New Year's Eve

We had a good day!

Got a car wash! You could write your name on the car's grime.

Terry went to Weight Watchers-buy their stock as she had to pay for being over her goal weight! She did get the senior discount, so there was one bright spot.

We went to see the new square -Brownwood and took some photos. I'll add the photos Wednesday.
There are bronze cows, cowboy, dogs - we only got photo of a few. 

•  Marilyn in front of the stage at Bownwood's Town Square

Terry in the new Brownwood Square that has bleachers.

 



My clear spot did not work as we are too far from the 4 G tower. Comcast will be here on Wed.

As long as we were in the new area of The Villages, we had lunch at the new Country Club. Food was good and we ate outside.

Had a steak dinner with champagne and having a quiet evening. Probably will not stay awake until midnight.

Hope everyone has a great New Year.

It's only money

We left the house around 11:30 and did not return until close to 5:30!

We had a bite at First Watch, a newer establishment in The Villages.

We had to fortify ourselves for the heavy duty shopping to come.

We went to Dollar Tree and did some serious damage to the pocketbook.

Next Aldi's and then Walmart.

We should be good for the New Year.

We now have food, liquor and miscellaneous - let the fun begin!

On To The Villages

Other than a unexplained stand still outside of Macon it was a pleasant ride from Atlanta .

Met Clem at our rental house. Ran over to The Villages Sales Office to get our credentials and then ribs at Sonny's.

Went over to Walmart for essentials - real shopping tomorrow.

Unpacked and tried to get my Clear Network working.

Got to call and find out how to get Internet on laptops.

On to Atlanta

With a little drizzle, it was an ok drive. Stopped for lunch at Cracker Barrel.

Hyatt Place in Atlanta and Sweet Tomatoes for dinner. Healthy except when we got to dessert / chocolate pudding cake with ice cream soft serve on top. Terry had one serving and then it called to her again-she had to answer the call!

Finally we leave!

We delayed leaving by a day because of snow storms in Indy.

We debated taking I57 instead of I 65, but decided on I 65. A little snow shower but it lasted less than 20 minutes.

Our first potty break was at O'Hare Oasis! I know, I know! That's why it takes 3 days to get to Florida.

Terry's friends Roquel and Hal are appalled by how long it takes.

We stopped at Steak and Shake for lunch. Busy place but we got in and out in good time.

On to Louisville where it is an hour later than Chicago. Ordered a pizza and salad delivered and are watching Food Channel
It's an addiction when in hotels.

On Chopped they are using ingredients I've never heard of!

Tomorrow we are on our way to Atlanta.

Merry Christmas

We had a delightful Christmas with the family at Mindy and Glenn's.

 Miranda, Jeremy and Jessica.

 Glenn, Miranda, Jeremy, Mindy

 Stacy, Jessica, Sue (Dave's Mom), Dave

Stacy, Marilyn, Terry, Mindy

 

 

Our plan was to have left today, but the weather is being uncooperative.  We hope to leave tomorrow.

 

I'll attend the Township meeting, in person, tonight - instead of by telephone.



Packed our bags and left Interlochen.  Great breakfast at Tooties, just down the block from Interlochen.

Headed for Mt. Pleasant and lunch at Martha Smith's home and a tour of Mt. Pleasant and of the University where she worked.  Wonderful lunch of chicken salad, salad of peas and spanish peanuts, tomato salad, fruit salad and ELDERBERRY pie and ice cream!!!  We forgot to take a photo of Martha's wonderful home!

Headed for home with a stop in Michigan City at Swingbelly's.  A delicious dinner in the old train station.

Beautiful Day At Interlochen

Met Fran for breakfast in Stone.

After breakfast met Ida and we went into Kresge to find seat that we donated in Maryjane's memory.

Martha Smith met us there. We had thought that the usual service would be there. After wondering around campus looking for it we were informed that it was no longer. We were very upset.

Went to a buffet at Houfbrau and sat around talking.

We dropped the girls at Corson for a concert and then went to take a nap. First in the room and then by the lake.

Met up for a dinner from the grill tent out in the center of campus. Cannot believe that we were eating again.

Went to a great concert at Kresge - watching the water behind the stage.
Speedboats would be slowing as they passed.

Back to our room for snacks.

Weather is a delight

Met at 9 am to go to L Chayim delicatessen in a nearby town.

Came back to Campus. Marilyn sat at the lake listening to a rehearsal.

Terry and Ida went to hear jazz. Fran want to hear a choral rehearsal, but it wasn't there and sat outside to hear a rehearsal.

Met up again for a ride to "lunch" at Moomers. Hot fudge sundaes were yummy.

Nap before going to a Garrison Keillor concert. Close to 4000 at Kresge for the concert.  That white speck in the center is Garrison as he sang and walked among the audience - some of whom were still trying to find their seats as they ran into him - singing to them!

We went to our room and ordered pizza from Cicero's. We drove over there and ate in after fighting off some of the concert traffic.

Back to our room to talk.

Hot,hotter and even hotter

Met at 9:00 am to go to Traverse City for breakfast. Had breakfast at the Omlette Shoppe.

Went to the Cherry Republic and Fran and Ida bought some stuff.

Took stuff back to air conditioning so it would not spoil.

Nap and reading - no rehearsals in air conditioning, so did not venture out.

Met for an early dinner at Boone's. By the time we left people were waiting.  We took photos of the food for our cousins who DID NOT take our recommendation of places to eat in Traverse City.  Want them to see what they missed!

Saw Mid Summer's Night Dream at Morley - outdoors.

Ida stayed for second act the rest of us bailed and went back to our room for snacks.

Hot and Hotter-July 5th

We met Ida and Fran at Marilyn's. It was 8:30 am and 90 degrees.

First stop,of course, was for donuts!

Stopped for a break at a Michigan rest area with a lighthouse.

On to Sagatuck for lunch at Coral Gables. No shopping for us in this heat!

Because of multiple detours, we went up through the middle of the state rather than along the lake.

Checked into our air conditioned rooms at Interlochen.

Had a quick bite from the Melody Freeze.

Went to see Capitol Steps at Corson, which is air conditioned! They are such funny political commentators!  At the end they held up at sign that said "don't blame us - you voted for them."

Below is my favorite bear which is outside of Corson!

Snacks back in our room.

We will be posting again as we leave for Interlochen, Michigan (The National Music Camp) on Thursday morning.

Home Sweet Home

We left Indianapolis around 10:00 am.  It was very cold outside with some snow flurries and we joked that maybe we should head South instead of North!

After a stop for lunch at Denny's at Highway 30 we had an uneventful trip home via the skyway.

Marilyn dropped me off at 2:00 pm and then headed to her home.  After grocery shopping, unpacking and laundry I'm ready for bed.

Hope everyone enjoyed our blog.  Thanks Marilyn for doing it.

Healing a Broken Heart

Today we spent the whole day with Betty.  She's doing well and her sense of humor is intact, but her heart is broken.  Phil was a part of her life for about 50% of her life.  They had a wonderful life together and losing him has not, and will not, be easy.

We picked Betty up this morning for brunch (we had a little breakfast at our hotel earlier) at Le Peep.  While we were having our brunch, William (the driver for the senior-living place where Betty lives) called.  Seems that somehow a deposit he made for Betty last week got into his account and not Betty's.  Betty checked her account online and the money was not there.  William checked his account and there was more money in his account that he expected.  He came over to Le Peep and they went to Chase Bank together to straighten it out.

From there we went to J. C. Penney, then Betty's nail place, then Cracker Barrel.  We found the salt and pepper shakers that we had seen at another Cracker Barrel store and in the colors that we wanted.  From there we went to Fashion Square and walked around. BTW:  We went into Saks and I saw a purse that I liked, for $2,800+.  If I spend $2,800 + for a handbag, call the men in the white coats and get me committed!

Had dinner at Maggianos, and even though the three of us shared only two dinners and a large salad and one dessert, we were all stuffed.  Betty took home the leftovers and then two fresh entrees "for tomorrow" as they bill it.

Betty thanked us for making a tough time a little easier.

We are so glad that we came now when we could spend quality time with her.

Tomorrow we will start for home if it looks as if the highways are clear.  We may have to get the boots out of the trunk!

Friday March 2nd - A Travel Day

The weather forecast is not good in Nashville - they are expecting a tornado or two so we are glad that we are leaving.

We are surprised that the weather is pleasant on the way to Indianapolis - UNTIL we get 20 miles out.  Then a squall came through.  We had to get off of the highway because I could not see.

We got back on and it was fine for about five miles and then we were in another squall and could barely see.  Followed a truck until we could get off at our exit. If I was a drinking woman, I would have had a stiff drink!

Rested for a few minutes, at the Hyatt Place, Keystone Crossing, and then changed our clothes to meet Betty, Mark, Edie, Levi and Emily at Temple.  Their services started at 6 P.M. and ended at 7 P.M.  We all then went to a Chinese restaurant and then took Betty home.

A Day on the Road

We left Macon and started toward Nashville, through the mountains.  The weather was very nice and it was a pleasant ride.

We stopped at Wendy's for lunch and I had a Frosty - so reminds me of our childhood and the place in Marshall Fields' basement that had something similar.

We arrived in Nashville early and rested for a little while and then went to a mall to walk.  It was an outdoor mall and was not too busy.  We ate in a pizza place there and it was quite good.  Brixx Pizza was the name of the place and it was a little like California Pizza.

We came back to our room at the Hyatt Place, Hendersonville, TN planning to have our final little bottle of champagne, but alas neither of us could get it open, so we are settling for some hot tea.

Good Bye to The Villages

We spent the morning washing linens and towels.  Jennie and Clem came over and looked at the house and agreed that it looked perfect. 

We were reluctant to leave The Villages, but real life has to resume. 

We drove to Macon, GA, stopping at McDonald's for lunch, and made our way to the Springhill Suites.  The room is a little weird.  One little room has the toilet and a little sink - no rack for towels.  Another little room has the shower and another sink.  There is a sitting area with a sofa and a desk.

We went next door to a restaurant that is a sports bar. Surprisingly, the food was good and the wait staff was good.  It was filled with TV's but was generally quiet.  A couple of little girls were running back and forth between the "driving" machines and their dinners.  The two boys were glued to the machines.  The girls reminded us of Miranda and Jessica.  The boys were much younger than Jeremy.

Tomorrow, we drive to the Nashville area.

Getting Ready To Leave

Laundry
Pack
Clean
Eat leftovers

Return Comcast Router-long wait

Sumter Landing and Market Night-took photos of long line at the 4 bars

See Terry just outside the line - I pretended to take her photo so I could get the line and no one would get angry about my taking their photo.

I Hop for a quick dinner - terrible service!

Pack trunk- it all fits even though we have more stuff.

Laundry -again. More in the morning.

Talked with Betty and we will go to Temple Friday night with the family.

Talked with Marty too. He and Mitch fly out tomorrow.

Most of this was written on my I-Phone Tuesday night (photos added Wed. as we have Internet at our hotel in Macon, GA). 

Getting Ready To Hit The Road

It just doesn't seem possible that we will be leaving The Villages on Wednesday.  We have enjoyed being here so much and the time has flown.

Today was Phil's funeral and our hearts and minds were in Indianapolis with Betty, even though we were physically here in Florida.  May his memory be for a blessing.

In the afternoon, after we took our newspapers to the Temple's recycling, we went to Bealls Outlet to see if we could use the $5 credit that we had earned on Marilyn's senior card.  We couldn't find anything so Marilyn gave the credit certificate to Diane to use, as it has to be used by April 1.

Tonight we took Diane and Tom to Red Sauce (Italian restaurant at Sumpter Landing) for dinner as a thank you for letting us have our mail forwarded to them.    When Marilyn called the restaurant to see if we could get a reservation she told the hostess that it was Diane and Tom's 50th anniversary otherwise we wouldn't have been able to get a reservation.

As we were sitting on a bench next to the restaurant, listening to the music in the square, waiting for Diane and Tom to come, two couples came up to us and said "are you waiting for the Herlaches?"  It was two couples from Diane and Tom's RV club, that they golf with every Sunday, who we have met a couple of times.  They told us that they had gone to the movies with them in the afternoon and that they had gone home to change before meeting us for dinner. 

After dinner we came back to our house and played cards until it was time for Marilyn to call into The Township for a meeting and for me to call in to the AADMM conference call.  We gave Diane and Tom all of our unused food from the refrigerator and freezer and sent them on their way.

We finally signed the guest book in the house and have started to pack up.  Tomorrow we have to return the modem, so we will be without the internet after that.

It's the Last Day of Camp

Terry and I both worked most of the day.  It was rainy all day so it was a good day to get some things done.  I think The Villages is crying that we are all going to be leaving.

We went to Ethel and Steve's for dinner with Sharon and Norman.  It was a good dinner.  Ethel cooks like I do and most of it was from Sweetbay (a local grocery store) and was really delicious.

We brought the end of the wine, but alas Ethel and Steve could not find a corkscrew.  I ran out and got one and we all had our wine.  Not rain, nor sleet keeps us from our wine!

Of course, I was Ms. Klutz - spilled a little wine (no harm done).  Then after dinner, I was helping put things away, and the foil got away from me and made its way out of the box all by itself leaving a trail on the kitchen floor.  We were all laughing so much, I'm just glad it was not caught on camera.

I did wear my "camp shirt" though it needs rhinestone earrings to go with it! (See below).  Terry did not wear her "camp shirt."

We hugged and said goodbye just like the last days of camp at Interlochen.  We all leave The Villages on Wednesday.

Talked with Betty and our family is sending in food for Tuesday night.  Mark will pick it up from Bravo in Indianapolis.  Unfortunately, Stacy and Jeremy are both sick so the kids are not going to the funeral either.  Hopefully, we can get Betty to come to Chicago for awhile.

We are watching the end of the Academy Awards, but haven't a clue what has happened and what is still to happen.

Sad Day

We have spoken with Betty numerous times today.  Phil's funeral will be on Monday, in Indianapolis.  Mitch and Marty flew in today.  Spoke with Mark (Phil's son) and Terry and I will coordinate with him as to what dinner we can send in for the family.

We both worked a good part of the day and are busy trying to wind down things here.  If we owned here, we could just grab a flight and be in Indianapolis, but alas we are in a rental.  We have much to do to close the home and to get ready for our long drive back to the Midwest.

We hope to be in Indianapolis by next Friday evening and spend the weekend with Betty after everyone has gone home.  We will head home Sunday or Monday.

Today, we went to Sumter Landing just to walk around and get some fresh air.  Terry was out getting fresh air earlier as she went to Weight Watchers to weigh in for the month and pay her $11 for being over her goal weight.

We both bought shirts that say THE VILLAGES on them (tastefully done in rhinestones)!  I'm going to wear mine tomorrow for our goodbye to The Villages dinner with friends.  We all have a connection to Interlochen and were remarking on how sad the last week at Interlochen is when the camp kids all hug and cry.  The shirt was the closest I could get to a camp t-shirt!

Just got an email from Stacy that Jessica won 3rd prize in her dance contest in Aurora over the weekend.  Way to go Jessica.

The Roller Coaster Ride is Over

We had our last bridge lesson today and exchanged emails with our table partners.  We will miss the classes and our table partners.  We will look for classes in the Chicago area and try to talk some friends into playing with us.

We had a quick bite at home and then went to the Orange Blossom Opry, which is always an entertaining evening. It is a ride on country roads and a detour made it even more challenging.  Good thing we had been there before and knew our way.  The girl singer changes clothes multiple times during the evening.  The band is great and it is fun.

Tonight, however, we were a little distracted because, on the way there, we called Betty.  They were going to be turning off Phil's life-support equipment in a couple of hours.  The roller coaster ride that she and Phil's kids have been on is over. When we got out of the Opry,  Phil was gone!  The funeral will be on Monday or Tuesday and there is no way that we can get there in time. 

He was such a great guy and made Betty so happy that we are upset that we cannot be there to say good-bye.

We will stop in Indianapolis on the way home and spend some quality time with Betty.

Bus Man's Holiday

Today, I took the car to Plaza Cadillac for its check up before we head back to Chicago.  The car passed with flying colors and we are a go.  We leave next Wed.

Terry was busy working while I was gone.  Mindy: she was not working on business but Temple and Sisterhood and personal stuff.  She'll put the nose to the grindstone tomorrow morning.

After lunch, we went to Sumter Landing to meet a salesperson, who took us to the models.  We have not seen exactly what we would want should we actually decide to buy.  Have seen some resales in the newspaper that look good also. 

A visit to Beall's Outlet, at Colony Shopping Center, produced no purchase.  I think the curse is back.  We have a $5 certificate for spending over $200 and it is burning a hole in our pockets.

Went to Publix for a few things to fill in between now and Wed.

Less than a week and we have to leave Paradise.

We talked to Betty tonight and it is like a roller coaster.  Yesterday, they were encouraged about Phil.  Today, not so much.

We are thinking that when we leave here we need to head there and not make any sightseeing side trips.  Our return route is in limbo - both because of Phil's condition and the weather.  Stay tuned.

Cue Bid?

Are they kidding? I'm supposed to bid the same suit as my opponents as a cue bid?  I haven't a clue!  This bridge stuff is getting more and more complicated.  I'm hoping that I wake up one morning and it all will make perfect sense.  Tough to teach an old dog new tricks.

After finishing bridge homework, we went to Sharon's to play mah jongg.  Had some nice hands.  Had one hand that I goofed up on.  Terry did well and had some nice hands.

As we were leaving Sharon's it started to pour, so we hung around for a few minutes until it let up a little and then dashed to the car.  We had hoped to run some errands, but just came home instead.

I took out the garbage and it was still raining and now I hear thunder.  A good night to be in and reading.

Mardi Gras

I did laundry, Terry cleaned, and we both did bridge homework.

Then it was time to go to Spanish Springs for Mardi Gras.  We got there early to get a parking space and did a little shopping. 

We were to meet Diane and Tom and their friends there.  However, they were right in the sun, so we stayed on our bench.  Loved the jazz music and watching people.  Met up with them again to hear a great band.

As you can see Terry and I were wearing our best gold beads and masks (all Dollar Tree purchases).  It was great fun watching people - enjoying the music.

We left and went to Red Lobster for shrimp dinners.

We are now watching the second installment of the PBS show on the Clintons.

Oh, So Pretty

Terry and I both had 10 a.m. appointments for haircuts and dye jobs (and you thought we had no gray)!

It was then lunch time and we were right next door to Five Guys - so we HAD to have our cheeseburgers and fries!  A small order of fries could feed a family of six - but we managed to polish them off.

We had been wanting to visit Florida Southern College, in Lakeland, where Frank Lloyd Wright designed a number of buildings on campus.  It was about 1 1/2 hours each way, but worth the ride.

On the way there, I got a text from Jeremy that he needed me to answer some questions.  Terry called him, since I was driving. She put me on speaker telephone with him and I answered his questions. Seems that he needed to interview an elected official.  His mom reminded him that he was related to one.  He was at my first swearing in, but I guess he forgot that.  He asked some insightful questions.  One of the badges he needs, on his way to Eagle Scout, was the interview with an elected official.

Florida Southern College,  is a beautiful campus and has an enrollment of about 2300.  I cannot imagine what tuition must be to support all of the buildings and faculty.  Below are some images from our tour of the campus.

 This is the building that serves as a visitor center and gift shop.

 This is the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel.

This is the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel in the background and our little feathered friend who joined our self-guided tour.

 Not sure which building this was.

 Their auditorium - concert venue.

 Roux Library

 Photo of a postcard of the William H. Danforth Chapel

 A view from the car of the water that you see upon entering the campus.  People were water skiing, though it was a little cool.

A little courtyard behind one of the buildings.

As we got closer to The Villages, we became hungry (hard to believe).  We stopped at Sweet Tomatoes for dinner.  Salad should be healthy, right?  Well yes, if that is all you eat!  Don't ask - let's just say that dessert was wonderful!

PBS is running a special on Clinton tonight so I am going to sign off in order to go watch that.

Rain, Wind and a Delightful Dinner

Strange day, filled with working, reading bridge homework, and RAIN.  Very windy and then rainy.  The rain stopped and I ran to the postal station to mail some mail and then went to Bealls to look for a necklace to match a new top and earrings.  Terry was reading and stayed at home while I ventured forth.

Ethel and Steve picked us up and we went to Sharon and Norman's for a delicious dinner, at their rented villa not far from us.  Lots of good conversation and the time flew!

When we left Sharon and Norman's, it had cooled off and it should be cool tomorrow.  Feels good as it has been humid the past couple of days and I don't like humidity, especially when it is warm and humid.  Later in the week it is supposed to be in the 80s.

Comment from Terry I DO LIKE IT WARM.  The only arguments Marilyn and I have had on this trip is what the temperature in the house should be. 

Carriages and More Carriages

Since the first year that we visited The Villages, Diane and Tom had suggested that we visit the Carriage Museum. We even tried to talk our cousins into going one year.  But, alas, we never went.  TODAY, we went to see some horse competitions and to visit the museum.  The owner is a very wealthy woman, who has spent a fortune restoring carriages.  It is something to see!

 This is the statue that you see as you enter the grounds from the parking lot.

 You get the idea of what the carriages that were in the competition look like.  We went to the museum and saw a little of it before it was time to see Diane and Tom's friend in his competition.

 This carriage was restored and supposedly belonged to Franz Joseph.  The guide was from DuPage County, IL.

 Here's Diane and Tom's friend winning his competition.  It is VERY slow paced - a little like watching wallpaper dry.

 This is a hummer that an artist took apart and redid so horses could pull it.  A little like what people did with their cars during the great depression.  Says a lot about the artist's view of the current economy.

 If you are going to restore a car, it might as well be a Rolls!

Terry and her boyfriend, Roy Rogers.  She was a big fan when we were growing up.

Terry took this out of focus photo of me at the Barnam and Baily Circus carriage.

We came home to rest for a little bit, eat a bite, and change clothes to go to a concert, with Diane and Tom, to benefit the local food pantry.  It was held at Temple Shalom and was great fun!  We were up dancing in the aisles for When the Saints Go Marching In.

After the concert, Terry and I went to Perkins, where we heard that had good eclairs.  They were out of eclairs.  But, not to fear - we had brownie hot fudge sundaes!  I told Terry that we need to leave quickly before the Weight Watcher Police arrived!  Sinfully delicious.