Catch Up Post

I have found myself writing too many posts that begin, "It's been a long time since I've posted here....." and here I am once more in the same situation.  I don't know what prevents me from keeping up to date, but being retired seems to keep me very busy - not doing much. I'll attempt a recap from my last entry, which will be difficult to top, since it was the Wonderful Walt Disney World extravaganza.

Most of what followed, while not Disney created magic, was magical with shiny and sparkly adventures with family and friends. Celebrating Christmas in North Carolina with son, Glenn, and family topped the list. We traveled two days, each way, and spent 3 fun and food-filled days with our NC Crew. It was great to be able to  enjoy the holiday with these grandkids who are growing up way too quickly.  My daughter in-law’s parents, who conveniently live right next door, are lively, terrific hosts and so much fun to be around. Ronnie outdid herself with presenting a wonderfully festive and healthy Christmas Eve dinner and Joan pulled off Christmas Day expertly. Kudos to both. 

This year, once again, I planned some "Minute-to-Win-It" games and fun was had by all, including great-grandma, GiGi.  I can't remember who won, but I do recall all of us laughing a lot during those games. The prizes were varied, but the most coveted of all, for the second time, was the package of dog treats! Next time, I'll need to get extra bags of Beggin’ Strips and hope I don't win that prize. 

Although a short visit, we did get to share time with the legendary 53-year-old Rubber Baby Jesus, a tradition that began with a gift to me the Christmas of 1966. I think I managed to snap a shot of everyone posing with Him. I was extra vigilant to keep Tucker and Buddy an arm’s distance away, even though I caught Glenn trying to taunt him in front of Tucker.  Years ago, the same situation with a different dog left Rubber Baby Jesus with one less pinkie finger.  

Before we headed north for Christmas, we finally got to (sort of) attend  the Christmas Spectacular in Epcot with friends, Kathy, Ray, Tricia and Craig. We began with a dinner in France and got to see Père Noël before heading over to the outdoor amphitheater.  As we got closer to our destination, the sky opened up and we were caught in a deluge. We tried to be troopers, but even with rain jackets and umbrellas, we gave up.  We were able to watch and listen from a distance under an overhang.

On January 1st, we hosted our Third Annual "Laid Back" NYE Bash. New neighbors, Carole and Serge were included in the mix this year. We ate, drank and were merry.

Speaking of my new neighbors, we feel pleased and lucky to have had them purchase the lot directly across the street from us. Carole is a very talented sewer, artist and calligrapher and she sparked an old passion of mine for sketching and calligraphy. We watched You Tube videos and sat together on warm Florida winter evenings inspiring each other. There will be a future Blog entry that will include our new friends as we booked a couple of campgrounds together in Connecticut and Maine this month.

A huge accomplishment, that deserves noting, was achieved by "daughter," Meily on January 9th when she earned her US Citizenship. The timing was perfect since her mom was visiting from Brazil and was able to witness the event. "Uncle Gregg" was there to help save the day and even FaceTimed the whole ceremonny with me. Anyone who has obtained their citizenship, understands that accomplishing this with a full-time job and three kids is worthy of respect and pride.

Valentine's Day arrived in a flash, and it found us celebrating it with good friend, Charlie. He had driven down in his new Winnebago View - aka "Winnie II," which replaced his former RV. Just the year prior, "Winnie I" went up in flames on his way home from our campground and was totalled. This year, he chose to stay at Thousand Trails, just a mile down the road.  We did get to enjoy a few meals together in he towns of Celebration and Clermont, which naturally included at least one where Sesame Chicken was served,  (Private joke - every time we go out for sushi, George orders Sesame Chicken.)

Last item of note, while not an RV journey, I flew out to Colorado to provide three of my grandchildren with a few fun-filled summer-break days (and nights). We went to see the movie, "The Lion King," and it reminded me that grandson, Cooper, acted in a production where he played the character, Timon (pronounced Tim-own). We spent a day at a water park, thanks to Aunt Patty, who drove us to "Pirate's Cove, where we met her daughter-in-law, Marie, and her two little girls, Sienna and Lena. It was a perfect day to get wet and wild. At the end of the day, Lola developed a bad allergic reaction, which made her very uncomfortable. Some Benadryl and cortisone cream did the trick (and a bit of special Meema love) and she was soon feeling better.

The journeys of visiting multiple grandchildren are always filled with a lot of noise, chaos, laughter and love. A few photos depicting some significant growth since the Disney trip in October.

Lola and Meema Remmy and Meema with Lola Remmy

Nina with her Meema Lobster and Nina Lobster

Heading into Church

Three bathing beauties!

Emma with her Meema Bear and Emma Bear

Aunt Patty with Lena and Sienna

Deep thought for the day: Friends and family make up a "quilt" that depicts our lives. Most quilts usually need some ironing, but I hope your quilt is a masterpiece like mine.  ~vc