"Come on D-o-w-n !!!"

I felt like I had been called on "The Price Is Right."  /After everybody's busy day ( I had a great workout- /BP at start was 106/78)  we went to Cracker Barrel for early dinner and a visit to "Rooms-to Go" (Pompano) where Raoul was happy to show us around the showroom at various "looks" and ensembles. The prices were fair (as in just)  and the kids started to furnish my new house.  I, of course, was overwhelmed. Jason told me he came to the store with a figure in mind. I have to say we got a lot for their money (a real chunk of change). It will be delivered next Tuesday: Recliner (electric), reclining couch (electric), Tables, lamps, bedroom set-(7 pieces) (articulated bed ) dining table (pub table and 4 barstools) and  bonus 32 inch television. In short, I am set up in the new digs. The furnishings are nicer than any I have had prior to my 67th year.  I am still overwhelmed.  This is Lori's birthday week and I got the loot! Go figure. She is a treat- Raoul was teased within an inch of his life.

Visiting John Prince Park

I was invited to lunch at the Maison Latour on Saturday and it was very nice. We did some walking to admire the new facilities: pavillion and laundromat, landscaping and paving. We saw Andre and Nicole briefly as they had a family event to attend. Saw some other old faces and enjoyed the feeling of being in camp. I headed home about 4:30 because I wanted to go to Harbor Freight to buy a big magnet. Jason's fillet knife went in the canal and I think it can be fished with a magnet.

Honey is having a hard time. She is absolutely resistive to all meds. I ended up shoving them down her throat. She ended up barfing two days worth of semi-digested food on the only piece of carpet in the whole house. Jason ended up hosing off the rug and  mopping floors last night. The possum is still around and Honey and Buddy go ballistic if they catch a whiff.

We have all been furiously playing "Word"- I had to quit this morning because Lori was whipping me and I needed a rest. I wasn't mad but I was frustrated.  If you don't get the letters, it is hard to score. She plays for blood-I like that.

Real Life

Honey and Buddy went in the canal Thursday afternoon chasing the possum. Honey cut her foot and was bleeding profusely. Off we went to the Pet Vet in the BMW! I offered to take my van.  Honey had surgery and has to wear a cone for a few days.All the blood was scrubbed from the driveway and only a little got on the car-washed up fine. The protective seat cover was a different story but it washed nicely. I love about my son, that the dog was important and the car was way down the list. Honey is not a happy camper but she was out scouting for the possum this morning. Can't keep a good hunter down.

I am anxious to get her in her own backyard because now that she has been in the canal she may go again. The handover of the new house looks to be on schedule for February 8.  We have been looking at furniture. We found the most comfortable recliner but I couldn't get out of it. The mechanism is faulty. (true story-I am not making excuses)  The 5'2" salesperson demonstrated it could be done but it was a struggle for anybody bigger. Lori and I found an electric one yesterday- equal comfort, no stress.

Went shopping with Lori: Tarjay (Target)  then we went to lunch at the Baja Cafe. We had fun though we were a bit rushed by my schedule.

The six chairs I bought from Habitat for Humanity had to come home-they needed the space. I got them in the van. Jason scanned a tag with his iPhone and they retail at $189.00 per copy. These came from an FDIC auction and are a sturdy HON brand. I figure at $15.00 each, even if they end up patio furniture they are good value.

I made it to Cardio Rehab Friday and had a good workout. My Nu-Step work level was at 3 and I walked a mile and quarter at 2.7 m.p.h. on the treadmill.  It is mind numbingly boring. One of the attendants caught me making faces at Bert yesterday. My coumadin is in the therapeutic range. After some time they will try another cardioversion (shock the s--t out of me) of my A-Fib but in the meantime I am feeling well and progressing. I do get tired sometimes but I listen to my body and go get horizontal when that happens.

Life in Urbanity

Taking Thayne to PBIA was hampered by a crash that tied up traffic for miles. Because of the weather his flight was delayed 30 minutes so it all worked out. He has checked in from Wyoming so he made it home but his suitcase didn't.

The firetrucks came to a neighbor's house yesterday. We think storm damage caused a problem. I missed Cardio-Rehab yesterday. I was sleepy, arrived early for the workout and said I will just close my eyes for a minute- It was 2:10 when I woke up. A nap in the van-welcome sleep but not particularly satisfactory.

On the way home I stopped at the habitat for humanity re-Store which Jason had said was great for finding stuff for homes. I bought six chairs-pretty nice ones- for under $100.00. I think that scared him (Mr. Low Rent meets Mr. Quality Counts)  so they took me to City Furniture after supper. We had a good look around at the various styles and types of furniture. It was useful in establishing prices and values, too. I have been scouting a nearby consignment store. We have no real idea when the new house will be vacated. but a few things to put in it at the get-go will be helpful. Lori is fun to shop with. She loves the process.

The Party's Over

Last night Jason took us to Marcello's for dinner: Jason, Lori, Thayne, and Denise-a "blind date" for Thayne's bon voyage. A pricey place but with delicious food and punctilious service. Lori asked our heavily accented waiter how to say something in Italian. He said "You'll have to ask one of the Italians- I am from Argentina." We got a big laugh out of that. I would say the blind date was not a match but it was fun and we got to know somebody new.

Today Thayne will board Southwest Air for a trip back to Wyoming. He is routed through Baltimore so he may have an adventure or two with the weather before he makes it home. We had an adventure with weather last night after a balmy evening. One hour we were standing in the cul de sac visiting with neighbors and watching Buddy leading the big dogs on a merry chase, the next hour it was blowing seriously and the lights wrere flickering- a deluge followed.. The pool is a mess this morning.

I need to start making noise: Jason wanted to be up by 8:00 a.m. in order to get everything done before we go to Palm Beach International  Airport. I'll start by uncovering the birds.

Old Tuna Breath

Sunday we motored out to Vista BMW so Thayne could look at Mini Coopers. We we not treated well at all at this snobby dealership. I gave them a piece of my mind. Told them either one of us could write a check for  their damn minis but they wouldn't see a nickel. We were received with reverence at the Pet Deli which is in a huge "flea market." Jason had phoned in an order for Juneau. The flea market is not open open air-it is more like a mall and we couldn't find a place to park in the 40 or so acres that surround it. There was a steady stream of cars. I finally had Thayne cruise the mall while I went in to pick up organic entrails to feed the Juneau.

Sunday night the dogs were alerting so out they went into the sideyard. They werre insistent something was in the bouganvillea bush. After much searching and gingerly parting thorned branches Thayne found a young possum. We already had on hand neighbor Billy's Haveaheart trap that we were going to use on a gimpy raccoon. So Jason opened a can of tuna  for bait after we figured out how how to operate the rusty trap. In the house  the dogs went, and we watched TV while we waited. All of a sudden Jason said to Buddy-"You smell like tuna!" So we checked the trap. Buddy had cleaned up the bait and waltzed out of the trap unscathed. It had not even triggered. There is usually a good-natured contest to see who Buddy will bed down with. Nobody wanted to win but Lori did.

Having a houseguest often reveals a side you did not know. Thayne loves to shop-not buy necessarily, though he did buy some new tennis shoes- he bought his last pair when he was a Junior in high school and is now 42. He has asked and gone on shopping forays with Lori. He has a great time. Lori is fun and every transaction turns into a friendship, though. She is constantly trying to "fix him up."

Busy, busy,busy

Thayne on the sofa at David's house Friday night. Where Levi's met satin. The occasion was Karen's birthday-a celebration made sweeter by her being "cancer-free" at this time. Karen is a long-time employee of David's. The food was catered, Italian, and delicious. Jason took the cake. It was not a huge gathering and it was the most relaxed party I have attended there. I helped David with the dishes and David and Jackie danced. It was a very good time

Saturday was without plans and it turned out fine. The ocean was flat so Jason suggested we go fishing. (That I go riding- I love going along and being on the water.) Jason found a spot that was hot. The fishfinder was beeping like crazy. They caught a number of 'trigger fish" that have small mouths and usually just steal the bait. They went back in the water. But two Vermillion Snappers, a Yellowtail Snapper and a Blackfin Tuna, were legal. kept and grilled, and inside of us within two hours. Delicious!

Jason and Lori had a Texas Hold 'Em Party to attend in Ft. Lauderdale. Thayne and I went to the Seminole Hard Rock Casino. Paid $13.00 for a draft beer and a gin and tonic at Hooters' outside bar. It was chilling with the wind. Thayne is so quiet that his enthusiasms don't show and I was getting frustrated. Just walking around. We killed some time but for my money, this was the least enjoyable adventure we have had.

11202011 PB Zoo

Click on the picture for about 100 more of Thayne's trip to the Palm Beach Zoo. It is one of my favorite places so guests get the full tour. I'll be working on album comments this weekend. Right now I am off to the Labcorp Vampire, Cardio- Rehab, then a birthday party at David's for Karen at 8:00.

01182011 FL Butterfly World

I took Thayne to Butterfly World Tuesday. I re-upped my annual pass. Thayne likes nature and such things so I figured he would enjoy the tropical adventure and he did. Click the picture to go to the album. We came home and met up with Jason and Lori and all went to JB's on the beach for a great late lunch and a glimpse of the hardbodies playing beach volleyball. Jason watches the weather being a boater and he figured yesterday as best for a beach day. He was right. Today is a little drizzly in spots.

There was a potluck dinner at John Prince Park that I was invited to attend so we went there in the evening. Thayne was a big hit. A Wyoming Cowboy complete with belt buckle was a novelty to the Quebecois. Andre disclosed that the movie "City Slickers" represents his idea of a perfect vacation. Thayne might get visitors. For my part, I was delighted to see so many old friends and have a chance to visit with them. I did not intend to eat but we did and per usual the variety and efforts were delightful. Home for an evening of television and Words for Friends. Words for friends is similar to Scrabble but it is an Apple application and is played with friends or strangers. It is addictive.

You can take the boys out of Wyoming but..

We had a great day. Jason took us fishing on the ocean. We trolled for miles and fished over a reef. Thayne did all of the catching but none were legal to keep. Still, on the water with the Sun on you on January 16 is still pretty nice-spectacular as a matter of fact. Click on the pic for the whole story.

Coming in, a guy was broken down with his boat in the Boca Inlet. Jason asked him if he needed a tow-the guy set about fashioning a tow rope. Hed to agree that it was a "Wyoming thing" to do. Wer towed him to the Boca boat ramp and set off for home.

Thayne's Visit

 

A calm day presented  chance for  good picture from the yard. The water was like glass.



Two avid fishermen

Friday was a busy day for me- A visit to Dr. Cohn and Cardio-rehab. Jason put Thayne to work helping him install new batteries in his 27 foot boat while I went to appointments. The 40 foot boat got new batteries last week. My appointments went well. Dr. Cohn is thorough and kind. Cardio-rehab is kind of a gas. My 86 year old buddy inspires me to do better and is fun and funny.  He was coming out of WWII when I was born. I had lunch at Whole Foods grocery store on the fly..Jason and and Lori took Thayne to Flanigan's for great, big, hamburgers for lunch. We had grilled ham and cheese sandwiches and good soup for dinner. We have been eating a little too well. We had doggie playtime with Marcia's dogs and Thayne fished off the seawall. He had bites but no catches. Something was eating the bait.

Time Changes

Buddy Miles had an album of that title back in my salad days. It is certainly true that Time Changes and it goes at a gallop when you are in the homestretch. Patsy and Joe bought a place on the west coast of Florida, Rosenbergs are getting a home in Atlantis, selling out in Delhi, NY, Therese and Rene are seeing some little improvements in Rene-he can string a sentence together again, Cheryl and Doug bought a place in Delray, my Casper Blogger friends are retired and looking at a move and my BIG news is my kids bought a house for me to use. Jason explains it as an investment. I explain it as a huge gift. It is a little gem of a house 8 tenths of a mile from their house. Just about everything has been updated, it has a good sized fenced-in backyard for the pups and it even has enough room for occasional visitors. I'll take pictures soon.

This will change my base of operations-I can be in Florida for a good long stretch-beyond "the season" and go to Wyoming and Oregon when it gets too hot. Help and support and my "medical team" is at hand. The kids have been simply magnificent. I'm less than a mile from the beach, Publix supermarket, Walgreen's, a Mexican restaurant I can take the dogs to, the library, the Pickle Barrel deli, etc.

With all the events since November 8, I sometimes have a hard time wrapping my mind around all the changes but I have always awakened happy and happy to be alive so "It's All Good."

It's a Dog's Life in South Florida

My Granddog, Juneau with his favorite teddy bear. He loves this bear-literally. The dogs play hard and have their mouths all over each other so Jason and Lori decided baths all around were the order of the day Saturday. Juneau is quite happy to take a shower with Jason. The country dogs went to the spa.

Curb to curb in the Beamer 750i . We got some looks and most were amused. Deerfield is very dog friendly and many restaurants with outside dining welcome dogs.



Honey is gorgeous! She glistens in the sun. She was sure glad to see me though.

Buddy got a conditioner so his wire hair is softer. He is a riot. 

More decadent dog pictures at the link:

01102011 FL Dogs

Nightmares on Lane Tullis Road

Busy days- I am off to Cardio-Rehab in an hour. I had my appointment with an ElectroPhysiologist yesterday evening-my defibrillator was adjusted- not for the better in my book. The atrial fibrillation returned January 1 at 1:43 p.m. whilst I was eatinng black-eyed peas at Cracker Barrel-so precise is the data it keeps..  That was disappointing news but they will try to shock me again after my coumadin gets regulated. We are having a hard time with that.

Three days ago Jason was replacing the batteries in his boat when I smelled diesel fuel. I thought it was from his boat but we discovered a slick floating down the canal and reported it. That brought a fire engine company out to inspect. One of the firemen grew up on this street and knows the story of this house.

Two days ago I went looking for the Droid to record my weight and that took me to the Van. The inside of the van had some mess. Then the phone rang. A Broward sheriff's officer had found my business card in a recovered camera case in Pioneer Park. Vandals/thieves made their way down this street in the night creating mayhem. I lost some cameras from a suitcase I was carrying them in. Others lost various things. One man's wheel was loosened and came off in traffic and bashed a Toyota and a Mercedes Benz.  My Droid and several other items were recovered by the police. The officer kept saying "You're not in Wyoming anymore." That became the mantra for the week. CSI Ft. Lauderdale came by as did a detective but lots of my stuff is being mourned as lost forever.

Brother Rich went to San Antonio for a wedding and had a ball in warmer weather. Ethnically mixed families and foods, Lebanese, Hispanic and plain old American mutt. They went out the wrong door of a bar/restaurant  and got lost-they couldn't find their rental car. 

Happy New Year!

Death by chocolate: Chocolate mousse in cups made of chocolate were one of the many delights on offer at David and Jacqui's New Year Eve Party. Overall, I was quite moderate in food and drink. Enjoyed the party as much as ever. I know many of these people now and they were very nice and solicitous of my well-being. Ony one lady offered Jason condolences on my demise. It was good to see people and see them having a good time. The cops even came to tell us to turn down the music. At midnight we all counted down with New York City on the big screen TV and were handed individual size bottles of champagne. I invited the Latours from the park and Jeanne was agog the whole evening. It is over the top. Great fun.

Some gorgeous women

Our hostess Jacqui with a partygoer who solicited the photo.

More party photos at the link below.