We Are Home

A few students needed me this morning.

We did eat the left-over Chinese for breakfast.  Actually, quite good.  We did not want to eat the hotel buffet breakfast where everyone touches everything.

We stopped at some Rest Areas and also at some gas stations where we bought gas, went to the washroom and made some purchases.  At one gas station, we found bread, so bought that.

At another gas station we found eggs.  (Mindy thought she had purchased two dozen - one for each of us - but, when she unpacked them she only had one dozen).  Even though I had orange juice in the freezer, I bought some more at the same gas station, as it was a very small juice that I had tossed into the freezer before we left for Florida.

We stopped at my house to drop everything off there.  And I do mean drop.  Here's a photo of my entry hall when I got back from dropping off Terry's stuff and getting my groceries that Mindy bought for me.

Terry's hallway looked similar.  We do take a lot of stuff!!!  And, this year we bought a lot of stuff!

That's my mah jongg set to the left of the door.  Four suitcases of various sizes (two are office types of things).  A "hotel" suitcase and a jammed packed suitcase that was in the trunk (or whatever you call the back part of the "car"  Two bags of clothes that did not fit into the suitcase, coats/sweaters, and clothes for each morning on the road, since they did not fit into the "hotel" suitcase.

Day Two - On to Elizabethtown, KY

Checked student questions and then we had dry cereal in our room and left a little before 9 a.m.

Terry drove until we got near the "mountains."   I drove the "mountains" and had a lot of fog.  So much fog that I put our flashing lights on so other cars could see us.  Used the white lines to guide my driving.

Here's a photo Terry took of the fog as we approached the mountains.

We did our usual stops for gas and potty breaks and then drive through McDonalds-double cheeseburgers and french fries!!  Oh, yes, we had fries!!!

At the Baymont Hotel in Elizabethtown, KY.

Terry ordered take out from a local Chinese restaurant - cashew chicken, rice and egg foo young.  We might have it again for breakfast,,,,or not.

In constant touch with Mindy and Stacy.  Mindy grocery shopped for us and Face Timed with Terry over some frozen dinners.  Stacy did some shopping too.  Great kids!!!!!

Glenn has gone through Customs in Miami and will be back home later tonight.  His office has ordered everyone to work from home.

Illinois Governor Pritzker has ordered all bars and restaurants closed except for carry out and delivery starting tomorrow night.

On The Way Home

I answered student questions, we did bed linens, and towels.  We had breakfast and then left by 9 a.m.

We stopped at a Rest Stop and it was very crowded with people going home because Disney was closed.

Some pockets of traffic but not too bad.

We stopped at a second rest area, changed drivers, and ate peanut butter sandwiches in the car.

Stopped for gas and make our way to Smyrna, GA and Hyatt Place Hotel.

Walked over to Carrabbas for dinner.  We shared a dinner and I had a salad and Terry had the soup.

Talked to cousin Judy, as Brian told her we were on our way home.  Brian had texted yesterday asking where to send our wedding invitation to his and Rori's wedding - did we want it sent to Florida or to our homes?

We are watching SAY YES TO THE DRESS.  Cannot watch the news and the person in the White House.

Diane texted that they decided NOT to go to the Lori Gill Show.  Probably a good move.














































































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Plan B or is it Plan C

We were waiting to see if my weekly box from the Skokie Post Office, something we ordered online, and a check from the insurance company to settle the claim with my neighbor, were all in the Postal Box.  YEA everything was in the box.

We were waiting to see if we were going to Plan C, which is to leave tomorrow rather than wait until Sunday. WE ARE GOING WITH PLAN C and leave tomorrow.  Changed hotel reservations AGAIN, and, hopefully, will be home on Monday.

Left a note in the Postal Box to forward our mail if any comes to that box.  Informed the Skokie  Post Office to start holding my mail and to deliver it on Wednesday to my house and not to send the next box.

Terry cleaned out the kitchen, reserved a little food for us in the morning, and for during the trip, and we brought the rest over to Diane and Tom.

We thought we would have to go to the Pack and Ship and send some things home via mail.  But, we have it all stuffed into the car, except for the last-minute things that will go onto the back seat.  We both  brought and bought way too much stuff!!!!

Yes, we have left some toilet paper and paper towels for the next people, but are taking some of it home.

Joyce and a friend are going to be using our tickets for the Lori Gill Show unless it gets cancelled.  Left our tickets for Grease with Diane in case someone wants to use them.

All entertainment in the squares has been cancelled also all entertainment at three of the entertainment venues owned by The Villages.  Trisha Yearwood was to be here too, and it was sold out - but it is cancelled.  A craft fair that was to be at three of the Regional Recreation Centers was also cancelled.

Just checked Patchouli's calendar and a number of their gigs have been cancelled.

We caught a little of the service from our Temple tonight.  The B'nai Mitzvah families were there, not sure who else was there.  No oneg shabbat planned.  The B'nai Mitzvahs will take place tomorrow as scheduled.

Cadillac

We spent most of the morning, early afternoon, at Cadillac.  We had that appointment for some time.  The car needed some brake fluid and some other fluids, oil and lube, tire rotation, etc.  Everything looked good!  Service Manager gave me a $50 discount for waiting and I had a $100 credit from Cadillac, so my bill was not as awful as it could have been.

We are leaving on Sunday, instead of the 30th.  Our landlord has the house rented for April or we would have considered staying.  But, I'm eager to get home - Terry not so much.

The virus has started to cancel things here too. Trisha Yearwood just cancelled.  We did not have tickets for her, but she was sold out.

We had tickets for Lori Gill on Saturday and Grease on the 24th, we are giving our tickets away.  Though they may be cancelled too.  We had hoped to see polo this weekend, but that won't happen either.

We stopped at the Dollar Tree for a few items to take on the road with us for breakfast and possibly for lunch.

We have started packing up the box that we leave at Diane and Tom's and a box we will ship to Mindy.

Got gas for $1.88 (a steal).  The gas station was jumping!!!

Talked to Mindy and Miranda's evening class tonight just got cancelled, so Mindy was on her way to Milwaukee to pick her up for a couple of weeks and then classes will be online.

Terry and I work from home. Mindy works from home and Stacy can work from home if necessary.  Glenn is out of town helping a friend.  Jessica was supposed to go to Mexico with some friends and the friends' mother, but I don't think that is going to happen.

Not sure about Ashley's school or Jeremy's work.

Pretty Day, But Nothing Too Exciting

Terry was feeling like she was getting a cold (or allergy), so cancelled our dinner with Barb and Bernie.  Barb was having stomach problems and was going to call us to cancel.

I worked most of the morning and went outside to read for awhile, and then went on a call with the REALTOR Board's Diversity Committee.

My big venture outside was to the Postal Station and there were only two pieces of junk mail in there.

After the call, Terry and I both went outside to read until it got too cool.

We had chicken for dinner and are just reading and checking Facebook and emails.

Talked to our landlord about next year and he should be sending something via email.

I think Terry is feeling fine now.

Tea with the Queen

Morning was spent working, including depositing some checks with Chase Bank through their app (Mindy, you would be so proud)!

We got dressed to go to Spanish Springs and High Tea/or Low Tea (what's the difference???) with Queen Elizabeth.

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Joyce got the hat memo - we did not

On Left: Lady in yellow lost her husband this week, she did not seem to be in mourning. Karen, Terry

On the Right: Joyce and Gloria in the back (other two ladies - names escape me)

Terry and Marilyn

On the way home, we stopped at Publix for a few things.  Terry bought some fried chicken, which was a great dinner.

We changed clothes and sat outside but it was too sunny.  We fell asleep in the living room and never got back outside.

Miranda's school will be on spring break and then move to online until the virus is over.

Sorry, Officer

We left the house after working in the morning and went to the Temple to recycle our newspapers.

From there, we went to the Fruitland Park Public Library.  It's a new building and they now have a cafe on the premises.

For some time we were the only patrons in the cafe.  Terry had a chicken salad sandwich and I had a chef's salad.  Another couple wandered in just before closing.

We sat in a room filled with books on sale through the Friends of the Library.

Waiting for Lunch

Lunch has arrived

Building had been The Casino

Windmill on the Premises

Dedication Sign

Marilyn - with booklet in hand (see rest of the story)

As we left the library, I thought it would be fun to follow the booklet (in the photo above) and take a driving tour of the properties of note in the area.  We started following the booklet and promptly got lost and found ourselves on a street and in a school pick-up line of cars. 

To our left was the City Hall and a parking lot leading into another street.  It had three cones blocking off the City Hall Lot, but I moved one of the cones and proceeded to the parking lot and then got out of the car again to replace the cone I had moved.  A local policeman drove up and admonished me for moving "one of our cones."  I told him we had been at the library and got lost and apologized. He told me not to do it again and left me go!!!

From there, we went to Pier 1 to get two more of the balls in dark shades of blue.  There were only two balls left so I'm glad that we stopped.  I have enough of the balls now.

The more I am reading about Type 1 Diabetics and this new virus, and people over 60 and the virus, the crazier I am getting. Have cancelled Miranda's trip (again). If she got the virus going through two International Airports, I would never forgive myself. I'm  also discussing with Terry leaving early to go home.  Stay tuned.  Yes, I know I am over reacting, but sometimes you have to listen to your gut.

The stock market is in free fall again - they had to stop trading for a time today.  Trump said "any President who had a loss of over 1000 points in a day should be shot through a cannon."  Anyone want to contribute to that cannon ride for him?

Was catching up on the new JUF News and saw my cousin Samantha's photo in there.

Samantha is on the right

Warming Up But Windy

It was a little warmer today, but a little windy.

I worked in the morning and Terry worked pretty much all day.

She never left the house, while I ran some errands

Harry called again tonight to update us - Carol is back home.  He just was not comfortable with the memory-care place for Carol.  He is feeling better and his blood pressure is more under control.

Julie has another job and they are bringing someone in for part of the day to help him when Carol is not at a day-care program.

Talked with Mindy and Miranda and Miranda, hopefully, is still coming to visit us.  Terry and Mindy were on the telephone for awhile finishing their corporate taxes.

Talked with Ashley and Jeremy today too.  Terry talked with Stacy, so the family has checked in.

BTW:  My box, sent to Mindy's house from Pier 1, arrived in one piece.  Mindy and Miranda said they look like Bocci Balls to them.  Never playing that game, I have no idea, but I like them and they will look good in the crystal bowl.

Still working on catching up with some reading.

Cool Day

Today was a little cool, so it was a jeans and sweat shirt day.  Terry has her bargain shirt on as it was a perfect day for it.

In Terry's words: "The other day when we were in Bealls outlet one of the workers was working on a movable rack near the Clearance rack and stopped me. She was holding up a shirt and said “This would be great on you and was just marked down to $0.65. I tried it on and liked it...it has zippers on the sides!  My biggest bargain yet!"  

  
After working for a bit in the morning, we left to go to the Markets Of Marion as there were a few things we wanted to get there.

We then were hungry and stopped at Cheng's for their lunch special (we had a coupon too)!Lunch includes soup, egg roll, rice, and entree!  We both have left overs.

We stopped into Walmart too and bought some food to fill in.  Wanted to get Barry's Twists, but they did not have them and Publix does not seem to have them either (we stopped there too).

Still trying to catch up on reading.

We changed our clocks for the new time - we sprang ahead (losing an hour).

Atlantic City Boys

We both worked in the morning, and Terry worked on taxes into the afternoon.

Bless her heart, she completed my corporate taxes and I took them to the post office to go out certified mail.

I then went to the Dollar Tree to see if I could get some hand sanitizer,  but they were out.  Fortunately, Terry found some under her bathroom sink (she thinks she left it here last year), so we are good for now.

I then went to the Postal Station and got my box from the Skokie Post Office and spent some of the late afternoon opening the mail.

In listening to the news, we found out that two people, who were at AIPAC, in Washington, D.C., have the Corona Virus.  AIPAC is a Jewish organization and many members of Congress were at that meeting, as were members of our Temple - including our senior Rabbi.  Eager to hear how our group is and if they will be quarantined.  All probably have flown home and potentially have infected people on the planes that they took home.

We had dinner and changed clothes to go to the Summerhill Campus of New Covenant United Methodist Church (which is right as you enter our village).  We met Joyce and her friends Sandy and Ron there.  Sandy and Ron were using Diane and Tom's tickets.

Diane and Tom drove to Chicago for his brother's memorial service on Sunday.

The group is great and they have excellent voices and it was a high energy show and lots of audience participation.

Dorothy

At 3 a.m., the cable box in my bedroom started flashing a white light and woke me up.

After working and a little breakfast, we headed out to Brandon, FL and the Westfield Mall.

We met Dorothy Stewart (Terry's former summer girl) at Bahama Breeze for lunch.  She lives in Venice, FL.  Her husband, Steve, was back in Missouri finishing up his job as a hospital administrator.

Terry really needed to have sunglasses on for the photo.

Hard to believe that Dorothy is a grandmother and that her boys are living in three different states.

We had thought that we might stop at Costco, but really did not need anything, so just headed back to The Villages.

We bought gas again and the price was $2.03!!!!!

Came home to check emails, etc.  Found out that the National Association of REALTORS has suspended all travel for staff and volunteers.  Two conferences that were to take place in California,  in the next two weeks, were cancelled..  California is now under a state of emergency.

Stacy's company and Glenn's company have also suspended all travel for staff.

Talked to Harry and we will not be meeting with him and Carol this weekend.  He has put Carol into memory care, and is himself in the hospital with high blood pressure from stress.  He's not sure he has done the right thing and Carol's kids are not happy with his decision.  But, he felt he had to do this for the sake of both of them.

After doing some Internet investigating on the cable box and it's flashing light, I told Terry that someone had recommended covering the box's light.  She came into my bedroom with a bandage and covered the box's light!

Beautiful Day

I had so many needy students this morning! Was there a full moon last night????

Terry was busy this morning too.

We got dressed and drove over to Weight Watchers, where Terry weighed in.  She's under goal!!!  Yea, Terry!!!!

Terry took me to KeKe's and we had a great brunch.  It was about 11 a.m. when we got there!  We were hungry!!!

From there, we went to Stein Mart and I returned two of the four things from yesterday's visit.

Our next stop was Beall's Outlet (I know - we've been there before - but, every day there are new things).  Terry found two pairs of shoes (tongs) that she has been wanting for most of the winter but they hadn't had her size until today!!!  She bought them and some tops. I bought a couple of tops also.

Neither of us shopped for clothes  all year, at home, waiting until we got down here to shop.

From Beall's Outlet, we went to Pier 1, and I saw what I wanted for my home. Blue & White Porcelain Decorative Balls.  These will go into the crystal bowl the Township gave me upon my retirement.  Rather than buy them in the store here and try to stuff them into the car, I ordered them online and am having them shipped to Mindy's house (thanks Mindy).

We came home for a few minutes, changed shoes and went to have manicures and pedicures at Angela's, a few blocks away.

Did some quick shopping at Publix, put the groceries away and sat outside enjoying our wine (in Terry's gift of wine "glasses" from Weight Watchers) along with nuts and cheese and crackers.

I had a mouth full when Terry snapped this photo.

We came inside and Terry made us hamburgers and three-bean salad for dinner.

At 8 p.m., she had a conference call with Mindy and their employees.

Tried to buy zinc tablets at Publix, but everyone else in The Villages must have read the same article about the new virus that I had read because there was no zinc on the shelves.  Just ordered them from Amazon (I'm a Prime Member so no shipping charges).  Arrival March 10-15.

Be safe - wash your hands!!!!!

Sidetracked by a Sale

We both worked all morning.  Terry reviewed my corporate tax return with me and I'm excited that I don't owe too much money!!!

After lunch we headed out toward Anthony's as Terry decided to only keep one of the tops that she purchased yesterday.  We were near the Dollar Tree at that end of The Villages and decided to stop there for a few items we had not been able to get at the Dollar Tree we visited on Sunday.

At Anthony's, Terry had no problem returning the items while I waited in the car.

We next went to Stein Mart and they had a SALE.  I did not think I needed anything, but got a little sidetracked by the sale and bought four items.  I'll try them on later for Terry and decide if I'm keeping them all.  Terry did not purchase anything.

I'm still on the hunt for a white sweater.

On the way home, we noticed that the two gas stations near us had gas for $2.06 - a bargain, so we got in line to fill up.

Terry made us baby lamb chops for dinner, they were yummy.  We have enough for another meal in the freezer.

I agreed to settle my claim with my neighbor so Ron can start to work on the needed repairs.

Remembering

This morning, Terry reminded me that our friend Fran Pelly passed away on this day in 2016.  We are remembering her with great fondness today.

We were both busy this morning, working.  Terry started working on my corporate taxes (bless her little heart).

After lunch, we were going to head out the door to run some errands, when Terry checked the tracking number on her car key that she sent to Glenn.  Long story - he had to jump her car and somehow as a result that key no longer worked.  Honda wanted $95 to reprogram it.  So, Terry sent her extra key via the U.S. Post Office.  Not her first choice, but less expensive. The tracking said CAN BE PICKED UP AT ARLINGTON HEIGHTS POST OFFICE.  Hello!  It is supposed to be delivered TODAY to Mindy and Glenn's house!

The post office HATES Terry!  Any how, Terry gets a nice lady on the telephone in the Arlington Hts. Post Office, and some mix up caused the package to be in the wrong carrier's delivery stuff and he returned it the Arlington Hts. Post Office with a pick up notification.

Within minutes of Terry's call to the Post Office, Mindy, who had been checking the tracking number also, called the post office and told them that she would pick up the package.

Speaking of the Post Office, when we finally got out of the house, Terry and I stopped at the postal station and guess what was in our box????  Her valentine from Mindy, which had been mailed at the end of January to Terry's home.  Mindy had wanted to see how long it would take to get to Terry!

One of the errands was that Terry wanted to have her second pair of bifocals adjusted by Peepers, as she had purchased them there.

Of course, I went into Beall's Outlet which is next door.  I did not buy anything.

We both went down to Anthony, and Terry came home with some tops from there.  She may, or may not, keep them all.

We both had a few things to purchase at Walgreens and then headed home.

Terry made a wonderful dinner of Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken! 

Patchouli

Worked until time to leave to go to the Bakery to hear Patchouli.  Not as nice, weather wise, as last week.

We had lunch and stayed for about an hour and a half and left when they took a break.  Just too cold and windy.

We made some stops on the way home Dollar Tree bought a few things. Big Lots and Beall's Outlet but bought nothing at either store.

Came home to reading and laundry.

Mindy and Miranda called and we are going to try having Miranda  come down to Florida, hopefully, nothing will interfere this time.

Bored and Boring

Bored and Boring is how Terry explained the day.

We both were busy in the morning: doing end of month things and checking student questions for me, for Terry getting ready to do taxes.

Terry did go out, when she went across the street to get more of Arlene and Joan's leftover food.

I went out to go to Chase and then the postal station.

I waived good bye to Arlene and Joan as the shuttle came to take them to the airport.

We haven't missed a meal (leftover cupcakes for breakfast, bread and cheese for lunch, and leftover chicken etc for dinner).

Reading and resting has been the number one business for the day - bored and boring!!!!

Jazz and Farewell Dinner

After breakfast, we went to the Savannah Center for a noon jazz concert.  We brought our lunch and heard great jazz for an hour.

The big group calls themselves the Part-Time Jazz Ensemble.  Since some of them are snowbirds, and only here part time, they are the Part Time Jazz Ensemble.  They were good and it was an enjoyable afternoon.

Just before the concert started, Ron (my handyman) put me on Face Time with my friend Bob (a home inspector) and his friend a mold expert.  Bottom line, they don't think there is mold in the bathroom from the flood caused by my neighbor's toilet overflowing.  I've submitted a claim to her insurance company and am waiting to hear from them.

From there, we went to Dollar Tree and purchased a few things.

Next, I dropped Terry off at Publix and waited in the car while she got a few items.

At 5:30, Arlene and Joan arrived for dinner - a farewell dinner since they leave tomorrow afternoon.

They brought more grocery items that they did not use.

Terry heated up our last Costco chicken, along with veggies, salad, bread and rice.  We had a yummy piece of cake (split 4 ways) that Barbara and Bernie had brought and has been in our freezer since.

I just finished opening my postal box and most of the mail was campaign literature, charity requests, and bills.  A few magazines did sneak in there.

Busy Day

I woke up early and did laundry and started working on answering student questions - a lot of student questions!

Terry woke up a little later and was busy too.

The cleaning lady, Lori, and her crew (one other person) came and cleaned.

To get out of their way and to participate in my REALTOR Board's Contracts and Forms Committee Meeting, I sat in the car, in the garage.  No, the car was NOT running.

I finished the call inside of the house, after the crew left.  Terry turned the oven onto self clean and we opened windows.  She was happy with the results.  I've never owned a self-cleaning oven, so it was interesting.

We then had lunch and prepared the dining room table for canasta (took out the leaf).  Arlene and Joan came over and we had a good game.  Arlene and I did much better this week.  Of course, all of the jokers were in play!

Arlene and Joan brought us some leftover food that they will not be able to finish before they leave on Saturday.

We had dinner and then checked our email and Facebook.

I learned that a long-time friend, Jeff Lasky, is our new Executive Officer for our REALTOR Association.  Exciting times.

Also, learned that a member of Temple lost her father in the shooting at the Miller-Coors Campus shooting in Milwaukee.  Yesterday, I had a call from Judy Glazer asking if the shooting was on Miranda's Campus.  I got the call, from Judy, while I was at the Temple Concert.  My telephone had been on silent and I checked it when I went to the ladies room.  I immediately texted Miranda and she did not know what I was talking about. A few minutes later she texted me back where it was not near her school campus, and at a business campus. Sad, sad times.

Craft Fair and Concert

After working and having breakfast, we left to go to the craft fair at Wildwood Community Center.

On the way there, we were in a traffic jam with people entering and exiting the big Catholic Church in the area for Ash Wednesday.

We thought the crafts would be inside the Community Center. building, however, it was tents on the grass.

We bought nothing - it was pretty lame- maybe 10 little tents.  It started to rain shortly after we left.

We stopped at Publix and Terry ran in for a few things.  It started to rain just as she went in, I picked her up so she did not get wet.

We came home and had lunch and then read and rested.  I then went on a call with the new Township Supervisor.

It was pouring rain when we left to go pick up Arlene and Joan to go to a  5 p.m.concert at the Temple.  Ethel met us at the Temple.

Two string groups played, as well as some students from a local school who have just been playing for six weeks.

It was a very interesting afternoon/early evening

It was still raining when we left the temple.

We all gathered for dinner at Beef O'Brady's.  It was freezing cold in there and we came back home and had tea!!!

February 25, 2020 - Lutz, FL

Oops - got so involved with the Democratic Debates, that I forgot to write the blog last night.

I worked, we had breakfast, and then drove to Lutz, Fl, about an hour and a half away, to meet our cousins who came up from Sarasota.

We met Betty and Bill at First Watch and had a delightful lunch.

We then all went over to the Tampa Premium Mall (a few blocks away) and had a field day at the Vera Bradley Outlet.  They were having a big sale!!!!

I bought a new eye glass case, wallet and telephone case for my purse.

Betty called her sister, Carol, and we face timed with her and picked out something for her too.

Bill left us there and did some shopping on his own.

Terry and I walked over to Coach and did a little damage there too.

We then walked back to Talbot's Outlet Store to say good-bye to Betty and Bill. Betty had picked out a number of things and was going to try them on and we left them there.

We had planned to go to Costco (which is right next door) but were too tired and since we really did not need anything there, we skipped it.

On the way home, we stopped for gas and it started to drizzle as we left the gas station.

It was Mardi Gras at Sumter Landing, but we took a pass as it as it had gotten colder, windy, and rainy.

After dinner (final leftovers from Saturday night), I listened to the Democratic Debate, and was texting with Mindy and Stacy.  Terry was not listening - it is too upsetting to her to hear them talking over each other.

For what it is worth, I'm still for Mayor Pete.

The Golden Girls

We had a lazy day.  Terry was having some pain and wanted to nip it in the bud, as 4 years ago almost to the day, she was rushed to the hospital unable to put weight on one leg.

 I did work before breakfast and then spent a lot of the day reading.

At one point, I went outside to read, but my neighbor's insurance company returned my call and I came inside to refer to my notes.  They want to see the condo documents and want me to contact my insurance company.  They sent me an insurance provision within the Illinois Condominium Act that does not relate to my claim at all.  There is no responsibility for the damage to my unit caused by the condominium association.

I also have no intention of filing a claim with my insurance company for multiple reasons.  I may have to sue my neighbor and let her fight it out with her insurance company.

After eating leftovers from Saturday night, we got ready to see The Golden Girls Move to the Villages, at the Savannah Center.  We met Joyce, her friend Sandy, and Diane and Tom there. 

Diane is still in pain, with her arm and Tom just lost his brother, and they decided to leave at intermission. 

It was really a cute show and it is too bad that they left.

Glazers and Patchouli

After working, we got dressed in time for Judy and Jeff to arrive and for us to drive to the Bakery to hear Patchouli.  When we arrived at the Bakery, Arlene, Joan and Sharon were already there.  How did they beat us there?

We pulled two tables together, put our seat cushions down, and introduced everyone to Julie and Bruce.

The brat shack was not open, so we got chicken salad sandwiches instead.

Sharon, Joan, Terry, Judy, Jeff and Arlene

Marilyn, Terry, Jeff and Judy

Patchouli. Julie and Bruce

We left after the second set and went home to nap.  Judy and Terry were in the living room, Jeff was in the den and I was in my bedroom.

We got hungry, so woke Jeff and went in two cars to Sumter Landing to Too Jays for dinner.

Everyone enjoyed their meal and we talked and talked and talked and talked.

First Cousins

I worked and we had breakfast and left the house fairly early (for us).

Our first stop was the Clay Mates Art Show, at Lake Miona Recreation Center, where Terry and I purchased some jewelry.   I had purchased a piece of jewelry from an artist last year who was back again this year and we both bought from her.  Her pieces are very unique and I always get compliments when I wear what I bought last year.

We then went to an Art Show at Colony Recreation Center.  Terry had bought something last year, but this year neither of us bought anything.

 Terry wanted to stop at the Dollar Tree on 446A, so we headed in that direction.  On the way there, we noticed that First Watch was in the new Tailwinds Shopping Center.  That put us in the mood for pancakes.

After our trip to the Dollar Tree, we headed back to First Watch.  However, the sign is up but they are not open as yet.

With pancakes in mind, we stopped at Lil Bits for pancakes.  We each have half of our order left to eat for breakfast.

We came home to rest and waited to hear from cousins Judy and Jeff that they were in town.

Jeff, Terry and I had lasagna, salad and garlic bread for dinner.  Judy is on a new plant-based diet and had brought some things to eat.  However, Terry made her a baked sweet potato, salad, and a veggie burger, so she had a nice dinner too.  We all had some fruit for dessert,  Jeff and I also had cream- filled bismarks....so good, but so fattening!

We sat around talking for a long time before they had to head to their hotel.  We will meet up again in the morning.

Singing Waiters

We had breakfast and a quick bite for lunch and ran over to get our hair done.  Vanessa got us both in and out in record time.

We then went to Walmart to do a little fill-in grocery shopping.  I also picked up an Apple Phone Charger Cord.  Had tried to do that at AT&T the other day and it was too long of a wait.

We came home and rested for a few minutes before changing clothes and getting ready to go to Katie Belle's and the singing waiters.  It was a COLD, WINDY day and we all wore our winter gear.  I wore the sweater that I had bought when it got cold earlier.  We picked up Arlene, Joan and their friend Sharon, who is staying with them for the weekend.

Because it was so cold, there was no entertainment in the squares.  We got rock-star parking in the square.  That would never happen on a nice night.

Diane, Tom, Ethel, Steve and Joyce joined us.  The ten of us all had a good meal and the singers were great.

Ethel, Steve, Marilyn, Tom, Joyce, Diane, Terry, Arlene, Sharon and Joan

Diane's hip is better but now her arm is giving her a hard time!

Change of Plans

I had not slept well after the second night without my dental appliance in place, as I had to do the sleep study for two nights.  The first night, I had slept fairly well. 

We had plans to go to a state park with Arlene and Joan, but the weather was looking threatening and I really was dragging.  Did I mention it was humid out also, so we cancelled out on them.

We offered them a Plan B, but they took a pass on the Plan B. So, after lunch, we did a lot of errands.

We went to the UPS Store to return the equipment to the sleep-study people.  From there we went to the Hospital Resale and each bought a blouse . I also donated two bras that were never worn and just not comfortable.I had washed them so could not return them.

We then went to Kohl's as Terry had seen an ad that she thought was interesting.  She did not buy anything, nor did I.

While she was in Dollar Tree, I went next door to Tuesday Morning and bought a shoe rack that fits over a closet rack.  That was to get the shoes off of the closet floor.  It took a lot of the shoes off the floor, but not all of them.  I can use it at home and/or bringing it down next year.

I joined Terry at Dollar Tree and bought some greeting cards.

Terry spoke with cousins Elaine and Rick and Elaine is still sick and they still don't know what is wrong with her.  She's seeing a new doctor. The not knowing what is wrong is the hardest part.  We will keep checking with them during the next week to see how she is doing.

Conference Calls

I had a busy morning and afternoon.  I went from one conference call (the school I teach for) into another conference call (my REALTOR Board's Political Committee).

In the meantime, Terry went grocery shopping without me tagging along.

After my conference calls, Terry and I went to the "real" Beall's and returned the shoes we had purchased the other day.  We got gas, stopped at Chase Bank, and then went to Sumter Landing for Market Night.  We did not buy anything at Market Night, but walked around and listened to the music.

Just as we finished dinner, Mindy called and face timed with me while she was at my house.  A little while later, she face timed with Terry when she was at Terry's house.  Thanks Mindy for taking time from your busy life to make sure our condos were okay.

Terry's been on her computer most of the evening and I've been checking email, etc.

I'm planning to watch the Democrats debate, not sure Terry is interested.

Chicagoland Club

We had breakfast and lunch and then left the house to go to see Diane and Tom's rehab.  They were having an open house from 10-2 p.m.

They really have done a great job and the kitchen is fantastic.  All new appliances and counter tops and cabinet doors.

The bathrooms were redone too - looking great.

Being the marathon shoppers that we are, we went to Beall's Outlet on 441/27 and each found shoes.  We will be returning the shoes that we got at the "real" Beall's as they were over double the price for similar shoes.

We came home to rest for a few minutes and left to go to the Chicagoland Club to hear a musical group.  They were called the Forty Fives and changed their name to Indigo.  They were good musicians and it was a pleasant evening.

Diane and Tom enjoying the evening

Terry and Joyce during intermission

We broke in Terry gift of wine mugs from WW (formerly known as Weight Watchers).  Mine had water and Terry's had wine.  They kept the beverages cold and I took the lid off of mine for easier access.  Terry drank from her's without the lid removed and sliding down the slide to expose the drink hole.

Came home to order tickets for Lori Gill and the Notebenders.  We missed their show in January when we were under the weather.  Hope we will be okay in March.

My home sleep study kit was on the front porch when we got home.  I assembled the pieces and went to bed.  I had to do this study as I got a new dental appliance, for sleep apnea, and my dentist needs to have this report if he is audited.

Blues Brothers

We had a quiet morning with breakfast and lunch at home.

Called the caretaker, Clem, with a list of minor problems:  (air conditioning blowing on me when I'm sitting on the couch, slow drain in Terry's tub, and a bug I saw in my bedroom).

When we got back from buying shoes at a sale at what we call "the real" Beall's, Clem, the caretaker was at the house correcting the problems.

Later, I found that bug DEAD in my bathroom!  You rock, Clem!

He turned the air- conditioner vent around so it should not hit my neck.

And, he cleaned out the drain in Terry's tub.

Do you hear us singing "it's so nice to have a man around the house?"

We had a quick dinner and went to the North Lake Presbyterian Church for a Blues Brothers Program and met Diane and Tom and Joyce there.  It was a fun evening and a charity event.

The Program

The Ad

Had not been using the navigation in my car, and had been using Terry's cell phone instead.  We had gotten out of the habit of using it when the CUE System was out of order.  Terry tried it tonight and because we live in a gated (restricted) area, she took us to a manned gate (out of our way) so we would not have to deal with the restricted area. It was an interesting experiment and we may try it again.

Treated to Brunch and Canasta

We both had a little breakfast before dressing and picking up Arlene and Joan at 11 a.m. to go to brunch, at L'il Bits, their treat, as a thank you for giving them transportation and arranging activities for them.

We had a nice brunch and then went to their house for an afternoon of playing canasta.  Near the end of the afternoon, we discovered that one deck of cards did not have any jokers!!!!  No wonder it was so hard to get enough points to meld.

Basic Canasta consists of 4 players 2 packs of 52 cards are used, including the jokers. 

One of the decks of cards had punch holes throughout the deck - that was the deck that did not include the jokers.  Terry says it was probably a deck of cards from Las Vegas or a Cruise, where jokers are not part of the betting games, and that the holes are to assure no one integrates their own cards into a game.

We came home and called Ida to thank her for the valentine she sent to us, which just arrived.  We then learned that one of her nieces had died.   Our hearts go out to her brother and his family.

Great Day Weather Wise and Entertainment Wise

After working and breakfast, we went to the Glass Fusion Show and Sale at Laurel Manor.  Terry bought a lovely drop in blue with some green that perfectly matched the outfit that she was wearing.

We then went to Walmart as we needed some groceries.  I also found my favorite sandals there and purchased a pair.  Also, found a robe that I had been looking for!  I was happy!!!

We came home and put the groceries away, had a bite to eat, and picked up Arlene and Joan to go to Spanish Springs and The Sharon to see and hear Three Tenors + One.  We met Diane and Tom and Ethel and Steve there.

It was a great concert to benefit the Harold Schwartz Scholarship Fund for The Villages Opera Club.

The young man at the top left on the program cover had been our singing waiter a couple of times when the singing waiters were at one of the local country clubs.  His name is Devin Eatmon and he was one of the scholarship winners a few years ago.

Christopher Macchio, and Fanyoung Du were the other two tenors.  Fanyong's wife, a pianist, accompanied him when he sang one of the arias.

The plus one was Dawn Dinome, a very talented singer from The Villages.

Bill Doherty was the accompanist and also sang.

After the show, the eight of us went to dinner at the Orange Blossom Country Club and everyone had a great dinner.

We came home to check email and to read.

Happy Valentine's Day

I had a busy morning working and doing laundry.  Other than eating a quick breakfast and lunch, I was working on my computer.  So many needy students - it must be the full moon from the other day.

Terry was reading and cooking.  Here's a photo of our yummy lunch:

We finally left the house and stopped at the postal station and my box was there.

We went to Dollar Tree and then it started to drizzle so we tubed any other errands.  After we came home, I opened my box of mail and sorted it.

We picked up Arlene and Joan to meet Ethel and Steve for a Mexican Dinner.  The restaurant's name has changed since last year, but the food was good and we got a table right away.

After dinner, we went to Friday night services at Temple.  The Rabbi was ill so a congregant lead the services and did a great job.  The choir was full and excellent.  They have over 600 members now.

When Terry turned her cell phone back on, she learned that Mindy had gone up to Milwaukee as Miranda was ill.  Mindy reports that Miranda is better, but she will stay the night with Miranda just to be sure.

I have been busy working since getting home.  Filed everything from the mail that I had opened earlier, but will be heading to bed soon.

Music in Motion

We had a quiet morning with working and reading the newspaper on the same day as it was printed.

We also made arrangements for some cousins to visit The Villages and to meet with other cousins near Tampa.

Joan knocked on our door to tell us that our porch light was on.  I guess it got left on when we said good-bye to Barb and Bernie.

By the time we had lunch and did some other things (Terry was doing laundry), it was time to get dressed and to meet Diane and Tom and Joyce at Savannah Center for the 4 p.m. show MUSIC IN MOTION.

It was a delightful show (almost two hours) of very talented local people singing and dancing.

Joyce did not want to join us for dinner, but Diane, Tom, Terry and I went to a local Chinese Restaurant and had dinner.  Our fortunes were pretty lame.

Barb and Bernie

We had a quiet day.  I did a lot of reading and caught up on some magazines and two days of newspapers.  Terry was working part of the day and reading also.

Terry then got dinner ready for the oven (chicken roll ups - without the roll).

I went out to get the mail and the only thing in the mailbox was a mailer of coupons.  Hardly worth the trip.

At 5 p.m., Barb and Bernie came over for dinner.  We had champagne, shrimp, crackers and cheese for appetizers The "roll ups" a tossed salad and our left-over salads from yesterday, along with rolls for dinner.

For dessert we had valentine cupcakes and ice cream.

Good food and lots of talking and laughs.

Chicagoland Ladies

Terry and I had breakfast, got dressed, and got our salads ready to bring to the Chicagoland Ladies Luncheon.  We put them on ice and put each into a cooler bag (I had brought two down and they have come in very handy).

All of the salads people brought were yummy.  Both of our salads were a hit and we only have less than half of each one left.  Diane had a little of her pea and cheese salad left (you'll see in the photo).

Diane, Terry and Gloria

I did not notice which salad Gloria brought, but I think she had a little left over also in her thermal bag.

The speaker from Visiting Angels had a raffle of a blanket with angels on it.  I WON! Because we don't have room for it, and Gloria said her family in a nursing home would love it, I gave it to her.

It was the smallest attendance for these luncheons that we have seen.

We came home and transferred our salads to smaller bowls, changed clothes, and rested before going out again.

We went to Spanish Springs for Market Night.  The first Market Night we have gone to since we've been down.  I bought a pair of earrings to match one of the drops that I had purchased the other day.  Terry bought a bracelet to match her coral outfit she had worn today to the luncheon.  You cannot really see her coral pants.

I just finished the crossword puzzle in today's paper and may watch at little TV and read. 

Terry's on a conference call with the Sisterhood's Executive Committee.

Beautiful Day and Running Errands

Terry overslept and I went into her bedroom to make sure she was still alive - she was snoring!

After breakfast, we got dressed and started to head out to run some errands.  As we opened the garage door, the dishwasher repair person arrived.  Jenny was on her way to the house to meet him.  We let him in and waited for Jenny.  We then got talking with her and did not leave until he had completed the repair and we had lunch of left-over egg salad.

We headed for Beall's Outlet in Colony as I was still on a shoe - shopping mission.  I bought a couple of pairs which I will walk in around the house.  Terry bought one pair.

We then went to Michael's to see if Terry could get a necklace for her drops.  We both bought some necklaces for the drops.

From there we went to Publix to pick up ingredients for our salads that we are bringing tomorrow to the Chicagoland Ladies Luncheon, and dinner for our company on Wednesday..

Terry just finished making her broccoli salad and I'll do my cottage cheese salad now that she's done.

The rest of the evening will be reading.

Ice House Theatre

Terry was up early and went out to see if there were hot-air balloons rising from the Polo Field, scheduled for 7 a.m.  But since there was no wind there were no balloons.  Color her disappointed..

I worked most of the morning.  Terry was catching up on three days of newspapers and made some egg salad for lunch. We had breakfast and lunch and then picked up Arlene and Joan at 12:30 for our ride to Mount Dora.

We went to the Ice House Theatre to see Biloxi Blues, a Neil Simon Play.  None of us had seen the play before.  It takes place during World War II and basic training on a Army Base in Biloxi.

It was a great play and very well acted.  We lucked out and the people scheduled to sit in front of Arlene and Joan (who were in the row in front of us) did not show.

We drove toward The Villages and came upon an Italian Restaurant that we had eaten in before and decided to stop there.  There was no wait, however, they had a party of 35 descend upon them (without a reservation) and everyone was scrambling, so service was a little slow.  The water, and then the garlic rolls, came out fairly quickly, but our salads was a wait.  Then another wait for our main courses.  Joan wanted a steak knife to cut her veal and after asking a number of people - FINALLY got a steak knife.  By then her veal was not as hot as it had been when served.  It was a long dinner!!!!

I'm hoping to stay up for the 11 p.m. launch from Kennedy Space Center.  Not sure if Terry is going to make it.

Beautiful Day

I worked all morning, and except for taking a break for breakfast and lunch, I was working on a project for the school for whom I teach.

At 12:30, we picked up Arlene and Joan to go to the Spanish Springs Art and Craft Fair.

We stopped at Chase Bank to make a deposit and then headed to Spanish Springs.

There were lots of vendors and I bought nothing and Terry bought one pair of earrings.  Joan bought some popcorn.

The tents were set up all along the streets surrounding the square.  We were sitting and listening to the entertainment when I took this photo of some of the tents.

The entertainers were very good and they had some of their fan club in attendance.  The group was Take 2 Caribe Groove.

We went home to rest, have a quick bite to eat and leave for a concert.  We picked up Arlene and Joan for the ride to Lake Miona Recreation Center and the program Love Notes - music with Mary Jo

Vitali and Clark Barrios.  We met Ethel and Steve there.

It was an excellent program.  They are both so talented.  She spoke about having a MS Flare Up and her difficulty doing the Christmas Show and how helpful Clark Barrios was at that event.

On the way into the concert, Terry took a photo of the super-full moon.