold and the numbers were added by drawing cards. Therefore it was totally fair and luck of the draw.

Here’s Brenda holding up her “big money” ($5) for having the first quarter score.

Last time I wrote it was Thursday and we’d just nicely hit the road on our “return trip” back to Florida.

We experienced lousy conditions in Ohio. One massive traffic jam was caused by the roll-over of a vehicle which was pulling an RV.

As we got into Kentucky, it was obvious that the ice storm which had blanketed the area Tuesday was even worse than we’d imagined. The trees were still ice-covered and badly damaged. We saw dozens of abandoned cars off on the shoulder of the road. Power was still out in much of Kentucky.

All day we saw lots of acidents where cars had slid into each other and one car went into the median while the other went off the other side of the road.

As we approached Knoxville, there was another major traffic jam. We found out later it was because of a bad accident.

We finally got to our room in Knoxville about 7:30, enjoyed a good dinner prepared in the microwave in our room, and relaxed.

Friday we took off early. Again we ran into a third traffic jam where everything ground to a halt. This time a car had hit some guard rails as it spun into the median and it was totally burned out!

The rest of the trip was uneventful. We got to our condo at about 7:00. It has been chilly here in Florida, but we’re settling in.

Last night we went to a lovely dinner dance put on by the Michigan Club. It was a class act. The huge room was made cozy and lovely with dozens of large plants and palms around the room. The wonderful dinner was cornish hens. We sat with Mary & Ron, Terry & Robbin, and some of their friends. It was a nice evening.

Today is Super Bowl Sunday. At 4:00 we’re going to a party at Brenda and John’s. Should be fun with lots of food, and “the game.”

Since I haven’t unpacked yet, I should get busy.

After two days of delays because of the weather, this morning at 7:00 we finally left home to head south to Florida. We’re now over two hours into our trip south. Roads are clear and traffic moderate. It’s a balmy 19 degrees. We should arrive in Kings Point about 7:00 p.m. tomorrow night.

I’m able to go on line, but the connection speed is less than snail’s pace. Nevertheless it’ll keep me busy.

We got up at 5:30 a.m. ready to take off but the weather forecasts changed our mind. We have heavy snowfall here until noon, and it’s even worse in Ohio where there are severe weather forecasts. Eleven inches in the Cincinnati, Ohio, area.

It’s such a frustrating situation. This afternoon the weather will clear here, and it won’t be bad late in the day in Ohio, but in order to get to Knoxville to overnight, we’d be hitting the worst of the weather. Therefore, we have postponed until tomorrow. There’s no reason to endure a ‘white knuckle” trip.

We were supposed to get up early today and head to Florida, but we have delayed our departure until tomorrow (or Thursday).

The reasons?…

There’s no rush. It’s supposed to be lovely today in FL but cool this weekend. We want to be there by Friday at the latest. (We have purchased tickets to a dinner dance for Saturday.) But we have a little leaway.

So, we’ll plan to leave tomorrow. We’ll get up at 5:00 and be on the road by 6:30 or thereabouts.

Since we were ready to go today, everything we need (food, etc.) is in the truck. Oh, well…

Tomorrow we head south. We’ll be in Florida Wednesday (”Good Lord willin’” my grandma used to say).

This past weekend was a lot of fun! We left Florida January 14th so we could host the Snowfest Concert in Frankenmuth, MI, January 24, at lovely Fischer Hall. It was a total success. The Frankenmuth Museum benefitted and we had a grand time with friends that we don’t see often enough.

The concert Saturday started at 11:00 a.m. and went to 6:00 p.mm. Three showcase acts performed when the whole group of musicians would leave the stage and they were were phenominal! They were Sonas, Moriath, and Picks and Sticks. These groups are the best! Their CDs were available for sale and you can buy them from their websites. (To get to their websites, click on their group’s name.)

We had standing room only crowds and folks loved the whole event!

Then yesterday Glen and Judi Morningstar brought the Ruffwater String Band to Frankenmuth. Fischer Hall was a perfect setting for a lively contra dance.

But now we will be heading back to warm weather. Today, when we got up, it was about zero. It’s only supposed to get up to about 14 degrees. It’s 84 in Sun City Center. Tomorrow we’ll leave about 7:30 a.m. and plan to get as far as Knoxville, TN. Hopefully we won’t have any cold weather related problems as we head South. It’ll be in the high 70’s when we get there Wednesday, but cool down toward the weekend.

Wish we could be there today. 85!!! I can envision everyone at the pool now!

I took a series of videos January 13, 2009, at the South Club of Kings Point in Sun City Center. The event was a “lip sync contest.” There were lots of great acts. I don’t know who won, but I’ll find out. The following nine acts competed. All deserve our applause.

Sun City Center is an over 55 community. The energy of these acts shows that these folks may be “seasoned citizens” but they’re from over the hill.

The Blues Brothers were the first act. They did a super job and set a high standard.

Sue did “Middle Age Woman.” This was a repeat of an earlier performance. It was just as fun this time. We loved it! “I’m a Middle-Aged Woman” was written by Lisa Koch ©2005 Mamajune Music (BMI)
http://www.heylisa.com

Donna had fun with “the Name Game.” Can’t imagine remembering the lyrics.

“I Had the Time of My Life” from “Dirty Dancing” had all the right “moves.”

“Don’t Worry…. Be Happy” had us all smiling.

“Slow Hand” by the Pointer Sisters and Conway Twitty was fun to watch.

Linda, who is a “great grandmother,” did a super job as “Dolly.”

Bill and Donna Markland did “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” (recorded in 1960 by Brian Hyland). Bill in his polka dots was unbelievable!!

Bad Girls were really “bad”! This trio had so much energy that they were definitely loved and appreciated.

I plan to take a lot in today while slipping in some house cleaning.

After the swearing-in we’ll need to go into town (I have a dental appointment at 2:15).

It’s historic and definitely interesting. It really does signify a hopeful change in U.S. politics.

It’s good to be home.

Friday we finally got our truck running at about 7:30 in Sharonville, OH. We had to pack but as quickly as possible, we hit the road. We had a five and a half hour drive ahead of us. It was incredibly cold on the way home. The temp was -9 in Ohio.

Stopping for Gas in Beaverdam, OH, was numbing. Poor Willow needed to “go” but it was just to cold to stand still outside. I finally smuggled her into the restroom of the Flying J Gas Station and put papers down for her. She was also not feeling well so it was necessary.

She’d been ill for a couple of days (a bad digestive problem).

When we got home (I don’t even know what time it was, but late late), the furnace wasn’t working. John messed with it and got it going. But when we got up Saturday morning at 7:00 (after a few hours sleep), we had to assess the situation. A winter snow warning blanketed our area (and there was a blizzard out there), Willow was sick, the furnace wasn’t working right, we were pooped, and I had already sent in my reports, so my absence wouldn’t be critical. We decided to stay home. And boy, I’m glad we did. We got between 8″ and a foot of snow. It was a white-out most of the day.

Today we drove to St. John’s (an hour trip). The roads were fairly clear, but even today, we stuck to the main highway.

This week is going to be hectic. We have Monday-Friday to get our house spick and span for a crowd. Saturday, January 24th, we’ll host an all-day Snowfest Concert in Frankenmuth, MI. Six folks will come back and stay overnight here.

Sunday we’ll feed them a nice breakfast and we’ll all head back to Frankenmuth where Glen and Judi Morningstar will present a contra dance. John and I will do the “sound” and keep things working smoothly.

Our initial plan was to leave on Monday at 8:00 a.m. but thinking about how we’ll feel after two full days in Frankenmuth and then having to pack, we decided to revise our schedule. Now the plan is to take off Tuesday a.m. but do the nearly 1,300 mile trip in two days instead of three. We’ll go as far as Knoxville, TN, which is 605 miles, the first day, and the second (last) lap will be 685 miles. We will be economizing by doing sandwiches for lunches during the trip and maybe eating dinner in our room (which is supposed to have a microwave).

We should arrive at our condo by about 7:00 Wednesday night the 28th.

We are headed home. Or at least we’re trying.

We left Sun City Center Wednesday, January 14th. We over-nighted in Kennesaw, Georgia, Wednesday night. Yesterday (Thursday) afternoon we arrived in Sharonville, OH, where we stayed last night in a Red Roof Inn just north of Cincinnati. We’re still about 325 miles south of Saginaw. We could have made it last night, but it seemed more sensible to finish the trip today (Friday) so we’d be fresh.

It was bitter cold last night. At about 8:00 a.m. when John tried to start our diesel truck it was -6. The truck wouldn’t start. It’s now 12:30 p.m. We’re still trying to get it started. We’ve had the engine block heater plugged in all morning and a hair drier running in the engine compartment. The temperature is supposed to stay in the single digits today.

We are stuck here.

If we have to stay until tomorrow, the temperature is supposed to be a toasty 30 but we really wanted to get home today. I’m supposed to be at a board meeting of the Original Dulcimer Players Club at 10:00 tomorrow.

Florida weather is “cooperating.” Since we have to head north the day after tomorrow (Wednesday), the lovely weather has changed. (I’m sure it’s happening so we won’t feel so bad when we leave.)

Today was gloomy and only about 67. It’ll be downhill from here.

But somehow I doubt that this temperature change will prepare us for the temperatures we’ll face in Ohio and Michigan. The predicition for Thursday night in Sharonville, OH, where we’ll overnight, is for a one degree over-night low and only about four degrees for an over-night low Friday night when we arrive home.

Tomorrow night is a “lip-sync” evening at the South Club. It is planned for the outdoor (covered) patio. The forecast for tomorrow night is about 60 with rain. Yuck.

I’ll post videos of some of the lip-sync acts here. It should be fun.

Saturday January the 24th, our dulcimer club will be hosting the “Snowfest Concert” in Frankenmuth, MI. We’ve done this 15 years! It’s always lots more fun when it’s cold because the ice and snow sculptures hold up. Also folks come in to warm up so our audiences are larger. So for years I’ve prayed for cold temperatures for that Snowfest weekend. Yes, it’s hard to imagine but I’ve wanted it to be cold. I guess we’re getting our wish.

Today I sat poolside and read a book. Didn’t go in the water, but John did (as well as lots of others). It was a clear beautiful day with the bluest skies you can imagine. Temperatures were in the mid 70’s. The sun was warm.

We’re officially “short timers.” We have only three days before we “hit the road” to go back to Michigan. (We’ll leave here January 14th).

We thought today was the last nice day we’d experience before we leave, but the forecast for tomorrow was revised and now it looks like it’ll be about 78-80 by late afternoon.

We need to host the Frankenmuth Snowfest, on January 24th. We want to return to Florida before Super Bowl Sunday so our plan is to leave on the 14th and return on the 28th. We want to attend a Super Bowl party which sounds like fun.

So tomorrow will be a pool day. Monday is forecast to be cool and rainy. Tuesday evening the South Club will host a “lip sync” contest. We’ll leave Wednesday. At least we don’t need to spend much time packing. Most everything will “stay here” until our return.

“In Heaven there is no beer,” is the line from an old German polka.

We do like beer. It’s one of the things we have really enjoyed about the two year passes we purchased for Busch Gardens. We definitely took advantage of the two small free beers Busch Gardens provided in the hospitality house each visit.

We just heard that the “free beer” is being eliminated at the end of this month.

John says it’s all my fault.

The last time we visited Busch Gardens (December 23rd), I tried going back through the line for a free beer three times and got caught!! It wasn’t that I’m such a lush. I had one about 12:00 and then at about 1:00, I got my second one and carried it the full length of the park to go to the Dessert Grill to enjoy with our lunch and a show. But unfortunately when I sat the glass down and it tipped over! My second one was therefore all over the bench and floor. I cleaned it up but sure didn’t get to consume it. About 3:30, we were back at the hospitality house and I went through the line again. The server said “Haven’t you already had two?” Out of all the thousands of people he served how did he recognize me?

I probably looked guilty but honestly said, “Who ME? No, I only drank one.” He served me.

John, who loves to tease me says my greed is the reason they will no longer have free beer.

Funny thing is I do feel guilty.