My friend, Carl, had a birthday last week when Pat and I went on the boat cruise. His daughter was also visiting him to help him celebrate. I suggested that we plan something after his big day. We settled on Sunday, July 23rd. I’m fixing a slow cooked pot roast with all the trimmings.

I was up at 6:45 to start it cooking. According the the recipe, it might take EIGHT HOURS.

I bought a new six quart slow cooker so I’m not sure how long it’ll take. (I have a tiny one person slow cooker but needed something bigger.)

I have it on high but it still has a long way to go.

I need to run to the store to get some Bob Evans mashed potatoes, apple sauce and dinner rolls. (Might grab some ice cream while I’m at it.) Guess I better get going.

Here are the two bus trips I’ve purchased for us:

Friday, December 22, 2023 — $36 / by card $37.50 Christmas Lane — Plant City A winter wonderland extravaganza is in its 41st year for the holidays. Christmas Lane will wow you with over 1.5 million lights, over 200 glittering Christmas trees from 4 to 40 feet tall with nightly live entertainment, larger then life, elaborate dancing displays, a Christmas Castle. Enjoy nightly entertainment and performers that will entertain you every half hour. Walk through the Great Light Maze and wander and wonder at the lights and sights as you navigate through the maze. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop to pick up Christmas gifts or treat yourself to one. Come hungry, to purchase a delectable bite to eat and relax at the Christmas Lane Concession in front of the stage to enjoy the nightly entertainment. You can even pose with Mr. and Mrs. Santa for a great photo opp., during the beloved holidays. Includes Admission Fee. Sign up deadline November 20. Board: 5:15 p.m. Return: Approx. 9:45 p.m.

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Saturday, December 23, 2023 — $82.00 / By Card $85.50 Tampa’s Holiday Boat Parade Cruise and Sparkman Wharf Nothing will get you into the holiday spirit like Tampa ’s largest and one of the largest on Florida’s west coast. The parade has about 100 boats decked out and lit up for the holiday lighted boat parade along the Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa to enjoy this fun -filled cruise with spectacular views of the parade, not to mention all the beautiful holiday lights and decorations along the waterfront. See an abundant of decorations and spectacular light displays that make Christmas in Tampa a dazzling experience. You will also pass by several of the newest lighted bridges Feel the spark of Tampa’s latest outdoor and entertainment destination, where you will enjoy dinner on your own prior to the cruise at Sparkman Wharf a dynamic and vibrant piece of Tampa Bay ’s downtown along the beautiful waterfront and one of the top cultural destinations in the area, with a blend of retail shops, along with an intimate dining garden, biergarten, waterfront views and a variety of options to purchase dinner-dinner cost on your own. Join us in celebrating the best of Tampa— waterfront views, live music, craft beer, and exceptional dining. along the waterfront. Boarding: 3:00 p.m. Return: Approximately 8:00 p.m.

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I have reserved both of the above trips.

Mom

Norm Cochran was the president of my association for ten years. His wife, Terre, is a good friend I’d like to know better.

Here’s what I posted on his “obituary wall”.

I am so sad to learn of Norm’s passing. Norm and Terre were always great contributors to our lovely Florida neighborhood. Norm was president of our Kings Point Nantucket V for TEN years. They made our association a friendly, fun place to live. As Norm’s health deteriorated, I would observe Terre taking him for a ride in their golfcart almost daily. It was a reminder of the love and devotion they shared. Norm’s leadership of Nantucket V set an example which no one has equalled. A lovely man and and a great friend! Our neighborhood is emptier.

A candle was lit in remembrance

Yesterday was a long-awaited sunset cruise from John’s Pass on the Calypso Boat. Pat and I had purchased our tickets months ago. We were to board the bus at the Methodist church by 4:30. Return would be about 10pm.

There were 55 of us, a very pleasant crowd.

The bus trip to the dock took a lot more time that we’d thought. It seemed we’d never get there. (We figured our driver was lost.) Finally we made it. Dinner was ok. Wine or other drinks were included in our fee.

We arrived so late that we didn’t see the sunset, but it was a pleasant time.

After dinner, Pat and I went out to an elevated deck. We were told we had to move because one of our crowd had collapsed and the ambulance was coming after him. It was the husband of the lady who was in charge. Sad to see them leave by emergency vehicle,

The trip home was much faster than our trip to the boat.

To complicate things for us, my car had failed to start the morning before our planned trip. I had to do the driving since we’d be so late returning and SCC doesn’t allow golfcarts after sunset. I finally got it started, but all kinds of alarms lit up the dash. They were still there 24 hours later, but before I left to pick up Pat, they’d all disappeared and the car ran beautifully. It started right up when we got back to the church.

I made it safely home.

I watch the Incredible Dr. Pol a lot. He’s a world famous Michigan vet who has an office close to my Michigan home. Obviously in a busy vet practice there are times when euthanasia is kindest for the animal. I almost always tear up to see the animal “put down.” Yes, I realize it’s best but I still hurt inside.

I read something about pet euthanasia. It said, if you must do it, be there for your animal. They need you and will look for you.

At Dr. Pol’s practice, they light a candle to warm others who are visiting the office when an euthansia is or has been performed. It’a wonderful understanding of what the owner and pet are going through. If I cry at home just watching it, you can imagine how I’d be if the patient was Sophie.

Over the years I’ve had dreams about a house I lived in back the mid 1960’s. It was a very small all-brick place in Sanford, Michigan. When I say all-brick, I mean ALL of the walls were brick inside and out. There was 6″ of styrofoam between the outter and inner walls.

The living room featured a lovely fireplace and big mahogany beam.

It was hidden away in a setting of huge white pine trees; very nice, but the problem was the size of the place. The one-car garage, tiny kitchen, and very, very small bathroom cramped the place. Overall it was the least impressive of the houses I lived in over the years, but it was undoubtedly the most memorable.

I’m still dreaming about it. Not the place in Frankenmuth with four bathrooms nor the lovely 2,200 ft. place on the lake in Thomas Township. Both of those were much more valuable and lovely but that tiny place in Sanford still makes it into my dreams.

Last week I had a second date with Carl. He’s a nice guy but I’ve been so busy that I have discouraged him from getting together. I know he’s disappointed in me, but I have commitments.

And it’s been really hot so staying inside is adviseable. On a sweltering day, I’d prefer to just watch TV and not entertain anyone.

One of these days I’m going to get a nice chuck roast and fix a really good dinner. I’ll invite him over.