this and that

I'm ready for Christmas Day. Hopefully Christina gets a release from the Dr. so she can come for ther Holidays and meet family that she's never met. There should be about 13 family and friends here.I think it will be a real feast and a fun time..
Bill's half brother Jim and his family came and spent Sunday with me.They live in Apopka. Gale has had breast cancer and opted for a double mastectomy.She's had her chemo and radiation and looks and feels good. She's gone back to work teaching Cosmatology. Dee had her 3 children with her. Marissa is 10, Emanuel (Manny) is 6 and baby Xavier is 10 months. Their Daddy is Puerto Rican but they all have blue eyes.Xavier is a beautiful child.He doesn't hesitate to come into your arms.I was so glad I purchased a Shark steam floor sanitizer and had used it before they came. That baby was all over the floor and didn't pick up dirt, germs etc. as he might have.
Now the important stuff. Ron's blog tells what a terrible time he is having with his knee. He went to see the Dr. yesterday and then saw a medical Dr.who determined that he has a heart arrthymia. He admitted him to Palatka hospt. last night.Apparently his urine is very darkish red also.. Anyways, as soon as I finish this I'm going to get ready and head for Palatka. I'll stay overnight and then pick up Christina tomorrow.
I'm glad everything is under control here and I'm free to go check on Big Brother.He needs to get better so we can continue our Christmas plans.

It's a waiting game and the piggies came back

I just read my brother's blog and it made me think of one thing. If you want to make God laugh just tell him your plans.I'm sorry he (Ron)is having such trouble with his knee. It makes me hurt to think about it. Perhaps he needs to rest for awhile. After all he will be 70 on Monday. It's too bad about all their plans to go to theme parks but as long as they are okay it's okay.
Christina is supposed to come down for the Holidays but now we're playing the waiting game.She saw Dr. Arnel, the lung specialist. He has ordered a CATT scan on Friday. He will decide next Tuesday whether she can make the trip on Wed. I don't want anything to happen to her as much as I would like her to come to Fl.. I don't want her to be sick while here.
The pigs appear to have returned again. Two nights ago there was more digging up of areas that had just been raked etc. Perhaps it's a losing battle.
Janice and I went shopping today. We went to stores like Big lots, Tuesday morning, etc. etc. and are both about done. People are all courteous which isn't always the case at this Holiday time.
Jim and Gale, Dee and her children are coming over on Sunday. They said they might stay over and go back home on Mon. I didn't tell them I had a Christmas dance Sunday night.Of course I won't go to it if they stay. Its predicted to be 59 on Sunday so going to the beach doesn't seem attractive.
We had a good time visiting with Greg at Ruby Tuesday's in Daytona. Everyone agreed that it was fun.Don, janice, Ron, Laura, Greg, and myself were there.It was a quick business trip for Greg. He flew in on Sunday pm and flew out on Mon. pm

Sunday

Anticipation is sometimes better than the actual experience. I was so looking forward to the Adventsingen at St. Brendan's church on Sunday. I think it was a wonderful program but they kept the air on and it was already cold outside. Now it takes a lot for Don to get cold but he was miserably cold. We left early as we just couldn't stand it.I'm glad Tom and Helga didn't come down for it. They also would have been dissapointed.
Thank you Heidi for the picture of the snake. I'm just going to remember back on red is ok. I have learned the poem but couldn't recall it when needed. I should not have taken my eyes off it and should have looked at the stripes.
We're going back to the Outback Tuesday night to celebrate Janice's Birthday.(63)and brother Ron will be 70 on the 21st."Darling we are getting older."
I think most of my Christmas decorations are up.As a result of Mr. snake I'm cleaning out the garage and trying to get rid of "stuff" and places he could hide.I think he left however and I don't have to worry but no sense taking any chances.















N

I forgot

I forgot to mention that Don, Janice and I helped Annette with some more moving on Thursday. She had some of the girl's teenage friends and there were two strong men and she was moved into the new house by 2am.We only stayed until 7:30pm. I wish them well in their new home and neighborhood.
My Bubbles is very happy in his new home. I found a great big bowl for him and he really enjoys swimming, diving etc. He comes to the edge if anyone is there. I am really enjoying him.He doesn't know about the other 2. Or was it 3?
The pigs seem to have moved on to greener pastures. They are messing up lawns down the street.I'm going to try to smooth some of the lawn out in the next few days.We'll see what happens.
I keep watching for a new blog from Liza. I think she is a very busy girl especially now at Christmas time.Heidi's pictures are wonderful from Whistler.Kat is growing up fast.
My friend Warner Johnson made a DVD of the last night of roller skating at Evans skateland on November 30th. I watched it this morning. It was sad.There's the old saying "one door closes and another opens".

it's cold

The weather has changed. Today is Saturday and it's rainy and cold.I was going to go to watch Santa parachute in on the beach at Flagler and then the parade but it's too cold so I'm going to stay in and stay warm. I don't know if it got cancelled or if they all got wet.The Gators play at 4pm so I might just settle in and watch them.I'm supposed to go to a country dance at the Moose tonight but not sure if I want to.
I thought my back yard was ruined from the piggies but some of it has gone back into place. It is just sand under the grass.
I plan to have Christmas dinner here for any that want to come.Christina wanted to come here for Christmas vacation so I finally found a flight that will be good for her and for me. I didn't want to have to drive in Orlando. Heather from the travel agency found one today for me. Christina will fly from Buffalo at 8:30 am December 23and arrive in Jacksonville at 1:12 pm.She changes planes in Charlotte.She returns on January 1st leaving Jacksonville at 1:30pm.and gets back to Buffalo about 5:30pm. I look forward to her coming. I'll have someone in this house with me.I hope we can stop in St. Augustine on the way back from the airport.One of the ladies at the dances makes cakes and fudge for several of the stores in St. Augustine. Christmas Eve I hope to go to the candlelight service at the Palm Coast Methodist Church.
Sunday is the Adventsingen at St. Brendan's church at 3:30 pm.It is based on Father Joseph Mohr and Silent Night. Don and Janice are going with me. After we will eat at Alfies. It is Greg and Dina's sons birthday and if you take him a Birthday card you get 15% off your meal.They are so good to their customers.
Last Tuesday was very nice at the Outback. Ron wrote about it in his blog. Since I'm alone I order an extra meal and take it home.The steak and stuffed shrimp tasted good the next day.

They are back

I looked at my neighbor's back yard today. What an absolute mess!! I was sitting in my recliner and got a glimpse of movement out back. Yikes!! Two pigs and they have gotten bigger than last time I saw them.I have spread some grub killer over the yard. I'm wondering about hot stuff? They do sell a product to sprinkle on the lawn that has red pepper in it.Could I buy a bottle of cheap hot sauce and throw that all over the yard? I saw the trap today. It's 3 houses away from me.I also saw Dennis the other day and he says he hasn't got any of them yet with his bow and arrow. Laura said that Ron bought a bow with darts at the flea market. Wish he would come and get some practice.
I woke up this morning and had no leg pain. It's 9:00pm and I'm still ok.I have been putting Capsaicin ointment on my knees twice a day.The Dr. stopped my cholesterol medicine two weeks ago so between those two things I feel like a new person.I got a lot done today. I was nervous for awhile. What if I couldn't take care of this place?
I went to Palatka for Thanksgiving.Sue and Lester had it at their house. They had family from NY. Ron and Laura did the garbage can turkey.I didn't stay very long as I wanted to get home before dark.. I miss our traditional Holidays with relatives where we sit around and get caught up with everyone.Remember the year I took you to the abandoned Wilcox cemetery after our meal. There was a lot of snow on the ground then.Does anyone remember Mom, Aunt Edna and Grandma making candy. They would boil the sugar, water and flavoring and pour it onto a plate and stir and stir and stir until it became hard and then poured it onto waxed paper. I think that's how they did it. Aunt Edna always had her knitting with her.We never thought these days would end.
My friend Patti is in Caliifornia. She drove there to be there when her son came home from Iraq. Perhaps I have already said this. I am watching her plants for her. They are sitting in my garden tub. So far so good. I'm carefully watching one violet plant. I guess if it dies I'll have to get another- one you know like Bubbles.
And speaking of snakes I had one ready to come into my garage. It was really beautiful but I forgot the rhyme and I didn't look that closely to see the stripes. Was it a coral or the look alike? Did it come in or go out? went to shut the garage door and lost track of him. I now walk around the garage with a broom in my hand. My neighbor used to be in charge of the reptile house at the StatenIsland zoo.He came over and said if I see one to call him.He doesnt believe in killng snakes.I have to think about this!!!
Tomorrow (Tuesday) Don, Janice and I will go to Annette's and help her move more stuff to the new place. I can get quite a bit in my van.She has painted the rooms each a differnt color and quite vibrant. Kayla's room is bright yellow. She says it's a new beginning.
Sue and Lesterleave tomorrow for New York. They only have one Grandchild and want to be home for Christmas. hope the weather will be glad while they are there.
There are a couple of Birthdays this month. Janice on Dec. 7th, Chris on Dec. 17th and Ron on Dec. 21st.
Penn Traffic has filed Chapter 11. Chris will be done with them in Feb. It's sad. I think how hard Bill and Chris worked for that company.
.

computer woes

I haven't seen any boar. I heard that Dennis was "zinging" them.
I was invited to go to Orange Park yesterday to Mike and Leslie's and go with them to the Jaguar/Bills.game. They have season tickets and had an extra one. The rain ended and it turned out to be a wonderful sunny day.There were a lot of empty seats as neither team is doing very well. A lot of Bill's fans were there to cheer their team. I thought it was a good and exciting game although the regulars said too many mistakes were made.My inner self really wanted the Bill's to win but not so.It doesn't really matter.For those of you that believe I blew a little pixie dust to the team and that's when they made the 98 yd touchdown. I decided to put it away and let things happen as they will.Two jets flew over at the beginning and Navy Seals parachuted onto the field at halftime. Also there were fireworks,cheerleaders and the mascot. Zach was home so I got to see him some especially at the tailgate party beforehand.He is doing well at UF.
I left there and made it home in time for the dance at the Elks.I had to take some Ibuprofan for my knees. I hope I'm not going to have knee problems like other members of this family.
Leslie got me caught up with her parents. Her Dad has been ill and lost about 100 pounds. He now weighs 180. He's in a rehab. nursing home. All the children will be in Melboune for Thanksgiving and he will come home for the day.Mike has to work. So much for the retail business.If you should want to send a card to Wallace:

Wallace Rowan
349 Waddell Rd.
Melbourne Fl. 32901

Today I will meet Don and Janice and Mr. Murray at the restaurant where Annette works. We do this every 1-2 weeks. Usually it's for breakfast.It's an enjoyable time.
I'm still looking for my jewelry.I can't find some that I thought I brought from NY
I had an e-mail about Obama's Health Care package. It listed many sections where the Govt. will have complete control. I am concerned at my age that I will be put out to pasture.Is it true that he and Congress will have their own separete package?
Ron will be 70 very soon.(Dec.21) I thought we should celebrate this occasion somehow. Reading his blog I don't know how to fit it in!!!!!!!!!!Let us know Ron.
It's supposed to get cooler now. Maybe I will stay home and get some things done.
I read in the Post Journal that the 10,000 Maniacs will open the Dec.4th Christmas and Holiday parade in Jamestown.
Heidi and Liza are to be commended for their sites and keeping us all up to date on the progress and pictures of their children. Wouldn't it be nice if all family members had the time to do this? I look forward to seeing this every day.
Is the first Thanksgiving 1565 when the Spanish settlers landed in St. Augustine Fl.?
We have always been told that we had 3 ancestors who were Pilgrims and came on the Mayflower.. Richard Warren, Francis and John Cook.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone.

IT'S 11 AM AND THE WORLD LOOKS BETTER

I called Kathy in the office and asked her to come to my house. I wanted her to see how close the pigs are to my home.She said "what do you want me to do". Of course the answer was "get rid of the pigs." She left and saw Dennis from A to Z improvements and remembered that he shot with a bow and arrow. He came over and said he would take care of this situation. He spread food out in the woods so the animals shouldn't come in our yards. He will put up a stance behind my house and do a little Boar hunting.He said it should be taken care of by the end of this weekend. He's doing this just for the meat. He said he took out 3 last year that weighed 300 #.You can't shoot a gun but you can use a bow and arrow.
I almost hired Dennis when I bought the house to do the trimming, power washing etc.but decided to keep Tony who knows the house. Now I've made the decision to have Dennis do the work for me. He's been doing work for people since the Park opened.I like him and trust him. So this situation that has been dragging on for 6 weeks should come to an end shortly.Such a simple solution.I guess his family will be eating pork for Thanksgiving.Kathy tells me that the sod will all be replaced that is damaged. Suddenly I feel better. They probably won't do the very back part because they only do 100 ft from the curb.
I had hoped some good would come of this situation and it has. I decided I had to take a stand and not be mealy mouthed.You know nice but stern.
My neighbor came over when Dennis was here. She's a lovely lady and also a widow. She doesn't go to clubhouse functions because the people are clicky.I'm going to make sure I invite her when I go to anything and try to be her friend.She's an older woman named Thelma.When she went home she told me I had made her day.

PS Dennis said Swine flu is not related tothe Wild Boar. I just made some bluberry muffins. My friend John Scroxton from Bemus Pt.had hip replacement surgery so will take some to him and also take a couple to Kathy. John and Barb have had a home here for 10 yrs. I also thought I could have Loretta come down. She's good with a bow and arrow.

Swine

I woke up at 4 am so thought I'd have a look around. The pigs have been here and are only a foot from my concrete slab in the back. Since I'm up I went to the computer to look up wild boar. I am reading that swines are the perfect carriers of disease that can be spread to humans.Is this the swine flu? How concerned should I be? My BP is already up. (Dr. visit on Mon.) I guess I shouldn't even go out back.The office doesn't seem to want to do anything to help me. I've called animal control twice and they haven't returned my calls.I guess I'll find the police dept. and see if they wil help me.My back yard is slowly turning into a mud field.Everyone says to stay away from these animals.They are mean and dangerous. But it's okay if they come this close to me.My paradise is really not anymore.This will pass in time but for now it's really stressing me out.I'm going back to bed. Hopefully I can get a couple more hours of sleep.

Time slips away

I think of things to write and then don't take the time to do it. I'm finally feeling like I'm kind of settled in. My house looks good but the yard is a mess. I've told some of you that some of us have been invaded by wild boars. They have dug up the back yard and it looks like Grandpa Holcombs cow pasture.My neighbor told me when I came back so this has been going on for at least 6 weeks. I have seen the critters twice. There are six of them, four black and two tan.I guess they are the babies but they are quite large. Everyone says to stay away from them as they are
mean. Besides there is a Momma probably not far away. I was working so hard on that back area and was planning to put some flower baskets etc. there. It is such a pretty view from my sun room.I should say it used to be such a pretty view from my sun room. My concern is that they are now up to four feet from the house digging for acorns or grubs or whatever they dig for..I have complained to the office numerous times and have written a complaint twice. They try to take care of from within and don't hire professional trappers.I have talked with the Association president. You are not allowed to shoot a gun within the county limits. I have had some offers from friends but don't want them to get arrested.My Internet friend wrote this poem for me:

Norma's 6 piggies are now in town
plush grass dug and trampled all around
Shoot em, shock em, chase em away
Just make the ornery critters go away

I don't get to the pool as often as I want to but when I do I love it.The weather has been beautiful.I still go to the Singles dances on Sunday and Wednesday night. We have a lot of fun.
My friend Patti left today for a trip to California. She will be gone until after Christmas. Her son is home from Iraq and she will spend Thanksgiving and Christmas there with her family. I will miss her. She and I decided to go see live theatre so we went to Bunnell for the Rocky Horrow show. We didn't know the story but soon found out!!!!!
I received some disturbing news today from my friend Bob. The Evans roller rink in Jamestown is being sold to Mr.Salvage.The last night to skate is November 30th.It's sad but the crowd is older and getting smaller and could not support the rink.
What will I do for entertainment in Jamestown now?
I brought the picture of our Great-grandparents from Germany with me. Today I painted
the frame gold, cleaned the glass and hung it in my office. It looks very nice.The glass is oval and raised so I had to be very careful.
Wednesday I'm going to a domino playing party. I went to the first one with Patti and now have been invited to go again. They are lovely women and bring delicious goodies to eat and then they play dominoes.After that I'll go to the Singles dance where we have election of new officers and a pot luck dinner and then dancing.
I love to look at Heidi and Liza's blogs. It's like watching the little ones grow up before your eyes. Annette's children are getting big. Can you believe Kayla is already 17.I see Remy a lot.He has such beautiful blue eyes.He's in for a big surprise when his little sister gets here.

I had an e-mail about reminders in life. I'll just write a few:

Life is too short to waste time hating anyone

Cry with someone. it's more healing than crying alone

Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about

Everything can change in a blink of an eye.But don't worry:God never blinks

Take a deep breath. It calms the mine.

Get outside everyday Miracles are waiting everywhere.

Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

The best is yet to come.


Jane had trouble with her AC and the repairmman said it looked like someone had tried to get the copper wires. Now there's a double homicide on Alamanda (2 men)near her and the younger man was thought to be stealing copper. It was probably him. This is bizarre.
I'm going to check the blogs and facebook and then retire for the eveningIt will be a busy day tomorrow.

A new day

It's a beautiful day, not as hot as it has been.I'm going to a seminar today with Jane at the Bonefish Grill. They present some financial stuff and one gets a free lunch. I always learn something at these things and I've never been to Bonefish Grill so it should be an interesting day.Monday and Wednesday we have an AARP driving class.We get 10% off some of our car insurance.
The antique roadshow is at the LaQuinta Inn in Daytona so I have packed up some old dolls and if time will take them there after the seminar and see if I can get some appraisals. I suspect the place will be packed with people and it will be in vain but who knows.Tonight I will go with Patti to the Palatka dance. They have a pot luck dinner before the dance and always live music.
Wednesday will be the AARP class. Then Our Community hosts a party at the clubhouse. It's Hollywood night. They serve a beautiful meal and have an open bar, gambling, prizes and this year dancers from Arthur Murray. After that I'll go to our Wednesday night Singles Dance in Ormond.
Jon Campbell came and checked my disposal etc. He says they put very cheap ones in and they don't last. He took a screwdriver and tapped the unit a few times and it's working. He put my kitchen cupboard back on.He says I need a new sink faucet as I have very little pressure when the hot water is one. Ron,Laura, Lester and Sue came here Sun pm. Lester worked on my printer and Ron drove my van trying to find the other noise that I've been hearing.They think it's just the road noise.I'm gradually getting things taken care of thanks to family and friends.After that we met Don and Janice at Alfies for another fish dinner.A swimmer died on Saturday caught in a rip tide and it happened across the street from Alfies.I hate to hear that.
Janice and I changed our routine and instead of going saleing (garage)on Friday we went on Saturday. It's always a fun day. Laura is telling us about a couple of sales that go for over 5o miles. One is along AIA in St. Augustine.


Y MISSING PEARL

Many years ago Mike, Leslie and I went to Whitey's Fish Camp for dinner. This is in Orange Park.I thought I broke my tooth when I bit into the oyster but it was a little baby pearl. I kept this pearl for many years---just because--- and then it disappeared. I saw something on the floor yesterday near my jewelry chest and lo and behold it was my little pearl.I guess I had it the whole time and just forgot where I put it.

Frustrations

I want everything done and fixed right now and it just doesn't happen that way. I tried to fix my disposal the way the man at Ace Hardware said to but there's no place to put the little wrench to turn it. I can live without the disposal so that's ok.I have 5 TV's and only 2 of the remotes will work. I don't have instructions for the other 3 so not sure what to do about that. I can only watch one at a time right? I started cleaning up the area out back where the wild boars caused so much havoc. I worked for about an hr. today pulling out the dead grass and shoveling the sand to make it smooth again Hopefully the grass will grow again.I can't get my printer to work so may as well go buy a new one.
I thought I had the car noise figured out but when I drove it I still heard the noise. Janice and I took turns riding in the very back of the van. That's a different feeling. Now we can hear where the noise is really coming from. I call the Honda dealer in St. Augustine and he says to take off the plastic wheel cover and the nut will be loose that holds the spare tire in place. We tightened that and it worked. Wow!
I went with Don and Janice to Manny's last Friday night. The Greek spaghetti and Greek salad are still wonderful. Then we went to the Flagler auditorium to hear the Tribute to the Eagles. It was better than last years show.
Saturday night Patti and I went to the European Village in Palm Coast for pizza. We stayed and listened to Kevin sing. (he sings there every Sat. night) Then we went to Finn's, a bar on the corner of rt.100 and Granada. We sat on the upper deck and listed to music and the ocean waves.
Tonight is Sunday and we went to the Elks Halloween dance. There were some wonderful costumes.
Jessie turned 16 and has her driver's permit.
A 7 yr. old girl was missing last week from orange Park. She walked home from school with friends but for some reason left the group.A policeman woke up during the night with the idea they should find out which day was garbage day there. They did and followed thegarbage trucks to Georgia where it is dumped. Sure enough, her body was in one of those dump trucks.There is a killer loose somewhere.The area is off Kingsley fairly close to rt. 17.
It was a beautiful day today. I hope to get to the pool tomorrow.

October 20th

Today is Jane's 72nd Birthday. I took her out to lunch at the Japanese restaurant and gave her some jelly bellies.The Humane Society has taken her boat.
We had a good time in Sanford. That Remy is so cute and reminds me so much of Zach when little. They made a little money at the sale.Don,Janice and I came home Sat. night and had an Alfies fish fry.
Sunday was the Singles dance at the Ormond Elks. It was just ok.I went to the little shops on rt. 100 on Monday. They have such nice things.TJMax gives a 10% discount on Mondays to Seniors. They have unique jams, jellies and other foodstuffs like chocolate covered sunflower seeds.
I had a terrible clinking sound in my van. Finally I pinpointed it to the back of my van where the jack is stored.Today I found a wrench rolling around there.I'm sure that is taken caree of. We heard the noise all the way from Jamestown.
I had a little black box that had some jewelry in it.I had my black coral ring from hawaii, my necklace with the skates on it, the earrings that George gave me plus a couple of other things. I know that they will show up somwhere but I just can't think of where I put them.
It was a plasant day. Just the right temperature.
Now I'll try to figure out why the disposal won't work.Tomorrow I may go buy a new printer.I'll get it altogether after awhile.

No snow here

I believe I left New York just in time.It would have been nice for Don and Janice to see snow!!! However I am glad we left when we did. You know the old saying about New York---If you don't like the weather wait 10 minutes.It has actually been too hot here but is supposed to be more normal temperature this week.
I'm still getting settled in. Who would think it would be so much hassle. It's just too much "stuff". I'm going with Janice tonight to Melissa's. Her community is having garage sales tomorrow and we'll help with the sales and Remy.I have been putting "stuff" in a box to take there but I keep pulling it back out.I believe I have some of my Mother in me.I'm going to work on this today and we'll leave later this pm.I'll probably buy more than I'll take.
Mel, Jan, and I went through some family names for Melisssa's baby (girl). We liked Roxanne or Roxanna. This was our Grandmother's middle name. I don't think Beulah would do it. Anyways Mel said Remy and Roxy would be real cute. It's Chad and Melissa's baby so they can name it whatever they want.
Janice got an extra ticket so Thursday night we'll go to see the Tribute to the Eagles. We went last year and it was good.There are a lot of good shows coming up at the Flagler/Palm Coast Theatre.
I got my hair cut yesterday at the new Hair Cuttery on Rt. 100. The Publix is also new so I bought some groceries there. The aroma when you walk in is wonderful. It smells like Grandma's kitchen. I notice a lot of old people working at both Publix and Winn Dixie and wonder if I should think about getting a job.
I have already been to three Single dances. Same-o, same-o. Last night I stopped to see Remy at Janice's. He's very tall. Then I went to the Moose for that dance and Kareoke. I saw some ole friends.I went US1 and that is quite interesting with the bikers. I saw a girl on a pole at one of the tents. Humm!!I'd like to go to mingle with the crowd but don't want to do it alone.Anyone want to go?

Finally I write again

I've been gone a long time. It takes a lot of time and effort to get everything ready for the transition from NY to Fl.I thought I had started preparation well in advance but a lot of it can't be done until the last minute.Don and Janice flew in at 11:48 on Sept. 30th. My friend Judy also flew in that night at 11 pm.Chris drove my van and we went to the Buffalo airport and picked them all up. We took Judy to Dunkirk and then back to the Vikings.
Thursday(Don, Janice and I)stopped at Lakeview cemetery to visit the graves of Mom and Dad and Lucille Ball on our way to Bradford to the Zippo and Case knife museum. Don has always wanted to go to the museum. I was impressed also.I had no idea how many different lighters have been made through the years. They guarantee every one. If one gets run over by a truck just send it in and they replace it.We went from there to the Red Garter Restaurant.We just took in the scenery there. It was a magnificent view.The leaves are starting to turn. Next on our stop was the Casino. We had their buffet. It was very good. Gambling was next. I put in $5 in the slots and got it up to $61 but of course put most of it back in. I think I left with $7. It was fun. The road to get there is atrocious with potholes etc. Could it be from all the traffic to the Casino? From there we went to Evans skateland for my last night of skating.I know I should have gone back to the trailer to work but I wanted to see my skating friends and it's possible there won't be skating when I come back. It's an older crowd and getting smaller.Finally we went to bed but it was quite late.
Friday I drove them around to graves of family members in Busti. I tried to find the house on Pine Ridge Rd. where Mom was born but didn't find it.On our way to Alfies I stopped by Bill's grave. Don really wanted to go to Alfies because they eat at the Alfies in Ormond Beach quite often. We were all dissapointed. The fish was not as good as in Fl. We did share the hot wing soup at Chris's suggestion and that was very good. Don and Jan wanted to go back to the trailer so I took them back. I debated about going to the Celoron Legion as it was the last time Slim Griffin would be playing there. I decided to go and was glad I did because Judy (from Dunkirk) came.I saw many friends there (even Walt and Sandy).Again I should have worked on packing but I don't do well doing this kind of stuff when it gets dark.
Saturday Don and Jan went with Ron and Laura to Buffalo for the early Christmas gathering at Derek and Liza's in Clarence.They stopped at a Casino on the way in and also saw some Amish.I wanted to go but now the pressure is on so I stayed back and worked some more.I had seen all the family members during the summer so opted to stay back.I wish I could make it simpler. I miss the 2 men (Bill and George)in my life who did so much of this especially the outside work. George always said KISS Keep it simple stupid.Sunday was the Trailer Assoc. fund raiser. This is what really held me up. Somehow I was put in charge of the Chinese Auction. When it was over Laura invited us all for dinner. How can I do this when I'm still not ready? Betty Jean had come in from Sinclairville for the fund raiser so I said the heck with it. We all went to Ron and Laura's for dinner. I'm glad we did. Instead of leaving at 8am we left at noon the next day.We drove until about 9:30 pm and stopped at a Hampton Inn.We were in Raleigh on Tues. I wanted to stop at Mt. Ari on the way but got mixed up as to where it was.I thought it was further north on 52. We'll have to do it next time.We spent a few days in Raleigh with Mel. Greg went out of town when we got there and came back when we were about to leave. Hummmmm!!We hit some thrift shops and just messed around. I found Peter Pan and Tinkerbell dolls from the 50's at a Goodwill store for $35.I had Mel go back to get them because I have never seen them before and decided it was a good buy.
That last Friday we went to Bill and Loretta's trailer for lunch and a boat ride. They are putting a build-over room on the front of the trailer. It is going to be magnificent when done.We left Sat. am after all going out for breakfast. It was a good ride back except for heavy rain in South Carolina. I just couldn't drive in it but Don took the wheel and got us through it.We stopped at the Ruby Tuesday in Palm Coast for a late dinner.Then to 63 Habersham Dr. to turn everything on.After taking Don and Janice home I returned to Flagler. US 1 is very busy with Bikers.
My bed felt so good.Now I'm unpacking, sorting, putting stuff away. KISS will probably never happen with me.I was tired but not too tired to go to the Sunday night dance with my friend Patti. Tuesday night she drove to Palatka for their dance. They provide a band, a buffet dinner and a beautiful dance floor at the Shriner club. Today is Wednesday and I'm just puttering. Jessica is 16 yrs old.
I'm meeting Patti at 6 pm at Alfies before we hit the Ormond dance.
I would probably wither up if I just sat home every night.
My house looks and feels good. Come on down you Yankees. It was in the 40's after I left and about 95 here.I have one problem. The wild boar or boars got in to this development and dug up some lawns including mine in the back. It looks like a bunch of cows have been here. Since it's behind my property I hope they and not me will clean it up.
Ron and Laura have arrived safe and sound and are now in Orlando with friends. I'm making a list of things that I need help with and maybe I can grab him sometime.(It's just little things Ron)
I'm having quiet days so I'll get everything put away and be ready for company.Greg and Mel should be here the weekend of Dec. 14th.I look forward to that and wish it could be longer.

Sinclairville

Please forgive all the typing errors on the last blog. I ran out of time to do any corrections.
I'm just working hard trying to get everything ready for my Fl. departure. I guess I will make it.Janice and Don fly in Sept. 30th. I'll pick them up and then we'll do things until Sunday when we have our trailer assoc. fundraiser. We hope to leave the next Monday morning.
I took Jessie and we went to the 200th anniversay of Sinclairville. We watched the parade.I have to admit that I had thoughts that it would be so nice if Dick Peterson would come. I dated Dick 50 years ago. I would see him when I spent time in Sinclairville and Jack Scolton and he would come to Jamestown and Jane and I would double date with them. I saw no reason for Dick to come today but just thought it would be nice.Jack had a classic car in the parade and I saw him after. He said Dick Peterson is here and the two of them had talked about those days.Now I really wanted to see him. Betty jean helped me find his brother Dave and he showed me where Dick was. I went up to him and it took him a couple of minutes to realize who I was. I wish we could have spent a little time but he was with his lovely wife and another couple.Now I'm just thinking about those fun days in Sinclairville.
I am so blessed that I have to remind myself how lucky I am.I need to get a few more items to my Fl. home.I wasn't sure if they would fit in my van this time. Mel called and Greg will be working in Deland and so they will take what I have at their house
and get it to Fl. for me.Now there will be enough room for us in my van. thank you Greg and Mel.
Leslie called. Her Dad isn't doing very well and is going to Mayo clinic in Jacksonville next week. They did wonders for my friend Tom.
Greg and Judy you are invited to this early Christmas at Dereks. It's the first Sat. in Oct. We hope to see B.J. and maybe it will be on the way to Buffalo that day.
I'm still at the Laundromat and the clothes are dry. Catch you later.

Time is marching on.

I was at a book store last week when a Gentleman came in and asked if they had any books on the early settlers of Busti.They didn't but I asked him who he was looking for. He said the Wilcox family. I told him perhaps I could help him if I knew the names. He said Amos and Ephriam and I thought "BINGO". This is also our line. He had his research book with him so I glanced at that but then met him the next day at the Busti library where we exchanged and copied notes. From there we went to the Busti cemetery where I showed him the various graves. This saved him considerable time. I think BJ has put a pot of flowers on Grandma and Grandpa Holcombs grave. Also a solar light lantern. Our Great Grandparents, George F. and Lura Wilcox stones are beginning to look bad. There is a fungus that gets on the stones making them look like they are crumbling but they aren't. I cleaned the Holcombs stone last year with justdawn, a stiff brush and water. I hope I find time to clean the Wilcox one. the man's name is Brian Rappfrom Colorado. His mother lives on Orr St. He came here by train. It only cost him $5 to bring along his bicycle. When he was younger he and frined would go to the abandonedWilcox cemetery often. Do you remember going there that Thanksgiving.
I had a Dr. appt. so asked him about my very tender knee. He said it was a tendonitis.It gets better and then I do something silly like skating or dancing and aggrevate it some.
I've got a game plan for getting back to Fl. Don and Janice are flying up Sept. 30th.Don wants to go to the Zippo museum in Bradford. Other than that It will be hopefully seeing family etc. Perhaps we'll go to Salamanca to the casino.Their plane doesn't get in until midnight or we would try to have dinner with Greg and Judy. Maybe they'll come to Jamestown .
It's a beautiful day and I'm sitting in the Lakewood laundromat. I really don't like Laundromats.Thedryer is almost done. ThenI'll head out to the Optomist camp where the Swansons are having a picnic after a day of golfing. (Lynn's family)
We've had a lot of rain this summer. I've noticed mold inside my sliding glass door and my back window. Today I noticed mold all over my longleather coat. I'm now leaving the fans on all the time.
I'm out of time. The clothes are dry.

Tuesday evening

It's been hot for a couple of days.We're supposed to get some rain and slightly cooler temperatures. It's supposed to be beautiful on Sunday for Christina's party.
Greg and Mel are coming up from NC for business in Buffalo the following week but will be here late this Friday. They will be here for the party and I'm hoping Greg and Judy will also make it (along with other Buffalo people)
I had my Mammogram today. There's always a little fear until the phone call comes (and it did) that everything is okay. My eye exam a couple of weeks ago was also great.
I'm again sitting by the lake writing this. Ron and Laura are off to the fair and a gig. Christina, Jessica, myself, Ron and Laura went to the Chautauqua Idol on the floating stage at Bemus last night. A young man aged 22 by the name of Shawn Wilder won. He had just won a contest at Findley Lake also. He is right on and doesn't make mistakes. It will be fun to watch his career.
Greg Mohr told me awhile ago that he had a fx. wrist. It should be pretty well healed by now.There are some pregnancy rumors from Florida. I'll have to get more details on that. I'll call Janice or check my facebook.

That's all for now..

Catching up again

I have to take this computer where there is Internet so I just don't take the time to write on this blog. I'm wondering about George's home in Collins NY. He lived near a creek and they say that Gowanda is a mess from the flash flooding.It's very sad. All of Hidden Valley campground was evacuated. Talked to a lady tonight and she has lost everything that was outside her camper.
I volunteered last weekend at Lucille Ball's birthday celebration at the playhouse. They have replicas of the sets that were used on the show. Then I was entitled to take the 2 hr. bus tour. That was interesting.
I took Christina with me Mon. night to skating. The attendance has dropped so much that they now skate to tapes. There were about 12 people there.They were all good to her and helped her. We went today to the 2 hr. session. They all have lunch there after and we learned the restaurant is closing down. I'm afraid the rink will soon follow.
This is short but they are closing down at the Vikings and if I don't want to get locked in here I'd better go.
Remember Christina's graduation party on August 23rd.

At the Lake

It's late afternoon and I'm sitting at a picnic table near the lake using my computer.There's not much new in my life. I have to admit I'm very cold today. It's about 70 but I am freezing. It's very pretty on the water. There are a few sailboats, etc.
I was served the papers today regarding Victor Mohr's estate. They had to be hand delivered. Wonder what they do about those who are out of town? His signature looks like it was done on his "death bed".The secretary's name is Flossie Minton, not Lincoln as I had thought.
I read Heidi's blog and it is true that you should note where you are when in unfamiliar territory. I used to do this when riding on the motorcycle with George. He knew where we were but I didn't so would make mental notes in case of an emergency.
I have been skating etc. but not much exciting happening in this life of mine.Sandy and I went to a session last night in Lily Dale. It was fun and we'll probably do it again sometime.The medium said I needed a very small dog.I guess that would be company since Bubbles the fish met his demise.
Derek was here Sunday with his three. They are beautiful children. Eli has such beautiful eyes.
I have been helping Lori get the girls to and from their jobs. They work as housekeepers for Vacation Rentals. They make pretty good money. I have thought about applying next year.(Kidding)
Carol Sawyer is leaving tomorrow for Colorado. Vicki is helping her drive there.I wish her well.
We are having a Viking trailer pig roast Saturday pm (band and all) There was one last year and it was a great success. It should be fun.
I'm supposed to meet Mary Jane, Kim and B.J. in Cassadaga for lunch on Tuesday.It's nice to get re-acquainted again.
I'm cold so will get back to my warm trailer. I keep having visions of my Florida home and the huge swimming pool.

more Stuff

I'm at the Laundromat again so will try and catch up with more stuff. I miss my conveniences at my Florida home.Internet, Laundry, Good TV etc.
Back to Southwestern Graduation.The speaker was the vice-president ,Patrick Williams, of the Orlando magic.He told the class to exercise the muscle that is their brain, even after graduation.He urged them to read, read, read.
Saturday night I went to Chautauqua and saw the Fabulous 3.Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Bobby Rydell. I actually talked to Bobby Rydell for a couple of minutes after the show.They were great.One of the Everly brothers sons played guitar and put on his own little show.
Sunday was Kaitlyn's Graduation party at the town park at Sinclairville. I hesitated about going as it was cool and rainy. I finally got there and was so glad I did.Roy, Mary Jane and Sue were there. Sue had two of her children with her.I haven't seen any of them in quite awhile.Mary Jane, Betty Jean and I are going to meet next Tuesday for lunch in Lily Dale.
Today I met with Flossie Lincoln from the lawyer's office representing Victor Mohr's estate.We finally got all the cousins straightened out. Apparently this is a sizable estate. A very good friend and Eileens niece are the heirs.Flossie told me that the house was so full of stuff that he bought a Fema trailer and was living in that and that was also full of stuff. He had 16 cats which were given to the Humane Society and he left a good amount of money to them.The house isn't worth much but the land is.Because there was no spouse or children it has been a difficult job for her.

Catching up

I don't have access to the Internet always so as a result my blog has suffered.I left my home in Florida on June 1st staying with Mike and Leslie that night. The next day I drove to Walterboro, S.C.and met Melanie there. She had ridden that far with Dale and Glenna as they were going to Savannah, Ga. on business.( Do you see how prayers get answered?) I was really fretting about getting home to NY.We,no she drove back to Rolesville and we got there very late pm.This is Zach's 19th Birthday.Happy Birthday Zach.
Mel, Loretta, and I did our usual thing, shopping for 3 days.Chris flew in Friday night and he and I left for NY Saturday am.
Monday morning was sad for me as I attended the funeral of a dear friend Betty Morgan.There were 4 couples in our early years that went around together. Now Betty, Bob, Donna and Bill are gone. Don't take anything for granted.
I came home the beginning of June to watch Christina and Jessie while Dave & Lori went to Michigan for Viking business. They were good and we bonded.
I had two problems at my camper and they are now fixed. No hot water or TV.
Greg and Mel came here a few days early on Tuesday the 16th and on Friday Heidi, Dan and Kat, Mike, Leslie and Zach arrived.Saturday was the Graduation Party at the Optomist Club for Lynn and Ashley, new graduates of JCC and Sunday was the Mohr Family reunion. Ann and husband were here from Missouri.I think it was a good reunion and enjoyed by all. Pauline Cole was a guest. She is Aunt Dot Mohr's niece and recently got possession of family pictures from our cousin Victor Mohr's home. I now have a large picture of Jacob and Sussanna Mohr our ancestors who came from Germany.
Thursday night we went to Christina's Baccelaurate program and Friday night was her Graduation from Southwestern High School.(Class of 2009) I love the text message she sent me---- R U at graduation yet As if I would ever miss that
I went to Carol's today to see if I could help with her sale. Business was terrible. While there I also visited Betty Jean and she showed me all they've done to their home. It's beautiful.
I've done a little skating and will do more of that this summer. I don't do much dancing as I don't have anyone to dance with.
The weather is beautiful, especially when I hear it's been so hot in Florida.
I'll try to do better with this blog. Wish I had more interesting stuff to write about.

Back to New York

Ana is back in Tenn. and I'm almost ready to depart for Jamestown, NY. Dale and Glenna from Marshall Institue in Raleigh are coming to Savannah,Ga. on Tuesday so Mel will ride down with them.I will drive from Flagler beach to Savannah and meet them there and Mel and I will then go back to Raleigh. I love it when a plan comes together.I will have a couple of days there and then Chris flies in Friday night and we leave for NY on Saturday.
We've had some really bad rainstorms with flooding of roads etc. Holly Hill got hit quite hard.
I'm afraid I am going to really miss this Florida home of mine.I also have a man friend named Mike DePonte from Port Orange and I'm going to miss him.. He came up Sat.and fixed the bathroom door at Jane's house for her.It had not shut right in years.Then he noticed I had a flat tire (nail)so we spent the rest of the afternoon getting that fixed. Sure glad it didn't happen on 95.
He had his own construction co. in England where he lived for 30 some years. His wife died about 6 yrs. ago with breast cancer.I hope he gets a chance to come to the Vikings and spend some time there. He's a great fisherman.
See you all at the Mohr reunion. It sounds like it will be a great one.

Finally I write

I've had some setbacks but now am finally back to the computer. My friend Ana flew into Sanford from Tenn.last Monday. We went to her timeshare in St. Augustine for the rest of the week. She loves to cook so took half of my kitchen with her. (baking dishes, foodstuffs,etc.etc.) She entertained her friends from Orange Park one day. I had a wedding there so took her to a friends so I could go with Tom and Helga on Sat.to the wedding and reception which were both wonderful.Tom was the best man. He is thin and looks tired. He grabbed me for a very short swing dance.I think he enjoyed that.Helga watches him so closly and doesn't want him to get too tired etc.I stayed overnight at Mike and Leslie's and Ana is still there with her friend. I will meet them in St. Augustine on Tuesday and will bring her back here for another week.The Bridge of Lions in St. Augustine is progressing nicely. They are replacing the old bridge making it look as authentic as the original one. There were 2 interesting boats moored in the harbor. Perhaps they were replicas of the Pinto and Santa Maria.
I did get the results back from the genetic testing and it was negative. That's good news for everyone.
We're having much needed rain.I have 4 Bird of Paradise plants out back and one is blooming early for me. It's beautiful.
There's not much else new. I'm slowly working on getting this house and myself ready for my departure to NY. I find life to be so interesting. Every morning I wonder what the day will hold. Usually it's completely different from what I had planned.
I have two Dr. appts. today and then I will go to Don and Janice's to check their house while they are in Arizona for an NRA convention.I hope they are having a good time.
It's still thundering at 8am. We need the rain so badly that I welcome it.

Genetic testing

I am switching my Doctors from Jamestown to Flagler Beach.I saw the Oncologist on Thursday.She is Dr. Doughney and is also Jane's Oncologist. She works in both Ormond Beach and Flagler beach.Since we both have had breast cancer and our Mother, Grandmother and I think Great Grandfather Wilcox died from cancer she wants Genetic testing done on one of us. Since I was there she drew blood from me.It will be sent out west and if my Insurance Co. okays it they will go ahead and run it.The results should be back in 4 weeks. If negative we just proceed as usual. If positive I would have my ovaries and uterus removed. I'm not sure about everyone else. It would probably be a wait and see game. The men must remember that they also can get breast cancer.
The weather is beautiful. It's in the 80's.The pool is nice and warm. A lot of the snowbirds have gone home so it's very peaceful there.Patti and I walked a little on the beach today.
Sunday the Hetricks are coming over. Jack and Rick are going to put those guards on the gutters so the oak leaves don't get in. Mickey, Julie and Jake will probably go to the beach.Monday Tom, Helga, and Elaine are coming from Orange park for the day.
I hope to get to Green Cove Springs at 6:30pm for a Memorial Service for Mary Ann Bentley.She was a friend and neighbor of Ana's and so also a friend of mine. She died Thurs. am from Lou Gehrig disease. She is my age so it's really hitting home.
Now I must think about how I will get back to Jamestown.Hopefully it will be warm and dry when I do come.

Not much new

The Vanderwarks had a good time here. Unfortunately it was very windy and cold at the beach. They loved the next day at the pool.They left Saturday morning for N.C.. CarlyAnn cried as she wanted to stay. I got the house in order in time for the Hetricks and Hazzards (also from Frewsburg)to come for the afternoon. Of course that meant another trip to Alfie's restaurant.I think Greg Evans must see $$$$ when I walk in the door with friends and family.. He's a proud Grandpa now.
I didn't go out of the house Tuesday so went to the Moose in the evening to hear some of my friends sing Kareoke. Jerry has a great voice and used to sing with Big Bands in New York City. He sang for Red Skeleton when age 4.I left at 9pm because I wanted to get to bed early.When turning onto US! from Granada I almost hit a kid. He was black, his clothing was black, he had something in his ear, was singing and sashaying in my lane. I had to slam on my brakes and I wasn't going fast.I wonder what color his underwear was. Anyways, I thought how my life could have changed in one second. If I had hit him it would have been my fault for not having my car under control.It wouldn't have mattered that he should not have been there. Life is too good now for me to have any of this "crap" happen.
I did go to the Singles Dance last night at the Eagles. It was OK but so many of the snow birds have gone home that it's just not the same.I had lunch with Janice and then she, Don and I went for Chinese before the dance.
I'm going back to the Moose tonight to meet Ann and Frank from Jamestown. They go back home next week.I don't have anyone to dance with but we'll see what happens.
We're glad that Ron remembered that Greg is also a Mohr. I thought that maybe he and I were the two that were adopted. Remember I am the only one that doesn't have a family middle name.I wish I could ask Mom about that.Perhaps the lady I'm named after was also a Norma Ann.She was a friend and Dad picked the name so I'm told.In fact there's a lot I want to ask Mom.It's just too darn late!
Wish I had more exciting stuff to write but I don't go very far from home right now.I'm concentrating on getting everything in order so I can get back to Jamestown by June 10th.

The Tick got me

Was going to go to Disney on my Birthday (free admission) but we were under Tornado warnings and watch so cancelled that idea. Instead I went to The Palatka dance with Patti. It was a very quiet Birthday.Today is Thursday and Amy and Jason Vanderwark and their two girls are coming for a couple of days.I was hauling some stuff from out back this am for the trash to try to clean up that area some. When I took my shower I noticed a big black and blue area on the back of my thigh. When I touched it there was something hard so I pulled it out. It was a critter. I called my Dr. and they said to go to the Er. I went to the Flagler hospt. and they checked to be sure the critter's head had not been left behind. They said to watch the area for any reddness, wash it with soap and water and nesporin and gave me 2 antibiotic pills.They think I got it quickly and shouldn't have any trouble.

Update

It is early Monday
Thursday I went to the Port Orange Hospital to sit with my friend Lester O'Hara so his two daughters could do some things.Finally this weekend he was flown first class with a nurse and his two daughters non-stop to Nova Scotia. He will be admitted to the hospital there. I talk about sick people and hospitals and Heidi and Liza have such "bubbly" pictures of their children. Don't you just love it?
After Port Orange I met Don and Janice at Alfies for fish dinner and then hustled to the Moose where I met Frank and Ann for some music and dancing.
Friday Don and Janice picked me up and we went for Chinese and then back to the church for a Good Friday Service.It was a dark and quiet and meaningful service.Don had his money out but they didn't pass the collection plate this time.The choir sang In the Garden and Janice and I smiled at each other when they sang 'Andy walks with me, Andy talks with me.'Mel also understands this.
Saturday I worked around the house getting everything ready for Easter Sunday and in the afternoon met a friend at Flagler beach. It was a beautiful day at the beach.I wanted to go to bed early so I would get up in time for sunrise service but instead watched the Ten Commandments with Charelton Heston.This is a powerful movie with a huge cast of great actors.
I entertained about 22 people for Easter Sunday dinner.Jane, Ron & Laura, Sue & Lester,,Janice & Don, Annette and family, Melisssa and Remy, Debbie, Mr. Murray, Mike, Leslie & Zach and my friends Ann & Frank and Patti. We had lots of good food and plenty of it.In the afternoon some went swimming, some watched golf on TV and there was an Easter egg hunt in my front and back lawn for the little ones. It was a beautiful warm day.
There was an added bonus when I received some gifts for my Birthday. I loved them all.I really don't want to get older. I'm having too much fun!!!!!

Another Week

Last week (Monday)was Patti's party.Lester had called and said he was sick and couldn't come. I just danced with him the night before. He didn't make the Wed. night dance either.I called him Saturday to remind him about the party Sat. night and he didn't return my call. Sunday night dance and no Lester again so on Monday I was determined to find him. I called the office and they said they would go to his home to check on him. I decided to call the hospital in Port Orange and there he was in room 3820. I talked to him and he had gone to a clinic on Tuesday and they didn't do anything for him. He finally went to the ER on Friday and was admitted with pneumonia.Patti and I decided to drive down early evning to see him.I was surprised to see him so sick. He had an oxygen mask on and was getting IV antibiotics.He had that pneumonia cough and really looked awful.They were expecting his daughter that evening from Canada.He's supposed to go back to Canada the end of April and I hope he gets better so he can do that.Lester O'Hara is a very nice man and I'm so glad we went to see him.
We wanted to get something to eat and saw a neat restaurant called Booth's Bowery in Port Orange. I should have a coupon from my book but have ripped it out. Anyways the wife in this operation is Melinda Booth. She is from orchard Park. When a student she would skip school and work at the Anchor Bar. She has their Buffalo wing recipe. Yes, the wings are marvelous.We had a great conversation with Tim Booth and people at the next table from Buffalo. Ron and Janice,If you don't want those coupons I will take them. I would drive there any time for their food.
I went to the Palm Coast methodist church Sunday. I hope to go to their Friday night candle light service.I kept thinking about Mom during the service.Sunrise service is in Bulow so hope I can get up Sunday morning for that.
I love looking at the blogs and pictures from Liza and Heidi.Liza had a great tribute to Derek in her last one.I think she likes him.
My advice is don't take anyone or anything for granted---ever

April 1st Birthdays

Happy,happy Birthday today, April 1,2009 to my brother-in-law Greg Folts who is half a century and to my friend Ana Maria Lechner who turns 63. I hope they both have a wonderful day.
My weather alarm is going off again---severe thunderstorms. Will this stop me from going to the dance? It is dress crazy night (April Fools dance)
Patti had her Monday night party. It was too cold to go outside and dance on the rooftop and so some of them played dominoes.Finally I got in on the game and we played until 2 am.I went to Flagler via Beach St.and Tomoka park area. I don't usually go this way at night. It is so desolete. I saw something very big, black and furry at the side of the road..I didn't turn around but sure it was a bear.
I slept in Tuesday until 10:30 am and wondered what this day would bring. Then I received a phone call from Steve Smith. He and Cindy and 2 other couples were in their S.Daytona time share and would be coming up see me. This was Tom and wife from Tom's tavern in Bemus and Jim and wife from the Jimmy Buffet band.I had leftovers from Mon.night so brought out the deviled eggs, brownies, strawberries etc.
They liked my home and the area. Our little alligator made himself visible for them.I stayed in Friday night and watched Dancing with the Stars.
Did I tell you I have a fish? (Beta) I bought him and his beautiful bowl and stand at a yard sale. I liked the container he was in and that's why I ended up with him. I have named him Bubbles or Bubba for short. He is such good company. lol
Monday I worked on trimming my grapefruit tree. I can't reach the top but my neighbor, Sida, told me to borrow her tall ladder anytime so when I have someone here to hold the ladder I will finish the job. I checked and they do make an electric chain saw. I'm going to get one.I've got some dead stuff that is too big for my clippers.
I had a water detector gadget put on my hot water heater today. If there's moisture an alarm will go off. John Campbell says it is a good idea to get a new hot water tank as they only last about 8-10 yrs around here.Some of the residents have had flooded homes from bad ones. He'll put one in in a couple of weeks.I'm spending my Income tax refund and my stipend. Now I need to think about a home warranty.Since all appliances are 8 years old it might be a good idea.
I received a summons for jury duty. I was supposed to go to Bunnell on April 13th. This means I possibly could be there on my Birthday. I can go to Disney free on my Birthday but don't want to go alone so figured I'd spend it at jury duty. I went there today and they were going to postpone it for a month but I have several Dr. appts. then so didn't like that idea. Finally she said they would put me in the Nov. pool. The other clerk whispered to me that they don't do anything if you don't show up. Ok!!
Anyways I don't have to worry about that until November.
I see in my last post I called the oak tree magnificent twice. Now I'll have to go see.
I bought a Cappachino coffee at McDonalds today and burned my lips. It was steaming hot. You'd think they would learn their lesson!!!

My World

It's Sunday morning and we're having a storm. I awakened at 4 am to my weather radio alarm.We're getting lots of rain that we badly need. I suppose that means everything will grow faster and I'll have to get out back and clip away. I've been slowly working on the back area but it's a slow process. I have woods in the back and it's very pretty.If I were here year round I would plant more pretty flowers etc.and hope the deer would leave them alone.
I saw men cutting down trees last Wednesday so asked them about cutting down some branches for me. They gave me a quote and I said OK but would check with the front office first. In the mea time Kathy from the office came in her golf cart and questioned the men about insurance etc. The head guy said he had it and would take it to the office. She told me to go ahead and let them work.They cut big brances from 2 trees out back. I want to get rid of the oak leaves that clog the gutters. They were going to proceed to the front lawn where there is a huge oak branch coming from the neighbor's tree that almost touches my house. (and they were going to trim my grapefruit tree for free) Kathy came back and said they had used someone else's papers and are not licensed and they had to get out. Who is going to clean up my mess? She said they should finish up my work out back and then get out. They did and so now I have to find someone else to finish the work out front..Also, she said the home owner is responsible for checking the worker's paperwork.
Kayla came threw again at her ball game last week. She made the winning out by throwing a ball from the outfield to home base with such accuracy and precision and speed. Wish my boys could have seen it.She has another game next Thursday. She and Jenna are getting so tall.
Thursday I went to a Genealogy meeting in Palm Coast. The local funeral Home was there giving advice on how to find distant cemetaries etc. They gave away calendars, pens, etc. They had a drawing for a Thomas Kinkaid family history book and I won.
Did I tell you I won $107 from the 50/50 at the Eagles last Friday.I went from the meeting to the Moose where I met Frank and Ann for an evening of music with Ernie.
Friday I met Ron and Laura, Lester and Sue at Alfies for an early dinner.They had been to Daytona for errands etc. They went home to play cards and I met Les, Frank and Ann at the the Polish Pulinski club in Daytona for a County dance.
Saturday morning I went to the little park off rt.100 to Blair's soccer game He has such enthusiasm for sports. His team won. Janice and I went to lunch at Woody's BBQ. Remy joined us as his Nana is watching him for the weekend.
I was going to stay home Sat. night and get rested but Mr.Fritz asked me to go with him to the Ormond Beach Follies.This is a show with senior citizens. Bill and I went years ago and he said he would never go again.He didn't like to see old women in dance outfits not always in time to the music. I went with Charlie and did enjoy it. They put a lot of work into it and it's well worth the $15. Lindsey Allen is a dancer, choreographer in Las Angeles. She choreographed one number "Feeling Good" in which her Mother and Grandmother were dancers. She has an upcoming "gig" with Dancing with the Stars.
So' today I will try to sort through my paper work etc.and get caught up with that.I found some small plastic easter eggs so want to do some painting.
It's beautiful here with everything in bloom. Annette told me about a magnificent Fairchild Oak tree off Old Dixie Rd. that is magniificent. It's thousands of years old. I saw the sign when I picked up Mr. Fritz yesterday so will try to stop this week to see it. Oh yes, Charlie Fritz is from Toldeo, Ohio and is an optimist. He's 90 years old and would like to get married again.!!!!He has lost 2 wives to cancer.He comes to Florida for the winter and stays with his 80 plus sister.He's going home the first week in April. Another friend in New Smyrna wants to have a party at his house April 4th. Charlie's nephew is bringing a photo album with pictures of Charlie's earlier years. It will be "This is Your Life", Charlie Fritz. I'm going to get a Burger King crown for him.
The same group of "misfits" are invited to Patti's house Monday night for an evening of snacks and dancing under the stars. She had a deck built over the house and wants to dance up there. I hope nobody falls off. She has a hot tub also so it should be fun. Frank and Ann are going to come.Wish I could do pictures but that will come with time.

Another half a week gone by

Janice and I did the yard sale route again on Friday and then lunch in Palm Coast.I stayed home that night to get rested for Sat. I met Lester O'Hara Saturday night at the Eagles for a country dance. We had beef,corn,beans and strawberry shortcake for desert. We sat with Jerry and Linda who also go to the singles dance.Not many danced and sometimes it was just the four of us on the dance floor.We had a great time.
I had company on Sunday. Frank and Ann and Lenny and Diane Montanga came for lunch. They liked my house.We went to the Sugar Mill Ruins next door and they liked that. Then on to the ocean. It was high tide and with the strong winds the waves were pounding the pier. Oh yes,the Flagler pier is closed now as there is damage from the rough water to the pilings and they think it may not be safe.Some of the fishermen are fishing in the water at the Loop.Sunday night was another dance.
Monday was Breakfast with Mr. Murray as Don says. Don, Janice, Mr. Murray and myself met at Annette's restaurant at the European Village. We had a nice breakfast and good conversation.
Today is Tuesday. I went to the pool for a couple of hours. John and Barb Scroxton were there so talked to them for awhile. Their son and girlfriend were there also.I walked behind my house to get there. The little pond is very low. We need rain badly. There is supposed to be an alligator living there.On the way back I heard him as he dove in to the water. I could see his beady little eyes above the water.I guess I scared him when I walked by. He didn't appear to be to small. Now after I write this I'm going with Janice to Kayla's softball game. It's right here at her school.I guess she made a fabulous play at her last game. She rolled on the ground and still caught it for an out. I'm watching Dr. O on Oprah. It's about rejuvenating body parts. One man grew the end of his finger back after losing it in an accident. I must tell Walt's girlfriend They will be working with this at a Pittsburgh Hospital.
It's beautiful here. The Butterly bush that I thought I lost to the frost has green shoots coming at the base. Hoorah!!!!

This and That

Sometimes I see spelling errors etc. after I have posted a blog. I just don't feel like going back and making ccorrections.Sorry about that. Just mark the errors in red and that will be that. I went to St. Augustine Tuesday pm to have my oil changed etc. at Coggin Honda.Of course I had to have something else done to the tune of $129 and late May need service as it has 60,000 miles again to the tune of $400.I used to call George to see if he thought it was necessary to do everything the dealer said I needed. Since he's not here I have to make the decision myself.
I went on to Ron and Laura's and had corn beef and cabbage and a great meatloaf. (got the recipe for the meatloaf)I met Patti at the Palatka dance and it was okay. Stayed all night at R & L's.
Wednesday I drove to Orange Park ,dropped grapefruit off at Mike and Leslie's, stopped at Dr. office and went to see Tom and Helga. Tom has lost a lot of weight and his eyes look so very tired. He has chemo for a week and then off for a week. Helga looked tired also.They want me to come up and stay over some night. I'll have to do that.I left there about 5:30 and got back to Flagler in time to change and get to that St. Patrick dance in Ormond.. That was fun.
My man Tony came today and power washed the house. He had told me $90 but in the end it was $130.I didn't know he was coming. Good thing I didn't have a party planned.Too bad I gave Jack Hetrick the power washer from George's house.
My friends from NY are here in Daytona. Ann Moren and Frank Gulatti rent a house near the convention center in Daytona. I'm going to meet them tonight at the Moose.They and George and I used to go out a lot in Jamestown.I hope to see a lot of them here.
I had asked Lynn to send me an update on their family and here it is:
Ashley is doing an Internship for Occupational therapy at Heritage Park. She graduates from JCC in May.Dustin is an asst. coach for the JCC wrestling team.Two of the kids went to Nationals.Eric is working with Dave Jett doing plumbing.Lynn graduates in May from the JCC Nursing program.She got a scholarship from WCA Nurse's Alumni.They stipulate it has to be a girl's mother or Grandmother who graduated from WCA to be eligible so she got it through her mother.
I wanted to go to the beach or the pool today but I started puttering and never made it. It was quite hot out anyways.Well, there's always tomorrow!!

Fun weekend

I've had a "crazy" weekend. I left last Thurs. pm for the town of Bushnell, Fl. My friend Pat Carr from Lakeview Gardens in jamestown just bought an older mobile home there. She came to Fl.in her motorhome to visit friends and ended up buying her own place. It sits on one acre of land with lots of oak trees. Bushnell is near Webster, home of a very large flea market.
Since Bushnell is quite close to Brooksville we went there on Friday to see some former neighbors from George's mobile home park.I saw my next door neighbors, Glenda from upstate NY, Barb from Watkins Glen, Frank and Donna who used to live in Jamestown, and Jan. When I left Brooksville I said I'd never be back but there I was. We went to the Knights of Columbus for dinner and dancing.Sat with Carol and Al and Donnie and Nancy. I danced once with Donnie for old times sake.He looks really good and talked about the time they came with us to Ron and Laura and we saw 27 alligators.. They had a tribute that night to a singer named Mary Swan. She used to be on American Bandstand with Dick Clark.She lived in the Spring Hill area and was a regular entertainer with her husband. She was from S. Philadelphia and was neighbor to Fabian, Bobby Rydell, Frankie Avalon and Chubbie Checkers.Her husband died a couple of years ago and now she just died from Pancreatic cancer. Her funeral is Monday and I wonder if some of these singers will come to Spring Hill for the funeral.I talked to her once during their intermission and she said she still kept in touch with these guys and also Dick Clark. They were selling her CD's at this dance so I bought one and am enjoying it.I listenned to it the whole trip across the state.
Saturday we left at 7am and went to Zephryhills for a pancake breakfast at the clubhouse in another mobile home park. The people there were all friends of Pat's and from the Jamestown area.From there we drove to Sarasota to see another friend of Pat's. She's Becky, daughter of Stu Barnes from Jamestown. She has a flower shop there called Flowers by Fudgie. She showed us her orders for weddings for next Saturday. One wedding has $17 thousand dollars in flowers. Father of the bride is a Doctor.I told her how Bill worked with her Dad in the construction business and every Christmas sent us the biggest poinsietta plant ever.
We trucked on down Rt. 41 to Englewood.There at Lemon Bay Park was a gathering of Viking people.This Viking group somehow included Jamestown and Chautauqua Co. people.There were about 150 people for this chicken barbeque.They had herring and after dinner a small glass of Swedish "glugg" (SKOAL) Pat and I sat across from Walt and Sandy. I saw a guy with a name tag of Giltinan and asked him if he knew Ron and he said yes he graduated with him..We left about 4pm and came directly back to Bushnell via Rt.75.
Sunday am I sleep in until 7:30am. Pat had already left to go to Dade City to get her produce to take back with her to Jamestown.We finished up her trailer and left there at 11:30. I decided to go 75 and 40 and not get into all those little towns. Pat followed me in her motorhome. All the roads were busy. We drove to Alfies for a late lunch and then on to Flagler Beach to my place.About 7:45 Discoverer was launched. What a beautiful sight that was.
I forgot to say that Pat has 3 sheltie collies that went everywhere with us in the motorhome. They are so well behaved.
Watson Family news:Deaundra Watson Rodriguez had a baby boy 2-2-09 Xavier She has pictures of him on her Facebook.He looks like the other two.Gale seems to be doing well with her breast cancer and has finished her radiation.
I need to be home (Jamestown) by June 8th. If anyone has any ideas about anyone who can help me get home just let me know. Pat drives that motorhome to Jamestown by herself and it makes me feel guilty that I can't do it.
It's very dry here. Our little pond is drying up.
A skater from Evans has asked me for the obit. and pictures of George so she can make a poster with all who have died from the rink. I think I scanned them to her.
I'm not good at that.

company

Greg and Mel arrived at my home very late last Friday night. They came from Georgia where Greg had business.They got to see some of the bikers as they(the bikers)didn't leave until Sunday.Saturday we all went to Blair's basketball game in Palm Coast. They didn't do so well this time.Then on to our little Italian restaurant Guisseppes in Fagler.We all got into my van and drove to Ron and Laura's where we went for a boat ride. I have not seen such big alligators there before.Back to Flagler and on to Alfies for a fish fry.I went with Janice Sunday to Orlando for a chocolate festivity at the hotel right next to the Florida Mall. We picked up Melissa and Debbie on the way.Little Remy came with us also.After lunch we went to the chocolate show.I bought a couple of things to bring home.I got home about 9pm. Greg and Mel spent the day at the St. John's flea market and St. Augustine. Monday we went to the restaurant where Annette works in the European Village in Palm Coast.Greg and I went to Home Depot and Lowes and bought 3 light kits which he later installed on my fans.We returned to Alfies for dinner. It was Don,Janice,Remy (he had stayed all night with Nana)Greg, Mel,Jane and me.Tuesday Greg decided I should have all my locks changed for security reasons. We went to ACE hardware and they changed the key mechanism and Greg got them all put back in the doors.We drove to Satsuma for the afternoon. Ron and Laura had invited all the fiddlers for an afternoon jam and then a meal of garbage can turkey, ham and all the other stuff that goes with it.There was a lot of food.Don and Janice couldn't come as Don had cataract surgery that am.Greg and Mel left about 5;30 pm to go to his brother's in Sarasota. Then he has to be in Dunedin on Thursday for more business.Next time they come I hope we can just enjoy what's here and they can just relax.The weather was beautiful as it is today. I hope to finish up some projects and get to the pool.

About George

George Parker Getselman passed away last Friday, February 27,2009.As you know he has been very ill. He had Chronic Lymphacytic Leukemia. I met George the summer of 2002Mom had died in March of that year and when I came back for the funeral I met some people who skated. So in June I started skating again. Somehow I never noticed him there but one Monday night he was beside me during a Paul Jones skate.I asked him what it meant when they blew the whistle and he said it meant he would skate with me the rest of the night--and he did. He invited me on a date a couple of days later. It was a motorcycle date. He was 69 and I was 62.I became a motorcycle Mama at age 62We went for a ride around the lake, stopping at the Vikings for dinner and then we went on to the Gerry rodeo via motorcycle.He often said he should not have ever had me on that bike at night with all that traffic.He loved my place at the Vikings and soon knew all the neighbors and the little dog Sassy next door. She knew when his car pulled in and yelped until she could go see George.
He asked me if I would like to go with him to his place in Brooksville, Florida. I saw no sense in that but I went down to check it out and stayed.We had a lot of fun times there going out with his friends on motorcycles, skating and even dancing. He said his wife would kill him if she knew he was dancing. He had never done that before.I did miss my family and going to the beach while there but He was always good to my company and made them feel at home.
I also spent time at his place in Collins, NY. He had acreage. A long driveway with walnut trees on each side went to the barn. His home was actually 2 homes put together. It was over 100 years old.Christina and Jessie like to come there. They really worked at cracking walnuts.I took some oil painting classes when I was there.He took me to the Olympia restaurant so I could get my Greek food.One summer he had his cataract surgery. It was not a success. A blood vessel blew in the eye so now with a cataract on the other eye he is considered legally blind. I had to stay with him all the time and drive him to Jamestown when we went to the lake.
Then he had lab work done and his white count was quite high. They kept watching it but it kept climbing.When in Brooksville he became very ill with weakness, coughing etc. and was in and out of Tampa Veteran's Hospital. They gave him chemo pills. He got well enough to drive home but was sick again that summer and was in WCA hospital a couple of times.He was so sick but detemined he was going home. I called his family at that point and told them he shouldn't be driving and that I needed help. I couldn't do this alone any more.They met him when he got home.It was decline from then on.He continually lost weight and didn't feel good.He has suffered more than he needed to.This all ended last Friday.
Now I have to cope with how I feel. I thought it would be easy to walk away when I did..My mind just keeps going back to all the memories and I feel so melancholy.He is where he should be and with his wife. She's waited a long time for him.I feel that maybe I should have held on and stayed with him to the end but I know that was impossible.
He taught me some valuable lessons. Don't talk about others and definitely don't tell others your business. (especially at the skating rink) Always wear protective gear when on a motorcycle. A helmet, padding at the elbows, jeans and boots are a must.Your motorcycle doesn't have to be loud to be good. He never had a smoke or a drink (except they used real wine at communion when I went to church with him) His father was an alcoholic. And especially KISS "keep it simple stupid."
George was a Great Grandson of Col. Thomas Jerrerson Parker on his mother's side. He was in charge of the Gowanda unit in the Civil War. The drum and knives from this unit are in an upstairs bedroom. Other items have been donated to the Historical Society and are on display there.I worked on his Genealogy while there but I have left it all in the house in Collins for his son Gary.
My plans have changed for the first two weekends.Hetricks didn't come and the pizza party is called off.The weather has changed. It is cold but due to get warmer later this week.

another weekend

I just wrote my blog and then lost it.Darn.
Saturday was a basketball game. Blair's team won. Then back to Guissepes for an Italian lunch.Across the street was the produce market. Produce is so cheap there.One vendor gave us some very ripe bananas. Janice has made banane bread. I still have to do so.I stayed home Saturday night and picked up my house and worked out back.
Sunday I had a "date". His name is Mel Jacobs from Orange City. He works nights and delivers papers from Daytona to Ormond, Palm Coast, and Flagler.He brought me a dozen beautiful roses. He took me to the Blue, the restaurant in the Topaz.Remember the Topaz Leslie and Mel.Then we went to the art show in thre Hammock Dunes garden on A1A.I went to the dance Sunday night and it was just okay.My nose has started to "drip".
Monday I still have cold symptoms but go with Janice and Don to the European Village for breakfast. We meet Mr.Murray there. Annette is our server. That afternoon is Kayla's softball game at Mainland HS. They won by about 19 points.We use a coupon at Ruby Tuesday's and split a steak dinner.I see a billboard on Nova Rd. with Haleigh's picture and MISSING.She is the 5 yr. old from Satsuma.
Three big weekends are coming up. This weekend Hetricks are supposed to come over for bike week.March 7th we have a pizza party in New Smyerna Beach and the 14th is the Viking barbeque in Englewood. I will drive to Pat Carr's home in Webster and we will then go to the barbeque.I may stay and we'll go to the flea markeet in Webster on Monday and then I'll come home.
Yesterday was Eric's Birthday. I still haven't put his card in the mail. Anyways Happy Birthday Eric!!!!!

A good day!!

This is Friday and it was good.I went to a couple of sales but didn't find much.I went to Bulow camping area next to me to check out rentals for a couple who want something for next year. They have a couple of campers that they rent. It really is quite nice there.Greg and Judy would like it if they ever come down..
Don and Janice picked me up at 6pm and we went to a little Italian restaurant (Guissepes) in downtown Flagler Beach.They were very busy so we ordered the quickest thing we could. Janice and I had spaghetti and Don had lasagna. It was excellent food and we'll go there again probably for the Italian buffet at lunchtime.This little Flagler Beach town is wonderful.We had to hurry because we had tickets for the Salute to the Eagles at the Flagler auditorium.We made it in time Wow,I guess these guys really looked and sounded like the original Eagles.They were all thin with long hair that kept blowing with the wind.Oh to be 40 again. It was a good concert and I was surprised at how many songs I knew. Zach had given me The Very Best Of Eagles (2 CD's) for Christmas so I have been listening to that.The finale of course was Hotel California. It was absolutely positively marvelous and loud. I placed a call to Mike so he could hear it. Of course I couldn't talk to him because of the noise. I figured that was payback for all the times his band played it in our basement. I heard it over and over and over. But in reality I grew to love that song and thought he should hear it from this group.It may be his answering machine that heard it.After the show we took pictures of us and the group.The drummer,Phil Roland,is from Watertown, NY. Annette was going to come but couldn't make it.I know she would have loved it.
I had a nice note from Greg Mohr. He and Judy are reading my blogs. He said he didn't know anyone in the Continental crash but they were busy because of it. I didn't know anyone personally but know about some of them.The off duty pilot had an apartment in Jamestown. A couple was from Westfield.A cookie salesman had his obit. in the Jamestown paper. I assume he delivered to Jamestown stores. I wonder if Bill knew him? A Mason that George knows from Gowanda lost his sister.George's family haven't told him about the crash. He doesn't need to know.
I will go again with Don and Janice tomorrow and see Blair's basketball game in Palm Coast. He gives the game his all and makes lots of baskets.His sisters are getting so big.

New "Stuff"

Another beautiful day (high 70's)but it's supposed to get colder after today.I will leave this afternoon and take my cell phone back to Verizon near the Speedway. I'm sure it is the battery again acting up and not the phone itself. They sent me a new phone but the same thing happened..it gets hot and sometimes just shuts off. Then I'll drive back to Ormond and go to the Single's dance at the Eagles. Tonight is pot luck dinner so it will start at 7:15 pm. I need to go as I've been here alone for two days and I'm lonely. I've tried to use this time to get caught up and work on taxes.I've watched a couple of old movies also.John and Shirley Watson were supposed to come over today but she called and cancelled.They are doing craft shows in Tampa and Strawberry festival in Plant City.I could have gone with the Orange Park Garden club to Blue Springs to see the Manatees but didn't because of John and Shirley.
Disney is offering a free ticket to one of the theme parks on one's Birthday. I signed in on-line and have my confirmation. Now if I can find someone to go with me I'll spend my Birthday there.I have to decide which theme park I want to go to.This is when I envy Ron and Laura. They always have someone to go places with and go they do..
I have talked with Tom and Helga. He is doing pretty well. He developed an ulcer so was treated for that.I want to get up to Orange Park and see them.
I was asked to ride with my friend Elaine from Orange Park to Raleigh on the 25th. However the Hetricks are supposed to come over and stay the weekend for bike week. Rick and Julie will trailer their bikes here. I hope the weather will be good so Mickie and I can get to the beach.
Now my sad news: George has not been answering his cell phone so today I called his brother-in-law. They have transferred him to Buffalo VA. He has very bad sores in his mouth which is why he has difficulty talking.They are running tests and have him sedated.Bill and Jodie go to see him every day from Gowanda. Bill's mother died yesterday and the funeral is tomorrow. Their plate is full right now.

Bitter Sweet

Thursday evening was wonderful. I went with Don and Janice to Kayla's softball game. She is a sophomore playing for the Palm Coast/Flagler High school Varsity. The game was played under lights. Kayla plays center field and pitcher and played the whole game. She is getting very tall and is a lovely young woman. After the game Don, Janice and I went to Denny's for Grand Slam meals.Laura had given us coupons.
I awoke Friday morning to the news of a Continental plane going down in Clarence Center last night at 10:30pm. That's the exact time I went to bed. Derek and Liza and my classmate Jane Mihalko live there.50 people were killed. 49 in the plane and 1 in the house that it hit.The plane departed from Newark, NJ. This was the same as my plane when I came home from the Baltic Sea Cruise.I was upset and very sad all day Friday. I got ready and went to a Valentine dinner dance at the Eagles. I met my dancing partner Lester O'Hara there.He lives in Port Orange so we met at the dance.They had it decorated beautifully. It was $10 each and we got a nice dinner, a rose, country music and a chance to win some prizes.I was surprised at how many people smoked at this dance. It wouldn't be allowed in NY.The profits were given to the Heart Assoc. Somehow it seemed strange that they would smoke and support the heart assoc.

The plane crash was the bitter and the dance was the sweet.

Saturday am I looked at the partial list of the victims of the crash. There were a lot of talented people on that plane. One off duty pilot was from Jamestown and one couple were from Westfield. This is too close to home.
I was going to go to Palatka to the Bluegrass Festival today (Saturday) but didn't want to make the long ride home at night.Ron and Laura were going to do the garbage can turkey for dinner there. I stayed here and went to my friend Patti's home where we played hand and foot card game. We took a walk on the beach. We met janice and family at Alfies. Melissa and Remy were there. Remy is getting so big and walking.Chad will be coming and he and Melissa are going to the Daytona 500 on Sunday.
After Alfies we went back to Patti's and sat in her hot tub. It was a quiet night with no dancing. Sunday is the Singles Valentine dance at the Elks club in Ormond Beach. That will end the 4 Valentine dances.








.Back to patti's for 2 more hand of the card game and then we went into her hot tub.Finally I came home.

Family news

Time is going by too fast. I only have a few tidbits at this time.
My bank (Suntrust) was robbed last week. It is in Ormond Beach but on the Flagler line.(1.7 miles from me). They showed a full front picture of the robber in the paper. He is a very good looking man and will make a good looking prisoner.
There is a 5 year old girl missing in Satsuma.She lives in the next development to Ron and Laura.The TV said the back door of the trailer was open when the father came home from work at 3am. His girlfriend was staying with the child.They are near the St. John's river.I was on the West Coast when all the publicity was going on with Jessica Lundsford.I hate to think the worst for this little girl in Satsuma.
Now for ther good news:
I had a phone call from Christina a couple of weeks ago. She has been accepted and will be going to Jamestown business college next fall. She graduates from Southwestern this June.
Zach is going to University of Florida in Gainesvile, Fl. He has made the Dean's list. He will be participating in a Dance Marathon with his fraternity at the University.It's a 26.2 hr. event to raise funds for Children's Miracle Network at Shands Children's Hospital.Pediatric patients from all the United States and foreign countries have benefited from Shands Hospital. This is a student run philanthropy in the southeastern United States.Last year more than $435,000 was raised from the Dance Marathon.I don't have the date but will find out.
Speaking of dancing, I have four (yes four) Valentine dances this week.Two down and two to go. I love it!!!!
The northern family have been busy raising funds for the Viking children's parties.The theme was "freezing for a reason". There was a write up in the Post-Journal about the "crazy swedes". They made a hole in the ice in front of the Vikings for the polar bears to go in. The air temperature was 34 degrees and the water temperature was 32 degrees. David and Jessica went in. I made a late donation and am anxious to find out how much money they raised.
Julie Hetrick had said that their family was going to come stay with me a few days during bike week. They would trailer their bikes. I hope they do this. You know I love company.
John and Shirley Watson are supposed to be here Feb. 18th. They have craft shows in Plant city at the Strawberry Festival and the Tampa fair and plan to come to my house in betweeen the two.I saw Jim and Gale some time ago. She had just had surgery for breast cancer and was just starting her radiation treatments.
I went to the beach today for a short time.I read a little bit and just watched the people. On the way to the dance I saw a few guys parasailing.I think that's what it is. They are on surfboards holding onto a sail and riding the waves. Oh to be young and adventurous! I have 2 very brown plants. I hope they didn't die from the freeze.I didn't know which ones to cover.
I have started working on my taxes.I sure miss Bill at this time.(All the time really)

Palm trees

PS I said it has been very cold here. The paper had a picture of a Palm tree in Ormond with icicles. I don't know if this cold has ruined my grapefruit. I'm glad I have given away most of them.

It's cold in Florida

This has been such a cold week.I don't want to have high electric bills so I turn the heat down low at night, put on my flannel pj's and the electric blanket and sleep away.My friend Patti and I have been out the last 8 evenings going to dances, shows, etc. That has helped also as I turn the heat way down when I'm not here.I know we're better off than other areas but my bones still plead for heat.
I went to the dentist for my tooth.. She has a state of the art office and I paid dearly for that.Each room has a big TV. A cooking show was on when I was there. My tooth was not broken but I had lost a filling. It was one that Dr. Kudla in Jamestown put in in July. This cost me $280 for the x-ray, exam and the new filling. I don't have dental insurance.I believe I will send the bill to Dr. Kudla and see what happens.
Today I went with Barb Scroxton (lives here and Bemus Point in the summer) to a Red Hat Society luncheon at the clubhouse.I have never belonged to one of these and refuse to wear the typical red and purple getup. I might buy a big red floppy hat if I find one.Barb is having a lot of trouble with her eyes. She has some kind of a conjunctivitis and the Dr. has put her on several kinds of eye drops.It's taking a long time and may be a severe allergy.
Tonight I met Don and Janice at Alfies for a fish fry.They make an excellent clam chowder.Tomorrow I'll go with them to Blair's basketball game and then maybe to the Harley Place on US1 where they're having lots of stuff going on.
I check George's MSN e-mails for him and tell him if there is anything of interest. In the latest one was a note from the Masons that Victor Mohr has had triple by-pass surgery at Hammot in Erie and is now recuperating at the Westfield nursing home.Also George is in the Gowanda nursing home and only weighs #125.This makes me very sad.

this week

I was going to go to Sanford to stay with Janice while she took care of baby Remy last week. After Bill and Loretta left on Tuesday I changed linens ,washed etc. and just didn't make it.I was tired and had a 2 hr. nap that afternoon. The same with Wednesday. I just couldn't get the energy to get ready.I was dissappointed as I thought this would be fun. The little guy took his first steps while Janice was there. I'm sure Mommy would have liked to have been there for that.Anyways, Mel went over from Orlando on Wednesday and both Greg and Mel stopped again before coming back here late Thursday night.
Friday Greg spent considerable time trying to figure out my printer. It has never worked well. We left late morning and took the next road from Plantation Oaks to Sugar Mill ruins.It is a dirt road down to Bulow creek. There are the remains of an old Sugar Mill Plantation.It was owned by a father and son named Bulow. The slaves that lived on the Plantation were given a plot of land so they could grow their own food and be self suficient. There were about 200 slaves and 40 small houses that they lived in. The Seminole Indians burned the Mill down in the 1800's. Much of it remains in charred ruins. There is a lovely display of pictures and artifacts and one can see it must have been a magniificent building. Mel remembers standing on the cement ramp on the creek when she was a child. I remember going there with Jane and Mary and standing on the creek bank clapping our hands and the alligtors would swim over for their marshmallow treat. This is illegal now. I don't remember seeing the ruins ever before. Then we went to the European Village for luch. Our favorite waitress served us. (Annette)
Greg and Mel left late pm to go to Orange Park to stay with Mike and Leslie before heading back to N.C. on Saturday. I decided to go to the Singles' dance at the Moose because why stay home alone? While flossing my teeth that night I broke a tooth. Now I have to find a dentist.There are so many things I want to show Mel and everyone here. She'll have to come and stay longer.
Saturday I went to the Home Show at the Flagler/Palm Coast high school. There were lots of freebies there. That night Patti and I went to the Black Cloud in Bunnell for an Elvis show. Chris would have been disappointed. Elvis-- he wasn't!!
I want to thank Greg and Mel for all the help. He cleaned out my eaves (also Jane's and Leslie's) with his new remote cleaner. He fixed my dining room table, my printer, and put new seats on my toilets. They look very nice but are cold in the mornings.
Sunday I went back to the home show. The lady from Colonial bank says she can get me a much lower interest rate on my loan. We'll see. It would be nice.I learned that a new theatre is to be built behind the High School. 13 acreas have been donated for this cause. They say Flagler needs some cultural events. The plans are also for a new movie theatre and also to build homes with runways at the Flagler airport. This has been a fun and educational week. Now I'll see if I can stay awake to watch the Superbowl.

Busy Times

My friend Ana left Friday April 23rd. I took her to the Orlando/Sanford airport. I dreaded this drive both getting her and taking her because of the Orlando I-4 traffic. It turned out to be ok and now I know how easy it is to get there. I met a friend on the way home that night at a Polish club where they had a great country band.After I finally got home I got ready for my new company.Saturday am went with Don and Janice to little Blair's basketball game at the church in Palm Coast. These little guys and girls even had cheerleaders. After the game we let Don decide on our luncheon eating place and he chose Perkins in Palm Coast.We went back to my house and Bill and Loretta arrived. Greg and Mel came later.We went to the Flagler Pier for a late dinner.Sunday the four of them went to the Daytona flea market. Ron and Laura and Janice and Don came to my home for awhile and then we all went to Alfies where we met Jane. It was Ron and his four sisters. (Jane, Norma, Janice and Mel). Annette, Jenna, Hanna and Blair also came. We celebrated Mel's Birthday after Alfies with cake and ice cream. There were lots of choices of things to do on Monday but Greg decided to go to Jane's and help her. Greg, Mel and Bill spent most of the day there cutting and trimming her yard. Loretta and I had a chicken dinner waiting for them when they got back. Greg and Mel left that night for Orlando and Bill and Loretta the next morning for Raleigh. I don't know how to put paragraphs in so this is just one long one for now.