On to the last....

It is March and we are on the last month of our stay here in sunny Florida. It has been Sunny Florida for sure this year as we have had record breaking temperature. Already the days have begun to be very hot in the afternoons forcing even sun lovers like myself into the shade. The 30 sunscreen is going down fast and I may have to buy another bottle before going home. The key to surviving here is lotion, lotion, lotion, and I am on my second large bottle of heavy duty moisturizer. Like I say it has been very warm here.

The days are filled with activity and exercise that has been good for the both of us.  I must say that the bowling continues to be a source of humility for me but I am carrying on. Roger has not been bowling this year due to his back but has been a good cheerleader for me.  The social aspect makes up for my lack of ability and it is a fun evening with lots of cheering even if you only get one pin down.  Not your normal league by any means!!

 The pool will always be my first and foremost love of Florida and I spend much of my day there.  Mornings are exercise and laps, afternoons are sunning and cooling off and chatting as well as some more water activity.  I am never so happy as when I am in a wet bathing suit.  I live a mermaid's life, without a tail!!

This weekend is Mardi Gras weekend at the winery so Saturday a group of us are heading out there for a Saturday of food, music and dancing!!!  They promise NOLA type food and music, especially some Zydeco which I love.  Can’t wait for the fun to begin. It is supposed to be very windy this weekend so it will be a bit cooler to be outside all day.

March is a flurry of activity as the push is on before the snowbirds leave.  Everyone grapples with trying to get the most out of the last of their time here. Canadians tend to leave at the end of March where as most Americans stay for the month of April.

We are not sure of the plans for next year. The condo is available if we want it, but we are not sure if we should make a change and see what else is out there.  It is a difficult decision as we have made great friends here and we know the area well.  The owners told us to take our time and decide so there is no rush at this point but I am aware that decision time is coming soon. The uncertainty of the Canadian dollar also plays on our mind.  What we do know is that if we don’t land here it will be somewhere warm where we can swim and relax in the sunshine.

Hope all is well at home.  Talk soon.

LADIES LUNCHEON AT LADY ANNE'S TEA HOUSE

GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN!!!!

OUT AT THE WINERY FOR MARDI GRAS

Speeding through February....

This winter seems to be passing faster than any other. The days are filled for each of us and every night I fall asleep before my head hits the pillow. I used to like to read before bed but now I don’t even get the book open. 

This past week was a particularly busy one starting with Super bowl last Sunday. It was an exciting game even though I am not a football fan. I love lady GaGA so I enjoyed the halftime show.  Roger has been golfing and also out to the golfing range, out shopping with the guys looking at whatever guys look at, painting with the plein- air painters and playing bocce with the crew. I had book club, beading, we went to a dinner party(with Roger),  bowled as a sub for a team called the ball busters,  swam laps every day, went to aquasizes every morning, and  sunned by the pool in the afternoons. Saturday was Trivia Night at the club house. Three of us women were in charge of the event so that has kept me occupied as well. It was a fantastic time with much laughter and hooting throughout the evening. March will see another Trivia night that I am sure will also bring in another large crowd.

I must get to grocery shopping sometime today. I was going to go yesterday after the pool but friends invited us to go with them to Harbor Cove for supper. I can’t refuse a good fish supper.   Roger had a large plate of mussels and pasta, I had the catch of the day, which was delicious although I can’t remember what kind of fish. It was mild and very much like flounder but larger flakes.  I love the location of this restaurant down at Taylor creek Harbour.  It’s located right on a marina and sports outside eating and live music. The fish and seafood are always fresh and delicious.

I would like to say we are slowing down this week, but that would be an untruth.   Valentine’s Day will be celebrated with a martini tasting and dinner with friends. Wednesday is Y-Not -Wednesday potluck at the clubhouse and Roger also has a watercolor painting workshop that afternoon. Thursday is paint out for Roger, then  Friday night is a grill out with friends and Saturday is a picnic with the bowling crew.  Somewhere in there I need to finish my book for Bookclub.

I am feeling a bit weary this morning after a long day yesterday, but this sun and pool will revive me I am sure.  The high today is supposed to be 26 C. .Another hot one in the sun ,so I will be looking for some shade later. 

Superbowl surprises!

Somewhere along the line I missed telling you about the murder mystery dinner theater that Roger was a cast member in. It was very funny and he was called Ralph Rottengrape.  It was very light hearted and enjoyed by all.  My sister Barb and her husband Frank were visiting so joined in with the weeks activities. The weather was cooler when they were here, but we did manage a bit of pool time.  The guys went fishing, Barb and I went shopping and we had many an evening dining then playing Mexican Train.  Mexican train is a domino game that is popular here with the games crowd. We played it, learning the rules as we went, but I have since found some new ways to play that makes the game move along very quickly and adds excitement to the game.  I have a feeling we will have fun playing it back home as well.

Hope everyone is well. Take care all!

 

The Cast

Busy Janauary....

January 23, 2017

We are well into January here in Florida and all is well.  The weather has been exceptional thus far with a quick cold snap today and possibly tomorrow. The temperatures for the next couple of days will be in the low 20s C., but the wind is wild and the rain is off and on. When its nice its nice but when the wind and rain come in look out.  White caps on the pool! Lol.  I am sitting in the Florida room watching the rain come down and the birds dive for fish, the ducks are huddled together and the turtles are nowhere to be seen. The sun is desperately trying to peek out of the clouds but is having little luck at the moment. Perhaps this afternoon   we will catch a glimpse as the rays burn through the gray and white sky revealing patches of blue.

Life is pretty normal here with our usual activities.   I have started swimming laps daily and find it is really relaxing and really good exercise.  I look quite the sight with my swim cap and goggles, but my friend Nancy looks the same so we laugh at each other.  People have been calling us the senior Olympians of the pool. Now I just need a Canadian swim cap!!!

Yesterday we had a fun day with friends down at the Stuart flea market looking through all the shops looking for treasure. Roger found a couple of small things and our friend found quite a bit, much to his wife’s dismay!  Although I found it funny I understood her pain .  We stopped at the open fresh market and picked up fruit and veggies before heading down to the Dolphin Bar for a midafternoon meal and drink. We sat on the patio in the shade watching the ocean and enjoying the sound of the waves and birds.  The food was fresh and delicious, nothing beats fresh caught shrimp.   Next we drove down to bathtub beach and the house of refuge. It was beautiful watching the waves come up onto the beach as the sun was getting lower in the sky.  What a wonderful day out and about with friends taking in the Florida sun and sharing the delightful coastal life style.

The calendar is filling up this week with activities right on into the weekend. Barb and Frank arrive for a few days on Friday and Roger is in the mystery play on Saturday night. It should be a good time and lots of laughs.  Today I have a meeting regarding the upcoming trivia night and then book club tonight. If you have not read the book ordinary Grace by William by William Kent Krueger you should. A great read that will stir memories of childhood especially if you were raised in a small town.  Roger is golfing this week and painting with his painting group along with his bocce and water exercise.  I am bowling this week as well on Thursday as a sub for someone. Needless to say with all our actives we are ready for bed by 9pm.

I will include a few pictures. Hope all is well back home.

At Y-Not-Wednesday

Bingo night

Almost Bingo......

 at the marina downtown. 

Into the New Year....

January 9th, 2017

We have entered into a new year and we are clipping right along into January.  Our New Year’s Eve started with a cocktail party at our condo with a few friends followed by the dance at the clubhouse. Live music kept us all dancing and partying as we rang in the New Year with cheers and laughter. Champagne flowed at midnight, Auld Lang Syne played in the background and hugs and kisses were exchanged. The New Year is one of promise and hope that each one of us wished for one another.

Sunning and swimming at the pool filled New Year’s Day followed by a potluck with a few friends outside on the deck of the clubhouse. It was an evening of much laughter as various stories of our youth and early years of parenthood emerged.

Most of the snowbirds have returned and life here is getting busy with activities and events. Roger has been golfing and out with his painting group, playing bocce and getting some exercise in the pool.  For me, book club starts today and jewelry making Tuesdays , Thursdays I am bowling as a spare as I did not want to commit every week, but they were insistent that I at least spare so I caved and signed up. Most days are spent at the pool starting with aquascises first thing in the morning, new lap swim and then after a quick bite to eat I lounge pool side with some recreational water time.  A walk in the evening after supper has become routine and a good way to wear off supper.   

The weather has been very warm this year, 25- 28C most days, with very little rain. Yesterday was an odd cool one at 17 C . and windy but a couple of cooler days we can handle.  We were off to a movie with friends to see Lion, which was excellent. We did a bit of shopping and ended with a supper out for a wonderful meal of fish.  A good day all around.  

We hear the weather is brutal up north and we are feeling very lucky to be here in Florida.  Stay warm and safe. Happy New Year.

its Christmas....

December 25th, 2016

Merry Christmas everyone!  It is Christmas Day here with blue skies, sunshine and a light wispy breeze.  Christmas Eve was spent at the pool enjoying a BBQ with friends and a fabulous evening swim. The water was warm and silky, the air was sultry, and there was stillness and quiet that only Christmas Eve can bring.  The only thing missing was family.  We floated on the water sharing and laughing about stories of Christmas past and the hectic years of kids and Christmas, the food and endless days of preparation, the cold and snow, Christmas lights and trees, and fond memories of our own childhood Christmas.  It was a lovely way to spend Christmas Eve and we are thankful for our friends here in Harbour Isle who are also far from home and family, but who share the gift of friendship to make the holidays special.

Christmas Day….there is not many people about this morning except of course the dog owners walking their dogs for their first morning outing. As I watched the sun slowly lightened the sky and the world brightened I am again thankful to be in this small bit of paradise.  Roger is off to pool exercises but I decide to take the morning off and savor  another cup of coffee.  When he returns we enjoy some eggs and toast before connecting with our children and grandchildren. Skype is a wonderful thing.  

We truck off to the pool for a quick swim before preparing to head to our friends Mike and Debs for Christmas dinner.  Just as we were returning from the pool a passing rain shower appeared leaving the air think and muggy.  I guess that’s better than the blizzard back home so we dare not complain.  Dinner was delicious and we had lots of laughs and ate way too much food as usual.   

Skype again allowed us to connect with family at my sisters and I was able to see and hear the antics of their Christmas dinner. They appeared to be having a wonderful time and I could almost smell the rich aroma of the Christmas pudding.

Stay warm and safe everyone and avoid travel during the blizzard. 

Merry Christmas and enjoy the holiday season!

Carol and Roger

Christmas Eve Swim

Family visit....

December 21st,2016

Here we are already in the week leading up to Christmas. Time is clipping along and before we know it the New Year will have begun.

Last week after being confronted with the blizzard and cold weather my sister Norma and her husband Russ bought tickets to come down and see us. We were excited to see them and are happy they are sliding into retirement mode with spontaneity.  After a few glitches with flights and a lost piece of luggage they arrived at the condo to have a great week with us.  They picked a good week to come as we had above seasonal temperatures, lots of sunshine, and only a couple of windy days.  We managed to sneak in pool time, shopping, Russ and Roger took in a round of golf, dinner out, a drive to see the Christmas lights, a Christmas party and many late evenings laughing and talking. Norma, not fond of horses even came to see the Budweiser Clydesdales down at the marina. They are beautiful majestic animals.  We also had time throughout the week to enjoy some wine and spirits making the season bright!!  Roger and I really enjoyed the pre- Christmas visit with them and of course Norma’s delicious homemade cookies and Christmas cake she packed for us. Yum!!!

This week seems very quiet here with them gone, but it is filled with things to do and people to see. Roger is off to golf again today and I plan to hit the pool and read. My friend returned from her cruise and I can’t wait to hear all about her adventures. We have plans for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with friends and I am sure we will include some swim time in there as well. The pool is beautiful at night and right now it has a string of blue lights around it that light up at night. A Christmas Eve swim sounds perfect. 

We do miss everyone at home especially this time of year but the sunshine is wonderful and we are fortunate to have some great friends here.  Merry Christmas to all!

These lights dance to music!

a fast week....

December  7th

We have been here a week today and have been enjoying the beautiful weather.  I almost feel guilty saying that considering the stormy weather in Manitoba.  A real Manitoba blizzard from what I hear. The guilt passes quickly once sitting by the pool soaking in the sunshine, lathering on the sunscreen and taking a dip in the blue refreshing pool. 

The days have passed quickly as we settle in and start get back to our Florida routine. Roger starts his outdoor painting group tomorrow and I am out with the ladies to the Christmas ladies luncheon at Shuckers on the ocean on Friday.  Morning exercise is our daily start to the day and I am finding muscles my body forgot about over the summer.  It’s a fun time in the pool and the hour goes by before you know it.

December 8th

We continue  hear about the storms up north and realize how lucky we are to be in sunny Florida. The thought of blizzards, shoveling and bad roads make me shiver.  My sister Norma and husband Russ were not impressed either and spontaneously purchased tickets to come see us, and fly in Sunday.  I think they are really getting into retirement mode.  We look forward to seeing them and I am sure we will have a blast.

Roger had his first plein air paint of the season with a local group of artists he paints with every week. His new venture into water color painting is coming along nicely. I appreciate that it is much less messy than oils.  I am busy reading my book for book club starting in January with the first pick being The Art Forger. It’s pretty good so far and is an easy read so I should whip through it pretty quick.  This afternoon we tootled on down to Vero Beach to do a bit of shopping and check out a few favorite places. The Fresh Market grocery always has delicious treats and today I could not resist picking up a few olives from the olive bar. They are fresh and delicious.  I checked out a few things for the future and although the seafood bar was calling I managed to escape with only pumpkin bread and olives.  The good thing is I get all the olives to myself as Roger always makes a funny face when I offer him any! ;).  There is  a large Italian population that comes for the winter so they always have lots of different olives. This time I tried the huge olives stuffed with prosciutto, feta stuffed olives and sun-dried black and pitted Kalamata.  Oh yum!!  

December9th

Here we are at Friday and today was the ladies luncheon at Shuckers on the ocean.  Its  a great seafood restaurant with a large menu that would fit anyone’s taste.   I opted for the fish tacos which were delicious.  The young waitress had a deep southern Carolina accent and was an efficient sweet young woman.  Perfect southern manners.  There were lots of laughter as the Christmas cheer took effect, pictures with large grins and funny stories of Christmas past.  Those girls from New Jersey are crazy wild!!!!  

This weekend many of our friends are leaving for the northern US to return home for Christmas.  Boy do I wish we could get $39.00 flights home.  Some have left or are leaving

for cruises to the Caribbean and others are just arriving. Come January all will be here and ready to roll for the winter.  Most will arrive just before new years to take in the New Year’s Eve Party and Dance. Live music and champagne, bring out the masses.

Will try and update next week. Stay warm and safe.