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.

Remembering

Today would have been our cousins, Sandy and Sonny, 55th wedding anniversary.  We had such a nice time celebrating their 50th - just the four of us!  They looked so well and happy.  It's sad to think that they are both gone.  Rest in peace!

We wanted to go to the Market at Marion (Flea Market) before bridge today, so as soon as my laundry was done we were out of the house. 

Got the few things that we wanted and rushed home to have a bite to eat and then dashed to bridge.

We had a good time at bridge - though I cannot say that we all have a grasp on the game.

After bridge, we went to a new Beall's Outlet and I just bought a little something.  We then went to Beef O'Brady's in the same shopping center, a sports bar type of place, for dinner.

On the way home, we drove through the most expensive area in the Villages.  Their gate does not have an arm that goes up and down like the rest of the Villages - their gate is one that swings!  We were amazed at the number of homes for sale in that area.  Some are on a body of water and some have pools.  All very large homes.

We've lifted some photos from our cousins', Judy and Jeff, blog site and added them to January 31 and Feb. 1st of our blog.  Nice photo of the four first cousins and one of Terry and me at Mount Dora.

Investment Advice

For years, both Terry and I have been getting invitations to lunch or dinner from financial planners and have never gone.

Today, we went!

Hey!  It was a free lunch at one of our favorite restaurants - Bonefish.  You had your choice of steak (which I had), tilipia (which Terry had) and chicken. 

The presenter is someone one of our friends uses.  Mostly he talked about tailoring products to the client and how he doesn't sell anything (though he did admit that he has an insurance license).  He no longer has a stock broker license, he says so there is no conflict.

I've been interviewing financial advisors and may call him just for the hell of it.

After the presentation, we went to Staples for some printer ink. There was a Beall's Outlet right there and, of course, we had to do some shopping.  I have enough points for a $5 off coupon - good for our next outing!  I had seen some earrings at the killer jewelry store the other day, but had nothing that color - well, now I do, so we went back and I bought the earrings.  Terry bought a pair of earrings also.  We do love our little shops here!   

Mah Jongg Game

We are getting addicted to the game.  I had missed playing and love that we have a chance to play down here in The Villages.

We were guests at Ethel's home and played with Sharon.  It was a four-handed game and it moved fairly quickly.

We stopped for gas and a bottle of wine (to take to Sharon and Norm's on Sunday).

Talked with Betty and Phil had another balloon put in and it may only be good for six months, but it is encouraging that he has come this far.  Playing it day by day and praying for the best possible outcome.

Finishing bridge homework and checking email.  Not too exciting, but a little down time is appreciated.  You could go 24/7 if you wanted to, which we don't want to.

The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round

Happy Valentine's Day!

Met Diane and Tom and Diane and Don at the sales office at Sumter Landing and signed up to take the bus tour.  The tour now goes to the new section and into the area with the model homes - it doesn't stop.  It is always fun to take the bus tour as it is different each year.

From Sumter Landing, we went to Katie Belles for lunch, which is in Spanish Springs.  This is a venue that only residents can go into, it is like an old-fashioned dance hall.  There were people dancing and after lunch, the entertainment started.  The entertainment was one of our Village favorites, Mary Jo.  Mary Jo's little boy and her parents were there too.  She has the most delightful voice.

Diane was very taken with the beautiful flowers, so Terry took a photo of us with one of the flowers outside of Picture You (the jewelry store).

We stayed for awhile, and then walked around.  None of us bought anything.

Went to a place for Diane and Don to buy oranges and fruit and then back to our house for a little cold drink.  We then went back to Sumter Landing as it was Market Night there and we wanted Diane and Don to see that.  We walked around there and then sat and listened to the music for a few minutes.  Don walked over to a store off of the square that had the candy that Diane was looking for - that they wanted to get for their Chicago grandchildren.  It is a box with a Florida map on it and salt-water toffee candy inside.

Diane and Don came back to our house for leftovers and to play bridge.  It was so exciting to play bridge with good players.  We switched partners during the evening.  Don came in first, I came in second, Terry came in third, and Diane came in last. 

Terry took Diane and Don back to their hotel while I participated in the Township meeting.  They are headed back to Chicago tomorrow morning.

Full Day

I did a little laundry this morning while working.  Terry was working too.  Then we had to leave to go pick up one of our high school friends for our mini reunion at the Mallory Country Club.  We needed the GPS to find Pattie's house. 

Seated: Pattie, Joyce, Diane and Diane standing

High School was soooo long ago.  Here are the six Kelvyn Park grads.



 Terry and I join the group along with Diane's friends Gloria (seated) and Karen (standing in purple)

Our friends Ethel and Steve were in the restaurant when we got there.  Steve had said they were going there for the all-you-can-eat wings - a Monday special.  Poor things, they were at the table next to our noisy table.   

After lunch we went to the stores at Colony and did some shopping.  Came home to put packages away and then went to Lopez Country Club for dinner - 10 of us had a delicious dinner.  Afterwards, we went back to Diane and Tom's house for dessert and sat around and visited.



 Diane and Tom in their kitchen.  You can see the low-fat strawberry pie, the brownies, and the ice cream - Yummy!

 Diane and Don after dessert.

 Lynn and Gloria after dessert.

Tom and Karen (the newlyweds) after dessert.

Talked with Betty tonight and Phil had the temporary balloon inserted in his arota (we think) and that went well.  Later in the week they will do a permanent balloon.  We are praying that the permanent balloon will work.  His two daughters and granddaughter (who all live out of town) went back home.  Betty sounds tired but encouraged. 

Friends of Long Standing

I worked most of the morning and then did bridge homework - don't ask- for part of the afternoon.  Also caught up by telephone with some friends in Chicago.

Terry worked in the morning and then went to the grocery store for the makings for dinner as our grammar school friends were coming for dinner.

Tom, Diane, Diane, Don were here for dinner.  Diane and Don just came in from a cruise and will be staying at a hotel in The Villages for a few days before they head back to the Chicago area - to do laundry and then head to Colorado for their grandson's first birthday.

Do you like our tablecloth?  There was no tablecloth in the house so we bought a Christmas tablecloth, on sale, the first week we were down here.  I'm telling you that eating breakfast on that tablecloth early in the morning can be a little much.  Good thing we don't drink - I cannot imagine what it would look like in the morning if one had a hangover!

We are hoping that Diane and Don will play bridge with us while they are here.  They said they would, we'll have to see if we can work it into the schedule.

Tom sent me the photo from their anniversary dinner at Nancy Lopez Country Club, with Terry and me in the photo and I've posted it on the January 27 page.

BTW:  Today is Abe Lincoln's birthday - Happy Birthday, Mr. President.  Pretend I'm singing it ala Marilyn Monroe to Jack Kennedy!

Jerome Kern

Terry was busy working at her computer most of the day. Some of the work was for her advertising speciality business and some for The Paperwork Assistants (the company she and Mindy run).

I went to get a pedicure and came home in time to turn the computer onto the Adult B'nai Mitzvah at our Temple, where 12 adults were called to the Torah.  We knew about half of the group and were thrilled to see them all do so well.

After lunch, I did a little shopping.  Stocked up on chicken rice soup as it is going to get COLD here.  Freeze and wind chill have entered into the weather men's forecasts.

Tonight at the Temple, they had a program of Jerome Kern music.  Diane, Tom, Karen, Tom, Gloria and Lynn joined us.  It was fantastic - such wonderful voices.  I knew most of the songs that they sang.  I did not know that Jerome Kern died at 60.  Just think what else he could have brought to the world  had he lived longer.

I need what to rebid???

Today we went to our bridge class and were all feeling a little overwhelmed.  The good part was the teacher brought M&M candies to illustrate a minimum, medium, and a maximum hand.  The candies were good and gave us needed energy to absorb what we were learning.

David and RoseAnn were as confused as we were.  They both signed up for the next series of bridge lessons.  Unfortunately, we will be back in Chicago for those.  We'll have to find some lessons in Chicago.

After bridge we met with Ethel and Steve and Sharon and Norman for a Chinese dinner at the little place near us.  Fortunately, we had made a reservation as they got busy and every table was taken and people were out the door for takeout pick ups.

After dinner, we went to Temple and said kaddish (memorial pray) for our grandfather, R.D. Glazer.

Said the prayer for healing for our "brother-in-law" Phil, in Indianapolis.

Came out of Temple and it was RAINING.  Can you believe it???  It is supposed to get a little colder tomorrow too - what nerve.  Those of you in the north - ignore my complaining!

One Bam - 2 Crack - Lessons

Our friend Diane, and her friend Anita, got their second lesson in mah jongg today.  They are understanding the game a little better.  It is a hard game to learn.  We feel that we learned in vitro, as our mother played every day of her pregnancy!

Thank goodness for GPS as we got a little misplaced on our way to Anita's home. 

Stopped to make a reservation at the neighborhood Chinese place for dinner for tomorrow night before Temple for six of us.

Then, went to recycle newspapers today and then thought we'd go to Entenmann's from there.  We followed the street that the Temple is on to the end, as we had not done that before, and then thought we could find Entenmann's from there - NOT.  The GPS got us home as we were very lost and much too far west.  It was a nice ride.  We will go to Entenmann's another day, in our usual manner, and will NOT get lost!

One Bam - Two Crack

Had lunch and played mah jongg here today with our Sisterhood friends, Ethel and Sharon.  Our fifth was our friend Elaine's niece, Joy, who has a house down here.  Discovered that Joy (the gal to the left in the photo) lives at Del Webb in Mundelein and also knows a friend who has retired after being an assistant corporation counsel for Skokie for years.  Small world!

Checked in by telephone with our "adopted" sister Betty.  Phil has been taken off of the ventilator and is breathing on his own.  Not out of the woods, but we are encouraged.

While the ladies were here, I got a call from the Township that our receptionist passed away suddenly this morning. She had been ill and was in the process of taking tests and talking with doctors. Rest in peace Gerri!

We decided that after sitting all afternoon, we needed to walk. We went to Spanish Springs, where it was market night, and walked.  I bought a pair of night-driving glasses.  Both Terry and I tried them when it got real dark and could not make out any great difference.

Just ate some of our leftovers and will spend the rest of the evening reading.

Bee Gees

After going to the Library, where I got a library card for The Villages, we went to Walmart to do a little shopping. 

Then went home to get ready for dinner at Diane and Tom's with their Chicagoland friends who are visiting The Villages: Gloria and Lynn and Karen and Tom.  Karen and Tom are newly weds.  His first wife, Karen, had died and her first husband, Tom, had died!

After dinner we went to the Savannah Center to see a Bee Gees Tribute Band.  It was fun, but I really was not familiar with most of their music.

 

As the concert started my telephone vibrated and it was a call from our "adopted" sister Betty, which I thought I'd return at intermission.  However, there was no intermission.  When we left the theater, I had a message from  Betty, telling us that her husband, Phil, was on a ventilator.  We called after we dropped off one of the couples back at Diane and Tom's.  It's not looking good, but we'll be praying for Phil.