Today I planned to get a new golf cart asap but my old one wouldn’t start and it’ll be tomorrow afternoon before Ray’s Golf Cart Shop can come after mine and haul it to their store.

While it rained some more, I tried to unpack another bin. Unfortunately unpacking requires walking back and forth to put stuff away and now my sore toe is worse. I need to put it up and let it rest.

I’ve been in my Florida condo since last Monday. Several things have happened:

Monday the moving van with my Michigan items came about an hour after I got here. (And I think one of the movers stole my ring and other pieces of jewelry.)

I purchased four new bar stools Thursday (which haven’t arrived yet) and a wood file cabinet (but now I don’t know where to put it).

Went to a Newcomb Court potluck gathering (Thursday).

Thursday I bought a water softener after the other one created a block in the water line and caused the water pressure to drop. (It’ll be delivered later this week.)

I broke a toe Friday night and it’s really limited my mobility.

I went to a pool party Saturday. It was really hot that day and my foot hurt but I’m glad I went.

I had a guy come and look at the coffee table which I brought from Michigan and decided it needs refinishing. He’ll let me know when he has time to come after it.

It’s rained heavily nearly every day since I got here. (Rumbling sounds right now.)

My golf cart died yesterday and will be picked up tomorrow. Hopefully I can trade it in for one that’s reliable.

Yesterday I visited with Rick, my financial guy who reported that I’m in good shape financially. (Thanks to John’s frugal attitude.)

Tomorrow is my last full day here in my lovely Michigan home.

I’ve had an offer on the house which I accepted. Guess it’s pretty much a done deal. They buyer will be getting financing and then I’ll remotely sign and eventually get my check. It’ll be good to have this phase completed.

I’m glad I don’t have to see the house empty. It would break my heart to feel it’s totally deserted. John would feel really bad and so do I.

I will be picked up at 4:30 a.m. on Monday and the estate sale folks take over. Hope the Brazilian cherry floors will hold up with all the foot traffic. I’m worried that the cardboard they are putting down will somehow scratch them but At least they’ll be somewhat protected.

I’ll get to Tampa International just before noon. Ron Ringenback will pick me up. It’s wonderful to have friends.

I have formulated my philosophy which I hope will guide me to a good life for the rest of my years.

I realize John had a magnetic personality. He drew people and I benefited by enjoying all those wonderful friends. He made those friendships, but now that John is gone, “keeping” those friends will depend on my attitude.

No one likes to hang around folks who are “downers.” I need to be upbeat so those relationships that John made continue to be there for me. Unless I’m thoughtful, fun and pleasant, those folks will drift away.

I will find some volunteer activities and try to be helpful within the community. I’ll go where the fun is (parties, dinners and maybe even dances).

I’ll keep my door open and invite folks to come over frequently.

I’ll try to avoid developing disagreeable habits like talking too much, ignoring folks, staying inside too much, having a dirty house.

Hopefully by being up-beat I can keep those great friends that John attracted to us. If I find myself lonely, I’ll have no one to blame but myself.

Yes, the movers came when they said they would and promised that they’ll deliver the load safely to my condo within the next two weeks. (I’ll be there in six days so two weeks would be ok with me.)

There have been two offers on the house and this evening anorhwe realtor said her client will also be making a proposal.

None of the offers have been as high as I’d have liked, but I’d accept the amount I countered with. Let’s see what happens.

They are saying they’ll pick my load up this afternoon and should be delivered within 10 days which would be the first week I’m at the condo. That is ok with me.

When I get to the condo, I want to order a file cabinet. So much of the stuff I’m taking south needs to be saved, and since it’s paper stuff, it needs to go in a file. (Example: tax filings from the last few years, marriage license, trusts, bank records, etc.)

The file cabinet I’ve picked out can fit several places: master bedroom (either in the corner by the window or where the sewing machine has fit in John’s corner), or where John’s oxygen used to fit in the kitchen near the area we call the “bar.”

But maybe the best feature is that it has a matching top cabinet so it would work in the dining room where there’s currently a bakers rack. It’s pretty dark wood. With the added top it can function as a small china cabinet. It would really give me a lot of storage and a place to display some pretty pieces.

Here’s the information on the two pieces. If purchased from Sauder price is $454.84 or $350.49 if I can get it through Amazon (but the hutch may not be available through Amazon.)

408293 Lateral File | Office Port Collection | Dark Alder finish
Drawers with full extension slides hold letter, legal or European size hanging files.
Top drawer has key lock.
Durable melamine top is heat, stain and scratch resistant.
Safety interlocking drawer mechanism prevents both drawers being opened together.
Quick and easy assembly with patented T-lock drawer system and patented slide-on moldings.
Dark Alder finish.
Overall Dimensions: 33 1/8″ W x 23 1/2″ D x 29 1/4″ H (84.1cm W x 59.6cm D x 74.4cm H)

408294 Hutch With Glass Doors | Office Port Collection | Dark Alder finish
Attaches to Lateral File 408293.
Two adjustable, safety-tempered glass shelves.
Two display lights behind framed, safety-tempered glass doors.
Dark Alder finish.
Overall Dimensions: 33 1/8″ W x 15 5/8″ D x 47 1/8″ H (84.1cm W x 39.6cm D x 119.8cm H)

What I think I’ll do is order the lower file cabinet and see how it matches the kitchen bar and dining room furnishings. I can then order the top hutch, if it’s what I want. If it doesn’t match well, I can just put it in the M.B.R.

I have packed everything for the my move south. For the plane, I have two large suitcases, John’s ashes and a carry-on bag ready. I can still load in a little last minute stuff in one of the suitcases but I’m done for now.

I do have a major concern about the moving van. The van company had promised to call me before noon Friday, then it was Saturday, and then I was promised it would be Sunday but it didn’t happen. They are supposed to be coming either Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday to pick up my load. Obviously there’s still time, but I don’t like having them tell me on Saturday that they’ll definitely call by noon on Sunday and then they don’t. (And in fact they were supposed to call by noon on Friday, then Saturday, and their Sunday deadline.)

I get on the plane Monday, the 23rd. That doesn’t give me a lot of leeway. I am certain my transportation to the airport will come. I’m sure of my ride from Tampa International to my condo. I don’t want to worry about a moving van arriving within what is becoming a narrow window.

I don’t know what I’ll do if the van doesn’t come by mid-week. I can’t just hang around. (I have a contract with the estate folks that says I won’t be in the house after Monday, the 23rd.)

I could probably squeeze a little more into my suitcases, and in fact, I told the van company that I’d have four bags, but I only have three so I’m in great shape.

I will be outta here in seven days plus a few hours.

I do have something important to report. I got a cash offer on the house. I’m a little disappointed that it isn’t more but it’ll do. I guess I’m lucky to unload it so quickly. If they agree to my “final offer,” I’ll take the money and head south.

My mom and dad drank too much. Dad’s health was compromised because of his excessive drinking and he died at 66 with an enlarged heart. (Which I understand is often caused by heavy drinking.) His grandfather and mother were also drinkers.

Mom stopped drinking completely about 15 years before she died. Her doctor had told her that her liver was damaged and she listened to him.

Since alcoholism seems to be an inherited trait, what about me?

I do love my wine and enjoy beer with some foods, but I’ve been cutting back considerably. If I have anything alcoholic, it’s only with dinner and I’ll have ONE glass of wine or one beer. NONE the rest of the time.

Last night I went to the Moose lodge while my house was being shown by a realtor. (I know it’s best if I stay away while the client is touring.) The Moose provides me with a quiet place I can sit and read. Most night’s there’s a food special. Tonight I wanted to enjoy their walleye which is the best I’ve ever eaten.

John and I used to drink a pitcher of beer with our Moose walleye dinner, but I’ve found one glass is sufficient with my meal.

Especially since I have to do the driving, I sure don’t want to be impaired in any way.

I bought a bottle of wine when I still had a couple weeks until I move south. But now I’m in the position of having only ONE week left and the wine is unopened. Oh, well, maybe I can find someone who likes white zin.

Do I miss “drinking”? No. I’m aware that one drink isn’t excessive but often I don’t bother. I drink my coffee in the morning and have juice and lemonade in the fridge but my favorite beverage is ice water in my insulated stainless glass.

Maybe it’s because I’m such a short-timer in my lovely home that I’m experiencing tears today. Or maybe because it’s exactly two months ago that I lost John. For whatever reason, I have lump in my throat that won’t go away.

I know John loved it so much here and somehow I feel almost disloyal for selling the house. Logically, I know I can’t keep it. (And he knew that I’d need to sell it asap.) I’m just not strong enough to do the work necessary to keep it looking good, but it’s still difficult.

I know that in my present mood, I could easily fall into a funk, so when I get to Florida, I’m going to stay busy with fun activities. I don’t want to “get depressed.” It’s just not in my nature to be sad.

I’ve always said that John and I lived the “good life.” Even when he was very ill, I felt that we were fortunate to have each other and our wonderful Florida friends. I lost John, but I have wonderful memories. John lived to be 80 which is a longer than what is expected. Somehow, that doesn’t help. I’m feeling extra blue today.

I’m having mixed feelings about selling my house. I have been really anxious to get back to my condo in Florida, but suddenly I’m realizing that when I sell it, it’ll be gone! This whole phase of my life will be over.

Yes, it’ll be a relief, but it is a very pleasant home (especially now that it’s clean and looking good.) I’ll never dreamed I’d have such a lovely residence and I’m giving it up. Sure I could hang on to it, but I don’t want the work. The upkeep is just too much for one person. (In fact even when John was with me, it was difficult for the two of us and things weren’t kept up.)

In Florida, I can have an easy life, but I’ll miss family and friends. (Although I do have lots more friends in Kings Point.) I’ll miss my hair dresser and the neighbors (even if I don’t know them very well.) I’ll miss the view of our lake!

The photo is taken from across the lake looking back at our home. You can barely see it because of all the trees. We’re a little right of center with a spruce very near the water on the shoreline.

So I’m having mixed emotions. I do love the house and with elbow grease it’s looking better than it’s looked in years. I know I can’t keep it. It’s way too big for one person so I just rattle around in it and feel lonely. I know if I stay and the solitude sinks in even more, I won’t be able to keep an optimistic attitude. Even John had realized we needed to be in Florida. He hated to sell it but I am sure the house would have gone on the market as soon as we could get it ready even if John was here.

Becca was my cleaning lady on five different dates since the end of June. She was recommended by my realtor and I couldn’t have had a better fit. She was a hard-worker at a decent price. She’d arrive with her vacuum, polishes, and dust clothes, and she’d work hard and the place responded.

I enjoyed her company. She was friendly and open. I could tell she liked me too. We became not just employee and employer but also friends.

I’m sorry that today was the last time I’ll see her.

I invited her to come to Florida, stay at my place, be my cleaning person in Florida and have her carpenter husband build me the closets I need in my office area.

Yesterday my dear friends, Linda and Wayne, helped me pack all the stuff to go in the moving van. The collection of bins, suitcases, and boxes looks really good, compact, and very secure.

But last night instead of sleeping I worried about having too many additional items to go to Florida and no packing space left.

I have everything from a pizza cutter, pen & base, coffee, my undies, my bras, and several clothing items plus a pair of sandals (in addition to what I’m wearing on the plane.) I also have make-up, curling irons x 2, electric tooth brush x 2 and charging base, bottle of advil & zyrtec, etc. I will probably find more I’ll want to take and all my bags are full.

Now for the good news: Today I sold my lap harp and gave the Webster dulcimer that was water damaged to the same lady. I also decided to give the harp John built to the leader of Jolly Hammers dulcimer club (provided I hear back from her). I will also put Tom Loper’s dulcimer in the sales area at the ODPC Funfest. I sold my extra autoharp to my friend, Gwyn, and she’ll take all the above mentioned instruments to the festival. I should make $615 from the sale of them and maybe more if I sell Tom Loper’s instrument. (I’m asking $200 to start out.)

If I don’t hear from the Jolly Hammers leader, unfortunately the dulcimer won’t be transported to Evart. It’s not worth much anyway and I don’t want Gwyn to get stuck with it. She’s good enough to take the harp and the damaged dulcimer.

But selling the instruments didn’t help my worry about having too many items left to pack and no way to get them to Florida. So I went shopping. I bought new luggage. I purchased a 25″ and a 21″ spinner suitcases from Amazon as well as a matching (purple) carry-on tote.

My plan is to put everything from my old to-be-checked suitcases (one gray and one floral) in the new spinner bags. They new ones will definitely hold more, so maybe everything will fit in them including the extras I haven’t packed. Additionally, I bought a carry-on wheeled tote. My small computer will fit in it with lots of extra space. The tote will hopefully fit under the seat in front of me (or it might be a couple inches too tall to slide in there so I might have to put it in the over-head). I checked the comments and one writer said, “Fits under the seat of regional flights.” I won’t know until I try. I did pay for “extra” space around my seat. But I’ll have space in the tote for the over-flow from the suitcases and it has wheels when I go from terminal to terminal And if I still don’t have room for extra clothes, I’ll use the gray older bag and add it to the stuff to go in the van. (I’ll need to pack everything prior to the van picking things up so I have accounted for everything.)

I figured it out and I will have about 1,800 cubic inches more packing space which is about half the size of either of the old suitcases I had previously planned to use I won’t need to check a third bag which would probably cost $50-$150 (or even more by USPS). I’m sure I can make everything fit. If I can’t, I’ll start eliminating. Example: I’m bring a knife block but I could leave it behind. I have a heavy velour top which could stay behind. I don’t need all the old tops I hadn’t planned to bring but now I’ve added to the “take” list. There’s a big instructional book which I’ve packed (for learning Lotus). It will be one of the first things I’ll take out of I’m short on space.

I feel I’m dealing with all the contingencies in hopes that there are no surprises.

I am a little concerned.

I have hired an on-line moving company (Open Road Moving) and I’ve now discovered that some of their reviews are negative (while many others give them high marks). It’ll be a disaster if they let me down and don’t show up on time.

The moving van should arrive to pick up my stuff the 16th, 17th, or 18th. I changed the possible pick-up dates from the 18th, 19th and 20th so that should give me a little leeway in case they are a day or so late but I sure hope everything goes as planned.

They’ll call me about the 13th discuss the load date and what I’ll owe. I’ll need to have two money orders. One for when they pick up my stuff and another when they deliver it to my condo.

I am hoping my items will be loaded on the 16th or 17th. That way I can review the house and make sure I haven’t forgotten anything and if necessary, I can pack another box containing stuff I’ve forgotten and check it for the flight to Florida. (Or maybe I’ll mail it via USPS to myself.)

When the moving truck picks up my load, they’ll tell me when I should expect delivery in Florida. Hopefully it’ll be after the 23rd so I’ll be there. If not, I’ll call Nick Zazula (a good KP friend) and he’s said he will let them in my condo.

They’ve promised they’ll remove the current headboard from my bed here in Michigan and install it on my Florida condo bed. I don’t know where I’ll want the coffee table placed in the condo, but they can temporarily put it in front of the sliders in the great room.

I’m supposed to give them the final payment in a money order on safe delivery of everything so hopefully I’ll be there. It’s hard to contemplate all problems that could occur, but I hope to be prepared. (If they tell me they’ll be delivering my load before I get there, I can over-night the payment to Nick.)

On the 21st of July, I want to invite neighbors to stop over and take any canned and/or frozen goods they can use from my pantry. The 22nd at 1 pm, I’ll join John’s siblings for dinner at the Showboat in Chesaning. The next day, the 23rd at 4:30 am, I’ll be picked up by the limo with my two suitcases and John’s ashes.

So I think I’ve planned for every contingency. (At least I hope I have.)

(Good thing I’m a planner. I try to review every detail and arrange any back-up details that will make it work.)