A Fun Day!

Ken went to LR around 6:30.  I woke at 7:15, did some reading in bed, and then we got ready to go to Edgewater UM Church in Port Charlotte.  We have been there the last 3 weeks and continue to really enjoy their contemporary music and the pastor's message.

We left the CG at 9, headed to the Church, and after an inspirational service, we were on our way back to Waldo by 10:45.  Ken made himself a salad for lunch and dinner (I can't eat them right now because of my lip issue) and then we ate lunch outside.  It was a mostly cloudy day, but it did get to the low 70's.  

After cleaning up, I cut-up lots of veggies so they will be ready to saute for dinner.  We packed some drinks and then left for Ernie and Neola's around 1. The 4 of us took a long walk (about 4 miles) seeing some interesting birds and a huge alligator. 

This blue heron is in the canal behind
Ernie and Noela's RV.  The other day
he was sitting on the side of their truck!

This is an osprey!

This is rather interesting.  The osprey nest is in the bottom
part of the tree and a blue heron has her nest on the top
of the tree.  Talk about sharing!

Here is the blue heron!

Noela and I on our long walk with the "boys"!

One giant alligator.  Probably about 10 feet!

It this picture upside down?????

Ken just thought this was pretty!

Finally, the right size alligator for Ken to wrestle!

A whole "herd" of cormorants!

Rather appropriate in the 55+ communities here in Florida!

Next it was shuffleboard time!  We all enjoy that activity.  The men won the 1st game but the ladies came on strong and won the 2nd.  It was fun!

This is a competitive and serious game!

Isn't this a beautiful moth???

It was a large one!!!

After making plans for tomorrow, Ken and I came back to Waldo at 5:45.  I made the veggies while Ken grilled salmon and chicken.  It was all so delicious. After cleaning up, it was time to watch 60 minutes and I worked on this blog.

These ibis were in the water behind their RV!

I wonder if they are a couple?

Let's fall into line!

Here we go!

Hey, no stopping to eat!

Keep moving!!!

Again, I had no pain with my lip today, but eating continues to be a challenge! It is almost necessary to change the bandaging every time I eat.  Not a problem, but a bit of a nuisance.  

Had a nice phone conversation with Deb Eberly and Polly back home.  So nice to talk with them!  I appreciate their friendship!

After watching some of Ninja Warrior and doing some reading, we were in bed by 9:30.

A Very Relaxing Day!

Ken was up by 6:15, but I didn't crawl out of bed until about 8:30.  They wanted me to sleep on 2 pillows to keep my chin "up", but that doesn't work very well.  I have trouble with my neck and back when I am up that High!

Ken went to get me some Dial soap which is what the Dr. told me to get to "scrub" the wound.  I showered while he was gone and then it was time to remove the huge bandage the Dr. had put on yesterday.  I was anxious to see what it looked like, but Ken had no interest.  He is not very good with that type of thing.  He did take one quick peek, but that was plenty!  It is rather swollen, but I think it looks great  I was able to clean it, put on plenty of Vaseline, and then cover it with a smaller "dressing".  

Thankfully I was able to remove this large bandage!

My lip is rather "puffy", but looking better than I expected!  I am
not sure why there is no pain, but I am thrilled !

We made a flax pancake with strawberries, blueberries and peanut butter that we shared.  It took me some time to eat it, but with small pieces, I was able to manage!  I drank my chai with a straw but that is very doable!  

I had a nice conversation with Barry and Deb, bringing them up to date on yesterday's procedure.  They have lots of standing water in their CG and yesterday had to have their car towed off their site.  The amount of rain we have had in this area in the month of January is just crazy.  They normally have 2 to 3 inches, but so far this month lots of places have had 13 inches.  There is just no where for the water to go!

Ken and I left to go to Detweiler's, an Amish produce stand along Route 41 near Venice that offers lots of fruits and veggies, a deli, seafood, and an in house bakery.  It is an amazing place.  So glad Bill and Donna told us about it.  We had no idea that is existed!

Then we made a stop a Wal-Mart, getting back to Waldo around 1:15.  Both of us were feeling rather tired.  I worked on the blog and Ken did some reading. Doloris called and we had a wonderful conversation.  She is having lots of trouble with her back since shoveling snow and is trying to get it "under control" before they leave for Florida a week from Thursday.  I appreciated her "checking up on me" concerning my surgery!  What a special friend!

Noela called and they were just leaving Naples where they spent the day walking around the downtown area, including Tin City.  We invited them to stop in to play games, so they arrived around 5.  I was just waking up when they got here.  Ken and Ernie took a walk around the CG while Noela and I chatted.

They had brought a packed dinner, so we ate together, I changed my bandage, and then we played Skip-Bo which the men won quite handily.  We also played Toss Up and I was the victor!

They left around 8 and I talked to Cindy and my mother.  Cindy had given me a heads up that mom was feeling a lot better today almost a complete turn around from yesterday!  Hallelujah.  I think both she and dad were just completely exhausted from both of them having to change rooms.

I feel blessed that I have still had absolutely no pain from my surgery.  Rather amazing.  I will be glad when it no longer needs to be cover, for eating is the biggest problem.

Ken and I did some reading and I complete this post.  It was a good post surgical day!

Lip Surgery Day!

I had set the alarm to go off at 5:15, but it didn't work!  Ken woke at 5:23 and checked for the time - hallelujah we were up in time to get ready for my appointment at the Dermatology Center in Estero at 7:45.  We quickly got ready and were on our way by 6:15 for the 75 mile drive, arriving there at 7:35.  The sunrise on the way was breathtaking!

Lots of paperwork to complete, so they only took me back around 9 AM.  By then I was a bit anxious, but as soon as I met the nurse and Dr. Zack came into the room, I knew I was in good hands with people who were very qualified and really cared about me.  I calmed down quickly.

By 9:30 the 1st phase of cutting was complete and Dr. Zack said I would not need any stitches and she felt confident that the pathology report that they do immediately would come back just fine.  So they closed the wound and bandaged it assuming nothing else was needed.  I went to the waiting room to await the results and within 45 minutes Ken and I were on our way back to the CG.  I felt so blessed and relieved.  The procedure was relatively painless and except for the huge bandaged area, I was in good shape!

I think the bandage was a bit larger then needed, but I am
just the "victim"!

We stopped on the way back to get me a milkshake for lunch, because eating was going to be rather difficult with the gauze being part way inside my mouth. I am to "lay low" for 2 or 3 days only doing walking for exercise.  No pickleball or bike riding.  The worst part is I am not supposed to go on the beach for the next month, but since it has been so rainy and a bit cool most of our trip, that shouldn't be a problem.  Actually, I feel that is the a small price to pay for such a good result!  I will go back in about a week for a follow-up visit and hopefully by then the area will no longer need to be covered.

After texting, e-mailing, and talking with family and friends Ken and I decided we needed to rest.  You tend to "hold up well" before and during these "events", but when it is over you realize that it does take a toll on you physically, mentally, and emotionally.  We read for a short time and then both napped.

After our naps, I had a long talk with my sister, daughter Jamie, and with Ken's sister.  It was so good to chat with all of them.  I tried to eat a Cafe Steamer for dinner, but it was impossible to get the fork with food in my mouth.  So Ken graciously went to McDonald's to get me another milkshake.

Chuck called to inquire how I was doing and Ken and he had a nice conversation.  They arrived at Frog City CG in LA where they will spent the night, having left San Antonio this morning.  We will both arrive at Pine Island on Wednesday and we are very excited to see them!

At 7, Bill and Donna, who are staying here at Ramblers Rest and fellow campers from PA that we have seen for the last several years at Pine Island, came to Waldo.  We spent the evening chatting and comparing notes on the trips we both took out west last year and talking about family and friends.  We had such a great evening and really enjoyed their company!  We must have had a good time for all of a sudden it was 11:00 PM.

They left and we went right to bed.  Life is Good!

Rain, Rain, and More Rain AGAIN!

Ken went to the LR at 6:15 to do some reading.  I woke at 7:15 and did some reading in bed before getting up.  We had a light breakfast and after cleaning up, I cut Ken's hair.

After showering, we left at 10:45 to go to Noela and Ernie's CG and go out to lunch together.  It had rained most of the morning, but had slowed down when we got there.  We chatted for a little and then took a short walk around the CG between the raindrops.  We had a chance to introduce Ernie and Noela to Neil and Nancy Savage who are also at Harbor Lakes CG. 

This is Neil and Nancy's beautiful home!

Then we drove to the Captain's Table Restaurant on the pier at Punta Gorda where the Myakka and Peace Rivers meet.  Great setting. The food and service was excellent, but we enjoyed the food even more at Farlow's on the Water. There is a great "mall" with interesting and rather "touristy" shoppes where the Captain's Table is located.  We enjoyed walking through there!

We were thrilled to have a window table with a view
of the Myakka and Peace Rivers!

How about some blackened grouper, scallops and shrimp with
delicious green beans and rice pilaf?

I guess Ken liked it!

This is the mall where the
Captain's Table is located!

Lots of unique shoppes!

We were back to their RV by 3 and Ken changed to go to Yoga at Edgewater Church in Port Charlotte.  Noela and I drove with him to the Church and we went shopping at Michael's Crafts while he did his Yoga class.  We picked him up at 4:30 and it was pouring again.

When we got back to their RV Ernie wasn't there!  He had gone for a walk.  So we called him and he asked if we would pick him up in a park near their CG where he was in a pavilion for shelter.  It was really raining hard when we got to his location.  He was very wet and happy for a ride.

Ken and I returned to Waldo by 6 after stopping for gas.  I had talked to Lanie and Deb Eberly on the way back.  I appreciated their phone calls.

I also heard from the Dermatology Center and I will have my Mo's procedure appointment at 7:45 tomorrow morning.  That means we will have to leave the CG around 6:15 for the 75 mile drive.  Wow, that is early for this girl, but I am thankful to go 1st thing in the morning.  I will be glad when it is over and all is well!

We had a very light supper and a relaxing evening.  I spent time balancing my craft check book (it needed some major work!), posted on this blog, and had TV on in the background.  Ken did a lot of reading.

We were in bed by 9:00 in preparation for tomorrow's early departure to Estaro Bay and my dermatology appointment!

Rain, Rain, and More Rain!

Okay, the weather here in Florida has been rather crazy so far!  Everything is so wet from all the rain they have had this January.  This area has had 10 inches so far this month, way above their average!  We  have had the privilege to experience it!

It was a mild night, only getting down to the mid 60's, but there was steady rain that began in the middle of the night.  When we got up around 8 (we are enjoying these late "rise" mornings) it had stopped, so I got ready to go to 9:30 pickleball.  About 9:15 it started raining again and it rained steadily and fairly heavy all day.  You have to see the CG to understand how low lying most of the sites and streets are to appreciate all the water "puddles" that keep forming! Everything is so saturated and it is true of most of the areas in southwest Florida!

Ken and I actually enjoyed the day because it gave us time to relax.  Ken spent much of the day reading, writing in his journal, checking our accounts, and meditating, which he is really finding enjoyable and helpful!  I made pendants and earrings all day and evening.  For me that is relaxing and a lot of fun.  I really enjoy being creative!

Ken grilled us chicken burgers for supper since we had moved the grill under the awning earlier today.  He left at 6:30 for a Celebrate Recovery meeting at a local church while I continued "crafting" and watched American Idol.

I talked to Cindy late this afternoon.  They moved to Pine Island Campground today and were able to "tear down and set-up" in between the raindrops.  She had talked to our mother and the home moved dad to a room closer to the nurses station so they will be able to check on him more often.  We all agree that he is fighting for his independence and not understanding that all of his privileges will be taken away if he doesn't start behaving!  That has never been his personality, but I think he is impatient and just rather tired of everything!  It has nothing to do with his mental capacity!

I did talk to the Dermatology Center here in Estero Bay about my appointment on Friday.  I am on their schedule, but they will call tomorrow afternoon with the exact time I need to be there.  I was scheduled for 7:45, but they said that could be subject to change.  

It appears that tomorrow will be another "rain out".  Not sure where all the water is going to go!!

Ken was back to Waldo by 9.  I had worked on the blog and did more jewelry while watching American Idol.  Then we did some chatting while I cut some scrapbooking paper for another craft project I am working on.  We went to bed at 10 and read before lights out at 11.

A Beautiful Beach Day!

Ken and I only woke around 8:15!  This snowbirding thing is working out well for us!  We decided to have flax pancakes for breakfast again this morning as well as some additional fruit.  We have found that 1/2 of a pancake is plenty for us when you spread peanut butter, strawberry slices, blueberries and bananas on top of it.  The "squirt" whipped cream helps too.  For some reason, especially for me, it keeps me "full" all morning and part way into the afternoon.  It has to be good for you I am sure!!!!

We called Lanie to sing "happy birthday" to her - it is birthday #38.  How can that be?  I must have had her when I was a mere teenager - NOT!  The counties in that area of PA still didn't have school today!  She said the main roads in many places are still not 2 lanes, so who knows when the schools will reopen.  I think everyone is getting a bit of "cabin fever".

We packed some food and drinks and were on our way to Mannasota Beach by 11:30.  Neil and Nancy Savage were already there when we arrived and we had about 3 hours of chatting and enjoying each others company.  They left by 2:0 and Ken and I spent the next 2 hours walking the beach looking for "treasures" and then doing a little reading.  It was a gorgeous, sunny day with the temperature getting to about 78 degrees - not bad!!!!!

The beach was fairly "full" today! 

By 1:00 the sun was shining brightly!

Looking for some treasures!  Notice the hat and long
sleeves - I am trying to be good in the sun and protect
my skin.  Both the hat and the shirt our sun protective
clothing.  

We were back to Waldo by 5 and had some leftovers for dinner.  After cleaning up and rinsing and soaking our findings from the beach, Ken left to go to the church we have been attending to try their Christian Yoga Class.  He used to take yoga back home several years ago, but always desired to find a Christian instructor.  So, he was excited to try it tonight!

I worked on the blog and then went to the pickleball courts here in the CG.  It is on the activities schedule that they play every Tuesday and Thursday evening starting at 6:30 so I was excited to play again.  There were only 7 of us there when I arrived, but by the time we were ready to start playing, there were at least 16 of us.  It was a perfect night for playing, no wind and in the 60's.  Ken stopped at the courts when he got back from yoga at 8:30.  I played 1 more game and then we headed back to Waldo.

We both had a great night.  Ken really enjoyed the Christian yoga and the amazing instructor.  He is looking forward to going back on Thursday and I will probably go back to play pickleball that night too!  Life is good!

A Gorgeous Day for Pickleball and A Bike Ride!

An amazing thing happened to Ken last night!  He went to bed at 10:30 and never woke up until 7:15 this morning.  Sleeping all night hasn't happened for Ken for probably at least 10 years.  Wow!  I woke at the same time and stayed in bed to read for a short time.

We had a flax pancake with peanut butter and lots of strawberries and banana and some good citrus fruit.  After cleaning up, we decided that I would go to play pickleball at 9:30 and Ken would go to K-Mart to purchase the vacuum cleaner we had seen there yesterday.  Turns out they had given us a coupon for 15% off any purchase made today, but only today.  So, we decided we should take advantage of the opportunity.

It was only 39 degrees when we got up, but warmed up very quickly with the bright sunshine and no wind.  I had such a great time playing pickleball and chatting with people from the CG.  I felt right at home, only leaving there around 11:15 after playing about 5 games.  I am really looking forward to playing again tomorrow and Thursday night and on Wednesday morning.  It is such a fun game!

Ken had returned around 11 and the race was on!!!!  We quickly got ready to meet Ernie and Noela at 12:30 at Caspersen Beach, about 25 minutes from our CG.  But 1st we had a "skype time" with Jamie, Bria and Cali.  We chatted with them for about  20 minutes.  They took their I-Pad outside to show us all the snow piles and how the street in front of their house looked.  That blizzard was amazing.  We took our I-Pad outside Waldo to show them the palm trees and the green grass.  They weren't impressed!!!!

While we were outside with the I-Pad, Bill and Donna, fellow campers we have seen the last several years when camping at Pine Island rode by on their bikes. They had read our blog and knew we were here at Ramblers Rest.  They got here on Saturday and will be staying for the next 6 weeks.  They came back when we finished our skyping, and we had such a great time talking with them. They are fellow Pennsylvanians!!!  We are hoping to have time to get together to chat and show them some of our favorite places in Venice!

We got to Caspersen Beach at 12:40, a little late, and met Ernie and Noela.  We got on our bikes and rode on the Venitian Intracoastal Waterway Trail into downtown Venice.  Of course, we had to stop at the Upper Crust for one of their delicious scones with Devenshire cream.  

Entering the town of Venice

A beautiful part of the bike trail!

Okay, okay, okay!  We are "addicted" to the scones at
the Upper Crust Bakery when in Venice!  The apricot
one was delicious!

The main street in downtown Venice!

We got back on our bikes and rode to Venice Beach where we walked and picked up tiny shells.   Saw an amphibious ultralight flying boat (plane) flying over the beach!  I guess he can land just about anywhere! 

Venice Beach!  A little cool for sunbathing!

The seagulls were fascinated by the plane too!

Look!  A flying dingy!!!!

Then we got back on the bike trail, riding back to Caspersen Beach.  These are some of my favorite condos in Venice - love the colors, style and the location! 

The back of the condos!

From the front, they overlook the Intracoastel Waterway!

On the way we stopped to watch a bald eagle........

So stately!

I think he liked posing for us!

.....and then it was time to "take off"!

.....and the raising of the bridge so this sailboat could continue on his way.

The boat was flying the flag of New Zealand or Australia!
The captain yelled, "Good Day"!

3 bridges have to open for him to pass around Venice!

We were back to the parking lot by 4:45, got our bikes back on the rack, and the 4 of us drove to our CG for dinner.  I talked to Nancy Savage while we were driving.  They arrived at Harbor Lakes today and since it is their 1st time there, she had some questions about the area.  If we don't get to see them this week, we will be together in another week and a half at Pine Island.

Ken made salads while I cut-up lots of veggies to stir-fry.  Then Ken grilled chicken and salmon.  We had to eat inside, for it had gotten rather cool when the sun went down.  After cleaning up, we played a game of Skip-Bo which the men won.  It was a fun day!

I did get a call from my mother this evening.  My dad has fallen 3 or 4 times in the last 4 days, so Masonic Homes is getting concerned.  He really doesn't fall, but his legs have no strength and really can't support him.  So, when he tried to get off his electric wheelchair and "shimmy" to his recliner, he fell.  Now he is not to move from one place to another with help.  He can get stubborn at times as well as impatient, and takes matters "into his own hands".  I hope he starts listening, or I am afraid they will take away his electric wheelchair.  That would be so hard for him, for he has always been such an independent person.  I know how difficult it is for my mother, as it makes her feel so sorry for him and she realizes that she really can't help him.

Ken wanted to repeat this picture we took at the same place
last year.  Oh yeah, that is the time his camera fell of his bike
seat and we had to buy a new camera.
Thanks Ernie and Noela for another fun day!