Thursday, January 1, 2026

Back to Sunny Florida = BBbbrrrrrrr

We're back to sunny Florida but there's one problem --- it's cold!  It was 38 last night and only 66 today --- BRRrrrrrr!   

We left on Sunday at 4:00 a.m. as planned.  We just drive steady and only stop for gas and bathroom.  I bring food to eat on the road and we're careful to hydrate.   Traffic seemed to be less, perhaps because it was Sunday.

Just south of Daytona, we saw one of those big hunks of recap tires that fly off trailer trucks go under the car in front of us.  Then we ran over it, and Gary could see it go under the car behind us.  It happened so fast we hardly blinked.  At that point, traffic was pretty heavy so we didn't stop.  

However, when we turned to get into my community, we heard a scraping noise.  We made it home and were totally SHOCKED to see what had happened!!!


It knocked the parking light out and ruined the front bumper.  There was also a piece of black skirting underneath that was ripped.

What a freak, fast, and furious incident this was!  It could have been much worse and we're thankful it wasn't.

On Monday,  Gary called the number for our Progressive car insurance company.  He got an agent who really knew her stuff.  He was able to send her the photos and cards that she needed.   In short order, she set everything up, including their approved dealer to fix it.  

They (Collision Champions) called the next morning.  It was about 2 miles away and as soon as we arrived, they had the Enterprise driver there to get our rental car.

Then comes the challenge of getting the house in order.  My neighbor, Gene Pinson (bless him), had turned on our water.  

Oh, we left at 4 a.m. and arrived here in Port St. Lucie about 8 p.m.  Not bad -  I was able to drive some to give Gary a nap.  Gary is a very calm, relaxed, and careful driver.  The trick to this whole scenario is leaving at 4 a.m.

Yesterday, my Angel Touch Cleaning Team came and they, as always, cleaned every corner of my house, including windows inside and outside.  Sandra Goldblum comes with 4 gals and she works too.  I used to have her twice a month when I lived here fulltime but I've been having her once a year for several years now.  They do a fantastic job!  

We're gradually getting the computers set up and getting them to print wirelessly on my printer in the guest room.  We've been to the store for some food and I even cooked supper tonight.  I'd forgotten how complicated it is to make bacon, scrambled eggs, and toast - especially getting it all to come out hot at the same time.

Oh, I did forget to tell about our favorite thing - we love to stay up late and sleep late.  I woke up with my phone about 9.  Gary slept beside me till 11:30.  Such luxury.

Gary did what many people do on New Year's Day - watched football almost the whole day long!

I'll close with a chilly greeting: 

Happy New Year!!! 

2026 Will be a good year, yes?"