Monday, August 31, 2020

Good afternoon. We decided it was a great morning to check out the Lake Junaluska area. It is quite beautiful, and a few spots to have lunch. After that we took a ride into Waynesville as I had to buy a few things at Michael’s crafts.

Wayne and LaDonna were home by 3 o’clock and unpacked. We had a crazy rain storm move through that was all gone within half an hour and the sun was out again. It was the heaviest I’ve ever seen in this area.

We sat outside and watched the river and had a couple of Drinkee‘s before Mark barbecued jalapeño brats and cooked corn on the cob. It was a feast.

Sunday, August 30, 2020

Good morning. I have been remiss writing the blog this past week. It has been hit and miss as we have been very busy and having fun with LaDonna and Wayne here. It’s now 10 o’clock and they have just left, starting their journey back to Florida.

It’s been a week of campfires, joint dinners, happy hours and fun. Mark caught the biggest Rainbow trout of his life! The fellas really enjoyed fishing in the creek, wading on the rocks. LaDonna and I accomplished a painting each, no, actually two each! She liked the Dolphin Cottage so much that I gave it to her. 

It just happens to be Miami Dolphins 🐬 colors ... and they are huge Dolfans! 

While we were sitting Creekside today, a couple pulled up in their car and measured the site where Wayne and LaDonna had stayed. They told us they had just booked it for four months next year!  So, we got our giddyup on and went to the office and reserved two weeks in late summer for us and them. Creek sites go fast around here as more Florida people discover this cool area! Today was the warmest day since we’ve been here, 77° and sunny. It was gorgeous. The nice thing is it’s just one overnight on the road to get here.  

So Mark made a great stirfry for dinner ... we talked to RanDawn ... (poor Dawn twisted her back a few days ago) ... then sat at the picnic table listening to Neil Diamond and drinking wine. Special nights ... NO BUGS!!! Fricking amazing. 

Friday, August 28, 2020

Good evening. It’s after 10 o’clock and we are sitting outside listening to the rushing water at Jonathan Creek while we enjoy a beautiful bonfire. The high today was in the 70s and tonight‘s low will be 63°. Wayne and LaDonna have decided this is paradise on earth.

First thing this morning, while 930, we went to the buttered biscuit for breakfast. Afterwords we popped into Publix for a few things and then spent the day around the RV park. LaDonna and I painted while Mark and Wayne fish for trout in the stream behind the RVs. It was an absolutely beautiful day.

For dinner we went to J Arthur’s, a log type restaurant with excellent food. And now here we are enjoying a campfire and wishing we could record the sound of the evening.

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Good afternoon. We had a great start to our morning with LaDonna and Wayne cooking a breakfast of sausage and gravy over biscuits. It was my first southern breakfast like that.

After breakfast, we went shopping locally ... lots to see. Everyone is wearing a mask! 

We went to the 7 Silver Seas and at the Cabbage Rose. Afterward, Mark drove us to Waynesville where we walked around for a little while. It was nice to have a sunny day. 

We came back home about 1 o’clock and the guys went trout fishing while LaDonna and I painted. 

Mark cooked a delicious dinner of corn on the cib and a bbq pork loin tonight. Later we sat Creekside and  chatted. Everyone was off to bed early tonight.

Mark with BeeZee and Robbie wading in Jonathan Creek. 

 

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

It was a grand day. We had lots of laughs, out to dinner, and fishing in the Stream.

After a dinner of brisket and fries, we enjoyed a campfire with wine. It was a perfect day.

Monday, August 24, 2020

Good afternoon. We went to the local produce shed and bought some beautiful corn for tomorrow nights dinner. Tonight, LaDonna is preparing dinner for the four of us, and I have no idea what it is. Maybe I’ll just give her a call and see if she need some help. Mark and Wayne are out fishing at the moment, as it is just a beautiful sunny afternoon. When I got out of the truck at the produce shed,My knee buckled. Oh Em Gee, that really hurt. Anyway, I walked around on it for about an hour and it seems to have loosened up and gone back into place. Right now I’ve got it propped up and took a couple of Advil just to get any inflammation down. It’s all good.

Dawn sent pictures of her granddaughters heading back to school today. We hope they will all be wearing masks, social distancing and staying safe. As we all know, 2020 is a strange year, and we need to get on with life but do it safely.

LaDonna and I began painting together again today. It was beautiful sitting outside. When I got up a couple of hours later, my knee reacted badly once again. I may have to buy a knee brace and get out my cane to use until I can get into see the orthopedic doctor. Darn, I was so happy with my knee implants. 

Sunday, August 23, 2020

It’s a gorgeous day at 79F ... perfect. 

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Good morning y’all. Here’s a fun read from Sue and Wayne who are in Canada. 

Friday, August 21, 2020

Good morning. It seems autumn has arrived early here in Central Florida. It’s cool, breezy and beautiful this morning. Mark has an eye doctor appointment today. It’s also Friday which is clean the house day.

We had a reasonably busy day today, and then at 4 o’clock I got on zoom with my neighborhood friends. We chat for about 20 minutes and then play an online game. It is lots of fun and good to see everybody’s smiling faces.

Sue and Wayne are enjoying a hot day at the cottage, 85°. It sure looks beautiful to me.

Chiki and Mimi seem to have settled into life at the cottage. Sweet. 

Lani and Markymark are having the huge flat roof that connects the two houses done today. Well, they actually started yesterday and will probably finish up tomorrow. It is massive. 


That’s the very cool greenhouse in the back by the canal

And this view is part of the flat roof that adjoins the pitched roof on the house and joints up over the lanai connection to the lodge. The most difficult thing they find is getting people to work here in Florida. That is kind of true. 

Thursday, August 20, 2020

Good morning. It is a bright beautiful sunshiny day and our neighbors flat roof is being replaced today. Yeehaw. We have been looking at the stacks of material on their roof for the past 10 days. We have had a lot of rain so that certainly delayed it.

Chippy’s Hollow lost a tree yesterday ... it was covered in wasps and ants 3 years ago. Was that the tree’s demise? Sad, things grow slowly in Canada. 

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Good morning. I was up watching the Democratic national convention for the second night. It gives  me hope that America may survive the disastrously divisive autocrat Trump. 

 OK, now off to local events and news. In our area of Central Florida, the COVID-19 numbers are going down. This does not mean it is going away, just less new cases. Mandating a mask in all public spaces would be a wonderful thing as only (about) 60% of the public are wearing them now. Local restaurants are virtually empty and starving for business. At Del Sol Mexico there were only three tables with patrons in the entire restaurant. It felt a very safe place to be. The largest groups were outside the restaurant dining on the patio. Hurricane’s is another restaurant that is safely practicing social distancing and spreading out patrons by 10 feet or more. 

Then there’s hand-washing ... 

Tonight we’re going to Lynn‘s to swim with a few friends for our Wednesday get together. (Great fun!)

Watching the DNC tonight ... there IS hope for America. 🥰

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Good afternoon y’all. Mark’s just back from a hike in the woods with pal Wayno. I handled the chores then painted for an hour. 

We decided to go for an early dinner to downtown Eustis and ate at Sol de Mexico. There were two tables of people eating outside and three tables including us inside. We were certainly social distanced and the staff was all wearing masks. Dinner was great. LaDonna and Wayne met us and then came back to the house after for a visit with the dogs and have cigars on the front porch.

Wayne & LaDonna love spoiling our Scotties! It was a nice evening, 78F. 

Monday, August 17, 2020

Good morning sunrise 🌄 ... we’re both up before you! 🌞 

Happy 45th Anniversary to our good friends Karen & Pete. They’re celebrating with Plan B ... They had a week booked at Navarre Beach’s beachside RV resort. After being laid-off from GRW in the spring while COVID-19 necessitated cancellation of huge group RV trips, they ventured out and bought a 36’ travel trailer from Lazydays.  (Oops! Bad idea to shop the competition.) Then they needed a truck to tow their Salem. If you’ve shopped for a good used 2500-3500 series beast you can appreciate how scarce they are. Pete found a 2500 Hemi Dodge and made a couple of short trips with it. (They’d gotten used to towing a 40’ (new) 5th wheel with a big dually; a perk of their GRW employment.) Their travel trailer swayed badly behind the Hemi. Pete wanted, needed a dually! So ... back to shopping and found a Ford 3500 dually at a west coast dealer. Happy with his good buy they loaded up for the beach trip on the Panhandle. 

An hour from home the big Ford broke down ... overheating; an oil cooler  problem. They limped to a service center for diagnosis. You can see Plan B on the horizon. 🙄

So the service center took the Ford for a test drive WITH the camper attached! 🤭 During this test drive they blew a tire on the camper and had to put the spare on.  The camper was towed to the closest RV park in Starke! The truck won’t be done til Tuesday ... so Karen and Pete had to rent a car to get around ... and buy a new tire. She was terribly upset 😠 of course ... but that stuff happens! Eventually it’ll be a funny campfire story to be told and retold. Happy memorable 45th you two! 

This afternoon I swam with Lynn, Rose, Pat and Elaine. We had to get out of the pool when a thunderstorm threatened. It did rain so we sat in the lanai til 4 o’clock. Lynn knows 3 people with the virus and Rose knows of 2. Scary with the young ones back to school. 

Here’s another picture from Lyn in London and one I haven’t seen in years. It’s my grandma standing by the Currie’s side garden which bordered our property. 

Nan in the garden. 🥰

That’s all for today ... please stay safe by wearing your mask in public, washing your hands thoroughly and social distancing. 

Sunday, August 16, 2020

Good morning. It’s still dark outside but I got up for an hour to do a little sketching. A neighbor wanted a painting of her house, and I’m trying my darndest to get interested in doing it. It’s just a long low ranch house that’s going to take some imagination to make it pop. Ha ha

Mark trimmed two palms today, out in the heat for hours. The landscape pickup is piled in the front lawn. 

My cousin Lyn sent a few old photos from her mom’s albums. Here’s one of my parents as teenagers!

Mom wasn’t happy with dad as she was expecting an engagement ring ... not skis for Christmas. 

After dinner tonight, we sat on the front porch and enjoyed the evening air ... high 70s. Mark smoked a biggie cigar. A flock of 40+ Ibis entertained us all. Now ... it’s telly time and Dextor. 

Saturday, August 15, 2020

Good morning. Yes, it’s a bright beautiful sunshiny day in the 80s here in Central Florida. Mark is puttering around outside, getting things ready for hunting season. He also started the generator, this being hurricane season. This year has been something else, hasn’t it? We’re fortunate though we’ve had no major storms. Actually, nothing but a gusty wind here and rain. And here we are ... mid-August already! I recall the nervous anticipation of going back to school shortly. Now this year, in Florida and in much of the US, there is a big debate on whether children should go back to school or not. The parents are given a choice whether online learning or in class learning. In a lot of cases though both parents work and going to class is the only option that may work for them. Yes, 2020 has been quite a year. Here’s a thought from CNN’s good news ... 

 August 15, 2020

Summer is winding down, but unlike seasons past, it really doesn’t feel that sad to be saying goodbye. It’s probably because we’re all looking forward to better days ahead. If we all take care of each other, then by the time summer rolls around again next year, we’ll be ready to take full advantage of the fun. Who knows? Maybe there will even be concerts again. And baseball that isn’t weird. And the only social distancing we’ll know is how far away our beach towel is from the one next to us. Ah, those will be the days. 

I am just finishing up a painting today and once done will post it on here just for posterity. I’m not listing this one for sale as I want to enjoy it myself for a while. Ha ha.

The ‘Copper Mermaid Cottage’ ... (beneath it is the photo of a painting I did in the 1990s which I used as a reference for the mermaid cottage.)


Mark said I needed a close-up of the mermaid for y’all. 

While I was finishing up painting Mark took the kids for a ride on the Caddy. They sure enjoyed that. 

Tonight we are going with LaDonna, Wayne, Dawn and Randy to Kiku’s Japanese Steakhouse. It’s a fun restaurant where I had my birthday dinner a year ago. 

Well, we are back home. We had a great dinner, a few laughs, and went to Wayne and LaDonna’s afterwards. They welcomed us and we had more laughs and fun. 

Tata till tomorrow

Friday, August 14, 2020

Good morning y’all ... it’s a bright and beautiful start to our day. My new tooth is comfortable but my tongue is confused. Ha! 

Well we’ve had a pretty lazy day, but have accomplished a few things. I have been working on a mermaid cottage painting and should finish it up early tomorrow morning. It just needs an umbrella and some chairs beach side. It’s been fun to do. I started drawing it on Monday so it has been a bit of a project. Tonight we were going out with Markymark and Lani, plus Lynn for dinner and to watch a friend at sip Jazz club. It’ll be fun, and nice to get Lynn out with us.

We were back home by 9 o’clock, having had a ton of fun. Sip was well organized taking your temperature and making you use sanitizer before you came in. Where we sat was sanitized right before we sat down. The waiters and waitresses were all wearing masks, but the entertainment and diners of course were not. Dinner was good, entertainment fabulous and we had a fun time. 

Alan gives his all every song! The Kenny G sax was out tonight too. 

Mark, Lani, Lynn and friend Scott

Lynn was personally entertained by Alan. 😂

We all needed a night like that. It’s been a long while. Anyway, back to normal and home by 9 o’clock.

Thursday, August 13, 2020

Good afternoon y’all. Mark was off to the forest with Bob early to set up tree stands. Archery season starts next month. 

Me? I painted for an hour before going to the dentist at 12:30. I’m absolutely delighted with the dental implant and crowns! Fabulous. Great dentist. 

Yup ... I WAS a 🏴‍☠️               New toofus (prolly still 🏴‍☠️)

We are a nice quiet Thursday evening and had an eL cheapo dinner of weenies and mac n cheese. Hey, we both like that. I painted for a couple of hours, working on a new cottage painting. Now, it’s time for Dexter and some wine.

Sue sent me this cute picture of a doe in downtown Kenora! 

And, have you heard the rumor that the Russians have the vaccine for COVID-19? Well, here it is…

🙄 Stay safe, wash your hands and be aware of your surroundings. Wear your mask.

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Good morning. I was awake at 4 AM and craving a hot chocolate. Hey, does my body think it’s winter? It certainly isn’t in Central Florida where it’s been 91 to 92 most days.

Today, we did a few things around the house. Mark cleaned  the fence where he had taken down the wisteria and it looks like new again. The jasmine pinwheels and the trumpets seem to be growing just fine. I did some painting today and the most exciting thing was the dogs bark box arrived!

Ha! These two are spoiled. 💕😜

After dinner, Mark and I went to Pat & Ken‘s where we met up with the group for a two hour swim. It’s always lots of fun, and good conversation. Kim and Bob, of course Pat and Ken, Lynn, and Rose & Jim were there. This week Markymark and Lani were too busy to join us. They are getting a new roof put on, well, the flat roof, so they are pretty busy.

That’s it for tonight. Tata till tomorrow. Stay safe.

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Good evening! We started the day with Karen coming over. She delivered our Happy C’s Camping Club flag and name tags. Our first camp out with this group is in October. Karen and Pete’s anniversary is coming up on the 17th. She wanted the sea turtle painting I did so we gifted it to them for the anniversary. She was delighted. They are spending their anniversary in Navarro Beach in their RV.

Mark finished up his concrete project in the backyard well before the rain. Hopefully it all set! At 2 o’clock I went to swim at Lynn‘s with a few of the girls from the neighborhood. We were having a wonderful time when the storm started to roll in. There was a cool downdraft followed by a crack of thunder that got us all sitting under the lanai roof. It poured for more than an hour before we could get a chance to I’ll run home. It was good fun.

Mark cooked quite the dinner tonight! Buffalo chicken, fries and garlic Brussel sprouts! It was delish! 

Tonight we enjoyed our front porch with wine and Mark had a ceegar. Two hours of Dexter and I’m ready for bed. Zzz

Monday, August 10, 2020

Good evening. It’s been a fairly busy day around here. Mark had things to get at Home Depot and a bit of other shopping and then we both went to Walmart for a laundry list of items. It’s the first time I’ve been to a Walmart in a long long time. There weren’t many people there, definitely not crowded. One silly ass old woman had a mask on as required but not covering her mouth! Feckin idiot. 

Since we were gone a little more than four hours the day went by pretty quickly. I did get a little shopping done for Charlotte and Makenna. M’s birthday was in May and we’re very late with a gift, but we just don’t go out of the house all that often. Anyway, I’m sure da girls will understand. We’ll drop pressies off next weekend. 

Peaky Blinders is our new binge watching evening telly. It’s a tale of Ireland in the 1900’s. 

I had a chance to talk with Sue today and heard that Lynn S is out for a couple of nights visit. Sue and Wayne may stay longer in Canada this year and hopefully the COVID-19 will settle down before they have to come home. 🤷‍♀️

Our friends Karen and Pete are going away RVing for their anniversary to Navarro. She is dropping by tomorrow for coffee and we have an anniversary present for them ... The Coral Sea Turtle painting I did ... it’s one of Karen’s favorites. Hope they enjoy it. 

Tomorrow I’m invited to Lynn’s to swim. Schweeet. Then Wednesday is our ‘hood neighbor gathering at Pat and Ken’s pool. It’s been a great summer thus far.  

On the drive home last night Mark spotted a cloud that looks like a Scottie dog sitting up begging. It’s quite cute.

Well, LaDonna and Wayne came back for drinks and smoke cigars on the front porch. They also brought a gift for our doggies. These beautiful handmade argyle sweaters were their corgis. Our lucky Scotties have now inherited them. Pretty cute.

Awww, they fit perfectly! 😘

 

Sunday, August 9, 2020

Good morning. I was up early but then went back to bed at six not getting up until nearly 9. Oh well, it’s Sunday morning. It looks like a beautiful day here in Central Florida with a high temperature forecast for 91. We have plans to see LaDonna and Wayne tonight but otherwise, just a laid-back day.

I finished another painting ... and the photo doesn’t do it justice ...

“Good Vibrations “ on 14x11 canvas panel. 

Randy & Dawn had all the family over and celebrated Charlotte’s seventh birthday. We were sad to miss it, but happy that they were able to get together. I bet she loves getting the metal detector.

We met Wayne and LaDonna at hurricanes for dinner. There were only two other couples inside the restaurant with us, and everyone was wearing a mask. Dinner was great, and we all came back here for drinks and cigars on the front porch. After the rain, it was in the 70s and beautiful to sit outside.

At the cottage, Kyle came out for an overnight visit. Tomorrow Lynne S. stops by for a two night visit. It’s very nice that they are both out enjoying the cottage. That’s it for tonight, more tomorrow.

Saturday, August 8, 2020

Good morning. It’s our granddaughter Hailey’s 13th birthday today.

We sent her a fab jewelry box. 

The rest of our day included a long cruise on The Caddy with the kids, and for me, I painted. Mark puttered outside readying another area for a concrete pour, then watched golf.  It was a perfect Saturday, albeit lazy. 

More tomorrow. 

Friday, August 7, 2020

Good morning from sunny Central Florida. Mark and Bob have gone off for a hike in the woods today. It was in the 70s this morning and not going to be 80 until 1030 or 11. I hope they enjoy their hike. 

Boo boo baby bear


Big Florida buck

Wee fawns 

My job today was catching up on paperwork and filing. Yuck; but a necessity. It sure piles up quickly. When Mark arrived home I was just finishing up. Good timing. 

Tonight we’re having Mexican food with Bob and Kim ... olé. 

We went early to the restaurant and were only one of two tables inside. The food was fantastic and the staff all were wearing masks. Afterward, we drove around downtown Eustis and checked out the work that had been done at Ferran Park. It looks great. We came back to our house and sat in the sunroom bar and had a few drinks and chatted. Lots of laughs. Bob kept thinking it was nearly midnight when they actually left it was 9 o’clock. 🤣

Thursday, August 6, 2020

Good morning sunshine. It’s a beautiful start to our day here in Central Florida. The crepe myrtles are still in bloom and the cardinals were perched there; bright red against the blooms. And ... I couldn’t find my phone! 🙄

Mark worked outside for a little while today, before it got too warm. I am finishing up a horse-drawn carriage painting but otherwise we are going to have a very quiet day.

Done ✅ 

Sue and Wayne have Tony and Aurelia at the cottage and today went for a boat ride. Maybe they will send a picture?

Yup ... here’s a fun picture! 🤣

These two are loads of fun! Wish we were there to share the laughs. 😂😍