It was our usual morning routine with Ken up early and I joined him in time for the news at 7. After finishing our morning routines, we had breakfast and I had a nice phone chat with Ken's sister, Priscilla.
By 9:15 we were on our way to Edgewater Church to help at the Food Pantry. What a great "welcome back" we received. It was so wonderful to see our Florida friends again. It is amazing how they all remembered our names and made us feel so welcome! 98 people went through the "pantry" and it really is a wonderful feeling to be able to help these folks. It closes at 12:30 and after cleaning up, 14 of us went to lunch together - a great way to learn to know these folks better. We had a great time.
We were back to the CG by 2:45 and loaded the CRV with all the things needed for tomorrow's craft show at the Englewood Sports Complex. Ken and I were there from 3:30 to 5 and are ready for tomorrow's show from 9 to 2. I have really reduced the price on all my jewelry, as this is the last craft show I plan to do - I am retiring from the craft business. I am enjoying making things to give away like crocheted baby blankets for Knots of Love (premie babies), x-stitch jars filled with candy, painted rocks, and greeting cards. What fun! I have really enjoyed doing these craft shows, but everything in life has a season, and this season is over for me. I will have no more deadlines for crafts and that feels good!
When we got back to Wilbur, Ken did some checking on Facebook and I worked on this blog while watching the news. Just a few "munchies" because of eating a larger lunch and then we finished our game of Hand and Foot. Unfortunately for me, Ken won again, but only by less than 200 points. I'm not sure what I need to do to win a game!!!!!
By 9:15 we were in bed to do some reading.
Friday, December 7, 2018
Thursday, December 6, 2018
Thursday - Cool morning, but then in the 70's
Ken and I enjoyed breakfast and by 8:30 he left for Edgewater Church to help set-up and unload trucks for tomorrow's Food Pantry. Unfortunately, the truck that delivers the food was very late, only arriving around 12:30, so Ken only got back to the CG at 2. He was happy to help, because they are really short handed this time of year!
I spent that time on devotions and phone calls to friends and family only finishing around 11:30. I decided I would enjoy doing some rock painting, but it seemed like my creativity wasn't working that well. That happens sometimes. We were supposed to spend the afternoon at Rick and Joyce's home in Venice, but because Ken got home so late (we were supposed to go there around 1:30), we had to cancel our afternoon with them. Rick and Joyce were going to their church at 5:30, so it would have been a very short visit. We rescheduled for Saturday.
Ken decided to rest and I drove to Hobby Lobby, only about 15 minutes from the CG, because they had a sale this week on any Paper Studio products which includes so many items used for card making, scrapbooking, etc. I enjoyed having some time to look around. When I returned, Ken I went to the CG laundry and to do our wash. While it was washing we played a game of shuffleboard which Ken won. I am looking forward to a re-match! Ken went back to Wilbur to get ready for dinner while I put the clothes in the dryer.
Ken grilled fish and chicken and we had salads with the meat - surprise!!!! We finished one game of Hand and Foot and I declared Ken the winner after only 3 rounds - he was so far ahead! We played 2 more rounds and he is a head again, but only by about 500 points. It is time for me to win a game!!!!
I did some more rock painting, while Ken worked on his tablet. By 10, we headed to bed to read! It was a good day!
I spent that time on devotions and phone calls to friends and family only finishing around 11:30. I decided I would enjoy doing some rock painting, but it seemed like my creativity wasn't working that well. That happens sometimes. We were supposed to spend the afternoon at Rick and Joyce's home in Venice, but because Ken got home so late (we were supposed to go there around 1:30), we had to cancel our afternoon with them. Rick and Joyce were going to their church at 5:30, so it would have been a very short visit. We rescheduled for Saturday.
Ken decided to rest and I drove to Hobby Lobby, only about 15 minutes from the CG, because they had a sale this week on any Paper Studio products which includes so many items used for card making, scrapbooking, etc. I enjoyed having some time to look around. When I returned, Ken I went to the CG laundry and to do our wash. While it was washing we played a game of shuffleboard which Ken won. I am looking forward to a re-match! Ken went back to Wilbur to get ready for dinner while I put the clothes in the dryer.
Ken grilled fish and chicken and we had salads with the meat - surprise!!!! We finished one game of Hand and Foot and I declared Ken the winner after only 3 rounds - he was so far ahead! We played 2 more rounds and he is a head again, but only by about 500 points. It is time for me to win a game!!!!
I did some more rock painting, while Ken worked on his tablet. By 10, we headed to bed to read! It was a good day!
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Wednesday - Cooler but Sunny Day!
Ken was up about 2 hours before me and he had the TV working using a portable TV antenna we had purchased previously. It allowed us to get the 3 major networks - hallelujah! I still believe Wilbur's antenna will decide to work when it is ready!
Ken and I had breakfast, cleaned up and then removed extra things from the front of Wilbur so Ken and Rick could work on the windshield shades that are not hanging properly. Ken and I went for a walk and it was beautiful, but quite a bit cooler than yesterday. As soon as we got back, Jamie called and I had such a nice conversation with her. All is going well at their house.
While on the phone with Jamie, Rick and Joyce arrived and Ken and they got to work taking down the sunshade and the night time shade. Joyce and I thought it best if we leave the men to the job, so we headed to Beall's Outlet to do a little shopping. We had a fun time and I came home with a few nice things - shirt, infused oils for Ken's salads, and a new purse for me. Joyce purchased one new blouse. As we were leaving the store, Rick called and said they needed some tools that were in the back of her car, so we headed back to the CG.
What a rough time the men were having. They had gotten both shades back in place and working, but realized the screws holding them were stripped. So, they took shades back down and in the process the wires to the motor shredded and were now inside with no way to retrieve them. These guys had worked so hard and in such a crowded, limited space. They put them back up numerous times and got the motor to partially work on the sunshade, but it would only lower it about 3 inches. So, after many more trials, they hung them back up but they have to be worked manually. We were just so appreciate of the work and time Rick gave us to try to solve our problem.
They left at 4 and Ken decided to rest. I did my devotions and worked on this blog. We made salads for dinner and shredded chicken sandwiches. Then it was time to play Hand and Foot. We played 2 rounds and Ken has a substantial lead! More work on this blog and Ken was on his I-Pad.
It was a rather frustrating day for Ken but he certainly appreciated Rick's help!
Ken and I had breakfast, cleaned up and then removed extra things from the front of Wilbur so Ken and Rick could work on the windshield shades that are not hanging properly. Ken and I went for a walk and it was beautiful, but quite a bit cooler than yesterday. As soon as we got back, Jamie called and I had such a nice conversation with her. All is going well at their house.
While on the phone with Jamie, Rick and Joyce arrived and Ken and they got to work taking down the sunshade and the night time shade. Joyce and I thought it best if we leave the men to the job, so we headed to Beall's Outlet to do a little shopping. We had a fun time and I came home with a few nice things - shirt, infused oils for Ken's salads, and a new purse for me. Joyce purchased one new blouse. As we were leaving the store, Rick called and said they needed some tools that were in the back of her car, so we headed back to the CG.
What a rough time the men were having. They had gotten both shades back in place and working, but realized the screws holding them were stripped. So, they took shades back down and in the process the wires to the motor shredded and were now inside with no way to retrieve them. These guys had worked so hard and in such a crowded, limited space. They put them back up numerous times and got the motor to partially work on the sunshade, but it would only lower it about 3 inches. So, after many more trials, they hung them back up but they have to be worked manually. We were just so appreciate of the work and time Rick gave us to try to solve our problem.
 |
| A woman's work is never done! So glad we could help. (Actually we only put in the final screw in the cover up panel. That was the easy part! |
They left at 4 and Ken decided to rest. I did my devotions and worked on this blog. We made salads for dinner and shredded chicken sandwiches. Then it was time to play Hand and Foot. We played 2 rounds and Ken has a substantial lead! More work on this blog and Ken was on his I-Pad.
It was a rather frustrating day for Ken but he certainly appreciated Rick's help!
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Tuesday - Beautiful, Warm, Sunny Day!
Ke did his usual morning routine but I was a bit slow "rising". For some reason, our TV antenna has decided not to work properly (this has happened several times and then all of a sudden it decides to "behave") so we weren't able to get the morning news. We made omelettes for breakfast, cleaned up, and then decided to go for a walk around the CG.
When we returned, it was time for a shower for this gal because the 80 degrees and humidity had me "warmed up"! We ate lunch and I did my devotions. Ken had done some work on the computer.
Rick and Joyce arrived at 1:15 and we spent about 2 hours sitting outside chatting and getting "up to date" on our lives. We decided to head to the shuffleboard courts to have a men vs. women battle. Unfortunately for us, the men won all 3 games but each one got a bit closer! It was a lot of fun and perfect weather to be outdoors.
 |
| Joyce and I were partners and in the 1st game she played against Rick! |
 |
| For the 2nd game, I played against Rick. |
 |
| This was the winning round of the day - Joyce scored 30 points for the ladies and gave the guy a minus 10! Unfortunately, we still lost the game! \ |
Right after playing the 4 of us headed to Bocca Lupa for delicious coal fired pizza. Ken and I had been there before, but it was new for Rick and Joyce. They enjoyed their Calzone and we found our pizza fantastic!
Back to Wilbur to play Hand and Foot and the men were far ahead after 3 rounds, but Joyce and I almost caught up on the 4th one, only losing by about 500 points - rather amazing! Then we played one game of double deck pinochle and the women were the definite winners. It was such a fun day.
 |
| Wow, that is a lot of days for a continuous fire to burn! |
Back to Wilbur to play Hand and Foot and the men were far ahead after 3 rounds, but Joyce and I almost caught up on the 4th one, only losing by about 500 points - rather amazing! Then we played one game of double deck pinochle and the women were the definite winners. It was such a fun day.
They left about 10:00 and Ken and I went right to bed.
Monday, December 3, 2018
Monday - Warm Mostly Sunny Day!
Ken was up bright an early but because I stayed up to watch the entire Steelers game (what a disappointment!) I only got up at 7:30 and even then I still felt tired.
After breakfast, I spent some time inside trying to reorganize some of my clothing and also deciding if I had too much and could take some home with us over Christmas! Ken washed the front of Wilbur and the very dirty windshield. Together, we spent time going through all the boxes and storage bins, getting rid of unnecessary items and then reorganizing what and how things were placed in the storage bins. We accomplished a lot and many of the items are so much easier to get to! We also put out our new carpet and I love it - such a good match to Wilbur!
It was 11:15 when we came back inside, packed lunch, snacks and drinks and headed to Manasota Beach. It was 83 degrees when we got there and so beautiful. The Gulf was much "rougher" than usual with strong wave action. Both of us immediately went on a shark tooth hunt, but it wasn't a great day for finding them. We both walked the beach about 1 1/2 hours before returning to our chairs for lunch, reading, and a short rest.
We left at 4:15 stopping at Wal-Mart for a few groceries. We both showered and worked together making salads and sauteed peppers, onions, and chicken for on top of our salads. Ken left at 6:30 for CR at Edgewater Church. I did my devotions, worked on this blog, got some cards ready to send, and crocheted while watching The Voice. There are some amazing singers on that show this year - impressive!
Ken was back a 9:30 and he had a great time at CR. He was welcomed back by numerous folks we met at the church last year at the Sunday Service, helping at the Food Bank, or by his going to CR. It is so nice to be called by your name by folks you haven't seen since last March! Ken went to bed at 10 and I decided to watch Deal or No Deal!
Tomorrow Rick and Joyce are coming to play cards in the afternoon and then we are going for coal fired pizza for dinner. We are really looking forward to spending time with them.
After breakfast, I spent some time inside trying to reorganize some of my clothing and also deciding if I had too much and could take some home with us over Christmas! Ken washed the front of Wilbur and the very dirty windshield. Together, we spent time going through all the boxes and storage bins, getting rid of unnecessary items and then reorganizing what and how things were placed in the storage bins. We accomplished a lot and many of the items are so much easier to get to! We also put out our new carpet and I love it - such a good match to Wilbur!
It was 11:15 when we came back inside, packed lunch, snacks and drinks and headed to Manasota Beach. It was 83 degrees when we got there and so beautiful. The Gulf was much "rougher" than usual with strong wave action. Both of us immediately went on a shark tooth hunt, but it wasn't a great day for finding them. We both walked the beach about 1 1/2 hours before returning to our chairs for lunch, reading, and a short rest.
 |
| Looks like no one else was at the beach, but there were at least 4 or 5 dozen! |
 |
| There was a lot of wave action on the Gulf today! |
 |
| Leaving the beach. I think Ken takes this same photo every year, but it is a beautiful one! |
We left at 4:15 stopping at Wal-Mart for a few groceries. We both showered and worked together making salads and sauteed peppers, onions, and chicken for on top of our salads. Ken left at 6:30 for CR at Edgewater Church. I did my devotions, worked on this blog, got some cards ready to send, and crocheted while watching The Voice. There are some amazing singers on that show this year - impressive!
Ken was back a 9:30 and he had a great time at CR. He was welcomed back by numerous folks we met at the church last year at the Sunday Service, helping at the Food Bank, or by his going to CR. It is so nice to be called by your name by folks you haven't seen since last March! Ken went to bed at 10 and I decided to watch Deal or No Deal!
Tomorrow Rick and Joyce are coming to play cards in the afternoon and then we are going for coal fired pizza for dinner. We are really looking forward to spending time with them.
Sunday, December 2, 2018
Sunday - Gorgeous, Warm, Sunny Day!
Ken was up at 4:30 (what is that about?), did some reading, and then went back to sleep on the couch. I appeared at 7:30 after doing my stretches. We got ready to go to Edgewater Church.
We got to the church around 9:15 and felt so at home with many of the folks greeting us by name! It was a great feeling! The sermon and music were very inspiring and as soon as the service was over, we were asked if we are willing to help again with the Food Bank and were introduced by Bruce, who had us help with communion last year, to the folks in charge of communion helpers and we are lined up to be servers for the next several months. Wow, it felt good to be needed!
After church, Ken and I enjoyed sharing breakfast at Denny's, where they make the best multigrain pancakes. We shared 2 eggs, 2 sausage 2 bacon, and 2 pancakes for $5.99. Are we a senior citizen or what???? From there we drove directly to Costco near Sarasota, about a 40 minute drive. After getting a few needed groceries, we were back to Wilbur by 1:30.
We played 2 rounds of Hand and Foot with Ken leading big time! He rested while I worked on this blog, watched football, and did some crocheting! Ken prepped our meat for dinner while I made salads. Around 5:30 we went for a walk around the CG. What a gorgeous time to walk for it was still in the low 70's and just so pleasant.
After dinner, we finished our game of Hand and Foot and Ken won by a huge margin. Matter of fact, we didn't even count our points on the last round - no need!!!
Ken did some messaging and e-mailing and I started another baby afghan while watching the Steelers game. Ken went to bed around 10, but I was still enjoying the game. It certainly was a relaxing day, just what we needed. Tomorrow we hope to do a bit more organizing outside and in Wilbur's compartments and then hopefully go to Manasota Beach for a few hours - shark's teeth are calling us!
We got to the church around 9:15 and felt so at home with many of the folks greeting us by name! It was a great feeling! The sermon and music were very inspiring and as soon as the service was over, we were asked if we are willing to help again with the Food Bank and were introduced by Bruce, who had us help with communion last year, to the folks in charge of communion helpers and we are lined up to be servers for the next several months. Wow, it felt good to be needed!
 |
| Felt great to be back! |
After church, Ken and I enjoyed sharing breakfast at Denny's, where they make the best multigrain pancakes. We shared 2 eggs, 2 sausage 2 bacon, and 2 pancakes for $5.99. Are we a senior citizen or what???? From there we drove directly to Costco near Sarasota, about a 40 minute drive. After getting a few needed groceries, we were back to Wilbur by 1:30.
We played 2 rounds of Hand and Foot with Ken leading big time! He rested while I worked on this blog, watched football, and did some crocheting! Ken prepped our meat for dinner while I made salads. Around 5:30 we went for a walk around the CG. What a gorgeous time to walk for it was still in the low 70's and just so pleasant.
After dinner, we finished our game of Hand and Foot and Ken won by a huge margin. Matter of fact, we didn't even count our points on the last round - no need!!!
Ken did some messaging and e-mailing and I started another baby afghan while watching the Steelers game. Ken went to bed around 10, but I was still enjoying the game. It certainly was a relaxing day, just what we needed. Tomorrow we hope to do a bit more organizing outside and in Wilbur's compartments and then hopefully go to Manasota Beach for a few hours - shark's teeth are calling us!
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Saturday - Time to Go to Harbor Lakes!
Ken got up at 5:15 and I asked him to wake me at 6:30. I took time to do my stretches before organizing last minute items for traveling. We had cold cereal, did dishes, and then Ken disconnected the electric and water. We said our good-byes to Ernie and Noela and by 8 we pulled out of the CG, stopping near the entrance to hook-up the CRV.
We did stop for gas and at 1 rest stop before arriving at Harbor Lakes near Port Charlotte at 11:15. I had crocheted a lot during the drive and talked to my mother. Ken disconnected the CRV while I checked in. Ken did a great job backing into our sight and he did the hook-ups outside while I get set-up inside. At 12:45 we stopped to have lunch and Ken looked exhausted. I suggested he take a nap, which he did.
I spent that time watching the Oklahoma/Texas College football game while going through all the bins and baskets in Wilbur. It felt good to finally get rid of some things that have been taking up space! I also did my devotions.
When Ken got up we watched some of the game and then he went outside to put covers over Wilbur's tires, set-up the grill, etc. I vacuumed and finished organizing inside. We showered and got ready to go to Farlows on the Water for dinner.
We had such a wonderful evening with Lloyd, Deb, Rick, Joyce, Frank, and Barb, all friends whom we met through going to LCBC back home. Rick and Joyce, and Frank and Barb are now full time residents of Florida and it was so great seeing them again. Deb and Lloyd have a home here in Florida and they spend at least 3 or 4 months living in it per year. We were at Farlows from 5:30 to 8:30 so obviously we had a great time. Farlows is one of Ken and my favorite places to eat when in the area and the food lived up to our expectations!
Ken and I watched the Pitt/Clemson game when we got back to the CG. Dane and Jamie are in Charlottesville for the game and I feel badly for them because it is really raining! We headed to bed at halftime. Looking forward to going to Edgewater Church tomorrow at 9. We really enjoy the people at that Church and are excited to see them again!
We did stop for gas and at 1 rest stop before arriving at Harbor Lakes near Port Charlotte at 11:15. I had crocheted a lot during the drive and talked to my mother. Ken disconnected the CRV while I checked in. Ken did a great job backing into our sight and he did the hook-ups outside while I get set-up inside. At 12:45 we stopped to have lunch and Ken looked exhausted. I suggested he take a nap, which he did.
I spent that time watching the Oklahoma/Texas College football game while going through all the bins and baskets in Wilbur. It felt good to finally get rid of some things that have been taking up space! I also did my devotions.
When Ken got up we watched some of the game and then he went outside to put covers over Wilbur's tires, set-up the grill, etc. I vacuumed and finished organizing inside. We showered and got ready to go to Farlows on the Water for dinner.
We had such a wonderful evening with Lloyd, Deb, Rick, Joyce, Frank, and Barb, all friends whom we met through going to LCBC back home. Rick and Joyce, and Frank and Barb are now full time residents of Florida and it was so great seeing them again. Deb and Lloyd have a home here in Florida and they spend at least 3 or 4 months living in it per year. We were at Farlows from 5:30 to 8:30 so obviously we had a great time. Farlows is one of Ken and my favorite places to eat when in the area and the food lived up to our expectations!
 |
| The restaurant showcased the fish that were the specials of the evening! |
 |
| Ken got the scallop salad one of his favorite entrees at Farlows! |
 |
| What a special group of friends! |
 |
| Not sure what is going on with Deb and Joyce but I think they are being naughty! |
Ken and I watched the Pitt/Clemson game when we got back to the CG. Dane and Jamie are in Charlottesville for the game and I feel badly for them because it is really raining! We headed to bed at halftime. Looking forward to going to Edgewater Church tomorrow at 9. We really enjoy the people at that Church and are excited to see them again!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)