Halloween - Saying Goodbye

 Shalimar, FL   (Hi  85   Lo  66)

The start of the week was normal, cards, bowling (still at 174 average with couple 200's). Diamond art, and lots of zoom meetings. 

Wednesday evening we had Hallo wine at the commons. Last year there were 30+ people and this year there were 16. The weather was perfect and we didn't freeze like last year. We had pizza and wine and was home by 7:30. 

Thursday I went with another gal to Sam's for goodies for the Halloween party at our village. I also had luncheon with the Bob Hope Village board of directors. We had tables of five and one seat was for a director. Our table was with Brook the CEO. Conversation was light and getting to know each other. It was a great lunch and we left after an hour.  At 6:00 we had a Halloween party for our Village one. Debbie was the hostess and read us stories and folklore of the past about Halloween. 

Our windows and doors have been delivered. There's been three semi's with them and they transferred them to "pods" just outside my back door. It was interesting watching them transfer them. They'll be putting them in the apartments during November. 

 Lessie and Ed came back from getting their RV fixed just to have dinner and then went back to Crestview where they've parked the RV for the next couple days. We're going shopping Saturday and then they'll head west for the winter. It may be a year or more before I see them again. 

The tidbits around here is crochet group in village 6 every Thursday. I thought I'd take a picture of the group and the manger set that I crocheted for one of the gals. She bought the manger building from Etsy and I'll do more sheep and a shepherd boy before Christmas (hopefully).

I'll be leaving Sunday for the cruise to Cozumel and Belize. There's a couple storms brewing, we'll see how that goes. I just hope I don't get seasick. It's supposed to rain the entire time we're there. I'll write about the trip next week.

Last Prep for Cruise - Friends Departure - Fall Festival

 Shalimar, FL   (Hi 82   Lo 78)

The beginning of the week was all about the cruise coming up on November 3rd. I was helping with printouts and loading phones with the Carnival app. Tuesday was the meeting to be sure all paperwork was correct and boarding passes were ready to print. I'll have a final count when we're leaving, it seems to change daily. 

I did several zoom meetings this week but Lessie went ahead and did projects on her own, like the diamond art on Tuesday. She also did WII bowling both Monday and Wednesday. I had my monthly chiropractor appointment on Wednesday while she packed. 

The lowdown on the RV, the part for the wheel came in and it was ready to go, that was the word on Wednesday. They left early Thursday morning and got to Clearwater just before the shop closed. When they were ready to move to MacDill AFB campground the steps quit working. Now they're waiting on the motor for the steps. At least they're in their home. It's sure not the same without them. It's lonely!

Thursday was the fall festival. The Halloween costumes were amazing. The drink was great, Green apple Moscato with Sangria. We had BBQ sandwiches, baked beans and apple crisp, and very good time with DJ Bobby D.

                                                     

                                                        My neighbor Anne

                                                        Which one started the fight

This was the winner, 

Kathy, Dee, Rosie

And lots of dancing

It was funny watching this couple dance from behind, with no heads. 

Friday I played shuffleboard with a couple of the gals and later cards which is nightly. 

Saturday was a down day with only crocheting and watching youtube shows. Social hour was in the evening.  I also got all the stuff laid out for the cruise so I can see what I'm taking and add or take away during the week. The week of the cruise is rain everyday. I just hope the water isn't too rough or a hurricane brews. It's supposed to be mid 80's just like here, so all is good for temperature. 

Friends Detained - Rummage Sale - Puzzles

 Shalimar, FL   (Hi 78   Low 55)

The couple, Lessie and Ed,  that's staying with me got a call from their RV shop  saying they had power and the delivery was made for the "drum" for the wheel on the RV. The next day they called back saying it was the wrong size and had to reorder. They had planned to leave on Friday morning, now they're waiting for the shipment and install. I'm glad to still have them around. 

It's been a very busy week and Lessie followed along on everything. I'm doing a lot of zoom meetings so that takes up a lot of time. The usual WII bowling, diamond art, I do on Tuesdays, and cards almost every night. 

I had my six month doctors appointment on Thursday with blood work update. I wanted to check on how much I can eat or drink with no restrictions on amount and anything I wanted.  It was 6.2 six months ago, and 7.2 this time around. I guess I'll go back to being restricted to keep it low. Doctor said with all the results and if continue what I was doing I'll live to 100. I guess it's the great living I have here. 

Thursday afternoon I made cookies for the rummage sale for the weekend. It's been awhile since I've done that and burnt the first batch.  Our cookie table at the rummage sale. Mickey, Lu, Rosie, Kathy

Friday and Saturday was the rummage sale. I get a kick out of that. People clear out their apartments and have tables for their stuff.  Other people in the community take that stuff and put it in their apartments. Instead of calling it a rummage sale it should be called The Swap Sale.  Just funny they carry stuff from one apartment to another. Saturday the people outside our community come in, so that helps.

I have been crocheting and putting together puzzles with Lessie. We did three puzzles this week taking anywhere from 20 minutes to three hours. "she's faster then me". 

                                    Tribute to the Navy

This one is shiny and fun no piece count and it took 20 minutes.

Tribute to the AirForce

Saturday afternoon I finally cleaned out the storage area on the patio. I haven't touched it since I moved in. I organized it and now set for another year. I'm seldom in it except for the grocery cart. Moving right along in the little stuff. We had social hour and back home earlier then normal, got on zoom with our friends and off to bed. 

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.