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.