Tax day come and gone

Tax day came yesterday but they were not due!!  Because of a holiday in Washington DC we get until Monday.  I actually worked a bit on mine and am finally finished.  I owe big time as 2010 is the first time I have filed as a single and ouch! 
Travis arrived Wednesday noon and stayed until yesterday early morning.  It was fun having him here.  Terry and I usually do not eat out much but did the while time Travis was here as we wanted him to eat local foods in restaurants which are kind of fun.  I think his favorite was the grouper basket Thursday lunch.  We had the Wednesday evening lobster special at the Ale house but I think Travis felt it would be too much work or maybe too messy to have that so he had a shrimp dish. 
I did have my MRI last week and then went over the results with the dr. Wednesday AM.  There is a muscle tear in the right calf and today I will go in for my third day of PT.  They are using a cold laser and ultrasound on it and the place we go does PT with the idea that it should be pain free.  I like that.  The PT person is a bit concerned about the long drive to MN but I will have Terry drive a lot and I will drive mostly when I can use the cruise so I do not need to use that leg much.  I probably will need to do more PT when we arrive in MN but in the end it should be fine.  The therapest said NO physical use of the leg for sports for at least 4 months because if I would injure it again it may just completely tear away from the bone and then surgery.  She said that would not be good.
We now have 3 days to get things done here as we head north on Tuesday.  It would be nice if we had 2 weeks but will have to try to get things done in a hurry.  With the climate in southwest FL a person has to do much before leaving a place for 6 months.  If the air would go out and the home was not checked it would be full of mold in a week or so.  That happened to one of Terry's friends and they had to have the entire home cleaned professionally twice and still not sure they got it clean.  One of the things that needs to be done is the driveway needs to be sprayed with bleach so that it is not black in the fall. 
I almost forgot to mention that Travis is driving the 1987  Cadillac Allante convertible to MN.  We tried to sell it here but there are just too too many expensive cars and we did not get one call.  This car is in pristine condition and has 105,000 on it but we now have 4 vehicles and we need to down down scale.  We are hoping Travis gets home without incident and after Easter the car sells quickly.
We are looking forward to spending a couple of days with Aaron/Amy and family over Easter.  I am really excited because Aaron said the WI Easter bunny brings good beer to the men.
Leo turned 4 yesterday.  Those kids are getting just too old.  My in a very short time, before the end of the year, those grandkids will be 8,6,4,3,3,2,1.  I think I got that right.
No--work to do today and breakfast sounds like a good deal so will sign off.

Amen

You can look at this picture as a sunset or a sunrise.  Actually it is both for me.  A sunset--this will be my last entry on this blog.  A sunrise--I will be moving on with a new blog and a new life.
All things must end at some time.  After countless entries, hundreds of pictures and I know many many hours of writing it is time to move on.
January 26, 2009 Gail discovered a lump on her chest.  We were in the middle of a renewed life, a weight loss schedule and life was good but-----the doctor said she was pretty sure it was only a strained muscle but we needed to come in and be sure.  January 30th life took a turn that would lead to eternal life for Gail and a journey that I would need to walk with the help of family and friends.  On March 23 Cynthia and Mike encouraged me to start a blog, that was over 600 entries ago and almost 2 years past.
From February-September 14 Gail and I prayed, worked, changed how we ate and pretty much focused 24/7 on Gail's health.  We prayed and hoped with all our energy and faith that Gail would be physically healed and live a long life.  However in God's mysterious ways it did not come to past and September 14, 2009 Gail met our Lord and I embarked on a journey that has been lonely, full of family and friends, difficult, life changing and of course many more adjectives could be used. 
So here I am 18 months to the day that Gail left us.  I have focused on home, I led Servant Camp in 2010, I have welcomed Ruby Gail Lee into our family, have given my blessing on John/Mary to move (I am not saying they needed my approval but I am saying it was the right thing for them to do), I have turned Servant Camp over to new leadership, my house has become to some degree my home and not Gail's and I have seen all those wonderful grandchildren grow and grow and grow.  Oh yes, I have also explored entering into a new relationship.  I am currently in Naples Florida enjoying the sun and activities and talking to a friend to see if we may want to live our life together into old age.
Before Gail died she and I talked about my life after her death.  She said I should not live alone and I said I would be happy with my wood shop and family.  I found out something about myself that was a complete surprise to me.  I grew up in rural ND and spent countless hours alone.  Everything from shooting baskets to bouncing the ball against the barn (I was Johnny Logan when I did that!!), to making wooden guns to fishing to whatever I did much of it was alone.  So for sure I would be happy alone.  Well Cynthia pointed out that I did that because of my environment but really that was not me.  Well for you men you probably know what it is like to get wisdom from your daughter!!  However it was true and I have found that I am happiest when I am with others.
I feel that my grieving is behind me.  Gail will always be missed and in talking to people who have lost loved ones I know that is true but I know it is time for me to focus on the future and what God has for me in the months and years ahead. 
With that I say good-bye to my grandma Gail blog.  I have started up a new one that anyone is invited to look at but it will focus on family and new adventures in my life, something that many of you may find boring.  The blog has peaked my interest in writing and I want to continue to do that.
If you are interested here is the new blog: http//www.carmenjlee.blogspot.com
I know that many people over the past two years have read my blog.  I cherish the many comments that were made and  I appreciate the advice and insights that were given.  I know that God has used the blog to lighten the burden of grieving and to heal the wounds of my loss.  To each who came into my life through my blog I am most thankful.
Amen

Halloween?????????

Well it almost looks like it could be October but really it was an hour and 45 min St. Patrick's Day parade yesterday.  O my there were thousands of people sitting along the route, many many entries and a great time.  I think next year Terry and I may bring 2 chairs, put a life size doll between us and see how much candy we can get!!!!  
Actually the candy came in handy for energy as today it was a 30 mile bike ride which raised money for the blood bank.  Well I would say maybe the candy did not help a lot but for sure we needed energy to get to the end of the 2 and 1/2 hr ride.  It was a fun time and the weather certainly was perfect with temps a bit cool at start time of 8:00 AM but really with a sunny 70+ there were no complaints.  I do not know how many entries there were but my guess would be maybe 150 or so.  The rides could be 10, 30 or 60 miles. 
It was the ball machine at 2:30 this afternoon and I think the sunset needs some attention tonight.  That should be a  nice ending to a rest full day or should I say a fun day. 
I have discovered something else which begs a question.  I have mentioned in the past that I have lost some weight and that is good but I do need to find out something.  I think the stores or companies have a scam going as they must make clothes bigger now and or put the wrong size on them.  I feel so good when I buy a new pair of pants or shorts as I am down two sizes but really I think I may be down only 1 size and the "relaxed" fit is really a size larger than they say.  I am wondering if anybody else has that feeling or if by some stroke of luck or hard work I actually am down 2 sizes.  On second thought I will believe I am and that will make me feel good for a while.
We plan to catch a buger and fries at "Five Guys" before the sunset.  I love that place but not too often.  A person can order a small order of fries and after they put the burger and container of fries in the bag they throw an exra scoop of fries in the bag.  My kind of place!!  However with that I may need to start a schedule in the exercise room here if I stop there too many times. 
I forgot to mention that Terry and I drove to the Catholic Community Ave Maria last Tuesday.  An interesting place to visit.  An artist is putting the finishing touches on a 54 ton marble sculpture which will be the largest of the Annunciation in the world.  Very very impressive.  We went on an hour trolley tour which was free and very nice.  It is about 30 miles from Terry's house.  The dedication of the sculpture will be March 25 on Annunciation Sunday.
Read in the Naples paper today about 800 people who needed to be rescued in ND as they were caught in a storm.  Brother Dave in Jamestown said that Gail's brother Mark and Mary stopped in Jamestown as they were on their way to Bismarck to catch a plane.  They needed to stay over night and so they called and stopped over for a nice visit.  No snow here !!!!!   Enough

A bit chilly

As I rolled out of bed this morning I was reminded of a couple of things.  The first is the fact that I was on a 21 mile bike ride yesterday and my body made sure I knew it had been some time since I had ridden that far.  The second thing was we are in kind of a cold spell here in Naples and the temp was at 51. 
I think the day will bring a trip to downtown Naples where there will be a St. Patrick's Day parade.  I do not know if I have any green but will try to find something that is close.  Maybe Terry and I can find some green beer afterwards but not sure about that either.  Anyway it has been a long time, maybe never, since I have taken in a St. Patrick's Day parade so should  be fun. 
I forgot to mention that after the bike ride yesterday it was an hour with the ball machine on the tennis court so maybe, just maybe, it was almost too much exercise yesterday.  This old body had better recover soon as it is onto a 30 mile ride tomorrow for the cause of giving blood so the legs need to be in shape and the behind needs to be OK.
I have not finished my french press coffee so will sign off for now.

Famous

I know that nobody realized it but I have become famous.  They have now named the county that Bonita Springs is in after me.  Bonita Springs is on the north border of Naples.  I am not sure why unless the locals feel that my Bentley bike is something that may attract many visitors here. 
It is a day for projects and catch up things as we have gotten much rain today.  It came about a half hour before the tennis clinic so that was rained out.  At 6:00 AM it was 69 degrees and now at 2:00 PM it is still the same temp.  I know if you are in MN you have no sympathy for me but it is a bit chilly!!!
Here we are near the end of the first week in march.
Terry and I are signed up for a 30 mile bike ride this Sunday.  It is a ride that cost $20 and the money goes towards a blood bank.  It should be a fun time.  The rides are 10, 30 or 60 miles but we felt that we have not ridden enough to go the 60 mile one.  It will be interesting to see how many people are on the ride.

Am thinking of making some changes on the blog soon but will share that in the next few days.
We are coming up on a couple of important birthdays in the family.  Amy and Mary will be celebrating in a few days and for those who live close to either of them you know that each gets better with age so bring on those birthdays.
Back to projects.

It may get boring

As I have said so many times I get mesmerized by sunsets on the gulf coast.  Here I caught the sun with my 300 lens and it looks like the sun is on a small stand.  Later a boat went past.
Not a lot of news.  Did the tennis ball machine yesterday with Terry and that was fun.  Spent time at the beach tonight which is always relaxing and fun.  Tonight the waves were maybe bigger than I have seen them and that was fun. 
My calf muscle is getting better ever so slowly but every little bit helps so will be thankful for the progress.  Can not ever remember having a muscle be so sore for so long but it is not the worst thing in the world. 
Terry has 7 windows in her home and the screens were in terrible shape so I repaired all of them last Saturday and that was good.  I have those old old wooden screens and storms in St. Paul and these new kind of screens are so easy to repair.  Makes me wonder about my old house!!!!!!  
The weather continues to be "hard to beat" here.  Today it was sunny and mid 70's so can not be unhappy with that.  Sounds like weather in St. Paul is too cold/snowy yet.
Time continues to fly by and here we are into the first full week in March.  Before I know it the Lee family reunion in the Black Hills will be on us.  I think I have some work to do on that so need to get some e-mails out about it.
Will sign off for now.

A long time

Here are some pictures that will show a bit of Naples FL.  The sunset and people who come to watch it.  As I have said in the past I have fallen in love with sunsets on the gulf coast.  Terry and I go to take the sunsets in about 3 or 4 evenings a week and it never is boring or the same. 
The flowers happened to just be near the road as we were driving alone.  Actually the first time we saw them we were on a bike ride and we just had to go back with my camera.
We have seen a couple of movies that have been great.  We saw "The King's speech" and it was great.  Having been a stutterer in my childhood I could really relate to many things in the movie.  I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes movies as it is very very good.  Also saw "The fighter" today and really enjoyed that too.
I continue to play tennis and continue to have some difficulties with my right calf.  It is getting better but still gets sore when I use it a lot.  On Thursday went on an hour walk/run, then played a tennis clinic and then Terry and I used the tennis ball machine for an hour and by evening it was hurting a bit.  I know, I used it too much in one day but it was a fun time.
I continue to enjoy the warm weather here and all of the new activities.  Never in my life have I done these things and it has been a wonderful time.  I may be becoming a friend of warm winter weather and a foe of cold and snow!!!!!
Here it is well into March and the time seems to have flown by so fast.  My tan is a sign that things are going well.  Each time I blog I promise to do it more often but oh my the time goes so fast.

The sun is going down

 

Here is a sequence of pictures I took of the sunset a few days ago.  The sunsets on the gulf are really beautiful and inspiring when one can see the sun disappearing into the water.

I did a tennis clinic today and my calf muscle held up fairly well.  It is about 80% and I say that because it makes me sound as if I know what I am talking about.  Just like the big boys who are pro!!!!

Terry and I had a fun evening.  We met friends of Terry's for dinner.  They are from Connecticut and I would say they are close to 80 or maybe even older.  They are down here for about 3 months each year.  They stay very active and are fun to be with.  

I actually did some work today.  I fixed some holes in walls that needed repair and then spent a couple of hours cleaning out the back rain gutters.  I needed to invent something that I could reach about 15 feet so taped two long pieces of wood together and then taped a small garden tool on the end to clean out the junk.  I got all the debris out and they should be good to go for some time.

Other than that the only news is the weather is warm, sunny and fun.  I think I am beginning to get a real sun tan.  It is not great but enough to make people in St. Paul jealous!!

A fun visit

The picture is from grandma's birthday party.  From left to right are Dale, Deb, Deb, Allen, Carmen, Mary and Mark.  Allen is the oldest, Deb is next and Mark is the youngest.
We had a fun time today.  Amy's parents, Jeanne and Dick, are in Florida for this month.  They are just a very short distance from Terry's place so we invited them to come for a visit today.  We took the shuttle to the beach and walked for an hour.  When we arrived back we  had lunch at the club.  It was a fun time.  The weather was perfect and the food at the club was great.  One can not complain about temps in the high 70's and sunny skies in February. 
I am excited for this afternoon.  I will pick up my new tennis racket at 4 and then of course I will for sure have a great tennis game.  My inexperience and my age have nothing to do with my skill level, it is all in the racket.  I am planning to take another tennis clinic Thursday as my calf muscle is healing nicely and I should be good to go in two days. 
The bike remains in netural but with my calf getting better maybe the bike is next to get a work out.  I HAVE to get more exercise as my weight is up a few pounds and that just can not be so more exercise, less food are in order. 
Enough for now.  I do hope that friends and family in MN, ND etc are enjoying the winter wonder land.
Sister Joan sent a picture of someone sitting in a frozen outhouse.  I wonder if that came from our growing up on the farm!!!!!!!!!

Better late than never

Here is Grandma Saunders with most of her great grand children.  This was taken on her birthday weekend, February 5/6. 
There were some missing but many are in the picture.
I have been lazy in writing on the blog.  I did return to Naples FL last Monday.  I arrived to weather that is certainly much much different than St. Paul.  Today it was pleasant sitting by the pool in the sun as the temp was right around 80.  I guess one can not want better weather than that in February.
I have spent my time playing tennis, walking the beach and in general enjoying things.  I am staying with a friend, Terry, who was a high school classmate.  We have reconnected after many many years.  She has a home in Naples.  At this time my timetable is open as to when I might return to MN.  The longer one stays in this nice weather the harder it is to think about returning to winter in MN.  I have found that it is easy to relax, enjoy and just be here.  Now that I have decided to step out of Servant Camp things seem less hurried, less stressful and more relaxed.  For sure I will miss the excitement of camp, of the staff and most of all the campers but the other side of life outside of camp is also exciting and alluring. 
I did slightly injure myself as I was warming up to play tennis last Friday.  I hurt a calf muscle, didn't even know I had a muscle there!!  It acted like a bad cramp but it just did not go away so I have been limping around a bit the last couple of days.  I am hopeful that I can be on the court and on the bike in short order but will see.  I guess the bottom line is this body really is not what it used to be!!!!
No maybe it is time to catch some sun again.

The old and the new

Here are pictures of grandma's family in 1999 and then again last weekend.  Of course in our celebration last weekend there were some missing but you can see that time marches on.  Many many more little kids now and of course there are some not with us now that were here in 99.
We are beginning to come out of the deep freeze in in St. Paul.  After several days of way below normal temps we are now at or above normal and they say we will remain this way through the coming week. 
I need to get up on a ladder (I will be careful) and get some ice off of my north roof.  The ice dam is large, I have yet to get any water in the house but I do not want that to happen.  I will either chop or melt a valley in the ice dam so that any water that tends to dam up behind the ice can run off the roof.  With the temps mild for the next days maybe some of that ice will disappear.
I have enjoyed these last few days as there has not been much happening so it has been a time to relax, do some paper work and just kind of be. 
I made a huge decision last week and it is good but with mixed feelings.  After 33 years of doing Servant Camp I decided it was time to step down and see what God has for me in a different way.  So for the first time since 1979 I will have a spring and summer without the concerns of staff, campers, budget and all that goes with it.  I am really excited but of course one does not do something for that long and then forget it so I suppose I will miss it but I know it is in God's plan for me and because of that I am excited.
I am expecting and hoping that this time can be a time of new life, new direction and more exciting things in my life.  Even though I have tended to do things for a long time all my life I also feel that I have done well in putting things behind me and moving on so here I am waiting to see what happens.
I will end today with much saddness as little sister Helen is experiencing so much cold and snow I just feel so sorry.  Helen, maybe you and Mike need to move north!!!!!

Grandchildren

Many of Grandma Saunder's family were able to make the trip to Fargo ND last weekend to help her celebrate her 90th birthday.  It was a fun weekend.  Here is the picture of her grandchildren.  Four of them were not able to come and two of them have passed away.  It is quite the group.  It looks like the men are greatly outnumbered by the gals but the four who could not come are men so the number is almost equal.
It was a fun time as it is always great to see family and spend time together.  In my family John/Mary were not able to travel what would have been a round trip of 1500 miles but everyone else came.  I enjoyed Aaron/Amy and kids here Friday afternoon and again on Sunday evening.  Sunday evening Cynthia/Mike and family along with Travis came over to cheer the Packers on to Super Bowl victory.
We are experiencing very very winter weather with a -9 temp this morning and about the same expected tomorrow morning.  I guess winter really is not ready to say good-bye.
Not much new on my end.  I am having a bit of remorse with this cold weather as I did enjoy the warm Naples FL weather.  I am a bit envious as I see they are having 70's and 80's there which if my math is correct is about 60-70 degrees higher than we had yesterday and today!!!
Enough of that as it is almost depressing.
Will get some paper work finished before I get to sleep.

Home

I spent the weekend with John/Mary and family.  Monday morning at 4:15 I got on the road with the idea that I could get to Madison early and in the process I could drive through Chicago before the AM rush hour traffic hit.  All went well and I arrived at Aaron/Amy place about 8:30 AM.  After unloading my things in their basement I called Aaron to tell him I was there.  He asked me if I had looked at the weather and I said no.  Well after looking at the forcast of perhaps 20 inches of snow in Madison Monday-Wednesday I loaded my things in the car and headed home by 9:00 AM.  Roads were OK but not great and I finally arrived in St. Paul about 2:15 tired of holding on to the steering wheel tightly and maybe also tired after driving 5000 miles in the last 4 weeks.  I knew I was coming back to winter but the snow kind of surprised me.  The 4-6 foot banks at each corner seemed to stare and and smile at me at each intersection.  My car was fine but it did complain a bit when I started it in -2 temps this morning.  AND the wonderful pillow I purchased for my back while I drive failed to tell me that if I left it in the car in cold weather it would turn to being stone hard!!!!   So much for it's usefulness.
Here I am with blood a bit thinned out, pants without legs, short sleeve shirts once again hung in the closet and hands that let me know you can not answer your smart phone with gloves on.  Well I guess it is what it is and life is all about changes and adjustments.
I am now doing some work for grandma's 90th birthday bash this weekend.  It will be fun to have much of family together but we will miss John/Mary and family.
No, I need to get something warm on my feet.

Progress

Here is one reason it is fun to be in Naples.  Each Wednesday night this one place has lobster special. ($15.95) This is the first steamed whole lobster I have ever eaten.  It was delicious and as you can see eaten to the last morsel.  The dark cold beer sitting on the side certainly helped the entire evening.
I am now over half way to St. Paul.  Am sitting in room 314 at the Hampton Inn in Horse Cave KY.  I think it will be kind of an early to bed, get up for their breakfast and arrive in South Bend tomorrow maybe by 3 or so.  Today I traveled through some places I had not been in the past.  Drove through Nashville TN and happened to do it during rust hour so was not a lot of fun but not too bad either.
It is noticeably cooler here then 2 days ago in Naples.  I forgot to bring a jacket in so will be cold in the morning before I get to the car.  I am sure as I arrive in South Bend the temp will again be down from where it is here.  I tend to forget it is still winter!!
Not much more to say.  Driving, thinking, stretching, driving, thinking etc etc get a bit old!

It's almost over

As I sit here with my french press coffee I can not help but think that tomorrow, after a 10:30 tennis lesson, I will settle in the car and head back to the frozen tundra.  Of course on the way there will be John, Mary, Henry, Liam, Audrey, Aaron, Amy, Leo and Ruby Gail but then next Tuesday will come and reality will set in--cold--cold--snow and what else??  I am certainly looking forward to seeing family again and can hardly wait to see Travis, Cynthia, Mike, Faustina and Jude in St. Paul too but as one looks at the picture the cold north seems too extreme!!
As I sat in the sun by the pool yesterday I had to think that this month of January has maybe been the first time I have felt relaxed in many years.  I then went to Wal mart to check my blood pressure and wow it was better than it had been in a long time.  I guess the wear, tear, stress and everything else in life does affect health too.  I sat in the sun for almost an hour and felt God was giving me a massage even though I have never had a real one!!!  Well things will change soon.
Need to see if I can  find some Naples keepsakes for the kids today before heading out tomorrow.  Not sure I am looking forward to 1900 miles behind the wheel but actually coming down it was not too bad.  It may even be good practice to do all of those mind games that one can do to pass the time.
I have some work to do for grandma's bd party so will be busy with some of that when I arrive home. 
My heart is heavy today for the Tigan family.  David's services are today and tomorrow.  As I read his obit in the paper I was surprised that he was only 62.  I have many memories of him and his family.  I know God's love and grace will abound with Barb and family but oh my it is so terribly difficult, lonely and it leaves a person with a very heavy heart.
Brother Dave is having surgery tomorrow and we are expecting God to heal him quickly.  Lord come with your healing angels and pour your spirit into his every cell to make him well quickly.
Time for a bite.

Burrrrrrrr!!! I know it is wimpy!

Woke up to a temp this morning of 45 and it feels like it is really cold!  I also stuggled to get out of bed at first as this middle age body wanted to tell me that my first ever tennis match yesterday was hard on some of those muscles that never get used.  Well OK I admit the muscle word may be a bit strong in describing my body but it is what it is.  I think the last time I picked up a tennis racket was maybe in the 70's when Dave/Marlys came to visit and Dave played a bit of tennis.  Well here I am about 40 years later and it seems that this body knows the score better than my mind.  However my mind is getting the idea fairly quickly.  Yesterday was fun.  Got a call in the morning and I think the guy thought he was calling a lady as when I arrived the foursome included 3 men and a gal but that is fine and the match was fun.  All three of the others were at a skill level higher than mine but I did ( a few times) hold my own and I managed to not make my partner too upset.  Actually they were very gracious and put up with me the entire time.  BUT I am kind of paying for it this morning.  Not sure I could get my leg over the seat of my bike but then who wants to ride in 45 degree temps??
I am beginning to plan my trip back.  Will leave this warm (?) sunny place next Thursday and arrive in South Bend Saturday, get into Madison Monday and then arrive home on Tuesday.  I will get to see Ruby Gail for a short time on her 1st birthday before I head towards the west on that Tuesday. 
I do have some things to do at home before I and the kids head up to Fargo for Grandma Saunder's 90 birthday bash on February 5 & 6.  Of course I am keeping up with how Jeanette K is doing and if the Lord decides to take her home in the next week I will change my plans.  She has been amazing these last 3 weeks and I know her family is so so greatful for this special time with her.
I am going to have to be sure and get some more sun before I leave as I do not want to arrive home and have people ask me why no sun tan.  I have not seen the sun here in a couple of days but maybe today.
Need to get some things done.

A certain change from Minnesota!!

The pictures are from today.  Drove to the beach to watch the sun set.  It was wonderful.  The beach picture are people who come to the beach, bring drink and eat and just sit to watch the sun go down.  As it disappeared in the horizon people clapped!  The houses are right on the beach and I can not imagine what a person would need to buy something like that.  For the family and friends in or around MN I thought you may get some winter relief by looking at the pictures.  I guess one can enjoy them or get upset with them!!!!
Not a lot to say.  I am certainly enjoying warm weather activities, enjoying the sun, enjoying the warmth, feeling great when I dig my toes into the warm sand on the beach and the list could go on and on.  Woke up to a temp of 70 this morning and by mid afternoon it was only 75 but a bit humid.  I saw among the fancy cars down here a deep blue Bentley converible and wished I had one but instead decided to name my fancy bike that Aaron built Bentley and will settle for that.  So tomorrow when I finish my tennis lesson and get on the bike in the afternoon I will say to myself "OK Bentley lets go for a nice warm ride!"
I almost shiver when I look at the MN weather but then I say to myself it will not be long and I will be in it again.
Enough for tonight.

Exercise, sun, beaches and more

I continue to enjoy warm weather, sun shine, beaches, and much more.  Not a lot to say other than to say that I have never experienced this kind of weather in January except when Gail and I spent much of Janurary in Hawaii.  I have experienced mostly sunny skies with day time temps in the low to mid 70's.  I have enjoyed walks, tennis, biking and much more.  The other night I almost inhaled some lobster tacos and then for lunch yesterday had a crab spread on crachers that was almost to die for.  Well it may not have been that good but it sure was something one could not get in MN and it tasted really good.
Will close for today but will leave with the thought that warm weather in January is pretty nice!!

Another first

Spent most of yesterday in Fort Lauderdale on the east coast.  Drove on alligator ally over there and then enjoyed the ocean and beach. No biking yesterday but did get in a nice walk. 
The weather continues to be nice here.  Woke up to 62 this morning and as I was on a walk a lady looked and said you sure are brave to have shorts on!!  I thought it was warm.  I think the temp will end up being about 72 or so by mid afternoon.  Hard to complain with that.
I am keeping in touch with the Krauses and how Jeanette is doing.  I plan to fly back if the Lord decides to take her home soon.  At this time the fares are in the $140 range which is doable.  There was a note this morning on her Caring Bridge and it sounds like she is still up and around a bit and doing somethings for herself which is good. 
Not much more to say for now.

I DID IT

I did it.  Went out and found some spandex.  Not the $130 ones but the $35 ones.  They actually felt great and I think they made me faster!!!!!!! I will not share a picture that could show any bumps or lumps of unwanted fat that do dwell on my slow body!!!

A fun day

It ended up being a fun day.  Drove over to Jim and Judy Clasen who are in Fort Myers for January.  Went on a 18 mile bike ride, sat in the pool and hot tub and then out to dinner. I think that beats the cold and icy weather one would have in MN.
The weather continues to be low to mid 70's here with mostly sunny skies.  It has been great for bike riding.  I really really like the bike Aaron made for me.  Each time I ride it I learn to appreciate it and like it better.  On the ride today it was windy and over several bridges.  On the way out the ride was hard but on the way back it was wind at the back and as we approached one high long bridge I decided I just had to open up a bit.  It was so fun to ride (fast for me) 26/27 mph over the bridge.  Never would have been able to do that on my other bike.  It certainly shows thata slow body needs a fast bike!!
Will head over to the east coast tomorrow and most likely only for the day but should be fun.

I finally did it

I finally got my first bike ride in.  I think those legs are a bit out of shape but the 18 miles were fun.  I even had to shed my light jacket after 9 miles as it was too warm!! It was really not to difficult to wake up to 62 degrees this morning.
I am in a bit of culture shock.  The culture, the cars, the money, the weather and pretty much everything is very different than I have ever seen.  It seems like most of the cars one sees are high end Lexus or BMW or Mercedes or some other expensive car.  The weather has been so so nice and the food has been fun.  I had a lobster salad for lunch today that was very good.
I hope all is well in MN and the cold is not too cold!!  This warm weather could be habit forming!
I am so excited for the Krauses and the time they are having with Jeanette.  Come Lord to heal her.

Warm weather??????

I am not sure I like warm weather!!  Yesterday I asked myself if I needed to wear a coat as I left Memphis and decided I did not.  137 miles later I decided it was time to stop and put in gas.  Well my wallet was in my red coat which was still in Memphis!!!  So it was turn around and drive back and then turn around and leave again. 
I ended up in Birmingham for the night at 9:00 PM having driven about 500 miles but really only about 240. 
I guess one can be upset or say it is what it is and it is nice to see country that one has never seen before. 
I am keeping up with how Jeanette K is doing and have not decided what I will do but my prayers are with her, John and the whole family.  Brings back many many thoughts of 2009.
No I best get going here as I plan to take my wallet and get to FL today.

On that road again

I have now driven about 1200 miles and have not seen snow for some time!!!  Stayed with sister Helen and her husband Mike for a couple of days and that was fun.  Helen of course is a bit crazy but in a good way.  She also makes a mean potato salad but I didn't eat much of it.  Well actually I ate most of it!
Stayed in Memphis last night.  Have never never been in this part of the country so it has been kind of fun.  I did get a call from the Krauses and also read the Caring Bridge entry so I do not know what I will do.  I know the Lord is with them, the family as well as Jeanne and John.  It is such a difficult time and the only thing that carries one through is the Lord.
No the hotel has a breakfast so will enjoy that before I hit the road again.

Happy 2011

You can not go wrong starting the new year with these two little gals!!!  Faustina, on the left, is 2 yr 7 months and Audrey is 2 yr 2 months.  I would say they are the cutest!
As we start the new year here the temp is +2 and there are snow flurries in the air.  I think winter temps and conditions have come back to say you live in the north and expect it to be cold and snowy. 
I practiced being a bit lazy this morning as I woke up, said good morning to Wallace, had a cup of french press coffee and went back to bed for a time.  I am planning to hit the road to warmer places tomorrow so thought I could use the extra sleep as I will be driving for about 10 1/2 hr tomorrow.  I must get to Helen/Mike's before it is dark and they live in Holiday Island AR.  Helen has promised me potato salad so that is exciting.  I am mostly packed but need to do some things around here before tomorrow morning.  I am bringing Wallace to Cynthia/Mike's and actually have begun to be a bit lonesome.  I usually sit in the kitchen at the computer and he likes to stick his head through the doorway and put it under my right arm.  He is so good as he does not have the run of the house so he stays in the back entry way.  It would be so much fun to take him with me but he is big (80 pd) and he just does not fit into the car.  I would have to drive the truck if I took him and that is just toooooo much gas!
No, I had best get the dishes washed, put a load of clothes in and get the house in better order.  The work is never ending when there is nobody here to help pick up!!! 
As I travel south and enjoy the warm weather I will blog some but not every day.