Lots Going On Here...!
Well, winter vacation has come and gone...must say that my two weeks in Naples, Florida was absolutely wonderful and spending all that time with my best friend, Lisa, was the renewal I needed! She moved down there just a year ago and used the time to scope out all the best beaches, restaurants, fresh food markets and tourist attractions in the area.
I arrived on Friday, Jan. 11 before noon. She picked me up at the Ft. Myers airport and we went straight to her house in Naples so I could throw my bags in her guest room, peel off my jeans and turtleneck and get on some SHORTS and a short-sleeved shirt. It was a GORGEOUS 82 degrees and sunny! YES! YES!
From there, we went to "Old Naples" and had lunch down at Tin City at an outdoor cafe. The fresh grilled GROUPER was excellent -- hard to find that fish up here in the north -- and it was like living a dream to sit outside and have lunch in JANUARY.
After lunch, the first thing we did was sign up for a Deep Sea Fishing Expedition (1/2 day) -- something she has wanted to do for a year and something I thought would be great fun, too. We scheduled for the Sunday morning trip as it is reputed to be less people on the boat and more help from the crew.
We then went out on the Pier at the Naples Municipal Beach. It really is lovely -- just a wide expanse of sugar-white sand and that gorgeous blue-green Gulf water! We walked along the beach for about a mile and just enjoyed being outside and catching up on what has been going in our respective lives. Good stuff!
Saturday was Lisa's sister's birthday, so we went over to visit her in the afternoon. Anne has lived in Naples for almost 30 years, so she also had some suggestions of things we should try to do while I was visiting. It was good to see her again, too.
Sunday morning we were up bright and early because we had to get to the docks by 7:30. We packed a small cooler with drinks and snacks and were totally psyched for this fishing trip. It was a little chilly, but by the time we got out onto the open ocean, both of us had shed our jackets and were soaking up the sun. There was a pod of dolphins that followed the boat for the longest time and what a thrill to see them leaping out of the water and doing all sorts of aerobatics - apparently for their own enjoyment and our entertainment.
The world got a lot smaller when we discovered that a couple on the boat were vacationing from Gettysburg, PA. That's only about 25 miles from where I live and the craziest coincidences -- the man does maintenance and rehabilitation of the statues in the Battlefield National Park. He KNOWS my neighbor, Bert, who works for the National Park System. Crazier still, they knew the veterinarian who used to live next door to me (he is originally from Gettysburg). AND the captain of the boat is originally from Severna Park, MD -- where Lisa lived for 10 years before moving to Naples. Pretty amazing.
Anyway, when we were about 14 miles out, the captain "sounded" a good solid bottom for us and dropped anchor. Then things got real busy as we were ready to fish! It took a bit to get my "sea legs" and (hindsight being a wonderful tool) had I know the swells were going to be that big, I would have taken something for motion sickness. The first mate said, "Just look at the horizon or the clouds if you start to feel woozy." Famous last words. How can you WATCH YOUR LINE and look at the sky?
Well, I was the lucky one because I CAUGHT THE FIRST FISH OF THE DAY! A really nice Red Snapper! I was hoping for a Grouper, but I was tickled to have caught something! Lisa hooked a nice Flounder even though we weren't baiting specifically for it. So that was TWO fish in our section of the on-board cooler. Someone fishing on the opposite side of the boat reeled in a TROPHY-SIZED Grouper shortly thereafter and we all cheered. Then it just seemed like everyone was getting a fish right and left and I lost track.
Unfortunately, when motion sickness comes on it is often without warning. One minute I was find and the next -- well, let's just say it's a good thing I was fishing off the BACK of the boat. Yuck. I hate getting sick. But I knew what to do. After that, however, I couldn't bear to stand back there and look down at the water. I retreated to a seat and just kept looking at the horizon and the clouds.
The man from Gettysburg pulled in another Grouper and because there is a size limit on what you can keep, we were all cheering like crazy when the first mate put the fish down to measure it. Darn! It was only 19-1/2 inches -- 1/2 inch SHORT of a keeper. I called out "Can't you stretch it just a bit?" and everyone laughed. But back over the side he went. Too bad!
It was really fun and exciting, but after two hours of fishing, it was time to head back. Lots of "fish stories" told on the trip back to shore and lots of recipe sharing, too. The best thing about those trips is that the crew cleans and filets your fish FOR YOU and wraps them in paper, ice and plastic bags so you can take them home and throw them in the pan. Lisa and I stopped by a fresh fish market so that we COULD have some fresh Grouper to cook up with my Red Snapper and her Flounder for our dinner. It was a real fresh fish buffet!
The rest of our days were spent at various beaches (Marco Island -- which is famous for shelling; Lowdermilk Park Beach and back to the Naples Municipal Beach, too); hanging out at the pool in her neighborhood; some shopping and visiting with her niece and her great-niece and nephew (really cute little kids I might add). We also spent one afternoon at the Naples Zoo. I was so impressed with it last year, it was high on my list of "must do's" for this return trip. The animals are gorgeous and so very well cared for it should be the standard for all zoos in the world. And another afternoon, we drove up to Ft.Myers to look at RVs and travel trailers. Wow! Such a selection to choose from at a wide range of prices. I think I am more confused than ever at this point as to what kind I want to buy, but I've got time.
Lisa and I also did a real "girl thing" and got mani-pedis one afternoon. Crazy, though, as the NEXT DAY we spent painting her bedroom! It took us all day and we were positively BEAT when we finished, but it sure looks good! It was a big job, but I'm glad I saw the two gallons of paint sitting in her laundry room and asked her what it was for! She had bought it a couple of months earlier but just hadn't gotten motivated to do the job yet. Worked out perfectly!
Originally, I was to leave Naples and go back over to Vero Beach to spend a few days with friends there and then come home with them in their monster motor home. Unfortunately, my friend hurt his back and wasn't going to be able to fly over to Naples to get me, much less drive to Maryland, so I had to get a return trip from Ft. Myers on Southwest. The earliest REASONABLE fare I could get was for Thursday the 24th in the early evening. This worked out fine and gave Lisa and I a few more days together.
I promise to get some of my pictures posted in the next few days so that you all can enjoy them.
Meanwhile, Maryland was plunged into a serious DEEP FREEZE and I was SOOO GLAD not to be at home!
Got a bit of bad news, though. My fairy godmother had taken a turn for the worse and was failing fast. As badly as I wanted to be able to see her, word was that she was having a "slow brain bleed" and just slipping in and out of consciousness. I knew that her time was quickly coming to an end so it really put a damper on my last few days with Lisa.
Tom picked me up at BWI on Thursday evening. My plane was on time, but we still didn't get home until 10:30 p.m. I was tired. I don't think the human body is meant to be at 39,000 feet above the ground. So after being greeted by all the four-legged children and brushing my teeth, I fell into bed and slept until 8:00 a.m. Friday morning.
Coming home is ALWAYS a huge adjustment and being away for two weeks makes me want to stay on vacation permanently -- especially coming from a warm place back to the frozen tundra of Maryland. I didn't stick my nose out the door the entire day. Called my neighbor and told her that I would come get Rio on Saturday. We were having a little snow and it peaked out at 19 degrees around 2:00. Too cold for me!
Saturday morning I got a phone call from my fairy godmother's daughter. Gloria passed away around 9:00 a.m. I was so very sad, but then I was filled with such a peaceful feeling of love. Gloria was like my other mother for many years and she was my absolute rock during the most difficult times of my life. She was 87 years old and just a delightful woman. Tom and I had taken her to a holiday concert back before Christmas and had then spent the day before Christmas Eve visiting with her in the assisted living home. She was looking and sounding so good and positive; her doctor had assured her that if she continued to improve, he saw no reason why she wouldn't be able to go back to her house in the spring. Gloria was really banking on that. She had said for a couple of years that she hoped she would be able to die at home. Well, that wasn't God's plan for her, I guess. But she's with Him now -- and there's no doubt in my mind that her husband and her daughter were at Heaven's Gate to meet her.
The visitation is on Tuesday and the Memorial Service is Wednesday. I plan to attend both. Have to do some re-scheduling around it as the water and sewer inspections are due to happen here on Wednesday. Tomorrow (Monday) the appraiser and the home inspector are coming. My realtor is coming up and will be here for both of those things. But once all this stuff is nailed down, I will know for sure if this sale is a "go" -- and if so, I will be going to closing on April 17th. No sense packing just yet, but I'm thinking long and hard about what I really want to keep and what might be easier to replace.
No idea as of yet what my plan is. Looking at Shepherdstown, WV or maybe further down in that state. Also seriously considering buying a little place in Naples. I wouldn't want to be there in the heat of summer, but mild temperatures and sunshine sound pretty good to me for October through June. A lot better than here, for sure. And I am planning to buy some sort of RV or travel trailer, too. I figure I have to have a home base somewhere and then can spend some months traveling, too. Lots to think about and lots to do.
I am looking forward to making these changes! I've had about all the fun I can stand on this farm for the last 25 years and am ready for something different!
I arrived on Friday, Jan. 11 before noon. She picked me up at the Ft. Myers airport and we went straight to her house in Naples so I could throw my bags in her guest room, peel off my jeans and turtleneck and get on some SHORTS and a short-sleeved shirt. It was a GORGEOUS 82 degrees and sunny! YES! YES!
From there, we went to "Old Naples" and had lunch down at Tin City at an outdoor cafe. The fresh grilled GROUPER was excellent -- hard to find that fish up here in the north -- and it was like living a dream to sit outside and have lunch in JANUARY.
After lunch, the first thing we did was sign up for a Deep Sea Fishing Expedition (1/2 day) -- something she has wanted to do for a year and something I thought would be great fun, too. We scheduled for the Sunday morning trip as it is reputed to be less people on the boat and more help from the crew.
We then went out on the Pier at the Naples Municipal Beach. It really is lovely -- just a wide expanse of sugar-white sand and that gorgeous blue-green Gulf water! We walked along the beach for about a mile and just enjoyed being outside and catching up on what has been going in our respective lives. Good stuff!
Saturday was Lisa's sister's birthday, so we went over to visit her in the afternoon. Anne has lived in Naples for almost 30 years, so she also had some suggestions of things we should try to do while I was visiting. It was good to see her again, too.
Sunday morning we were up bright and early because we had to get to the docks by 7:30. We packed a small cooler with drinks and snacks and were totally psyched for this fishing trip. It was a little chilly, but by the time we got out onto the open ocean, both of us had shed our jackets and were soaking up the sun. There was a pod of dolphins that followed the boat for the longest time and what a thrill to see them leaping out of the water and doing all sorts of aerobatics - apparently for their own enjoyment and our entertainment.
The world got a lot smaller when we discovered that a couple on the boat were vacationing from Gettysburg, PA. That's only about 25 miles from where I live and the craziest coincidences -- the man does maintenance and rehabilitation of the statues in the Battlefield National Park. He KNOWS my neighbor, Bert, who works for the National Park System. Crazier still, they knew the veterinarian who used to live next door to me (he is originally from Gettysburg). AND the captain of the boat is originally from Severna Park, MD -- where Lisa lived for 10 years before moving to Naples. Pretty amazing.
Anyway, when we were about 14 miles out, the captain "sounded" a good solid bottom for us and dropped anchor. Then things got real busy as we were ready to fish! It took a bit to get my "sea legs" and (hindsight being a wonderful tool) had I know the swells were going to be that big, I would have taken something for motion sickness. The first mate said, "Just look at the horizon or the clouds if you start to feel woozy." Famous last words. How can you WATCH YOUR LINE and look at the sky?
Well, I was the lucky one because I CAUGHT THE FIRST FISH OF THE DAY! A really nice Red Snapper! I was hoping for a Grouper, but I was tickled to have caught something! Lisa hooked a nice Flounder even though we weren't baiting specifically for it. So that was TWO fish in our section of the on-board cooler. Someone fishing on the opposite side of the boat reeled in a TROPHY-SIZED Grouper shortly thereafter and we all cheered. Then it just seemed like everyone was getting a fish right and left and I lost track.
Unfortunately, when motion sickness comes on it is often without warning. One minute I was find and the next -- well, let's just say it's a good thing I was fishing off the BACK of the boat. Yuck. I hate getting sick. But I knew what to do. After that, however, I couldn't bear to stand back there and look down at the water. I retreated to a seat and just kept looking at the horizon and the clouds.
The man from Gettysburg pulled in another Grouper and because there is a size limit on what you can keep, we were all cheering like crazy when the first mate put the fish down to measure it. Darn! It was only 19-1/2 inches -- 1/2 inch SHORT of a keeper. I called out "Can't you stretch it just a bit?" and everyone laughed. But back over the side he went. Too bad!
It was really fun and exciting, but after two hours of fishing, it was time to head back. Lots of "fish stories" told on the trip back to shore and lots of recipe sharing, too. The best thing about those trips is that the crew cleans and filets your fish FOR YOU and wraps them in paper, ice and plastic bags so you can take them home and throw them in the pan. Lisa and I stopped by a fresh fish market so that we COULD have some fresh Grouper to cook up with my Red Snapper and her Flounder for our dinner. It was a real fresh fish buffet!
The rest of our days were spent at various beaches (Marco Island -- which is famous for shelling; Lowdermilk Park Beach and back to the Naples Municipal Beach, too); hanging out at the pool in her neighborhood; some shopping and visiting with her niece and her great-niece and nephew (really cute little kids I might add). We also spent one afternoon at the Naples Zoo. I was so impressed with it last year, it was high on my list of "must do's" for this return trip. The animals are gorgeous and so very well cared for it should be the standard for all zoos in the world. And another afternoon, we drove up to Ft.Myers to look at RVs and travel trailers. Wow! Such a selection to choose from at a wide range of prices. I think I am more confused than ever at this point as to what kind I want to buy, but I've got time.
Lisa and I also did a real "girl thing" and got mani-pedis one afternoon. Crazy, though, as the NEXT DAY we spent painting her bedroom! It took us all day and we were positively BEAT when we finished, but it sure looks good! It was a big job, but I'm glad I saw the two gallons of paint sitting in her laundry room and asked her what it was for! She had bought it a couple of months earlier but just hadn't gotten motivated to do the job yet. Worked out perfectly!
Originally, I was to leave Naples and go back over to Vero Beach to spend a few days with friends there and then come home with them in their monster motor home. Unfortunately, my friend hurt his back and wasn't going to be able to fly over to Naples to get me, much less drive to Maryland, so I had to get a return trip from Ft. Myers on Southwest. The earliest REASONABLE fare I could get was for Thursday the 24th in the early evening. This worked out fine and gave Lisa and I a few more days together.
I promise to get some of my pictures posted in the next few days so that you all can enjoy them.
Meanwhile, Maryland was plunged into a serious DEEP FREEZE and I was SOOO GLAD not to be at home!
Got a bit of bad news, though. My fairy godmother had taken a turn for the worse and was failing fast. As badly as I wanted to be able to see her, word was that she was having a "slow brain bleed" and just slipping in and out of consciousness. I knew that her time was quickly coming to an end so it really put a damper on my last few days with Lisa.
Tom picked me up at BWI on Thursday evening. My plane was on time, but we still didn't get home until 10:30 p.m. I was tired. I don't think the human body is meant to be at 39,000 feet above the ground. So after being greeted by all the four-legged children and brushing my teeth, I fell into bed and slept until 8:00 a.m. Friday morning.
Coming home is ALWAYS a huge adjustment and being away for two weeks makes me want to stay on vacation permanently -- especially coming from a warm place back to the frozen tundra of Maryland. I didn't stick my nose out the door the entire day. Called my neighbor and told her that I would come get Rio on Saturday. We were having a little snow and it peaked out at 19 degrees around 2:00. Too cold for me!
Saturday morning I got a phone call from my fairy godmother's daughter. Gloria passed away around 9:00 a.m. I was so very sad, but then I was filled with such a peaceful feeling of love. Gloria was like my other mother for many years and she was my absolute rock during the most difficult times of my life. She was 87 years old and just a delightful woman. Tom and I had taken her to a holiday concert back before Christmas and had then spent the day before Christmas Eve visiting with her in the assisted living home. She was looking and sounding so good and positive; her doctor had assured her that if she continued to improve, he saw no reason why she wouldn't be able to go back to her house in the spring. Gloria was really banking on that. She had said for a couple of years that she hoped she would be able to die at home. Well, that wasn't God's plan for her, I guess. But she's with Him now -- and there's no doubt in my mind that her husband and her daughter were at Heaven's Gate to meet her.
The visitation is on Tuesday and the Memorial Service is Wednesday. I plan to attend both. Have to do some re-scheduling around it as the water and sewer inspections are due to happen here on Wednesday. Tomorrow (Monday) the appraiser and the home inspector are coming. My realtor is coming up and will be here for both of those things. But once all this stuff is nailed down, I will know for sure if this sale is a "go" -- and if so, I will be going to closing on April 17th. No sense packing just yet, but I'm thinking long and hard about what I really want to keep and what might be easier to replace.
No idea as of yet what my plan is. Looking at Shepherdstown, WV or maybe further down in that state. Also seriously considering buying a little place in Naples. I wouldn't want to be there in the heat of summer, but mild temperatures and sunshine sound pretty good to me for October through June. A lot better than here, for sure. And I am planning to buy some sort of RV or travel trailer, too. I figure I have to have a home base somewhere and then can spend some months traveling, too. Lots to think about and lots to do.
I am looking forward to making these changes! I've had about all the fun I can stand on this farm for the last 25 years and am ready for something different!
Replies
What a lovely trip! I am sorry four your loss of Gloria. Such things are never easy to take.
My camera was stolen from my new house while I was in the countryside. The house was totally locked up.m it was an \"inside\" job. They wanted only the camera and also took my only way to get money here in Viet Nam: my debit card! I am now \"over\" it and planning on buying my next camera in April! I have changed the locks and am in total control over who has any keys: only me and my housemate/maid.
Welcome home! Yep, we sure had a deep freeze while you were away...nice timing for your trip sista!
Loss. It\'s never easy. Glad you wrote about it - how much she meant to you etc. I hope that the visitation and service are both healing and a fitting celebration of her life. Sending you a special `fairy`hug.
Good luck with the inspections and with making the decisions that affect the next chapter of your life.....yep, that IS exciting! Movin` on down the road......
Welcome back!
Welcome back! Sounds like you had a great time. I\'m sorry about Gloria--very glad you got to spend some time with her at Christmas.
I am also camper shopping. I\'ve pretty much decided on an Aliner pop up; now I just have to find one for a reasonable price.
Hugs my friend. She is in a better place now. You sound so relaxed and happy. Happiness and peace of mind, priceless.
What a wonderful vacation! It sounds like you had a lot of fun and tried several new things. It had to be really hard to go back home.
I am so sorry to hear about your friend passing, but it sounds like you have spent some time with her recently, and feel at peace with her passing. You have my sympathies and good luck with the upcoming life celebrations for her.
So sorry to hear about your loss. It\'s the time spent together with them that we need to cherish and hold close to our hearts. Memories cannot be taken away.
Glad to hear the vacation was nice and warm. Great place to be when the weather here is so darn cold.
Sounds like a wonderful trip. Your offer to help Lisa paint was so nice. I bet she was thrilled to get that job done. My EX liked fishing and I always wanted to take a chartered trip offshore where you just had to show up. He wouldn\'t hear of it though. We had a 20ft boat, but only went about 20-30miles out and it was hit/miss with the weather. Anywhooo.....maybe I\'ll get a chance to like you.
Sorry to hear about Gloria, but glad you got to spend some time with her when she was doing well. (((HUGS)))
Sounds like a wonderful trip. What a nice break from daily life. I love all the fishing you did and that y\'all met those from so close to where y\'all live. Its a small world indeed. Helping your friend paint was such a nice gesture too, very nice. I enjoyed reading your journal vrry much ;although im sorry for your loss of someone so very important in your life. I havent seen your posts in the newsfeed lately and wondered where you have been. I missed you. Thank you for sharing your vacation with us and welcome back!
((( Hugs)))
I\'m so sorry for your loss but glad you\'ve had so many positive moments surrounding it. Hope you\'re ok and that things work out well with the house sale x
Sounds great! what a trip! And the future plans.........going someplace warm.....i am in the deep freeze here and i could stand some warm now too.
you sound good............you do :)
Sorry to hear about the sudden change of events and your beloved Mom, whose legacy can be continued through her examples in life and how many people she touched and guided along the way. May peace be with you