SIX MONTH UPDATE from NAPLES
This past Sunday, October 20th, marked SIX MONTHS since my arrival in Naples. What a difference a little time makes. I am feeling really good and have had a month of GOOD days instead of those roller coaster ones that plagued me for what seemed like way too long! I am happy to report that I have NOT had a pity party for at least a month and that I am really starting to ENJOY myself now -- whether I am alone or in the company of others. This is major progress and I am congratulating myself for sticking with the NO CONTACT thing.
THAT and the weather is FINALLY cooling off! No doubt about it, summertime is a scorcher down here in southwest Florida and all the year-round residents go into semi-hibernation during July and August. We're like vampires -- we only come out at night -- LOL. The past few evenings it has cooled down nicely with overnight lows in the mid-60's. Not quite cool enough during the day YET to turn off the A/C but everyone says those days are just around the corner and that I am going to LOVE November, December and January for sure. I WAS here for two weeks last January and it was pretty delightful. So I'm really looking forward to the coming months.
Got my bike out this week and started riding again. I clocked the mileage in my neighborhood so I know how far I have to ride to make a total of 6 miles. I have also made a friend who lives 2 miles down on Radio Road about 2 miles and we are going to alternate riding here in Briarwood and in her neighborhood on days when it's cool enough. She said she's got a one-hour ride all mapped out that she does once a day. It will be fun to ride with a buddy and then she and I are going to check out one of the local bike paths that starts just about halfway between her neighborhood and mine.
I'm also happy to report that I finally got motivated and have been sewing up a storm! I have made lots and lots of doll clothes in the last three weeks. I have one Tote filling up with dresses, pajamas, bathrobes, jackets, coats, hats, mittens, overalls, shorts and tops. My neighbor, Sue, got on the doll clothes bandwagon, too and has crocheted some adorable sweaters, jackets, hats, bathing suits and slippers! Pretty soon I will be mailing the box to my retail person back in Maryland. I know she will be thrilled to get such a nice variety of things from me this year to sell in her shop. Sewing really is great therapy for me -- it's such a creative outlet -- and I've got all the time in the world to do it now that I am officially RETIRED.
I'm still volunteering at least one day a week up at the PetCo store, taking care of the cats and kittens that are available for adoption. I have fallen in love more than once already, but each time I have been happy to see the object of my affection go to a Forever Home with someone else. As much as my Woody would like a playmate, I really don't need THREE cats. My landlord was good enough to let me have two; I don't want to rock that boat in any way.
Two weeks ago, I started participation in a 6-week spiritual intensive based on the teachings of Eckhart Tolle. While I haven't read his latest book "The Power of Now" I am familiar with it. In the group, we start with a 15 minute meditation and then watch one of his presentations on DVD. If nothing else, it's a great way to quiet my mind and do some personal reflection. This program is being put on by the church I attend, so it's also another opportunity to spend time with my friends there.
The last two Tuesdays I also participated in Country Line Dance class. My friend Jake Rose told me about it; he has been dancing down here since early summer, but was into Line Dancing back in Norfolk, VA, so he was already way ahead of me. I was hoping to jump into this Intermediate level class and do ok, but the instructor doesn't seem to want to spend 5 extra minutes to help me, so I'm going to wait until she starts another Beginner class in early December. It's great fun and good exercise, too. So I'm really looking forward to that!
I am also pleased to report that my social life is picking up, too. Last time I wrote, I had joined the OurTime.com website and was thinking about getting back on eHarmony.com as well. After only 10 days on OurTime, I went ahead and signed up on eHarmony, too. I like the structure of communication on eHarmony AND the higher cost of membership tends to keep the riff-raff out.
Two of my earliest connections on OurTime turned out to be scammers. They really aren't that hard to detect -- they are the ones who want to do the On-Line Chat and are cagey about meeting in person. My policy is that if they aren't interested in getting together for a cup of coffee, then I'm not interested in them - period.
Despite the negative initial experience on OurTime, I have been out on a couple of dates already -- three dates with the same guy (Tony) -- and had two other different dates this week. I am approaching this as if I was a business owner looking to bring on a partner -- objectivity is the key! I go to each in-person meeting with a mental checklist and an open mind. So far, I have met some attractive and articulate gentlemen -- any of whom I would certainly enjoy spending some more time with. But I'm also finding that I'm not that interested in getting too involved with any ONE person. I guess this is what they call "playing the field" -- just exactly what I need to be doing right now.
So far, eHarmony has been ok, too. I have eliminated a lot of potential matches due to (same as in 2007) a man's fondness for playing golf, watching NASCAR or riding motorcycles. I made it through all the Guided Communication steps with one fellow named Bob who lives up near Tallahassee and who I am very interested in meeting! We have been talking on the phone quite a bit and have been kicking around the logistics of getting together for an in-person meeting. Florida is a BIG state and there's 400 miles between us. Bob will be closing on the purchase of a house up there this coming Tuesday, so he's going to be busy moving in and getting settled for the few weeks. We're looking at sometime in mid-November and trying to decide where to meet. I love Venice, but that would be a lot farther for him to drive than me. We both laughed and said at OUR age, we have to make sure there's time (and a nice park) to take a nap in before driving home!
There's a Halloween party planned at the home of one of the church members, so I've got to get my thinking cap on and get busy devising some sort of costume! I donated all my costumes, accessories and theatrical makeup before moving from Maryland so I literally have to start from scratch. I'll come up with SOMETHING, I'm sure.
As to the upcoming holiday season, I already have TWO invitations for Thanksgiving and am hoping to spend part of the day at each one of them. I need to dig out my recipe for Key Lime Pie (which I always make in a chocolate crust!) as that will be my contribution to these dinners. In the meantime, I have to get back to the low-carb diet or I will head into the New Year looking like a fat little toad! Hopefully with cooler weather and increased OUTDOOR activity, this stubborn 5 pounds. will melt away quickly!
So that's about all the news from Naples. Thanks again to all my DS friends who have sent private messages and regular emails to buoy my spirits and keep me on the straight and narrow -- and to give me a kick in the butt when needed! I want to remind all of you that I have a lovely GUEST ROOM with a brand-new, very comfy bed should you want to take a break from winter! All accomodations come complete with a CAT for cuddling, courtesy of Jake & Woody! All you have to do is fly into Ft. Myers and I'll pick you up. It would be great to have you visit!
Know that I hold all of you in my thoughts and prayers!
xoxox
THAT and the weather is FINALLY cooling off! No doubt about it, summertime is a scorcher down here in southwest Florida and all the year-round residents go into semi-hibernation during July and August. We're like vampires -- we only come out at night -- LOL. The past few evenings it has cooled down nicely with overnight lows in the mid-60's. Not quite cool enough during the day YET to turn off the A/C but everyone says those days are just around the corner and that I am going to LOVE November, December and January for sure. I WAS here for two weeks last January and it was pretty delightful. So I'm really looking forward to the coming months.
Got my bike out this week and started riding again. I clocked the mileage in my neighborhood so I know how far I have to ride to make a total of 6 miles. I have also made a friend who lives 2 miles down on Radio Road about 2 miles and we are going to alternate riding here in Briarwood and in her neighborhood on days when it's cool enough. She said she's got a one-hour ride all mapped out that she does once a day. It will be fun to ride with a buddy and then she and I are going to check out one of the local bike paths that starts just about halfway between her neighborhood and mine.
I'm also happy to report that I finally got motivated and have been sewing up a storm! I have made lots and lots of doll clothes in the last three weeks. I have one Tote filling up with dresses, pajamas, bathrobes, jackets, coats, hats, mittens, overalls, shorts and tops. My neighbor, Sue, got on the doll clothes bandwagon, too and has crocheted some adorable sweaters, jackets, hats, bathing suits and slippers! Pretty soon I will be mailing the box to my retail person back in Maryland. I know she will be thrilled to get such a nice variety of things from me this year to sell in her shop. Sewing really is great therapy for me -- it's such a creative outlet -- and I've got all the time in the world to do it now that I am officially RETIRED.
I'm still volunteering at least one day a week up at the PetCo store, taking care of the cats and kittens that are available for adoption. I have fallen in love more than once already, but each time I have been happy to see the object of my affection go to a Forever Home with someone else. As much as my Woody would like a playmate, I really don't need THREE cats. My landlord was good enough to let me have two; I don't want to rock that boat in any way.
Two weeks ago, I started participation in a 6-week spiritual intensive based on the teachings of Eckhart Tolle. While I haven't read his latest book "The Power of Now" I am familiar with it. In the group, we start with a 15 minute meditation and then watch one of his presentations on DVD. If nothing else, it's a great way to quiet my mind and do some personal reflection. This program is being put on by the church I attend, so it's also another opportunity to spend time with my friends there.
The last two Tuesdays I also participated in Country Line Dance class. My friend Jake Rose told me about it; he has been dancing down here since early summer, but was into Line Dancing back in Norfolk, VA, so he was already way ahead of me. I was hoping to jump into this Intermediate level class and do ok, but the instructor doesn't seem to want to spend 5 extra minutes to help me, so I'm going to wait until she starts another Beginner class in early December. It's great fun and good exercise, too. So I'm really looking forward to that!
I am also pleased to report that my social life is picking up, too. Last time I wrote, I had joined the OurTime.com website and was thinking about getting back on eHarmony.com as well. After only 10 days on OurTime, I went ahead and signed up on eHarmony, too. I like the structure of communication on eHarmony AND the higher cost of membership tends to keep the riff-raff out.
Two of my earliest connections on OurTime turned out to be scammers. They really aren't that hard to detect -- they are the ones who want to do the On-Line Chat and are cagey about meeting in person. My policy is that if they aren't interested in getting together for a cup of coffee, then I'm not interested in them - period.
Despite the negative initial experience on OurTime, I have been out on a couple of dates already -- three dates with the same guy (Tony) -- and had two other different dates this week. I am approaching this as if I was a business owner looking to bring on a partner -- objectivity is the key! I go to each in-person meeting with a mental checklist and an open mind. So far, I have met some attractive and articulate gentlemen -- any of whom I would certainly enjoy spending some more time with. But I'm also finding that I'm not that interested in getting too involved with any ONE person. I guess this is what they call "playing the field" -- just exactly what I need to be doing right now.
So far, eHarmony has been ok, too. I have eliminated a lot of potential matches due to (same as in 2007) a man's fondness for playing golf, watching NASCAR or riding motorcycles. I made it through all the Guided Communication steps with one fellow named Bob who lives up near Tallahassee and who I am very interested in meeting! We have been talking on the phone quite a bit and have been kicking around the logistics of getting together for an in-person meeting. Florida is a BIG state and there's 400 miles between us. Bob will be closing on the purchase of a house up there this coming Tuesday, so he's going to be busy moving in and getting settled for the few weeks. We're looking at sometime in mid-November and trying to decide where to meet. I love Venice, but that would be a lot farther for him to drive than me. We both laughed and said at OUR age, we have to make sure there's time (and a nice park) to take a nap in before driving home!
There's a Halloween party planned at the home of one of the church members, so I've got to get my thinking cap on and get busy devising some sort of costume! I donated all my costumes, accessories and theatrical makeup before moving from Maryland so I literally have to start from scratch. I'll come up with SOMETHING, I'm sure.
As to the upcoming holiday season, I already have TWO invitations for Thanksgiving and am hoping to spend part of the day at each one of them. I need to dig out my recipe for Key Lime Pie (which I always make in a chocolate crust!) as that will be my contribution to these dinners. In the meantime, I have to get back to the low-carb diet or I will head into the New Year looking like a fat little toad! Hopefully with cooler weather and increased OUTDOOR activity, this stubborn 5 pounds. will melt away quickly!
So that's about all the news from Naples. Thanks again to all my DS friends who have sent private messages and regular emails to buoy my spirits and keep me on the straight and narrow -- and to give me a kick in the butt when needed! I want to remind all of you that I have a lovely GUEST ROOM with a brand-new, very comfy bed should you want to take a break from winter! All accomodations come complete with a CAT for cuddling, courtesy of Jake & Woody! All you have to do is fly into Ft. Myers and I'll pick you up. It would be great to have you visit!
Know that I hold all of you in my thoughts and prayers!
xoxox
Replies
Kathi,
This is an absolutely wonderful journal entry!!
I am so thrilled to hear you are really settling in and enjoying life. When I hadn\'t seen you on here much at all lately, I thought that was a good sign that you were really living life. And I was right with that thought. So happy for you!!!
Also the fact that you are able to be so busy and creative with your doll clothe making is a great sign of how happy you must be. It is difficult to get really stuck into creativity when your emotional state isn\'t good. So this is great news!! And perfectly timed for Christmas shopping too. Your retail contact is going to be thrilled!! I can just imagine how beautiful all your little outfits are too.
Well done!!! And praise God for the answer to so many prayers.
(((hugs))) and prayers for your continued fun, happiness and cooler weather to enjoy.
I\'m so happy to hear that you\'re doing so well in your new home -- no surprise there, because you have such a positive attitude. I admire your courage in making this new life for yourself, and your energy in getting so much happening. Do you ever sleep?
Sending you hugs and many blessings from California.
Thanks for the update, Kathi!
Well things sound great, your back on track!
One of the things I miss about Fl is being able to ride a bike without hills and mountains!
If you don\'t find your key lime recipe let me know, my father has a great one! He even has a key lime tree, I have frozen key lime in my freezer from my father, I like it in my tea :)
Have you had any snook yet?
hugs
You are getting settled in and you sound happy. You definitely are making a new full life for yourself and that\'s good. Enjoy your new life and the great weather.
Your journal for me is as if I open a window and fresh air blows in and re-awakens a renewed sense of the \'possibilities\' to discover in life --- thank you.
With the death of my husband came the reality that a disabling illness means facing hardships and oppression I never had to have any awareness of before his death. I made the fatal mistake of placing way too much value on our abilities as a society to give a \'rat\'s behind\' about someone coping with severe oppression that comes from illness in crisis after the death of a spouse where he was the only family I had. The reality is we give death and suffering as easily as we breathe but I was left clueless back when life was quality.
This \'new me\' that has been required for survival is taking some time to adjust to and get to know but I am thankful for our shared journals providing a needed sense of \'connection\' to help me to hang on.
Your journey has been amazing and your determination shows what can be the strength of survival.
I\'m still adjusting to the reality of \'friends\' disappearing when good health became \'past tense\' and crisis forced a discovery of survival by the \'skin of my teeth\' leaving an experience of feeling as if I had been shoved through a meat grinder placed on high speed.
Thank you for sharing your journey -- you are amazing!!!
((hugs)) shared
You are \"rockin it\" sista! All good news on the homefront. Fabulous journal entry - glad sunny Florida is treating you right :)
Kathy.....I want to be you when I grow up.
You have not been posting a lot so I assumed you were having a great time. This journal verifies that. I have no doubt you will pick up line dancing easily. It\'s such great exercise and the camaraderie will be a bonus. I used to ride my bike 7 miles after I dropped my kids off at school. It was perfect exercise. I\'m guessing your friend\'s route is at least 10 miles.
Since you are so good at sewing you will be able to make some pretty awesome halloween costumes. I made the kids costumes up until they wanted store bought like their friends. I really enjoyed it.
So glad you are doing fantastic. Keep it up (((HUGS))) Love you
Yay!! Happy dating! :)
Great news & Happy Halloween Kathi. Post a pic of your costume if you get a chance :) hugs you.
So glad to hear that you are doing great and enjoying your new life in sunny Naples! I know that it takes a lot of guts and effort to begin once again, and YOU are doing it! Big Hugs to you! :))
Cowgirl Awesome! I am.so.glad time is healing. You are still giving me hope and inspiration. Hugs!
Wt
Sounds like you are having a ball. Glad you are feeling at home now in sunny FL.
Cold weather has hit southern Ohio. Cherish your nice weather.
Hugs!
It sounds like things are smoothing out. So glad you are having fun and settling into Naples. I\'ll keep you posted regarding my situation. You\'re an inspiration for me. Hugs!