Together Alone

In my last blog entry, I mentioned out neighborhood get together last night and how we felt that we didn’t know anyone.

Our friend, Diane, said it’s not us. And it’s not our neighborhood. It’s the whole mind-set in this part of Michigan. She and I talked about it in May. She doesn’t live very close to us. (They are near Auburn.) She told me how she and her husband (Bob) have attempted to make friends in their church, where they’re very active, but all the folks they’ve approached are busy with families.

She suggested that we should get together, and I agreed. But Bob and Diane live nearly 45 minutes away and they’re often out of town visiting their family. So we haven’t gotten together with them. They’re a nice couple, I’d like it, but somehow now, it would feel forced.

Florida is different. In Florida we get together several times a week with friends. We usually meet and talk at the pool and then suggest a get-together. It’s a fun, relaxed way of life. Someone will say, “We’re going out to dinner. Want to join us?” Things happen. We rarely feel bored and certainly never lonely.

I love Michigan. This area is lovely. But we’re alone … together but alone.

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Neighborhood Party

We had a neighborhood get-together tonight complete with live entertainment: a very good country vocalist/keyboardist. Everyone brought a dish to pass. It was nice talking with neighbors but sadly we know very few folks here on our little lake. I guess part of it is because many are younger than us. They have families. Maybe it’s just the way things are. It seemed like we were among strangers, yet we’ve lived here for over 23 years! I did get to chat with our nearest neighbor. She seems very nice and friendly.

The weather was lousy (rainy and cool). The setting was lovely but we were getting wet. John ended up putting up some of out tarps to keep the rain and wind out. It cut down the view but everyone welcomed them and the temperature was noticeably warmer.

We had lots of positive comments about our siding project. We didn’t realize everyone noticed.

I came away wanting to fix the place up even more than I did before.

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Siding our House

to be covered up
A couple of weeks ago (just before we went to Evart), John ordered nearly $6,000 worth of siding to replace the exterior of our house. We’ve lived here for 23 years and the siding has always presented problems. It was what’s called T111 siding. It is basically plywood and looks like vertical siding. It may have been ok back in the late 1980’s when we built the house, but it’s required plugs (where the siding had knots), and painting/staining. Another real problem has been that woodpeckers love the bugs that hide out in the channels under the main layer. Therefore we have little holes in rows going horizonally across our house. It’s almost like a row of machine gun shots. John’s filled them, but that results in an unappealing stripe. Also the paint on the siding has faded creating dark panels. You can see the discoloration in my photo above.

This early summer, John converted a small covered porch behind our garage to a storage area. At that time, we needed to match the siding on the addition to make it look like it really fit the house. But putting more of the T111 siding just didn’t sit well with us. We hated it. Not only that, but T111 siding wasn’t availabile any longer.

the siding project
So we decided to go with vinyl 9″ shakes (in natural clay). Now our small project has become a project that involves the whole house.

It’s a big investment but we think it’ll add value to our house. We’ve already replaced the roof with roofing shingles which should last through our lifetime and once we finish this, we plan to revamp the kitchen completely and add hardwood floors in great room, dining room, kitchen and half bath. We may even re-do the master bath and enlarge our closet. When all projects are complete, we want our house to be what we want. (Besides life is best when you have things you’re “looking forward to.”)

So today we started installing the siding.

When John said he needed help, I went to assist him and we worked together. The temperature of the siding was 130 degrees, so you can tell how hot it was where we were working, but we stuck with it until we got through the first half of a square (half of 10 x 10 foot).

It really looks nice! I’m so glad we went with what we really wanted and didn’t compromise.

By adding new vinyl siding, the house will be maintenance-free. (A huge selling-point, if we ever decide to put our place on the market.)

I’ll be happy if it’s complete by next year at this time. As I said, we have other jobs waiting in the wings. I will show before and after photos here when we get more finished.

We want to re-do our chimney too. (It is now a wooden “chase” which means it’s boxed in with T111.) Our plan is to use synthetic stone to match the real field stone that we used on the front of the house. That should be a nice touch. At least we’re trying to make improvements.

Note: For many of you who follow this blog, you probably wonder why I’m showing our “siding project.” It’s not especially exciting, but this blog is a way I show stuff to my daughter (Kelly) who lives in Florida. So the blog includes the fun stuff, and the dull. It’s all part of our life.

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Paper Trail

Today I spent much of the day on line writing reports, emails and letters. It seems that I can’t catch up.

When I pass on, they’re going to find that the whole world can re-grow forests because I won’t there to use up paper. (Of course today most of my correspondece was digital.)

John is planning to re-side our house. He’d been advised by the local Menard’s home improvement store but they advised him incorrectly and he special ordered a lot of stuff that he has now found won’t work. It’ll take another week and a half to get the correct starter strips. So he re-ordered and I help with on-line searches. Stuff like that always takes lots longer than one would think. Seems we were tied up most of the afternoon.

I also completed my financial report for the ODPC funfest, wrote my workshop leader article for the newsletter, and resolved our financial/banking reports. It was a busy day, but there’s little to show for it.

Jim, my “new” sweet brother (read “Family Matters” to the right at the top of this blog) contacted me to tell me that he’s now a grandfather of William John (who will be called Will). He was so excited and I was so glad to hear from him!

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John’s health

I’m worried about my sweet husband John’s health. He hasn’t felt well for several months. He’s been to the doctor numerous times and had a CT scan of his chest and an echo cardiogram Thursday. So far no answers. I’m scared for him. He has no stamina. It’s not a normal condition for him. He’s lost a lot of weight and he feels yucky. He has a cough. It’s obvious that he has some kind of respiratory/pulmonary problem.

My fear is that it’s asbestos related because he was exposed to asbestos for the first five or so years of his working life.

I’m scared. I have looked up pulmonary problems on-line and many are very serious. I know he is concerned.

But we’re continuing to try to find answers and we won’t give up until he’s well.

We have so many chores on our platter: performances, camping weekend, house projects, yard work. Because of severe allergies I am very limited in what I can do to lighten his load outside but I’m darned good protecting him.

I just hope they determine what’s wrong with him so we can get him on a treatment plan so he’ll soon be back to his active self.

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Bullet Story Over-Shadows Our Festival

Cadillac News Bullet Story (link)

The story about the stray bullets hitting the fairgrounds where we were holding the 37th Annual ODPC Funfest (aka Evart Dulcimer Festival) has been more talked about than the wonderful time which was had by all.

The festival was grand. We had 564 campers, about 5,000 attendees, 203 workshops, fun that was not able to be measured but exceeded our expectations.

We’ve re-hashed the tale of those three stray bullets every which way. We’ll all be surprised if there wasn’t even more damage done. Folks may not realize they have a hole in their trailer or vehicle roof for some time.

John and I are still tired today. It takes longer and longer to recover.

I just spend about 45 minutes on the phone with the IRS. I’m still trying to get the refund from my deceased mother’s 2008 taxes. I need to get it straightened out so I can close out her accounts. It all needs to be done before the end of August since that’s when her fiscal year ends. (Her refund check was cut and sent in May, but it went into someone else’s account (because Mom’s accountant put the wrong account number on the return for direct deposit). We’re now trying to get the IRS to get it back and cut the check for Mom’s account.) I’ve spent dozens of hours trying to get this problem straightened out. At least we know where the money is.

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Home and TIRED!

We’re back home. We were at the festival for about ten days.

The weather didn’t cooperate. It was a tad rainy, and felt more like November than July. We froze while watching stage shows, and didn’t play much. Part of the reason we didn’t play was because John wasn’t feeling well, and I was glad to just spend time with him listening, or even turning in early.

We had huge crowds! Everything purred and we couldn’t have been more satisfied.

But yesterday it was really scary. There was a target range about two miles from the fairgrounds. Apparently the owner obtained a permit to shoot off some large caliber ‘munitions. We were annoyed by the noise rom before noon through the afternoon.

About 3:15 one of the ladies came running up to me. A bullet had gone through a trailer and had taken out the window. The damage was only a window and a hole in the ceiling, but it could have been so much worse.

As it turned out a truck was also damaged with a bullet hole, and a bullet was found after it had hit the ground.

The president of the ODPC, the fairground administration, and law officials are involved. Hopefully they’ll make sure nothing similar ever happens.

But the rest of the festival was a grand event. We had all positive comments. Everyone was really satisfied.

I’ll be posting photos, but for now you can check out those I’ve posted at http://dulcimers.com/photos

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We’re Here in “Hammer Heaven”

We’re here at the world’s largest gathering of hammered dulcimers. Right now the festival is still four days away so lots of folks have yet to arrive.

Hammered Dulcimer
It’s held at a the Osceola County Fairgrounds in the north central part of Michigan’s lower peninsula. About 8,000 people show up for this event which is truly unique. Hammered dulcimers “rule”.

I just found out that the National Taiwanese Yangchin champion. (The Yangchin is the Far East version of our hammered dulcimer.) She is coming to Evart to learn the hammered dulcimer. She’ll also be on stage Friday night to perform for us.

The festival costs $3 and is a three and a half day experience. Admission includes attendance any (or all) of the 205 workshops, the stage shows (which are plentiful), and access to everything going on on the grounds.

Right now I’m listening to two lovely harps play a duet (Chuck Boody and Martha Kuch).

Next door there are five or six hammered dulcimers, and just a few trailers the other direction from us, a lively “fast” jam featuring the Kaiser Family and Jim Rathbun are playing spirited fiddle tunes.

This morning John invited everyone over for a waffle breakfast. Others brought eggs, sausage, juice, fresh pineapple, orange juice and of course lots of coffee. We had about 35 folks attend. It was a pleasant way to start the day.

Today it’s a tad cool (about 68) and very windy. We’re not complaining. Too many years it’s been nearly 100 without a breath of air. We’ve attended for about 18 years (I’ll have to look up the exact date). I do know this is my 14th year to be in charge of workshops.

It’s a time to be with friends. We all go away with an “over-load” of dulcimer music, vowing to improve our own playing skills.

I’ll write more later this week. We’ll be here until next Sunday (a week from today).

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Tomorrow we “move” to Evart

Our 5th wheel
The trailer’s almost ready to go. It’s after 9:00 p.m., we’ve been at it all day. What a chore. It’s like moving. We bring everything: chairs galore for the workshop leader area, munchies and food, clothes for any weather, lots of office supplies, sewing and first aid emergency kits, books, software, musical instruments. The list goes on and on.

I hate the packing process, but once we’re in our fifth wheel, it’s really comfy. For a trailer, it’s nice. It’s definitely not new a new one, but very attractive and roomy. We’ll live in it for the next ten days.

We always forget something. One year it was the extra toner cartridge. One year it was a tent we’d promised to loan to friends. Those times we had to drive back home (it’s about 85 miles one way) to get the forgotten items. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen this time but we’ve given up hope that we will remember everything. Even with my huge list.

We’ll camp two more times this summer (at Carriage Days in Gladwin, MI, and at the Midland Dulcimer Festival, Midland, MI.) Those times it’ll be easier. We will leave everything possible in the trailer from now until we pack for Florida in September (and even then, much of the stuff will stay in the trailer over the winter). Today was tough and I’m tired. Tomorrow, when we’ve arrived and we have our campsite organized, it’ll all be worth it.

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Brakes Broke

We were originally planning to go to Evart today, but instead we decided to leave early Friday.

This morning we took our 2004 GMC truck to pick up all of the boxes of programs and the rented copy machine. Of course that’s the truck which we use to pull our fifth wheel.

John noticed the brakes on the truck were acting weird. An alarm started sounding and a warning light came on. A quick check of the owner’s manual had a warning that this was SERIOUS. John stopped at Meijers and checked the brake fluid level. It was low so he bought a quart of fluid and filled up the reservoir. The warning light went out, everything seemed fine and we continued on our shopping.

But after we’d spent some time in a store, we came out to find a puddle of brake fluid under the truck. The warning light came on again. John put more in the reservoir and we headed to a garage to have the brake lines replaced. Our vehicle won’t be ready until tomorrow.

If we had been heading to the festival, we would have had our problem in a remote area on our way to Evart and there wouldn’t have been a convenient, familiar garage to do the repair. Thank heavens we were always safe.

We have the workshop programs. They look great. Next year, my goal is to do a revamp of the front cover, but this year, with all of the changes, we wanted to keep things the same.

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Fun 4th

Last year, we had another couple stop over for the 4th of July celebration, but tonight will be very cool, so we decided it’s best that it’s just the two of us.

We’ll bar-be-que a lovely steak dinner on the deck with baked potatoes, corn on the cob, and lots of wine. Then we’ll enjoy fireworks.

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

deck facing east

deck facing west

our lake on 4th of July

Our Michigan 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). To make it simple, we’re out in the country west of the “Thumb Area” in Michigan. The man-made lake was named for Cecil Sepanski who dug and developed the subdivision around this 23-acre lake/pond. It’s 20 feet deep at it’s deepest, with two small islands. No power boats are permitted so it’s lovely and quiet. 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.

Here’s a photo from 2009’s fireworks display on Lake Cecil.

fireworks

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Departure Date Changed

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

Sharon

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Another Toe Tale

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.

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Our many projects

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?

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It’s in the can!

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.

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Hot time

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 truly HOT. Sweltering!! Definitely the hottest concert we’ve ever 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.

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Two weeks ’til we head to Evart

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.

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Practice and Party

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.

Jane and Bill Kuhlman

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.

Jane and Bill's Cake

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!

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Rain!

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.

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Lost another friend

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!

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Back home..

Yup, I’m back in Michigan. I got home last night.

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.

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Last Sunset Photo (I promise)

Out the back door.

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.)

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Last Day in Florida

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.

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What’s Missing?

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!

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Hot Hot Hot

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).

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The rains have passed

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

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.

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Rain again in Florida

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.

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Warm and Wonderful

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.

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What a day!

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).

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Ready to head to Florida

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.

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The recession

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, our new condo in Florida, and our place in Michigan’s U.P., we also 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 Saginaw home, our 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.

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Memorial Day – thoughts of my dad

Yesterday was Memorial Day. Dad in 1944
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.

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Soaking Storms

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.”

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Summertime summertime sum sum summertime! (now hum along)

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.

Lake Cecil
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!

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Sunshine

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!!

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Pickin’ Pansies

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.

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Whew!!!

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.

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20 days and counting

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!!

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Biggest compliment

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!

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Good Performance

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.

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Warming up

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.

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Original Dulcimer Players’ Club Meeting

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.

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Floating

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.

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Newer Wheels

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.

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Should we build an Ark?

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.

Tim Horny Tribute column

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.

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@**#$* Weather!

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.

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Back in the Routine

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.

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We Lost our Dog (she didn’t die), we just couldn’t find her!!!

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.

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Too much to do

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.

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Home Again, Home Again – Spring 2009

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.

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A well-worn road

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.

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Easter Crowd

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!

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Flawless

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.

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Six days and counting

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.

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Green and growing

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.

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Today was a garage/estate sale day

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.

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Sadness in Michigan

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.

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He was lost, but now he’s found

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.)

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Blow Hard

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.”

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Busy but fun

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.

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“Up Up and Away”

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.

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Rockin’ Rondezvous — under par

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.

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My Wig

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?

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Showing Suzie a Good Time

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.
Little Harbor
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.

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Fun in Warm Weather

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.

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Having Fun

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).

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Empty house

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.

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Family Fun

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.

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Never underestimate an old gal

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.

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How do you slow down time?

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.

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Tuesday – Lip Sync

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.

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Looking forward to a busy week

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.

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Tonight’s Rockin Rondezvous

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.

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Too much of a good thing

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.

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Thursday, February 5th, at Rockin Rondezvous

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.

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Warm and lovely!

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!

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Warming Trend on Horizon

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.

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Super Bowl

Brenda was a winner!
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.

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Three Days Later

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.

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We got away — finally!

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.

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Stuck in Michigan

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.

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Change of Plans

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

The reasons?…

  • We’d be driving into a major winter storm. Southern Ohio and Kentucky are experiencing a freezing mess.
  • Willow’s still not well. Last night she had another “problem.” We want to take her to the vet today.
  • 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…

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    We take off tomorrow

    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.m. 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!

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    Lip Sync at the South Club, Kings Point, Sun City Center, FL

    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.

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    Inauguration Day

    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.

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    Home feels good

    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.

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    Stuck in Sharonville, OH

    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.

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    Cool Down

    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.

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    Beautiful weather

    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.

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    “In Heaven there is no beer”

    “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.

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    What’s missing?

    Florida has beautiful weather but there are some things missing that we take for granted in Michigan:

  • Koegel Viennas (the best hot dogs around)
  • Vernors Ginger ale (occasionally we can find it, but not all the time)
  • Mosquitos, ticks, or black flies
  • Dandelions or ragweed
  • Birch trees, maple trees, white pines
  • Good vine-grown tomatoes (they’re harder and just not as sweet in Florida)
  • Wonderful corn on the cob
  • Super sweet muskmelons (aka cantaloupe)
  • Michigan apples and sweet cherries
  • My mom (who lived in Florida from the early 1980’s) would to annually spend several weeks in Michigan. She always planned her trips in late July and August so she could bring back fruits and vegetables. Now I understand why.

    Of course Florida’s citrus fruits are totally awesome! And some of the strawberries are as good as Michigan’s.

    Obviously I’m not really complaining. I love the weather and understand that harder tomatoes ship better. It balances out. And I sure don’t complain about the lack of mosquitoes!!

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    Butterflies and Chameleons (Geckos)

    Today at the pool John spotted a tiny chameleon (gecko). It was only a little over an inch and a half long even with its long tail. The tiny lizard jumped to his leg and when I held out my finger, he was willing to jump aboard and stay for quite a while.

    butterfly on my finger
    It reminded me of July 2007 when a butterfly fell in love with me. A monarch stayed with me for more than an hour. It sat on my shoulder, my finger, and in my hair. I walked around with it, went inside our trailer, and it wouldn’t leave me. You can see it on my finger in the photo above.

    It was a surreal feeling. The gecko was that way today. I walked around with this tiny, normally very shy critter enjoying the ride. Must be my perfume.

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    New Years Resolutions

    Last night (New Year’s Eve) we went to our neighbor Linda’s for a pleasant evening. Linda is a real sweetheart. We enjoyed lots of muchies and some good wine. She’s an excellent hostess.

    Sue Sussman, was also back from Mexico and joined us. It was very nice evening.

    We ended up calling it a night about 10:30 or 11:00.

    This year, I resolve to be more physically active, especially down here in Florida where there are no “snow days” to provide an excuse. I’m also going back the Weight Watchers program I used about four years ago. I’m not at this point I’m not saying I’m on a diet, but I’ll “journal” what I eat and try to follow a Weight Watcher point plan. I’ll see how it goes.

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    My Prayer

    Selfishly I have a wish for 2009. A year from now, I want 2010 to come with all the friends I have now alive and well.

    This year has been a rough year for us. In August, we lost Jay Morris, a good friend who lived in Florida and contributed greatly to the fun we enjoyed when in the sunshine state. In September, I lost my mother, Ruby Hoagland. She was a lovely lady but alzheimers had robbed us the past years.

    Also we lost Bob Taylor, our best Florida friend this week. He died on December 23rd but we didn’t learn of his death until Christmas morning.

    So my prayer is that a year from now, when we are heading into 2010, want all of our friends to be alive and well. No more losses. We need everyone of you in our lives. One year at a time. We want you to thrive and enjoy life with us.

    As we get older, our friends’ lives are more fragile. We know that many of those closest to us are in their 80’s and 90’s. Their lives are all that much more special. We just hope they all continue to be well.

    That’s our prayer. Our wish.

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    Our ‘Gator

    No, we haven’t seen him, but we understand there’s a three-legged ‘gator living in our pond. We’ve been told he likes to sun himself on the bank of the pond which is viewable from our living room window.

    In fact, the report is that EVERY pond here in Kings Point has at least one ‘gator and many have three legs because they fight with each other, and loosing a leg is often the result.

    So in addition to watching the golfers out on the course, we’re alert to the possibility of a big critter!

    Last night we went to the karaoke evening at the South Club. It was fun with a lot of our friends present: Rachael and Jerry, Elsie and Frank, Jane, Marty, and others. The vocals were often “off-key” but we appreciated everyone’s effort!

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    Another Sunset

    our view

    Above is another sunset photo taken out the window of our living room. We have such a lovely view. Actually at this time of the year, the sun sets a little left of the ponds behind our place. But the sky is often just ablaze with color. This one was taken Christmas evening.

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    Bob Taylor

    The plans for Bob Taylor’s memorial service are as follows:
    Bob, who was born 3/12/1931 will be honored with a memorial service, 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 5th, Sun City Funeral Home, 1851 Rickenbacker Dr.,
    Sun City Center, FL 33573

    There will be a burial service at Bushnell Military Cemetary, Bushnell, FL, at 2:30 p.m.

    Those of us who loved Bob will want to remember this fine man who was a gentle, thoughtful, considerate friend who loved life.

    Join us at the 11:00 service.

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    Christmas 2008 – Sadness

    This morning as we were planning our Christmas dinner (which we knew would be way too much for two), I stopped and called our buddy, Bob Taylor, to see if he would like to join us. There was no answer so I left the message on his machine.

    When I hadn’t heard from Bob by noon, I called him again. His son-in-law answered the phone and asked how well I knew him. (I thought it was a little strange but figured he was screening Bob’s calls.) I explained that John and I think of Bob as our best Florida friend.

    It was then that he told us the sad news. Bob died. It must have happened suddenly Tuesday night as he was heading to the bathroom. He wasn’t found until today (Thursday – Christmas Day). When he didn’t answer the phone for a couple of days his daughter (Laurie) became concerned. Apparently it was sudden with no suffering.

    Ahhhh but we’ll miss Bob. He was a sweetheart. He loved to entertain us and often had us over for dinner, or we’d reciprocate and he’d come to our place. He threw himself a fantastic 76th birthday party in March 2007. We always saved him a spot near us at Rockin’ Rondezvous. He was always respectful and generous with his lady friends.

    He called us about a week before we got to Florida. He wanted to know if we were “home” yet. We explained that we were in Michigan. He said he was lonesome and hoped we’d hurry down. We assured him we’d arrive by Saturday, the 20th.

    As promised, we called him. Early Sunday he joined us at the pool. We sat and talked about everything from investments to our up-coming plans. He wanted me to go help him pick out some living room furniture after Christmas.

    He phoned us Monday to tell us he had some information he’d rounded up for us about investments. We could pick it up if we were in his neighborhood. Sadly we didn’t get over there.

    Tuesday we were at Busch Gardens. He was in our thoughts there. We talked about bringing him with us next time. We knew he couldn’t walk around the huge park, but we could rent an electric cart for him.

    We both loved him like family. It was a genuine, mutual affection.

    It won’t be the same without Bob. He was the first house guest to visit our new condo. Our first dinner guest. Our best friend.

    Here are some of the many photos I took of Bob since we met him in 2006. (And no, he hadn’t grown a black mustache. That was his Halloween look. He was Charlie Chaplin.)

    Buddy Bob Taylor

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    Christmas Eve

    Today we finally registered and licensed the Toyota that was given to us by the lady who sold us the condo. It’s not a bad car. She maintained it religiously. We jumped through the hoops that were necessary to register it. (It took messing with the insurance company, two trips to the registrar’s office, and lotsa $$$’s.)

    We were until about 3:00 getting it all done plus we needed to pick up some extras for tomorrow’s dinner.

    We spent the remainder of the afternoon at the pool. It was a perfect day. In fact on the weather report, it stated lots of the areas around here set “record highs.” It was about 82 in Sun City Center but sorta breezy. Still it wasn’t bad!

    Tomorrow the prediction is for about 80 degrees. Sounds like pool weather to me.

    We’ll fix a huge turkey feast tomorrow for the two of us. We’ll plan to eat mid-late afternoon. If we find any lonesome folks without a place to go, we will invite them over. (Bob and Paul may be alone.) We’ll fix a 11 pound turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing gravy, two types of cranberrys, vegetable, homebaked bread, relishes, and pumpkin praline pie with ice cream. It’ll have to be enough although Willow (our 5 pound dog) will want her share and she has quite an appetite.

    It’s sure different than snowy Michigan which has always signified Christmas. But this is the start of new traditions.

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    Wearing White after Labor Day

    My Grandma Brophey was firm about the “no white after Labor Day” rule. There were other guidelines by which she lead her life, but white after Labor Day was a firm resolution. She’d never have dreamed of violating it.

    In Florida, life’s different. When down here, I wear white more often than any color regardless of the time of year. Even on a cool day, I’ll slip on a brightly colored cardigan over a white camisole with a pair of chrisp white slacks. White fits the Florida life-style.

    I remember seeing a family in a restaurant in Ruskin, FL. They were in all dressed in blacks and dark colors. I just “knew” they were out-of-state folks on vacation. They stuck out.

    So, Grandma, when you look down from Heaven at me running around in the middle of December wearing white, please don’t shutter or think I’ve gone mad. I’ve just adapted.

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    First day back

    The windows are open and a breeze is coming in. Charlie, our cockatiel is loving his communication with the outdoor birds.

    We spent the afternoon at the pool. It was wonderfully warm and sunny but tomorrow it’s only expected to be into the 60’s. We figured we better take advantage of the temperatures. It sure felt good.

    Accidentally our back door open came open and one of the little geckos came in.Gecko
    We have a whole slew of them living in the shrubs around our condo. This one was bright green. Our buddy Bob has one who lives inside. He says they catch bugs so he likes having them around. I don’t know, but having a critter who looks like a mini alligator roaming the house isn’t my idea of insect control. But the geckos do have a charm. I love having them scurry ahead of me as I walk down the sidewalk. But not across my living room.

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    We’re Here (in Florida)

    We arrived about 3:00 this afternoon (Saturday, the 20th). It seems strange to have 75+ degree temperatures as I decorated the condo for Christmas.

    Always before we’ve cut a large live tree and hauled it home. We compromised and just brought a small artificial tree and it’s now gracing our living room. We have a poinsetta, a lovely Christmas centerpiece on the coffee table, and about a dozen candles. In the windows there are candle style lights. Out on the lanai we have a tiny ceramic tree that was Mom’s. The dining room is festive with Christmas placemats and lots of candles.

    We’ll have a nice dinner Thursday and hopefully we’ll get in lots of pool time.

    It’s not our traditional holiday, but that’s ok. It’s the start of a new tradition.

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    Near Lexington-Richmond

    There’s no snow on the ground and the temperatures are about 47. We’re in Kentucky headed south. It takes a while to become accustomed to the change in temperatures. But it’s not the temperatures that tell me we’re in the South, it’s the “Ya’ll’s.” Our server at dinner tonight kept asking if “Ya’ll got everything you need?”

    It’s strange that we hear the accent and think “this is the SOUTH” — but in Florida, there are no accents and that’s even further south.

    But here in Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia, the charming accents let us know we’re not in Michigan any more.

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    Christmas Rush

    I have a business on-line where I sell Rick Thum hammered dulcimers. It’s not a big enterprise, but I enjoy helping people get into the wonderful world of hammered dulcimers. I write lengthy messages whenever a prospective buyer inquires. My prices are deeply discounted. Over the three or four years I’ve been a distributor, I’ve sold well over 100 dulcimers for Rick. My customers become my friends and I often hear from them afterward about how they appreciate my level of service.

    My busy season is always December.

    December 2008 had been disappointingly quiet. I figured it was “the economy.”

    But starting about last Thursday, I began receiving 4 to 6 inquiries a day. Not every inquiry resulted in a sale, but I ended up the season with a bang. Yesterday Rick shipped out THREE for my customers plus I sold my own lovely Professional hammered dulcimer.

    But when folks wait that long, it becomes a challenge to figure out how they can get their payment to me quickly. Since most everyone who contacts me via the internet is initally a stranger, I ask for prepayment before the order is shipped. I’ve always dealt with very honest folks, but the horror stories of internet scams have taught me to be cautious. So, although I’ll accept personal checks, I ask that they get to me before I place the order (which generally is shipped out within a day.)

    I accept credit cards, but only through Paypal. And when using Paypal that way, Paypal assesses me 2.9% plus 30 cents per transaction. To be equitable, I assess a service fee equal to that amount therefore I can keep my prices low. (2.9% plus 30 cents sounds like so little, but if added to a $1,255 instrument sale or even a $400 one, it is an amount not to be sneezed at.)

    So the cheapest way is to complete all the arrangements and decisions for the sale early enough so the customer can send a personal check.

    I did receive one check Monday, but the other last minute buyers used Paypal even though there was a charge for the service. All the instruments are on their way and I can breathe!

    With so many orders coming in, it got really confusing about who had paid, who was sending a check, who was paying with a credit card, who…. well, you get the idea.

    I spent at between five and seven hours yesterday answering inquiries and scheduling sales.

    I will never get rich, but I am a very legitimate Michigan business. (My accountant will vouch for that.)

    Now that all of the orders are in, I can relax!

    Additionally we are more at ease because we wrapped up our Sub-Strings’ (our dulcimer club’s) playing commitments. This a.m. we played for Christmas at Bronners. It was a fun way to wrap up the 2008 holiday season with our club. All of those folks are really special to us.

    Our performance was broadcast live through a website so even those who were far away could enjoy the show.

    We are packed to take off early in the morning for Florida. There’s a storm predicted to be coming later tomorrow but we hope to be well ahead of the bad weather. (Up to 10 inches may blanket this region.)

    Today is Wednesday. By Saturday, we’ll be enjoying 80 degree temperatures in Sun City Center. Wow what a wonderful thought!

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    Big Blow

    This morning we awoke to a major wind storm. It was warm enough to melt most of the snow over night but now it’s turned colder and will be dipping even more throughout the day. One TV channel is off-the air as a result of the wind.

    John’s lawn clean-up chore from the trees that were topped in our yard is going to be even harder today. (Certainly no burning.) I’ll be gone most of the day with a dental appointment, some banking chores, and last minute Christmas shopping. Then back home to start filling the truck. (We leave for Florida in three days.)

    Last night our buddy Bob called to see if we’d arrived in Florida yet. He was lonesome for us.

    I’ve always just loved the holidays. The beauty of the freshly cut Christmas tree has always been one of the hilights of our season. This year with no decorations and everything waiting for our trip to Florida, I am really finding it hard to capture the spirit. Yesterday we had a pleasant celebration with John’s family. It’s always nice to get together with them.

    But something is missing this year! I’m sure it’s the absence of the tree and the tradition that has gone along with it. But a big part of it is grief over my mother’s recent passing. She had been lost to us for many years, but I was still optimistically included her in my Christmas thoughts. Now she’s gone, and there’s a real emptiness.

    I keep thinking that when we get to Florida it’ll be fun and festive. We’ll have excitement and enthusiasm and the spirit that is missing will be found. We’ll be with friends. I hope we’re not disappointed.

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    Counting Down

    Today I packed. I figured this trip to Florida would be “easy” because everything’s already down there, but it’s getting more complicated all the time.

    We purchased ourselves a 26″ TV for our bedroom and our plan is to take it back and forth since we need one both in Michigan and in Florida. The box is huge.

    I’m taking along two small Christmas trees and the boxes are enormous!

    What’s Christmas without candles and some ornaments that have become a tradition for us, a table decoration that we use every year, and … well, you get the idea. I think I’ve prioritized the stuff that we’re taking. If there’s a problem fitting everything in, I’ll just have to leave some stuff behind.

    Yesterday John took on an unscheduled huge job. We have a row of poplar trees on our east lot line that John has planned to chop down this winter or spring. Since they’re about 50-75 feet tall, it would be a challenge with his limited equipment. So when a tree crew came by yesterday and offered to top them (take about the top half off) for a reasonable price, he jumped at it. The problem was that the crew took them down, but the clean up was left to John. We had no idea that it would be such a monsterous job. Our neighbor’s yard was also littered. So John’s been working to clean it up. I was out there for a while today too working. But he’s using a chainsaw and chopping everything into modest sized pieces so there’s not much I can do. There’s no way he’ll ever get it cleaned up before we leave Thursday. He got a burn permit from the township but green wood is slow to burn and sure does produce a smokey fire.

    I guess, if we had to delay our departure a day or two it would be ok. There’s really no rush. We could leave as late as Saturday which would get us there Monday so we’d still be able to be ready for Christmas down there.

    We’ll see….

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    Packing for Florida

    I am packing again. I keep thinking “this is the last time” because I always intend to leave everything in Florida, but last spring I made the mistake of bringing back all of my “heavier” Florida clothes to Michigan. Now we’re about to head back and we’ll be arriving in the middle of the “Florida Winter.” Don’t kid yourself, it can be dern cold in Florida in January and February. Last year during those months, we had both warm and chilly days. We had some “pool weather” but just as often it seemed we were bundled up inside even into March.

    So today I’ve been packing warm stuff. I have lots of shorts, capris, and bathing suits waiting for me in Florida, but out of necessity, I need to bring along some sweaters and “long” pants.

    Between you and me, they’re ugly. Covering up just isn’t fun. I hope I can wear my “for warm weather only” wardrobe.

    I heard from our near-by Florida neighbor, Linda, who is glad we’re headed back. We also called our buddy Bob to tell him of our plans. His smile was transmitted over the phone-lines.

    For the holidays, we’re hoping we can make some kind of a music contribution to the neighborhood. A small “house concert” of holiday music is a possibility. We just want to let folks know how glad we are to be part of their “community.”

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    Hard Times

    Quite a few years ago, a lovely vocalist, Cindy Feigel, did a stirring intrepretation of Stephen Foster’s lovely tune “Hard Times.” We were in the audience and spell-bound. It was especially touching since Cindy did it without accompaniment and Cindy is blind. When she sang about “hard times” you knew this lady has had to face adversity.

    Her pure voice sweetly sang the tune and everyone felt an emotional bond.

    On September 22nd, 2008, we received this message from Charlie Feigel, Cindy’s wonderful husband. He said, “I want to ask everyone to pray for my wife Cindy. Last night she was severly burned when her pajama top caught on fire. She is in the burn trama center at U of M hospital with major burns to her neck, chest and back. She is currently on a ventorlator and heavily sedated. Her vitals are looking good and her lungs look good so that is encouraging. They currently cleaning her wounds so I am taking advantage of the internet conection in the waiting room until I can see her. I will share more if I get a chance later. (signed) Charlie”

    We have all been listening to Charlie’s near daily up-dates. Cindy was burned with third degree burns over more than 55% of her body. There have been dozens of skin grafts, the struggles with infection, the feeding tubes, the tracs. She’s had pain and life-threatening concerns. But last week Charlie told us that Cindy has improved to the point that they would be moving to the rehab unit Monday (yesterday).

    We all applauded.

    There isn’t one person who has ever met Cindy who isn’t in awe of her and her phenominal talent and spirit.

    Now it’s been tested more than any of us can imagine enduring. She’s going to make it and we’re going to be there to support her.

    She still has all that physical therapy ahead of her. Her arms are fairly fixed because the skin that’s been grafted is stiff and inflexible. It’ll be hard and painful for her to regain the use of her limbs. But she’ll do it.

    We want her to know how much we care about her. She is a beautiful flower who was just blooming when she met this tragic problem. We’ll pray for her, but please help us.

    She needs to know we care.

    We all want the best for her. We all want her to continue to be part of our world.

    So if you are just dropping by this blog, and you don’t know Cindy, you can still shut your eyes and say a silent prayer for her. She needs everyone’s support.

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    Christmas Decorations

    Christmas Lights

     

     

    We finally got our Christmas lights up. Do you need help with yours?

    We didn’t think we’d have time to get in a festive mood, but hey, this didn’t take long at all!

     

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    Rain/Snow Mix

    Seems that my recent posts all have to do with the weather. Today I’m watching an approaching storm with interest because tomorrow our club is scheduled to play a noon gig. The forecast is for 4-6 inches in this area. The rain is forecast to switch to snow this afternoon but it should all end about 9:00 tomorrow a.m. Hopefully that’ll leave enough time for the roads to be cleared.

    I’m also looking ahead at the ten-day forecast because next Thursday morning we’ll be heading for Florida and obviously we wish for clear roads. At this point, it appears it’ll be cloudy but no precipitation. Whew!! The day before, we’ll be playing for WSGW radio which will also be broadcast on the internet. You can find the link to the “Listen Live” feature in the upper right corner of the screen at:

    http://wsgw.com

    I’m going to start moving the stuff I want to take with us to a “staging area.” I’m trying to envision decorating for the holidays and what I’ll need to achieve a festive look with as little as possible. The stuff needs to travel well and be compact. I have so much Christmas-y stuff here, I sure don’t want to get down there and feel that I need to buy something. We have a large attic to store it after we use it, so that’s no problem.

    At the condo, we’ll decorate our lanai with a small ceramic tree that was Mom’s and some tiny lights.

    Inside I’ll have a more sophisticated tree (with tiny ribbon roses and white lights), a lovely centerpiece for the coffee table and lots of candles. In the dining room, I want to use some lovely holiday placemats, and gold charger plates. The guest bathroom will have holiday towels. It’ll work.

    It sure seems strange to be waiting to get started on the holidays.

    It will be so different than anything we’ve ever done for the holdiay, but I think we need a change. John always gets into a “holiday funk.” He mentioned that it’s hard to find projects that excite him here.

    In Florida, we have lots to do. For starts we need to plant some shrubs across the back of the unit, put up a dining room light fixture, and mount flat panel TV in the bedroom.

    We can always take a day and go to Busch Gardens, take some dance lessons, or plan a dinner party with friends.

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    Escaping the Snow

    Yup, it looks like we are going to make an “additional” trip to Florida.

    We will leave Michigan on December 18th and arrive at our condo mid-day on the 20th. Because we have some commitments in Michigan that we can’t miss, we’ll leave to come back to Michigan on January 14th. But we’ll be back in our Florida conda again on the 28th. We’ll have to make three trips between Michigan and Florida between mid-December and the end of January, but our vehicle is comfortable and since gas prices are now lower, we figure we can handle it.

    The only disappointment thus far is that the South Club’s New Year’s Eve party was cancelled because too few tickets were sold. (Now folks are calling about them, but it’s too late.) We don’t know what we’ll do to bring in the new year, but we’ll find some way we can visit with friends.

    Our Christmas Day feast is portable. We can do our cooking in Florida as well as here. I’ll take along decorations so we feel festive.

    We have lots of activities that we’re looking forward to. There are dances, dance lessons, and other scheduled stuff that will keep us busy. We hope to get together with friends. We are also anticipating the fruit which is ripe for picking in January. (Especially grapefruit and strawberries.)

    I’m excited!

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    Our Dulcimer Club Was Awesome!

    Today Sub-Strings, our dulcimer club, played for a group of senior members of Catholic Federal Credit Union. It was a huge audience (nearly 400!) in a lovely facility (Horizons Conference Center). We were treated royally with a lovely lunch plus our fee which we divide between our playing members.

    We had 22 musician members of Sub-Strings playing. It was a fun, exciting performance. The audience loved us, and the musicians seemed to really enjoy playing. We received a standing ovation.

    Sure felt good! John is the lead instrument, and I’m the emcee. Together we organize the club’s performances. Our members sure made us look good! It was fun! Since that’s our first holiday gig, let’s hope all of our plays are as successful. We will be performing Sunday the 7th, then again on Wednesday, the 10th. Our last major performance will be Wednesday the 17th on WSGW Radio for the Christmas at Bronners broadcast.

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    A change of plans!

    This morning I received an advertising message from Red Roof Inns (the motel chain we use whenever we travel to or from Florida). I nearly deleted it as spam. Thank heavens I didn’t. They are offering us a special 25% off deal until the end of January.

    John and I are considering an extra trip to Florida to use our condo. We’d leave our Saginaw home December 18th (we’d arrive at the condo on the 20th). We’d need to leave Florida for home on January 14th to be home on the 16th of January. We would only stay home until January 26th and then we’d return to Flroida.

    That means we’d be in Florida for Christmas and New Years.

    It would shake up all our holiday traditions. Gone would be our freshly cut Christmas tree. Instead we’d take along a tiny artificial and a ceramic tree that was my mothers. (I’d probably drag along a few other decorations so make the place look festive.) We wouldn’t have the fire in the fireplace and the wonderful holiday dinner in Michigan. Instead, weather permitting, we’d spend part of Christmas day in the pool.

    Last year we were in Kings Pont for New Years Eve but this year there’s a party planned at the South Club and that would be much closer and more convenient.

    I don’t know if tickets are still available for the South Club party, but we can check.

    Even John says, “Sounds like fun.” We’ll see. We’re still flexible.

    We aren’t locked into either decision yet.

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    Old Friends

    The other day I called Alex Usher. Alex is lovely lady and a wonderful autoharper. She’s instructed for me at Evart. We’ve missed her for a couple of years.

    I hadn’t spoken to her for a long while, so I called her and we had a very pleasant chat.

    The conversation drifted to talk of a mutual friend, Mary Lou Orthey, who passed away suddenly in 2006 after suffering a stroke. She was a beautiful, blue-eyed, charmer. Both Alex and I miss Mary Lou.

    Alex’s voice grew husky as she shared something with me. She said, “I’ve never taken her address out of my address book. I just can’t do it.”

    “Neither have I,” I said.

    It wasn’t just a “me too” comment. I was being very honest. Mary Lou Orthey’s address is still listed in my address listing: 941-505-0823 (home) and 941-769-4439 (cell).

    Each of us have ways of honoring those we love. I guess neither Alex nor I are ready to let go of Mary Lou.

    Occasionally I’ll scan through by phone numbers and spot Mary Lou’s name. I am reminded of her sparkling blue eyes and humor. I can hear her say, “Hi, Hat Lady. How’s the dawg?”

    She and I shared a fun evening in 2004 in Sarasota, FL. It was a night filled with girly conversation and friendship.

    I won’t forget Mary Lou, and neither will Alex. Guess that’s the way it should be.

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    Burrrrr….

    When blogging last night, I talked about how much I enjoy snow and I was excitedly looking forward to a predicted storm. But that’s when I was thinking about being warm and toasty inside our comfy house. I wasn’t considering the possibility of a “power failure.”

    In the wee hours of the morning I awoke to total silence. It’s funny how you miss the hum of the refrigerator, the on-and-off of the furnace, and other power driven sounds. When everything is off, it’s hauntingly quiet.

    It’s about 9:00 a.m. and we still have no electric power. There’s no projection for its resumption.

    We have a fire in the fireplace and coffee perking on our gas range.

    It’s about 60 in the living room and colder in the rest of the house.

    winterscene

    The out-the-window view is beautiful. Snow ladened trees and a blanket of white are awe-inspiring. The geese are spending most of their time in the open-water areas; although some show-off by walking on the thin ice. Believe it or not, the photo is actually “in color” but the colors are obviously primarily black and white.

    —————

    11:08 a.m.

    The power just came back on. I’d guess we were without electricity for about eight hours. It was a good reminder that we need to be better prepared for outtages.

    We need to have a can of gasoline for the snowblower and the generator, batteries for flashlights and radios, matches or lighters. It would be a good idea to start up the generator and see if it works. (We haven’t needed to use it since we had power added to our place in the Upper Peninsula and that was about a dozen years ago.)

    We did find an old battery operated radio so we weren’t totally isolated. Our cellphone continued to work, providing us with limited phone service.

    Of course there was no internet access, but I had a good book to help pass the time. I was cozied up in an afghan and didn’t mind the inconvenience. John stayed warm by cutting wood and shoveling. We got by.

    I will still look forward with excited anticipation to an approaching storm, but the heat needs to stay on.

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    Weather Watching

    Most folks cringe from snow storms, but they excite me.

    Last year (the winter of 2007-08) we were in Florida from December 27th until mid-April. Our Saginaw address experienced record snowfall. I was filled with mixed feelings. I loved my time in Florida, but when I heard of the snow storms, I must admit, there was a little “missed-out” feeling. The last 20 years of winters have been mild with little snow. We finally had a winter for the record-books and we were basking in the sun instead.

    So it was with a high level of excitement that I listened last night to the weather forecasters who predict the possibility of a 10-inch snowfall today and tomorrow.

    In anticipation, I found a website called http://wunderground.com where you can zoom in on your neighborhood and follow an approaching storm in real-time. It’s complete with satellite images and terrain mapping.

    I zeroed in on “Lake Cecil” (we live on the north side of the lake due north from the east most “island”) and have followed the approching blob on the map

    Click here to see our Saginaw Neighborhood on Wunderground.com

    It’s still snowing with more predicted. I doubt that we’ll get the 10 inches there stated to be a possibility. We’ll be lucky to get 4 or 5 inches. Right now we have about an inch.

    I should explain that I didn’t feel this way when I had to drive to work and I was often the first one to “trail-blaze” out of our subdivision to M-52. But now, with a big fire in the fireplace and no plans to leave the house for a couple of days, I am enjoying the view from inside.

    Tuesday I have an afternoon dental appointment. Wednesday we have a senior luncheon at the high school. Thursday our dulcimer club will be performing at Horizons Conference Center, a high-end facility, (we start at noon). But if it snows until tomorrow night, we’ll still have time to dig-out.

    Bring ‘er on!!!!

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    Cold Feet

    water walkers
    A few days ago I mentioned that I was disappointed because the lake out our living room window here in Saginaw was partially ice-covered. But the lake hasn’t totally frozen over yet. There are patches of ice, but mostly open water.

    Right now there are a few geese “walking on water.” The smooth surface in the photo is solid H20. It always amazes me that these large birds can go right to the edge of ice that is tissue-thin.

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    Today’s Thanksgiving – What am I thankful for?

    My life! All of it…

    My great husband!

    Family. (Especially my daughter, Kelly, who lives in California. She is planning a February visit.)

    Our music friends who are like “family.”

    Our wonderful Florida friends who have made us feel that Florida is also home!

    When I think back on the passing of my mother in September, I’m filled with gratitude for my mother’s long life — it was for the most part very happy. The end wasn’t unexpected and at her stage of alzheimers, she had already left me years before. Five days before she died, she spoke her last words. She said, “I love you too.” I’m glad her passing was peaceful and not prolonged. She just drifted away. It was time.

    So even when thinking about my mother’s death there’s a level of quiet appreciation. It could have been so much harder on her and us.

    I have so much to be thankful for!

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    White Out!

    It’s snowing! Boy, is it snowing!

    toastyThere’s about an inch on the ground right now, but it looks like more will fall. I’m not complaining. We have a big fire in the fireplace and it’s warm and cozy. I’m glad I don’t have to go out in it, but from inside, it’s lovely!

    It’s a good thiing I like techie stuff. In September I got a new computer, a Sony Vaio running MS Vista. It’s everything I could hope for but unfortunately my Motorola WPS870G wireless print server didn’t work with the Vista system. I was disappointed.

    Additionally I couldn’t get my workhorse printer, a HP Laserjet 4 Plus, to run with Vista. But today my persistance paid off. First I figured out how to get the printer to print, and then I worked with my wireless print server and finally everything is up and running! My hope is that I can also get my Florida wireless print server to work when I get down there (it’s an identical wireless system but with a different printer). I sure missed it when I couldn’t print wirelessly.

    Hopefully I won’t forget how I fixed it.

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    New View

    Yesterday some friends ask me to post photos of our new Florida condo.

    I guess I don’t want to make it seem that we’re in anyway bragging. It’s a nice comfortable condo, but it’s not palatial.

    But to satisfy those friends (Linda, Nancy), here are a few photos of the place.

    front view

    Above is the view of the front. (John loves the 2-car garage which has a workshop!.)

    Below is a picture of the living room and a corner of the kitchen bar. The two recliners in the “far end” will be replaced asap with something more stylish yet comfortable.

    living room

    The recent addition of the all-glass door at the end has really brightened up the room! Sorry I didn’t take a picture after the door was added. This picture shows the old, ugly door. The new one really improved the room!

    living room

    And below is one of my favorite photos “from the living room window”.

    out living room window view

    I will get some better ones when we return to Florida in January.

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    Solid Water

    This morning it was only 19 degrees.

    Here in Michigan we live on a small (26 acre) lake. The flow of water about 50 feet from the backside of our house is always mesmerizing.

    This morning there was a light “scum” of ice on part of the lake. Since it isn’t going to warm up much today, by tomorrow the lake will be frozen over. Darn. I’ll miss the “action.” The ripples on the water give the scene life! The solid sheet of ice seems dull by comparison. It’s not nearly as pretty. So today I find myself taking in the glitter on the open water knowing it won’t last.

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    Snowing in Michigan

    We’ve had several days of snowy weather. Not clean pure drifts, not picturesque snow-ladened pines. Nope. There’s just enough to make things soggy and slippery. The news is filled with accident reports and warnings that the first snowfall of the season usually brings more than a normal number of fender-benders.

    I was feeling depressed about the weather but John built a lovely fire in the fireplace and it’s feeling warm and cozy here inside.

    I have a feeling I’d be complaining even more if I were in Florida. I heard it only got up to about 60 degrees today in Sun City Center and tonight there’ll be wind chills down to about 30 degrees! Sure wouldn’t be pool weather. In fact I’m sure I’m warmer and cozier than I’d be if we were down south. Something about the penetrating cold and the lack of insulation in Florida condos.

    This Saturday we’re planning a big “annual dinner” for our club members in Frankenmuth, MI. We’ll enjoy a noontime feast and then play music from 1:00-4:00. We don’t expect large audiences, but it’ll be fun anyway.

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    Hallelujah!!

    When my mother passed away she left me some bonds. It wasn’t a huge fortune: three one-thousand dollar bonds (a total of $3,000) to be exact. She also left similar bonds to my brother, Denny.

    The days surrounding her funeral were so hectic and filled with passion and strife that I barely remember them. They’re in a blurr. I was rushing, phoning, and organizing non-stop. During that period I removed the bonds from a safety deposit box so I could give my brother his. After the funeral, I immediately returned to Florida. I didn’t give the bonds a thought for a couple of days but when I got to Florida, I couldn’t remember what I’d done with my three bonds. I figured I’d left them in Michigan, so I tried to put aside any fretting over their whereabouts. I assumed I’d be able to locate them when I returned home to Michigan in two months. Last Thursday, when I got home, the first thing I did was to head for the spot I thought I’d left the bonds. They weren’t there.

    I racked my brain to remember what I’d done with them. The last place I recalled having them was at the funeral home when I gave my brother his three and showed him my three. It was the day we picked out my mother’s casket and made other arrangements. I guess my thoughts weren’t too well organized. I never thought about the bonds until I was in Florida. Then I had to wait two months to be back home to look for them.

    Today, as I was filing papers for my mother, I found a book I’d taken to the funeral home. It was Mom’s “Important Information” notebook. It contained her family tree; the birthdates of her siblings; and important dates. I’d forgotten that was the book which I’d had with me at the funeral home. (I thought I’d had a different book with me.) Stuck in the back pocket of the notebook were the three bonds. I remember now that I’d brought it with me so I could accurately list the highlights of her life.

    What a relief! I have lost so much sleep. I’ve done so much worrying. It feels so good to have things figured out. To me it was a mark of carelessness and I felt that Mom would be very disappointed in me. Now that I have them, I can relax.

    (I should mention that John was never worried. He just said, “You’ll find them stuck in something where you felt they’d be safe.” He knows me very well.)

    Hallelujah!

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    A Couple of Observations

    In Florida a problem pest is the “love-bug.” In Michigan, we have the “lady bug.” Yup, in Michigan lady bugs have cross-bred with a wierd strain of lady bugs. About five years ago this new cross-breed became true pests. They don’t bite or eat much, but if you happen to squish one, they smell horrid. They’re not the cute little critters we enjoyed during our childhood and encouraged because they’d rid your houseplants of aphids. This new breed is over-whelming. There are way too many of them to be tolerated. So in Florida the benign bug that is a pest because of the sheer numbers of them is the love-bug. But Michigan has it’s a similar problem.

    ====

    Chile and crackers make the best cold weather meal.

    ====

    Cold weather follows us. In April, we returned from Florida and everyone told us how nice it had been for most of the month, but for the next couple of weeks we had snow, gloom, and cold.

    When we returned last Thursday from Florida, it was in the mid-70’s and lovely. But within two days the temperatures had dropped and they’re still falling. It’s now bitter cold and snow is predicted.

    ====

    I miss those little geckos that scurry around in Florida. They’re sweet and help rid the world of pesky insects. I will admit I was startled by one when he jumped on me while I was sunning at the pool, but generally they are benign. I look forward to them.

    Our buddy Bob has one who lives in his house. He calls it his “dragon.”

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    Back Up North

    We arrived home about 2:00 Thursday. The house seems cluttered and in need of a major cleaning. I want/need to purge. It’s hard to know where to start. I loved the “fresh start” we had in our new condo in Florida. Now that we’re home we need to face reality that our lovely home needs some sprucing and up-dating. I’m going to get busy.

    Last night we practiced with our Subterranean Strings music club. It was nice to be with them. They’re like family. We had to work on our Christmas music so we can be ready for some major performances in December. We have a full holiday schedule. We’ll be so busy that time will fly by.

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    Fall Summary

    I promised some of my Florida friends that I’d post some pictures from the Halloween party at the South Club. There were some great costumes and I want to make photos of them available. So I’ll be doing a photo summary. I’ll do it as soon as I find a few minute. Promise!

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    Smyrna, Georgia

    We’re here in Smyrna, Georgia, relaxing in a Red Roof Inn, enjoying a glass of wine, while watching the election returns.

    We left our Florida condo at about 8:00 a.m. The weather was grey all day but no rain and the traffic was fairly light.

    We picked out Smyrna as our stopping place because it’s the first exit north of Atlanta. We’ll be able to take off tomorrow hopefully without the threat of a traffic congestion. It’s the first time we’ve tried this motel as a stop. It’s very modest, but we’ll leave early and drive as far as Cincinnati tomorrow, stopping just north of Cincinnati at Sharonville, OH.

    We always select Red Roof Inns. They’re not fancy, but clean and they love Willow.

    The temperature is pleasant. We shouldn’t have to worry about Charlie freezing in the truck tonight. (We often bring him inside the motel when we fear low temps, but our bird, Charlie, can tolerate lower than the low 50’s so we should make it to Michigan without having to bring him in.)

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    Packing for home

    I can’t believe it’s been six days since I last posted an entry to my blog. Tomorrow we head home to Michigan.

    When wrote last Tuesday, we were planning to go to the lip sync evening at the South Club. It was fun time.

    Actually we’ve tried to cram in a lot of stuff in the past few days. We went to our buddy Bob’s for dinner, had him over here for dinner, went to a Halloween party Thursday, spent yesterday at Busch Gardens and today we said our good-byes at the pool.

    So much has happened since I got down here at the end of August. That was just a little over two months ago, yet it seems that it’s been ages. Everything has shifted. It was all prompted because I lost my mother. That changed everything. We were forced to decide if we wanted to buy a place of our own. It wasn’t an easy call. Places mean responsibility. We enjoyed the time we spent over the past four years, but part of that enjoyment was because I was able to be with and spend time with Mom. Would we like it without that motivation?

    We decided Sun City Center is a good choice for us. Our condo isn’t palatial. It’s not new, it’s sparcely furnished, but we like it. We’re now pretty much settled. It’s getting harder to leave this life and go back home.

    We love our northern friends and relatives. But now many Florida friends have become special to us and like family. There’s really no way to compare. Life here is easy and relaxed. Up north it’s familiar and part of our roots.

    We’ll be back in Michigan by Thursday afternoon.

    “Good Lord willing,” as my grandma used to say.

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    Burrrrrr

    When it’s chilly in Florida, it seems more “penetrating.” Today it’s only 60 degrees. I’m dern cold. Doesn’t make sense. If I was home in Michigan and it was in the 60’s, I’d be using terms like “heat-wave.”

    We had a new door installed. It goes out the back from the living room to the lake-side back yard. It’s a full glass door. It looks a lot better than the original one which was just a solid metal door and didn’t admit any light at all. The installer put it in yesterday and today the painter finished it up. But today the door to the outside was open most of the morning. The place cooled down.

    This evening there’ll be Karaoke Tuesday at the South Club House. It should be fun. Hope folks venture out, even if it’s chilly. Maybe we can all wear our snuggies.

    We’ve been planning to go to Busch Gardens, but it would be a little too cool to enjoy it today. Hopefully we can find a day before we head back to Michigan, but that only gives us this week.

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    Permanent Residents

    Today we received our Kings Point “permanent resident” badge. Previously we’d had to apply annually for a pass which gave us admission into this gated community, but it also gave us access to the activities. We attended the “orientation” this morning and we were then allowed to get our badge and our car pass. We’re now official.

    The weather left a lot to be desired today. It was very windy and spritzed a little rain.

    This evening was Rockin Rondezvous. We were glad to see that our friends, Sissy and Jim, are back. The crowd is filling in.

    I also got an email from some Kings Point friends, Brenda and John. Brenda is a cutie who makes me feel like we’re soul mates. She’s fun to be around. Although we haven’t spent a lot of time with her and her significant other, John, I always feel like I’ve known them forever. They’re in Maine now and won’t be down here until early January.

    We’ll be leaving on November 4th and we’ll be back on January 28th. I’m already looking forward to the fun we’ll have when we get back.

    But there will still be fun times before we head northward.

    We have a dinner invitation tomorrow night. We’d like to have some folks over Saturday evening. Next week we plan to go to Busch Gardens Monday or Tuesday. Wednesday we want to go to Ruskin for spaghetti. Thursday there’ll be a Halloween costume party at Rockin’ Rendezvous. Next Friday and Saturday are the Fall Garage sale dates.

    I’m looking froward to the Halloween party next Thursday. Sue said she has a great costume in mind. Can’t wait to add it to this blog. She’s always fun to capture.

    My daughter, Kelly, is planning to come to visit us in late February for a week. I’m sure she’ll enjoy it here. I know I sure do!

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    Settled

    It really feels great to have a home to call our own. We love it!

    We have a few items that still need to be completed… power washing of the lanai, cleaning the carpets, hanging a few photos, a mirror that needs to be mounted on a dresser, but most stuff has been finished and our new home looks great!

    Last night we went to Rockin’ Rondezvous and next week we have several parties and lots of plans.

    Originally our timetable would have returned us home for a Christmas-playing gig back in Michigan (we’re musicians), but we have revised our plans and now we’ll stay a week longer. Time will still fly by, but we have given ourselves a little more time to tie up loose ends.

    This next week promises to be really really busy.. we have dance practice Sunday, KP Dance Club party Tuesday, a wine and cheese party Wednesday, newcomer orientation Thursday, as well as Rockin’ Rondezvous Thursday evening, and Fun Friday next Friday. Love it all!

    One by one our “snow bird” friends are returning to Florida. We’re still looking forward to the return of Liz and Dick, Brenda and John and others who we haven’t seen since last April. Today we enjoyed the pool. We were invited to take a day trip Monday with a van load of friends, but we decided to pass up the opportunity since our time is so limited.

    This condo purchase has been a good move for us. We didn’t choose the time. Everything was totally controlled my my mother’s unexpected death four weeks ago, but it despite the sadness of her passing, we feel we found the perfect place for us. It’s the best of the condos we considered over the past three years. We’re here and we realize how good it fits us. We’re actually considering becoming “full-time residents.” Yup, life is grand! Of course I’m sorry to have lost my mom, but I have a strong feeling she’s smiling. What better tribute to her life than to decide to follow her direction and move to the community she loved. She has to know that caring for her was my pleasure and now, we are following her example and living in Kings Point.

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    Artificial Greens

    I never thought of the differences in decorating acceptance from one locale to another until this morning when I was watching the WGTV channel which shows the do’s and don’ts of “staging” a house up for maximum impact for sale. The knowledgeable person chastised the homeowner for artifical plants. She firmly stated, “Use real plants. Artificial is definitely a ‘decorating fau paux’.”

    I looked around our new place and realize I now freely use artificial silk greens and flowers as accents when I’m here in Florida, but I’d never do that in Michigan. In our Michigan home, we have dozens of large live plants which fill our rooms. Yup, there’re all “live!” That’s not to say that they aren’t a pain when we head south. We’ve found that lining our hot tub with plastic and filling it half way with water makes a great reservoir for all our growing plants when we head South. The hot tub is set in the floor of its own room which can be reached from the living room or the master bedroom. It’s not easy to “clean up” the hottub after we use it this way, but it does keep the plants alive.

    But why is it “ok” to use artificial here in Florida, but I’d never ever do it in Michigan? In Michigan it would be considered tacky and no-class.

    This isn’t the first time I’ve notice the difference. In fact, I’ve been surprised that in this wonderful climate where plants grow with ease, some folks even use artificial flowers outside. I haven’t stooped to that ploy. My out-door stuff is all the real McCoy. We have added a lemon yellow hybiscus to the landscaping behind our new place and I have delicate orchid on the lanai.

    The landscaping around our new place is lovely and well maintained. There is an attentive crew to keep everything clipped and groomed. We have palm trees, large shade trees, lots of flowering shrubs, and an abundance of color. All real and growing.

    But here in Florida, no one seems to mess with live plants inside. Everyone uses artificial. Life-like orchids are common. Silk hybiscus are used as living area accents. Artificial ivy and philodendron are seen everywhere.

    My question is this, “Why is it a no-no to use artificial plants in Michigan, but perfectly acceptable here in Florida, where it would actually be easier to get the plants to grow?”

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    Settling in

    It sure feels good to have our own place! Tonight we sat on our lanai and enjoyed the out-door scene. We have a tremendous view from our living room, but the side lanai (which is secluded and private) is an added benefit and faces another direction.

    We’re so happy that we didn’t try to buy Mom’s condo. It’s in an older area with fewer improvements. We’ll never find neighbors as nice as those we left behind, but we have a condo that is “easier” and something which suits us better. We want to have our “old neighbors” come over for Mom memorial. We need to acknowledge our mutual loss. Mom was a valued member of their community for over 15 years (even if Alzheimers robbed her of the last four or so years).

    Today we moved the last items. We donated a lot to the “Nearly New” charity. There were things we knew we’d never use so we contributed them. We also did some shopping. We went to the pool. We still need to “clean-up” Fallow Court. but we have moved everything that’s ours. Now we’re just trying to settle in.

    John’s actually talking about how hard it will be to leave all this. I have a feeling that next year we’ll come earlier and stay longer.

    He loves his garage with it’s workshop area. He loves having lots of storage. He loves the huge living space. The more formal dining room is a new feature which we haven’t previously enjoyed (even in Michigan). It’s so nice to be settled in.

    Life’s good. We couldn’t be happier.

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    We’ll all in..

    We’re pooped, but we’re in our condo. Actually last night was the first night we stayed here. Everything is falling into place. Phone now works, the cable TV and high speed internet are hooked up, and we have most of our furnishings and about 1/2 of our clothing here.

    About 4:30 this afternoon we took a break and went to the pool. It felt so great!

    During dinner, we got a call from our buddy Bob. He wanted to stop by. So this evening we entertained our first guest. He stayed a couple hours. He appropriately said all the nice things we wanted to hear.

    Tomorrow Bob and John will move a couple items over here. We plan to take it easier. I need to go to the bank and tomorrow night we’ll go to Rockin’ Rondezvous.

    We love the view from our living room. Sure there are a few things we want to “eventually” change, but there’s no reason to feel pressure. Our place is very comfortable. The ugly door from the living room out the back will be our first concern because it’s deteriorated, but maybe we’ll wait until we return in January.

    Right now we’re going to finish up the move and ENJOY our new place.

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    Moving Day

    Today we closed on our new condo. We started moving by 10:30 a.m. and when we called it a day, we’d moved five truckloads to our new place. We’re both plum tuckered out. Our residence is spacious and looks great with the furnishings we bought in April. It’s really lovely.

    I’d love to be there to sleep tonight, but we don’t have our bed moved, nor our sofa, nor our TV set. So we’re here in our “old” place but we’re imagining what it’ll be like when everything’s settled. Our goal is to stay there tomorrow night.

    A new neighbor, Gerry, brought us a loaf of “welcome” breakfast bread. I know we’re going to love being part of this community.

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    Nine days to move!

    This past month has been chaotic. Mom died on the 14th of September, I flew back to Michigan on the 17th for her funeral, and then back to Sun City on the 21st. That means that we’ve only had two weeks to purchase a condo, pack, and prepare to close on a new residence. The closing is scheduled for Monday. Talk about pressure. we’ve had it.

    I would prefer to leave the condo where we have lived spotless, but time constraints will not provide for much “clean up” after we move out. Oh, well…. (Today I mentioned that concern to several friends who laughed at me and told me that, with a demand of 30 days, I shouldn’t worry. I guess they’re right.) We’ll be out on the 14th.

    Of course there are lots of items to resolve… (transfers of the electric power, condo association dues, maintenance warranty transfer, etc.) It all takes time.

    We are hustling around and packing stuff. I didn’t realize we’d accumulated so much.

    Today was the “final walk through.” We had to check to make sure the items listed by the “inspection” were taken care of. One wasn’t. Hopefully they’ll have it fixed by Monday.

    We met with the Vice Presient of our Condo Association. Nice guy and an equally nice wife. I think we’re going to love the neighborhood. The past two Thursdays at Rockin’ Rondezvous, we have enjoyed the company of one new neighbor, “Linda,” who lives in the next building — in the middle unit.

    And on top of all the moving stuff, we are trying to get ready for a Christmas performance on November 1st in Michigan. Yup, the holiday season starts immediately after Halloween and we always play our first gig on the first Saturday of November, which this year is November 1st.

    Somehow playing “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas” doesn’t fit with my Florida mood. “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” my be my favorite seasonal song, but when you hear it and it’s 90 degrees, it doesn’t create the same feeling, and “White Christmas” somehow doesn’t pluck the heart strings down here in the sunny South the way it does in Michigan.

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    Talked to an attorney

    Today I spoke with an attorney to make sure I’m doing things correctly as trustee of my mother’s trust. Armed with the lawyer’s supportive words, I now sure I’m handling everything legally.

    We are getting ready for the closing on our condo Monday. It’s been hard this week because it feels like we are just waiting to “get in.”

    We’ve been to the pool nearly every day and tonight we went out to dinner with Dale and Trudy (neighbors and friends) and another couple. Nice evening.

    We have lots of stuff to do over the next few days. Can’t wait to get moved!

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    Dancin’ Shoes

    Today we brushed off our dancing shoes and went to the “ballroom dance practice.” It would have been fun, but John had remembered more than I had and I was frustered. I kept reverting to the dance styles of my youth, and that was “wrong.” I therefore came away feeling like a failure.

    But on a positive note, I spent a great deal of time talking with music folks from Michigan who had attended the ODPC (Original Dulcimer Players Club) annual meeting. It was held yesterday and there were some major changes. If you will recall, back in July, I resigned from my role as workshop leader chairman because, when I took concerns to the board from my workshop leaders, no one would listen. My resignation prompted others to review the goings on in the ODPC and it was a general feeling that the leadership wasn’t responding. Therefore, some very intelligent members made an extra effort to be at yesterday’s meeting. Armed with knowledge and understanding, they convinced those present to make a change. A new board was elected.

    I am optimistic that the changes will bring new life into this organization. The new folks who were elected are enthusiastic and eager to respond to the concerns of those who have been ignored.

    I feel badly that folks had hurt feelings, but I’m sure glad that now the ODPC has found a core group who will try to make things better for the members. From the start of yesterday’s meeting, apparently there was no attempt by the president to respond to the concerns which had been expressed in July at the wrap up meeting after the festival. Instead there was just a move-on-everything’s fine attitude. The voting proved otherwise. All officers (except the secretary) were replaced.

    So I’m back as workshop chairman and really pleased to be able to assume my role. I fit in this job and I am sure that folks feel I do a good job in it.

    Thanks to all those wonderful folks who took time to go to the ODPC meeting. They are to be respected and admired because they cared enough to “get involved.” In this day and age, it’s a rare person who goes out on a limb to stand for (and work for) a cause with no expectation of pay or reward. They saw a problem. They are working to fix it. I’m 100% supportive of the new board.

    I can’t say I’m “happy” because that would be to feel good when others feel very wounded, but I am sure that in the end, even the doubters will appreciate some new attitudes.

    It took a lot of research and preparation to prepare for the meeting. There were enough people who cared so they did their homework.

    Long may the ODPC flourish in the capable hands of folks who want to continue the tradition!!

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    The morning after

    Yesterday we had to decide about some of the improvements. The door from the living room out to the backyard of our place needs to be replaced. We had already decided that we want a new one anyway because it’s ugly ugly. A pretty door with character is needed to dress up that part of the living room. The seller will give us credit for the purchase of a simple door. We’ll upgrade.

    Other repairs are minor.

    This a.m. I will finish up some of the paper work for another of my mother’s annuities and start packing for our move. I’m going to purge a lot of the junk I’ve been accumulating here.

    We went to Rockin’ Rondevzous last night. Seeing our friends is always fun. Sue Sussman introduced us to one of our new neighbors, Linda. She is nice. She said our new neighborhood is very social. We’ll miss a big neighborhood get-together in December but I guess that’ll be just one of many.

    On our way home from the South Club last night, we went past “our” place. The view was awesome. We hoped to catch the sunset, but instead arrived to see the colorful sky silhoutetting the palms. The ponds behind “our” condo reflected the hue. It’s lovely. And to think we’ll soon own it! Yeah!

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    What a week!

    So much is going on that I feel over-whelmed.

    I flew back from Michigan Sunday. In Michigan, I’d arranged Mom’s funeral.

    After returning to Florida, the urgent need to find and move into a condo of our own hit me. It’s a big step. From an investment standpoint, it seems like the “time is right” and the price is lower on the one we found than the market estimate (on Zillow.com). But between resolving Mom’s estate and completing this condo deal, it’s a challenge.

    We’ve had our new place inspected and now we’re waiting for some minor repairs. It looks like, once that’s done, we can hand them a check and we can move. It will probably be October 6th.

    I hadn’t realized that “moving money” takes so much time. We had money in our Michigan bank and credit union accounts, but getting it down here in a Florida bank is slower than we anticipated. We should have done a more direct transfer because the transfer of the money is slowing down our closing. We have stuff to do anyway, but now that we’re close, we’re getting anxious to get settled.

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    It’s Over

    Mom’s funeral is over. It went very well. I had asked a minister from the Memorial Presbyterian Church in Midland to perform the service. He did a very nice job. The highlight of the service was a message from my mother’s long time best friend. It really put a personal touch on everything.

    Elaine’s message was as follows:

    Date sent: Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:29:30 -0700
    From: “E. Doehring”
    To: Sharon Skaryd
    Subject: Ruby

    “Dear Sharon,

    “Thank you for letting us know about your Mother’s death.
    For some reason I had thought about her several times these last few
    days. I wondered how she was doing. And how you were doing, too. I was
    also remembering some of the days of long ago in the days when we were
    young. I have been told that we played together when we were about 2
    years old. I do not remember that, but for some reason I remember that
    they lived in a big house with lots of shade. It felt so cool. I think
    we were living in a place that did not have trees.
    We had such fun in high school. She was a lot more popular with the boys
    than I was, but I was willing to just have them around!! One of those
    boys was Harry, which I am sure you know. [NOTE: Harry is Elaine’s husband
    and later in this message she talks about the fun they had after Elaine and Harry and
    my mom and dad were married.]
    He seemed like such a nuisance to me but it
    was fun to have him around!! One year we sat together. (At that time there were
    two seater desks) She always seemed happy and pretty and fun!! I really envied her
    having so many sisters. I just had brothers and they were such a nuisance!
    One year I drove to school and was instructed by my father that I could not go off
    “the meridian” and the pavement into Merrill. Ruby needed a ride and my route was about
    3/4 of a mile from her house. Dad would not allow me to drive down and pick
    her up–one side of the road had a huge ditch and he was sure I would
    drive in it. So she would walk to the corner and I would pick her up.
    Even in mid winter. Then we would talk and giggle al the way to school.
    Even today, I feel that my Dad was wrong, but that is the way it was.
    Later, after we both were married, the four of us became good friends.
    your Father was also a very special person and we had such good times
    with them. One of the most memorable to us was when we lived in a tiny
    basement apartment in Dearborn. You were a very new baby, and you all
    stayed overnight with us. Our bed was a sofa bed that opened for night
    time use and all FIVE of us slept in it. (Fitfully, I assure you) You
    may have had a basket thingy that you were in. That is one of our most
    special memories. Also the times at the lake, and so many others.
    You have been a wonderful daughter. Sometimes it must have been a trial,
    but now that it is over, you will never regret that you took good care
    of her. I guess that special mothers often have special daughters.
    Crazy as it sounds, for we hadn’t seen each other for a long time, I
    miss her. Somehow my world has changed. This is the first year in years
    that I did not send her a card for her birthday. Even if she couldn’t
    have read it, I feel negligent for forgetting my best friend.
    Take care of yourselves, and I hope you will keep in touch with me.

    Love, Elaine—and Harry, too.”

    The attendance for today’s funeral and for the luncheon was hard to project. I planned for 75, we probably had fewer than 50. Denny and I took home enough ham, au gratin potatoes, and beans to feed an army. (After I enjoy them tonight for dinner, I’ll freeze mine.)

    I should be packing to head back to Florida. But right now I’m enjoying a quiet time with a glass of wine and my thoughts.

    Mom was a special lady. She enjoyed fun times and always seemed willing to participate. She was multi-talented. One guest last night said, “When she worked (at Consumers Power), your mother was the smartest, best organized person I knew. She was always on-top of things.”

    My parents were half way through a huge cottage addition and renovation when my father developed a heart condition. Mom became the “lady carpenter” (which was her CB “handle” back in the 70’s). Dad couldn’t go up on a ladder any more, so Mom did the roofing, the siding, the dry-walling and finished the addition so that it was a show-place. She was awesome.

    After retiring to Florida, she joined golf leagues, ball room dance classes and clubs, and traveled the world.

    She had a good life. I can just imagine what a feeling of dread must have over-come her when she realized she was losing her memory. It probably was noticeable to her eight to ten years ago. She didn’t tell us and wouldn’t admit to her condition, but she detailed her life in a notebook and made excellent “notes” for me so I could take over her affairs. She made sure she had a long-time insurance policy which covered a large percentage of her expenses these past four years.

    My mom’s gone now. But as my husband pointed out, people live on in memories. As long as we remember them, they’ll always exist.

    I remember Mom.
    I remember Dad.
    I recall with detail my great grandmother, Clara Brophey.

    Those are the generations that went before me and the strong influences which shaped the person I am now.

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    Hard Day

    I’m preparing to go to the funeral home for mom’s afternoon-evening “showing”. I’m sure it’ll be difficult. I have been so busy that I haven’t really had time to deal with emotions.

    Here’s her obituary as it appears on the Ware Smith Woolever website:

    Mom’s Obituary

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    Chaotic Week

    My life certainly is in turmoil. So much is happening!

    I’ve been handling the arrangements for Mom’s funeral.

    My brother, Denny, has been very helpful. I now understand better why he had backed away from the problem of caring for Mom. For a couple of years I had been very disappointed in his “lack of interest” but I now understand that he had problems of his own (his wife left him unexpectedly), and he was overwhelmed by his own problems. And I probably gave the impression that I didn’t want interference. (I have a negative tendency to “take charge.”) It was easier to do thiings my way without consulting him, so he just stayed away.

    But he’s been there to help me with the arrangements, and he’s been very cooperative when it comes to the division of any of Mom’s possessions. It could have been a problem had he insisted in a precise 50:50 split of the stuff that’s in the condo. Since we bought so much of it, it would be tough to sort it out and make it equitable. He’s assured me that the condo contents are mine.

    John and I have had an offer accepted on a condo which we think will work perfectly for us. There are some minor things which we will want to do to it, but those are projects we can deal with later. For now our only concern is to get everything done so we can move within the time allowed by Hoagie’s kids. (Hoagie was Mom’s husband who died last February. The condo, which was in a “life estate” was for my mother’s use but only during her lifetime. Now it’ll go to Hoagie’s heirs.) They have told us to be out within 30 days. That’s certainly not a very friendly way to handle it, but we are trying to comply.

    Closing on the condo is scheduled for October 6th. We will then have three weeks to get settled before we head home.

    The condo we’re buying is live-in-ready. The carpet is clean, and it’s empty. Our few pieces of furniture will rattle around in the huge (20 x 22 foot) living room, but we can certainly get by.

    I’ll even have a small “office” off the kitchen. Nothing fancy, but we won’t have to have my computer stuff out where it’s in the way. Our music stuff can go in the guest room. The separate dining room will need a breakfront or hutch, but that’s for the future.

    Our golf cart will be able to stay clean in the garage. We’ll have lots of room there to store our possessions.

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    Arrangements

    I’ve been really busy making arrangements for my mother’s funeral.

    As I mentioned previously, she died on Sunday. Monday and Tuesday were spent cleaning out her room at Cypress Creek. We donated her incontinent supplies to the Shriner’s Hospital, her clothes to the “Nearly New” sale which helps the disadvantaged, and we gave her wheel chair to the Emergency Services in Sun City Center. It all took time!

    Today I flew into Tri-City airport (aka MBS = Midland/Bay City/Saginaw) at 3:00. It was a rush to get to the bank and retrieve her important papers (insurance, birth certificate, last will, funeral contracts).

    Tomorrow my brother, Denny, and I will make the arrangements at the Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Home in Midland. We’ve set the visitation times: Friday 3:00 for family, 4:00-7:00 for friends and relatives; Saturday 9:00-10:00. The funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday. Burial will be at Midland Memorial Gardens. There’ll be a noon luncheon at the American Legion Post in Midland.

    So that’s the plan.

    I’ve been going through photos and memorabilia and I think we have assembled a nice presentation of the highlights Mom’s life.

    John stayed in Florida. Ideally we would have driven back together, but not after just having made that long trip down there (we arrived Saturday) and, since we have to move out of our condo in 30 days, we’d have to turn around and drive right back. (Flying wasn’t an option for both of us since we had our pets with us.)

    He’s busy checking out condos. We have been looking for about three years, but since we had an obligation to take care of Mom’s we couldn’t seriously look until now. The one that we like best is lovely. It’s the one I mentioned in my last post. Especially since we will only use it about four months out of the year, it’ll be perfect. I especially like the huge open 20 x 24 foot living room with vaulted ceilings and the to-die-for sunset side view of a pond and golf course. We’ll be a lot more comfortable than in the condo we’ve been using. I hope it works out.

    Even if we could have purchased Mom’s condo, it is in a no-pets area. Since the neighbors like us and since everyone knew I was caring for my mother, they didn’t say anything, but we know with certainty that we couldn’t continued to have our Willow dog at the Fallow Court condo. The condo we’re interested in is in a pet-friendly association.

    It’s a good thing I’ve been so busy. I haven’t had time to really dwell on my loss. But at 5:00 p.m. each night I get the feeling that I need to be with Mom to feed her. It really hits me at that time.

    If we buy a place, we’ll definitely be busy which will help fill the void which now exists in our lives.

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    Mom’s Gone

    My mother left this earth at 11:00 last night, September 14th.

    Today I have been trying to notify family, find pallbearers, and make other arrangements.

    I have flights home to Saginaw leaving from Tampa Wednesday. The funeral will be Saturday (although the time hasn’t been determined). I’ll head back to Florida Sunday.

    For the past three years, we have been staying in the condo my mother shared with her husband, Laurel Hoagland (Hoagie). She had a life-estate (meaning it was for her use until she died). We therefore need to find a new place to stay.

    Today we looked for a condo. We found a nice one at a reasonable price that will fit our needs. I think we are ready to make an offer. I don’t know if they’ll accept, but we can try. We’d like to be ready to start the move-in with two weeks so we can get settled by October 30, when we head home.

    It is 1,400+ sq. feet with two bedrooms, two baths, a large two car garage, a den (which we will use as music room or dining room), a screened lanai, a lovely pond/golf course view, high vaulted ceilings, a nice bar arrangement, and a living room that’s HUGE!! We like the layout. We’re concerned that we may not have enough furnishings, but we can get by. John would have a workshop in the garage. I have my choice of a couple locations for an office, and all and all it’s very nice and hopefully a good investment.

    Our primary concern is the arrangements for my mother but the condo situation is also important since we want as much time as possible to move and settle in.

    I need to pack (again) tomorrow. I had no idea I’d be headed back to Saginaw so soon.

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    Mom’s really failing

    I was with Mom today. Sadly try as I might, I couldn’t find the mother I’ve always known. She’s a shell without the ability to recognize me. She’s near death. We’re trying to make arrangements. It’s difficult. We knew it would eventually happen, but we’re still not prepared.

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    The trip without a computer

    It’s been hard to stay occupied while riding from Michigan to Florida.

    I’m accustomed to co-piloting with the use of my GPS, which runs through my laptop. Since starting these long trips, I’ve always been able to go on line, using a connection through my cellphone to my computer. But this time, with none of that to keep me busy, this trip has been longer and more boring.

    I had thought for sure that I could restore my old computer to the point that I could get on line with it. I hoped for the cellphone internet connection, but I quickly discovered that wasn’t going to happen.

    I still thought I had myself covered for at least a daily check in. I’d booked a business king room for the first motel (Thursday night) so it had internet. I was even successful connecting but only one time. After that I couldn’t get the computer to recognize the network. Hopefully it was the motel’s system problem, and not my computer. I should have used the motel’s computer lounge, but I was already ready for bed when I discovered the problem, so I thought I’d wait until Friday (last) night.

    Unfortunately last night’s motel had no public terminal and subscribing for one night’s T-Mobile service would have cost $9.95, which may have been wasted if making an internet connection wasn’t possible, so I didn’t try.

    Our Vonage phone (which serves us both in Florida and in Michigan) is also messed up. When my computer was dying, I had changed the setting but I did it incorrectly (that’s what I get for hurrying) The way it’s set up, instead of being forwarded to voice mail, when someone calls our regular phone line, they get an operator asking for the pin number. At least folks aren’t leaving messages. Very few folks have our cell phone number since generally I can have our phone forwarded to our cellphone.

    At least I know that, as soon as I have internet access, I can fix that problem. We’ll have both our Saginaw and our Florida phone lines with unlimited calling.

    By cellphone, I was able to contact Mom’s nursing home and Mom’s caregiver to give them our cell number. No one has called so I assume no news is good news.

    Hopefully I will be able to get on line using my old computer from the condo. If not, I can make trips to the club house until my new computer arrives mid-week. .

    I haven’t been able to retrieve any email since Wednesday. There’s no way to know if I’ve missed sales contacts or not.

    So I’m riding along. I have Word, Excel, and Lotus installed on my old computer. I’m using the word processor to type this in hopes of eventually up-loading it to my blog.

    Fifty miles and we’ll be at the Georgia/Florida border.

    Hurricane Ike has really played havoc with gas prices. The lowest we’ve paid has been $3.80 Thursday, but we’re seeing much higher prices today in the mid $4 range.

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    My computer died!

    Although I’d known for a while that my computer had a terminal condition, I was still hoping. Tuesday, September 9, 2008, after long and faithful service, I had to acknowledge it was gone. It showed me one last blue screen and then nothing…

    Right now John and I are heading south to be with Mom. She’s not doing well. Monday, I had signed the paperwork to allow hospice to help with her care. She was moved to the Sun City Hospice House while I was flying back to Michigan Tuesday, September 9th.

    Wednesday was a blur. We had a performance plus we had to finish packing. I talked with the Hospice folks and with Mercedes, Mom’s caregiver, several times.

    Thursday about 9:00 a.m., we hit the road to drive back down to Florida. Mom’s new hospice doctor contacted me. She said at some point I should decide not to continue her treatment. She said it would be kinder to let Mom die of an infection that extend her life much longer.

    I’m not ready to do that. I still think she hasn’t reached that point yet when it’s appropriate to make that decision. We’re headed back to her. The doctor has said, and I am sure, she will recover from this infection and continue to live but probably not very long..

    I fear this trip to Florida is my final opportunity both to be with Mom and to convince John that buying a place in Florida would be a good idea. It will be that much sadder for me, if I lose Mom AND the life-style and friends we have come to enjoy and are such a big part of our lives. I hope John sees it that way too. I know for me, it will be a double loss if we don’t continue to be in Kings Point several months out of the year.

    But I’m an eternal optimist. My experience with my computer is a little like my experience with Mom. I kept hoping and I was sure that my laptop would run on and on. Sadly I was wrong. I had made contingency plans (back-ups), but I was unprepared. Of course the computer is just a handy device and replaceable. With Mom, I’ve been her caretaker. I’ve nursed her and made sure she was safe. I’ve hugged her and held her. I’ve learned to be me more caring and to be happy with small miracles like Tuesday’s hoarsely stated, “I love you” which she said before I left.

    I’ll be with Mom this afternoon.

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    Working through Florida problems

    I’ve been without my computer for almost a week. I think I’ve just maxxed it out there’s no longer space for temporary files to be written so it crashes… and crashes and crashes. I spent over two hours trying to get on-line so I could order a new computer today. I had it all picked out but if I went on line and used a website, I could get $150 more off the price. I finally gave up and went to the computer lab at the Club House. I was able to take advantage of the offer.

    My new computer is a titanium grey Sony Vaio which will have a monster 400 GB hard drive 4 meg of ram and every bell and whistle you can think of. (I’ve had a Vaio for the past 3 1/2 years and I’ve loved it. If this one serves me as well, I’ll be happy.)

    It should be shipped within about five days! I can’t wait. I’m so tired of waiting for my crashes to resolve only to have the “blue screen of death” come up again.

    The last few days have been busy — filled with problems and not enough pool time!

    A friend of ours (Jay Morris) passed away last Tuesday unexpectedly. Wednesday I went to dinner with neighbor Loretta. Thursday there was a memorial service for Jay. He was the one who took the photo I posted a few days ago of John and me in the pool. He will be missed especially at the pool where he was a fixture.

    Thursday night I had a fun time at Rockin’ Rendezvous. I sat with Bob Taylor for a while and neighbors Dale and Trudy the rest of the time. Lot of friends. It was nice.

    I did enjoy some sun Friday and yesterday. But Saturday I was at the hospital all day with my mother. She had a very bad UTI (infection) and was “out-of-it”. I spent nearly seven hours in the E.R. of the hospital.

    Yesterday (Sunday) I was able to enjoy a little pool time, but not enough and today I’ve been too busy, but maybe I’ll dash over for a short while.

    I fly back home tomorrow.

    As it turned out, it was good that I’ve been down here. I was definitely needed, especially with Mom’s health crisis, and a doctor’s appointment this morning, and tonight at 6:00 p.m. I am meeting with a hospice agency to see if Mom is a candidate for hospice. If she is, she’ll be assured a permanent place at Cypress Creek.

    Tomorrow, on my way to the car rental agency, I will stop and talk to Mom’s attorney about the lawsuit against Courtyards.

    I need to get the place spiffyed up. John’ll be here with me Saturday and I want him to be impressed with how nice it looks. I’ve been doing laundry, cleaning, etc. today. Busy busy busy.

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    One week down.. one to go

    I’m half way through my solo vacation to Florida.

    I’ve been visiting Mom every day and I’m realizing just how much awareness she’s lost since I was here in June. I know her remaining time is limited. Her life has been a good one, but she’s nearly gone. I doubt if she’ll live to see 2009. Much of the time she just sits with a fixed stare. There’s no reaction when I talk with her. Questions go unanswered. She just stares. I keep thinking I can “break through” to her consciousness but I guess I should accept that there’s nothing in there to reach. It’s gone.

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    Hot time in Sun City Center

    I love the Florida environment. I spent today at the pool. They have “Fun Fridays” with music, food and beer. The beer cooler broke, so that was left out of the party, but the burgers were good. The water was probably 90 degrees so not really refreshing, but cooler than the air. It was nice. Too hot but nice. Tomorrow I’m taking a mist sprayer so I can stay cooler.

    Visited Mom this evening. She was doing better and in fact the staff couldn’t believe how she responds to me – talks, waved good-bye, and is interactive.

    The problems with the Original Dulcimer Players Club and my resignation are coming to a head. I feel horrid about any problems I may have caused, but I’m glad that so many are responding and hopefully fixing issues which were log over-due. We’re all optimistic.

    This weekend is the Labor Day holiday. Since this community is just retirees, a day-off-work doesn’t mean much. I hope to hang out at the pool.

    Every day flies by. No one is idle. I’ve already “spent” four days of my two-week time down here. I miss John, but since I like it better down her than he does, it’s wise that we do it this way. Eventually I could be happy down here year-round. For now, it’s nice to divide our time.

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    Here we are:

    Got this photo from a friend who captured John and me in the South Club pool here at Kings Point this past spring:

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    First two days with Mom

    I’ve been here in Florida for two days. It’s been very nice but HOT! (mid to high 90’s)

    I’ve been to see Mom three times. Yesterday (Wednesday) she was more alert than Tuesday. With a lot of coaxing I got her to go through her “routine” with me.

    I said, “I love you, Mom.”

    She replied, “I love you too.”

    “How much?” I asked.

    “Bushel and a peck,” she said.

    “And?……” was my response.

    “And a hug around the neck,” she stated.

    She “puckers” to kiss me and seems more alert when I’m with her.

    I brought her a milk shake yesterday. She enjoyed it.

    Tuesday night was a karaoke night at the South Clubhouse. Saw lots of good friends. More were at the pool yesterday (Wednesday). Tonight is Rockin Rendezvous and lots of the people we miss should be there. I know it’s still summer and the snowbirds won’t be back for a couple of months, but some of our friends are full-time residents down here.

    I’ve been trying to stay current on the ODPC Evart problems. It’s been difficult but I think folks are on the right track. I’m totally supportive, and I’d love to return to do workshops, but I want to see things fixed. I didn’t go through all this to “cave-in” and accept less than what is best for the workshop leaders and stage show performers.

    In about an hour, I want to go to the clubhouse. Thank heavens I rented a car because Tuesday it rained HARD, and it looks like we’ll have more rain today.

    I have found a condo I’d like to tour. It looks lovely. The water view is perfect. It’s a tad small but has a huge two-car garage. Best thing, the price is fairly low. Hopefully we could talk them into an even lower selling price. I have looked at a half dozen (without going inside). Actually three are really nice, one is interesting, and there’s one which is perfect but beyond our price-range. I love looking.

    Today I picked up my mother’s medical records from Courtyards (the facility I will soon be suing for my mother.) I want to get the paperwork going for her lawsuit against Courtyards. I truly believe Mom would be much better if she hadn’t had the trauma of her two falls last May including 28 stitches the first time and a broken nose, and 16 stitches the second time. True, she’d eventually have deteriorated to this point, but the decline was so steep after she fell on Courtyards’ bus, that I lost her.

    Well, I suppose I should go get ready for Rockin Rendezvous. Tomorrow there’ll be a noon pool party. Since it’s supposed to have thunder storms tomorrow afternoon, I think I’ll head to the pool early.

    It’s sure nice here. I miss John, but I love the people we know here. The environment really encourages a fun lifestyle.

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    Heading South … Again!

    In about eight hours, I’ll be with Mom. I don’t know how she’ll be, if she’ll remember me, if she’ll be totally in another world, and I’m apprehensive. I know her time is limited (she’s forgetting how to chew and swallow, which is frightening), but I’m determined to enjoy some pleasant times with her, however brief and fleeting.

    I’m waiting for my plane to board, as I work on this entry. I’ll fly into Detroit and then on to Tampa International.

    Seems like our life has been chaotic lately. I’m looking forward to the tranquility of the southern environment.

    My husband, John, was a co-chairman of the Midland Dulcimer Festival and I was in charge of the Saturday stage shows, so this past weekend was hectic but rewarding. John and the other co-chairperson, Margaret Loper, organized a wonderful event. It was relaxing, fun, and filed with music and friends.

    The problems resulting from my resignation as workshop chairman of the Evart Funfest continue to pile up. It’s really a mess now.

    I know we all want the same thing: the successful continuation of our wonderful music festival and the organization behind it. I’m receiving indications that folks feel the the board doesn’t care but I know that’s not true. Those people are committed to this event/organization and care, just as I do, about it.

    One member, Judith, a voice of reason, asked for some explanations from the board and I hope they comply.

    The latest wrinkle is that they (the board) sent out a newsletter which included a mail in ballot for bylaws changes. That’s not the way bylaws changes are to be made. We may wish we could “speed up the process” but when you’re running a 501C3 corporation, you can’t just handle things willy-nilly. You have to follow the rules which are in effect. My fear (and that of others) is that we could lose our status as a not-for-profit.

    Someone needs to rescind the mailed ballot, no matter what it takes.

    The election of officers isn’t handled very well in the current bylaws, but Roberts Rules would indicate that although a “slate of officers” has been prepared by the nominating committee, nominations from the floor would still be in order. We are being denied that opportunity.

    Time to board my plane… I’ll write more later.

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    Wow! Our “little event” has grown up!

    We’re here at the Midland Dulcimer Festival (where my husband, John, is a co-chairman). It’s held at the Midland County Fairgrounds (Midland, MI).

    The Midland Dulcimer Festival used to be considered “little” because it’s always being compared to Evart. Actually it’s the second largest hammered dulcimer festival in the world. Especially this year, it’s really grown.

    Unofficially, we counted about 137 camping units last night. That is about 50 more than we’ve had most years on Thursday night.

    Nearly 200 folks enjoyed a huge potluck and there was an open mic show after the dinner.

    Unfortunately, it’s cloudy today with occasional light mist. The weather forecast is for a shower or two and I fear they mean the heavier kind and temperatures in the high 80’s. Then tomorrow, there’s a 60% chance of an afternoon thunderstorm as a cold front comes through. Sunday it should be be partly cloudy but no rain.

    Last night John and I walked around and observed several large jams. Our jam was moderate in size. It broke up fairly early. One of the larger jams had the neatest set-up. They’d made a “U” of three trailers. In the middle there were four easy-up 10 x 10 canopies, and the three trailer awnings were touching the easy-ups. It made an area about 36 x 28 all ablaze with white icicle Christmas lights (the kind that hang down), and chinese lanterns. It was awesome.

    Not to be out-done, we’re planning on making our jamming area even tackier. We are planning to do the decorating today, and maybe we’ll even have a pole dancing routine tomorrow night. (We need to practice it and get it right.)

    It’s all great fun.

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    Midland Dulcimer Festival

    Next Wednesday (August 20th), John and I will move our fifth wheel to the Midland Fairgrounds for the 15th annual Midland Dulcimer Festival. It starts Thursday evening with a large potluck.

    John and Margaret Loper are co-chairmen. I am in charge of the stage show, and run the copy and hospitality service, but for me, it’s not stressful. John has all of the work for this one. We’ll stay until Sunday, the 24th.

    ==========

    When we’re home on Monday the 25th, I will need to do some laundry, unpack the trailer, and transfer some of my festival clothes to my suitcase because at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, the 26th, I fly down to Florida to visit my mother.

    I think I am as well-organized as I can be. I’ve gone as far as I can packing for my Florida trip, and I have a list of the stuff that I can’t pack until we get back from the festival.

    I’ll fly back from Florida on Tuesday, September the 9th, in the evening. Hopefully John will be ready to take off again for our long drive back to the “sunshine state.” We’re planning to leave on the 11th.

    I had thought I could get to the point where I’d leave my clothes down there and not bring stuff back and forth. I left a lot last time and I’d thought I would be traveling light this time, but I find that the stuff I really like, I want to have available no matter where I am. Clothes don’t stay in style all that long, and when I have something new and cute, I really can’t see leaving it behind.

    I’d rather have a large wardrobe in Florida than in Michigan because we have more social engagements down there, but even when we’re home in Michigan, I find I need a decent wardrobe.

    My plan was to buy two of my favorite items (one for Florida and one for Michigan), but I find even if I have two, I want to bring them both down there. So buying two of some items has actually increased the amount I bring. Oh, well…

    I do vow that what I bring back when we head north next spring will be just a fraction of what I am taking down there.

    Or maybe I can just look at it as “helping the economy.”

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    Bruno, the Singing Chihuahua

    When we were at Gladwin’s Carriage Days over the past weekend, Picks and Sticks were also playing. We seemed to always be following them, or they followed us.

    On Friday, they brought Bruno out of retirement. Bruno is their singing chihuahua.

    Yup, he actually performs. In fact he steals the show.

    You can check out the video I took:

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    Carriage Days…

    John and I are at the Gladwin (MI) fairgrounds participating in the Gladwin Carriage Days festival. It’s been a fun weekend. Our dulcimer club (Saginaw Subterranean Strings Hammered Dulcimer Club) is using the event as a camping weekend. We had a good turnout: 19 members. Everyone seems to have had a good time.

    We’ve played twice a day for an hour or an hour and a half each time. We’ve been playing in different locations on and off the fairgrounds property. Right now we’re relaxing and I’m planning to “stay in” tonight.

    I haven’t felt my best this weekend, and right now I’m totally worn out. I didn’t sleep well last night.

    We’ve had cool weather (66 degrees now and a low in the low 50’s last night). It’s rained several times. The foul weather has been unfortunate because, with the bad weather, the turnout for this event has been small. It’s only the second year for their “Carriage Festival”. I hope they can continue it. I’m sure our club would like to return. The community seems to have good involvement. There are little things to be straightened out, but it certainly has been fun. The fairgrounds has a lovely campground and it’s a comparatively short drive for most of our members. If only the audiences had been larger.

    Tomorrow is Sunday. We only play from 11:00-12:00 and then we head home.

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    Am I packing, or unpacking?

    We’re loading up our 5th wheel to head to Gladwin this Thursday for a few days of camping and performing with our dulcimer club. Since I haven’t really unpacked from our Upper Peninsula trip, I don’t know if I’m packing or unpacking. It is lots easier to load up the trailer than it is to prepare for a truck trip to the Upper Peninsula. When heading to the U.P., we pack our vehicle then when we get there, we unpack, then pack to come back, and unpack when we get home.

    This week we will take our 5th wheel to Gladwin but at least the stuff stays in the trailer while we’re there (sorta). The weekend should be fun.

    A little over a week after we get back from Gladwin (on the 10th), we will be heading to the Midland Dulcimer Festival. Thankfully, stuff can just stay in the trailer, so as I pack for Gladwin I’ll be including the some of the stuff for Midland.

    We’ll be at the Midland Festival from August 19th or 20th until the 24th. It’s always a highlight of our summer. Lots of fun with good friends.

    To complicate things, two days after we return from Midland, I’ll leave to fly down to be with Mom (on the 26th). That’s three weeks from tomorrow.

    Today I reserved a rental car to use for the two weeks I’ll be down there alone. I hadn’t planned on renting a vehicle since I got along quite nicely last time just using the golf cart, but things have changed. Just before I came back from my last visit with Mom, I had to move her from one nursing home to another. When Mom was at Courtyards, I only had to go about 1/2 a mile to see her. I could zip over in less than five minutes. Now that Mom is at Cypress Creek, it’s about three miles from our condo. The golf trail to get there is pretty bumpy in places and if it’s raining (which I understand it’s been doing a lot lately), it will be hard to go to see her.

    This whole packing/unpacking business is complicated even more because, when I get back from Florida on September 9th, I’ll have one day to repack for a return trip with John by vehicle back to Florida. We’ll leave Michigan on September the 11th to drive back down and we’ll stay until the end of October. As I’m packing to go to Florida, I’ll also be packing the stuff in separately that I’ll bring when I we drive back down on the 11th. (I will try to travel light when flying, and bring the rest when we come back.)

    It’s a tad mind-boggling. Good thing I love lists.

    I’m unpacking from the U.P., packing for Gladwin and Midland, while also packing for two Florida trips. Whew… Guess I’d better get busy!!

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    The Birthday “Kids”

    Today we attended a 90th birthday party for our good friends Jane and Bill Kuhlman who live in rural Midland County. They’re absolutely the nicest folks you can imagine. The party was well attended, the food great, and Bill and Jane looked healthy and happy:

    They’re a super couple! On top of that, Bill’s a very nice looking guy, and Jane is an absolute beauty. She gets prettier every year. And to think they’re 90!!!

    Jane and Bill started us out playing music as they have many others. What absolute treasures. We are so glad to know them! Bill lead the Midland Jolly Hammers and Strings dulcimer club for over 20 years! Maybe that’s what’s kept them so young!

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    “Home” from our U.P. hide-away

    It’s Friday and we’re back home. I re-read my last post and it definitely needs an addendum. There were some very good parts of our U.P. visit.

    Yesterday John and I finally found time to walk the beach together. We were pleasantly surprised that the water is a lot higher than last year. If we have another winter like the winter of 2007-08, the levels may restore the beauty we once enjoyed. The sandy bottom is still there. The muck at the edge of the water has improved a lot since last year and was totally gone from some areas. Yes, there are some cattails, but if the water level continues to rise, they’ll go away. We need another fierce Michigan winter or two with lots of snowfall.

    We had a lovely afternoon on the beach. It was about 75 and sunny. A soft breeze made it perfect.

    Too bad we didn’t have another day to relax.

    John worked really hard while we were up there. I certainly have no room to complain. He was doing the stuff that takes physical strength. Yes, we both worked getting the antenna up, but most of the time, I stayed inside away from the mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and pollen (which I’m really allergic to).

    He got the place back in good shape. Hopefully when we come back in 2009, the water will be even higher and we can take more “long-walks.”

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    We’re here in “Paradise”..?????

    John and I are up here at our place in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We arrived yesterday afternoon and will stay until Friday.

    A friend send me a message that said something like, “Go sit in the beach and relax.”

    It’s apparent that she’s never been up here.

    Our “place” is an early 1960’s house trailer located on Lake Michigan not far from Manistique. We have about 185 feet of frontage on the water and the lot is over 700 feet deep. The trailer is 50 x 12 feet (two bedrooms, a bathroom with a real flush toilet and hot shower, living/dining/kitchen combination). Certainly nothing fancy. When we bought it we had no electric power so we used gas lights and a generator. It’s certainly better now. A few years ago, We added an off-set pole-barn type metal roof over it to protect it from the heavy winter snow, especially since the roof had leaked. The floor of the trailer is a bit spongy in a few places, the windows don’t close tightly, the furniture wouldn’t even be worthy of a Salvation Army re-sale place. It’s anything but fashionable. When we added the roof, we also added a nice 30 x 10 foot covered deck. The view of the water is spectacular. Sadly, up close it’s not as lovely.

    When we purchased the property about 18 years ago, our beach was pristine. It was a broad expanse of white sugar sand and the lake bottom was sandy. We loved it. From our beach, we could view a sizable bay (about a mile of coastline from the southern most point to the northern most – we’re in the middle) which we had totally to ourselves. We spent our time walking the beach, appreciating the beauty and the solitude.

    When it was hot, we’d move our lawn chairs into the water and would soak for hours.

    But as the area was developed, the shoreline changed. Part of the change was due to the low water depths of Lake Michigan, but we also attribute the change to development which altered the way the water flows around the southmost point. That point’s shoreline used to be overgrown with lots of trees and undergrowth which encroached into the water. The undergrowth created a high velocity flow of water to those of us “in the middle.” As the area developed and the shoreline was “cleaned up” the water no longer churned around that point. The water in the bay became almost stagnant.

    We no longer have the white sugar sand beach. The water’s edge is out about 75 feet from where it was back in 1990. The lower water table has created a stretch of land between us and the water that has overgrown with grass, cattails and brush. Some would say we own more property now since we’ve gained 185 x 75 feet, but it’s not an improvement!! What was lovely is now gone. Most disturbing is the muck. At the edge of the water is muck at least a foot deep so it’s next to impossible to get to the water. If we lived here, we could gradually clear it and make a narrow beach, but for a four-day visit, it’s not worth the work.

    The beach used to be our sanctuary. Now we stay inside or sit in the deck. Any grassy areas are infested with wood ticks (not the lyme disease carrying ones, but nasty,) so we try to avoid those areas. Flies are always a problem.

    This visit wasn’t really on our schedule. We heard from a U.P. neighbor that we had some downed trees and our TV antenna tower was a victim to the winter snow, so we had to come up to check on things.

    When we arrived, we found three large trees blocking the driveway. It didn’t take John long to cut through with his chain saw. When we were able to drive in, we found that not only was our antenna down, but also a large tree had come down on the bedroom end of the trailer. It hung over from the back to the front. A decent sized dent in our “metal roof” was obvious.

    The tree on the roof wasn’t going anywhere. We couldn’t get the truck in it’s normal parking area because the antenna was blocking the way. That seemed like the first thing to tackle. We were able to move it aside.

    With no TV reception at all, John decided to see if we could get the antenna back up. Now we’re not talking about a small chore. The tower is about 30 feet tall with a gigantic antenna perched on top. A non-working rotor also adds to the weight. We tried. Little by little we got it up a few feet. We perched it atop a multipurpose ladder. We finally resorted in using the truck to pull and with ropes, we were successful getting it about 1/2 way to it’s upright position.

    By then it was about 6:30 last evening so the mosquitoes were eating us alive. The tall grass was harboring those ugly ticks, and both of us were tired and cranky. I’d already picked two ticks off my legs and I wanted to quit.

    I talked John into taking a break for dinner. It wasn’t too hard to convince him that we could leave things until morning. Shortly after we’d given up the idea of finishing our task, it started raining.

    This morning, with new enthusiasm we tackled the antenna again. It took both of us and a lot of sweat and tenseness, but we got the antenna back into position. It’s not bringing in marvelous reception, but it never did.

    The tree over the roof was easier. It came off without any additional damage. You can see what happened: roofdamage.JPG - 38452 Bytes

    John’s taking a break now. I’m writing this.

    The yard is still in need of mowing, there is still patching to be done to the roof. John fixed a the hot water heater’s vent which was laying on the ground. (That may have been a victim of the ice, not the tree, since it wasn’t close to the tree damage.)

    We have yet to “go to the beach” or whatever you want to call the mucky area at the edge of the water.

    Nope, this is definitely not a vacation. The trailer will survived. Hopefully it’ll last through the winter of 2008-2009.

    I even took some time to sit on the deck and view the scenery for a while, but the flies chased me indoors.

    The hardest thing to cope with was that we forgot to bring coffee. There was a little left up here in a can from who knows when. It barely tasted like coffee but we made do. It’ll be nice to be home instead of on this “vacation.”

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    Preparing to Head North

    Tuesday we’re going to our place in the U.P. It won’t be a pleasure trip. We were notified by a neighbor up there that our two big trees have come down and are blocking our driveway and our TV antenna came down over the winter. We need to get up there and make sure everything is ok. It’ll be our only visit this year. The wild raspberries should be ready for picking.

    Tonight I bought airline tickets on Expedia for June 2nd, 2009. It’s almost a year from know but I know I’ll want to visit my mother in Florida then.

    I had been watching for the date to come up because you can’t book ahead more than about 11 months out. I was able to get reasonably priced seats by booking ahead, but I almost made a big mistake.

    With my mother’s health I feel it’s necessary to buy flight insurance. Afterall I may not have her in a year.

    When I was booking the flights, I was trying to run a huge up-load on my computer. It was using all my computer’s resources, and a couple of times my screen froze so I had to refresh the page. When I completed the booking, I thought I had included the travel insurance but I hadn’t.

    I didn’t realize it until I was reviewing the confirmation. I quickly called Expedia, but they said they couldn’t do anything. I was stuck. It wasn’t until I mentioned that I had JUST booked the flights that the service agent said he’d be able to cancel the reservation and re-book it with no fee. What a relief.

    I guess I’m just superstitious enough to feel if I buy the insurance, hopefully I won’t need to use it because my mother will be fine. (It’s like when you bring an umbrella, it never rains, but if you don’t bring it, you’re bound to get wet.)

    This trip is becoming routine for me. I flew down there until from early to mid-June. Now I’m planning to go back on in a month (August 26-September 9th). I will only be there for 16 days. I’m anxious to get down there and see Mom. September 11th, John and I will take off to drive down and stay until the end of October. We’ll be home in Michigan until the end of January. We’ll drive back down on January 26 or 27 and stay until mid-April.

    Between now my next flight on August 26th, our schedule is really full! Tomorrow we’ll enjoy a family dinner in Owosso. We’ll be up north from Tuesday until Friday. We have two friends’ birthday party next Saturday (the 2nd) plus John performs that night. We go on a camping/performing weekend with our music club for Gladwin’s Carriage Days August 6-10. Another friend has a birthday party on August 16th. On the 17th we’ll have a family reunion. On August 20th, we’ll move to the Midland Fairgrounds for the Midland Dulcimer Festival. That night, we’ll have a concert at Haithco and we’ll be busy with the festival until the 24th. I leave to fly back to Florida on the 26th. Whew!

    Hectic as it is, I love our life.

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    Still Exhausted!

    It’s taken all week to recover from our Evart experience. Maybe it’s been the overwhelming load of stuff we needed to catch-up on when returning home. It feels like we’ve been spinning our wheels. There’s a lot yet to do. The trailer’s still a mess, I need to upgrade websites and upload photos and videos taken at the festival and pay some bills for my mother. I finally finished up the laundry today, but the house is a disaster. If I sound a little frazzled, I am.

    But I’m also feeling really good about how folks have responded to my resignation. Not one person has felt I was wrong. They all seem to see my point of view. Amazingly one lady of our local club even came up to me and said she was “Proud” of my stand. I hoped no one would would think it was some personal vinetta. My wish is that the September meeting of the ODPC will resolve the problems that I’ve pointed out (in my previous posting), and hopefully things will be better for everyone. (My complaints have had nothing to do with the way I’ve been treated. I have no complaints about my treatment. It’s the mistreatment by those in charge of performers, handicapped, and others who attend our event.)

    I want to continue doing the workshops, the website, the hosting, etc. but I can’t support an organization that doesn’t listen to the complaints of those we are serving. Hopefully there will be major changes and everyone will be in-tune with our guests at the ODPC Funfest. To achieve this will be a big jump and maybe it’ll require new people to replace those in place, but whatever it takes, we need to be responsive to those who attend our wonderful event! I can be flexible with whoever is in charge, but I’m rigidly supportive of those who come to our event and I won’t tolerate mistreatment. It can’t be allowed to continue. It’s gone on too long!!

    When certain folks don’t realize that denying handicapped folks a ride in a golfcart across a hot fairgrounds is WRONG then maybe the wrong folks are in place. (Yes, I know they’ve changed their stance on that issue now, but the fact that they couldn’t see how wrong it was bothers me. It took pointing out that they were “legally” in trouble before they changed their position.)

    I hope you agree, but if not, I’ll listen to your position. I’m very flexible and tolerant. I just want folks to receive the treatment that everyone should be able to expect.

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    Addressing the issues…

    I’ve kept fairly quiet (in writing) about my recent resignation from my role as workshop chairman/coordinator. But I’m sure folks, who only heard rumors, are wondering what happened. Let me explain:

    Thursday went by without incident.

    Early Friday I was informed by two ODPC officers (the president and the treasurer) that I had violated ODPC golf cart rules Thursday.

    I should explain that last year this was also an issue, but I was told by both Don and Herb in 2007 to “do things my way” because it made sense.

    Here’s the problem. The rules for golf cart usage state that I can’t give rides to anyone except when it’s for official ODPC business. I contend that if the ODPC is renting these vehicles, they should be used however and whenever we can best utilize them. And using them to promote good feelings of welcome is part of our role.

    (Everyone should realize there are rules for golf cart usage in the by-laws that are being ignored and other arbitrary rules have been created by the Board.)

    I loved giving Kathy Cook a ride the first year she came to the festival. I’d keep a list of the newcomers who contacted me about the festival. I’d find them and offer the “tour.” I loved that welcoming gesture.

    I also found myself frequently giving rides for folks who had handicaps. I’d sometimes seek out old folks who couldn’t walk far and show them what they were missing in the corners of the fairgrounds. I loved it. So did they!

    Despite a rule that stated “no under 18 passengers,” I also used the cart when Tommy (my 11 year old assistant) would help me pick up the supplies from the workshop areas at the end of the day. Tommy had been helping for TWO previous years so this was his THIRD year helping me with job that was mainly legwork. He loved it. So did I because I could see he felt “valued.”

    I was told to find someone else over 18. I couldn’t do that to Tommy.

    I was told those things I was doing had to stop. I was in violation.

    I could have understand if there was a risk, so I asked, “Do we have insurance?” I found that we are amply covered.

    But the response was, “Yes, but we don’t want to use it.”

    I was shocked. I wasn’t risking Tommy. I wasn’t doing anything that would put either of us in a bad position. Same holds for handicapped transportation (and in fact I could see a greater risk if we DIDN’T give them a ride).

    I had been told by three of our handicapped members that they had asked for rides on Thursday (when it was hot) and they’d been turned down. I couldn’t go along with that.

    So when I was told I was wrong about my use of the carts, I said, “I guess you better find someone else to do workshops.”

    It wasn’t for me, but folks need to wake up! Folks need to realize that every person is important if they’re 11 or handicapped and 62 or 82. It doesn’t matter. They are all valued and need to be given anything we can give them. I don’t deserve to ride more than they do.

    So I quit. I figured if the ODPC had lost it’s heart, it was time to remind them or step aside because I don’t want to be in a position to support such an organization.

    But an even bigger issue had bugged me. I was upset because, over the past three years, I have brought to the attention of the Board that there are many performers who are ticked off!! I spend dozens of hours each year listening to them. They feel the ODPC treats them shabby. I had begged the Board to review their policy of advising folks at 4:30 p.m. on the day of their stage appearance if/when they will be on stage. Nothing had happened despite stage folks coming to the board meeting and speaking up saying “There’s a problem here.”

    It’s totally absurd to have folks with talent that they bring to Evart not being treated with proper respect. They need to know BEFORE the festival if they’ll have a spot and WHEN/IF they’ll be on stage. 4:30 on the day they’re on stage doesn’t do it. There isn’t time to find back-up and make a band. There isn’t time to be prepared. Ladies want to look nice, do their hair, get their costume ready. It’s just too short notice. Folks want to tell their friends and the students in their workshops. But the line-up isn’t ready until 4:30. (In fact I looked high and low for a list of acts on Saturday night about 7:30 and ended up going back stage to find out when folks would be on.)

    I have been told that the fairgrounds is questioned by publications/newspapers/media who want to know who is coming. We could use this information in advance to promote the event. Afterall, attendance isn’t growing. We could stand a boost.

    If SOME (not all) of the acts were pre-scheduled, we could still save some slots for those we discovered on the grounds who want to go on-stage last minute.

    Paul Van Arsdale came to Evart this year. He loved it. But it is embarrassing to say to someone like him (a major talent) who is coming and wants to be part of the festival that they won’t know if they can go on stage until the last minute. He asked, but I had to explain that he’d have to “sign up” at 4:00 and then return at 4:30 to get his time on Saturday afternoon, if he wanted to be on-stage on Saturday night.

    Because of this policy, fewer people are volunteering to go on stage. Therefore at the festival they’ve put all comers on stage, but many of the “big” talents we have previously don’t attend any more. They aren’t going to drive across the country on some vague “maybe”.

    So my stand with the two board members was also because of that issue. In fact, the lack of “listening” by the Board to those performers/workshop leaders/vendors was definitely more crucial than the golf cart issue, but both showed the same weakness. People/volunteers weren’t being “valued.” They were being mistreated.

    I finally said, “NO!!!!”

    Please understand I’m now working with Don to see if there’s a way. If my departure hurts the festival, that’s the last thing I want. I want to have folks “LISTEN.” I don’t want a thing more for me. I just want the performers I encourage to come to be valued and treated appropriately.

    After my resignation, the golf cart issue was finally straightened out. (When I pointed it out, they checked and found they were violating the law.) NOW I CAN GIVE YOU A RIDE IF YOU ARE HANDICAPPED. I can also offer my 11 year old assistant a ride when we’re WORKING!!! I was even told that giving “rides” to guests who are suffering from age or health problems can be viewed as part of my role as a Board member (which was my position all along).

    Now if I can get the practice of waiting until 4:30 to invite stage show folks to be on stage changed so they’ll know before they come to the festival, I’ll be happy. Or maybe I’m wrong and the solution isn’t to pre-plan the stage show. But if that’s the case and if the other side of the position is freely discussed and folks “LISTEN” I’ll still feel satisfied. Folks just have to start opening the lines of communication. That hasn’t been happening. Folks complain and no one responds.

    I know it seems like I’m a spoiled kid who stomped her foot and wanted her way, but look at who I was fighting for? Those I am in awe of because they’ve inspired so many with their talent, Those who are young, or handicapped. I wasn’t asking for me.

    So that’s the story.

    If they can fix things at the September Board Meeting I would love to continue to serve you all. If they don’t, I am sure someone else can do my job. I’m not the only one who loves this event.

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    It’s Over — whew!

    We’re home from the ODPC Funfest. It was a wonderful time with friends. There were many wonderful memories created over the nearly two weeks we lived in our fifth wheel in the hot dusty, often wet and rainy, Osceola County Fairgrounds. Lots of little things happened which will be discussed in other postings when we have time to recover.

    The highlights (in no particular order) included:

      The dinner parties before the festival.
      John winning the hammer throw.
      Listening to Dee Dee Tibbits play anything!!
      Watching the joy and energy from Regina Edgar (the fiddler).
      Meeting Paul Van Arsdale.
      Enjoying the hot jams with Bill Robinson.
      Being mesmerized by the talent of so many.
      The music!
      Renewing and establishing great friendships.

    There were some unpleasant times too:
    Martha Kuch took a bad fall and ended up being transported by ambulance to the hospital. Luckily she’s just banged up.
    I found it necessary to resign from my position as workshop leader chairman. That will be discussed later but I want folks to know that I truly appreciate their support. Everyone I talked with seemed to understand where I was coming from. I was so flustered and I felt I had no choice. Maybe those problems which concerned me will be resolved, but what came though more than anything was the concern and love of dozens of you who are supportive.

    All and all the festival was one of the best.

    As I said, when I’m more rested I’ll explain the resignation and how things stand, but right now I’m still digesting everything, and in wind-down mode.

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    Report from Evart

    Five days ago we arrived here in Evart, MI, for the ODPC Funfest. Today is Monday. The festival doesn’t start until Thursday, but we’ve been enjoying the company of some of our best friends and the nicest people you can imagine.

    This pre-festival time is a time to get re-acquainted over long chatty dinners. We stop and “sit a spell” with folks who share their past year and life’s experiences. Stories are fascinating as we get to know these people better.

    Last night we had a typical Evart jam session. The music was still going strong when I went inside at about midnight. The intensity of the music was unbelievable. We had about a dozen hammered dulcimers plus fiddles, guitars, bass, and mandolins. It was fun beyond description. I made some recordings as well as videos and plan to add them here or on http://dulcimers.com (my website which features the festival.)

    We’ve also been eating and eating and eating some more. Food never tastes better than when shared with friends. Three couples who had arrived early shared the meal preparing duties for the first couple of days, but past three days or so we’ve been going “out to eat” but there’s always a whole crew of folks who ride together. Yesterday afternoon we had eight of us for pizza and last night five of us went to the local “drive-in” which was a throw-back to our youth. The tray on the window, root beer floats, and burger baskets brought back memories of our teen days.

    During this pre-festival period, we have been really relaxed, but over the next few days we’ll be working. We’ll need to set up the workshop areas (I’m the workshop coordinator) for the festival, and get everything ready. Someone commented that they saw me last year during the festival and I was “a blur.” We do have to hustle to keep everything flowing smoothly.

    I’ll try to write more later, but it’s hard to find time.

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    We’re Here at Evart

    Evart, MI, is the site of the world’s largest hammered dulcimer event. We arrived Tuesday. It’s now Friday. Folks have been coming in but we have a feeling this year gas prices may impact attendance.

    Since our arrival, we’ve been enjoying the company of the Conklins and Jill and Bob Rowland. Last night Cindy Simmons and Paul Goelz came in as well as Nan and Chuck Boody.

    Yesterday the canopy outside our door went up with the help of Charlie Johnson and others.

    But in this pre-festival period the best part has been conversations. We’ve gotten to know these nice folks better than before. This melting pot brings folks together from across the country: the Rowlands are from California, the Boodys from Minnesota, the Johnsons are seasonally in either Florida or Ohio.

    The music is a constant. Since officially the festival doesn’t start until the 17th but music was being made when we arrived and is a huge part of every day.

    In this pre-festival party we’ve been fixing group meals. John’s making waffles for everyone in about 45 minutes. Following the meals we’ve all hung out at the table for lively discussions.

    I’ll try to find time to add updates to this blog, but it does get hairy.

    Oh, yes, and yesterday I received the paper work to start a lawsuit on my mother’s behalf for an incident at the assisted living/special-needs/alzheimers-unit where she has lived until recently. Actually the accident occurred on the facility’s bus and was the result of a violation of their own rules. (Mom was left in her wheelchair (against Florida law) and when the bus stopped suddenly, she was thrown out of the chair onto her face. She had about 25 stitches in her face and a broken nose. That fall has hastened her decline.) But the forms that I received have me concerned. In Michigan, contingency cases are cut and dried… 1/3 for the law firm, 2/3 for the victim. This law firm wants 40% and wants to be able to bill for all expenses additionally. If we lose the case, we could be responsible for the facility’s attorney fees. It sounds like, instead of helping my mother, I could lose her nest egg for her. I need legal advice before I sign any contract with this law firm but I can’t think about that now. When I get home, I’ll read everything in detail.

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    Glorious 4th

    Last night was the 4th of July.

    George and Judy Horny came over about 6:30 p.m. for a “cook-out.” George is my husband, John’s best friend. (You can imagine what happens on our audio caller i.d. when a call comes in from George. It speaks and cites last name then first name.)

    It was a terrific meal (beef shish kebabs with lots of veggies; a great salad with mandarin oranges, tomatoes, walnuts, and low-cal raspberry vinegrette; sweet potato fries; homemade apple pie).

    After we ate, the guys went fishing. (We live on a small lake called Lake Cecil). George caught a 16+ inch small-mouthed bass, while John kept hooking catfish. Judy took a nap (she hasn’t been well).

    The neighborhood fireworks started about 10:00 and lasted until nearly midnight. They were fantastic. Equal to a big-city display. The last volley was awesome.

    Unfortunately the humidity locked in the fireworks residue and smoke making it hard to breathe. It really bothered my eyes so I had to head inside.

    But what a beautiful night! We had tiki torches lit around the yard and everything reflected in the water. At many of the other homes (there are about 35 residences on the lake), there were large parties. One party featured a bagpiper which carried across the water beautifully.

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    Preparing for fun

    Next Tuesday we’ll be on our way to the Evart (MI) Fairgrounds where we’ll live in our fifth wheel until the afternoon of July 20th. The huge ODPC Funfest (the largest hammered dulcimer event in the world) will be held July 17-20.

    The workshop program, which is my responsibility, is at the printers now so I’m feeling that a weight has been lifted from me. (I opened registration by the workshop leaders to submit the classes they would be willing to instruct in early December.)

    It’s like “moving” when we go to the festival. We pack up EVERYTHING and take it along.

    But it’s great fun to spend time with our friends and enjoy terrific music.

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    Getting Ready for the “busy season”

    We’ll be “headin’ to Evart” — leaving our home in about nine days.

    This a.m. I finished all the little tweaks to the ODPC Funfest (Evart) workshop program (sixteen 8 1/2 x 11 pages). Whew… It feels good to have it out of the way.

    We will be at Evart starting on July 8th. It’s be a hectic time!

    After the festival, we’ll return to our home in Saginaw on the 20th. We have another local Haithco concert on the 23rd. (These events held in June, July and August draw audiences of 150-400 in Haithco Park.)

    My husband and I need to check out our place in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (on Lake Michigan) between July 24th and August 1st. I don’t know how many days we can stay, but we need to make the 350 mile trip up there to see if it’s still standing.

    We have a birthday party for two 90 year old super friends (Bill and Jane Kuhlman) on the 2nd of August, and by August 7th we’ll be hosting a camping weekend with our hammered dulcimer club in Gladwin, MI, for that community’s Carriage Festival.

    We have another of our summer Haithco Concert series on the 20th of August.

    By then, we’ll be at the Midland Dulcimer Festival where my husband is co-chairman and I’m in charge of the stage show. Two days after that one’s it’s over, August 26th, I head back to Florida to care for my Mother.

    (When ever we are at a festival we live in our 5th wheel and host the “hospitality area” with a 20 x 20 foot canopy outside our door. It’s challenging to set everything up and make sure everyone is satisfied. We also run the copy machine services for the festival grounds and provide goodies for everyone who comes by.)

    I will fly back to Florida on August 26th but I will return to Michigan on September 9th to pick up my husband. On the 11th of September, we start driving back to Florida. Our plan is to be back to Florida on September 13th so we can plan for my mother’s birthday on September 17th.

    When I get back to Florida, I plan to do absolutely nothing but swim in the pool and be lazy until the end of October when we need to return to get our club in shape for the Christmas holidays. Maybe we’ll go to some dances, take some dance lessons, and enjoy the company of friends.

    Actually my husband and I have our first paying gig of the holiday season November 1st in a big store (Warmbier Farms) where we provide about six hours of music for their holiday “open house” so much of our October free time will be spent practicing Christmas music. (It’s always strange to play “White Christmas” after returning from the pool when it’s 90 degrees out.) We have a concert in mid-November in Frankenmuth, MI, and about 15 holiday gigs with Saginaw Subterranean Strings in December. In January, we’ll have our biggest event of the year on January 24th (our club’s Snowfest Concert). That’s so far away that I am totally putting that out of my mind.

    We really have a lot to look forward to. Busy fun stuff will be filling our days. We can take a deep breath in September when we get back to Florida. Until then, it’s rush rush rush.

    Awwww but I’m not complaining. Life is wonderful!

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    Details!

    I’ve been straightening out insurance claims, working with banks and Mom’s facility. It’s been hectic.

    Last night our club, Saginaw Subterranean Strings had a great concert. We feared rain all day, but it was a nice evening. Even with the threat of bad weather, we had 150 in our audience and 25 musicians. I’m so glad it’s behind me but it was fun and a total success.

    Two weeks from now we’ll be at the festival in Evart. We have a lot of packing and preparation.

    I’m still working to complete Mom’s facility transition. I wish I could have stayed longer to make sure she was comfortably in place, but Mercedes (her caregiver) is wonderful. I have to hope it’ll all work.

    I won’t be back down there for two months and in the meanwhile we have a lot to do here. Life is hectic but it’s also grand. I am a happy lady with a wonderful husband and the resources to handle any obstacle. I hope this will work for Mom. Our festivals will be a success, our performances will be ok, it’ll all fall into place. (I HOPE!)

    These problems aren’t insurmountable. Just challenges.

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    Michigan, My Michigan

    I’m home. Yeah!

    Yesterday was a day to be forgotten. Mom was moved in haste and confusion, but we got her into her new room.

    All in all things worked.

    Today I flew back to Michigan. I was picked up for my ride to the airport at 7:00 a.m.

    I’m safely home, but I had a call from Mom’s nursing home tonight and Mom was found on the floor next to her bed this a.m. I think she just got herself out of bed and was laying on the floor. She wasn’t bruised or in any way hurt. She was just there.

    But the time table at this new facility is different. Mom’s used to being up at 6:00 for breakfest at 7:00. They told me at the new facility that they checked on her in her bed at 7:00 a.m. and she was fine. I’ll bet she tried to get herself up.

    She’s used to going to bed at 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. I’m sure when she is finally able to switch to the different time table, it’ll work.

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    Here There and Everywhere

    Yesterday I ran myself ragged trying to deal with the problem of re-locating my mother. I checked out Plaza West, a nursing home that had been referred to me. They were full, but even if they’d been willing to take her, the cost would have been over a hundred thousand a year!!!! Mom has a nice nest egg but I don’t know how long she’ll live, and I need to be able to meet her on-going needs for as long as it’s necessary. Obviously at that price, I couldn’t maintain her for very long.

    After talking with Mom’s doctor and everyone I could think of, I decided to go with Cypress Creek, a lovely assisted Living facility. Their care level may be lower than I wish, but with Mom’s private care-giver Mercedes will be going with her and I’ve increased her hours to help with Mom’s transition.

    I have a couple of concerns but I’m sure it’ll all work. It’s a lot to deal with all at once.

    Yesterday I hired a handy man to help me move some of Mom’s heavier items (chair, bookcase, night stand). I brought those things back to the condo since I think her room is fine as they have it organized. I will probably get her and Mercedes a TV set so they can watch TV in Mom’s room. While moving items, her large Lazy-Boy was dropped on my big toe. Ouch!! I think it’s just bruised, but it’s really sore.

    Last night our neighbor, Loretta, and I went out to dinner. It as nice to relax and have a friend to share my concerns. We stopped at Mom’s new place and Loretta was really impressed. It is very nice. With Mercedes help, I’m sure we can make it work.

    I was able to get it all organized for Mom. Today I’ll try to get her ready for the move Monday. I’d love to take a break and go to the pool. It’s cloudy so that may not be possible. I have today, tomorrow and Monday to get everything done. I’m stressed!!

    I visited Dale and Trudy who watch the condo for us. I wanted to bring them up to date on Mom’s situation.

    =========

    This afternoon we’ve had thunderstorms so I’ve been stuck inside cleaning the condo, packing, and getting things done.

    I hope tomorrow I can go to the pool. I’ve felt so incredibly stressed. I need a breather.

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    What a day!

    I had an appointment with the administrative heads from Courtyards, where Mom lives, at 11:30 a.m. today.

    I never expected that four of the top folks would confront me with a problem. Mom, is apparently no longer a candidate for a facility like Courtyards. They told me I need to find another place for her.

    I was overwhelmed with the problem. What could I do? Mom needs care! She needs a place in
    Sun City Center where she’ll be able to live in comfort. I always thought that place where she would die would be Courtyards. But I was told she needs to find a higher level of care for her because, according to them, she can no longer stand and assist herself in being relocated from her chair to the toilet or bed. I don’t think she’s actually deteriorated that much, but she can’t stay at Courtyards.

    I left Courtyards feeling totally overwhelmed. I spoke with Mom’s doctor and he encouraged me to check out all the places available. I will.

    I had to change my outgoing flights from Saturday to Tuesday. I need to solve the problem by then.

    Tonight, after I’d done all I could, I headed over to Rockin’ Rondezvous. I sat with Sue, who is so nice, and buddy Bob and then, when they left, with Martie and Helena. It wasn’t a “fun night” but it was nice having the support of friends. Bob was especially sweet. I couldn’t ask for more. I needed the company of folks who would help me, and they did.

    Tomorrow I need to check out the nursing homes before I commit to one. Right now Cypress Creek, which is a place willing to take her, looks like the best place. They have a lovely room for her, but this is my mom’s life so I need to be sure. I’ll check and re-check.

    I used to think it was an honor to hold the “Power of Attorney” for my mother, but it’s a huge responsibility and I don’t really feel up to it right now.

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    Heavenly!!

    I started the day with a visit to Mom, then to the pool. I stayed until it was time to go back and see her (about 4:00), so I got a bit too much sun. I’m a little on the rosy side, but not really burned. Nevertheless, I should have been more careful.

    My stay is winding down. Tomorrow night I’m supposed to go out to dinner with Bob and his honey, but I may beg off because, with my cold, I’m still not feeling like eating much. Maybe I can postpone our dinner until August when I return.

    Thursday will be Rockin’ Rondezvous. It’s got to be more fun than last week was.

    Friday night I have dinner plans with sweet neighbor Loretta. Saturday I leave for home. It’s been way too quick!! Of course being sick occupied a lot of my time, but time has flown.

    The pool water was totally like heaven. Wish I could bottle it and take it back with me!

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    Hot with a Cold

    It’s been dern hot down here in Florida. I’ve spent lots of time soaking and lazing around the pool as I tried to fight off this miserable cold bug. Yup, I came down with a lousy cold. Thursday I was sick and stayed in bed most of the day. That evening I went to Rockin’ Rondezvous, but it was nearly empty and I felt rotten, so I only stayed a short while and headed home before a storm moved in.

    I didn’t visit Mom Thursday or Friday, and I’ve been been very careful around her the past two days. (I bring hand sanitizer and use it frequently and never cough or sneeze around her.)

    Nearly every afternoon we’ve had thunder storms. Right now it’s rumbling so the pool is probably closed (they shut it down if there’s a treat of lightening). I was all ready to go over but instead I’ll have a lunch and hope the storm passes.

    I haven’t been able to post any cute videos because I haven’t seen any of my Kings Point friends dancing or been able to capture them in fun activities. Most of my time has been spent floating and cooling.

    I’ve missed John but my time with Mom has been great. I love the relaxed mood down here. Too bad I’ve been sick, but it’s a great place to suffer.

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    Coming Down with a Cold!

    It can’t be, but it’s true. I’m feeling yucky.

    After anticipating my time down here, I can’t believe I’m sick. I’m loading down with Cold Ease, Air Borne, and antihistimines. Hopefully I can fight it off. I sure don’t want to expose Mom.

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    Tuesday, Tuesday

    I keep expecting to hear my little dog Willow behind me. When I drop a morsel of food, I expect her to dive for it. But I’m alone. Totally alone.

    I had to hang around the condo a good part of the day because the cable repair guy was expected. He arrived fairly early (before noon) and was able to get the set going quickly.

    I went to the pool, met some nice ladies: Darlene, Amy and Geri. We chatted for an hour or so. The temperature was perfect. The pool water was like bath water but still refreshing. I have been looking at a few available condos (exterior only).

    This afternoon, after my time with Mom I went grocery shopping at the far end of town. My dinner tonight was scrumptious. It couldn’t have been better: baked potato, green salad and a small sirloin steak. All great!

    Tomorrow I’m going to go to “the sale” which is the resale shop held Wednesday and Saturday a.m. I’ll then drive to Beall’s at the west end of town. They have great clothes. Of course I want to spend time at the pool.

    I’m going to hate leaving. It’s relaxing here and although it’s hot, I’m out and about and love the tempo of this town.

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    HOT Haven!

    Florida may be my “favorite” place to hang out, but boy, it is HOT this week! It’s in the low to mid-90’s and sticky.

    I arrived yesterday afternoon after an uneventful flight.

    The condo looked nice.

    But it seemed that I had my share of problems. The cable TV in the living room wouldn’t “boot up”. (Tuesday a repair person will come.)

    I somehow tracked in a piece of potato chip on my clothes but I hadn’t eaten any chips at all so I don’t know where it came from. I must have picked it up in the plane or the shuttle. Anyway it left a greasy spot on the new couch. I couldn’t get it out. Since it has a life-time stain resistant guarantee, I called the store. (Friday there’ll be a repair person coming.)

    My voice through my new magicJack phone system comes across as distorted. It may need a different phone unit, but I’m still pleased the magicJack service which allows me to switch back and forth so calls to our Florida number can be forwarded to my cell. The Vonage system will let me forward both our Saginaw and our Florida number but both must be done in “unison” so if I were to forward the Florida phone to my cell, John’s phone in Saginaw would also be forwarded to me. When I’m down here I need just the 813 number to come to me. By having the magicJack service, it allows for that provision.

    Yesterday afternoon we had a thunderstorm and today looking like it may be doing the same thing. Everyone is hoping for a downpour, but we didn’t get a lot of rain yesterday, just a lot of lightening and thunder.

    I visited Mom yesterday and I’m about to go over there today. She’s about the same. Maybe a little more “lost” but she went through the “I love you a bushel and a peck…” recitation. And although she couldn’t remember my name, she seemed to know I’m her daughter.

    Last night I put a small table together to use for my laptop beside the couch where I set. It went together fairly easy.

    While the TV won’t work, I’m watching the set in the bedroom. Oh, well….

    So I’m here. It’s good to be able to see Mom. This afternoon I enjoyed the pool from about 11:45 to 3:15. It was wonderfully refreshing.

    I’ve seen a few of our good friends, but many are snow birds and they’re up north.

    ==============

    Later:

    I went over to see Mom about 4:15. I needed to stop at the drug store on the way so I left a little earlier than usual. It looked like a storm was approaching, but it looked that way yesterday and fizzled, so I was confident that I could get by with the golf cart sides up. (It was so hot out that I couldn’t imagine again being surrounded by closed hot plastic sides. The fresh air felt great.) While I was at the drug store it started. By the time I got a couple blocks from Mom’s facility the rain was horizontal. The wind was really strong. I had a hard time seeing and it felt like the golf cart could be blown over. I was drenched… totally soaked. I tried to ignore my soggy clothes and enjoy my time with Mom. When I got home, I was still wet to the skin. I’m heard we got a couple inches in less than an hour. The puddles were lakes. I guess it was one of those situations like washing your car (which always brings on the rain.) I trusted the rain to hold off, so of course I got soaked. But if it took getting me wet to help with the drought situation, I was glad to do it.

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    Hoping to lose weight

    I anticipate that I’ll probably lose weight when I go to Florida next week.

    My sweet hubby is a wonderful cook. I’m not. I’m going to have to eat my own cooking, so I probably won’t eat as much as I would ordinarily. Not only that, but he’s also makes wonderful wine. I won’t get to enjoy a glass or two of his wine with my dinners (although I may buy some).

    And also I’ll be more active. The past month most days it’s been below 50 degrees for daytime highs. I’ve been stuck inside. That trend appears to be changing: today it warmed up and tomorrow it should be grand. But in Florida, I’ll be in the pool a lot. I’m not a power swimmer, but at least I keep my legs going while I float around on my noodle. It’s not heavy-duty aerobics, but it will be more activity than I’ve experienced the past two months. Maybe I’ll even attend the noodle aerobics classes. I think they hold them on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays.

    I’ll let you know if my “go south” diet works.

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    A week from Sunday

    Today is Friday. A week from Sunday (June 8th) I’ll be flying to Florida. I’m really looking forward to it.

    As it gets closer to my departure, I get more concerned about my Mother (who has advanced Alzheimers). I’m really worried about her. It’s been nearly two months since I last saw her. I fear she will have forgotten me completely and I’ll have lost her.

    I will arrive in Tampa at about 1:10. The airport shuttle is supposed to pick me up about 1:30. By the time they drive me to Kings Point, it’ll be close to 2:30. My first thought is to ditch my luggage at the condo and hurriedly go check on Mom.

    But if I’m going to be logical and sensible, I know I should wait until closer to 5:00.

    At 3:00, she’ll be impossible to awaken – mid-afternoon is when she’s sleepiest. At 3:00, she won’t know me. She’ll be in a stupor. It’ll be agony and disappointing. If I can postpone the visit until 5:00 (or even 4:45), which is her meal time, she’ll be more alert and responsive.

    Can I stall?

    I’ve talked it over with John and he says I should definitely wait. Otherwise I’ll be crushed by her reaction. He knows she’s lost in the mid-afternoon. He reminded me that I need to turn on the water, the water heater, and open up everything.

    It’ll take a while to bring my luggage in and make the golf cart driveable.

    Maybe I should just plan to slip into a swim suit and go say “hi” to our friends at the pool.

    But what if she’s awake and she feels I didn’t come right over? What if she’s alert and I miss that time with her? Isn’t it funny how, even when your mother is as “far gone” as mine, you want her approval and you aim to do what she’d think is best.

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    New Domain Name: https://sharons-blog.com

    Some folks enjoy reading this blog… I don’t know why. My ramblings are every day things and therefore pretty dull. But when we’re in Florida, our southern friends like to see the photos and videos I add of things going on in the Sun City Center area, and when we return to Michigan, our music friends follow our music events.

    I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve been asked to write out the URL: “http://dulcimers.com/sharonsblog” but now I’ve made it easier for you (and for me). I’ve purchased the domain, “sharons-blog.com,” so you can just go to https://sharons-blog.com (notice that’s a dash between “sharons” and “blog.” (Most browsers will let you put in just “sharons-blog.com.” without adding www. or http://)

    It should be easy to remember.

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    New Florida Phone Number

    I received my “magicJack” device today. This little device works by plugging into my laptop’s USB port and a regular house phone plugs into it.

    When I installed it, I was able to select a phone number in Hillsborough County, Florida (Area Code 813). Anyone within the county can call any other number as a local call. Our new number is 813-398-4135. I’ve already started printing new business cards to distribute.

    magicJack device

    I was initially a disappointed by the sound quality, the voices were distorted. But there were a couple of suggestions, and it appears that I’ve made it better. I really won’t know until I’m in Florida with that internet cable, and the phone that we use in the condo. (I tried using a “powered” usb port, and it was much better.)

    This service will act as a way of having a Florida line that will forward to our Michigan number or to our cellphone. Therefore, the service will give me the same forwarding ability I had with the virtual phone from Vonage, but at about 1/3 the cost. Being able to plug in a house phone is actually an “added bonus.”

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    High Cost of Fuel

    Gas prices are impacting us all. Obviously when John and I go back South in September, we’ll be paying higher costs to fuel our GMC diesel truck, which is our long-distance vehicle. (Our Saturn just wouldn’t make it!)

    Right now diesel fuel is $4.779 per gallon in this area!! It’s hard to remember that back in 2006 we complained when it went over $2.00 per gallon! The trip to Florida and back, based on today’s diesel prices, will cost us about $744 round trip!!

    I’m flying down to Florida alone to see how Mom’s doing in less than two weeks. Last year when I did this solo trip, I rented a car for the ten days I was down there, but this time I’ve decided that the high cost of gas makes such a rental beyond my means. Instead I hope to get by with our electric golf cart. The savings will justify a second solo flight to Florida in August to check on Mom.

    I booked my flights many months ago but now it would cost me about $200 more for a flight to Tampa from the Tri-City (MBS) area. (I’ll need to watch and book for any trips I plan for the future well in advance.)

    So I’ll use a shuttle service to get to and from the Tampa airport, and when I get to the condo, I’ll get by with our four-seater golf cart (with sides – when needed). Sun City Center is a golf-cart-friendly community. I can go from Beall’s and Home Depot on the west side of town to Publix on the east-most end.

    Walmart is across a highway from Publix, and golf carts can’t cross that highway, but I can park at Publix. With my wheeled shopping cart, I can trot across to Walmart and shop to my heart’s content then come back to my golf cart parked at Publix.

    Most of my trips will be back and forth to the South Club pool which is about a five minute (by golf cart trip) and to visit Mom (again about five minutes). If I need a car, I can rent one from Enterprise which has a local outlet.

    It’ll take planning, but I figure, if I can get by with just the golf cart, I’ll save over $250-$300 in car rental costs not including the cost of fuel. My airlines tickets are $322-$350! So my gas savings, based on not renting a car, will cover the expense for a second trip in August.

    When’s the inflationary rise in the price of fuel going to stop? It’s really changing the way we do things.

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    New Look!

    Tonight I spent a couple hours changing the theme used for this blog. With the previous theme, I couldn’t easily read the dates (which now show up directly below each entry’s title) so I switched to this “look.” Themes are optional design formats that you can add to your blog. They contain the style, colors and type fonts.

    I frequently change the header photo but I’m not tired of this one yet, so I’ll leave it in place. It’s a view from “Little Harbor Marina” in Ruskin, FL. I took the photo on John’s birthday, March 1st, 2008.

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    “Techie” Talk (for those who enjoy electronic gadgets)

    Anyone who knows me very well knows that I love anything “techie.” I’ve been into computers since 1983, the early internet since 1992, website design about 1993, Pocket Mail devices (which worked with pay phones and an 800 number), internet by cellphone, very early digital cameras (I’ve had five or six camera upgrades), GPS for road travel, wireless internet for our home internet service and most recently for our home phone we’ve subscribed to VoIP phone service (phone service through the internet). We’ve tried two services (Speednet and now Vonage – Vonage has lots more features).

    With all these high-tech gadgets, it doesn’t mean that I’m good at techie stuff, but I do love electronics. I finally have a reliable wireless network installed in my house in Michigan as well as an identical system in our Florida condo (with a wireless print server both places).

    We really like our most recent VoIP phone service through Vonage. It’s feature-loaded and fairly inexpensive. For about $24.95 we get a month’s service. We’ve added on a virtual phone, which gives us a Florida phone line but that adds $4.95 monthly to our bill. There are also a few add-on charges. Our phone bills have been totaling $37.80 for unlimited 24/7 phone calling availability including 911 service.

    Today I had intended to start a new add-on service with Vonage called a “soft phone.” My plan was to intermittently start-up a “soft phone,” which would work through my laptop computer. This would leave the Vonage system with John for his use in Michigan, but I’d have the “soft phone” for my trips to Florida (when I fly down alone). That was my plan.

    About a month ago, I called Vonage to educate myself about a “soft phone” and I was told that there are no activation nor deactivation charges with that service so I could start and stop it

    Today, while I was going through the sign-up to get the “soft phone,” I came to the final “bill” and discovered that Vonage was about to tack on a $9.99 activation charge in addition to the $9.99 monthly fee (for 500 monthly minutes). The only way I could avoid continual $9.99 activation charges would be to keep the service going with no breaks. Even if I’d substituted this service for the virtual phone, it would have been fairly pricey for 12 months at $9.99 per month plus activation. I would probably also be charged a deactivation fee.

    My best laid plans just weren’t going to work.

    But I recalled that I had seen a VoIP device when I was checking out VoIP soft phone prices. It’s called “magicJack” and it costs $39.95 for the device and a year’s service with a phone number in the many area codes, including the area code of our choice: 813. In January, magicJack won the PC Magazine Editor’s Choice of the year award.

    This tiny thumb sized device plugs into your computer’s USB port providing a standard house phone jack. It’ll be clearer service than would have been available with a “soft phone,” (more equivalent to the Vonage or “standard” service). You plug in a standard house phone or wireless house phone system (which we already have in our condo). We’ll receive a new Florida phone number but then it should continue uninterrupted from year to year.

    So here’s the plan, I’ll get an 813 (Tampa area code) number from magicJack. When I’m not in Florida, I’ll forward that number to our Michigan phone. (It’ll forward even when my computer’s not on.) Folks in Sun City Center can still call us as a local number and it’ll ring into our 989-781-0849 number. But here’s the advantage: when I fly down to Florida, I can use the magicJack device to provide me with a regular house phone while John continues to use the Vonage phone at home.

    I’ll need to have my computer on to receive calls but when my laptop is off, incoming calls will go to voice mail or they can be forwarded to my cell phone.

    Once I know it’s working, the Vonage “virtual phone” will be canceled. We’ll still have two lines, but one will be Vonage the other will be magicJack.

    The only minor problem is that I have already made up a bunch of business cards with the Vonage 813 number. It’s not really a problem because we know who we gave them to, and we’ll just have to let Sun City Center folks know that our Florida number has changed. I have time to make more before I leave for Florida on June 8th.

    I’m so hopeful that this magicJack device is going to work well that I purchased five additional years of service for an additional $49.95! That means that totally, I’ll have paid $100.80 but that will cover FIVE YEARS’ unlimited usage on this magicJack (Florida) phone line (which comes to about $20 per year) and there’s a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

    Wow! It can’t be much better than that!

    Love techie stuff!!

    If you have questions or think that you might benefit from a magicJack or Vonage system let me know and I’ll help you get signed up. I might get a finder’s fee.

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    Panic is passing

    Maybe I shouldn’t admit this but I feel that I’m “over-the-hump.” I’m no longer in a panic state regarding the Evart workshop organization. I have the “daily grids” nearly ready to be presented to the masses. I’ll groom them for another week or so before I distribute them because once they’re out there, it’s lots harder to tweak them. I realize that once I think I have things under control, that’s generally when things go a-muck. I therefore won’t be surprised if I end up with major problems yet, but right now, it’s looking good.

    John’s been under the weather for a few days with a cold. Monday he spent a lot of the day in bed and I took advantage of the opportunity and really made headway with the workshop scheduling.

    We were gone most of Tuesday with a good performance at Wescourt (Senior Residence facility) for our Sub-Strings Dulcimer Club.

    We still have lots of decisions to be made regarding our kitchen renovation, but things are coming together. I’d like to see us get to the point that John can start the actual tearing apart when I am in Florida (leaving June 8th). That’s only TWO weeks away. Can’t believe it!!

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    Panic!

    I’m getting frantic. Panic is creeping in and I can feel it. Three weeks from today I’ll be heading back to Florida and before I leave, I MUST have the workshops scheduled for the huge Evart festival. No more cavalier attitude. I need to focus. The job is enormous.

    I need to take the approximately 140 workshops which have been submitted by the wonderfully talented volunteer instructors and schedule them over three days (July 17, 18 and 19) from 9:00 until 5:00 each day with classes running simultaneous in eight areas. The raw descriptive information totals 87 pages. When completed, the schedule will be distributed in a 16-page program and posted on line. (Again, it’s all my job.)

    Within the next week or two (definitely before I head back to Florida), I need to complete the four page pull-out section which will display the “grids” and the alphabetical index. I need to complete the the class description portion of the program by June 23rd at the latest which means I’ll be working on it during my trip to Florida (June 8-21). At least I’m flying down there alone so I can burn the midnight oil without distracting DH (Dear Hubby). July 1st I’ll need to take the completed copy to the printer so I can pick up the thousands of copies which will be distributed to the attendees of the ODPC Funfest (aka Evart).

    Yesterday I tried to isolate myself so I could concentrate on this project. I was partially successful but ended up being distracted. My plan is to concentrate on it today. I’m going to do my best to stay focused.

    On a side note, Friday evening I received an email message from an old friend, John Whitman. John was my best guy pal in high school. We were really close and even promised each other that we’d get married when I was 39, if no one else wanted us. He was really good to me, toting me around, and listening to my boyfriend woes.

    John W. was three years older and even after he’d left for college, he’d come back from Michigan State and take me to our favorite “hang-out” the Music Box, a teen age night-spot at Prudenville, MI. John now lives in central Florida.

    I was honored that he said he named his youngest daughter “Sharon” after me!

    I answered his message, but haven’t heard back. He suggested getting together in September when he comes to Michigan for his 50th class reunion but we won’t be available.

    Our September is already booked: I’m flying to Florida in late August, coming back on September 9th in time for the celebration with my sweet husband of our 23rd wedding anniversary on September 10th. Husband John and I will hit the road for our trip back to Florida September 14th. The few days between our anniversary and our departure for our southern trip, we’ve already scheduled a club practice and my John has the Flint Banjo Club’s Banjorama.

    I’m sure John W. and I will find a way to get together. I’d love to have him meet my husband. Maybe we’ll be able to coordinate a visit when we head south. Husband John’s fine with this reunion. He’s always heard about “my other John.”

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    Performing tonight

    Tonight our group, Saginaw Subterranean Strings Hammered Dulcimer Club, played for a Mother-Daughter Banquet at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bay City (actually between Bay City and Saginaw). We had a great turn-out of 21 musicians including seven hammered dulcimers!!

    I’ve been busy this week getting the workshops organized for the Evart hammered dulcimer festival. (It’s a huge job with about 200 classes over three days in eight areas.)

    Yesterday I had a fun/memorable experience.

    I answer lots of questions via email and phone about the ODPC Funfest because, in addition to being Workshop Chairman, I’m the webmaster for the festival’s website. Sometimes I’m busy and I hustle through the answers but I always try to make sure the person feels welcome. Yesterday, at about 4:30, I received a phone call.

    It was an older gentleman who was sweet and very interested in what goes on at Evart. I gave a good over-view (maybe 10 minutes of friendly conversation). I was winding up my “pitch” by explaining that this fellow could, for $3, have admission to the festival which would avail him of the approximately 200 workshops including those for accordion, harmonica, dobro, fiddle, etc. etc. etc.

    I assured this very nice man that he could come and he’d have the availability of all of those wonderful instructional workshops in addition to lots of vendor access, stage shows, and of course lots of jamming, all for the remarkable cost of $3 for the whole event.

    At that point he quietly said, “I play dulcimer.”

    I was pleased and said, “Well, you’ll fit right in.”

    Then he said “I’m Paul Van Arsdale. I’ve never been to Evart but I’ve always wanted to attend.”

    I went balistic. PAUL VAN ARSDALE!!! I babbled something about we’d love to have him come and I’d always been admirer of him and his playing. I think I said something about “I’ve heard of you all my life!!” He handled it very well.

    He said he’s not sure but he’s hoping to come. No workshops, no star treatment (although I did assure him that I’d somehow find a way to get him a campsite with hookups because he just HAD to attend.)

    If you aren’t a dulcimer historian or don’t recognize his name, you can read about him on the on-line Wikipedia (on-line encyclopedia), at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Van_Arsdale. Paul is one of the pioneers who helped elevate the hammered dulcimer to it’s current status. He’s 87 years old and one of the most respected musicians in the dulcimer world.

    I hope I have a chance to explain to him that I really don’t think Paul Van Arsdale needs to take dorbro or harmonica classes. I just didn’t know who I was talking to and until he said “I’m Paul Van Arsdale” he got the standard spiel.

    It was probably the best way to welcome him because I know he realized everyone is welcomed at the festival and made to feel special.

    He kept saying he’s not firm about coming but he’s hoping he can make it.

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    Renovating

    We’re fairly far into the planning stage of a major renovation of our Michigan home. We have been looking at granite samples for counter tops, and tile for floors in the kitchen, hallway, utility and half bath. We’ve also had roofers come to see if our roof replacement is mandatory this year.

    We started looking at hardwood floors for the dining room and living room too, but it all gets over-whelming.

    We’ve kind of come to the conclusion that, since we have picked out the granite counters, we should get them and then see what would look best for the floors. We’re backing up and looking at one thing at a time.

    It’s not the fun stuff which we enjoy in Florida, but these are renovations we’ve been putting off and it’s now time to tackle some of these projects.

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    My Perfect Family

    I attended Emily’s wedding shower today. I truly felt like I was part of her family. What a blessing it’s been to discover he’s my brother (Jim). He came equipped with a lovely wife, two beautiful daughters and his very nice talented son.

    I’m blessed.

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    Meeting the Family

    This Saturday is Emily’s bridal shower! And just who is Emily? you ask. Well, she’s my niece. My brother’s daughter. If you haven’t heard the beautiful story of how I found my brother (Jim) and his family, you should read this: Family Matters. It’s the lovely and totally remarkable story of how I found the brother I thought had died at birth, when I had been only four.

    We now have a rewarding friendship. He’s a sweet guy with a beautiful family. Emily is his oldest child.

    I haven’t met any of his siblings nor his adopted family. I want to stay in the background because I understand his adopted mother (who is in her 90’s) isn’t comfortable with the idea that his birth family has contacted him. I don’t want to challenge her position and I would love to hide and just “be there.” Emily has invited me, so I will be proud to attend and represent his “other family.” It will be interesting.

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    Brrrrrrr!!

    Today and yesterday it’s been dern cold! Yup, we haven’t gotten out of the 40’s and this morning it was about 32 degrees. That’s the Michigan in April I’ve come to expect. April is always a cool month. The near 80 degree temperatures last week were out of character for my beloved state at this time of the year.

    At home I’m in fleecy sweat pants and a heavy sweat shirt all day. This is certainly unlike my apparel in sunny Florida.

    But yesterday I received a cute swim suit I’d ordered to replace the one that disintegrated in the pool and left me showing too much of my bottom.

    The sad result of the cool weather is that we don’t go out much. (At least historically, we have stayed inside when it’s been cold.) Yesterday I worked on the Subterranean Strings website and I did the “newsletter.” I really need to work harder on the Evart workshop schedule which is a humongous job and will take me about a month of pretty steady labor.

    We had a performance Sunday at a church and this Friday we have a practice. It has been great to see our Michigan music friends and spend quality time with them.

    But my only times to “venture out” of the house in the past 13 days (since we returned home) were trips to my eye doctor, beautician, two practices, and our performance Sunday. That’s it. It’s so different than our active Florida life.

    As summer approaches, that will change. And obviously the problem is mine, not John’s. He’s been outside every day working in the yard and getting cleaned up from the winter.

    We’ve heard repeatedly that the winter here was the worst in dozens of years. I do love snow, but I can’t say that I feel badly missing the cold weather and confining bad roads. I loved the pool and warm weather.

    But little by little I’m settling in and glad to be home. And John is purring.

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    Time (not in a bottle but instead, being wasted)

    I wish I could get my time-wasting habits under control. I can’t seem to get it all together and organize everything that needs to be done. Our place here in Michigan needs major renovation but I’m not prepared to really start it and John’s way too busy getting the yard and garden under control. Today he cut down a couple huge trees so we’ll eventually have a nice easterly sun view.

    I cleaned house and then had a lady over to look at dulcimers. I ended up selling her my “top-of-the-line-instrument”. It was her birthday and I know she’ll be happy, so I was pleased making the sale.

    It seems like there’s always a long list of stuff that needs to be done. Ahhhh for the relaxation I feel in Florida.

    One thing we can’t complain about is the weather!! Since we’ve returned to Michgian, it’s been perfect. Today it was mid-70’s as it’s been since Thursday when we got home.

    Life is great. I love it here. There’s lots to do, but I guess I need the challenge.

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    Home at last!

    Yesterday afternoon we arrived home. Seemed like a longer than normal trip.

    The grass is green here in Michigan, and the crocuses are in bloom. The leaves haven’t really popped out yet although with some species (like willows) you can tell that they’re on the verge.

    It was really warm (about 70-73) both yesterday and today even warmer (about 78).

    Our place seemed dusty and in need of some major sprucing up. As soon as possible, we’re doing some major renovations.

    Feels good to be home, but that doesn’t mean I’m not looking forward to returning to Florida in June.

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    Headin’ Back to Michigan

    Yesterday John and I headed northward to our home in Michigan. I hated to leave behind all the great friends and fun times we experience in Kings Point.

    I have been taking lots of photos and I plan to create a collage of head shots of the lovely folks we consider our Florida Friends. It’ll take some time to go through all of the pictures I have taken and pick out good ones. You’ll want to check back, if you think you might be included.

    The last few days of our visit flew past. We enjoyed the pool as much as possible. Of course we were at Rockin’ Rendezvous Thursday. We had our buddy Bob over for dinner Sunday evening. We packed. I spent as much time with Mom as I could.

    Now we’re on the road headed north.

    I’m already looking forward to returning. Although we can’t drive down again until mid-September, I’ve decided to fly back alone two times (once in June and the second time in late August). I know it’ll be deserted when I come back by myself. Many of our friends are snowbirds so it’ll seem empty. It’s just that I can’t leave Mom longer than a couple months. I worry about her. She is my responsibility

    My last visit with Mom was bitter sweet. She seemed to understand and did the “I love you a bushel and a peck” routine.

    But in addition to missing Mom, I’ll also miss all the sweet people from her alzheimers unit. There’s classy Petra who must have been an elegant lady because she’s still very attractive and one I’m really close to. There’s Ruthie who “mothers” everyone. She’s made me promise I’ll continue to visit her, even if something happes to Mom. There’s Ray who observes and seems to really care about the others in the unit. There’s Lois, one of the newer residents who doesn’t seem to belong in the unit at all because she’s so sharp. She’s always sweet and friendly and still loves to go out dancing with her husband. Larry is the Casanova of the unit. He loves women. When I asked him for my good-bye hug, he jumped to his feet and gave me a bear hug!

    Little Monica is 102 but still loves her beer. She’s sometime demanding and surly, but at her age, she is the matriarch of the unit. Dale and I enjoy a special friendship. He held my hand all one evening when he was feeling really blue. Jean moved into the unit few months back and seemed unhappy but she’s fitting in nicely. Eleanor is also fairly new, but looks lost. Jack never talks but he has a smile that’s ear to ear. Shirley and Mom are the most “advanced” in their disease. Shirley seldom talks much but she’ll smile and say “fine” whenever I ask how she is.

    They’ve become folks I value and care about. Sadly I know that their lives are as fragile as my mother’s. One bad cold or the flu can be fatal. Since Mom moved into the unit three years ago, there have been several of the members who passed away. Mac, Helen, Regina, and Doris all died while I was gone. It’s hard to say good-bye, knowing that most times when I have come back, someone has left the group. I realize Mom’s very vulnerable too.

    These special people were all once vibrant. I still see traces of what they were, but in many ways they’ve already left society. It’s really sad. I hugged each one and had a few minutes of private time with each of the 12. I know they will miss me but I’ll miss them too. I’m kind of a fixture in the unit. Some of them never have any visitors at all so they look forward to my “interruption.” I make it a point to be up-beat and talkative. I tell funny stories. I make them laugh (although Mom’s past that point and can’t even smile). I question them and answer their questions even if they ask the same thing 50 times in one visit. I encourage them and tell them how important they are in my life. And those aren’t empty words said for their benefit. They do add to the quality of my life.

    Now I’m getting teary so best change the topic!

    We’re enjoying perfect driving weather and moderate traffic. Michigan, here we come!!

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    Furniture Came

    We spent yesterday afternoon at the pool and I’m sure that’s where we’ll be every day until Sunday. Monday will be packing day. Mother Nature is cooperating by forecasting weather which will cool off and by Monday the pool won’t be as tempting.

    A few observations:

    Love bugs have been the subject of a couple of my blog posts. Click here to read a previous post about Love Bugs. I’ve seen a few the past week or two. They’re definitely on their way back!!

    We may be real grumps, but we’re still upset by the behavior of the children who visit Grandma and Grandpa and invade the pool. Yesterday the yelling of three or four kids got so loud at times that adults couldn’t converse. We moved away from them, but they were so loud you couldn’t escape. What happened to the old adages we employed when we raised our kids? I’d never have allowed my kids or my grandkids to infringe on the enjoyment of others. I’m amazed at folks who feel it’s an indication that kids are having fun. To me fun and rudeness don’t have to go hand and hand.

    Rockin’ Rendezvous hasn’t lost any of it’s charm. The folks are really nice and we wouldn’t miss it. I do wish they’d have scheduled one outdoors. Last year we enjoyed the outdoor pool deck for one of the fun Thursday evenings. The new pricing policy on optional two-for-one drinks works better for us. Now you can buy one drink for a slightly higher but still very reduced price rather than always getting two. (The old policy pushed you to consume more than you wanted.) We’ll say good-bye to many of our friends at the gathering tonight.

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    Sunday Splash!

    Sunday we went to Busch Gardens again. By mid-afternoon it rained! And boy did it!!!! We were soaked.

    Prior to the rain, we had a great time! We took in Jungala. It’s a new area. We especially enjoyed the with close-up encounters with tigers but it’s primarily directed at kids.

    At 11:30 we attended the Charo show. The koochi koochi gal still has a body to die for. She’s 67 but could pass for an in-shape 40!! Darned good guitarist too! We had great seats (three rows back and in the center). I was able to get some decent photos of her:

    Charo!!

    We also had a nice lunch at the Dessert Grill while we watched American Beat, a high-energy music show featuring sounds from the 50’s to about the 80’s.

    On our way home, we shopped for new furniture for our condo. We found some stuff that will be delivered Wednesday. It’ll really make our place more livable!

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    Fun Week!

    Grand weather and lots to do created a perfect week.

    We were at the pool nearly every day, went out to dinner with friends, and spent time with Mom. Of course, Thursday’s Rockin’ Rendezvous is always a “must attend.”

    Here’s a video of a bevy of beauties line dancing at this week’s rockin’ time. (Sorry the “Achy Breaky” sound isn’t clearer.) If you were there, see if you can find yourself.

    Sometime soon, I plan to take all of those still photos I’ve been taking and compile a collage of the KP/SSC folks. It might take me a couple of weeks, but I hope I have a good picture of you to include. So if you see me with camera in hand, smile!

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