It started raining right after midnight and continued all night, a nice steady rain. Ken was awake and reading for a bit during the night but both of us were in bed till 7. It was in the 50's and still raining steadily.
We chatted for a little and then I mixed a batch of oat bran muffins, followed by the washing of all those dishes. Ken did his devotions and set numerous messages from his phone. It was time for showers and a very late breakfast. Ken read and rested while I put all my cardmaking supplies in their proper place. I also attempted to make some phone calls, but no one wanted to talk to me!!!!!
At 11:30, Ernie, Noela, Ken and I left in our car to go to see the movie, "Upside", another one that is very worth seeing. All of us really enjoyed it. It was still cloudy, but had stopped raining when we left the theater. We went to Jason's Delis for a "lupper" - salad bar, half sandwich, and ice cream for $8.95. I love salad bars, but I always leave those places feeling "stuffed"!
We were back to the CG by 4:15 and we decided we will all get together at 7 for card playing. So, Ken did some clean-up outside while I did more organization inside, including vacuuming. I worked on this blog, downloaded some photos, and played on my tablet. Then I decided to start another x-stitch jar topper. We played an entire game of Hand and Foot which was extremely close until the last round. We didn't have to count the point because the ladies won handily!
They left at 9:30 and I planned to stay up to watch New Amsterdam, but it wasn't on tonight because of the new show, The Village! I decided I should just go to bed!
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Monday, March 18, 2019
Monday - Special Night For Ken and All Who Attended Celebrate Recovery!
Ken was up very early (I think he is nervous and anxious about giving his testimony tonight at CR!), but I only appeared around 6:45. We did our normal morning routine and Ken left at 7:15 to walk with Ernie. I had talks with myself about whether I should walk with the "group" or go to North Port to play pickleball. It was cloudy and cooler with the threat of rain, so at the last minute I texted Noela and said I would walk with her.
We had a nice walk but it was a bit cooler and windy. I had another debate when I returned about playing pickleball, but decided to eat breakfast and then go to the court here in the CG and see if there were many players. As I approached the courts I saw many people waiting to play, so I decided to return to Wilbur and not spend half of my time watching. Ernie stopped by to tell Ken to grab his camera to get photos of an osprey and heron that were enjoying "breakfast" at the back of his campsite -
Ken and I decided to spend the day here "catching up" on some necessary chores and since I had all of my "stuff" for cardmaking still available, I spent a lot of time making cards! I had gotten new paper here in Florida and am having a good time trying to figure out ways to use it.
I did go to a hairstylist in the CG for a much needed haircut at 11:30. Jamie cut my hair in December when we were home for Christmas, but I haven't had a haircut since, so I was looking rather "shaggy". After a fun and relaxing afternoon, the 4 of us headed back to the shuffleboard courts and played 2 games. The woman beat the men by a huge margin in the 1st game and had a strong lead in the 2nd one, but the men came back to beat us. It was so much fun!
Back to Wilbur where Ken grilled and I made salads for dinner. Ken left at 6 for Celebrate Recovery. I had invited Ernie and Noela to church to hear Ken's testimony and I was so grateful they agreed to go. I rode with them to church where we met Rick and Joyce, who came to support Ken. They actually did 2 sessions of their Grief Share Class last week, so they could attend - what special friends. We appreciated that Bob and Carole also came who were with us when we did the mission trip to LA. Again, they came to be supportive. Ken gave his 20 minute testimony to a standing ovation. I was so proud of him for all the hours he had taken in preparing it and how well he did presenting it. After chatting with many folks afterward, I came back to the CG with Ernie and Noela and Ken went to his small discussion group.
He was back by 9:15 and by 9:30 I was in bed reading. He had a 1 hour conversation with one of the gentleman he is mentoring back in PA. Lights out by 10:30. I bet Ken will sleep a lot better tonight now that he has presented his testimony.
We had a nice walk but it was a bit cooler and windy. I had another debate when I returned about playing pickleball, but decided to eat breakfast and then go to the court here in the CG and see if there were many players. As I approached the courts I saw many people waiting to play, so I decided to return to Wilbur and not spend half of my time watching. Ernie stopped by to tell Ken to grab his camera to get photos of an osprey and heron that were enjoying "breakfast" at the back of his campsite -
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| One serious osprey! |
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| One nice sized fish for breakfast! |
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| Takes some time to eat when you can't use your hands! |
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| Heron was enjoying his catch too! |
Ken and I decided to spend the day here "catching up" on some necessary chores and since I had all of my "stuff" for cardmaking still available, I spent a lot of time making cards! I had gotten new paper here in Florida and am having a good time trying to figure out ways to use it.
I did go to a hairstylist in the CG for a much needed haircut at 11:30. Jamie cut my hair in December when we were home for Christmas, but I haven't had a haircut since, so I was looking rather "shaggy". After a fun and relaxing afternoon, the 4 of us headed back to the shuffleboard courts and played 2 games. The woman beat the men by a huge margin in the 1st game and had a strong lead in the 2nd one, but the men came back to beat us. It was so much fun!
Back to Wilbur where Ken grilled and I made salads for dinner. Ken left at 6 for Celebrate Recovery. I had invited Ernie and Noela to church to hear Ken's testimony and I was so grateful they agreed to go. I rode with them to church where we met Rick and Joyce, who came to support Ken. They actually did 2 sessions of their Grief Share Class last week, so they could attend - what special friends. We appreciated that Bob and Carole also came who were with us when we did the mission trip to LA. Again, they came to be supportive. Ken gave his 20 minute testimony to a standing ovation. I was so proud of him for all the hours he had taken in preparing it and how well he did presenting it. After chatting with many folks afterward, I came back to the CG with Ernie and Noela and Ken went to his small discussion group.
He was back by 9:15 and by 9:30 I was in bed reading. He had a 1 hour conversation with one of the gentleman he is mentoring back in PA. Lights out by 10:30. I bet Ken will sleep a lot better tonight now that he has presented his testimony.
Sunday, March 17, 2019
Sunday - Cloudy Morning but Sunny Afternoon!
Ken and I only got up at 7:30 after going to bed at such a late hour for these older folks! We were at Edgewater Church by 9:10 and had time to visit with friends there. Sadly we learned that Pat, the lady we had visited on Friday that recently had back surgery, was taken to the hospital by ambulance last night with pain and then had a heart attack while on the table in the ER. She went into cardiac arrest and was brought back with "paddles"! What a shock for all of us! She and her husband, Bob, have been going through such a rough period health wise and we all continue to lift them up in prayer.
After church, Ken and I went with Eddie and Lori for our usual Sunday morning breakfast at Denny's. We had a nice visit and said our good-byes for now because they are leaving on Tuesday morning for a week in Leesburg, FL before heading back to PA.z
Ken and I were back to the CG around 12:15 and he read and rested while I downloaded photos, did my devotions, and then worked on our blog. He left at 1 to go to Sarasota to Bayside Church to help Rick and Frank do some moving of things in preparation for some remodeling they are doing there. I spent the afternoon making cards and had a great time. I did go over to say hello to Ernie and Noela and we made plans to play shuffleboard when Ken returned.
At 4:45 I called Ken to see when he planned on returning and he and I both decided it was time for him to come back to the CG after doing a lot of heavy work for 3 hours.
I decided to make pulled chicken sandwiches for dinner and when he returned we ate and then went to play shuffleboard with Ernie and Noela. The men won 2 out of 3 games and we still had a fun time!!!
We decided not to get together for card playing, so Ken and I spent the rest of the evening just relaxing and going to bed rather early.
After church, Ken and I went with Eddie and Lori for our usual Sunday morning breakfast at Denny's. We had a nice visit and said our good-byes for now because they are leaving on Tuesday morning for a week in Leesburg, FL before heading back to PA.z
Ken and I were back to the CG around 12:15 and he read and rested while I downloaded photos, did my devotions, and then worked on our blog. He left at 1 to go to Sarasota to Bayside Church to help Rick and Frank do some moving of things in preparation for some remodeling they are doing there. I spent the afternoon making cards and had a great time. I did go over to say hello to Ernie and Noela and we made plans to play shuffleboard when Ken returned.
At 4:45 I called Ken to see when he planned on returning and he and I both decided it was time for him to come back to the CG after doing a lot of heavy work for 3 hours.
I decided to make pulled chicken sandwiches for dinner and when he returned we ate and then went to play shuffleboard with Ernie and Noela. The men won 2 out of 3 games and we still had a fun time!!!
We decided not to get together for card playing, so Ken and I spent the rest of the evening just relaxing and going to bed rather early.
Saturday, March 16, 2019
Saturday - An Unusual Day For Florida - Rain!
Ken had another restless night and was up early. I got up at 6:45 and it was cloudy with a few light showers. It had rained rather steadily and heavily during the early morning hours. Ken left at 7:15 to walk with Ernie but I decided to skip walking. I had planned to play pickleball at North Port this morning, but was wet and the still "spritzing" every now and then.
Ken, Ernie and Noela had decided 2 days ago that they would to Flatlands Preserve on the other side of Punta Gorda to hike the 1 1/2 mile trail where you see limpkins and lots of apple snail shells. I thought I would stay here and just do "my own thing", but at the last minute, I decided I could use the exercise despite the questionable weather. Ken assured me it was done raining!
The 4 of us left around 10 arriving at the preserve at 10:45. It was cloudy, but warm and a bit humid. It was a very nice walk -
and we saw a woodstork sitting on her ground nest -
several limpkins -
and a few other birds as well as flowers and waterlilies -
Noela also met up with snake - thank heaven it was her instead of me!!!! I did enjoy the walk but Ken was very wrong about the rain being done for the day. We had a few drops now and then, but near the end it really started to rain (raindrops were dripping of the hood of my raincoat - so much for believing his weather predictions!!!!!
We were back to the CG around 12:30 after stopping at McDonald's for a Shamrock Shake, only to discover that only a few McDonald's are offering them this year and none in this area - really????? Ken rested while I did some work on the blog and some reading. Also got some snacks ready to take to Rick and Joyce's house.
We left at 2:15 and I stopped to give a note and painted rock to Nicole, my friend and pickleball partner from Quebec, who is leaving to head home tomorrow. I really appreciate her friendship. Then it was off to Venice for a Pinochle card party at Rick and Joyce's along with Eddie, Lori, Frank, and Barb. We played double deck pinochle and switched partners every four hands until you had played with everyone during the evening. We snacked until ordering pizza and enjoying the tossed salad that Joyce and Rick had provided. Back to card playing until about 10:30 when it was time for dessert - homemade apple crisp and ice cream. We finished the card playing at 11:30 after such a fun-filled evening hosted by the host and hostess with the "mostess"!
Ken and I were off to dreamland by 12:30, but what a great day!!!
Ken, Ernie and Noela had decided 2 days ago that they would to Flatlands Preserve on the other side of Punta Gorda to hike the 1 1/2 mile trail where you see limpkins and lots of apple snail shells. I thought I would stay here and just do "my own thing", but at the last minute, I decided I could use the exercise despite the questionable weather. Ken assured me it was done raining!
The 4 of us left around 10 arriving at the preserve at 10:45. It was cloudy, but warm and a bit humid. It was a very nice walk -
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| You walk around a swampy area and..... |
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| it is a very nice trail! |
and we saw a woodstork sitting on her ground nest -
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| Quite a large nest sitting right on the ground! |
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| Appears that PaPa is nearby keeping watch! |
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| Hey, are you really keeping guard???? |
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| Where are you going?? She might need you for protection!! |
several limpkins -
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| Limpkins can be quite camouflaged! |
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| This one is pecking at an apple snail shell which are quite prevalent in this area. This is the 1st place we ever saw limpkins or apple snail shells! |
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| Empty apple snail shells! |
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| Tri-colored Heron |
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| Egret |
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| The water lilies were closed when we 1st arrived! |
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| Starting to open! |
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| Beautiful! |
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| It will be so beautiful when all of them bloom! |
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| The thistles were just starting to bud and bloom. They may be a weed, but they can be very pretty! |
Noela also met up with snake - thank heaven it was her instead of me!!!! I did enjoy the walk but Ken was very wrong about the rain being done for the day. We had a few drops now and then, but near the end it really started to rain (raindrops were dripping of the hood of my raincoat - so much for believing his weather predictions!!!!!
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| Yes, we did get wet!!!! |
We were back to the CG around 12:30 after stopping at McDonald's for a Shamrock Shake, only to discover that only a few McDonald's are offering them this year and none in this area - really????? Ken rested while I did some work on the blog and some reading. Also got some snacks ready to take to Rick and Joyce's house.
We left at 2:15 and I stopped to give a note and painted rock to Nicole, my friend and pickleball partner from Quebec, who is leaving to head home tomorrow. I really appreciate her friendship. Then it was off to Venice for a Pinochle card party at Rick and Joyce's along with Eddie, Lori, Frank, and Barb. We played double deck pinochle and switched partners every four hands until you had played with everyone during the evening. We snacked until ordering pizza and enjoying the tossed salad that Joyce and Rick had provided. Back to card playing until about 10:30 when it was time for dessert - homemade apple crisp and ice cream. We finished the card playing at 11:30 after such a fun-filled evening hosted by the host and hostess with the "mostess"!
Ken and I were off to dreamland by 12:30, but what a great day!!!
Friday, March 15, 2019
Friday - Food Pantry Day!
Ken and I both had a rather restless night from 4 AM on and after getting ready and making breakfast we were on our way to help at the Foot Pantry by 8:45.
When we arrived, 3 older gentleman were doing quite a tough and dirty job of removing floor tiles from the lobby of the church. The old tiles and some of the carpet will be replaced by laminate flooring, but a lot of jack hammering was required to get the old tiles out!
We had a nice amount of food today but only about 60 came through, a rather small number. After cleaning up, 14 of us went to Jason's Deli for lunch. One choice that many of us ordered was 1 trip to a delicious salad bar and 1/2 a sandwich. You also got free ice cream and it was only $8.90 - what a deal! It is an eatery Ken and I would definitely recommend!
We were back to the CG by 3 and Ken rested while I did my devotions and played on my tablet. We left again at 3:30, stopping at Wal-Mart for milk and my needed whipped cream and also flowers to take to Bob and Pat's. Pat had back surgery a little over 1 week ago and will probably spend a lot of time in bed for the next 2 1/2 months, which is really hard for such a normally very active lady! She is still experiencing a lot of pain when the medicine wears off, so we visited her in their bedroom. We were happy that we had a chance to visit them and offer some support and cheer. We only stayed about 45 minutes because it appeared that she was getting rather weary!
Back to the CG and we visited with Ernie and Noela taking her a container of chai that I ordered for her along with some for Joyce and I. We chatted for about 1/2 hour and then we came back to Wilbur to watch the news and work on this blog.
Ernie and Noela came over around 7:15 to finish the game of Hand and Foot we started last night and also one from several nights ago. Unfortunately the men finished strong in both of them and won - really??? It was a fun evening. By 9:30 Ken and I were in bed reading and lights were out by 10:15.
When we arrived, 3 older gentleman were doing quite a tough and dirty job of removing floor tiles from the lobby of the church. The old tiles and some of the carpet will be replaced by laminate flooring, but a lot of jack hammering was required to get the old tiles out!
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| The tiles are gone but the job of sanding and filling in begins! |
We had a nice amount of food today but only about 60 came through, a rather small number. After cleaning up, 14 of us went to Jason's Deli for lunch. One choice that many of us ordered was 1 trip to a delicious salad bar and 1/2 a sandwich. You also got free ice cream and it was only $8.90 - what a deal! It is an eatery Ken and I would definitely recommend!
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| Most of the Food Pantry People - what a crew!!!! |
We were back to the CG by 3 and Ken rested while I did my devotions and played on my tablet. We left again at 3:30, stopping at Wal-Mart for milk and my needed whipped cream and also flowers to take to Bob and Pat's. Pat had back surgery a little over 1 week ago and will probably spend a lot of time in bed for the next 2 1/2 months, which is really hard for such a normally very active lady! She is still experiencing a lot of pain when the medicine wears off, so we visited her in their bedroom. We were happy that we had a chance to visit them and offer some support and cheer. We only stayed about 45 minutes because it appeared that she was getting rather weary!
Back to the CG and we visited with Ernie and Noela taking her a container of chai that I ordered for her along with some for Joyce and I. We chatted for about 1/2 hour and then we came back to Wilbur to watch the news and work on this blog.
Ernie and Noela came over around 7:15 to finish the game of Hand and Foot we started last night and also one from several nights ago. Unfortunately the men finished strong in both of them and won - really??? It was a fun evening. By 9:30 Ken and I were in bed reading and lights were out by 10:15.
Thursday, March 14, 2019
Thursday - Another Gorgeous, Warm, Sunny One!
Ken and I did our normal morning routine including walking with Ernie and Noela. It was already in the 60's went we left for our walk! We were back to Wilbur by 8:30, ate breakfast, and Ken left a little before 9 to help unload the truck and set-up for the Food Pantry.
I did my devotions, downloaded photos, worked on my blog and talked to my mother. I spent several hours painting rocks and had a great time. Ken was back around 10:45 and spent time cleaning the grill, adding water to the coach batteries, and then did some reading.
At 1:30 we left in Ernie and Noela's truck to go to Sweet Tomato for lunch where we ate too much but enjoyed every bite! After a quick stop at Hobby Lobby, it was off to Costco for our last trip there before heading home. We were back to the CG by 5:45. I sprayed my finished rocks and then rode bike to the CG's pickleball court. Unfortunately no one showed up to play this evening.
I did more work on this blog and then Ken and I went to Ernie and Noela's for an evening of card playing! We played 3 rounds of Hand and Foot and the women are in the lead. We will finish tomorrow night. We were back to Wilbur by 9:00 and it was off to bed to read. Another day to celebrate life!
I did my devotions, downloaded photos, worked on my blog and talked to my mother. I spent several hours painting rocks and had a great time. Ken was back around 10:45 and spent time cleaning the grill, adding water to the coach batteries, and then did some reading.
At 1:30 we left in Ernie and Noela's truck to go to Sweet Tomato for lunch where we ate too much but enjoyed every bite! After a quick stop at Hobby Lobby, it was off to Costco for our last trip there before heading home. We were back to the CG by 5:45. I sprayed my finished rocks and then rode bike to the CG's pickleball court. Unfortunately no one showed up to play this evening.
I did more work on this blog and then Ken and I went to Ernie and Noela's for an evening of card playing! We played 3 rounds of Hand and Foot and the women are in the lead. We will finish tomorrow night. We were back to Wilbur by 9:00 and it was off to bed to read. Another day to celebrate life!
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Wednesday - Perfect Beach Day!
Ken was up early, did his routine, and then woke me at 6:30. He left at 7:15 to walk with Ernie and Noela and I met up with them a little later. It was in the low 60's and beautiful, including the sunrise.
Ken and I had breakfast, packed our lunches and some snacks, and were on our way to Manasota Beach by 10. We hadn't been to the beach very often this year, probably about 5 or 6 times, and we were anxious to do some relaxing in the sun and look for shark's teeth. There was just a nice breeze, plenty of sun and temperatures climbed to the 80's - perfect beach weather!
Before leaving, I got a phone call from my sister, Cindy, and after chatting for awhile, she said they made a decision to return to Texas next year instead of coming to Harbor Lakes in Florida. Of course I was disappointed because I looked forward to spending next winter with them, but I also told her that I thought it was the right decision for them. Ken and I spend very little time in the actual CG doing activities but they are very active in the CG and Harbor Lakes doesn't have near the activities that they have at Victoria Palms in Brownsville, TX. As much as it saddens me, I know they are doing the right thing. I called mom on the way to the beach, but she wasn't around.
Ken and I spent the 1st 2 hours looking for shark's teeth and were fairly successful. We did not find any large ones but had a great time searching. We returned to our chairs to do a little reading and eat our lunch.
We were back to the CG by 2:30, showered, did some reading, and by 4:00 left to meet Burt and Pat at Bocca Lupo Pizza in Port Charlotte. That is were they make the pizza in their coal fired ovens and it is so good. We had a nice time chatting there and then went to their condo to play Hand and Foot. Ken and I had taken dessert. It was a "tight" game through the 1st 3 rounds with only a 50 point difference, but the men won big time on the 4th round with neither Pat nor I getting into our foot! Way to go, guys!!!! What a fun evening with great friends!
We were back to Wilbur by 9:30 and Ken did some prep work for sending out his devotionals tomorrow morning, while I read. Lights out at 10:15!
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| Taken from the back of the campground! |
Ken and I had breakfast, packed our lunches and some snacks, and were on our way to Manasota Beach by 10. We hadn't been to the beach very often this year, probably about 5 or 6 times, and we were anxious to do some relaxing in the sun and look for shark's teeth. There was just a nice breeze, plenty of sun and temperatures climbed to the 80's - perfect beach weather!
Before leaving, I got a phone call from my sister, Cindy, and after chatting for awhile, she said they made a decision to return to Texas next year instead of coming to Harbor Lakes in Florida. Of course I was disappointed because I looked forward to spending next winter with them, but I also told her that I thought it was the right decision for them. Ken and I spend very little time in the actual CG doing activities but they are very active in the CG and Harbor Lakes doesn't have near the activities that they have at Victoria Palms in Brownsville, TX. As much as it saddens me, I know they are doing the right thing. I called mom on the way to the beach, but she wasn't around.
Ken and I spent the 1st 2 hours looking for shark's teeth and were fairly successful. We did not find any large ones but had a great time searching. We returned to our chairs to do a little reading and eat our lunch.
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| The water was such a gorgeous color today! |
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| There were people on the beach even though you can't see them! |
We were back to the CG by 2:30, showered, did some reading, and by 4:00 left to meet Burt and Pat at Bocca Lupo Pizza in Port Charlotte. That is were they make the pizza in their coal fired ovens and it is so good. We had a nice time chatting there and then went to their condo to play Hand and Foot. Ken and I had taken dessert. It was a "tight" game through the 1st 3 rounds with only a 50 point difference, but the men won big time on the 4th round with neither Pat nor I getting into our foot! Way to go, guys!!!! What a fun evening with great friends!
We were back to Wilbur by 9:30 and Ken did some prep work for sending out his devotionals tomorrow morning, while I read. Lights out at 10:15!
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