Sunday, February 26, 2012

We stayed up past our bedtimes last night playing Trivial Pursuit and Uno with Jeff and Susan. I think it was 2:00 when we headed up to bed. (The girls won Trivial Pursuit, but I was the big loser in Uno) It was fun though.

Today our other children and grandchildren came to Jeff and Susan's for a pizza party. The kids were so good, loud at times, but good. It was great to have all of us together. This is what made being here in the cold and snow flurries worthwhile.

Friday, February 24, 2012

We are in Cincinnati. Yea! We left Sanford, Florida yesterday at 5:15 P.M. and arrived this morning around 7:30 A.M. We got to see Clara and Lindy for 10 minutes before they left for school this morning. We are staying with Jeff and Susan and, of course, Kate. It was 85 degrees when we left Florida and my darling husband was wearing shorts and a short sleeved shirt. When we arrived in Cincinnati, it was cold and very windy. He changed as soon as we got inside the house. We are planning on staying until Monday, March 5th. Mom's birthday party is the 4th.

We slept for a couple of hours, got showered, and now feel human. We are looking forward to every minute of our time at home.

Wednesday, February 22,2012

Wow!

Today while playing cards on the aft deck with John, we were watching two alligators swimming around in the harbor. One was the same 8 foot one we saw yesterday. I took another picture of him and am posting it here today. Later Jim (John's brother) arrived. We went out for dinner to a restaurant that was supposed to have a fish and chips special for Ash Wednesday. We didn't get there until 6:45 and not only was there no more fish and chips, they were out of all fish with the exception of shrimp. Apparently there were more Catholics there for dinner than they were expecting. We enjoyed both the food and the conversation. Unfortunately, he has to leave already tomorrow.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

It looks like a log, but it is definitely an alligator.

The Green Hornet dressed for Mardis Gras.

Mardis Gras outfit

We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of John's brother. We don't get to spend much time with him, so we are glad to have a little one on one time to visit. It won't be long (Friday) that we are going to leave here to go home for Mom's birthday party. We are looking forward to seeing family and friends while there.

John and I walked up to town this afternoon. With it being Fat Tuesday, we saw a few people dressed up like Mardis Gras. I am putting a couple of pictures on the blog.

Also, tonight we were eating dinner on the aft deck and we saw an eight foot long alligator swim by. I ran to get my camera and I did take a picture, but it was pretty far away and the picture isn't very good. I am including it though. You might have to use your imagination a little bit.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Today I got the long overdue haircut. The last haircut I got was right around Thanksgiving. Granted it was cut very short back then. Recently my hair was driving me crazy. So, today it has been taken care of. Yea!!! I feel like a different person.

Steve, your friend Jim came over to the boat today and said that you read our blog. So, Hi there, Steve. It is such a small world. Hope everything is good in Cincinnati.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

After Church, we went to Christo's for breakfast. Then, I cleaned the inside of the boat and John cleaned the outside. It looks so pretty. The wind picked up and started blowing us around. John noticed that the cover for our portable generator had blown away. He checked Norm's car and found that his cover that had been on the car, wasn't anymore. So, we ran up to the parking lot and found his car cover. Someone had rolled it up and stashed it in front of his rear tire. So, we put it in our van and went in search of our generator cover. We walked B Dock and saw it floating in the water about 5 slips farther down than ours and in the middle of a slip on B Dock. I went back to get our boat hook and John's fishing pole, so we could reach the cover from the dock. By the time I got back over to where John was waiting, the cover had blown right to him and he was able to pick it out of the water. We are supposed to get heavy rain and wind tonight. No matter what, they definitely got the wind part right this time.

We grilled chicken for dinner tonight. That absolutely means it will rain. John didn't get the name Chief Thundercloud for nothing.

Saturday ,February 18, 2012

The high temperature today was 74 degrees, but it was humid. John thinks its going to storm tonight because of how the weather was today. We walked up to the Farmer's Market and I made an appointment to get my hair cut on Monday. It needs it so bad. After we got back from there, I printed my Joann Fabrics coupons and headed out for a little shopping therapy. It was so much fun. They have a pretty good ad for President's Day weekend. With my coupons and the sale, I saved more than I spent. Simplicity Patterns are on sale 5 for $5. I bought 2 that are normally $16.95 each. Pretty good, huh?

I am a bit homesick tonight. We are missing two family birthday parties. Almost all of my family will be together tonight. Kate's 2nd birthday party was this afternoon. Happy Birthday, Kate! Tonight the every other month group birthday party is at my brother's house. Oh, well. Hello, everyone!!! See you soon.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Every day is a little bit better. I think John is feeling a little better as well. He ate normally today and we went out running errands and for a walk after dinner. It's only 7:30, and I'm worn out, but my routine is pretty much back to normal.

We had a nice rain shower this afternoon. We really need the rain here. The water level in the St. John's River is low right now. However, we spoke to Norm and Sue and they did not have any issues with the water depths. Everything seems to be going well for them so far.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Well, Norm and Sue left this morning, heading for Beaufort, North Carolina. We stood on the dock and waved good-bye to them as they floated away. I am certainly going to miss their smiling faces. Sue is my exploring buddy. We both like to do the touristy things and our husbands do not. Our plan is to catch up with them in a couple of months and then cruise to the Chesapeake Bay with them.

Since it's difficult to get and manage cash while we are cruising, especially without a car, the four of us came up with a plan to handle money between us. I kept a notebook in my purse, and every time we shared the expense of something (like gasoline or car rental), or we picked something up at a store for the other couple, it was put in this notebook. I kept a running total. The idea was that when it got to be $100 one way or the other, we would pay up. Well, instead of doing that, if it got out of whack, the couple who owed the other couple would buy that couple's lunch or dinner when we went out until it got pretty much even again. It worked out really well for us the entire time we have been cruising together. It's sure a lot easier than passing small amounts of money back and forth all of the time.

Today was my post-op doctor appointment. The doctor said the biopsy was good and everything looks fine. Glad that's over with. Now we have to get John back on his feet. My doctor recommended an Urgent Care for John and he now has a prescription for an antibiotic. I certainly hopes that works for him. We are getting cabin fever. There are things to do, places to go, and people to see.

There is already another boat in Norm and Sue's slip next to us. The people pulled in this afternoon and we were talking to them. They have a gold AGLCA burgee which means they have completed the loop at least once. Anyway, they saw our port of call is Aurora, IN and asked if we kept our boat at Earl Bratfish' place. He also knew Bob Todd from Catalina. He said he still talks to Steve Todd. He is a retired lawyer, but I don't remember his name. We'll talk again and I'll ask him. It is definitely a small world.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Norm and Sue came over for Happy Hour tonight, but John didn't feel well enough to come outside. Tomorrow is my doctor appointment and I think we will ask her about who John should go to see about his condition. If it was just a bug, he should have been over it by now.

I met the couple in the boat beside ours. It's called "Brown Eyed Girl". The people seem really nice. They went out for a ride and when they came back, Norm and I caught their lines. I stood out there talking to them for the better part of an hour. You meet the nicest people in marinas.

The rest of the day I spent doing Sagel genealogy research. That is one of my favorite things to do, along with sewing, boating, reading, and scrapbooking. And, thanks to Paul, singing karaoke.

Valentine's Day 2012

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you and your lovers.

Today is the first day since Friday that I have put real clothes on instead of a nightgown. I am no longer taking pain medication. I even walked to the office to pick up mail. So, I am doing much better. John started out rough this morning, felt better in the late afternoon, enough to eat dinner, but then felt crummy at bed time again. Hopefully, tomorrow will be good for him. I hate to see my Valentine Sweetie not feeling well. He gave me a very sweet card today. I didn't even manage to get him a card. I love you, John. Just so you know.

Norm and Sue were preparing to leave here in their boat tomorrow, but they still have a couple of things to do. Therefore, we will get to see them one more day before they take off. They are heading to a Hatteras Rendezvous in Beaufort, North Carolina. We don't have a Hatteras, so we are not going there. We plan to catch up with them after we come back from my Mom's big birthday party. It will be strange traveling without them. We will miss them while we are apart.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Well, my nurse John is now sick. He has chills and an upset stomach, which he didn't get from me. However, we are a great pair. Nothing exciting is going on here. We sleep and watch TV. Hopefully, tomorrow will be better for both of us.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

This has been a very boring day. I didn't sleep all day like the past two days, but I'm not moving around a lot either. John continues to wait on me hand and foot. It's hard to sit here and let that happen. Every day gets a little bit better. Both of us will be happy when things get back to normal. It is nice to feel so loved though. Norm and Sue brought some lovely flowers over yesterday. They make me smile every time I see them.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

The surgery has been completed. My gallbladder was able to be removed laproscopically. That should make recovery a lot easier and faster. So glad to be this far along. My stomach is sore, but I'm certain it will feel better every day. Yesterday was spent sleeping. Today has been spent sleeping as well. My wonderful nurse John is taking very good care of me. He has many domestic talents that he had not displayed before. Granted, these are not things he likes to do, but it is nice to know that he can, if need be. Thank you to all of you for your prayers and well wishes.

The air conditioner is now fixed. Just in time for the high temperature tomorrow of 53 degrees. That figures. We have taken care of a lot of little things on the boat since we have been here in Sanford. "Seas 2 Day" is looking better all the time.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

We had come back from Mom and Dad's on Wednesday because the canvas people were coming with the new windshield cover. Well, Julie called and said she got called into work and couldn't come until today. Drat. We could have stayed a little longer. They came this morning around 10:30 with our new windshield cover. It's white canvas and we are happy to get the navy blue one off of the boat. It is so dark inside the boat with the blue cover on and sooo much brighter with the white.

I went grocery shopping so that John would have food that is easy to make in case I'm not up to cooking for a few days. Tomorrow is the surgery. Yuck!

Today is the 2nd Thursday of the month. That means Sanford has their "Alive After Five" street fair. This month the theme is Mardis Gras. There were several bands. Lots of Cajun food. Lots of alcohol. Lots of people. We went there with Norm and Sue and had a good time.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Have you missed me? It's been a few days since I've blogged. We went to Venice to visit with John's parents. I didn't bring my computer along. John brought his. I intended to blog on his computer, but we forgot to bring our wireless MI-FI. Not only that, but Mom and Dad had issues with their computer while were there as well. I guess I wasn't meant to blog for those few days. Sorry. So, to get you caught up, we arrived on Monday around lunchtime. Mom had a wonderful spread for lunch: Ham, sweet potato souffle, broccoli, corn, salad, bread, and apple pie ala mode. She really knocked herself out. We visited and played bridge. Monday night, while playing bridge, John and Mom were partners. John bid 2 spades and Mom said 6 spades (small slam). To her utter amazement, John said 7 spades, a grand slam. Not only did they make the grand slam, it was a lay down hand. It was the most amazing hand of bridge any of us had ever seen. In the past, we have seen people take all of the tricks, but they had not bid them. This is a hand they will never forget.

Mom is teaching a water aerobics "class" in the pool at their condo. Since she goes out and does this each morning, some of the other ladies asked her if she would show them what to do. So, now she has "groupies". I was fortunate enough to exercise with them Tuesday morning and it felt really good to work those muscles.

We had a great time and were sad when it was time to leave. We arrived back in Sanford around 2:30 this afternoon.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Today was spent getting all of Monday's chores done so that we can leave in the morning to go to Venice and visit Mom and Dad. It's nice to know that when we come back, everything will be neat. This evening, Norm and Sue, and John and I walked over to Wolfy's to watch the Super Bowl. We went a little early, in case they were crowded. However, it wasn't as crowded as a regular Sunday football game. I guess the locals probably had Super Bowl parties at people's homes. We ate dinner there and stayed to the end of the game. It really didn't matter to us who won, as the Bengals weren't participating. I rooted for New York and the rest of our little group rooted for New England. Jeanne and Wes walked over toward the end of the third quarter. They are leaving here in the morning. It was nice to meet up with them again and hope they have a good trip.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

John and I walked this morning. We walked to a cute, little coffee shop on the water and sat outside, eating our breakfast. Then, we walked to town and shopped at the "Farmers' Market". There were more booths than previously, possibly because this is the time when Florida is so much more crowded. John spied some cute little things to take home for the grandchildren when we go home for Mom's birthday. We also bought some kettle corn.

At lunchtime, we went with Norm and Sue to Gator's. Happy Hour was at 5:00 P.M. on the back of our boat. The weather today was warm and breezy, just perfect. In between it all, John and I both spent a lot of the day reading. All in all, it was an enjoyable day.

Friday, February 3, 2012

This morning was the pre-op visit. After getting back, the people who arrived here yesterday on their boat Miss Ruby, came over and we took them to UPS store and the Liquor store. We invited them to come for Happy Hour. Their names are Wes and Jeanne and they made their boat from start to finish. It took them 7 years and it is beautiful.

We had good news about two of the people on my prayer list. Prayers work!! There are still many more people on my list, but I'm not going to stop praying.

Thursday. February 2, 2012

This morning, bright and early, John took our van to the Chrysler dealership to be worked on. We had a stack of recalls we had been collecting, our air conditioner wasn't blowing cold air, and our check engine light was on. He dropped the car off at 7:00 A.M. and the guy brought him back to the marina. It was a good thing because it wasn't finished until after 6:00 P.M. The air condioner problem was one of the recalls and the check engine light was because the gas cap wasn't properly screwed on. So, we got by for virtually no money. That made our day!

Sue and I went for a pretty long walk today and visited a museum. That was fun. Later, a boat called Miss Ruby came into the harbor. We had met them at the Rendezvous in Rogersville back in October, 2010. We walked over to their dock and visited with them for about an hour. They are only planning on being here through the weekend. Hopefully, we can hook up with them again before they leave.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Mural on the wall and Sue's pony tail.

Carol and one of the two band members.

Same band member playing a Swiss Alp horn. "Ricola!!!"

I've done it again. It seems every time I blog about something that is planned for the future, I jinx it and it doesn't happen the way I said it would. I am talking about our trip to visit John's parents. We were supposed to leave on Friday and come back on Sunday. Instead, we are leaving on Monday and coming back on Wednesday. Oh, well.

Tonight after Happy Hour, Norm and Sue, and John and I walked up to Willow Tree. We sat at the bar and had Bavarian pretzels and beer (except for me, I had diet Pepsi) and listened to the German band. We had a really good time. These are pictures from the restaurant/bar.