Monday, January 30, 2023

Good morning! It’s a bright beautiful sunny morning with a high temperature forecast of 83F. 

Our plans for today … Rosie’s Rollers league games and perhaps Applebee’s burger night! 

Kyle K arrived home in Winnipeg to -26 below zero … a frigid cold warning.  The rest of the family has gone to Seaworld today. That is a great place, we have enjoyed it a few times. 

Well, Sue and Wayne are taking the dogs to Daryls place for breakfast  

Well, the Tahoe vehicle that we looked at two weeks ago at our neighbor Carin’s has just been delivered via tow truck back to Markymark’s driveway. (It’s been missing at least 10 days after it was towed from his driveway.) I imagine he spent quite a bit on it. I think we dodged a bullet by not buying it. 😅 

Fun times bowling today! 

We won all the games against some tough competition! 🎳🎳🎳🎳🥳

Sunday, January 29, 2023

It’s evening and we’re just back home from dinner at Tony & Aurelia’s motorhome in Grand Oaks. We call it the horse farm. There’s a lovely Clydesdale that calls it home and is very friendly. Aurelia will take him a carrot tomorrow! We had so much fun. Tony fell out of his chair and BeeZee ran off after a truck with her camp-cot in tow! (Mark tied Bee’s leash to the camp-cot.) 🙄 Anyway, no one was harmed. Dinner was salad, cabbage rolls and potatoes … Peach pie for dessert! 

Earlier today I finished gathering the year end paperwork for our accountant. It feels good to have that done! 

Mark finished cleaning the boathouse gutters and puttered on a tree stand repair. It was a lovely afternoon around 78F. 

RanDawn called … therapy on his new hip went well. They we’re relaxing today and watching football. Granddaughter Charlotte is still under the weather with a wicked flu bug. It’s going around … that time of year. 

Sue and Wayne have the family staying with them, minus one. Kyle flew back to The Peg today where it’s 13 below zero. 

Saturday, January 28, 2023

Good afternoon! Mark phoned Paula and wished her a Happy Birthday today! May it be the start of a great year for her! 🥳🎂🥰

Me? I started organizing paperwork for the accountant and tax time. Every year I think I’ve got my ducks in a row … but 😳

😜

Mark spent his Saturday cleaning the boathouse gutters. (I thought we put leaf guards on them last year?) 

That’s it for today. We’d hoped to meet the K’s at the car show but it didn’t happen. Both Wayne & Ron were feeling lousy with a headcold. Kyle goes back to Winnipeg tomorrow so that’s it for seeing him again this visit. 

It’s time for a cocktail. Cheers! 

Friday, January 27, 2023

Mark was king of the bowling pins 🎳 today! (As Dad would say “he was unconscious!”) 😂  TWO of Mark’s games - NO open frames! On the other side of the story I couldn’t do anything right. 😳 That’s life. It was a fun afternoon! 

This morning started early with driving Mr Daisy to his eye doctor appointment. The stitches were taken out … and it took a few hours for his eyesight to clear up after having being sewn shut for 10 days. (And he bowled so well just 2 hours later.) 😂

We were making plans to see the K’s family gang tomorrow … however Wayne & Ron are both not feeling well and Sue has the sneezes. Good thing we saw them on Tuesday! Hoping they’ll all be feeling better fast! 

That’s our story for today! 

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Well, we’re so full … had dinner with our neighborhood friends at Ski Beach in Leesburg. It’s a lovely site on Lake Harris!

Nancy brought a parrot for Mark’s shoulder! Haha. Not much sympathy … but oh so fun! Aargh  🏴‍☠️ 

Outside patio area … tiki hut is a bar area … and inside/porch dining. The food was great! 

The Rascal Pino Noir from Oregon was a favorite drink. 

Mark and I bowled earlier today, he with one eye, me with a new bowling ball. Chaos. 😂 We went to AMF Lanes (different than our usual alley) and they were pretty expensive. We went there in case I needed an adjustment on my bowling ball. But, I think it’s going to be good, just more practice needed.

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Good morning. Mark was up early enough giving the boat a wiped out and getting it ready for a lunchtime cruise. Sue and Wayne have family in town from Canada and we are taking them for a boat ride. It’s cool, by Florida standards, but nice and sunny so it will be a perfect afternoon. 

Ron, Kyle, Gavin

Just a fine day on the water with lunch at Hurricane’s. Cody kept us entertained with his bird calls. Or was it monkey calls. 🤔 

Yesterday I had a good time bowling. My new ball came out of my hand twice, once was caught by our new sub, Denis, who yelled batter batter up. Ha, ha ha. I did break my thumbnail, trying to hang onto the ball, so more practice is needed with the new black widow. Tomorrow, Mark and I will go, just the two of us, and I will work the kinks out for Friday’s league. Lynn‘s fiancé, Steve, is having T-shirts printed for us with our team name, which is splitz n  gigglez 🎳. 

We talked with Randy and Dawn last night, and Randy has turned a corner on his recovery. The nausea is gone and he was able to eat. Turkey soup with rice added last night. They both sounded great and happy that Randy‘s therapy will be starting on Wednesday.

Our friend Bob is recovering. He starts pulmonary treatment this week. I’m sure the blow to his body has damaged his lung capacity somewhat. Anyway, good to hear he is on the mend and getting therapy. They have a new grandson just born on Sunday. Congratulations to them.

Monday, January 23, 2023

Good morning! We're trying to plan our day; it’s not easy. 😂 Our chores are done and it’s bowling day for me! Hope to meet up with family and friends for burgers tonight. We’ll see what happens!

Sunday January 22, 2023

Good afternoon 😃 … it’s a beautiful sunny one. Tony & Aurelia arrived in our Sunshine State. Welcome!

Nice rig! We’re looking forward to visiting and seeing it. 

Saturday January 21, 2023

Good afternoon y’all. It’s a cloudy one here in Central Florida with rain about 3 o’clock. 

Mike at AMF Lanes in Leesburg is a true professional. He measured me for drilling the new bowling ball 🎳 … Mark’s gift to me for my birthday! Woohooo 🥳 a Black Widow Legend 12 lb. It’s going to be a blast learning this ball’s habits. Maybe Monday I’ll try it out, we’ll see. 

My job today was fertilizing my indoor plants … and I have plenty of them. I asked Alexa to play music 🎶 plants enjoy … classical. It was most relaxing. My pink princess inch plant had to be tossed … leaf rot. Geez that came on fast! At Christmas it was gorgeous. 

Mark pressure washed the Mounty now that hunting season is over. There’s work to be done on it … I smell gas. 😳

Friday, January 20, 2023

Good morning! Mark started his day removing the big white bandage … 

Looking good! No swelling or oozing. There’s ointment to apply of course. He slept “a little” … but I’m betting he got a few hours at a time. 

This afternoon I met Lynn and Steve for bowling on the Friday team. We won two out of three of the games. Of course Mark wasn’t able to bowl today, but he did pre-bowl so his scores counted. And, when I got home, my new birthday present had arrived, a black widow bowling ball, yippee 🥳 

We called Randy at 5:40 and they were still waiting for him to be released from the hospital. That was supposed to have happened at 2 o’clock. It’s so annoying when you’re ready to get home. We wish him a good recovery and know it will be a breeze with Dawn looking after him. 👩‍⚕️ 

Thursday, January 19, 2023

Good evening. Mark and I were up at 5 o’clock and off to Ocalla my surgery for his procedure. He was first in line and we were on the road home before 11 o’clock.

Glad to be home and enjoying a cup of coffee. The eyepatch will come off tomorrow, but the I will remain sewn shot for 8 to 10 days.  

Randy’s surgery to replace his hip began about 230. Dawn sent a text at 4:30 that he was just out of surgery. We told her to be where of projectile vomiting, lol, but she said she is not very good at dodgeball. 😂

I think blue is Randy’s color! 

Back home, I was making a call to the dogs insurance company when the big bark box arrived. Well, you could hardly hear anything. Our postman, Steve, laughs when he hears it. They really know when he brings a bark box.

❤️🐾

Our friend Bob got out of the hospital today. He and Kim waved as they passed our hiuse at 4:30! (we were celebrating Mark surgery being done!) Bob has a long recovery, but so glad he’s home. 

That’s the news for today  

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Good morning. Yesterday got away on us, we were so busy having fun. Sue and Wayne arrived back to the villages yesterday, and then we’re invited out to dinner at Heather, Bruce and Rose’s. I hope their garden looked good when they got home, we had had some cool temperatures.  

Yesterday we took the kids for a golf cart ride and did our neighborhood duties. Afterward, we took the boat for a ride to see if Mark’s changing the plugs fix the stuttering engine. It did, so it’s ready to go cruising. There were a lot of collegiate fishing boats out yesterday, practicing for an upcoming tournament. It was windy, but oh so nice.

Yesterday was my late sister Linda’s birthday. I think of her every day. Randy popped in for a visit prior to his surgery tomorrow for hip replacement. It’s actually a replacement of the replacement. He got 22 years ago.

It was also cousin Elliot’s birthday! Party on! 

BeeZee would. 😂

Today, Mark and I are going bowling and he is free bowling for Friday’s league. He will miss it with his eye bandaged up after tomorrow surgery.

Kudos to Aurelia & Tony heading south for some southern hospitality and sunshine. Safe travels! 

Monday, January 16, 2023

Good evening. It’s been a good Monday overall. Mark and I bowled with Lynn and Nancy this afternoon. We all had a tough time getting the pins on our first game but did very well and won two games plus a bonus game for number of pins down. Mark had a 223 game, Lynn a 189, Nancy a 123 and me … 158. It was a great  time and our competition was a fun team! 

Tonight we picked up Nancy then met LaDonna and Wayno at our Applebee’s in Eustis. Our service was great … we all had burgers! More fun. We’d hoped RanDawn could meet us too but she was working tonight. 

Thursday will be Randy’s surgery for hip replacement … and Mark’s surgery for ectropion surgery on his right eye. What a family! 😂

Our friend Bob is in hospital after a terrible fall at his mother’s home. He was checking on construction/repairs to the floor by the fireplace when he stepped into a hole that was covered with only plastic sheeting! Bob broke 6 ribs and had to be helicoptered to the hospital. We talked to Kim tonight … it’s a long road to recovery but it could have been far worse. Bob’s still in ICU tonight. We hope they will be home in a day or two! No laughing for Bob for awhile! Ouch. 

That’s it for tonight! More football to watch. 😳

Sunday, January 15, 2023

Good morning! Surprise surprise. Frost on the neighbors’s roof! When I checked the weather last night, it was forecast to be in the mid 30s! Some of my plants will be a little droopy today! 

We started our Sunday with coffee in the living room, and sunshine streaming in the window. That was something I always appreciated about Winnipeg in the winter. It is, at least, usually, sunny, even if it’s extremely cold.  

Saturday, January 14, 2023

Hey y’all. It’s 5:30 and not dark yet! We’ve had a busy enough day. Mark was up early cooking up a batch of beef CrockPet for the Scotties. 

It smells devine. 😋 

WE had pork chops with mushrooms and onions done in the NuWsve … a test kitchen by Mark. It was good with Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce. 

The new ceiling fan-light from Amazon arrived yesterday. Mark got the ladder out and hung it. Schweeet … looks quite pretty! With 8’ ceilings it looks very good … not a bunch of blades n lights hanging down!

Ha! New ceiling fan 

Old one! (Ya, the fan.) 😂

Then, City Furniture arrived with my 3 plant pots … going to repot my Desert Rose! 

Quite nice! All 3 for $29.99 plus tax, free shipping! 

Friday, January 13, 2023

Good evening. We’ve had a great day bowling with a different league. Lynn and her friend Steve talked us into the Friday afternoon bowling. We 4 all had some good games today. Since it is a new league, we don’t have our handicaps in place yet. We may have won one out of the three games. In any event, we met new people and had a good time.

Nancy came in on her way to a manicure appointment.  and checked on the kids about 3 o’clock. Robbie apparently showed off his super cute socks! 🐾  They we’re watching for her I bet! 

Last night we had rain which brought in a cool front. So tonight we are enjoying a roaring fire. 

Look at those hot coals! 

Cousin Miles, now 18, is off on a European vacation, party of 1. Enjoy! You’ve worked hard for it. 

That’s it.  Happy Friday the 13th. 

Thursday, January 12, 2023

Good afternoon! It’s Sue and Wayne’s wedding anniversary! While they’re down south having fun … 

Mark and I puttered about their front yard. A few things needed tidying up after the Christmas frost! 

It was a lovely 79F so we enjoyed the day. 

Back home it was front porch sitting after dinner of Mark’s delicious ranch chicken. Yum. 

That’s it for today! 

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Good morning! It’s a bright, beautiful sunshiny day, just a tad cool at 69F. The Scotties and I are front porch sitting in the sun.  Mark is catching some rays puttering about the yard. Later today he’s going fishing with Wayno. 

The K’s are heading south … maybe we’ll get a few fresh flowers and plants for their front garden. 

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Good evening! It’s been a couple of busy days around here! Yesterday, I bowled with Nancy & Lynn. We had a substitute bowler, Dennis, join us. It was exciting bowling against the highest ranked team. None of we girls bowled well. 

That’s my turquoise bowling ball on the shelf. I’m officially done with it so donated it to the rack. 

So … we only won one game! Hey, it’s a GAME 😂 Mark will be back bowling with us next week. 

Yesterday we had the fridge/freezer delivered so Mark stayed home to wait. The delivery window was 6 am to 8 pm. 🙃 That was a bit wide open eh. Anyway, the fridge is terrific and has a freezer big enough to keep the dogs prepared meals in. And, it’s going to be more energy efficient.

This afternoon was game day at Suzanne’s home. We had a big turnout! I played Mexican Dominoes with two newer neighbors Arty and Joanne, both widows. They caught on quickly and were fun! 

Tonight, we met Randy and Dawn, and surprise, Scott, at Sol de Mexico. Dinner was good! The restaurant was very busy for Taco Tuesday. It was a nice evening! Next Thursday, both Randy and Mark have surgeries! Scott has surgery for a hip replacement and a knee replacement coming up this year. 

That’s it for tonight. We are enjoying a fire and watching some Home Town on telly. 

Sunday, January 8, 2023

This afternoon, we stopped in and picked up the handtruck that Kris had borrowed. He was working at their rental house, but Diane was home with the two doggies. We had a visit and then on to see Sue and Wayne. We were hoping to see the golfers, Rose and Heather, go past the K’s living room window at the 9th hole. We had a drink and a gab and popcorn which the Shizzles liked! Cheeky Wee Monkey takes treats nicely! Who knew? (She won’t allow us to give Mimi any pats.) 🤷‍♀️  Shorty Hot Pants is a very nice fella at age 14. 😅 

On the drive home we decided on a Stavros Pizza for our dinner. Mark drop me at home to feed our dogs while he picked it up at the shop. Delicious!

Saturday, January 7, 2023

Well it’s evening and I’m just starting the Blog. 

Heehee, love that sticker. 

This morning, well, Mark went to the woods with his buddies, I went to the homeowners association meeting with Nancy. The meeting went very smoothly. Overall, just a couple of people with a few suggestions. We would’ve been out of there an hour earlier, but for one person who loved to make comments. Otherwise, a very good meeting.

After the meeting, I came home and took the dogs out and loaded up my bowling bag. Mark was just getting home from the woods as I was picking up Nancy. She has been away from bowling for about five weeks and needed a little practice before Mondays league games. Of course the first ball she threw was a strike !!! Easy-peasy. 😂

On our first game, we tied at 127. It was fun, and the bowling lanes were pretty busy being a Saturday afternoon. 

Back home, Mark had soaked Robbie’s feet in the Epson salts and sprayed them with the Gentacalm. We’re doing it once a day now. He is walking fine with his boots. At this point, the boots are only to stop him from licking and chewing.

Hunting season is over and Mark had all his gear in the laundry. Of course he will still be out to the woods with the guys hiking about. 

That was our Saturday! Hope you had a good day. 

Friday, January 6, 2023

Good evening. We we’re watching a show called the English. It started out rather slow, but there are a lot of characters and you have to pay attention. Earlier today we went shopping for a few things we needed for the dogs. We went to pet smart, and were unable to find one item we wanted. I was looking for some stainless steel water bowls for the kids that are made in the USA. it was impossible to find there. Amazon didn’t carry any either, so I did find a company in the United States that makes them. Yes, they are more expensive, but they are not radioactive.  😝 The other thing we were looking for was boots for Robbie or socks. All they had were valentine socks that were too small. What the heck, we weren’t able to buy anything there. 

Next, we went to Lowe’s to buy some begonias. I guess it’s too early in the season for them. We met some of our neighbors there, Linda & Jack, and they had bought a few plants to replace what they lost in the frost. Jack said it was easier to buy new then cover what he had. Ha ha. 

Yup! That’s me trying to get a live person on ebay. 

Thursday, January 5, 2023

Good evening. I am just home from Carol’s YaYa’s party in Scottish highlands. We had so much fun. Of course she had a nice dinner for us which we ate on the back patio. It was a beautiful evening, although it will be going down to 49° overnight. Donna and I took a couple of pieces of plants that Carol had at her entryway. They are really cool looking succulents as you can tell, both Donna and I are into plants. Ha ha. Meanwhile, Mark was home, bathing Robbie’s feet, walking the kids and watching a movie. I think he probably enjoyed his evening as well. 

This is an inspiration for my next painting. It is Quebec city all decked out for the holidays.

Earlier in the day, we went bowling and played three games. Next to us was an older man who was an excellent bowler. We got talking to him and he had been in the pro series in the 70s. He pulled a great game today and I asked him if he ever teaches. He said no, but if he’s at the bowling alley, he would be happy to help us out. His name is Charlie. 

I think that’s it for today. Not much news, just a real fun day for both of us. 

Sue and Wayne’s company, Marlene and Nate are on their way home to Canada. It was a short visit, the airlines are canceling flights left, and right if they are not fully booked. I am sure it makes sense businesswise, but it is not very good for the traveling public. You get your vacation time set up make your flight and then find out that you’re missing three days of vacation because you can’t get to your destination. And, we found out today that Bruce and Heather are in the villages and that Rose arrives tonight. That will be so much fun to see them over the coming weeks 

Well, Mark and the kids have gone to bed so it’s time to wrap it up and get some shut eye. Tata, stay safe till tomorrow.   

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Good morning. I awoke to the aroma of roasting turkey. Mark started a batch of food in the roaster last night for the kids. He’s gone hunting with Bob this morning so I finished up by apportioning the food to freeze and washing up the pans. What a team we are. 🐾🥰😂 Mark cooks … I clean … Scotties eat 🥰

Today is forecast to be 84° ahead of a cold front arriving tomorrow. It’s not going to be a polar blast of cold like the Christmas one. This will in the 40s tomorrow morning. That’s enjoyable.  

We had a little rain this evening while we were on the way to Applebee’s to meet with Randy and Dawn, LaDonna and Wayne. The service was very good tonight, and the food excellent. We had a good laughs and a lot of fun. 

When I called Sioux tonight, they were playing monopoly vault, and Nate was the winner! Sue thinks the Scotty playing piece is the lucky one. 😂

That’s it for tonight.  Ta ta. We will.

Tuesday, January 3, 2023

Good evening! It’s been a perfect day here in Central Florida with a sunny 74F. Mark and Wayno spent the morning in the forest. 

For lunch, we took Robbie and BeeZee for a car ride to Sonic! It’s Robbie’s favorite fast-food spot. 

I wish this platform would accept videos … 

The food arrived … Crispy chicken and fries. 

A big bite!  (BeeZee had her fair share.) They had a fun afternoon. (Thanks Bonnie & Roger 🐾🥰)

We’re still soaking Robbie’s paws, antibiotics and no walks. Today was a fun break for them both! 

Monday, January 2, 2023

Good evening. It’s been a usual busy day around here, but a good one.

Early this morning we took Robbie to Dr. Wilson to check his sore paw. Fortunately, it seem to be confined to the paw pads, actually in between them where he had soreness and crusted blood. She was able to clean it up and gave us antibiotics and instructions to soak it in an Epson salt bath twice a day. 

Salt soak for our guy. 🐾🥰

No walks for Robbie until his paw is all healed. It was a big relief to us. It was nothing more serious than that. Already tonight, he is walking, although with a limp, on all fours. 

Nope! Robbie doesn’t like boots. 😂

This afternoon, Mark filled in for Nancy at bowling while Nancy met with her niece and nephew for lunch. They head home for Cincinnati tomorrow, and it was the only chance she would have to see them. Anyway, Mark was a hero today and pulled us through to win three games. In our third game, we were tied with the other team with one pin standing. It was up to Mark to bring that spare home and win. And, “Who’s the man ?“ Mark is!!!  HE got the spare and we won a third game. That moves us ahead in team standings. We’re third team out of 16 right now! Maybe next week we will be second??? 

Tonight, it’s relaxing and watching TV time. We had a good conversation with Lynn Stevenson just now. She’s coming to visit in February. It’ll be loads of fun! We haven’t seen her in nearly 4 years.  

That’s it for tonight. Ta ta til tomorrow. 

Sunday, January 1, 2023

It’s 2023, and so begins a fresh calendar and a chance to make this year kinder than last. 

Sue and Wayne have family visiting from Canada! It was the perfect time to take Mrs. R. B. for a cruise!

Lake Eustis, 77F and calm.  Marlene, Wayne and Nate aboard with Mark ‘n me. 

Dora Canal cruise.  Nate wondering 💭 how he can live permanently in paradise. 🤔 😂

Marlene hoping it won’t get any warmer; Wayne hoping it will. 🥰. On Lake Dora cruising to Puddle Jumpers for lunch. 

Nate, chilling out. 

We wish them a fun visit in The Villages and onward to Hollywood Studios park. 

Back home, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 🏴‍☠️ won against the NC Panthers. Mark is chuffed. 😂

Tomorrow, off to see Dr. Wilson about Robbie’s sore paw/leg and league bowling! 

Happy New Year ❤️