February, all ready!

Nothing going on, play is over, which seemed like a hit. The only thing, the camera that was recording it, fizzled out so we have no video. They are trying to piece together something from various other people that used their video cameras for bits and pieces. Oh well, we all have our own memories. We had a blast and our cup runneth over with all the laughs we shared.

It is raining, which is badly needed. Our grass is finally starting to green up. I put in some grass plugs to help the front yard. Hopefully, they will fill in and look better. I am anxious to put in some flowers,but waiting for the first of March to be sure they don't freeze out. We had frost yesterday am, before golf. However, by afternoon, we were in short sleeves. You just never know what the weather is going to do. Kinda has a mind of it's own.

The State Fair starts today, so that is something to look forward to. It is just fun looking around, seeing the sights and trying to spot different foods. I think the vendors try to see who can clog the most arteries of us seniors.

Our new flooring is in, looks very nice. Only problem, everything shows on it. I can't even imagine how dirty the other floor got, unknowingly. Now all the dead grass tracks in, even though we have mats at our doors. Soon, that should disappear. Next project....white bead board for wanescoating (I guess that's the term) for part of our kitchen area.

Abby had a cyst removed a couple days ago and seems to be healing nicely. I couldn't believe how big the incission is. We take her back in 3 weeks to have the stitches removed.

And so our day begins. Abby is pacing to go outside, problem, it's raining. I hate days like this!

Time certainly flies

Where has the time gone???? It's getting a little scary how fast the days fly by. Tomorrow is the first day of February already and I don't even know where January went. The month was a little uneventful, until Shannan and the girls came for a visit last week. We took them back to the airport Wednesday, early afternoon, then Jason came the same day but much later. Gave me just enough time to come home and get laundry done so I could re-make the bed.

We have had another cold winter, not to complain, but for Florida, it was cold. It is finally starting to get so you can go out without a sweater.

I have been keeping busy lately with a play that we are putting on for the park this coming Saturday. It is a sell out, so hope all goes well. I have been having a blast, also getting to know a few more people. As much fun as it has been, I will be glad when it's over.

We have no immediate plans, just taking each day as it comes and enjoying every minute. We don't let too much grass grow under our feet, seems like there is always something to do or someplace to go.

If anything exciting happens, I will try to post it.

It's beginning to look like Christmas

It is so hard to believe that Christmas is just a couple of days away. Sure, the houses have lights, the stores are really hopping and playing carols, and for the most part, people seem a little more jolly. However, what we are lacking, is the voices of the little girls and all their giggles. They had their Christmas party last night at the house, and I soooo wish I could have been there. It should be getting easier, because, after all, this is our 4th Christmas down here. NOT!!! It was really fun talking to everyone, if only for a minute.

We had company last night for some drinks and snacks. Had a great time, inspite of the solidified Bailey's. We had a new bottle, big bottle I might add, that we bought last Spring. It had never been opened but because of the high temps in the house during the summer, it was cooked. I tried to pour the liquid into the glasses and nothing came out! How upsetting!!! Fortunately, we had just bought another bottle, as an extra, so we were good. Lesson learned!

Today was golf day. What a joke! I don't know if it was because of the lack of sleep the night before, or the fact that I hadn't played in three weeks, but it was BAD. We had a great time and the weather was beautiful, so it made it worth while.

Hope you all have a happy and joyous Christmas. "Merry Christmas from our house to your house."

Finally!!

This is what our place looked like this am. I hope the plants survived.

We are finally having some nice weather, again. I am sorry to hear all about cold weather back home, but ....We have paid our dues. I have been going to bed with my bathrobe and socks on, also two blankets. This is Florida, it's suppose to be warm. We uncovered our plants this am, after being covered three nights. Once before we have had to cover them, but only for two nights. It's suppose to be nice for a few days, then cooler again.

We are starting to get into the Christmas spirit, even started to make a couple of things from the kitchen this am. They are in the freezer now. This is the first day this week we haven't had anything going. We had a great time yesterday, went out to eat with some friends at The Roadhouse in Wesley Chaple, then afterwards, stopped at their house for coffee,some freshly made cookies, and some laughs. Tomorrow we are going to our favorite flea market in Belleview with Tom and Kathy. We haven't seen much of them this year so am really looking forward to tomorrow. We always have some laughs when we are together.

As soon as Fred gets back from his dump run and taking Abby for a golf cart ride, we are going to load her up and take her to the dog park and let her run for a while. This will be our first time there this year. She should be a happy camper when she gets back home.

Have a great weekend.

Frustrations

The nativity scene on the cabinet between the dining room and living room.

This centerpiece I put together all by myself. Aren't you proud? No Martha Stewart, but it works for me.

This is on the front porch, a new tree this year. It is done mostly in Boyd Bear ornaments, and of course ones from the little girls.

Our "chicken" planter that got run over last year when I set it behind the car and forgot about it.

Our new clock!

I think it is the same as last year, except we added the tree. We didn't put that up last year. Now, if I can just get all the lights to work. They are on a timer, comes on at dusk.

Why is it getting so hard to manage my check books???? I just spent almost 2 hours getting them to balance. Of course, it would help if I used my debit card from the right checkbook. I made a transfer in one checkbook, and paid a bill on line from the other. OOPS!!!! Thank goodness for check guard. ECCU must love me about now. Oh well, problem solved.

It is getting very cloudy, sure could use some rain. We have our Christmas dinner at the clubhouse in about 1 1/2 hour. I wish I could say I am really hungry, but nope. I don't suppose all the circus peanuts I ate this afternoon had anything to do with it. I would have forgotten about it, but the man of the house reminded me. Glad someone keeps track of things. (Maybe I should hand over the finances to him)

Just wanted to send along some pictures of what few Christmas decorations we have. Now I learned 1/2 of our outside lights don't work. Oh what to do???? Let them go for now or try to figure out the problem. I hate the thoughts of checking them one bulb at a time. YUK.

We have play practice tomorrow, something I look forward to each time. We are having so much fun, hope it is a success. Not that I have any big part in it, but it is still fun. Plus, I am getting to know more people.

I will try my hardest to post more often, we are just soooo busy.

Christmas is Almost here

There was a small wooden platform where the dancers performed, also some tourists. They put on quite a show with local colors.

The drinks and food was served "tapas style", which were small plates with different island style food, which was very good.

On the south (I believe) end of the beach the terrain was very pretty, not for swimming.

The north end was a little more "beachy" with the sand. In between was sand, but Tom said there were sea urchins scattered and you had to be careful where you went in. Not my idea of a perfect swimming area. I enjoyed just laying in the sun and watching the sights and hearing the sounds.

I can't believe it has been almost a month since I posted last time. Where does the time go? There is only about 2 weeks before Christmas, but in my mind we are still in November. I will see if I can bring this up to date.

About the petunias I planted....dead! It has been so dry here and I guess we have been so busy, or I should say on the go, they kind of got forgotten. Oh well, they weren't the ones I wanted anyway.

Fred took out the original clock that was out in front of the house. It didn't work anymore, but was sort of an icon around the park. We had bought a different one last year, but because he knew it was going to be a big project, he hesitated in starting the job. All said and done, it wasn't really that bad. It sure looks nice now, quite an improvement, I think.

We have also taken a 6 night cruise with Tom & Kathy to Key West, Grand Caymen and Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Had a great time and very nice weather. It was just good to get away and relax. We love Key West! We just walked around, did some shopping and had a couple of drinks at a couple bars, and spent some time at the marina. Oh yeah, can't forget the Key Lime Pie from Kermit's Key Lime Pie store. They are famous for their pie and all sorts of candy and dips. Ocho Rios was a day spent at a beach just relaxing. It wasn't the most modern place but enjoyed every minute of it. There were free drinks, food, music and just the sound of the waves slapping against the shore made it all worth while. Grand Caymen, wasn't my favorite, but Margaretaville was fun.

I don't mean to complain, but it has been cold here. We covered up the bushes and plants for two nights in a row, and even last night got into the very low 40's. Golf was cancelled Tuesday because of the cold and wind. I guess 4 gals braved it, but they said it was horrible. More power to them, I sure had no desire to go out and freeze.

We have our Christmas decorations up, and even had Santa come through the park on the Pasco County fire truck, but it still doesn't seem like Christmas is just around the corner. I still can't get into the spirit without the snow, however, I much would rather have the blue sky and sunshine and a little less spirit.

Have a great Christmas and stay warm. Please be careful of the slippery roads and all the ice. (That, I don't miss!)

I THINK we are settled in.

These are the new Bougainvillea bushes we planted. The one on the left is a Pixie and the other one is a Dwarf. This is a test to see which one works out the best.

Fred put up these small fence sections to hid a few things. It's not ideal, but it will work.

Who's this????? Why it's Abby, the wonder dog and her chauffeur. She sure loves her rides in the golf cart.


Yes, it's true. I believe we have everything in its place and a place for everything. It seems good to know that part is over. The closet turned out great, a big thank you to my other half. He worked all day, but finally got it finished. By the next day I had it filled. I never realized how many photo albums and scrapbooks I had. They are not in any order, but they are in there and out of the totes we brought them down in.

Seems like we have been on the go a lot, or taking a break as we like to refer to it. We have been to Busch Gardens, a couple of flea markets and just running getting things we need for the house. Golf has started, which I really enjoy. We just started playing at a new course, somewhat longer than we are used to. We figured it took almost 5 hours to play 18 holes! (We are not great players by a long ways.) I just like being out with friends and having lots of laughs, not to mention getting some sun.

We have all our bushes planted and even planted some petunias a few days ago. I couldn't find any wave petunias, but at least they will add some color out front.

I have also obligated myself to be part of a play the park is putting on in February. It's not that I have any speaking part, but it is a commitment and so far it has been fun.

Tomorrow is a free picnic for veterans at the clubhouse. Anytime there is a mention of free food, there is a crowd. Whenever we can get someone else to fix our meals, expecially if it's free, works for us!

Speaking of food, I guess it's about time I try to figure out what to get for dinner.