Saturday, April 20, 2024

Good evening y’all.  It’s been a beautiful day here in Central Florida. We began with 63F and climbed to 88 … no humidity so it felt great! 

Yesterday we bowled with friends … scored well but both of us missed money shotsz 🙄 $30 for Mark and $20 for me. Ha. Otherwise, we won about nine dollars in quarters. 

Also yesterday, our friend Lynn‘s sister Jeanette, passed away after a very long battle with cancer. She has had some form or another for nine years and brain cancer for the last year. Finally, it was into her esophagus, and there was nothing more to be done. She was a bit of a celebrity in these parts, and often appeared at the comedy clubs. I remember her smile when Lynn was married last year. She was so happy to be able to be her matron of honor. Cancer sucks. 

Toni and Aurelia arrived home to Winnipeg last evening. I hope they had a good trip back, and that spring has sprung in the north.

Last Wednesday was our friends night out at Jeremiah‘s in Mount Dora. The food was good, and the service excellent. We always have such a fun time.

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Yesterday, we lost a fine friend in Rick Moir. His last 10 months fighting brain cancer were courageous from diagnosis onward. Everyone who knew Rick hoped for a cure or at least a long remission. It wasn’t to be.

I met Rick in the ‘70’s at Buchanan Marina on the Red River. He was working on the Shasta, an old wooden boat that had seen better days. When Rick put his mind  to something … well, it was launched and floated. We became friends and continued weaving in and out of each other’s lives for 50 years. 

Rick married Ruth and welcomed two daughters. His career in piano tuning and sales made a good lifestyle for his family. Eventually Rick bought a larger boat, the Jade A (Jadia owned by Saul Simkin) and was a frequent contributor to the RMYC clubhouse. They were fun years. 

Eventually Rick moved the big steel boat to Lake of the Woods. Then a cottage was renovated. In 1990 we met up and partied at the White Birch Lodge near Sioux Narrows. (Lives weaving in and out.)

After I left The Peg for Florida, Rick & Ruth picked up stakes and relocated to Kelowna, B.C. There they built a gorgeous home on the mountain side. In 2013 Mark and I spent time nearby at a farm/RV park. It was a grand time! (Some friendships just are.) It was Rick who started me Blogging for the 2013 trip!

Over the years, their visits to Florida … Thanksgiving together at Diane & Kris’s … and a Christmas complete with gifts at our house; so much fun.

Now, Rick is gone, free of pain and despair. You’re missed already. Thanks for the memories dear friend. 

Sunday, April 14, 2024

Good morning. Mark and I were awakened with the sound of a barfing 🤮 dog at 6:50. Nothing gets you out of bed quicker. Poor Miss B … Today is her 11th birthday and she started Primbendan last Saturday for a cardiac problem. It seems that stomach distress can be one of the side effects. So, we are going to give the pill to her with meals! Hopefully, this will help. 

Anyway, we have a Sue, Wayne, Randy and auntie Nancy coming for lunch. (Diane is away in Ohio, and Kris stayed home.) 

Mark was up early preparing stuffed chicken breast, tomatoes, and mozzarella, and bread with a dipping sauce. I think he is doing mashed potatoes as well. Anyway, it’s going to be a feast for lunch to celebrate Ms BeeZee’s 11th birthday! What is she going to have? Some chicken, and a special pup-pie birthday cake.  Of course, Robbie is going to be helping out. 

Well, safe to say we had a blast! Dawn was working and not able to come. We knew her influence was there with the plaid bag for the Scottie birthday girl. 🥰  Of course Mark had to wear it on his head. 😂

Carvel ice cream cake was a hit with the people! BeeZ and Robbie liked their Pup-Cake! 

Uncle Randy with his favorite 🤩 

That’s their Pup-Cake … all wholesome ingredients with fruit sprinkles! 

Just when we thought the fun day was over, we opened the door and there was the monthly bark box!!  OMG … They had enough energy to rip up that cardboard box and get out the new toys and treats. 😂

Tuesday, Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Good morning. It is a beautiful April day with a light breeze and birds singing. Robbie, Belize and I have just had a nice walk and are now sitting on the front porch while I have my 2nd cup of coffee.  Mark and his friend Wayne are off in the woods hiking around. They sent a picture of a magnificent cow.

I’m guessing the only name she has is 232. Sad, isn’t it. 

I was hoping that Aurelia would send the pictures taken last Wednesday when we met them for dinner at Oakwood in Lady Lake. But, no such luck as yet, so we have a picture of a cow. 😂

Yesterday was the last day of our bowling, well until the next league starts in two weeks. Our slump continues and we cannot wait to get our new shirts and new name for the summer league. I’ll post a picture when we were all together in the shirts. Next Monday is the awards banquet and lunch. Last year, we were first place, this year we are 14th. That was quite the roller coaster ride downhill. 🙄 

Tony and Aurelia are on their way north, meandering along the highways on a two week trip. Happy trails! It was good to see you both.

Our friends, Denine and Jeff just picked up the table for our neighborhood barbecue next Saturday. The weather should be perfect. It’s being held at Nancy‘s home, on the lake.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, 2024

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! ☘️ 

It’s a good day for beginning a floral painting! I haven’t had any quiet time lately that was without commitments or chores about the house.

Yesterday, we took a ride to The Villages for coffee and a visit at Sue & Wayne’s. It was a bit sad without Shorty greeting us at the door. Chiki and Mimi were a little subdued. Life goes on and we had some laughs around the kitchen table with Mark’s story about “Loopy.”

Sue and Wayne were going to Costa Del Mar last night and to listen to the music in Spanish Springs Square. 

Back home, we poured a happy hour drink and went in the pool for an hour. It was a nice evening, very relaxing.  

Last Friday we took the dogs and went for a long boat ride across Lake Eustis, and down to the Fishcamp, cruising along the shoreline. It was the most spectacular day, weatherwise! The past winter has been quite windy, unusual for this area. Anyway, spring is just around the corner, and everything is in bloom in our yard.

Friday’s cruise aboard Mrs. R B … Robbie sat with Mark for 2 hours! Both Scotties enjoy a boat ride. 

Of course, we’ve enjoyed our bowling, winning three games last Monday and bowling quite well on Fridays fun bowl. We have now clawed our way up to 13 on the league. That’s a far cry from last year when we were in first place. 😂 

Last Saturday we had a wonderful dinner with Randy and Dawn and Bob and Jill. It was so much fun catching up and having a lot of laughs. Rob and Belize came with us and had some fun sniffing around the porch for lizards. 

Bob and Jill are off on a 10 day cruise now.

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Happy birthday, Wayne! 

Lunch at Flanigan’s and some lotto tickets from Sue! 

Tonight’s YaYa’s at Nancy S on the lake! I’ll get a puc to add later on. Mark’s meeting the guys for dinner in Eustis tonight. The kids … well they had their golf cart ride this lovely afternoon! 

L-R Carin, Nancy S., Trina, Pam, Denine, Deenna, Moi, Rose, Kristine, Lynn, Pat …gorgeous evening with all the doors open to Lake Eustis and the city lights across the water. 

Last night we played Catan Pirates and Explorers at Lynn & Steve’s til 9 o’clock. Lynn finally won a game! (Steve hasn’t yet although he was in the lead for much of the game.) It’s complicated … Mark and I prefer playing regular Catan. 🤷‍♀️

Monday’s league bowling was good. Mark scored a 224 and me a 202 in one of the games. We won 3 out of 4 and moved up the ranks. 

Sunday March 3rd. 2024

Good morning! We had quite the drenching last night! Thunderstorms!

It’s been a usual time lately with bowling and household stuff around here. 

Yesterday was a rough one for the K’s because of the passing of Shorty Hot Pants after a 2 year kidney function decline. 

As if that wasn’t sad enough, our friend Angie Wills succumbed to cancer after a long battle. Her son Michael was Angie’s support who took excellent care of her. 

So, our thoughts are with our family and friends today.

Yesterday, we saw Randy, Dawn, and friends from Canada, Bob and Jill for lunch. It was good catching up with them and we will see them again before Bob and Jill leave on a cruise.  

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Good evening! We’re just home from our monthly friends night out, this month at Mt. Dora’s new Miller Ale House. 

That’s Jim, Rose, Eddi, Deenna, Mary, Tracy, Roger, Elaine, Pat, Ken, me and Mark. 

We had a good server … everyone enjoyed their meals and we had lots of chat time. All in all, a fine evening! 

Earlier today, Kim and I went for pedicures and caught up on each other’s goings-on.  The salon was quick today and that gave us some time to visit Peddler’s Wagon in Eustis. The shop was very busy and looked gorgeous! Of course we were offered a small drink, delicious. 

It was a pretty day with plenty of sunshine … 

as evidenced on Mike’s weather page! No clouds! 

Mark shared this funny … 

Haha! 

It was a good day! 

Sunday, February 18, 2024

Well, Aurelia has called me to task - and rightly so. It’s been more than a few days since I’ve written here!

What’s been going on? Well … It is my birthday 🥳 month and I’m still celebrating 🎉 that trip around the sun 🌞

Of course we’ve been bowling 🎳 and having fun with our assorted friends and acquaintances at Lakeside. We did win 1/2 a game last week and 3 games last Monday but remain pretty far down the road from last year at this time. Monday was the first day with all 4 of us bowling since mid-December! (The team’s had dental surgeries, hernia surgery, wrist injections, chiropractor adjustments; you name it!) I’ve been the only (touch wood) teammate who hasn’t missed a game. Correction! I did miss part of 1 game due to a bruised thumb! 👍🏻 Ouch. Fortunately, Willie reamed out the thumb hole and I was back in business! Our friends Dan and Mike and Penny and Dennis are in 1st Place right now! Hopefully they’ll stay there despite our best efforts tomorrow to unseat them! ( If we do, Lynne and Steve’s team will be thrilled as they are currently in second place !)

Saturday the 10th was an absolutely beautiful day and we took the boat out to Puddle Jumpers for lunch. On board were Sue, Ron, Penny, Kyle, Gavin, Cody, Mark and me.  We had such a nice afternoon. Wayne met us at the restaurant and then he and Sue went home in the car. Their dog Shorty has needed extra TLC the past couple of weeks. The rest of us continued on for a longer boat ride then putt-putted home. 

After lunch, we took a picture by the seaplane base

Mid 80’s with a bit of a breeze! 

We’ve also been into playing Catan with Lynn, Steve, Linda, and Nancy. It’s a great game, takes a little concentration, and some know how. Believe me, we are all still learning. I, however, may not be invited back since I have played with them three times and somehow have won all three times.  🙄 🤷‍♀️ (My mom was like that! Did I WIN???) 😂 

Pat hosted a fun game day where I played NINE … a fun and easy card game. Nancy, Rose, Deenna and I had fun! There were about 16 of us there that day. 

For Valentine’s Day, Mark and I went out to Stavros for dinner. It was totally busy, but the food, very good, as usual. However, what I chose that night, chicken, Parmesan, didn’t sit well with me. Even the next day I still had terrible heartburn. Mark remembers that our friend Dr. Fahrni Told us, he always always prescribed gin for an upset stomach, whether seasickness or otherwise. So, that’s what I had, GIN! And guess what, it worked. 

The next night, we had pizza from Stavros at Lynne and Steve’s house, while we were playing, Catan, Explorers, and Pirates! It was a fun evening. That game is even more detailed! I don’t think any of us really knew how to play it, and we need to read up on it. 

On Friday, we were busy taking the dogs to Paws And Effect in downtown Eustis to get their dentals. Once they have a specialist come in and do the dogs teeth. There is no anesthetic required, which is so much better for the dogs.  After that, it was off to the accountants to pick up our tax package! Done ✅.

Today, I met Sue at the mall and we walked around the stores for an hour and a half. It was great to get our steps in as it’s been rainy and cool this weekend.

The walkies tonight. 🐾🤷‍♀️

Now, it’s a lovely fire and TV … We’re watching Resident Alien! 😂

Ta ta. 

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

It’s a bit of a cool start to our day here in Central Florida.

Happy Birthday to meeeee! 🥳🥂🍾🥰 And what a great day it has been! 

Quite a few actual (paper, snail mail) cards have arrived! Thank you!!! I love getting them and display my cards for a month. 🥰

It was family birthday today … my treat, at LaPalma. That Mexican restaurant is very nicely decorated and the food good! Unfortunately, Dawn was working, so Randy came stag … with an orchid plant! (It’s on the table in this picture.)

There was plenty of fun and many stories. A gentleman sat in “our” noisy area and Sue warned him that he might want a quieter area. Ha! He came over and told us a few jokes. Nice guy. 

My sweetie picked up the tab while Sue and I manhandled an elephant into our boot. 

Cool, fits our African continent vibe. (Yeah, I know there’s a chip in the paint … tomorrow is another day.)

I LOVE it! Thank you Sue for the shopping!!!

Aside from this, Sue had a good story about Aurelia. The night they were at T & A’s motorhome for dinner last week, there was to be a launch from Cape Canaveral.  Sue told Aurelia what time to watch for it. Aurelia happened to be outside for a cigarette and spotted this, and took a picture. She was so pleased with herself for having caught the launch with such a great picture.  

Fabulous eh!!! (Until you notice the American flag hanging below the light pole.) 🇺🇸 😂😂😂 I hope they will get to see an actual launch while they are in Florida. 🥰 (Thank you Aurelia for your birthday call. 🥰)

Back home from lunch I discovered Nancy had left me a funny birthday card and gift of oil paints!!! (The ribbon has zebras and other critters on it.) The kids were happy with her visit. They had cookies!

To wind up my fun afternoon, Mark opened a bottle of Proceccio and we went in the swimspa for an hour. The kids had a Frosty Paws in the Tiki Hut. 

So, that was my day! Cheers 🥂 

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Good morning from coolish Central Florida where winter is hanging on. Today our high forecast is only in the mid 60s, that’s a little cooler than normal for our area!

Thursday, February 2nd was YaYa’s at Laurie’s! There were about a dozen of us yakking and enjoying the dinner Laurie prepared. It was a fun evening. 

So my birthday celebrations began last Saturday with KimBob taking me/us out to dinner at Lake Eustis Waterfront Grill. (I should have gotten a picture, darn it.) We had a great meal and drinks … and good to see the place was very busy. When I got in KimBob’s car, Kim had a big bouquet of white double daisies and a birthday bag brimming with pressies! Wow. They spoiled me. 🥳 We came back to our place for drinks and a fire (inside.) Their son Danny is a connoisseur of fine drink and in conversation discovered he “needed” an L for his Blantons bottle collection. 

Boom. We have it and will give to KimBob for Danny!

Saturday was a nice day with no wind. (It’s been a windy few weeks!) So … we took the kids for a boat ride!

Robbie was happy sitting with his daddy for the entire cruise. 

Mz BeeZee sat with me! It was so nice to get out on the water! 

Sunday, we popped over to the K’s to hang a few pictures and went to HomeGoods with Sue. It was really busy there. We both saw “good stuff” but didn’t buy anything. Then off to Bealls where Sue bought a white fluffy Christmas tree skirt for $12 (on sale.) 👍🏻 I spotted a very cool elephant wall hanging done in wicker, but resisted. Yeah, it’s big but I have just the place to hang it. 🤔 After shopping we had a drink with Sue and Wayne and I opened birthday presents before heading for home. (Nice bottle of Johnny Walker Black and a travel toiletries bag!) 🤩

The Storm Magic Gem bowling ball 🎳 that Mark got me for my birthday is working out well for me after having Willie at Final Frame ream out the thumb hole a bit. I bowled above my average yesterday! The pros say give a new ball 6 weeks to break in. (Well I’ve already chipped the surface so it’s being broken in.) 😳  We had plenty of fun bowling yesterday but didn’t take any games. One opponent bowled all his games well into the 200’s although his average is 170. Wow.

Yesterday afternoon I opened my emails and paid a bill for my annual corporation report filing. (Something just didn’t seem right and I should have waited.) This morning, the REAL Sunbiz report bill came in but of course the scammers at “Fortress Compliance” had already processed payment. I’m out $99 … and am mad at myself for being duped. 

So that’s what’s been happening here. 

Monday, January 29, 2024

Good morning! It’s been awhile since I wrote. There’s not much new news 🤷‍♀️. Friends Tony and Aurelia will be arriving in Florida soon. They’ve had an exciting (?) drive down in their motorhome with the recent winter storms. 

Kris had pneumonia apparently! He’s feeling much better after a round of antibiotics. 🥰

My early birthday present, a new bowling ball is working out well for me. Today is our league bowling so I will see how it performs for me today. Last week was pretty darn good, but now I’ve been able to try it for another six games and work it in. With any luck, I will post a picture of some wonderful scores later today. We shall see.  😂

🎳🙄👍🏻Ouch. Well, my thumb stuck 5 times with some funny results and missed shots. 

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Good evening! We’re back to real Florida weather after a few very cool ones! Today was in the 70’s with a low of 74 overnight. Last night we had cocktails in the SwimSpa … it was 97. 😅

Over the weekend my wisdom tooth temporary crown popped off. Today, I got the permanent one glued on. I’m glad that’s all done. It was a really difficult tooth to work on being way back there.

Mark and Wayno went hunting hogs tonight with the lovely full moon. Meanwhile, I walked Robbie and Beezy down to the circle. The kooky neighbor saw me walking them and purposely let his little black dog out. Well, the poor wee guy is old, obese and I suspect blind. He waddled to the end of driveway and of course my dogs took notice. I didn’t want the little guy to get hurt in a scuffle if he came any closer so I hollered at the dog, “are you effing stupid? Get back home!” Of course, while I’m hollering BeeZee is standing at the end of her lead, making the most awful noise. Finally, the neighbor  came outside to tell me that the dog wouldn’t hurt me a fly.  Geez Louise, when will people get a clue! My dogs are leashed and protecting me.  🙄 (Said person also flies his American flag upside down.) 

Brother in law Kris is in hospital tonight … we’re waiting to hear some news. 

It’s national squirrel day (for real). Here’s our wee Woody. 

Ta ta til tomorrow. 

Thursday,January 18, 2024

Good evening. Today was busy with two hours in the dentist's chair for me. An “old” crown was replaced. The tooth involved had had a root canal 20 years ago. Then 12 years ago the crown was replaced. It was recommended to replace the crown.  🤷‍♀️ $1400 later … and a couple of Advil it’s done. 

Meanwhile, Mark and Wayno went hiking in the forest. It’d been a couple of weeks since they’d been. 

Last night was our (Covid19 original get together group) Friends Night Out, this time at Applebee’s. 

Meanwhile, Sue and Wayne are still cruising the Caribbean. Here’s a pic or two from the past few days 

Anniversary fun at the casino!

The jitney ride from the pier to the tour bus in Puerto Plata.  Apparently the bus was overcrowded and in rough condition. 

Mark’s been cleared to bowl so it’s Fun Bowl tomorrow! Nancy’s picking us up … 🥳🎳🤩

That’s it for now. Ta ta. 

Saturday, January 13, 2024

Good evening. It’s been a busy week here at our house. Mark continues to heal well after his hernia surgery on January 3. The toughest thing is not doing too much.

I’ve been  bowling, but of course Mark can’t. has not. We won two games and lost two on Monday. 😬We honestly should’ve won all 4 … one of our teammates bowled awful … and never broke 100 in all three games. Hey, it’s a game, and that happens  😳 Usually, Linda scores in the 130 to 150 range. 

On Monday, we took the dogs for a ride on the golf cart. Well, that turned out to be hilarious. Somehow we picked up a stick on the road which jammed into the transmission line. Bottom line is I had to push the golf cart home from halfway down the street. …  The Amazon driver saw us and she jumped out and helped. 🤩 Mark googled the problem and ordered a part. For seven dollars he was able to fix it while I was at the luncheon Wednesday with the girls. (We went to a nice Mexican restaurant on Bay Street that I hadn’t been to before. The food was great.)

On Tuesday, instead of going to game day with the girls, who I was going to see on Wednesday at a luncheon, I painted.  

I really like how the zebra turned out. It’s on a palm frond stem.  

Sue and Wayne are on their 50th anniversary cruise. They have a lot of friends with them from the lake so I know they are having a wonderful time.

 Oceana Vista

Happy 50th wedding anniversary! 🥳🥂🍾❤️

On Friday, I went to fun bowl with Nancy. Between us we won $10 and had a blast. Mark has been doing a lot of puttering around the house, just trying to keep busy but without straining himself. We see the doctor next Wednesday!

Last night we went in the SwimSpa for an hour. He (mostly) sat on the stairs to keep the incisions dry. The pool is at 98°, and the air was in the 70s. It was really nice.  

This morning was lovely, but this evening is getting cool again. We are going with Nancy to Lynn and Steve’s house to play the game The settlers of Catan.  It’s quite an intricate board game and a lot of fun. Pizza’s on the menu. Yum. 

Robbie and BeeZee had a bark box this week, so they are happy … plus they had a golf cart ride today!

That’s it for now  Ta ta. 

Saturday, January 6, 2024

Good afternoon. It’s a bright beautiful sunshiny day in the mid 70s here in Central Florida. We had rain earlier today which caused us to sleep in a little bit. It sounded so nice on the roof. Mark had his hernia surgery on Wednesday and continues to do very well. I think he might be eligible for Superman status. He took pain pills for the first two days, but today is doing pretty much everything, just not with a belt. 

We took a ride and had lunch at Applebee’s, our first day out in more than a week. We stayed away from everyone for a few days to make sure that he didn’t get anything that would produce a cough that he would have to deal with after the surgery. So far so good. We have, however, heard that Wayne is down with bronchitis, prior to their big cruise.

Yesterday, just fun bowl with the friends, but Mark stayed home. Relaxed and watch TV with the dogs. That’s what he is supposed to be doing. I actually had a really good day bowling. Monday is a positioning round and our team will be bowling without Mark for at least two weeks. let’s see if we can hold our position. 

Than that, everything’s fine and our world and I will continue on with mom and dad’s travels from 1973, starting tomorrow.