February 14, 2019

Valentine's Day. Now as many know, Ken and I don't do the traditional stuff on most of the holidays. Today being no exception. No chocolates- don't need them. No flowers- that is a story from long ago, but I will never get flowers from Ken. No, we decided to go to a show. We like theater productions- community, professional, seasonal- what ever. But let me back up a bit. Last summer at one of the productions in Corinna, I ran into a woman that used to live in Newport, and now lives in Fort Pierce, Florida. She was and still is a seamstress. She works part time at a shop, but then in her free time, volunteers at the Indian River State College for the performing arts department, helping with costumes. When we chatted for a bit, I realized we would be spending these few months not far from where she lives. She invited us to see one of the shows if we could.

Which brings us back to Valentine's Day. At the college, it was opening night of their performance of "Into the Wood." We have seen a couple different productions of this show, and have always enjoyed it. Tickets were purchased, and I began planning our not so special day.

Contacted a friend from Dexter that now lives in Fort Pierce area, and got some suggestions on places to dine. Not to be disappointed, 12A Buoy was a successful choice. Upon entering the little hole in the wall place, we were not so sure. Wasn't a linen table cloth place, but I knew it had some great reviews. And we were not disappointed. Meal was amazing!!!! Just plain delicious! Don't judge a book by it's cover, right?

On to the theater.

 Another interesting set, so different from the others we had seen. The show was great- standing ovation great! I came away feeling so fortunate to have seen such talented, young actors with fabulous costumes portraying Grimm's fairy tale characters. It was refreshing to watch youthful, uninhibited students doing something they loved. We don't see too much of this at home.

Ken always likes to look at the program and see what he can do to ours to make them better. I think he agrees, less is more! 

Before the show we walked around the campus a bit. Very different from the ones in Maine. Many outdoor sitting areas, and a huge pool! Nope, not in Maine.

The hibiscus are just gorgeous, and some of them are rather large. This one was bigger than my hand. 

Valentine's day 2019 was a huge success! 

February 11, 2019

Today we had visitors from home. Our friends that have been in Florida, traveled to the east coast to see us. They actually are in the same boat as us and trying to figure out what we want to do, where we want to be, in these retirement years. Bill and Fawn stopped by to explore this area and see what Barefoot Bay was like. We took them to lunch at a local place, right on the water. Great meal, great conversations, and even a discussion about some family and town history. 

Thanks for making the trek to our part of the state!

February 7, 2019

Michael Bolton. I think I had every one of his CDs in earlier years. Loved listening and singing along. Last night, Ken and I saw Michael Bolton at the King Center in Melbourne. At the time when we were discussing getting tickets and seeing him, I thought it would be a great evening out. Not too far to drive. We could go out to dinner first.  Those that know me, know I do not do well with large crowds. Just not my thing. So as the day neared, I had my doubts and dreads. We found our way to the center, after asking some delightful ladies how to get there. Ken had the foresight to purchase primo parking, so that part was easy.

After having my purse searched, advancing through a metal detector, and then being wanded because of the knee replacement, we made it- into the lobby. And then we would have to wait, in the crowds until the doors opened. Still wasn't sure I was going to survive.

Found our way to our seats, first row, upper balcony- awesome selection!! When the show finally started, I kept waiting to be disappointed. It never happened. He performed. And he performed well! The songs, the music, the solos, the lighting- all of it. Amazing! He still has it! His musicians were outstanding, so so talented. His selection of songs that he sang included so many of my favorites.

Well worth the bit of anxiety I had, because once he started singing, I was taken back. I found myself singing along and smiling. Enjoying the music, the talent, and especially, my date for the night! We liked it so much, we are planning on seeing the Vienna Boys Choir!

Feb. 2, 2019

Started the day with a yard sale of quilting items. Here in Barefoot Bay, you just never know what you might find. There are regular yard sales, you know the kind. Books, extra lamps, an old TV, But this was "high quality" quilting items. Let me just say, that quality is in the eye of the beholder! Ha ha! Needless to say, I found a couple things, and my friend did, too, but it was not at yard sale prices!

Ken and I decided to take the golf cart out. It was the first really nice day in about 3 weeks, so off we went to Pocatella. About two thirds of the way there, the gold cart slowed down a great deal. Ken decided to turn around, and head back to home. We almost made it! Almost! Just needed to cross over the two lanes and the median strip. Nope, was not going to happen. So, I got out to push, just a little way. One lady actually stopped and asked if we needed help! That's the way they are here in the Bay. With me pushing, and Ken pushing the pedal, we made it back home, plugged the baby in, and it is charged! Lesson learned! What do Ken and I really know about golf carts, anyway? Evidently, not much.

Got the best piece of mail today.

This was our thank you note from Gavin's family from Christmas. Hand painted by Elliot, I am sure! It made me miss them even more. Must be time for a face to face chat! These hand made gifts are the absolute best! 

Beautiful day! Finally the chill is gone, the sun was shining, and I was able to grill our dinner. even ate out in the sun room! It took a month, but I know it is here to stay! Happy Groundhogs Day!

A new beginning

Today is February 1, 2019. It has been a long time since I regularly posted on my blog, but with all the negativity and hate on face book, I decided to return to this method of writing and posting. I used to feel that I could truly express myself here, as I am not one to post too much personal stuff. Yes, the happy events, and the milestones, but not the woes and dirty laundry that so many do. With that said, here goes.

Ken and I traveled by car from Maine to Florida after Christmas. A first for us. We were both quite pleasantly surprised at how well it went, and that we arrived, as planned, all in one piece, and still married. We left Corinna on 12/28/18 at 9:42 am, and arrived 5 days later, 12/31/18. at Barefoot Bay, Florida at at noon. We traveled a total of 1691 miles! We have rented a place in "The Bay" for 3 months. Trying out the rental thing until we decide what we really want to do. You can rent a lot of places for what you pay for a place in Florida. Each day we find we are enjoying this area a little bit more, and maybe, just maybe, we could see ourselves here. Of course knowing it's below zero at home makes it that much easier to appreciate the temperatures here. It was a cool, chilly January for this part of Florida, but in comparison to Maine, well, there is none! No snow, no ice, no freezing temps!

I decided this morning, that we have been here a month, and I needed to start moving. Went for a walk with Ken, around the street that is behind us, and back around. Everyone is so friendly, and you can safely walk right in the street. If we were home, that would not even be a possibility! My goal is to try to do it at least 5 days a week.

We were so pleased to be able to connect in Florida. Through face book, and quilting, Raelene Smith Towne and I found each other, and a few summers ago, I visited with her in Maine. She and Terry were passing through the area we are staying in, so we met them at this very cool brewery in Vero Beach. The building had been vacant for decades, and now has been restored, and is a perfect place to meet up with old friends, have a great meal, and an excellent beer. Ken and I have been there a couple times, and would definitely go back again!

Something else you won't see in Maine in January. Though it is not blooming season here, it is so refreshing to see some beautiful blossoms here and there. Certainly made me stop and appreciate it's beauty.

Missing the family just a bit, but doing some video chat helps. Stay warm everyone!

I Did It!

   Since my last post, a big life changing event occurred. In December, the stars and planets were all aligned, and the last sign appeared. I made the decision that I would retire, effective December 28, 2016. Much anxiety, lots of stress, several glasses of wine and a few tears were involved. However, the decision was made, and circumstances at work had changed, making the decision that much easier. At the age of 60, I would work my last day on the bench, at Community Pharmacy in Dexter. The next day, the store would open with out me, with a new name, and a new owner. 

   Best decision of my life! Well, one of the best decisions of my life. Marrying Ken, having my sons, and retirement- all right up there. All those days and weeks and years, of those long hours, stressful work, missing so much of my sons' day to day life, all paid off. Saving every day, from day one of work, even when I was a child, working for my father on the farm, I saved a portion of what I earned. And it paid off. 

   I am retired! I haven't woken up once thinking maybe I should return to work. Not once! We been to Florida twice, both times thoroughly enjoying the warmth of friends and the sun. I was able to do that because I am retired! I chuckle as I type this, because it still seems too good to be true. But it is true! It's just now sinking in, really sinking in, that I am retired from work. No more life dependent stress. No more 11 hour days. No more missing special events, now in my grandchildren's lives. I am retired!

   So, my advice to these youngsters these days, thinking they have the world by the horns, save, save, save. Invest in your retirements. Make wise decisions, and save, save, save. You won't miss what you don't have, but as you approach 60 years of age, you might just be as fortunate as I am, and be able to retire. 

   

The trend was to travel to a bucket list location every other year. We did it in 2012, and 2014. However, 2016 was going to prove differently. This was the year for a milestone, as I turned 60 this year. A new decade, a decade that would bring many wonderful, challenging things, from surgeries, to retirement, selling the homestead, and finding a new home, a new location, becoming residents of a new location. Travel plans were thwarted by medical necessities. What should have been a routine 4-6 week recovery, changed to a 15 week milestone. The new year would bring two chipped teeth, (what's up with that?), cataract evaluation, not one, but two, mammograms, colonoscopy ( with removal of a few polyps), and not one, but two surgeries on my foot- one to remove a bunion and insert screws, and the second to remove the screws that I was rejecting- 3 rounds of antibiotics, one visit to the ER with IV antibiotics, a treatment of steroids, numerous x rays, blood tests, and waiting, and finally some recovery from this ordeal. I realize, in the grand scheme of things, that this could have been so much worse, but for someone that rarely goes to the doctors', is never sick, I have made up for it in the last 3 months. The next step is physical therapy, as I have scar tissue and swelling so badly that I can't bend the big toe. 

Ok, so 2016 wasn't exactly following the path I thought it would. Not a big deal. I am moving forward. I am planning to retire. Sooner, rather than later. I may have to scrimp and save, and be more conservative than I have been in many years, I am still ready to pursue retirement. I am ready to spend my hard earned and saved dollars for my health insurance. It's ridiculous that I have worked long hours, week after week, year after year, and still feel I am being screwed when it comes to retiring with adequate coverage for health issues. Experts say I am ready, and prepared, and OK to retire. But why do I feel so unprepared?

I have gotten many signs that if I want to retire, I should.  Even today, a customer said, if you want to, and you have prepared, you should. I have prepared. I have saved from day one, I have saved, invested, and looked forward to this day for many, many years. I think 2016 is the year to do it. Now to just convince the voice in my head that I am ready. 

Stay tuned......