Saturday, March 23, 2024

St. Patrick's Day - Council Meeting - Concert

 Shalimar, FL   (Hi  63  Lo 47)    I'VE BEEN ASKED THAT THE FONT IT TOO SMALL. JUST DO A CONTROL +  AND IT WILL ENLARGE. CONTROL   -(minus)  to make smaller.

Sunday seems like months away, but it started out this week with a party for St. Patrick's Day!  One of our gals makes great corn beef and cabbage. It was wonderful. The village pitched in with desserts and sides. (Click on photos to enlarge).


I found out I like this drink. It's like licorice.
We got to the lounge 12:30 and left at 8:15pm. 

Monday was Wii bowling, then dementia class. This class is to inform how to react to those with dementia without causing aggressive reactions. Youtube has a gal that teaches what to watch for and how to react. Teepa Snow is her name. I played cards by 5:00 along with GBM zoom at 7:30. 

Tuesday after the craft class and meditation I had my massage and chiropractor appointment. I'm having trouble with my neck because I pulled a muscle in my neck. How I have no idea how,  but woke up with a stiff neck that I couldn't move left or right. I went back to chiropractor on Thursday for more help, it's finally moving a little more, but will take awhile to get full movement.

Wednesday Wii Bowling and resident council. We heard a lot of info on what's coming up for the village in upgrades and more buildings in the future. Lots of red tape and plans to be done. They also recognized two very important people in our village. Sharon is our social worker and first responder in our villages. She's amazing with answers and assistance in anything we need. She's been here ten years.
                                            Brooks, Sharon, and Bobbie Jo
Volunteer of the year is Hilga. She has helped in the office and has been here many areas in the village. She will go to Orlando for the SE conference leading age volunteer. Congrats to Hilga.

                                                        Brooks, Hilga, and Bobbie Jo
Thursday was dentist appointment. Another cleaning, which is progressing well from six months ago. I guess another age thing with teeth, the gums get weak. I'll keep up with the cleaning so I can keep the teeth. 

Friday we're supposed to get rain this weekend, but the military still held a car wash in our village. The pollen has been really bad so I took the car over for a good cleaning. They do such a great job. I couldn't get out of the car but thought I'd take a couple pictures from inside. 

The rest of Friday was time at home. I had a zoom with the friends from North Carolina but nothing else except getting my weekly meals, making one of them and crocheting or working with the puzzle. 

To catch you up on the little things. One of the residents got a frog for our little flower garden. It's so cute. 
This picture is from one of the chatters on a train in NY. Six guys after a basketball game went up in the luggage racks for their rid home. Three on each side.  Of course they're all on their phones. 
I am trying to make gnomes and several other little things for the August 17 craft fair here on campus. Here's what I've made so far. I'm working on different holidays or months. St. Patrick's day is first with the beer mug and shamrocks.
This is May, but more to come with different colors heads and tiny lady bug or butterfly on top.
Easter bunnies with different heads.
There's a lot more to be made.  

Saturday I made a couple meals, did some housework and went to a concert. https://www.mulligansband.net/    

I went with my neighbor Anne and it was great.
A bunch of old guys doing fantastic singing from the 60 and 70's with an audience of the same age. They were doing a benefit for the kids that are placed in foster homes.  
There were several from the Villages that we knew. Anyone could dance in front of the stage. 
I'll see you next week. Thank you for reading.

Saturday, March 16, 2024

No WIFI - Painting - Yard Cleanup - Pensacola

 Shalimar, FL  (Hi 79   Lo 61) 

We changed to daylight savings time on Sunday. Moving up an hour doesn't bother me as much as moving back an hour in the fall. It's now lighter later and great to sit outside longer in the evenings. 

Tuesday was an eye opener on what happens when you have no internet or TV. It's like being back in the 40's. Gals were walking around with nothing to do and no one even the office didn't have phones to call in or out for emergencies. They had to use back up phones for emergencies.  I couldn't do my games and look up stuff like I do for questions the gals ask. How did we get along before computers. It was 24 hours before we got it back and it was taken down (hear say) that another phone company cut the lines putting in fiber optic for a new construction site. 

The week went as usual except Wednesday. I had my massage and chiropractor appointment. I changed to another massage therapist that was a lot easier on my body and I love her. I now have a permanent gal to go to and the chiropractor and I figured out another way to keep my hip from slipping out of  place for longer. I did realize one day last week whenever I stand I lean on the left hip. That's the bad one, now I try to stand straight and no leaning. I hope that helps.

Thursday was also different. I went to the crochet group. I left early to go to Sip and Paint at the commons. There weren't many of us but we had a good time trying to paint a picture. I do my own thing, but I'm the one that looks at it. (Click photos to enlarge). This is my picture. 

         The whole group 
My picture


   Working on my picture. 
Friday I worked on my puzzle. At 1:00 I had the team from the base called "honey doers" help me with the yard. It was a mess with weeds and down small branches from our storm the other night. They did a marvelous job. 



                                   Final cleanup.  It won't stay long, but sure looks good for now.
Then I went to happy hour at 3:00. It was a really good time. They had meatballs, potato skins, pretzel bites with cheese dip and veggies, (carrots, peppers, cauliflower bites).  The beer was green and so was the whiskey. There was  Karaoke but mainly music for dancing. The party was from 3 to 5:00. 
Our village one people.
Other villages
I normally have nothing to do on Friday and Saturday. This week both days I was busy. Saturday I went to Pensacola to get wine. I got a case of wine I can't get around here. I should be ok now for six months.

Saturday, March 9, 2024

Special Visitor - Mini Horse

 Shalimar, FL (Hi  76  Lo  50)

What an interesting week! 

The week started out with normal activities. Monday was Wii bowling and I made a couple meals from Hello Fresh. I played cards in the evening then had the GBM group zoom and we had four new gals in because their husbands died with GBM (like Jim). So sad they can't get a handle on the cancer.

Tuesday I had a special visitor. Shelly was our kids babysitter. We've stayed in touch all these years and she came for a visit to see the complex plus checking out the Hawthorn House for her mom. That's another building here when you no longer can take care of yourself. It's not a nursing home, just a  retirement place. The wait is a year and she wanted to check it out. She loves where I am and understands why I like it. She left in the evening to get back to Panama City. She's on vacation. 

                            

Wednesday is my really busy day. I'm at bowling by 10:00am then 15 minutes to eat lunch and over to Village five to play hand, knee and foot. Actually it's my favorite day. I have 20 minutes to get dinner then to the normal nightly cards game of 31. What fun.

Thursday I went to the activities meeting to see what's in store for the whole month of March and they had some of April laid out for us. I'm going to have to make decisions on which activity I want to do more. There's several things I want to do on the same day at the same time. I went to crochet group by 1:00 and got some details on what gnomes I should sell in August at the craft fair. I'm excited they're doing one of those. I have fourteen made already and when I'm on zoom at night I crochet. I can usually do two in four hours before bed. One of the gals is making fingerless gloves. I've never seen it done. It's really neat. 

This is my latest gnome. I won't bore you with all the ones I make till they're all done. I'm making  holiday gnomes. This one is Easter. I have patterns for some of them and others I'm creating as I go. I do a lot of "frogging" tearing out what I do and remake it. 
Friday was another out of the blue surprise. While I was at Hawthorn House I noticed the mini horse was scheduled for today. I came over and watched the little horse being petted and loved by the gals, including me. His name is Elmer and he's well trained to just stand still for everyone.
I noticed the bag for his backend, how neat. 

I loved his hooves. Looks like special shoes for him. 

I had a busy week and it's all good. We had some severe storms on Friday night, but no damage. We did get a lot of rain and wind. It's getting into the bad time of the year, weather wise. 

Saturday I made meals and had social hour at 4:00.  Sunday was hand and foot at our village at 1:00.  We also changed time to one hour ahead. I wish it would stop changing.

Saturday, March 2, 2024

One Year Anniversary - Stove

 Shalimar, Fl    (Hi  66  Lo  60)

ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY is tomorrow, Sunday March 3. What a ride! It's the best decision I could have made and so glad to be at Bob Hope Village. I have no complaints. It's right for me and so glad the kids helped me get here. At times, I feel like I've been here five years, and other times it feels like yesterday. I've learned so much. 

I seldom talk about Sundays, I don't do anything but cards (Hand and Foot) and cards (31) at night. I also do laundry and clean up the place (if needed).

So we'll start out every week with Monday's activities. First is Wii bowling, which the first game wasn't a bad score 209. It went downhill from there. The next thing was a seminar or meeting, talk whatever you want to call it about what happens when you call 911. It's very interesting. The firetrucks come first normally when it's a fall or something minor. They assess the situation then call ambulance and if further assistance needed the police are called. Very interesting one and half our talk with the emergency supervisor. I had just enough time to get dinner and go play cards, then into the GBM group zoom and on to zoom for normal nightly chat with the same people from 2007. I can't believe there's some people sticking around.  If you're free about 8:00pm central time join us on zoom. 

https://us04web.zoom.us/s/72512080635?pwd=e5pqxaHuqIQxCkHuXHFzyoCkpIBcyg.1%20Meeting%20ID:%20725%201208%200635%20Passcode:%20eD328y#success

Meeting ID: 725 1208 0635      Passcode: eD328y

Tuesday:  I went to diamond art and I finally finished the gnome bunnies. I'm so glad to have it done way before Easter. It's really vibrant colors in person. 

I went to meditation at1:00, then home to make a couple meals for the neighbor with Hello Fresh. They only take about 45 minutes so no big deal. I also started the 2000 piece puzzle turning over the pieces. I think I'll be busy for a few months.
Wednesday started with Wii bowling. Not as high scores as on Monday. I wish I was more consistent. I had just enough time to grab a sandwich then head to Village 5 for hand, knee and foot. Then dinner and cards. 

Thursday I got my stove fixed. I made out a work order last night (Wednesday) for my burners on the stove. They haven't worked well since I got here and two of the big burners didn't even heat up water. It was not going to be feasible making meals without a full working stove. The maintenance guy was here by 9:00 and put in four new burners. They work great and I'm so thankful.  So far everything that's gone wrong has been fixed same day or next day. I went to the crochet group in Village six. Back to cards after some dinner. Tuesday to Thursday are quick turnaround days.  It's great to have something to do and so far it's working for me. I do go to other things and get sidetracked every once in awhile, but I go with the flow.

Friday is a down day and this time I went to Culver's for lunch. I haven't been there since I left Illinois. I always get a tenderloin but the gals said their fish is excellent and they're right. I worked on the puzzle most of the afternoon after making a meal. This weeks meals came in so I sorted them and will make them between now and Tuesday. 

Saturday was the monthly meeting for our village. Not a whole lot going on in the village. I had a zoom meeting then made a meal for neighbor and I.  Our social hour is at 4:00 to whenever we decide it's enough. It's a time we meet people in our village and we have some new people coming in so that's way to meet and learn who needs help. 
One year, wow. It's unbelievable. 

Friday, February 23, 2024

Warm Week - Keeping Up - Budding Trees

 Shalimar, FL (Hi  71   Lo  43)

This week was pretty normal and only a few changes along the way. 

Sunday I played cards in the afternoon. That's the slowest day and I'm glad to have something going on besides crocheting and watching TV,  that's for evenings. What card game, hand and foot. What else? lol 

Monday was President's day but that didn't pertain to anything around here except no mail. I had Wii bowling, then hurry to dementia class. Our leader was sick so they setup the class on line and I looked for Teepa Snow got one we wanted to see and had an hour and half learning from her. If you want to know anything about Dementia that's the person to learn from, she's on youtube.com. I had time to get some dinner then the nightly 31 card game. I learn what's going on around the campus from the other gals that play. 

Tuesday was crafts, which I'm still working on the diamond art bunnies. I almost have that done. I decided to setup the table and ordered a backlight for diamond art. It sure makes a difference, but no way to plug it in without the PC, so ordered a charger. There's always something to get, guess it's a new thing, don't put everything you need in whatever you buy.  I'll continue working on the picture. I have something to do on the table when this picture is done. Stay tuned to more on projects.  After diamond art was over, I stayed for meditation.  I always enjoy that time.

Wednesday was different. It's the third week from my last massage so after Wii bowling I went to my massage/chiropractor. The person I've been seeing for almost a year has changed to doing rehab only, so I was placed with someone else.  It wasn't a good massage so I asked to be with someone else next month. They have three gals that I can pick from so there's hope one of them will be as good as the one I had. 

Thursday was crochet group time. I helped a gal with a pattern and stayed a couple hours working on my gnomes. I also got my hair cut. It wasn't really long, but I hate it when it gets long around my ears. I'm hoping to get a two week plan going so it's the same length all the time. 

Friday I didn't have anything to do. I thought I'd just stay in jammies, but that didn't happen. The gal I met at the craft fair come here to give me her thread that if you brush it it looks like fur. I'm going to make a few dogs for the craft fair that's in August. I'm really excited. While I'm on that subject, if anyone that's been following me with my crochet items, what is your favorite item that you'd buy. My list is holiday gnomes, like the beer head gnome for St Pat's day, see picture in yesterday's blog.  Next is a bunny gnome with ears for Easter. etc. Cardinals, turtles, butterflies and lady bugs on tiny clothespins with magnets for the refrigerator. If you think of something else that would sell, let me know.  The day ended up cleaning up the apartment and laundry. I also got my Hello fresh meals so sorted them out and getting ready to make them up tomorrow and Monday. 

Saturday  I took pictures of the tree beside me with the buds. I think it's a  Magnolia. (Click on the photos to enlarge).


It's now Saturday. First on the list is helping a neighbor with his computer. Then I'm meeting another neighbor to setup meals to order for next week. I'll work on the diamond art and see what else comes up during the day.  I'm having trouble keeping up with the days. I'm either behind a day or ahead. I'm glad my phone tells me what day it is along with the time. 

Saturday, February 17, 2024

New Phone - Super Bowl - Meals - Craft Show

 Shalimar, FL  (Hi 55  Lo 39)

I got my new  phone Pixel 7 on Monday. I hate changing phones but this one was so easy, just plug the cord to both the new and old one and it took off with copying files and everything was in new phone in minutes. I had to setup a few apps, but I already knew how to do that. I was very proud that I did it all by myself without asking the kids, or anyone here. whew, that was easy. 

Super bowl was Sunday and we had several gals bring food and we went to the lounge to watch the game. I got too bored after the halftime show so went back home. I kept up with the score only because our older son was rooting for the 49ers and I knew he would be upset if they lost. I still haven't heard from him. lol 

I get HelloFresh meals every other week and another gal started getting them. She can't stand  to  make them for very long so I started making them for her. That's two gals I'm making meals. They don't take long, and it's worth a few extra minutes to help them out. That way I can sample what they buy to see if I want to get them. I did all the meals on Monday which I will probably do every week. 

Tuesday I worked on the diamond art almost all day with only a couple hours out for meditation. I also worked on it Friday afternoon.  It's slow going, placing each bead in a little square takes time. 

Monday and Wednesday was Wii bowling which I had pretty good scores. I can only get better, hopefully. On Wednesday I went to the other village for hand and foot card game. That's so much fun. I didn't go to the Valentine's dance at the commons. I'd much rather play cards. 

Thursday I went to crochet in building six. I made Ivy and pearl plant for the gal that wanted it for sorority. She was very pleased with it. (Click on the photos to enlarge).


While I was there crocheting, I finished the gnome that's for St. Patrick day. I'll do a bunch for the craft fair coming in August. I have lots of ideas for other gnomes.
Saturday was special. It was a rainy day but I took the bus to Destin to the community center for the areas craft show with 55 vendors. There were mostly jewelry, but several things I had never seen. I met a women that does yarn and bigger things that I do with thread. She tried a little dog but didn't like doing anything that small. I still haven't seen anyone making what I make. 
The lady that makes these clothes takes cloth and instead of quilts she makes clothes. Very interesting. 

IF I was going to buy something this is what I would buy. It's outdoor fake plants with all kinds of gnomes, fairies and little stuff in them. 

We left in a couple hours and went to Cracker Barrel for lunch. It rained all day long. I got home about 1:30 and went to play hand and foot in Village 2 for the rest of the afternoon. I then went to social hour at 4:00.  It was a full day of fun. I did all the other things I do daily just didn't post it, zooms and cards every night. 

Friday, February 9, 2024

Movie - Table - Snow/Rain

Shalimar, FL  (Hi 69   Lo 62)

I've added something to do on Sunday's with another easier hand and foot card game. It's going to be a challenge at times with getting 4 people, but we'll cancel if we have to.  It's so busy here gals have a hard time keeping up.

Monday was a typical day with Wii bowling, cards in the evening and GBM support group late evening. 

Tuesday was a bit of a change up. I do Tiktok every Tuesday and Thursday mornings.  At noon I went with one of the gals to see the movie "The Chosen". It's getting great reviews and the show is on TV, but season four was started at the theater. It was full price which took us by surprise. It was good and the actors were excellent. It's worth watching if you haven't seen the first 3 seasons on TV watch them first. 

Wednesday morning I got my refinished table back. One of the managers does refinishing as a hobby and we were both happy to find each other. I wanted my table done and she wanted to do one. Mine was given to me when Jim died and I didn't have anything for the apartment. It's real wood and is very old. I love it. The color matches everything else in the living room. The before and after pictures. 

I love it when something like this falls into place. 
I had Wii bowling in the afternoon then got a bite to eat and played cards (hand knee and foot) till 4:00 got something to eat then to the normal every night cards. Busy day!

Thursday after the Tiktok assistance, I went to crochet group and we had a birthday party for a couple gals. Both in mid to late 80's. What a great group.  We had a good time and I have out of the ordinary order for crochet project. Stay tuned, I'll have it on the next blog, hopefully. 

Friday I was reminded by someone  on our nightly chat about oil change in the car. I thought about it beginning of January, but forgot when I should get one and since I seldom drive it, I figured I had time. I was told that when a car sits long periods of time like mine I should change oil every six months or 3,000 miles whichever comes first. I got it done today so that's over for while. My Hellofresh meals came in, so got that sorted and ready to make. I'm also making meals for another gal here. This should be fun. 

Saturday, A totally me day. I wanted to work on diamond art, and a few computer projects plus sorting out safety eyes for my critters, crochet and play guitar. 

I did watch storm chasers in the mountains helping people out of snow drifts and bad road conditions, then to Illinois and Wisconsin with tornadoes. It's going to be active this weekend, so I'll be watching closely with all the severe storms that may be brewing. That's what happens with El Nino. The rains in California will help with the drought, but sure is havoc in the meantime. I have my tickets for the June NASCAR race in  Madison, IL.  I'll be with older and younger son all in one trip. See ya next week. 

St. Patrick's Day - Council Meeting - Concert

 Shalimar, FL   (Hi  63  Lo 47)    I'VE BEEN ASKED THAT THE FONT IT TOO SMALL. JUST DO A CONTROL +  AND IT WILL ENLARGE. CONTROL   -(min...