A Trip Not Soon to be Forgotten

This past October, Hubby and I planned a trip to The Villages, Florida to be taken on Jan. 30th.  We had talked of going to Florida during the month of January for years and decided this would be the year that we did just that.  Hubby's sister and BIL decided they would meet us there.  We would be traveling from NE Louisiana and they would be coming from the Atlanta area.  We began anticipating this trip and once the holidays were over, we could hardly wait.

We decided that we would leave on Tuesday the 28th and just mozy along and arrive by noon on Thursday, the day our reservation began.  A week prior to our leaving we starting looking at the weather and it looked rather concerning but we were quite certain that it would not be that big of a deal and we were leaving in plenty of time anyway. ~big laugh~

 We pulled out of our driveway around 10:30 and headed towards Jackson, MS.  All was just perfect until then.  In Jackson everything changed.  What you see in the above photos is what we dealt with for the remainder of the trip.  We made it to Hattiesburg, MS around 6:00 that evening and that would normally be about a 4 hour trip for us.  We drove on solid ice all the way there and thankfully Tommy is a patience, patience man and safety is #1 with him.  I won't bore you with all the details of the rest of our hairy trip there but we did NOT arrive at our villa until exactly midnight on the 30th.  One whole day of our time there gone!!!  What should have been about a 13 hour trip turned into about a 27 hour trip.

Our Villa

But, once we arrived, we tried to forget what we had been through and get into a "Florida state of mind" and enjoy ourselves.

First thing we did was check into extending our stay for an extra day to make up for the day we missed and amazingly, they were able to do that.  This is the busiest season for The Villages and we were barely able to get reservations back in Oct.  

The above photo is the sales office of The Villages and one of the most beautiful buildings we have ever been in.  It is styled after The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.  There are 3 town squares in The Villages and we stayed in  Lake Sumter Landing .

The Villages is a golf cart city. We had never seen so many golf carts in our lives and, as you can see, the sky's the limit as to their design.  Many folks only use golf carts!

The Villages, to us, was like entering a bubble, completely isolated from the outside world.  It covers around 58 square miles and there are around 110,000 folks, all 55 years old and older, living there.  Absolutely anything and everything you could ever need, want or desire is there.

 Each and every evening at 7:00 there is entertainment and dancing in each of the town squares.  We went a couple of evenings and it was amazing to watch some of those folks dance and it is obviously enjoyed by many of the residents there.

There are endless things to do, from physical activities to handcrafts.  There are 18 golf courses!!  So, no one should have any reason to be bored. There is fabulous shopping, and restaurants of every description.  There are Villas, Patio Homes, Designer Homes and Premier Homes.  Prices start at around $225,000 and go up to well over a million dollars.

We were guests at The Villages and were assigned a rep that gave us the "grand tour" and while she was a real estate agent with The Villages, she was never pushy.  She was so informative and we thoroughly enjoyed our time with her.  We were just in awe of the entire place!

A license plate on one of the golf carts ~so funny~

We had a most enjoyable time on our visit there and I would give it high recommendations as a place to visit for sure.  But, as to being a permanent resident there, well, it's not for us.  I would tire of only being with "older" adults.  I enjoy all ages of folks and interacting with them.  But, it's different strokes for different folks and the folks there certainly were a happy bunch.
I am happy to report that our return trip was uneventful and we drove straight home in about 13 hours.  A hard day of travel but we were ready to get home.  It's been cloudy and very cold since we got home and after enjoying the Florida weather, we are more than ready for Spring!!!!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

I didn't really think I'd get to participate in the Hodgepodge this week but we reached our destination last evening (more about this later) early enough that I decided I had time.  It's my first time to do a post from my IPad, so hopefully it turns out okay.  Okay, off to answer Joyce's weekly questions........

1. It's  been said that one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day. Do you think that's true? Do you find that an easy exercise most mornings? What's something positive you told yourself today? If you missed that boat, what's something positive you could tell yourself tomorrow?
I do think it's true.  I try to remember to say, "this is the day The Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it" before my feet ever hit the floor.  There's certainly been many times that I truly didn't feel like rejoicing or being glad but it still planted a most positive thought in my mind to begin the day.

2. There will be karaoke at the next party you attend...are you in? Or will you be faking a sore throat?
I am in!  I have sung a lot in my life, solos and duets and ensembles.  So, I'm all in for the fun of karaoke.

3. January 29th is National Puzzle Day...what's something you've found puzzling recently?
The acceptance of any and all behavior by our society, certainly not just recently but all I've heard ( I did not see them) about the Grammy Awards brought it to mind in the past couple of days.  It's more than puzzling!

4.  Jigsaw, crossword, acrostic, logic, sudoku, word search...what's your favorite kind of puzzle, and when did you last work one?
When Hubby had his hip replacement about 7 years ago I spent my time with him in the hospital working Sudoku puzzles and really enjoyed it.  But, don't think I've worked any since that time.  I guess I should put a Sodoku app on my Iphone and IPad.  It's great brain exercise!

5. Recently a writer by the name of Amy Glass ruffled feathers with a post she wrote saying she looks down on young women with husbands and kids and she's not sorry. Among other things, she says women will be equal with men when we stop saying house work and real work are equally important. You can read the whole piece by clicking here.

What say you? Do you think men and women are equal in the 21st century? Why or why not?
Oh, me!   I think women have far more opportunities than they have ever had and if they are qualified, then the sky is the limit.  And the same for men!  I do think that some careers are obviously more suited for one gender or the other, but it appears that some women are bound and determined to make it in a mans world.  More power to them!   But, housework and motherhood is definitely REAL work regardless of what anyone may think or say.

6. What's a product you've noticed in the grocery store that you'd like to try, but haven't yet?

I'm sure there is something but I can't think of what it is.  Remember my brain is road weary tonight so you have to cut me some slack this week. ~big smile~

7. The author, Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (aka Lewis Carroll) was born this week in 1832 (January 27th).  Which character from his celebrated novel, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, would you most like to meet, and why? Here's a link to a character list if you need help on this one. 

I was never a big fan of Alice in Wonderland so I would not care to meet any of the characters.  Now, how about Pinocchio? ~grin~

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Hubby and I left driving for Florida yesterday. What an adventure it has been.  We drove a little over 200 miles and about 125 of those miles was on icy interstate.  Hubby wrote the book on safety and he drove 20 mph for 4 1/2 hours to our destination, Hattiesburg, Ms.  We passed many cars in the ditch and many 18 wheelers stranded.  We feel blessed to have arrived without incident.  We'll head out today when we can.  We may have some challenging weather today as well, but hopefully it will be better than yesterday.  It's Florida or bust and we can't wait for temps in the mid 70's and 80's.

HELLO Monday - 50 Years of Love and Florida Bound

Well, it's Monday and I am doing much better with this "crud stuff" but still coughing way more than I want to.  It is now more or less just an aggravating cough and who knows how long it may hang around.  It appears that all the chest congestion is gone and I'm sure that is due to getting myself some "real drugs" this past Wednesday.  

But, on to this past weekend.............one couple in our "running group" is about to celebrate a very important milestone, a 50th wedding anniversary.

 So, the 3 couples below decided that we would have a celebration dinner in their honor this past Saturday evening.

We pulled together a menu and we all had an assignment and it came together beautifully and the honored couple did not have a clue.

The menu consisted of a Standing Rib Roast, Roasted Asparagus, Rice Casserole, Strawberry Salad, Rolls and dessert was Italian Cream Cake. ~doesn't it make your mouth water~

The dining table was decorated in true Southern flair and the meal and fellowship left nothing undone for sure. Aren't those pomegrantes  just gorgeous! ~they are REAL~

And, of course, an occasion such as this cannot go without a little remembrance of the evening for the honored couple.

Charles seemed thrilled with his "official" bird encyclopedia and Gerri with her beautiful book of both recipes and table scape ideas.  Their "official" anniversary isn't until February 2nd and we wish them many more wonderful years.  They long ago figured out the formula for a happy marriage by putting God in the center.  They are truly a blessing to all who are privileged to know them.  And, by the way, they married when Charles was 6 and Gerri was 5. ~ now you don't doubt that do you?~ 

Changing the subject..........Hubby and I have talked of going to Florida in January for several years and this year we are finally going to do it. We will head out sometime on Tuesday for The Villages, Florida.  You've no doubt seen the commercial and heard the little catchy jingle . We have heard "rave reviews" and are most excited to leave the cold, cold weather we are experiencing behind.  It appears that the temps there will be in the low to mid-70's and while we'd prefer it to be a little warmer, this will be just fine.  I plan to have lots of great photos and lots of fun to tell about when we return.  It does appear that we could encounter some very wintery weather on the way.  Goodness! I'm ready for Spring!

Happy week to each of you!

Five on Friday

I'm on board with "Five on Friday" and the 3 pretty ladies that host it each week.  

One.  First and foremost............I started with the cold/congestion stuff a week ago this past Wed.  I started taking some over the counter meds and just knew that was all I needed to head it off.  WRONG! After a week of battling it and trying to act like I was really getting better, I realized that I probably needed some "real drugs."  I was prompted to get it in gear and get well because we are headed to sunny Florida next Tuesday and I do not want this stuff going with me.  I've had such chest congestion and am still not 100% but I've been taking it easy, staying in and am hopeful that I will be "good to go" by Tuesday. ~gotta be~

Two.  Okay ladies, have you tried the new electronic facial cleansing brushes?  I had not until Dec. and then I was given this

little beauty.  It is the Skinvigorate Cleansing Brush by Mary Kay.  All it took was one use and I was hooked!  I love the clean, clean feeling it gives and supposedly it has other benefits, such as stimulating the collagen, thus slowing down the aging process. ~hope, hope~ I don't know anything about all the other brands available but I do know that this one is $50 and all the others I checked into were between $100 and $250.  Hummm.....not sure about all the differences, so I'll try not to judge, but I'm thinking there can't be $200 worth of difference.  I just think that the marketers know that women are easily convinced when it comes to skin and aging and they can put whatever price they want and there will always be a good percentage that will pay it. But, I'm telling you, this one by Mary Kay has really impressed me.

Three. I'm not sure I've ever introduced Bertha and Warren to my blogging buddies.

This picture was taken at the nursing facility and they spent most of their days right there in those two chairs.  Don't you just love my Grandmother's wig?  Bless her heart, she wore it for years!  

This is my paternal grandparents and talk about a pair!  Oh, my goodness!  I could write a book about them.  In or around 1987 I became the overseer of their care for the last years of their lives.  They lived in Ft. Smith, AR. and could no longer live alone and they moved here to a nursing facility so that I would be near.  My Dad, their only child at the time, lived in Virginia and they absolutely refused to move that far, but coming to Louisiana seemed for more doable as they left everything familiar to them behind.  My Grandpa died after 7 years but Grandmother lived on another 6 years after he died.  Grandpa was 88 and Grandma was 94 when they died.  While there were lots of good times, there was also a lot of tough, tough times and I was still in the middle of raising our two children and a busy, busy Mom.  I look back now and wonder how I did it, but little did I know that was just the beginning of being a care giver for me.  If they gave degrees in it, I'd sure have one or maybe two. ~big smile~

Four.  Have any of you read the book, 7 by Jen Hatmaker?  The author calls it an experimental mutiny against excess.  It was on the $5 table at the Christian book store after Christmas and I picked it up.  I read Jen's blog and I knew a little about it from that and thought it would be a most interesting read.  And, that it is!!!  While I am not nor do I have plans to rid myself of as much excess as Jen has, it has been most thought provoking.  Jen has pared down her closet to 7 outfits and I so enjoyed her sharing the process by which she did that.  I did think how much easier my life would be if when I went to my closet I ONLY had 7 outfits to look through.  I mean, how simple!!!  As I said, it has definitely given me some really good "food for thought."  And, her closet is just one of many, many ways that Jen has pared down with excess in her life.  I'm afraid that we have become a society ruled by stuff, instead of us being the rulers of it.  I'm thinking we could all learn a few lessons from Jen.

Five. Hubby and I take and pick up the Princess on Tuesday and Thursdays from Mother's Day Out ~ she calls it "school."  Yesterday when we got in I let her decorate cupcakes.  

Anything to do with icing is one of her most favorite things!And, when Pillsbury came up with Funfetti, they did a good thing for sure.

She worked very painstakingly on each cupcake and then could hardly wait to lick the spatula!  What's not to like about sugary goodness?  
Happy weekend y'all!!!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

It's Wednesday, that means it's Hodgepodge time. Joyce continues to rack her brain for these thought provoking questions and we rack our brains for answers.  It works!

1. It was decided on Sunday the Denver Broncos will meet the Seattle Seahawks in this year's  Superbowl. So when was the last time you bowled? Not where you thought this question was going is it?  Do you like to bowl? Are you any good?

I cannot even remember the last time I bowled.  I imagine it has been 25+ years.  I'm not crazy about it at all and I do well remember that I was NOT the least bit good at it.  Fingernails and bowling balls don't do very well together. ~ I'm a girly girl~

2.   Should sports stars be role models?
Webster's defines a role model as: a person looked to by others as an example to be imitated.  So, how wonderful it would be if all sports stars were worthy of such.  But, as we know, that is not the case.  Peyton Manning is certainly one worthy of being a role model.  He does it right!  So, some should  and some shouldn't.

3. January is National Oatmeal month...are you a fan? How do you like your oats?
I am a fan even though I rarely eat them.  I like the Old Fashioned oats, no instant or quick cooking for me.  And, I'll take them in cookies too.

4. What is one book on your reading list for 2014?
Outside of reading the Bible through, I have recently bought the book, Heaven, by Randy Alcorn.  It is a thoroughly Biblical based book on and about heaven.  It is not a quick read but rather one to be devoured slowly, all 550 pages of it.  I have not started it just yet but it has been highly recommended to me.

5. What would you like your future self to say to your present self?
Enjoy life everyday, make memories whenever possible, always know that somethings really do not matter, and never, never forget that HE knows BEST!

6. When scrolling through the TV guide, what is one movie title that makes you want to stop, grab the popcorn, and watch for a while?
Hummm...I do not scroll the TV guide, that's Hubby's job. ~smile~ We rarely watch a movie at home and if we do, it's usually from Netflix or Amazon Prime.

7. What are two style trends you hope never come back into fashion?
Oh, the leisure suits ~most in double knit~ for men that were so, so popular in the 70's and culotte skirts for women that were about that same time.  I saw something the other day that the culotte skirts and pants were on their way back in.  Surely they will be much more flattering and stylish than the ones of 40+ years ago.~we will hope so~

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I know, you see my Grans a whole lot in this space, but hey, I just can't help myself and, it's my space! ~giggle~  But, DIL sent this to me this past weekend and I just had to share it with you.  I got her that cute fur vest for Christmas and doesn't she "rock it?"  I just want to keep her this age for several years.  She's too much fun and so stinkin' cute!  But, more importantly, she is such a little sweetheart. ~no joke~ 

Friday Letters

 Dear New Year, you have started off so smooth that it is almost scary.  So, let's keep it that way.  I'm lovin' 2014!!
Dear Canvas on Demand, I received my first wrapped canvas from you yesterday and it is awesome!!!  Of course, the subject matter was pretty awesome too.  If any of you need/want your pics done on a canvas, I highly recommend these folks. Don't you think these are pretty awesome? And, they are always having some type of coupon special.  I got these 30% off.

Dear Downton Abbey, Oh, my, you have had so, so much drama the first two shows and this whole incident with Anna just has me most upset.  You do know I love Anna and Mr. Bates and I'm not liking what I am feeling about their future. Guess I'll wait and see before drawing conclusions.
Dear Desktop Computer, You are my best friend and worst enemy!!  Last week when I had the issue after downloading Java from a website that was bad, you scared me too death.  I was pretty sure you might not ever be the same, but thank goodness for excellent backup programs and a wonderful computer "go to man," you were saved and are running as good as new.  And, thank goodness for ICloud where I resurrected all my contacts.  I will be most mindful before downloading anything in the future. ~hard lesson learned~
Dear Louisiana Center for the Blind, I am so hopeful that you are going to be able to provide some accommodations for my legally blind Dad.  He needs assistance with so many things sight related and to aid him we're hopeful you can direct us to resources that will help. I left you a message yesterday and am awaiting your return phone call.
Dear American Idol, thank you for making the necessary changes to draw us back in. I'm pretty impressed with the judges and their chemistry with one another and the first two nights of try-outs were not unbearable with stupidity. But, I'm hopeful there will be someone that is going to really impress me before Hollywood tryouts.  Thus far, that has not happened.
Dear Lipton, your "sparkling" green tea is delish, especially the Strawberry Kiwi flavor.
 Dear Scratchy Throat, paleesee, do not turn into the terrible crud that everyone has right now!!!  I really do not want you and have tried hard to escape it.  
Dear NIV Bible, I am so enjoying your one year reading plan.  Just in these past 17 days you have blessed me immensely and I look forward to reading you through this year.

 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

It's Wednesday and that means it's Hodgepodge time with Joyce.  Enjoy!
1.  Are you a force to be reckoned with? In what way?
Well, I can be..........In the past 2+ years that my Dad has been sick that description has been said of me in reference to his care.  I have been his advocate and during his long hospital stays and while in the nursing facility, I was definitely a force to be reckoned with.  All I expected was that the folks take care of his needs and as long as they did, all was good.  But, there were times they failed and that's when I began howling.  I pray if I need an advocate that I'll have one as good as myself. ~just sayin'~

2. What are two things you love about the wintertime? Or, if love feels like too strong a word, what are two things you 'like' about winter?
I'm glad Joyce threw the word "like" in there because I do not love winter at all.  But, I do enjoy sweaters and boots, so that would be my two things I like about winter.  And, I do enjoy getting cozy with an afghan in my recliner on a cold evening.  So, guess that makes 3.

3. Pomegranate, kumquat, persimmon, kiwi, and guava are all fruits said to have health benefits, particularly during the winter months. Do you have a favorite on the list? Are there any on the list you haven't tried?
Oh, this is terrible but I have never tried any of these.  I am not a fruit lover either and I really do hate that because fruit is so good for you.  I do enjoy good grapes and an apple occasionally,but that's about it. ~shame on me~  And, why anyone wants to ruin a delicious Broccoli Salad by putting raisins in it is beyond me! Ugh!

  4. I passed a local church yesterday and noticed they had this on their outdoor sign- 'When all else fails, do the right thing.' Your thoughts?
Well,it definitely sounds good and it is a very good concept, but as we know, sometimes even doing the right thing, you can fail.  But, I do believe we all benefit in the long run by "doing the right thing."

5. Do you ski? According to one list I've seen, the top 5 ski destinations for 2014 are-St. Anton Austria, Whistler Canada, Cortina Italy, Tahoe USA, and Zermatt Switzerland.  Of the five listed, which would you most like to visit? We can make skiing optional if that helps the non-skiers with their answer.
Thank goodness, skiing is optional!  I've have never had a desire to ski but I would love to visit Switzerland.  All the beauty I see in pictures, I'd love to see in person. 

6.  What's the last thing you looked for online? (Besides my blog!)I looked up how to do something on Outlook.  It's something that I had not done in a long, long time and I had to refresh my memory.  Of course, I found the answer in a flash and had the task taken care of. ~oh, the joy of the internet~
 
7. What saying, slogan, quote, or motto have you seen lately that inspires you for the new year?
This caught my eye on Pinterest the other day..........

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 
Last season of American Idol just about did me in!  I didn't watch it like I had in previous years and Nikki whatever her name is was absolutely pitiful!  Apparently AI got the message from their viewers and it appears that they have a revamped season beginning tonight with some decent judges.  I am half way excited and only hope that I am not disappointed.  If so, then I'll probably hang it up forever.  Time will tell..............