April 2, 2019

After 3 months away from home, more than 5000 miles put on the car, so many memorable days, we are back home in Maine. It was the best three winter months I have ever experienced. Warm, sunny days are some of what makes me happy. Already looking forward to next year, and all that it will bring.

Today is Alexys' sixteenth birthday. I remember her birth well. First time I had been present for a birth, well, on that end of it anyway. And the fact that it was my first grandchild changed my life. I became a grandmother, her grandmother, sixteen years ago today. I became Mammie, a role that I cherish, adore, and am blown away with. I had no clue that I would be completely smitten with all six little ones that call me "Mammie." It all started with this one, with the contagious smile.

The day she reached up, and took my hand as we walked across a parking lot, was unforgettable for me. With my own boys, I didn't have time to realize when they did it, or I took it for granted. When a grandchild touches your heart, visibly, you know there is a bond that will never be broken. A part of me wishes she would stay small, and that I could hold her in my lap, and rock her, and read to her. But another part of me is elated and proud of what she is becoming. I am so blessed and fortunate to have experienced grandmotherhood with such beautiful, caring, loving grandchildren. 

March 25, 2019

Haven't been doing a lot, but we seem to be busy. I guess that is a good sign. I have enjoyed the aqua zumba class when we meet. St Patrick's celebration was fun.

We have a class 3 days a week, when the weather cooperates. The instructor, Dawn, is just a peach! She is this tiny little thing, not sure of her age, but she acts and looks much younger than she is! And she can dance! I try to keep up, and pretend that I have some rhythm, but not sure I am succeeding. I am, however, moving, and am in the water. I feel stronger in some ways, so I guess I have progressed. I will miss these classes when we go home. Thanks, Dawn, for your lessons.

Ken and I were fortunate to witness another launch from Cape Canaveral. We viewed this one from "our" pier. It was not as thrilling as when we were closer, but it was still very cool to see. 

The bright spot is the rocket about 20-25 seconds into flight. It looks like the sun rising, but the sky doesn't lighten like it does in daylight. We have seen three, and hope to see many more in the years to come.

We had some overnight guests, as they traveled from Georgia to Jupiter, and included us in their travels.

Dave and Joan brought us some love from Maine, as they visited us on their journey. It was good to see them, and have some great conversations with them. Also a wonderful lunch at Captain Hiram's. Can't wait to see them, and the Wilbers, when we get home. I hope they enjoyed our spot here in the Bay!

March 2, 2019

You know those friends that you don't see very often, but when you do, it's like it was yesterday? The ones that you immediately pick up right where you left off? Well, David and Cindy Louder are those friends, especially for Ken. He was really looking forward to their visit. They always seem to go the extra mile, or 1500 miles, to make the connection. They are easy going, never demanding, and will be happy with what ever you do.

We also were up at 2:30 this morning to watch another space launch. This time we went to the Barefoot Bay Pier, along with some other space nuts, and watched it. We were about 30 miles away, down the river. You could see the sky light up when it was ignited, and could watch it for several minutes until it looked like one of the stars in the sky. The photos are not clear, but they represent the moments after lift off, and about 20 seconds later, when it is higher in the sky. It looked like a red-orange moon, shedding light on the river.

So lucky to have seen not one, but two launches in our stay in Florida. Had always wanted to see the space shuttle take off, but it was not to be. If these rockets are this impressive, I can only imagine what the shuttle must look like. Wow!

March 1, 2019

After a great few days with the Antones, it was time to head back home. Didn't get as early a start as we had planned, but the time was spent well. Just love these guys.

We took a different route back home, stopping in Ortona Lock and Dam. I had never seen a lock, and never really understood how they worked. This lock allows the passage of vessels from the east coast of Florida, up canals into Lake Okeechobee, then west through the Ortona lock, into the Caloosahatchee Canal, and eventually into the Caloosahatchee River, and back to the Atlantic Ocean near Ft Myers. It was one of the coolest, simplest things I have ever seen.

They bring the watercraft into the lock area, and shut the gate. The craft is secured on the side, and then the other gate is opened, to let the water out and drop the level. This lock drops 8 feet.

 This one is about 40 or so feet long. You can see by the watermark how the water is dropping.

Once the craft has left the lock, if there are any that want to travel up the canal, they would enter, the lower gate would be closed, the upper gate would open to let the water in, and the level would begin to rise.

A great stop on our trip back home. Out of the way, not much fanfare, but a really interesting place for me.

February 27 & 28, 2019

Ken and I went to the west coast to visit my cousin, Dawn Louise and her husband, Perry. We stayed at their house last winter for a month, and thought we had found paradise. The most relaxing, calming place to spend time during the winter months. Drove through some agricultural areas to get there, stopping in Labelle at the Two Peas cafe for some lunch. Nice little local place, with some good food. Arrived at the Antone's and immediately we were in our suits and in the pool. Ahhhhh.

It was a great visit. Learned a lot about Perry's career in law enforcement- boy does he have some stories to tell. Some comical, some frightening. I don't think the public really knows what they go through. I know I didn't.

On Thursday, we visited with my friend's father that lives in  Fort Myers. Slugger was happy to see us, and we talked and reminisced for a while. He is a remarkable man, almost 89. He always has a story, or a piece of history to share. And usually a bloody mary, too.

February 22, 2019

A huge check mark off the non existent bucket list. HUGE!! Saw, and heard, an actual Space X Falcon lift off from Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral last night. We were so fortunate to be across the river, about 7 miles away from the launch pad. Seemed like we were much closer, but was told it was about 7 miles. We pulled off the highway, and parked beside the road, with the river in front of us. Even at 8pm, we could see the Vehicle Assembly Building, and the actual launch area from where we were. There were bright lights pointing towards the sky, so we knew that was the area. There were others around us, doing the same thing, and this couple helped me down over the bank, getting closer to the water, and out around the bushes.

We waited and waited and waited. Finally, as the seconds ticked down, I thought to myself,"I can't believe I am really experiencing this." Ken and I have watched NASA channel, and launches, and space missions for decades. And now, I was watching a rocket launch from Kennedy Space Center. 

This may look like the sun rising or setting, but it is the rocket igniting and starting lift off. It was an experience that left me awestruck. It looked like a giant fireball, rising from across the water, and lifting into the sky. It took about a minute or more, and the rumble hit us. The wind was at our backs, so it wasn't as loud as I had hoped. I really wanted to hear the rumble and feel it, too. The rocket soared. Just like the videos we have watched for so many years. Soared!

It was fast. In a matter of seconds it was over our heads, and the different phases were passing.

Even though the moon was quite full, this is still the rocket, glaring over the water. You could see the boats on the water. The pictures don't capture the true color or shapes of the glare. It looks like a sun in the pictures and videos. I am still in a bit of shock that I experienced this, and heard, and watched, and am so thankful for the experience. Hoping to catch another one before we head back home.

Yup! That's a big check!!

February 19, 2019

As a kid, Ken had watched this Disney movie, "Almost Angels" about the Vienna Boys Choir. He had always wanted to see and hear them. Well, we got our chance. They were doing a performance at the King Center, in Melbourne, where we saw Michael Bolton. So, after my Aqua Zumba class, I boogied on home, and we were off for another adventure, well, sort of. At least it was something that Ken had always wanted to do. I guess that qualifies for a check mark on some list.

 They did not disappoint, either. A group of 24 or so young boys, ages 9 to 14, singing with so much talent, and actually at times, looked like they were having great fun, entertained us for almost 2 hours. They are on a 10 week tour, and all I could think about was they must miss their mothers! I am sure they were fine, they have been around for over 300 years. Another great evening, spent with my guy, and enjoying the talents of these young men.

When we got back to our placed, it was such a beautiful evening, and the moon was full. We went outside, sat under the carport, and just took in the warmth, and the moon light. I think the moon looks very different through the palm tree fronds, as compared to maple and birch trees at home!

I must say, I thoroughly enjoy being able to sit outside in the evening, with warm breezes, and no bugs to bother. There are not many days in Maine where you can do this. However, I don't think come July and August it even cools off enough here in Florida to be comfortable outside. Not everything is perfect all the time, right?