March 3, 2007

Just spent a couple of days north in Tampa visiting with a couple of dear friends. Bash went along since they enjoy dogs. They have two and he fits in very nicely. It is warming up here in S. Florida now. I don't mind, I like the heat. What I do mind though is waving goodbye to many friends as they meander northward. It is difficult to comprehend the winter season is ending. Time here has gone by much too quickly. Soon we will join the migration. The humidity seems to both Sebastian more than it ever has. He stays quiet and prefers the AC. He always liked being in our house when we lived in Goochland, VA and the heat settled in.

I received sad news yesterday. An old friend had to be admitted to a nursing facility for Alzheimer's disease by his wife in PA. I can't imagine having to make that decision. It takes courage and grace. Also faith in God's love and forgiveness. Also, my prayer list continues to grow with CA patients. Since reconnecting with my old friend, Penny, of the Penny Bear Company, my friend and I have sent out several magic hugging bears to friends who are in need of hugs and prayers. Just check out www.pennybear.org to find out more info and ways you can assist. There is even a pattern on the site for knitting "bear" sweaters. Everything Penny does is non-profit. The bears are dressed by volunteers; the gift bags and gift cards are hand colored by middle school children. Penny has been doing this for 12 years and has sent out thousands of bears. I hope to be working with her more extensively this summer. More details to follow.

Two books I highly recommend: A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle and Love without Conditions by Paul Ferrini. The first follows the teachings of A Course in Miracles but is easier to understand. The second is a teaching of the Christ Love of self and others.
Photos are of sunset on Naples Beach and boating near Lover's Key with a group of 36 friends on 3 pontoon boats in the fog. Great trip none-the-less.

Recent pics

February 25, 2007

Happy Sunday Morning to all my faithful readers. It has been busy here in Naples, FL. In fact, sometimes I feel slightly overwhelmed with activities and have to retreat back aways to get my bearings. My sister and I enjoyed a very short but fun visit with our brother and his daughter. I did manage to slip a bike trip to Everglade City in there for part of one day. It was a perfect day to ride. There are long straight flat, of course, stretches of road that invite sprinting for those who are inclined to go fast. It is a grand place for birding. I watched for manatees since the Gulf is cool, I thought they might be coming into the warmer estuarian waters but I didn't see any. Had an outdoor lunch with close friends at the Havana Cafe where they make the best Havana sandwich, fried Grouper and coleslaw. I will post a couple of photos for you.

Back in Naples, the next day, my family and I went on a tour boat trip out of Naples Harbor or Gordon Pass to look at how "the other half lives". Seeing those mansions from the water side is much better than from the street side. We not only saw mansions but also beautiful yachts. The dolphins showed up to entertain and as a photo op. Although catching them in a decent shot is very difficult.

I have ridden over a hundred miles this past week and am a bit stiff and sore. I should add that we have danced several times this week too. Once on the blacktop which doesn't allow for any glide and will make the thigh muscles ache the next day. I haven't mentioned all the delicious meals we have eaten. It is impossible to hope to watch your weight here. If you manage to hold your own and not gain, that is a major feat.

One evening we had a street party down by the Lake. We went early to be sure to have a place to sit. Friends had gone down earlier to place paper plates with our names on them to hold our places at the table. It is a crazy system. I am hoping someone steps in and changes the way this is done. People stood up early and began eating the appetizers so by the time the party started officially, there were no appetizers left. Then they began to devour the dinner buffet. Eating with seniors leaves me shaking my head and wondering if many don't think they might be eating their last meal. There is no thought to other people who might also like to have a share in the food. I don't think many people who brought food to share had any leftovers to take home. An image of locus passing through comes to mind. The band was great though. The following night, we attended a Western dance that was a catered affair. This is a much better system where the people are served equal portions. Food was great and the band spectacular. There was a skit performed by some of our local comedians, one being my brother-in-law. They did a hillbilly wedding. Let your imagination go wild and you will get the picture. Lots of fun!
More dancing. Last night a group of 8 of us shared a meal of fantastic shrimp on the barbie, sweet potatoes, wild rice pilaf, olive and artichoke salad plus green bean casserole. Brandy alexanders followed. Off to hear the University of Florida big band jazz group at the 1st Pres. church. What a great performance! Back in the park before we broke up for the evening, we shared homemade creme brulee with flamed sugar topping, chocolates and Six Grapes Port. Now if you are reeling, it is understandable since we were too. It is a good thing we all split up and go our separate ways in the next month or so. Otherwise, I am no sure what would happen to us. All is good fun. I don't think I have room here for photos so will post a few on a separate sheet that follows.

Welcome to faithful followers and to new readers. May you be blessed with sunshine, flowers and balmy breezes (well, soon??)