Just Shoot Me Now

A year ago I remodeled a screened in porch into an enclosed sunroom.  It was a very messy project that lasted (what seemed like) forever.  I don't know what I was thinking when I decided to remodel my master bath.  I should have remembered the dust, debris and disruption that remodeling causes.

Plastic in bedroom

Right down to the studs

Future pocket door

The first day was tear out.  Although they laid a paper trail from the bath to the front door, placed plastic between the bath and the master bedroom and kept the bedroom door closed (sometimes) ... gritty gypsum dust found its way into every nook and cranny of my entire house!  Argh!!  But they took it down to the studs.

Two gangs and new piping

On the second day, the electricians put in wiring for the lights and towel warmer switch.  I questioned the two single gang outlets by the door and was told one switch was for the towel warmer and one was for the lights and fan.  Noooooo.  I specifically mentioned that I liked having a dimmer switch in the bathroom and that single switch wasn't going to work.  I also noticed that the electricians had not strung wiring for the single light fixture that will be in the central corner of the vanity. Troy, one of the supervisors, agreed and the electrician had to come back.

Troy and Kim with towel warmer

The plumber moved the piping for the shower.  The controls to turn on the water and set the temperature had been on the same wall as the shower head.  Since I'm losing the sliding door and replacing it with a swinging door, the controls needed to be moved to the opposite wall.

They needed to see just how big the towel warmer was so they could place the deadwood between the studs for bracing it, so Troy and Kim (the other supervisor) unpacked it.  They were surprised at how large and heavy it was.

In the background are two cabinets that were for my garage, still in packing.  I had two guys come help me organize my garage and attic while this other stuff was going on inside.  I worked alongside Jim and Steve in the garage and in the attic.  Luckily the weather was nice, not too hot but sunny enough to keep my solar attic fan running.

I've been taking pictures every day of the progress, but so far these are the only ones I've downloaded.

Short Cruise to Nassau

We just got back from a very short cruise to the Bahamas.  Den had a horrible first experience with a cruise 20 or so years ago so I wanted to show him that the ships have stabilizers now and it's a lot better.  Three days seemed survivable, so he agreed.

In the Polo Lounge

Well, Carnival's Sensation, apparently does NOT have great stabilizers!  Everyone was weaving from side to side the first night.  I didn't think the seas were all that rough, but the ship was rolling.  Luckily, Den got a patch before we sailed and he whipped that puppy on his neck within an hour of sailing.  It worked and he's no longer apprehensive about cruising.  YAY

The first day we walked around the ship.  Our room was mid-ship and it seemed like we were constantly turning the wrong way to get where we wanted to go.  And, of course, the elevators nearest our room didn't go all the way to the Lido deck where the food was.  We did eat reasonably the first day - Mongolian veggies and noodles for lunch and salad for dinner.  Sigh.  That was the last time.

Punchliner Comedy Club, Plaza Lounge

We enjoyed the comedy acts - Allyn Ball and Diane Ford.  They each performed one show that was suitable for all ages, including children, during the early evening, then gave adult only performances later.  Quite honestly, we enjoyed the early acts better.  When they warn you to leave if you're easily offended, they aren't kidding.  I can't say we were offended by Allyn Ball ... I just didn't think his style of humor which denigrated different cultures and people was particularly funny.

One surprise was how cold the indoor areas were.  The Plaza Lounge was freezing.  I was snuggled up to Den during the comedy acts for warmth.  I finally had to buy a sweater and carry a shawl to keep warm.

Jill

We decided to go on a shore excursion to swim with dolphins.  This took us to Atlantis, a first class resort.  A guide met us at the transport bus and led us through the casino which had some amazingly large glass sculptures.  Outside there were numerous pools with sharks and other fish as well as man-made beaches and some amazing slides.

When we finally got to Dolphin Cay, we changed into wet suits.  And let me tell you that was fun ... NOT.  Those things are tight!  However, the water was quite chilly and I was grateful for  the insulation.  Of course, we got used to it after a while but the wet suit certainly eased the transition.

Kissing Jill

Our group was small, only about 10, and Jill swam back and forth letting us pet her tummy and back.  Then she verrrrry patiently allowed each of us to kiss her and posed with us.  It's probably not healthy for the dolphins.  Sigh.  We rubbed her tail and fed her little fish.  It was a once in a lifetime experience.

Seahorse

After we changed back to our street clothes, we walked through The Dig.  It's a simulation of what they might have found if they'd found the real Atlantis.  Interspersed around are viewing areas for the amazing aquarium.  There were jelly fish, seahorses, manta rays, huge eels and some big fish that looked pre-historic.

"Artifact"

Although we ate before the tour left the ship, we found we were really hungry so we stopped at a little bar near the casino and had the most amazing tuna sandwich and a Guinness.  I don't know if the tuna was spicy or the bread but it was delicious.  It was also nearly $12 for one sandwich.

The drive back to the ship took a while.  Traffic was bumper to bumper.  It gave us a chance to really see some of the old buildings in Nassau.

Captain's Party

We were exhausted when we got back to the ship but there was a Captain's Party in the Fantasy Lounge that evening and free drinks were available.  Plus we'd been assured there would be dancing from 7:00 to 8:00.  Oh yeah, there was dancing alright ... but we had to climb up on the stage to do it!!!  Bless Dennis's heart, we did a foxtrot and a cha-cha all alone up there.  Sadly we have no pictures of that.  But it was gratifying that at the end of the evening, when the "party" was over and the band was still playing, a lot of people seemed to stay and watch us dance even if they didn't join us.

Each day we started off with breakfast delivered to the room.  And until the last day, we also chose to use the stairs rather than the elevators.  However, by the last day, I confess, we were eating to capacity (and then some) and relying on the elevators.  Every once in a while one of us would just oink.

Dancing in Michelangelo's

On the last day at sea, we found Michelangelo's, a little lounge where nothing was happening during the day.  However, we could hear the music that was playing in the Mirage Bar around the corner.  At 5:00, the Sensational Showband played some Motown music and we danced ... all by ourselves.  It was fun.

A few grumbles here.  No hairdryers.  I was not happy to have bad hair days the whole time.  I needed a hairdryer!!!!  And the coffee was awful.  It was very strong and smelled of sewer water.  Den loves (craves) coffee but he couldn't add enough sugar or cream to make it palatable.  I cut it with half a mug of hot chocolate and half coffee.

At any rate, now Den is comfortable with cruising and overall, we had a wonderful time.

January Trips

Total Wall booth

The week of January 17 was really busy.  There was a trade show in Orlando where Den's company, Total Wall, had a booth.  It was hosted by Sherwin Williams in the Dolphin Hotel at Disney World.  He travelled down there and back a couple of nights a week for dinner meetings before the show began and then stayed for one night.  I went with him on Monday night for the quick drive down and back.  Tuesday night it was all business, so I didn't go.

Me, Den, Vinnie, Mike

I decided to join him on Thursday night and figured since I was going to be right there at Epcot, I might as well have some fun.  So a girlfriend and I drove down early Thursday and spent the day at Epcot.  I've always loved those big drums and the Japanese section had a drumming group.  Luckily we were just in time to see them.  It was a very interesting but tiring.  Then she drove back to Ocala while I stayed with Den.

Japanese Drummers at Epcot

We went to dinner with all the salesmen but something in the air really aggravated my sinuses and we had to retire for the evening.  I just couldn't stop sneezing.  The next day I helped at the booth, asking if anyone had questions and then snagging a salesman for them.  I certainly couldn't answer any questions.  *grin*

The worst part of the trip was at the end.  Vinnie had supervised the unloading of the Total Wall booth but he forgot to take pictures so the parts could be packed correctly.  The salesmen had to pack everything up to be shipped back to Wisconsin and no one had any idea how they fit together in the styrofoam forms.  It got very uncomfortable with tempers rising so I just left.  I know it was rude not to say goodbye but I was afraid I was going to say the wrong thing to someone.

We got home at last but it was very late that night.  The trip was complicated by the entrance ramps to the Turnpike being blocked and we had to find another way.  Luckily Den has spent a lot of time in Orlando so he knew how to find another access ramp.  I was quite impressed by his cool control throughout this stressful day.

Den & Neal

The next morning we were off to Daytona Beach where his senior men's tennis team was in the State finals.  Den and Neal won their matches but the team came in second.  Although the team won more matches it apparently came down to who won more sets.  I don't understand it, but that's how it shook out.  We still had fun, even though it was freezing cold and windy.  I was very proud of Den.

Having Fun Again

Playing with the blog layout.  It's just so much fun.

When I was younger, I used to move residences every year.  I was renting and didn't have much furniture so it wasn't a big deal.  Then, when I was in a more permanent home, I'd change the furniture around.  Just needing a change of scenery.  Now I'm doing it with my blog.  heh heh

The Year 2010 in Review

I remember when my parents retired (almost 30 years ago), they seemed busier than when they were working. I’m beginning to understand this phenomenon better. I honestly don’t believe I’ve ever been as active and social as I am right now.

Sandy and Liz are still getting walked twice a day. The morning walk is long for two reasons. First, Sandy has to take some pills for his liver that need an hour in his system before he eats. So pills, as soon as I wake up, then walk – for nearly an hour. The mornings are the best time (in the summer) for the long walk because the temperature is as low as it’s going to get for the day. Most of this summer it wasn’t over 80 and was usually around 70. Of course, it’s already gotten below freezing a few mornings this year, and last winter the cold was brutal…for Florida. In January and February, many people lost a lot of plants, trees and bushes to the freezing temperatures. Brrrrr.

Uncle Henry & my mom, Clara

Every day I go across the street and have afternoon tea with Mom and Dad. Then at 4:25, not 4:15 and not 4:30, Mom and I feed all our dogs and go for the afternoon walk. Mom has this schedule, you understand, and she really likes to stick to it. LOL On Sundays, I also go over at 10:00am to visit until lunch at noon. Uncle Henry (Mom's younger brother) comes over too. Most of the time we get take-away and either Henry or I go get it. Occasionally, Mom cooks.

I’m still dancing – usually three or four times a week. Dennis and I are exclusive now and we’re so intuitive that our dancing just flows. In April, we were asked to do a dance exhibition to replace a couple who cancelled at the last minute – we had 6 days to prepare something. We chose a rumba because it’s our favorite dance. It turned out very well, I think. Our friend, Richard, videotaped the performance. Then, later in October, we were asked to do another exhibition and this time we did a west coast swing. It was great fun, learning new moves in preparation for the performance. The song we chose, Why Don’t We Just Dance, was perhaps a little too fast for the dance, but we did it anyway. The camera ran out of space so we didn’t get a video of that one.

Mom and I have season tickets to Ocala Civic Theater. That's the local playhouse and they do some fantastic productions. Their Signature Series shows are suitable for all ages, like Peter Pan and The Wizard of Oz, which were absolutely amazing. Then there is the Ovation Series for mature audiences. These are wonderful too, but in a different way, with smaller casts and are often thought provoking. Nothing too controversial ... although they are putting on The Full Monty next month.

Charity Ball

Dennis and I were co-chairs for the Charity Ball given by USA Dance Ocala to benefit Hospice of Marion County. We both feel a connection to Hospice because both our spouses were under hospice care when they died. It was a labor of love and it was also lots of fun. We raised $1,700 for Hospice.

In June, we went to Las Vegas for an Ince family reunion (that’s my mother’s maiden name). Uncle Henry was celebrating his 80th birthday, Don (his oldest son) was celebrating a birthday and Andy (the youngest son) was celebrating a wedding anniversary. Dennis was amazing as he memorized everyone’s names – children, grandchildren, girlfriends and miscellaneous friends. At the end of the week, the whole crowd went to see Cirque du Soleil’s show Mystere, which was fantastic.

Kitchen

I’ve done some remodeling in my lovely home. I put wood floors throughout and converted a vinyl windowed sun porch into a finished, air-conditioned sunroom with sliding glass doors and a built in doggie door. It was seven weeks of construction: living with workers coming at 7:00 am, dust everywhere and torrential rains at just the wrong times. I spend most of my time in this room now and just love it. The kitchen also got a facelift – brown quartz countertops, new stove, dishwasher and sink. It looks pretty snazzy.

In May, I reconnected with two old friends. Dale was a roommate in college (nearly 40 years ago). She discovered that I only live a few blocks from her mom, so when she came down to visit, we spent some time together. Then, my old Sifu from kung fu days, David Rose, and his wife, Zan, were in Crystal River scuba diving for a week, so Den and I drove over and had dinner with them.

Birthday Party at Gabrielle's

The week before Thanksgiving, I went to Pennsylvania with Dennis to meet his family. His aunt, Esther Chichilitti, was celebrating her 80th birthday and all the cousins wanted to make it special for her. It was just a bit intimidating for an only child to meet such a large family, but I survived. It helped that I met one small group at a time. We stayed with Aunt Esther who still lives in the same house she was born in. I can now admit that my body has become acclimated to Florida. I thought I’d never get warm while we were in PA and it wasn’t even freezing!

Hilda & Linda

For Thanksgiving, Mom and Dad had a crowd. Dennis came with his Uncle Bill and a friend of the family, Hilda. Uncle Henry was there along with two of my friends (Richard and Gail) who were at loose ends.  Add in my two dogs and Mom's dog, Lacey, all begging at the table and it was quite a gathering.  Den and I picked up meals from The Mason Jar to save Mom from the hectic stress of cooking. We served and cleaned up and all Mom had to do was entertain. From what we could hear in the kitchen, she was doing a great job at that – everyone was laughing at her stories.

Sunset on Captiva Island

This year I turned 60 and my birthday happened to fall on the same day as our USA Dance. It was fun, like a party where everyone gets to dance. Dennis arranged to surprise me with a cake and candles and everyone at the dance sang happy birthday to me (and this is just never done). Then Den had the DJ (Bob Arthur) play "our song", Beyond the Sea by Bobby Darin and we danced a foxtrot around the dance floor. It was glorious and romantic. He's a real treasure. I'm so lucky to have found him. Topping off my birthday, was a trip to Captiva Island for two days with Den. I believe this may have been the best birthday EVER.

Dinner at Carmine's Cafe

Dennis and I had dinner at Carmine's the other night.  It was our first time and was a delightful surprise.  Outwardly it is an unassuming restaurant in a little strip mall about three minutes from where I live.  In fact, I've never noticed it before.  But a couple of women were talking about this wonderful meal they'd had at a local restaurant so I asked them where it was.  Imagine my surprise to learn it was so close by.

Anyway, when we arrived there were a couple of children running around outside and as we neared the entrance, the little boy banged on the door and yelled "There's someone coming!  Unlock the door!"  We were wondering what was going on.  Turns out there were three kids playing and one of them had locked the door on the other two.  I imagine their parents were just a tad embarrassed.  *grin*

We were seated at a very nice table for two along the wall and immediately given menus.  Then the accordionist began to play.  This gave the place an authentic atmosphere and Den became quite nostalgic.  His two uncles used to play the accordion.  So he tipped the accordion player to "serenade" me.  Later he asked the man to play "Spanish Eyes" so we could dance a little rumba.  *sigh*  It was soooo romantic.

And there there's the food.  Although there were a number of dishes in the menu that appealed to us, we decided to go with the two specials.  Angelo, the owner, served our meals, himself.  Since it was a little slow and because we were new, he spent a little while chatting with us.  The food was fantastic.  Den ate all of his (and regretted it later) while I saved half and ate it the next day.  The portions were quite generous.

When we arrived there was only one other couple in the restaurant but by the time we left, four other couples had come in.  It's not a large establishment so it has a nice, intimate feel and everyone who came in after us was greeted like a regular.  This is a well kept secret in SW Ocala and it could very well become our favorite place to dine.

Dressed Up for Halloween, Again

Dennis and I both enjoy dressing up for Halloween. 


Once again we went to the Ocala Civic Theater for costumes, but only for his.  Doesn't he make a scary executioner?  *shudder*  The only drawback was that it was a very heavy and HOT costume.  Tough to dance in.  


I actually did two different outfits this year.  We had planned to go with the medieval theme so I bought a tavern wench dress a while back.  I'll use it again whenever we go to the Hoggetowne Faire in Gainesville or some other renaissance fair.  The wig was surprisingly like my hair when I was in my teens and 20's.




But we also went to the first Vampire Ball which was a fundraiser for the Humane Society.  Tavern wench didn't seem quite right so I wore a little black dress with a cape that had spider webs on it.  That was quite an affair.  Everyone came in costume - the more gruesome, the better.  And some people were amazingly creative.  One gal I spoke to spent over an hour making up her face to look like a skeleton.  Another guy had airbrushed his torso and head black and red so he looked like a devil.  All in all, it was FUN!!!


On Halloween night, Den and I dressed up to hand out candy to the kids.  We stayed outside and played spooky sounds and the candy was in a box that looked like a book of spells.  It was fun seeing all the costumes and goofing around with the teens.


We're already talking about costumes for next year.