Hurricane Milton - Guests Staying - Fall Festival

Shalimar, FL (Hi 82   Lo  58)

This was an interesting week. Sunday was normal with cards all day and evening. 

Monday started to get interesting. A hurricane started to get big and dangerous near Mexico. I had a vampire visit for my sixth month checkup which was early in the morning. I went to bowling and by the time that was over about 12:30 I got a call from Lessie that they were told to evacuate Clearwater where their RV is being worked on. I told them to come on up, they'll be safe. Twelve hours later they arrived, (it's a six hour trip). We didn't stay up to visit, it was time to crash after unloading the car. 

Tuesday we kept watching the TV on reports of the storm, coming up faster. I still went to diamond art and Lessie went with me.  At noon we had some lunch and I went to meditation. (we're learning about the Vegas nerve).  We didn't take our eyes off the youtube with the storm coming straight at west coast of Florida.  We did play 31 card game later in the evening, and went to bed later then usual. 

Wednesday Lessie and I went to bowling (and I had a 221 game) and she took the place of one of the gals so she got to know how to play, no we didn't use her score. At 2 we had a painting on wine glass for halloween. I did an owl so I can use it thru the year.  (Click on the photos to enlarge). Lessie and I painting,

Debbie and I with our glasses.

                                                            Everyone's wine glasses

           

When we got home we learned that hurricane Milton had picked up speed and the tornadoes started on the west side of Florida.  The reported number of tornadoes were 116. 

(10/10/24)  hurricane Milton came into Siesta Key as a cat 3. We watched till the eye was inland and went to bed. 

Thursday Youtube had a lot of damage and as the sun came up the storm chasers were out with cameras. Several stayed in the areas with the eye coming in with damage reports as it happened. The day for me had to continue, I went to  Town Hall meeting with villages one thru 4 rent increase as the subject.  A lot of people had questions about it. When that was over we went out to get groceries and then to Stewby's for dinner.  Of course back home Lessie called about the storm and maybe get a hint if the RV was ok in Clearwater. The answer  no power and lots of water so no one could get to the shop.

Friday The only thing we scheduled was a trip to the thrift stores and playing shuffleboard with another resident. I had NC zoom at 6:00 to catch up on some rv'ers that were north of Tampa that stayed in the RV during the storm. That was quite an interesting story.  Everyone I knew in the storm was ok. Later in the evening Lessie and Ed found out their RV was ok, power still out and no deliveries of the parts they need for their RV. 

Saturday the day was planned to go to DeFuniak about an hour away for the fall festival. I heard about it last year and didn't want to miss it this year. It's at the Chautaugua Vineyards & Winery outside of DeFuniak Springs, FL. What a place!  There's a table of wines you taste then buy at the end of tasting. I got 9 bottles and Lessie got 3 so a box which made it less. 

Several rows of vendors and several food trucks.

Margaret, Lessie and Allison

I forgot to get a picture of the huge BBQ sandwich I had. Cars were everywhere. 

We got back home about 3:00 and we rested an hour then to social hour at the lounge. We had a good crowd and I tasted the best Whiskey, Wow, I never thought Whiskey would be so good. One of the other gals brought it. 

One last picture I'll leave you with is the tree in front of my patio has sparkles at night. It's pretty and also spooky. (The street light shines on it)

It's going to be another busy week and I hope you tune in next week to find out what's next.

Post Helene - Binnicker Run

 Shalimar, FL  (Hi  82  Lo 75)

This week was following the destruction of hurricane Helene. So much damage in Western North Carolina. I have several friends in the area and have only heard from two of them, but there's no  power or contacts being heard from the badly hit areas, I hope they're all ok. 

I had another busy week doing some new things and looking into more learning of computer programs  working with businesses. I'll have more on that as it gets going. I love learning computer stuff and I'll continue as long as I can, along with new phones. It's great here on phones, someone is always in trouble with their phone and I learn by answering questions.

After WII bowling on Monday, I had 4 zooms. Some for learning some for fun. I have at least 6 to 8 zooms a week. 

Tuesday was zoom, then diamond art, meditation than working with a gal and her phone, dinner and cards. 

Wednesday, WII bowling again stayed around 175 score this week. At noon and 15 minutes to have  lunch I went for hand, knee and foot. I got home in time for supper then over to lounge for cards. This is the busiest day.

Thursday was activities meeting, they go over what we're doing thru the month, new ideas, and what worked and what didn't for last month. It's getting into the holiday's so it's going to be very active. I also had my massage and chiropractor appointment and I really needed it. I wanted to go every three weeks but I may have to go back to every two weeks. There was a lot of rain this week so that made a difference in my joints.

Friday I went to Destin with a neighbor.  I had to return an Amazon item and it was to return to Whole Foods not Kohl's that's nearby. I found out not all items can be taken to one place. Destin was the closest place. It was a light rain but that didn't hinder us and traffic was fairly light for being a vacation destination. It must have been the rain that kept people off the street.  We stopped at Stewby's for lunch and picked up some fish next door. I love the restaurant and buying fish market in one place. I had three zooms then the North Carolina zoom with a guy that got caught coming home thru the NC mountains. He had to take different routes home but didn't see much damage from the main highway.  

Saturday the Binnicker run in the village.  

Register Today for the 10th Annual CMSAF Binnicker Memorial Run

Join us Saturday, October 5, 2024, for the 10th Annual CMSAF Binnicker Memorial Run presented by Eglin Federal Credit Union. Event options include the 9K Run, 5K Run, 5K Walk, and 1 Mile Fun Run. Virtual options are also available for those unable to join us in person. The first 300 9K and 5K registrants receive an official event shirt and challenge coin. A post party with DJ, food, drinks, and an award ceremony will round out the morning. 

 Race Location

Bob Hope Village Commons, 92 Sunset Lane, Shalimar, Florida

There were a LOT of runners but this is a couple from my patio.

I had our village one monthly meeting at 10:00 and had a great crowd. We discussed the increase in our rent and other items of interest. I'll take any concerns people have to the management. 

In between doing all the activities,  and the computer activity, I crocheted as much as I could and got two manger sets done. Everyone I make is different. That makes it home made. I still have lots of orders so I'll stay busy. 

                My neighbor told me this one. I have to share:

                                    MY NEXT LIFE

                                        George Carlin (1937-2008)

I want to live my next life backwards: You start out dead and get that out of the way.

Then you wake up in a nursing home feeling better every day.

Then you get kicked out for being too healthy. Enjoy your retirement and collect your pension. 

Then when you start work, you get a gold watch on your first day. You work 40 years until you're too young to work. 

You get ready for High School: drink alcohol, party, and you're generally promiscuous. 

Then you go to primary school, you become a kid, you play, and you have no responsibilities.

Then you become a baby, and then.. you spend your last 9 months floating peacefully in Spa-like condition - central heating, room service on tap and then

You finish off as an orgasm.

September is Rough - Hurricane Helene

 Shalimar, FL  (Hi 87  Lo 76)

September is a rough month for me.  Jim died on September 8. I was glad to be with son Rick when we celebrated. On the 22nd was Jim's birthday. We celebrated at different places with his favorite meal and drink.  Sis had a steak in his honor, Rick had Bourbon that he bought with his birthday on it.  (Click on photos to enlarge).

Doris made Jim's favorite meal

September 27 was the funeral three years go. I'm doing better, but still have the down feeling. Life has to go on and I'm trying to do that, just as all the women here and all my friends that have gone thru that period in their lives. Cudos to all of us. 

Someone wanted to know the WII bowling scores.  I'm carrying an average of 175, some are lower but the highest was 218. It's getting it right in the spot to get a strike and there's several 300 bowlers here. It's a goal. 

This weeks attention was on hurricane Helene. It didn't start out very big, but it gained strength and power going thru the Caribbean. It was going to be close to us by the looks of the cone in the first few days. Thursday it made landfall. During the day we had very light rain, the hurricane kind that falls straight down very steady and looks like snow. It feels different and I love standing in it. I found that out with my first hurricane Fran in North Carolina. This one came into Perry, FL, in the big bend area of Florida. I watched Ryan Y'all on youtube the entire day and followed up with more storm chasers when it got closer to landfall (8:30pm cst). I'd like to know why every hurricane I've been involved in, is always at night. I was in heaven so to speak. I gave up the cards and the party they were having in the lounge. I was watching history being made. It was a very large hurricane, Cat 4 140 mph winds. The management was saying if you do not leave the mandatory areas, put you name and social security on your arm in permanent ink. Lots of hype. It was 10 to 15 ft of storm surge, but not 20. It went all the way to St Louis area and in the Southeast. 

Thru it all I crocheted all day. Here's my bee's. 

All but one gnome are done for the orders I have. Now it's fulltime on the nine manger sets. I'll keep at it. 

Diamond art was cancelled so that gave me more time. The activities was a German Festival on Tuesday but I didn't go.  I did go to meditation. The rest of the week was normal with quiet time on Friday and Saturday. I watched the videos from all the storm damage then to social hour and special zoom on Saturday evening. Another week coming up. I'll be doing some special stuff. 

A Great Busy Week - Sip and Paint

 Shalimar, FL  (Hi  92   Lo  80)

Getting back into the swing of things after a few days up north was hard to do. Getting used to being alone in the apartment again and doing activities on time. 

I have a lot of crocheting to do before Christmas, so every spare moment is working on projects. I did get six more turtles done. Now working on the last of the gnomes and also the manger sets. (Click on photos to enlarge).

Sometimes it's hard to find something to write about. I hate boring people. I'm having a good time and I stay busy. I don't socialize in people's apartments very often but do go to cards every night and on Sundays. I also go to the gazebo after cards in the evening just to catch up on the gossip. The animals are coming out more in the open, bears are more active and so is the coyote and fox. I haven't seen them but other people have. It's nothing to be worried about, just be cautious. 

Monday and Wednesday was WII bowling. Wednesday afternoon was resident council. The room was packed. There's quite a bit going in the newer buildings so there were questions. I'll bring all the info to our village the first Saturday in October.   

Tuesday I had diamond art then over to village 4 then 5 for a special seminar on The next step in life. It's very good info.  Also on Tuesday was the meditation session. It's a great group. 

Thursday I took another gal with me to crochet group then on to shuffleboard. It's neat to show residents different things they can do. 

Friday I got some groceries, haven't done that in awhile. I do well with just the Hellofresh meals. I needed butter, eggs and bread. One of these days, I'll do a wine pickup and gas. 

Friday afternoon was sip and paint. A little wine to go with the fun. We did the portrait of the lady with the pearl earring. I didn't know the story behind it, but read a bit more about it. 

                                            I'm in the back getting help from the teacher. Mary

                                                And the results

I'm going to search for a way to put all my creations in one area. I also need to put dates on the back of each item. That includes all the diamond art and the paintings. I love this place. I'll see you next week. 

Quick Trip - Memories of Jim - Son's Birthday - Sports

Aurora, IL  (Hi 60  Lo  48) Saturday  to (Hi 88 to Lo 51)

Shalimar, FL  (Hi  77 Lo 70)

Rick, our youngest son surprised me with airline tickets to go see him on Saturday 7th. We had a couple celebrations. Jim died September 8 and Rick's birthday was the 10th. Jim's birthday is the 22nd, so we rolled it all into one celebration. 

The trip took me to Atlanta then to O'Hare. I requested a wheelchair so I didn't have to be stressed out in getting to the gate on time or find my way. I'm  having trouble with both knees and my foot to walk a long distance. It was a very wise decision.  I fly with Alligiant a lot, but the bigger planes have WIFI on board and movie screens on the back of the seats. Nice addition. I love flying. The connection was great and on time leaving and arriving in Atlanta. (Click on photos to enlarge).

When arriving in Chicago we went to Luke's football game. The first game of the season. He's Rick's girlfriends son and he's 10 yrs old. Ramsey (dog), Tammy and Rick.  The wind was a bit chilly and I asked Rick to bring a blanket. It came in handy.

Luke is in there somewhere.

When we got to Rick's he has started a P1 Lego car. It's huge and thousands of pieces. There's gears that work, the pistons move and the wheels.

Sunday night was a celebration at Sullivan's steak house Rick's birthday which was Wednesday, but no time for going out to eat. We also honored  Jim's death and birthday. 

Dee, Rick, Tammy, Evan and Luke

Tomahawk steak

I chose stuffed crab shrimp 

Jim this is for you.

Tammy and I got brussel sprouts casserole, yummy 

Cheesecake for Rick

Monday was back to work for Rick and Tammy. I crocheted. Great time to catch up on Christmas orders. I also ordered a wheelchair for the flights home. Technology is amazing. I found out I can watch my youtube videos on Rick's TV with a QR code. Love it. I made chicken and dumplings for dinner. It's a must when I come to Rick's. 

I noticed the tree is turning colors. It won't be long snow will be flying in the north.

Tuesday was Rick's 49th birthday. He worked half the day so we talked and he worked on the Lego car for awhile.  We went to Top Golf for fun and dinner. (Click on the blue link). It's an amazing place. I didn't play, but the other four did. There's games you can play all computerized when you hit the ball it shows exactly how you hit it. There's a game called angry birds that you hit the ball and get the birds, just like the app. It's fun to watch/or play. All four of the family are golfers. 

Evan is at the "plate", Rick and Tammy and Luke are checking what games to play.

Evan 

The computer screen 

Rick after a hit

The employees sang happy birthday to Rick. 

It was a fun night, we went back to Tammy's and watched a bit of the presidential debate, then Rick opened gifts. 

Wednesday I left for home. Hurricane Francine was coming into Louisiana. I had a flight about the same time it was arriving. I could only hope it wouldn't affect my travels. My flight out of Chicago was on time. Again, I got the wheelchair. I'm so glad I did. I had my own line for security so it was fast. The wheelchair guy was young and told me to take off my shoes. I told him at 76 you don't need to do that anymore, he was so apologetic, he thought I was 55 or late 50's. I tipped him extra. I was watching the flight to Florida but nothing changed. The Chicago flight landed about 5 minutes before the Florida flight started to board. My wheelchair gal was outside the plane door and she rushed me to the Florida gate. It was my first time in Dallas. Oh my, I would have never made that flight. She took me down elevator, to a tram and off we went. She was in out of people and got me to the gate 7 minutes before take off. That was close. She was from Egypt and hard to understand, but she was awesome in getting me there. 

I have to say some of the seat partners were great. One was a surgeon, one was an insurance broker and one was connected to Eglin AFB and the right arm person to a two star General which was sitting behind us. I learned a lot from all three of them. I'm glad to be seated with people that have a lot of information. 

Coming into Florida the cloud formations were amazing. Check these out. 

It's been a long time in a bigger plane, but I went north on Delta and south in American airlines. Between those two, I like Delta. The employees are more friendly and helpful on Delta, the seats are a lot more comfortable and there's more leg room especially with a backpack under the seat. They both had WIFI, but Delta had the big tv screen without using your phone. The American flight had just the opposite of all that I listed. Both flights were on time, in fact they were both a few minutes early. They both had USB plugs both on floor and in the seat in front of me. This one was American that's the tray that holds the phone.

The flight was bumpy coming to Florida, but I've been in worse. No food the whole day. I was glad I ate at Rick's and I had breakfast bars on the plane with me. Never go anywhere without something to eat. 

I got home about 8 and in bed by 9:45. I slept till 7:30 the next morning. 

Thursday I got my normal household stuff done, like laundry. I had my monthly massage/chiropractor appointment and got organized for the upcoming week. It was hard getting up in the morning and not have anyone around.  

Friday, I crocheted all day. I'll be doing that in my spare time. Christmas is getting close and the orders need to get done. I think I'll do ok. Here's two turtles. 

And a real one that passed my door this afternoon. Good timing.

See you next week.