March 22, 2007

Finally, a cloudy day in Naples. Went biking this a.m. without my sunglasses on. But I did get to wear my new eyeglasses. I broke down a few days ago - had my eyes checked and purchased two pairs of glasses. That set me back a bunch. But I do need to begin wearing some distance correction after all the years of not needing it. The young man who waited on me turned out to be a kindred spirit and we spent much of our time together speaking in low tones about our beliefs. It is always nice to run into "strangers" like that. His name was perfect too, David.

We had our dinner treat today at the community center. Our park caters a year-end dinner for the residents at this time of year. I have never stayed for it before. It was a very nice ham dinner with a most delicious chocolate cupcake with thick pink icing. Yum!

I gave Bashey a bath yesterday. Doused him with Mane and Tail conditioner for horses afterward. He is so soft and white. His hair was easy to comb out too. All the flea protection I put on him doesn't seem to be working this year here in FL. I think the fleas have developed an immunity to it. When i return to VA, I will see what we can do about changeing our flea and tick protection program with his vet.

My personal prayer list grows with new cancer patients. There is a deep need on this planet for serious prayer for those who suffer whether it be a physical dis-ease, emotional or a spiritual crisis. Imagine the power we possess, the power to change the course of events if we all prayed together at the same time - time zone after time zone - like a continuous bolt of lightning streaking around the world. I treasure that vision.

I have posted a picture of our bikers group on St. Patricks Day picnicing at Cocohatchee Park nearby. Many of the spouses and some volunteers prepared a fabulous lunch and decorated the picnic tables in green and shamrocks. Lot's of fun.

March 18, 2007

We had a cool night last night. Had to start the furnace this a.m. Colder temps really set me back here in south Florida. The temps stay warm and pretty predictable for a long while then suddenly there is a dip and the wind from the north kicks up. It becomes snuggle in time and yet, compared to the northern states, it is not really cold. We are whimps. I walked to church this morning here in the park. I enjoy going to this service occasionally since they sing many of the old hymns that I grew up hearing my mom sing. Many I have sang with her when we used to sing duets and trios at funerals and weddings.

After church, I went down to Sak's Fifth Avenue. Did that get your attention?? Those that know me well, will wonder why would she do that? There was a wonderful small exhibit of wildlife and floral prints from the Oppenheimer collection. I met a woman there who was friends with Joel Oppenheimer and has a dozen or so of those huge watercolours. They are worth a fortune. She tries to protect them from the possibility of hurricane and tornado when she leaves by placing them on her bed covered wtih plastic. Sounds a bit iffy to me but I guess that is all she can do if she wants to enjoy them here in Florida.

I thought you might enjoy this photo of the Black Pearl anchored out in the Imperial River where I went kayaking. I couldn't find Johnny Depp though.
We had a royal visitor here at Lake San Marino a few days ago. My sister took his picture and I am posting it here for you to enjoy. He stayed with us for quite a long while and allowed many people to photograph him. He is a symbol of Godliness, power, beauty and new beginnings. Since it is Spring and since we are all in transition preparing to leave this our winter home, it seems appropriate that he stopped by to grace our community with his presence.

March 9, 2007

It is with mixed feelings that we bid our winter friends farewell until next year or in one couple's case, for two years. It hardly seems possible that it is the month of leavings rather than comings. The winter has sped by in a whirlwind of sunshine, biking, golfing, dancing and social gathering.

We beached it this afternoon and had a picnic supper just before sundown on the beach. We have Ralph's youngest son with us for two days. I attach a pic of the sunset.

Tomorrow we will drive this son to Fort Lauderdale to visit with more of his family. The traffic has let up a bit around here so I expect it will be a pleasant drive.

I spent the other afternoon making beach flotsam grapevine wreaths. It was lots of fun. I hung mine outside by the door where I had hung my Christmas wreath and gave the other one to my lovely friend and her husband who are leaving for their ranch in Missouri on Saturday. They won't be back here until 2009. Next year they plan to go to the Texas Gulf coast.

I realize how quickly I have adapted to this way of life since I began in '03. It is difficult for me to think of my former staionary way of living in a house. My gypsey heart beats deep and strong within me. I know when it is time to quit and settle down, I will know. What a vast group of friends I have made along the way. How many people I have been touched by - their stories, their pain, their faith, and their love.

Naples is a lovely place to live. I only wish I could stay beyond the 30th of March. Maybe next year. This place is familiar and feels like home. Enjoy the pics. There is one of the Gopher Turtle at Bearfoot Beach as she digs a nest and lays her eggs. Then there is the much promised photo of Joe Marino at Fushion for all those who grew up with Jerry Lee Lewis music.

March 4, 2007

Here are some pics from our boat trip on the Imperial river in the fog. Also there is one of Joe Marone, an entertainer extraordinare who plays all 50's songs. A large group of us went to the Club Fusion to dance and eat, of course. It is remarkable how wise we have become in our senior years. Wherein we used to go out on the town at 10 p.m. when we were young, now we go out on the town at 4 p.m. and are home preparing for bed by 9:00 p.m. A great time was had by all I can assure you.

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??)

February 8, 2007

The photo is of our annual Pelican Pete Pedlars Valentine luncheon which was held today. What a great biking day it was here in Southern Florida. Ralph and I are kneeling in the front row. Emory is in the middle back and Gloria is taking the photo. Thanks Gloria!!! Ralph and I left early this morning for the First Pres church to hear Dick Ramburg, the blind clarinet player from the Barbary Coast Dixieland band, tell his life story in word and song at a breakfast concert. He is a truly inspirational man. We bought his cd of solo music and hurried back to change into bike clothes. We biked for 7 miles when we ran into part of the bike club on their way to the restaurant. We joined them and enjoyed a delicious lunch as well as awards and a bit of historical info. In the end, we had biked about 10 miles which will help me to reach my goal of 100 miles per week.

We visited with friends in south Naples yesterday. I managed to get in a 13 mile bike ride up to Hickory Beach in Bonita Springs. As retired people, we are the most active group you can find. Our February calendar is already full. We were trying to plan a street party for Buoy Street and had a difficult time finding a free date. What is supposed to be easy living is hectic sometimes but said with a smile. There is just a lot to do here.

As I watch a fiery sunset out over the Gulf waters, I bid you happy trails until we meet again.

February 7, 2007

We have bright warm sunshine today!!! I know it has only been a few days of cloudy weather and I "almost" feel guilty complaining but I sure am happy to see the sun. We did receive some much needed rain. Yesterday, we awaken to no water in the coach. The auxilary tank was empty too so it was NO water. I went walking around with Sebastian to see what I could find out. We were blocked by a knee deep lake of water. It seems another motor home had broken off the water pipe yesterday. It was fixed but didn't stay fixed in the middle of the night. It took most of the day to repair. Needless to say, we now have a tank of water but you know Murphy's law, there won't be anymore water outages now. Small insurance!

I haven't been able to make my goal of 100 miles a week on my bike what with flat tires, cold, rain, wind and such. But I am back at it. In fact, I am going out in the next few minutes.

We saw a movie last night, "The Good Shepherd" with Matt Damon. It was interesting to see the beginnings and evolution of the CIA. The movie was a great source of discussion and thought but there was so much we didn't get. Some we couldn't hear and some of it was just bits and pieces. Movies that are filmed in fog, rain and darkness always leave me feeling like I need infrared binoculars, light seeking things. We saw "The Queen" last week. It was also very interesting and very well-cast. I thought it would be more historic in theme but it was about the relationship of Princess Dianna and The Queen around the time of Dianna's death.

We heard an incredible dixieland performance at the First Presbyterian Church. They came from northern Michigan. The Barbary Coast Dixieland Band, 5 men, all but one over 60 years of age. What energy and great music. The clarinet player is blind and will be telling his story at a breakfast tomorrow morning. We plan to attend. He plays the sweetest clarinet I have ever heard. He also plays the piano. All of the members play multiple instruments actually sometimes two at a time! They played during the church service sunday morning so we went to that as well. They were very happy to be here in the warm south Florida weather rather than in frigid Mich.

Time to jump on the bike and hit the road.

February 3, 2007

The big news coming up on the Oprah Show on Feb. 8th is the long awaited "Secret". My suspicion is that the Secret to life will be revealed to be the teachings of many of our prophets such as Jesus Christ, Buddha, Gandi, Yogananda, St. Augustine, and Billy Graham just to name a few. The Secret to a happy fulfilled life is very simple, "Love your neighbor as you love yourself". That is not to be confused with, "fearing your neighbor as you fear yourself". There is a big media blitz about this upcoming revelation as one would expect with Oprah involved. I like most of the Oprah shows. I don't see them all and some that I have seen have dipped into that awful sensationalism that so many of the talk show hosts of old have drowned in. There is a web site (of course) for The Secret and apparently a dvd if you are interested.

Today is farmers mkt day in Bonita Springs just north by 3 miles. I am going up for sweet corn and tomatoes. The corn is young with those sweet small kernals and the tomatoes are the best. Tonight we are going to a blue grass concert at the First Presbyterian Church nearby to hear The Barbarry Coast Jazz Band. There are 4 couples from our street going and we are sharing a pot luck supper beforehand. I will make a fresh mozarella, basil and tomato salad as well as the corn as my contribution.

We still have the large sofa in the crate outside on our patio. Now the dealer wants us to sell it. Posters are up. We are eager to be rid of it. What a deal - a brand new $1000 sofabed for a couple of hundred dollars.

I sent more Florida Sunshine up to my grandson who is at Virginia Tech yesterday. He said it was sleeting and cold there. He is working hard with a full credit load this semester plus the Army training, marching band, jazz band and regular band. While we were talking, he frequently excused himself for a moment. He told me that each time a door opened in his area, he had to stand up and salute. That's the Army!

I hope your weekend is a joyous one.

February 1, 2007

Lots of new units moving in today. This is the favored month. It is nice to see old friends again. Lots of wind today. ralph and I prepared to ride this morning with the bike club but I had a flat tire. We ended up taking the tire and tube to the bike shop, eating breakfast out and doing a bit of shopping at Target. I did finally go biking into the wind. It was a tough ride but good exercise and there is always the reward of turning around and letting it blow you back.

We are taking a lot of ribbing for the large coffin shaped box sitting on our patio taking up most of our space. It is our former sofa awaiting a pick up. I hope it leaves soon.

I went to Santibel Island the other morning with the Pelican Pete Pedlars. It was 39 degrees when we left Lake San Marino but warmed up nicely by the time we took the bikes off the vehicles. We peddled all around the excellent bike trails and out to the Ding Darling Reserve and museum. We saw a huge flock of white pelicans and lots of Ibis but no gators due to the cold temps. We ate lunch in a nice warm restaurant but most of the group ate outside in a picnic setting. I liked my warm clam chowder.
20 miles of peddling later we loaded the bikes on and set out for home. Long day but fun. I will try to post a group shot in the future. In the meantime, here are some others. Enjoy!

January 24, 2007

I typing this on my Word program since my internet service has expired so they tell me even though I paid for 2 mos. I am currently trying to unscramble this current snafu. You know living with a cell phone only and then having to call providers to solve problems becomes an issue real quick. I only have free minutes after 9 p.m. and on weekends and holidays. You can’t call these businesses then. You get put on hold and soon the minutes add up. I went over last month. Not because I used the phone for fun calls to my loved ones during the week but because I sat on hold several times trying to straighten out a problem.

I started on the Nutra System diet three weeks ago. I haven’t lost much weight so far. I returned the food to them this morning. It is awful! If you like MRE’s (meals ready to eat), you might enjoy their food. The worst thing was the “flame grilled burger”. When you open the package, it is a dried out looking thing that reminded me of something a child would have in their play kitchen. You are instructed to soak it in boiling water for a few minutes. I soaked and soaked and it never got any better than a drowned dried out cardboard patty. This dieting is not for this old crone. One thing it did accomplish though, is I have lost my appetite for large amounts of food. That is a good thing! I also don’t crave sugar any longer. So I guess all was not lost.

We played golf last week on a small par 3 course. I hadn’t played since last August. I surprised myself with some decent shots. Then I remembered why I was hitting better. Last August my thumb was very painful as was my shoulder. I had the thumb injected in November and my shoulder has healed itself. Now I am hitting the ball more like I used to 20 years ago. I shot a 41 - I am happy. We are going to play again this Wednesday too.

Looks like rain on Thursday. Our bike club was to go to Santibel Island. You never know here. The weather just may pass over and we will have our usual sunshine and cool breeze. Speaking of breezes. We moved Bearfoot IV over to the other side of the street so she is facing west now. We have shade and cool breezes on our patio now. My plants are not burning up nor are we. It is so pleasant outside that we actually entertained 4 of our neighbors for supper the other night. There is nothing like dining al fresco under lamp light. This is the Florida I love. We have had spectacular weather since Dec. 1st.

I have made a personal vow to ride 100 miles each week on my bike. I will have to make it up this week since I didn’t ride today due to the high winds out of the south. I just don’t do well riding in the wind. Tomorrow I ride with the club. Hopefully we will ride 18 or so. I feel so much better when I am physically fit even with this extra poundage I am carrying around. Tonight is dancing lessons and the first part is line dancing for the bikers. We bikers never get to take line dancing lessons because we bike as a group on the same days. We went last week but didn’t stay long.

I repotted my dad’s plants that I have had for several years. Sebastian forced me to do it since he wrapped his rope around the pot and broke it. I have 3 planters full of Snake plants now. They are short but now that they have room perhaps they will grow tall like the ones I used to have that I put in one of my paintings.

I will post a couple of photos from my bike ride on Sunday up to Bonita Beach and northward. Note how deserted the beach is for a Sunday afternoon. We won’t see that in Feb. Stay well, warm and in joy-

January 15, 2007

Tax day for us estimated tax payers. Due to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the payment is not due 'til tomorrow. We are disappointed - today was the day to have photos taken for the Lake San Marino resident directory. I dressed Ralph, myself and Sebastian (who had just been groomed) in blue thinking we would make a lovely picture. Not so! Sebastian was too large to be held high enough so it was just Ralph and I. To top it off, the photo is in black and white. So much for creativity.

We are going to a pot luck tonight at the community center. Ralph is beginning to feel more energetic. Thanks be to God! It has been a long haul for him to get back on his feet. We hope to dance a little tonight too. It is more likely me who wants to dance.

I wanted to share something with my readers that I read on Sunday as I attended the Kirkin' O' the Tartan at the First Presbyterian Church in Bonita Springs. Kirkin' in gaelic means church. Since the Presbyterian church as part of the reformed movement in Scotland initially, they celebrate their roots in this manner. All the flags of the various clans are paraded into the church and displayed while a fabulous group of bagpipers play. My spirit just soared. I had spirit bumps all over my body as the pipers and drummers played. The following is an excerpt from the Choral Anthem that I found so appropriate for todays world:

Fears and doubts too long have bound us; free our hearts to faith and praise. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living of these days. Cure thy children's warring madness, bend our pride to thy control; shame our wanton selfish gladness, rich in things and poor in soul. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, lest we miss thy kingdom's goal. This is a portion of a hymn by Hal H. Hopson.

I was energized and needed more music. That led me downtown to Cambier park for the Naples Concert Band in the bandshell. They performed several marches which I love as well as Gershin and some jazz. What a lovely day I had.

We are moving Bearfoot IV to a new spot one street over right behind where we are now but we will be facing West rather than East. Our awning comes out over a large slide room and therefore is very high. Almost useless actually. As we sit now we have the full sun blazing on the awning side of the coach, or patio side all day. When we turn around, we will have some shade from the coach itself allowing us to use the patio. Luckily, our friends live on both of these streets.

I am going to begin some healing work on one of my neighbors next week. She actually went out and bought a massage table for me to use in our sessions. I have also just developed a new modality all my own. It is called the Magic of Vibrational Energy or M.O.V.E. I will be reviewing, repairing and aligning client's energy systems to their Highest Potential and then offering various plant essences to be taken daily that will assist them in staying in alignment (health) longer. As it is now, clients tend to fall back in their old habits and thoughtforms within a few days. With the assistance of the plants which God provided for our healing, they will be more apt to make those changes in their lives which support their health and wellness, spiritually, mentally and physically. I am excited to begin a new path from my former healing practice and will keep you posted.

In love and health -

January 10, 2007

I can't believe I haven't been on this site for ten days. Times flys when------. I can't acutally say I have been having lots of fun. Ralph had some surgery on his nasal sinus. He seemed fine for a day and a half afterwards, then at 4 a.m. he wakened me. It seems he was hemmoraging heavily. Since this was due to surgery and coming from deep within his nose, it could not be stopped by the usual nosebleed first aid. That became apparent within 15 mins. We are a few miles from the hospital and I don't drive well at night especially with a bleeding man in the car so I called 911. The monster fire truck plus ambulance arrived within a couple of minutes. I ran outside in my barefeet and nightdress to flag them down. Ralph was able to walk out and climb onto the stretcher by himself. I was shocked when one of the firemen came over to me and as he squeezed my nostrels together tightly, he said this is the way you stop a nosebleed. I don't respond well when shocked into silence like that. His behavior was very unprofessional and unkind. To top it off, the EMT's stuck a clip on the end of Ralph's nose for the trip to the hospital. Naturally, everything backed up and was most unpleasant. I had told them this was a post-op case and not an ordinary nosebleed. After 3 hours of cleaning the motorhome, I drove down to the ER to find Ralph. They ended up packing his nose with a baloon type gauze thing. We hung around for several hours to see if he was going to be ok. For several days afterward, he had nasty headaches and just did not feel well at all. Now it seems he is on the mend.

We did manage to go dancing on New Year's Eve before the surgery. We had a great time at the party. Neither one of us has been out on New Year's Eve for many years. My favorite evenings have been spent with my grandkids while their parents went out. We would have pizza, popcorn, sparkling grape juice for our toast (which we generally had at 10 a.m. since they couldn't stay awake 'til midnight). We had dips and snacks and played long games of Monopoly. I hope they remember those times as fondly as I do. I miss my family everyday while I am away from them. It is just a deep emptiness in my heart.

My sister and brother-in-law are here now. We went to the 3rd Avenue celebration downtown one evening with two other couples. I was kind of a fifth wheel since Ralph couldn't go but I did enjoy the music, watching them boogie and of course, the ice cream. I posted some pics of that event. Then we went to Cambier Park on sunday to hear a big band. The day was glorious and the music great. Bash and Rosie went too. (they are cousins) I have been biking as much as possible. I had a near wreck right in the middle of the intersection of Wiggins Pass and 41. We were crossing as a group when my chain just blew apart and began whip lashing everywhere. I was lucky. Ended up buying a new chain but not new gears. It has made me cautious about standing up though. The guy who fixed it jokingly said, "You have been racing again haven't you?".

I have a pot of parsley and basil growing profusely on my picnic table. I also have a deep pink geranium out side my door. I can't get away from growing things. I took the Christmas decorations down and brought the palm tree inside on the dashboard. Looks great at night in the window.

Happy New Year 2007

We went out for a New Year's Eve Party last night here at the community center. It was a gala affair. Ralph and I had not been out for New Year's eve in many years. We headed home a little after mid-night. We both won door prizes. I couldn't believe it since I have rarely ever won anything in my life. We were surrounded by family and friends who arrived yesterday or within the last few days. There is a major shuffle in the park at this time. Many people were here for just the month of December while those that are coming in now are here for a longer period. One point about this kind of life is that the people you greet in the morning as you go for your walk, may not be there tomorrow. We are a mobile society. The face of the street changes quite often.

It feels very good for me to have my sister and brother-in-law just across the street. Even though I made friends with my closest neighbors for the last month, I was lonely for family. My neighbors were from Quebec, Canada. I have enjoyed visiting with them and learning from them.

My neighbors now are from Ohio and Nova Scotia, Michigan and Missouri. Quite a cross culture of people but we all share the love of travel.

I took all my Christmas decorations down tday and put up my palm tree. Ralph says it looks like the beach now on the dash. Quite tacky and wonderful from both inside and outside at night. I left the Christmas wreath on the side of the door though. I am thinking of making a shell wreath to hang there now. The man behind me from Germany is remaking antique lampshades. They are exquiste. I also feel the desire to pull out my paints and work on a couple of projects I have had in mind for sometime.

Time to get serious about dropping the weight I have gained in the last year. Lots of padding that is no longer needed.

I guess some of my thoughts in this post sound like resolutions. Hmmmmmm!

Be well, happy, peacefilled, prosperous and creative.

December 29, 2006

As we close this year, I would like to leave you with a message. Although you may feel it pertains to women, I feel it also emcompasses men.

Drawing Water From The Well

I went down to the well, like Leah and Rachel, like Miriam and Rebecca. The women of the old testament were always meeting at wells. Things were welling up inside of them, inside of me. I was looking for women with whom I could draw water - quench my thirst, cleanse my soul, mirror even a reflection of myself. Who was I? Certainly more than this empty space, this longing, this searching. Like an empty cup, a chalice perhaps, waiting to be filled. I long to bear the libation, a sacrament we raise to our lips. Let us taste the communion.

We are all sometimes women alone, waiting for this chance to come together. It is a marking point on the mythic map of our journey. We have wakened to the calling for something deeper, something we call up from the earth, from our bodies. As women we find ourselves rooted in our bodies. We can't escape them, so we embrace them. This is the beginning, when we turn inward to draw up water from the well. We will meet at the Source.

I will also close with this quote from E.B. Browning -

"With stammering lips and insufficent sounds, I strive and struggle to deliver right the music of my nature".

And Anais Nin said, "And the day came when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.

Have a Blessed New Year,
Donna

Day after Christmas

Hello dear readers! I hope your Christmas celebrations or other Holiday celebrations were all that you had expected. We missed our families a great deal but spoke with almost all of them on the phone. Maybe next year we can remedy the situation in some manner. We did enjoy a fine turkey dinner at the community center here in the park with our neighbors. Ralph and I were seated at a table with 12 others who were all french canadians. They are all bilingual to a degree which is a good thing since we (shamefully) are not. We enjoyed ourselves very much. Ralph made rye rolls which were a huge success and he is now being pursued by several french ladies to provide the recipe. Conversation, laughter, good wine and good food crossed any cultural barriers there were. We now have many new friends and invitations to come north across the border.

I now have WiFi at the coach since I spent a few bucks and had my pc repaired. The Apple will not work here. It is so much better. Now I can be more creative - Look Out! I will try to post some pics. I have taken some new ones but seem to be slowing down in the photograph department which is unlike me. Please note the picture of my new Christmas present from Ralph. I have wanted one of these very tacky palm trees for a couple of years. My dad would be proud of me. We, my sis, my brother and me, come by our desire for tacky lawn ornaments genetically through our dad. He was a master at many things but one special gift he passed to us was the desire to put up tacky lights. This palm will ride with us now and be displayed in the large windshield of Bearfoot IV everywhere we park. We do need a sign too. We will work on that this summer at the Island where all the tools are.

We just returned from a bike trip in the rain. It started out cloudy but soon the clouds became one big black one and down it came. It was a cold rain so we hustled back but did manage to get in 10 miles. The sun is out now and it is lovely but I still have my sweats on warming my muscles.

December 21, 2006

I have a nice surprise! I am posting from Bearfoot IV at Lake San Marino. I took my computer to a nearby shop and they fixed it. Seems my graphics card was not seated properly. I also bought a fan pad for it as it runs too hot. My current problem is trouble with the mail program through the WiFi server here at the park. But I can pick up mail on my web browser. I expect to spend sometime with the techs on the phone.

I biked this morning with 17 other souls for 17 miles and much of the time we pushed strong winds. I am tired but feel as though I really pushed myself physically. That is a good thing. Ralph is not going with us until after the first of the year. He and I bike around the park plus we walk a couple of miles with Sebastian. I am listening to Santana as I type this. Brings back many memories. Our group had two flat tires this morning so we were held up for awhile.

Ralph and I plan to play golf next week. He wants to find a place to rent a kayak so we can go together. I think that would be something he could do without becoming too winded. I hope he can join us in the biking soon. I have gotten used to riding behind his broad back.

We will be having Christmas dinner here with others in the community center. We both miss our families very much. This is the first time for both of us to not be with some family. But we have a great meal planned. It is a full house of probably over a 100 people. The park furnishes the turkey and fixin's while each table provides different dishes for their table. I think there are 14 at a table. Our table is mostly french speaking people which should be an international experience. We are bringing a large mixed green salade (note the french). I know that much. We may bring some "pain" which is bread too if Ralph decides to make some. It is going to rain off and on here for the next few days. It is very warm and lovely so it really doesn't matter.

I will write more and perhaps post some pics. Most of my pics are on ralph's Apple. Blessings to all readers.

December 21, 2006

I have a nice surprise! I am posting from Bearfoot IV at Lake San Marino. I took my computer to a nearby shop and they fixed it. Seems my graphics card was not seated properly. I also bought a fan pad for it as it runs too hot. My current problem is trouble with the mail program through the WiFi server here at the park. But I can pick up mail on my web browser. I expect to spend sometime with the techs on the phone.

I biked this morning with 17 other souls for 17 miles and much of the time we pushed strong winds. I am tired but feel as though I really pushed myself physically. That is a good thing. Ralph is not going with us until after the first of the year. He and I bike around the park plus we walk a couple of miles with Sebastian. I am listening to Santana as I type this. Brings back many memories. Our group had two flat tires this morning so we were held up for awhile.

Ralph and I plan to play golf next week. He wants to find a place to rent a kayak so we can go together. I think that would be something he could do without becoming too winded. I hope he can join us in the biking soon. I have gotten used to riding behind his broad back.

We will be having Christmas dinner here with others in the community center. We both miss our families very much. This is the first time for both of us to not be with some family. But we have a great meal planned. It is a full house of probably over a 100 people. The park furnishes the turkey and fixin's while each table provides different dishes for their table. I think there are 14 at a table. Our table is mostly french speaking people which should be an international experience. We are bringing a large mixed green salade (note the french). I know that much. We may bring some "pain" which is bread too if Ralph decides to make some. It is going to rain off and on here for the next few days. It is very warm and lovely so it really doesn't matter.

I will write more and perhaps post some pics. Most of my pics are on ralph's Apple. Blessings to all readers.

December 14, 2006

today is my youngest daughter's birthday. Seems like just yesterday she was born. I remember I didn't feel like doing any Christmas shopping or card writing that year. She was actually due on the 24th. Everything was let go 'til the last minute. We had time immediately after she was born and we were home. But it was very hurried. She slept in her little bassinet in the livingroom while the other three children played their new record player full volume. We were in our unfinished living room at that time but had managed to put up a tree. There wasn't any finished floor in there just subfloor which in our case was planks. We heated our house with a wood stove in the basement and the heat radiated up through the cracks in the flooring which grew larger as they dried out. We had a large sheet of plastic between the kitchen and the livingroom since the livingroom was still "in process". I look back and I marvel since we had our last two children while trying to live in our house which we were building by ourselves. What energy we had back then and how we struggled to make a life for our 4 little children and ourselves.

We are having a cloudy day today. A few showers but nothing substantial yet. Tomorrow maybe! We need rain here. I did bike this morning with the club. Ralph has not been feeling well. He had some tests done this morning. He tried twice to ride with the club but felt poorly and had to quit. I hope this new cardiologist can get him straightened out. We met the new doctor on Monday and liked him very much. He thinks it is Ralph's meds that are creating the problems. Hopefully he will be back on track here soon.

Miracles are happening all around me. I am grateful for each and everyone. I forgot who it was who said, "Expect Miracles." I think it was actually Jesus Christ. I don't take them for granted but I do expect them.

I had an identity theft problem with my online banking accounts. Thankfully, Wachovia's fine Fraud division picked it up before any money was taken. But I had to change all my accounts. What a hassle that is. But I have notified nearly everyone who gets paid automatically from my account. I think I will be changeing my email address too after all these years with the same one. I feel violated and think that now the thieves have my email address, I don't trust the internet. Best to change the whole thing now. One good thing is it will eliminate the junk mail at least for the time being. I will keep you all posted when I change it.