All went smoothly at the closing yesterday. The lady who owned the house was, to our surprise, there. She's 89 and I'd say she could pass for 70 both physically and mentally. She did mention that she was a tennis player so maybe that, along with good genes, makes her so "with-it".
Our next step was a visit to the friendly tax office, which proved to be a long and laughable experience:
1. We went to the information desk and the lady had us sign on our forms.
2. We had to go across the hall to another office, stand in line and wait while that lady did all sorts of things in her computer.
3. She sent us back across the hallway to another counter, where we stood in line. That lady went through computer searches and asked her co-worker's help. They couldn't find that address. Then said, "Oh, you need to go over there to that other counter."
4. We went there and the lady sent us back to the Counter 3 that we'd just left.
5. From there we were bounced back across to Counter 4. Counter 4 worked for a while and called Counter 3. After a discussion and lots more computer work, we seemed to be finished.
6. As soon as we walked outside, the Counter 4 gal chased us down for one more paper.
Perhaps some confusion came because we get a title for the house and a deed for the land. No matter which way you look at it, we'll have the opportunity to pay taxes!
We went to the house and had the locks rekeyed. During that time the State Farm guy came and took pictures. We're making progress bit by bit.
We ended our outing with a nice lunch with George and Kay (Ed's bro & his wife). It was a busy, productive, amusing, and pleasant day!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
"Free" Furniture
Ed and I went browsing in some furniture stores on Saturday in case we didn't get the furniture in the deal. Looking made us all the more aware what nice things are in our house-to-be. George let us know that evening that the deal is a "go".
We went back to the house on Sunday to make an inventory list to give to the listing agent and discovered a few more "freebies" (things included in the house sale).
The bed in the guest room has sheets and everything!
Kay, Ed and I were surprised at how comfortable these chairs in the Florida room are - they kind of rock.
The white wicker buffet and lamp might get promoted to inside the house. I love wicker and rattan and was shocked to see how expensive it is!
In the shed, there is a little gardening wagon -- guess who will be using that!
We went back to the house on Sunday to make an inventory list to give to the listing agent and discovered a few more "freebies" (things included in the house sale).
The sofa is very comfortable, the coffee table is unique, the end table has storage, and the lamp is very attractive.
The bed in the guest room has sheets and everything!
Kay, Ed and I were surprised at how comfortable these chairs in the Florida room are - they kind of rock.
The white wicker buffet and lamp might get promoted to inside the house. I love wicker and rattan and was shocked to see how expensive it is!
In the shed, there is a little gardening wagon -- guess who will be using that!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Closing Tomorrow
It's hard to believe - we saw this house last Friday and are closing on it tomorrow! We certainly enjoyed working with our very helpful Realtor (Ed's brother). Maybe that made things go smoothly?
Mabel, the present owner, is 89 years old and is in an assisted living facility here in Port St. Lucie. Besides being eager to get in and get started on a few things, we wonder where we would be if something happened to her in the meantime.
Mabel won't be at the closing (as far as we know) but we can tell she's a real lady. The house is spotlessly clean and the homeowner documents and folder of manuals that she had are very orderly. Another good indication that she is thoughtful and classy is that she left soap and a small towel in the bathroom, along with plenty of toilet paper.
Mabel, the present owner, is 89 years old and is in an assisted living facility here in Port St. Lucie. Besides being eager to get in and get started on a few things, we wonder where we would be if something happened to her in the meantime.
Mabel won't be at the closing (as far as we know) but we can tell she's a real lady. The house is spotlessly clean and the homeowner documents and folder of manuals that she had are very orderly. Another good indication that she is thoughtful and classy is that she left soap and a small towel in the bathroom, along with plenty of toilet paper.
Our Offer Included Furniture
When we decided we wanted to make an offer on this house on Marlberry Court in the Savanna Club in Port St. Lucie, FL, we went back to see it a third time. While George was getting the paperwork ready, Kay, Ed, and I explored the house some more.
There were several very nice pieces of furniture in there such as a teak table with 4 chairs, a sofa, a recliner, a double bed in the guest room, a table with 4 comfortable chairs in the Florida room, AND a beautiful dresser!
There were several very nice pieces of furniture in there such as a teak table with 4 chairs, a sofa, a recliner, a double bed in the guest room, a table with 4 comfortable chairs in the Florida room, AND a beautiful dresser!
When the lady countered our offer, she made an exception for 2 items.
We were mentally kissing the teak table
and Ethan Allen dresser good-bye! 
Instead, she wanted the recliner and a small table!
We are ecstatic! The table and dresser are worth quite a pretty penny and are far nicer than we would have bought. What a bonus!
We were mentally kissing the teak table
and Ethan Allen dresser good-bye! 
Instead, she wanted the recliner and a small table!We are ecstatic! The table and dresser are worth quite a pretty penny and are far nicer than we would have bought. What a bonus!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Move-in Condition
The more we visit "our" house, the more we realize what a jewel it is. My brother would probably call it a double-wide -- nevertheless, it's a nice one, Phil!
We're pleased that there's a tree in front and two trees in the back.
There are also hurricane shutters on every window - the easy kind that you just pull the 2 sides together and fasten. If you've ever put up panel hurricane shutters, you know what a blessing these are.
The mirrored windows in the Florida room give privacy and help keep the room cooler.
This house is a custom design by the Jacobson company. There is a water view from three rooms, which is unique.
The breakfast nook view.
The living room view.
The view from the Florida room.
The driveway is wide enough for 2 cars and is freshly painted.
We're pleased that there's a tree in front and two trees in the back.There are also hurricane shutters on every window - the easy kind that you just pull the 2 sides together and fasten. If you've ever put up panel hurricane shutters, you know what a blessing these are.
The mirrored windows in the Florida room give privacy and help keep the room cooler.
This house is a custom design by the Jacobson company. There is a water view from three rooms, which is unique.
The breakfast nook view.
The living room view.
The view from the Florida room.
Ed and George Angelil going over paperwork.
Two years ago we gave each other an RV for Valentine's Day.....this year it looks like it's going to be a house!
p.s. Know anyone who might be interested in a really nice motorhome?
Two years ago we gave each other an RV for Valentine's Day.....this year it looks like it's going to be a house! p.s. Know anyone who might be interested in a really nice motorhome?
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Serendipity in Savanna Club House-Hunt
I think this is quite a "serendipity":
We looked at the Savanna Club (a manufactured housing development with over 1,800 homes) in Port St. Lucie in early November and again in December. We decided we'd rather pay more in order to own the land, rather than pay over $500+ a month to rent the land (forever!).
We saw quite a few houses on Thursday and came back to our "Home, Sweet RV" computer that evening.
In our printout papers from the day we looked in December, we found a house we'd like to see again but it hadn't shown up on the Realtors' Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for George that morning. (George is Ed's brother who is also our realtor)
Ed found the house on the web -- and for a lower price than when we saw it in December. George went to the MLS and discovered it had been put back on the market that very day and yes, it was reduced!!
Turns out, someone had made an offer soon after we saw it in December but couldn't get financing. What luck for us -- that kept the house tied up so we could have a shot at it.
Kay (George's wife) had not been with us in December so I specifically asked that she come with us because she's a very good sounding board to evaluate features. She barely got inside this house and declared, "Of all the houses we've seen, this is already the best one."
We made an offer and said we'd like to include the furniture pieces that are still in the house, then we tried to remain calm and cool.....
George called Saturday evening and our offer was countered with a slight price increase and a request to keep two pieces of furniture. (More about the furniture later.)
Naturally, we still have to get the inspections and jump through a few other hoops, but those things will fall into place step by step.
Now we're excited !!!! We're almost-owners of a winter house in Port St. Lucie, Florida! (about 80 miles north of Ft. Lauderdale).
p.s. Anyone like to buy an excellent RV?
We looked at the Savanna Club (a manufactured housing development with over 1,800 homes) in Port St. Lucie in early November and again in December. We decided we'd rather pay more in order to own the land, rather than pay over $500+ a month to rent the land (forever!).
We saw quite a few houses on Thursday and came back to our "Home, Sweet RV" computer that evening.
In our printout papers from the day we looked in December, we found a house we'd like to see again but it hadn't shown up on the Realtors' Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for George that morning. (George is Ed's brother who is also our realtor)
Ed found the house on the web -- and for a lower price than when we saw it in December. George went to the MLS and discovered it had been put back on the market that very day and yes, it was reduced!!
Turns out, someone had made an offer soon after we saw it in December but couldn't get financing. What luck for us -- that kept the house tied up so we could have a shot at it.
Kay (George's wife) had not been with us in December so I specifically asked that she come with us because she's a very good sounding board to evaluate features. She barely got inside this house and declared, "Of all the houses we've seen, this is already the best one."
We made an offer and said we'd like to include the furniture pieces that are still in the house, then we tried to remain calm and cool.....
George called Saturday evening and our offer was countered with a slight price increase and a request to keep two pieces of furniture. (More about the furniture later.)
Naturally, we still have to get the inspections and jump through a few other hoops, but those things will fall into place step by step.
Now we're excited !!!! We're almost-owners of a winter house in Port St. Lucie, Florida! (about 80 miles north of Ft. Lauderdale).
(Click on maps for a larger version.)
p.s. Anyone like to buy an excellent RV?
Friday, January 15, 2010
House Hunting is Hard
Correction: The manufactured development where we're looking is the Savanna (not Savannah) Club.
Whew! Why is it that the good houses are crammed in sooo close to the neighbors?Then the houses on water or the ones that back up to the preserve or golf course are strange designs?
One had a nice Florida room but you had to go through the master bedroom to get there. Who wants to be carrying food through their bedroom? Many of them are chopped into strange configurations. Several had nice big fancy living rooms but the family rooms were small. You can tell that you would likely never go into the fancy living room so all that space was wasted.
We found a nice design that flowed and was on water but it was really small (900 sq. ft) with the laundry outside.......if it came furnished and were about $40,000 cheaper, we might have been interested. No one said this would be easy, did they?
The quest continues.......
Whew! Why is it that the good houses are crammed in sooo close to the neighbors?Then the houses on water or the ones that back up to the preserve or golf course are strange designs?
One had a nice Florida room but you had to go through the master bedroom to get there. Who wants to be carrying food through their bedroom? Many of them are chopped into strange configurations. Several had nice big fancy living rooms but the family rooms were small. You can tell that you would likely never go into the fancy living room so all that space was wasted.
We found a nice design that flowed and was on water but it was really small (900 sq. ft) with the laundry outside.......if it came furnished and were about $40,000 cheaper, we might have been interested. No one said this would be easy, did they?
The quest continues.......
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Part Time in Port St. Lucie
A couple of people must have missed the post about our house hunting here in Port St. Lucie. We're looking for a manufactured home in Florida as a winter house. I'm not ready to give up my beautiful flowers in Virginia!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Moving North
Are we crazy? We are planning to move north......but only about 80 miles to Port St. Lucie on Wednesday. The Savannah Club development of 1800+ manufactured homes is there and is where we want to buy a winter haven/house. This will also give us a chance to get to know the area, find a church, etc.
We don't want to feel rushed and forced to just "settle"......we want something nice AND in our budget (doesn't everyone?) and this will give us time to look. George, Ed's brother, is our realtor, which helps a lot, too.
The St. Lucie RV Park, where we stayed in November, had a cancellation so we can stay there. Now I hope the RV won't sell too fast because it'll be convenient to stay in it while house hunting.!
We don't want to feel rushed and forced to just "settle"......we want something nice AND in our budget (doesn't everyone?) and this will give us time to look. George, Ed's brother, is our realtor, which helps a lot, too.
The St. Lucie RV Park, where we stayed in November, had a cancellation so we can stay there. Now I hope the RV won't sell too fast because it'll be convenient to stay in it while house hunting.!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Days in Paradise
Somehow we keep busy here in the Paradise Island RV Resort (that's a VERY loose interpretation of "resort"). This is the same park where we spent some time last winter. This is not a fancy place but it is right in the middle of Ft. Lauderdale and convenient to see family and friends. It's not like there are a lot of choices of RV parks here either.
Reading
Ed got a library card so we've been reading more than ever. He's gotten me back into using the library. I seldom read a book a second time so if I buy books they just fill up my house and they tend to get musty. Also, most RV parks have a trading library where you take in, say, five books and and trade them for five books -- honor system. So we have access to lots of books.
Shopping
I thought I was so smart and left presents for family when we went through Ohio and Texas. Somehow, in the weeks before Christmas there always seemed to be "just one more" gift. We took a grocery bag with a list of items needed for the church's food bank. I have to give Ed credit for doing that shopping -- I do hate grocery shopping! Now, it seems we are back to daily life where you always run out of things and need to shop.
Eating lunch out
As with many retirees, we enjoy eating out, especially for lunch. One week we ate at Olive Garden and Golden Corral. We are still looking for a Chinese buffet and a friend just told us about one that we will try soon. We then have a simple supper like cottage cheese with cantaloupe or eggs. For two people, it's sometimes cheaper to eat out than to cook at home.
Computer classes
Friends from my dive club, Chris and Jim Guld, are here in Paradise Island for the winter. They've been full time RVers since 2003 and are known as Geeks on Tour. They're building quite a reputation as they give computer seminars at RV rallies all over the country. Chris's favorite program is Picassa, Google's free photo editing program. They were invited to Google this fall and Chris participated in a Webinar about Picasa. They're offering a free computer class once a week for several months. If you want to find me on Wednesday evenings, that's where I plan to be.
Getting Together with Family and Friends
We've enjoyed seeing Stever (Ed's son), Lorraine and Sean several times. We've also seen Ed's sister and brother a few times, as well as some friends from church and Mary's dive club. Socializing with family and friends is always one of our favorite things to do.
Staying Warm
The cold snap that has hit all over has also caused some very chilly temps here. A couple of nights it's gone down into the low 40s with highs in the 60s. This has brought out my fibromyalgia pain so I've been pretty much staying inside and keeping warm. At least with the fibro-monster, I know things will get better in a few days. It's warm today but that second cold wave is on its way.
RV Maintenance
Just as with a house, there are always a few things that need to be fixed. During the last month, we've gotten a spring replaced in an awning, the dash AC fan settings fixed, the step cover working, a bad tire replaced and a new ice-maker installed. Each thing seemed to involve several motors and procedures, as well as many hours (RV repairs ain't cheap!)......almost two thousand dollars later, and things are shipshape.
We have our ad on RV Trader Online and we have another album with even more photos on a Picasa Web Album. We can be honest when we say to a potential buyer that everything works.
Reading
Ed got a library card so we've been reading more than ever. He's gotten me back into using the library. I seldom read a book a second time so if I buy books they just fill up my house and they tend to get musty. Also, most RV parks have a trading library where you take in, say, five books and and trade them for five books -- honor system. So we have access to lots of books.
Shopping
I thought I was so smart and left presents for family when we went through Ohio and Texas. Somehow, in the weeks before Christmas there always seemed to be "just one more" gift. We took a grocery bag with a list of items needed for the church's food bank. I have to give Ed credit for doing that shopping -- I do hate grocery shopping! Now, it seems we are back to daily life where you always run out of things and need to shop.
Eating lunch out
As with many retirees, we enjoy eating out, especially for lunch. One week we ate at Olive Garden and Golden Corral. We are still looking for a Chinese buffet and a friend just told us about one that we will try soon. We then have a simple supper like cottage cheese with cantaloupe or eggs. For two people, it's sometimes cheaper to eat out than to cook at home.
Computer classes
Friends from my dive club, Chris and Jim Guld, are here in Paradise Island for the winter. They've been full time RVers since 2003 and are known as Geeks on Tour. They're building quite a reputation as they give computer seminars at RV rallies all over the country. Chris's favorite program is Picassa, Google's free photo editing program. They were invited to Google this fall and Chris participated in a Webinar about Picasa. They're offering a free computer class once a week for several months. If you want to find me on Wednesday evenings, that's where I plan to be.
Getting Together with Family and Friends
We've enjoyed seeing Stever (Ed's son), Lorraine and Sean several times. We've also seen Ed's sister and brother a few times, as well as some friends from church and Mary's dive club. Socializing with family and friends is always one of our favorite things to do.
Staying Warm
The cold snap that has hit all over has also caused some very chilly temps here. A couple of nights it's gone down into the low 40s with highs in the 60s. This has brought out my fibromyalgia pain so I've been pretty much staying inside and keeping warm. At least with the fibro-monster, I know things will get better in a few days. It's warm today but that second cold wave is on its way.
RV Maintenance
Just as with a house, there are always a few things that need to be fixed. During the last month, we've gotten a spring replaced in an awning, the dash AC fan settings fixed, the step cover working, a bad tire replaced and a new ice-maker installed. Each thing seemed to involve several motors and procedures, as well as many hours (RV repairs ain't cheap!)......almost two thousand dollars later, and things are shipshape.
We have our ad on RV Trader Online and we have another album with even more photos on a Picasa Web Album. We can be honest when we say to a potential buyer that everything works.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Cold
Ed usually says, "It's too cold in Virginia, let's move to Florida."
With the temperatures falling into the low 40s and high 30s at night here in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida we have a new tune, adopted from our friend, Bob Burczyk, here at Paradise Island RV Park, "It's too cold in Florida. Let's move to the equator."
With the temperatures falling into the low 40s and high 30s at night here in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida we have a new tune, adopted from our friend, Bob Burczyk, here at Paradise Island RV Park, "It's too cold in Florida. Let's move to the equator."
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Red Hat Society
"The Red Hat Society began as a result of a few women deciding to greet middle age with verve, humor and élance, flair, and eagerness. "
*********************************
We are an international society of women that supports and encourages women in their pursuit of fun, friendship, freedom, fulfillment, and fitness.
Fun – we celebrate life at every age
Friendship – we solidify and expand the bonds of sisterhood
Freedom – we discover and explore new interests
Fulfillment – we realize our personal potential
Fitness – we embrace healthy, life-lengthening lifestyles
Friendship – we solidify and expand the bonds of sisterhood
Freedom – we discover and explore new interests
Fulfillment – we realize our personal potential
Fitness – we embrace healthy, life-lengthening lifestyles
*********************************
"While visiting a friend in Tucson several years ago, Sue Ellen Cooper impulsively bought a bright red fedora at a thrift shop, for no other reason than that it was cheap and, she thought, quite dashing. A year or two later she read the poem "Warning" by Jenny Joseph, which depicts an older woman in purple clothing with a red hat. Sue Ellen felt an immediate kinship with Ms. Joseph.
She decided that her birthday gift to her dear friend, Linda Murphy, would be a vintage red hat and a copy of the poem. She has always enjoyed whimsical decorating ideas, so she thought the hat would look nice hanging on a hook next to the framed poem. Linda got so much enjoyment out of the hat and the poem that Sue Ellen gave the same gift to another friend, then another, then another.
One day it occurred to these friends that they were becoming a sort of "Red Hat Society" and that perhaps they should go out to tea... in full regalia. They decided they would find purple dresses which didn't go with their red hats to complete the poem's image."
*********************************
WARNING by Jenny Joseph
When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go and doesn't suit me....
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick the flowers in other people's gardens . . .
The ending of the poem pleases its readers when the woman says:
But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.
*********************************
I am pleased and honored that my new friend, Bobbie Steinberg, invited me to this group. Thank you, Bobbie.
This group is a real mixture of ages, which is good. We're going out to lunch at a nice seafood restaurant in January. And, yes, they all had on red hats and purple clothes.
 |
| This photo was at our Christmas Party in 2011. |
Hospital Visit for My Computer
We got Windows 7 for my notebook computer and did a clean install. Maybe that upset it because the CD/DVD drive went nutty. Ed took it to the Best Buy Computer Hospital -- and it'll be gone for 3 weeks (shock, gasp, sigh!). On the bright side, we bought it last year on January 12th so the warranty is still good.
On the way home, Ed "just happened" to pass by Costco and ended up getting me another little (literally) Christmas present. He got the very last HP Mini 110 netbook (it was a floor demo) and it was one of those deals he couldn't refuse, plus, it came with Windows 7.
He says he's tired of seeing me lug my notebook computer all over the place. With this little baby, I just need to get one of those gigantic purses that everyone's carrying! Then I'll have to get a set of luggage wheels to carry the purse. It's so small that I had to trim my nails in order to type!
Anyway, I'm having fun setting it up. Bye for now.....off to create my Disaster Recovery System on a flash drive (not discs because netbooks are too small for DVD players).
On the way home, Ed "just happened" to pass by Costco and ended up getting me another little (literally) Christmas present. He got the very last HP Mini 110 netbook (it was a floor demo) and it was one of those deals he couldn't refuse, plus, it came with Windows 7.
He says he's tired of seeing me lug my notebook computer all over the place. With this little baby, I just need to get one of those gigantic purses that everyone's carrying! Then I'll have to get a set of luggage wheels to carry the purse. It's so small that I had to trim my nails in order to type! Anyway, I'm having fun setting it up. Bye for now.....off to create my Disaster Recovery System on a flash drive (not discs because netbooks are too small for DVD players).
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Bringing in 2010
It's hard to believe that 2009 is almost over. This old saying seems to apply: "Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer you get to the end, the faster it goes."
The year has had good and bad parts -- the good being our Dream Trip Out West, the bad being Ed going through chemotherapy. His cancer seems to be stable so at the present time, there is no plan for more chemo.
May 2010 bring you joy and all good things.
With love, Ed, MaryMay and Pepper
The year has had good and bad parts -- the good being our Dream Trip Out West, the bad being Ed going through chemotherapy. His cancer seems to be stable so at the present time, there is no plan for more chemo.
We plan to stay in our Home Sweet RV here in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and off the roads tonight to usher in the new year -- IF we can stay awake that late!
Happy New Year to you and yours!!
May 2010 bring you joy and all good things.
With love, Ed, MaryMay and Pepper
Monday, December 28, 2009
Search for Shelter Continues
Well, things were moving right along (meaning we've signed lots of papers) and looking good for getting the winter house we like. Then the glitch showed up -- this house does not come with land........the listing agent made a mistake!
Oh, well, we'll just continue looking. Knowing George is on our side makes me feel more secure in our search. Maybe we don't want the RV to sell too quickly!
Oh, well, we'll just continue looking. Knowing George is on our side makes me feel more secure in our search. Maybe we don't want the RV to sell too quickly!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Looking for a Winter Haven
We've pretty much decided that the Savannah Club in Port St. Lucie is the best fit for us. It's a big development -- over 1,800 homes -- which allows a great variety of activities. There are photography clubs, gardening clubs, exercise classes, a library, 3 club houses, play productions, etc. In a smaller development, there aren't the resources available to keep all those interest groups going.
One thing that Ed wants is to have a chance to make friends. When you RV, you meet people but you move on and they move on. He'd like to be able to come each winter and meet up with some of the same people.
Unfortunately, or fortunately, all those good deals we saw at the end of October are sold. In the meantime, we've pretty much decided that we're better off buying a place that includes the land rather than just renting it.
Ed's brother, George, is a realtor up there so he had places ready for us to look at last Tuesday. He had made appointments for a few and the other places were empty.
We found a place that we all like and it has great potential. It needs cleaning and painting but is open and spacious. He did the paperwork on Christmas Day for us to place a bid.
If we get it, this will be a marvelous Christmas present to each other! If it doesn't work out, we'll just keep looking. Time will tell.
One thing that Ed wants is to have a chance to make friends. When you RV, you meet people but you move on and they move on. He'd like to be able to come each winter and meet up with some of the same people.
Unfortunately, or fortunately, all those good deals we saw at the end of October are sold. In the meantime, we've pretty much decided that we're better off buying a place that includes the land rather than just renting it.
Ed's brother, George, is a realtor up there so he had places ready for us to look at last Tuesday. He had made appointments for a few and the other places were empty.
We found a place that we all like and it has great potential. It needs cleaning and painting but is open and spacious. He did the paperwork on Christmas Day for us to place a bid.
If we get it, this will be a marvelous Christmas present to each other! If it doesn't work out, we'll just keep looking. Time will tell.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Christmas Day 2009
We spent the day with Ed's brother, George, and Kay, our sister-in-law. They live in Port St. Lucie, which is about 80 miles north of Ft. Lauderdale. The drive was about an hour and a half with light traffic on I-95, although it was pretty heavy coming back in the evening.
During the drive and throughout the day, we talked to lots of relatives and friends. That's always a joy!
We got there late morning and started nibbling on deviled eggs, shrimp, and crab. George and Ed had some Kibbe nayeh.
Then we went to look again at a house in the Savannah Club that we like. We're trying not to get our hearts set on it because it's a short sale. However, it's been on the market almost a year and there are no other bids so George thinks we have a good chance.
Kay is still really hurting from her back surgeries and complications (She looks good in spite of pain, doesn't she?) so she rested on the sofa and I visited with her while Ed and George made the dinner. How blessed we are to have such wonderful husbands who also cook!
Kay is tired of turkey and ham so we had what sounded good to her. It was a wonderful meal of Filet mignon, baked potatoes, fresh asparagus with bernaise sauce, salad, lime jello salad and a Mrs. Smith's razzleberry pie (yum!).
During the drive and throughout the day, we talked to lots of relatives and friends. That's always a joy!
We got there late morning and started nibbling on deviled eggs, shrimp, and crab. George and Ed had some Kibbe nayeh.
Then we went to look again at a house in the Savannah Club that we like. We're trying not to get our hearts set on it because it's a short sale. However, it's been on the market almost a year and there are no other bids so George thinks we have a good chance.
Kay is still really hurting from her back surgeries and complications (She looks good in spite of pain, doesn't she?) so she rested on the sofa and I visited with her while Ed and George made the dinner. How blessed we are to have such wonderful husbands who also cook! Kay is tired of turkey and ham so we had what sounded good to her. It was a wonderful meal of Filet mignon, baked potatoes, fresh asparagus with bernaise sauce, salad, lime jello salad and a Mrs. Smith's razzleberry pie (yum!).
A lovely table always enhances food.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas Eve at Christ Church
We've been planning go to Ed's brother's home for Christmas. Kay's still recovering from her back surgery and all the complications following it. We feel that going up just for the day will be less stress on her.
One advantage in going for a one day trip is that we could attend the Christmas Eve service at our church here in Ft. Lauderdale. The 7:00 p.m. service seemed the best choice for us of the five services held.
As always, the reverence, inspiration, and beauty were just overwhelming. Last evening, it seemed especially sacred and our hearts were lifted as we participated in Christ's birthday celebration.
There are about 80 people in the choir and they sing like angels. Last night they also had a string quartet playing.
Merry Christmas to you, our cherished family and friends. 
We love you and miss you.
One advantage in going for a one day trip is that we could attend the Christmas Eve service at our church here in Ft. Lauderdale. The 7:00 p.m. service seemed the best choice for us of the five services held.As always, the reverence, inspiration, and beauty were just overwhelming. Last evening, it seemed especially sacred and our hearts were lifted as we participated in Christ's birthday celebration.
There are about 80 people in the choir and they sing like angels. Last night they also had a string quartet playing.
Merry Christmas to you, our cherished family and friends. 
We love you and miss you.Thursday, December 24, 2009
Marilyn and Mary Visit the Norman Rockwell Exhibit
There are some people who come into our lives and there are some who come into our lives and our hearts. I met Marilyn Keating in 1979 when I moved into the house next door to her in Wilton Manors, Florida. Oh, my, the experiences and confidences we've shared!! She's such a good listener and I admire her intelligence so much.
Yesterday was a wonderful day. Marilyn and I went to the Ft. Lauderdale Art Museum to see the Norman Rockwell Exhibit. I've always loved his work and have a whole new appreciation of it now. I never would have guessed how much planning and work went into each of his paintings.
When you go in, they give you a black remote-looking gismo to hang around your neck. Most of the paintings had a number by them. You punch in the number and hold the gismo to your ear like a phone. The commentary that played was so interesting, much of it narrated by one of Rockwell's sons.
Norman Percevel Rockwell (1894 – 1978) was a 20th century American painter most famous for the cover illustrations of everyday life scenarios he created for The Saturday Evening Post magazine over more than four decades.
I thought that maybe he just saw something in his imagination and painted it....but it was quite the opposite....he planned each with detailed notes, numerous sketches, then he used live models.
One example of his more serious work is The Problem We All Live With, which was on the cover of Look magazine in 1964. It dealt with the issue of school integration.
Yesterday was a wonderful day. Marilyn and I went to the Ft. Lauderdale Art Museum to see the Norman Rockwell Exhibit. I've always loved his work and have a whole new appreciation of it now. I never would have guessed how much planning and work went into each of his paintings.
When you go in, they give you a black remote-looking gismo to hang around your neck. Most of the paintings had a number by them. You punch in the number and hold the gismo to your ear like a phone. The commentary that played was so interesting, much of it narrated by one of Rockwell's sons.
Norman Percevel Rockwell (1894 – 1978) was a 20th century American painter most famous for the cover illustrations of everyday life scenarios he created for The Saturday Evening Post magazine over more than four decades.I thought that maybe he just saw something in his imagination and painted it....but it was quite the opposite....he planned each with detailed notes, numerous sketches, then he used live models.
One example of his more serious work is The Problem We All Live With, which was on the cover of Look magazine in 1964. It dealt with the issue of school integration.
Marilyn is one of those intellectuals who reads every word besides listening to the commentary.
One of the last rooms had over 300 framed copies of his Saturday Evening Post covers. It was mind-boggling to think that one person could accomplish so much.
I do remember this one from my younger days:
We had a delightful, long lunch at a restaurant near the Broward Performing Arts Center. Sitting outside seems to make food taste better and sharing with a friend, even better.
We had a delightful, long lunch at a restaurant near the Broward Performing Arts Center. Sitting outside seems to make food taste better and sharing with a friend, even better.
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