My late husband was a gem. He was careful with his spending and therefore he left me debt free with no financial worries. The other day I met with Rick, my financial advisor, who said I can loosen up my purse strings and buy whatever makes me happy.

With that in mind, I purchased a few things: I subscribed to the Tampa Bay Times for Wednesday and Sunday delivery. I’ve vowed to have my nails done every three weeks. I bought six new tops on line, a couple jackets and a cozy robe.

I also paid a couple bills but for an extra year (like my car license tabs). I also pre-paid for the 2020 year of assessments to go to the SCC Singles Dances.

It’s hard to spend money when you’ve been trained to watch your pennies.

I’ve really been under the weather with allergies to the oak pollen which is covering everything.

Last night I’d had it so I upped my allergy meds and it helped! Feeling much better today.

When I’m not quite up to par, I often say I’m “half bubble off” which is a builder’s comment referring to using a level and not quite being on the mark.

My allergies have been acting up. Yup, here in this zone, the native oak trees are producing heavy pollen. I made the mistake of opening up the house one day when it was lovely. Yes, breeze was nice, but the pollen came in and now even with my air purifier running on high, I’m affected by it.

My nose runs and I’m sneezy. Actually I don’t feel sick, but stuffy.

Apparently Sophie hasn’t been feeling too good either. She had a digestive problem which resulted in lots of messes overnight. She’s almost back to normal now.

Weather has been changeable. It’s lovely for a few days, then cool for a few. Right now we’re heading into a period when we’ll be in the 70s. Not really cold but not pool weather.

My little “bug” took a lot out of me. I’ve been worn out all week.

Feeling good but constantly tired! I’ve been in been by 10 pm and I’ve slept-in until about 8 am (but I wake up several times over night).

After Kelly left I took a deep breath and relaxed with Sophie who apparently was glad to have Mom to herself because she became very clingy and attentive.

Seemed like a busy week until Friday when I felt sick!! Yup, I feared I had my annual cold so I loaded up on orange juice and decided to totally rest. Saturday I felt better and today (Sunday), I’m even better. Still taking it easy. Hopefully by tomorrow I’ll be even better.

I’m alone now but December 21st my daughter and son-in-law arrived. Dave stayed until the 28th and Kelly left January 4th.

We had a great visit!

While Dave was here, on December 22nd we went to the traditional church service at the SCC Methodist Church. The 23rd we went to Tai Chi and Kel & Dave played billiards. I also gave them a tour. The 24th (Christmas Eve day) we took a trip to Lake Wales for an airboat ride through a swampy area looking for gators. It was a cold day and the gators were staying down in the water where it was warmer for them. That evening we went to the candlelight church service (lovely!) Christmas Day, on our way to Sunset Grill Little Harbor, we saw a huge gator close to our condo. The 26th we went to Tampa Downs horse races. Friday the 27th to Goodson’s strawberry farm for pressed Cuban sandwiches and shortcakes and a fish dinner at Fiore’s. When we weren’t going someplace we watched movies, played dominoes, enjoyed pizza, and did cart rides.

After a week, Dave left on Saturday the 28th.

The first day with just Kelly, we went to Bealls shopping. Returned to Goodson’s strawberry farm where I’d left a credit card and on to Sam’s Club. Church on Sunday, the 29th. More Bealls. Monday, the 30th, we had tickets for Shelby Gardens in Sarasota. It was a holiday light show and beautiful!! New Year’s Eve on the 31st was a fun boat trip by Latitudes Cruises. They served a Texas Roadhouse steak dinner. The small group on board (about 25 plus crew) viewed the fireworks, drank wine, and danced. Got safely home close to 3 AM!!! Slept in. The crowd was boisterous and friendly. Great way to bring in the new year. Lazy day on the 1st. On Thursday, the 2nd, we played afternoon Bingo and ate burgers at the South Clubhouse. Friday a couple of my girlfriends (Connie and Pat) came over and the four of us had a nice lunch then played dominos. Most evenings we watched movies on TV. We also played dominoes, and went on cart rides.

Saturday Kelly was picked up for the airport at 1:30. Lazy afternoon for me. Miss her!