During the Covid virus period, we were all shut in. I have to watch it because I find myself slipping back into isolation. I really didn’t mind being alone. I know it’s healthier to visit and have friends.

With Ken gone, I am reverting to last year’s ways. I turn on the TV and pet Sophie. That’s it!

The weather hasn’t helped. It has rained nearly every afternoon. I can’t see going out if it’s lousy weather.

Life currently isn’t exciting but I’ll get by. I hope to go to the dances and activities at the clubhouse (when it’s not raining.) And I vow to drive my car more.

Today I went grocery shopping just after noon. I’m home now with Sophie cuddled up next to me. It’s gray outside and there are spotty showers. My Jay Ungar and Molly Mason concert is tonight as well as the second hockey game for the Tampa Lightning. (Not just a game but the 2nd game of the STANLEY CUP FINALS!) I can watch both (the concert on my computer and the game on the TV.)

Tomorrow I will go to Rockin Rendezvous at the South Clubhouse (provided the weather is decent). Friday is my Squad day and I might go to Fiore’s for fish with a girlfriend. Saturday morning my cleaning guy will be here. Sunday is 4th of July with music at the pool. Monday I might play euchre. Tuesday is a Senior Dance. I may not take in everything, but I’m going to try to stay busy.

Ken came over last night for a short visit… our last. (We watched the Tampa Lightning’s Stanley Cup Finals first period.) We’d known this day would come. He told me he’d miss me but he was busy thinking about stuff he still needed to do.

Today I fully realize I’m responsible for my happiness and contentment. No man can do that for me. And I am going to enjoy life. I’m not promising Ken or anyone anything. I don’t know if I’ll welcome him back or not. If I’ve adjusted, will I want to start over?

Ken’s gone but I have been using him as an excuse to be lazy. I need to get some long-postponed chores done. (Like my closet and my garage organizing.)

Tonight I had planned to go to the karaoke evening at the South Clubhouse but it looks like it’ll be stormy so I might not. (When it rains here in Florida, it can be blinding.) I’ll see. Kinda feels good to just have a day with nothing planned.

I want to go to Publix to pick up a BOGO sale item. I need to go today or tomorrow before the sale ends but tomorrow might be better because it’ll give me a chance to add to my grocery list.

Ken is leaving tomorrow morning for about eighty days. He’ll be busy so I’m sure I won’t be foremost in his thoughts but he claims he’ll really miss me and I’m sure he will.

Tonight Tampa Lightning hockey club is playing the first game of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Ken will watch it with me (as he has all of the playoff games.) I’m sure he won’t stay late because his departure will be early tomorrow.

It’s been a fun time. We’ve spent countless hours together since we resumed our “friendship” on April 6th. He’s a great guy but I can get by without him if that’s what’s required of me. I don’t like the up and down nature of our relationship and it might be easier on me not to think in terms of “resuming” when he gets back. I’ll see. No promises but I’m not totally closing the door.

Ken’s time here in Sun City Center is very limited. In less than a week he’ll be heading to Georgia and then New York. He keeps reminding me that he’ll be back in September for a short while before he leaves in November for the holidays but those are long periods of absence.

I’ll adjust. I’ll have to. He’ll be busy running his business. I’ve watched him get ready to leave and I realize just how much work it entails. He’s been swamped with countless chores.

Most every evening he comes over for a few hours (Showing the effects of hard labor.) I know he’ll miss me (and I’ll miss him). It’s great having a friend I can talk to and share thoughts. Maybe when he returns we can pick up where we are leaving off but I’m not making promises. Admittedly when I attend events alone, I will be looking over the “selection” single/available guys. There aren’t many I would consider.

Going to dances, Rockin Rendezvous, Karaoke, and the Moose will be strange without a “date” but I’ve done it before and I’ll be ok. I hope I am asked to dance at least occasionally.

My daughter Kelly is coming for a December visit. We’ll have fun, fun, fun.

With the news that Ken is leaving June 28th and will be gone a great deal of the time until the first of the year, I am adjusting my plans.

Maybe some Fridays I’ll go to the Moose in Ruskin.

I don’t need to have a girlfriend with me. I’ll try to get used to driving places with or without a friend. But I’d like to get to know other single ladies who like to have fun like Rachel, Kay, and Brenda.

I really need to get more comfortable in my car. The Moose or Little Harbor are close enough so I start by going to places like that without being afraid.

Life is too short to avoid socializing.