Springtime Update from Naples
It's been another long stretch since my last Journal entry! My closest DS friends already know about most of the things which have been going on in my life down here and I trust they will bear with me through this latest dissertation. And for those of you who don't know me that well, I hope that what I am experiencing in my post-divorce life will be helpful to you -- maybe even inspirational -- as you redesign your own new life after divorce.
I still have my ups and downs like everyone else, but for the most part, the winter has been WONDERFUL down here in sunny Naples. No freezing weather. No snow to shovel. No frost to scrape off the windshield. No outrageously high heating bills. As a matter of fact, I think I only turned my heat on twice...and not for very long...just to take the morning chill off. Life is GOOD!
Well, good EXCEPT FOR the occasional accident...
On the morning of March 5th, I was rushing around getting ready to go up to PetCo for my regular Wednesday morning volunteer gig. One of MY OWN CATS, Jake, was skittering around in the kitchen BEGGING for MORE FOOD (he is still on a weight-loss diet) and being a major P.I.A. Well, just as I was walking out of the kitchen, Jake ran RIGHT UNDER MY FEET and in an attempt to avoid stepping on him, my foot slipped on the ceramic tile floor and I did a NOSEDIVE into the plastic tote I keep on the floor with dry cat food in it. The whole thing happened so fast I didn't have time to put out my hands to try to break my fall -- and a second later, I was positive that I had ripped my lower lip right off my face. Facial cuts ALWAYS look like you are bleeding to death and almost immediately, I started feeling "woozy." I quickly grabbed a handful of paper towells and ran across to my neighbor, Sue's, house. She took one look at me and said "Get in the car" and drove me to the E.R. at Naples Community Hospital. One hour later, I had nine external stitches attaching my lower lip to my face (and I don't know how many on the inside) and spent the rest of the day on the sofa with an icepack on my face. I felt so stupid -- that's ALL I need -- to start falling around like an old person! LOL. But in retrospect, I was really REALLY lucky. I could have just as easily put my hand or my head through the class-front China cabinet that the plastic container sits next to. Counting my blessings on that one, for sure.
Less than a week later, one of my longest friends came to visit me for a few days. Helen and I met in the 7th grade and have kept in touch all these years. She used to visit me in Maryland twice a year when she would travel north from her home in Charleston, West Virginia to visit with her mother. Helen and I started horseback riding together when we were still in school and never stopped. Last April, she retired from a long career as a chemist last April and said it took her 6 months to get used to being retired and now she is loving it!
Since Helen only had four days to spend here, we packed them with pre-planned action; we took a canoe tour of the Everglades with a Naturalist guide, went to the Botanical Gardens (that was also featuring a number of very cool and gigantic Lego sculptures), the Naples Zoo, the beach, a couple of local hangouts AND I made sure she got a good sampling of Florida seafood and other Southern specialties. I hated to see her go, but she was stopping over for a few days in Charleston, SC before heading back home.
Just a week or so later, I had the great fun of meeting another one of my long-time DS friends who was in Florida for a week. We arranged to meet up in Ft. Myers and then she came and spent a few days here in Naples. G and I have been "phone buddies" for at least 4 years and this was an amazing opportunity to finally have some "face time" -- and I know it was a welcome respite from Winter for her.
On March 24th, I celebrated another birthday -- 61 this time -- hard to believe! And while I dreaded the whole idea of turning another year older, it turned out to be one of the best birthdays I've ever had. I was wined and dined from Friday the 21st through the weekend and my actual birthday the following Monday. To top it off, I won a game of BINGO down at the English Pub on the 24th which was cause for a celebration all by itself! Woo hoo!
April 20 wasn't just Easter Sunday -- it was my ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY of "landing" here in Naples, Florida. I had to look on my 2013 calendar to remember the actual date and sometimes it doesn't seem possible that another 12 months of my life have gone by. Just goes to show that time flies even IF you aren't having fun all the time.
I celebrated the day by hosting Easter dinner here with some of my new friends (Skip, Richard and Debbie) and old friend Lisa. I cooked a marinated flank steak on the grill and set out a fancy plate of my Almost-Famous Deviled Eggs. Everyone brought a dish and we were all sufficiently stuffed by the time we finished dinner. Jake & Woody enjoyed having company, and Woody was a real champ about sporting his "Cadbury Bunny" ears for our guests. All in all, it was a really special day and the weather was perfect for sitting on the lanai after dinner sharing coffee and conversation.
This coming Saturday (April 26) another long-time DS friend (KRKing911) is coming to Naples to spend the day! Woo hoo! I am sooo excited to finally meet her in person. KRK has been a real source of moral support for me this past year and I am looking forward to showing her around Naples and making sure she has a great visit. This is definitely something to look forward to!
At this time, I am still volunteering with the Naples Equestrian Challenge one evening a week. However, the winter/spring lesson schedule will be suspended when school lets out at the end of May. While they have asked me to help out with the summer camp program, there is NO WAY I can deal with being outside in the southwest Florida heat and humidity. I have informed the Director that if they have something for me to do INDOORS in the AIR CONDITIONING I will be delighted to help; otherwise, I'll be back in the fall. So I'm currently in search of another volunteer gig to use up some time.
My friend, Julie, is going to take me down to the Conservancy of Naples in the next week or so. This is a place and a program to bring awareness to saving southwest Florida's bounty of natural resources AND wildlife. There are educational programs, fundraisers, wildlife rehabilitation programs and all sorts of community outreach programs that sound interesting to me -- especially all their efforts to protect the Sea Turtles that come to our beaches to lay their eggs each spring.
I am also considering volunteering one morning a week to the Naples Cat Alliance. That's another small animal rescue group that works to promote "re-homing" cats and kittens in addition to their spay, neuter and return program for feral cats in the area. I was totally amazed at my first visit to their location -- there must be 40 cats of all ages living in their multi-room facility (an empty office space in a shopping center) -- and they all get along! Cats of all ages, shapes, sizes, colors and temperaments sharing multi-level "housing" with no cages. One of the volunteers explained that they all seem to know and appreciate that being brought there means food, water and a safe place to sleep and for that reason, they seem to adapt a true "live and let live" philosophy. There is the occasional scrap between long-timers and newcomers, but usually nothing more serious than vocal "posturing." The visit was thoroughly enjoyable and I just loved walking among these lovely creatures who are all patiently waiting to find their Forever Homes.
So what am I planning for the upcoming summer? Well, as much as I would like to head to someplace COOL, I'm not sure if there's anyplace south of Alaska that could guarantee that daytime temperatures stay below 75 with low or no humidity! I AM hoping to take a couple of days to travel down to Key West between the winter tourist season and the intense heat of summer. Plans for that are in the works. But I have finally settle on an itinerary and have made airline reservations for a 2-week trip in July. I will be flying from Ft. Myers to Charleston, WV to split my "vacation" between long-time friend Helen and fellow DS Diva, Hurtinandhealin, who lives just over the WV/Ohio state line. I am REALLY looking forward to this trip!
Last night, Helen emailed me a long list of cool things to do and see in West Virginia and Hurtinandhealin promises that we won't have a dull moment up her way, either. Hopefully, she and I will also be able to connect and spend some time with drtexdi -- it will be a "reunion" of sorts of the DS Divas at Deep Creek Lake trip a few years ago.
Jake & Woody will also have a little vacation while I am gone, as Lisa has INSISTED that I bring them to HER house for the two weeks I am away. Those two will be even MORE SPOILED than they are now after spending 2 weeks with their "Auntie Lisa." She has known them since they were kittens and she loves them as much as I do. I am thankful for her generosity of time in this, as Woody has to be monitored carefully so as NOT to snitch ANY of Jake's non-diabetic food. Woody goes back to see Dr. Sisco for another Glucosamine test on June 23, but he seems to be doing fine these days. Keeping my fingers crossed that we can keep his blood sugar stablized on just the special diet and that insulin injections won't be necessary.
On the "dating" front -- I am still seeing the man I met back in early January (Bob the retired English teacher) and enjoying his company. However, he is going to be leaving in early June for a summer motorcycle trip -- and won't be back until early September. At first, I was very much put off about this; thought "why did I get involved with someone who is going to be absent for 3 months?" but then I thought about it in a different way. I really DON'T want to get in too deep with him just yet. I am still coming to terms with the fact that I jumped in with Tom way too fast and SHOULD HAVE subscribed to the Four Seasons Rule. So PATIENCE is what is needed here. I figure the time apart will be good for both of us. Bob has been pretty forthcoming; has admitted that he isn't sure what he's looking for and confided that he is protecting his heart. He DID say that if we get to missing each other too much, I could always fly to where he is and spend some time together. I have already decided that if HE wants me to come meet up with him, HE can pay my airfare, but there is a chance that his itinerary will overlap with mine in mid-July. We shall see. I'm not planning on it so that way, if it doesn't happen, I won't be disappointed.
Well, that's about it for this time. Know that I keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers and how much I appreciate YOUR kind support when I hit the occasional slump. This life after divorce is definitely different...but at least it's not boring! xoxox
I still have my ups and downs like everyone else, but for the most part, the winter has been WONDERFUL down here in sunny Naples. No freezing weather. No snow to shovel. No frost to scrape off the windshield. No outrageously high heating bills. As a matter of fact, I think I only turned my heat on twice...and not for very long...just to take the morning chill off. Life is GOOD!
Well, good EXCEPT FOR the occasional accident...
On the morning of March 5th, I was rushing around getting ready to go up to PetCo for my regular Wednesday morning volunteer gig. One of MY OWN CATS, Jake, was skittering around in the kitchen BEGGING for MORE FOOD (he is still on a weight-loss diet) and being a major P.I.A. Well, just as I was walking out of the kitchen, Jake ran RIGHT UNDER MY FEET and in an attempt to avoid stepping on him, my foot slipped on the ceramic tile floor and I did a NOSEDIVE into the plastic tote I keep on the floor with dry cat food in it. The whole thing happened so fast I didn't have time to put out my hands to try to break my fall -- and a second later, I was positive that I had ripped my lower lip right off my face. Facial cuts ALWAYS look like you are bleeding to death and almost immediately, I started feeling "woozy." I quickly grabbed a handful of paper towells and ran across to my neighbor, Sue's, house. She took one look at me and said "Get in the car" and drove me to the E.R. at Naples Community Hospital. One hour later, I had nine external stitches attaching my lower lip to my face (and I don't know how many on the inside) and spent the rest of the day on the sofa with an icepack on my face. I felt so stupid -- that's ALL I need -- to start falling around like an old person! LOL. But in retrospect, I was really REALLY lucky. I could have just as easily put my hand or my head through the class-front China cabinet that the plastic container sits next to. Counting my blessings on that one, for sure.
Less than a week later, one of my longest friends came to visit me for a few days. Helen and I met in the 7th grade and have kept in touch all these years. She used to visit me in Maryland twice a year when she would travel north from her home in Charleston, West Virginia to visit with her mother. Helen and I started horseback riding together when we were still in school and never stopped. Last April, she retired from a long career as a chemist last April and said it took her 6 months to get used to being retired and now she is loving it!
Since Helen only had four days to spend here, we packed them with pre-planned action; we took a canoe tour of the Everglades with a Naturalist guide, went to the Botanical Gardens (that was also featuring a number of very cool and gigantic Lego sculptures), the Naples Zoo, the beach, a couple of local hangouts AND I made sure she got a good sampling of Florida seafood and other Southern specialties. I hated to see her go, but she was stopping over for a few days in Charleston, SC before heading back home.
Just a week or so later, I had the great fun of meeting another one of my long-time DS friends who was in Florida for a week. We arranged to meet up in Ft. Myers and then she came and spent a few days here in Naples. G and I have been "phone buddies" for at least 4 years and this was an amazing opportunity to finally have some "face time" -- and I know it was a welcome respite from Winter for her.
On March 24th, I celebrated another birthday -- 61 this time -- hard to believe! And while I dreaded the whole idea of turning another year older, it turned out to be one of the best birthdays I've ever had. I was wined and dined from Friday the 21st through the weekend and my actual birthday the following Monday. To top it off, I won a game of BINGO down at the English Pub on the 24th which was cause for a celebration all by itself! Woo hoo!
April 20 wasn't just Easter Sunday -- it was my ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY of "landing" here in Naples, Florida. I had to look on my 2013 calendar to remember the actual date and sometimes it doesn't seem possible that another 12 months of my life have gone by. Just goes to show that time flies even IF you aren't having fun all the time.
I celebrated the day by hosting Easter dinner here with some of my new friends (Skip, Richard and Debbie) and old friend Lisa. I cooked a marinated flank steak on the grill and set out a fancy plate of my Almost-Famous Deviled Eggs. Everyone brought a dish and we were all sufficiently stuffed by the time we finished dinner. Jake & Woody enjoyed having company, and Woody was a real champ about sporting his "Cadbury Bunny" ears for our guests. All in all, it was a really special day and the weather was perfect for sitting on the lanai after dinner sharing coffee and conversation.
This coming Saturday (April 26) another long-time DS friend (KRKing911) is coming to Naples to spend the day! Woo hoo! I am sooo excited to finally meet her in person. KRK has been a real source of moral support for me this past year and I am looking forward to showing her around Naples and making sure she has a great visit. This is definitely something to look forward to!
At this time, I am still volunteering with the Naples Equestrian Challenge one evening a week. However, the winter/spring lesson schedule will be suspended when school lets out at the end of May. While they have asked me to help out with the summer camp program, there is NO WAY I can deal with being outside in the southwest Florida heat and humidity. I have informed the Director that if they have something for me to do INDOORS in the AIR CONDITIONING I will be delighted to help; otherwise, I'll be back in the fall. So I'm currently in search of another volunteer gig to use up some time.
My friend, Julie, is going to take me down to the Conservancy of Naples in the next week or so. This is a place and a program to bring awareness to saving southwest Florida's bounty of natural resources AND wildlife. There are educational programs, fundraisers, wildlife rehabilitation programs and all sorts of community outreach programs that sound interesting to me -- especially all their efforts to protect the Sea Turtles that come to our beaches to lay their eggs each spring.
I am also considering volunteering one morning a week to the Naples Cat Alliance. That's another small animal rescue group that works to promote "re-homing" cats and kittens in addition to their spay, neuter and return program for feral cats in the area. I was totally amazed at my first visit to their location -- there must be 40 cats of all ages living in their multi-room facility (an empty office space in a shopping center) -- and they all get along! Cats of all ages, shapes, sizes, colors and temperaments sharing multi-level "housing" with no cages. One of the volunteers explained that they all seem to know and appreciate that being brought there means food, water and a safe place to sleep and for that reason, they seem to adapt a true "live and let live" philosophy. There is the occasional scrap between long-timers and newcomers, but usually nothing more serious than vocal "posturing." The visit was thoroughly enjoyable and I just loved walking among these lovely creatures who are all patiently waiting to find their Forever Homes.
So what am I planning for the upcoming summer? Well, as much as I would like to head to someplace COOL, I'm not sure if there's anyplace south of Alaska that could guarantee that daytime temperatures stay below 75 with low or no humidity! I AM hoping to take a couple of days to travel down to Key West between the winter tourist season and the intense heat of summer. Plans for that are in the works. But I have finally settle on an itinerary and have made airline reservations for a 2-week trip in July. I will be flying from Ft. Myers to Charleston, WV to split my "vacation" between long-time friend Helen and fellow DS Diva, Hurtinandhealin, who lives just over the WV/Ohio state line. I am REALLY looking forward to this trip!
Last night, Helen emailed me a long list of cool things to do and see in West Virginia and Hurtinandhealin promises that we won't have a dull moment up her way, either. Hopefully, she and I will also be able to connect and spend some time with drtexdi -- it will be a "reunion" of sorts of the DS Divas at Deep Creek Lake trip a few years ago.
Jake & Woody will also have a little vacation while I am gone, as Lisa has INSISTED that I bring them to HER house for the two weeks I am away. Those two will be even MORE SPOILED than they are now after spending 2 weeks with their "Auntie Lisa." She has known them since they were kittens and she loves them as much as I do. I am thankful for her generosity of time in this, as Woody has to be monitored carefully so as NOT to snitch ANY of Jake's non-diabetic food. Woody goes back to see Dr. Sisco for another Glucosamine test on June 23, but he seems to be doing fine these days. Keeping my fingers crossed that we can keep his blood sugar stablized on just the special diet and that insulin injections won't be necessary.
On the "dating" front -- I am still seeing the man I met back in early January (Bob the retired English teacher) and enjoying his company. However, he is going to be leaving in early June for a summer motorcycle trip -- and won't be back until early September. At first, I was very much put off about this; thought "why did I get involved with someone who is going to be absent for 3 months?" but then I thought about it in a different way. I really DON'T want to get in too deep with him just yet. I am still coming to terms with the fact that I jumped in with Tom way too fast and SHOULD HAVE subscribed to the Four Seasons Rule. So PATIENCE is what is needed here. I figure the time apart will be good for both of us. Bob has been pretty forthcoming; has admitted that he isn't sure what he's looking for and confided that he is protecting his heart. He DID say that if we get to missing each other too much, I could always fly to where he is and spend some time together. I have already decided that if HE wants me to come meet up with him, HE can pay my airfare, but there is a chance that his itinerary will overlap with mine in mid-July. We shall see. I'm not planning on it so that way, if it doesn't happen, I won't be disappointed.
Well, that's about it for this time. Know that I keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers and how much I appreciate YOUR kind support when I hit the occasional slump. This life after divorce is definitely different...but at least it's not boring! xoxox
Replies
Kathi, what a wonderful update! Thank you for sharing it with us.
I am so sorry to hear about your fall. That had to be so painful and scary at the time, but as you say on reflection you really are so lucky that it wasn\'t any worse, especially with a glass front cabinet right where you fell.
It sounds as though you have had and are going to have some wonderful adventures this year. I find it is always good to have something fun to look forward to. It really helps.
((hugs)) sweet friend, and continue enjoying your wonderful new life in the warmth and sunshine. You so deserve it!!
So glad your fall didn\'t knock you out and leave you bleeding out. You\'re right, it could have been worse.
You sound like you\'re having great fun and your enjoying life. Keep up the good work
I was looking at your picture here on DS the other day and wondered about you. Well, you filled that wonder most graciously! I cannot be more happy for you!
E name
As to my boring life (LOL), I live in Ha Noi, Viet Nam. Life has been very good here! In August, I will open my own dream restaurant here and it will be called \"Amelia\'s.\" The tag line after the name will be \"American Pizzas and Hamburgers.\" This is ALL that will be served! Yes, French fries will be a part of every burger order automatically! It is tough to find a \"good\" pizza and NOT Australian burgers, which are really a variant of very bad meatloaf! So, I have a financial backer and we will split the net profit 60/40, with me getting 40%. Oh, the restaurant will be a 1930\'s Art Deco and is named after Amelia Earhart. They will find, or have not yet said, her remains this year, settling the controversy of her disappearance once and for all.
Your own life amazes me! Sure, many say that my own life is \"exotic\" and different. However, each of us has our own drama to live out. Others never cease to interest me.
Hugs and love.
Anyse
Wow, its hard to believe you\'ve been there a year already. How time flies... glad things are going mostly well!
I read somewhere that Naples is one of the happiest cities to live in. You picked a very great place to live. Its good to hear you have recovered from your fall. I have a cat that likes to get underfoot. I\'ve learned to keep my eye on that one.
Enjoy your summer plans. I know you will have fun.
Glad you are ok after the fall. Sounds like you will have a great summer.
Hey doll, great to hear from you. Those darn cats are really something. Hope that you are okay now. Have fun and smile hugs
You need to be careful!! Can\'t have you all banged up before you get to my house. Glad you weren\'t hurt any worse, although I can imagine how painful that was. Can\'t wait to see you in July. Trying to put some activities together for us. Hard to believe you\'ve been there a year--seems like yesterday, but it sounds like you are right where you need to be and are living well. Hugs!!!
Wow can\'t believe it\'s been a year!! I started on here when I first moved here to Florida just months after my divorce was final...and that was 3 years ago!! Time flies and I love love love Florida! I\'m in Orlando area. You amaze me how pro active you are and have been such a mentor to many on here!!
Awesome journal entry my friend. Can\'t wait to see you and finally get some \"face-time\"! xxoo
Hi my DS Fairy GodMother!!! You have been busy girlfriend!!! so sorry to here of your fall that\'s horrible. I have one question for you.... HOW FAR ARE YOU FROM DISNEY WORLD!!!!! Cause I may need to come visit too:)
You are an inspiration indeed. I used to have a diabetic kitty and the injections were not all that difficult. What was difficult was making sure that he got those injections on a regular schedule. Did sometimes take some planning. I hope you have a wonderful summer.