What's Barb Up To?

Mother's Day

2007-05-14T07:44:00.000-04:00

I wanted to write this Blog on Easter. Wow, a month ago. I was under the weather. The first time in 50 years that Al and I did not spend Easter together. Now it is Spring and Mother's Day. Thanks to our two adopted sons, I am a Mother. Mother's Day always brings some sadness to me. I guess because I no longer have my wonderful Mom, also a Mother-in-law, who was like a Mom to me, is gone and a Sister, who I desperately miss, is no longer with us. On the other hand, I have some wonderful memories of my Mother, Mother-in-law, Sister an Aunt who was like a second Mother to me and a Granny who I spent many hours with. If there would be one thought that I could leave my children, it would be. Enjoy every day as their Mother has. I have been very lucky to have found the right husband for me. We share every day together, happily. So lucky to have our health. We can walk and talk, that's why we are still able to travel. When we leave our children in Sept. and do not return for almost a year, it's a long year. So we must make our quality time count when we are North for a month. And, we try to. Also, we have two great grandsons. They are now young men. I regret not being able to have seen them grow. I am very lucky to have such wonderful nieces and nephews. Who all keep in touch. Especially one nephew, who is like a third son. Very fortunate to have a daughter-in-law and an almost daughter -in-law who are both terrific gals. They are truly like daughters to us. Looking back on my Motherhood, I do have some regrets. You always wish you could do it again and make it perfect. Nothing is ever perfect. But, being a Mother to our boys made Motherhood perfect to me. To all my relatives and friends, I will close by saying, Happy Mother's Day and Enjoy your day.

Off Again

2007-02-09T15:58:00.000-05:00

Wow, it's really been a long, long time since I wrote a Blog. Just having to much fun to do it. All is well in SW Fla. It has been cool for us Southerners. I know, you Northerners say, what is it,60. Well yea, it is, and for us that is cool. It doesn't last to long most of the time. When the Snowbirds are here it always seems to get cold. We had a great day yesterday, went golfing. Perfect golfing weather, 80 and no wind. Even had four pars, very good, but, the score didn't show it. We went out with our golf group and even took our Brother-in-law along. Then we went to their condo and had hoagies. What an experience it is to order a hoagie down here. They make very good ones, but not like Philly. You have to tell them, no mayo, no vinegar, no black olives, no green pepper . By the time you get done telling them how to make them, they are pretty good. Our Sister -in-law has been sick since she arrived on Jan 28. She hasn't been out of the condo except to see the Dr. They are renting our old unit at 4500 in Cape Coral. So, for us, it's like going back home. It is still a beautiful view, sitting on the corner of two canals. If Sister is well enough tomorrow to stick a roast in the oven she will have her Brother for his yearly Birthday Dinner. Today, my Brother and his wife were here for BLT's, for lunch. I made an Intrigue Cake, stuck a candle in it and we sang Happy Birthday to Al. A lucky boy, he had three nieces a nephew and friends that called to wish him a happy day. He called his Brother. They always kid each other about Al being the oldest, by 8 min. Frank always says, he kicked him out. Monday we leave on our yearly cruise. We are looking forward to just sitting on the Balcony and watching the ocean go by. I think Al will be glad as he has been trying to secure a loan for the Condo Assoc. he is Manager of. It has been alot of headaches for him. One bank turned him down twice. Now he is working with another Bank. This has been going on for three months. They are trying to get a loan to have a new roof installed. The banks here right now don't need the business as people are trying to get loans for their Ins. and Taxes. Everything has gone so high in price here in Fla. because of the hurricanes. I guess this will catch you all up on our comings and going. We hope our family and friends are all well where ever you may be. Stay warm, hope their isn't much snow to shovel. If it is, have a kid do it for $10.00. Am I dating myself with that price? Love, Barb

Holidays

2006-12-16T12:37:00.000-05:00

Let's see, I haven't typed a Blog since Novemb er. Wow, where does the time go? We are still very busy with our lives. Golfing once a week with our group. Some of our Snowbirds are back from the North, so, that gives us more players. We are usually around 18. We have been entertaining , more than usual. Showing off Al's Train Display. We had 9 for lunch this past week. I usually can handle 8, but it worked out ok. It was a successful lunch. Everyone had a good time. The whiskey cake and minced pie went over very well. I guess many gals don't bake minced pie any longer, so the men usually enjoy having it and haven't had the minced since their Mother's or Grandmother's made it for them. I still love to entertain, we have done it our whole married life. Still love to cook and bake. Slower than I use to be, takes me longer to prepare food and set up a table. But, I still do it. Alot of the gals down here use paperplates and napkins. I see nothing wrong with that, I prefer to use my china and crystal, and linens. Most gals that have moved down here have gotten rid of their china and crystal. My china is almost 50 years old. It is still in beautiful condition, not a piece broken. A wedding gift from Albert from Germany. Soooo, to all of you who have sent e-mails with holiday cartoons, movies and jokes, thanks, we love hearing from all of you. Al tried today to see what the rate was for flying North for X-mas. Not bad going up, $59., but, coming home was a bundle. So, I guess we will ditch that for another year. We would have liked nothing better than to see our family over the holiday. It would have been fun just to pop in on our oldest son and family on Christmas Eve. Well I am making a turkey for X-mas dinner. We will be at friends from the club. They have dinner for, what they call, the orphans. Anyone who has no where to go or not having guests for X-mas. There are usually 26 of us. It is always fun. They have been doing it for the past 9 years that the club has been together. As for New Years Eve, we will be spending it with friends . The friends that we have spent many a hurricane with and golf with frequently. So, to all our family and friends, have a Merry and a Happy. Health in the New Year to all. Love, from the Sunny South, Barb and Al

Sandsculpting

2006-11-12T19:54:00.000-05:00

What a day. We started out by car to the shopping center. Caught a trolley to the Ft. Myer's Beach. We had to stand all the way. I haven't had to do that since I was a kid in Collingswood, NJ going to Philly or coming from Philly home. The trolley left us off at the hotel on the beach where the 20th Sandsculpting took place. Wow, some people are really talented. Just beautiful. We started at the amateur sculpting. Then we walked about a mile up the beach to see the professionals at work. Caught a trolley to Center Square. We had lunch on the beach at a restaurant, outside. Buy one, one free. Works for us. It was delish. I always wish my children could be with me when we are there. It is so beautiful. The restaurant overlooks the Gulf. So much activity, boats, windsurfers, people just walking and in the water and parasailing. When the waitress brought our food, Al had gotten french fried potatoes, soooo, I took one. Took one bite and the other half was swooped up and taken away by a Gull. Funny!! Everyone around laughed. There are even fishing lines that crisscross over the restaurant. We noticed, when the waitresses serve the food, another waitress goes with her with a menu over the food. Caught the trolley back to our car and then home. Perfect day. Something I forgot to tell everyone, the Boy Scouts were patrolling the Sculpting last night for vandals. The Sculpting was from Wed. to Sun. The judging was Sunday. They had no rain, thankfully, those days. Our High for the Nation today was Miami, 82, and yesterday, 84 Ft. Myers. That's why we moved here. Loving this weather. Hope you all had a great weekend. Love to you all, Barb

Poison

2006-10-14T09:37:00.000-04:00

Well stupid me, was trimming bushes at the condos on Mon. and got into a plant called Ixora. It is a beautiful flowering plant. I know it is poisonous. Well, if I knew it, why am I peppered with poison. Funny thing is, I only have it under one arm. No long sleeves on, that's why. On a happy note, I think my oldest son and family should move to Florida. We now have a McDonalds here that have a pet enclosure. When you go thru the Drive-in window, they give your doggie a treat. Then you can park and take your animal to the pet enclosure where they have water and sniffing grass. Sounds neat. Max would love it. My Sister-in-law, Grace, had a knee replacement this past Tues. She is doing ok. Now in Bryn Mawr Rehab. Might be there until, at least, next Saturday. The Train Platform is coming along. Al is now working on the Waterfall. Today is putting up some snow. A slow process, but all of a sudden it really starts to shape up. I like it when we can put the people and houses down, then I know we are close to finishing. Then, it will stay up till end of March. Alot of people pass by between Nov. and March. We are all done our yearly tests. Hoping there will not be any surprises for us when we go to hear the results. It is a drag going for tests. But, always good to know, you are healthy when they are all over. I feel so sorry for people that have Dr. appointments every day because they are ill. Very cool here this am. Golfing tomorrow, hope it stays cool, but not to cool. 85 without the humidity would be good. We don't ask for much!! Just no rain, however, we do need rain. Only at night though. Love to you all, Barb

Display going up

2006-09-30T12:38:00.000-04:00

Well, it must be that time of year again. Al is working on the train display. It is alot of work, but he really enjoys it. It is different every year, so is always a surprise to me when I see it finished. Living in a condo there isn't a whole lot of room to store things. Well, now, you have to take into consideration all the wood and supplies one needs for a display as big as Al's. All the buildings, people, trees and other things are kept in the den in a closet. The wood is stored in a very small storage area which we have in the building. Amazes me how he does it. But, he does. You will all see the end results in a X-mas Card. We are having beautiful weather at the moment. The humidity has gone and we are having beautiful warm, breezy days. Good golf weather, which we will do on Sun. I just read my oldest sons Blog. Found out that our oldest Grandson has landed a job. Good for him. That's what it's all about. Can't do a whole lot unless you have the moola to do it with. Thanks to my darling Daughter-in-law, I am ab le to bake another whiskey cake today. I have my recipe box coming down by car and it has not arrived as yet. Had to call Michele to get the recipe. This whiskey cake is for a friend we cruise with all the time. His wife just came out of ICU. He asked me to bake him a cake in Sept. or Oct. so he could take it to his card group. The other whiskey cake I made we are taking tomorrow to our friends who we will be golfing with. There will be 8 of us. Always fun. Tried to get hold of our nephew this am. He was in Florida. We didn't hook up this time, maybe next. He should be heading home on Sunday. A long ride by yourself. Guess that catches you all up on what we are doing. Hope all is well with everyone. Keep the E-mails coming. Love to you all, Barb

Home and Happy

2006-09-19T11:05:00.000-04:00

Well, it was a terrific vacation this year. Came home with loads of memories, alll good. We had a wonderful stay with Al's Sister and Brother-in-law. We were in Grace's hot tub and enjoyed it so much. WE went to Baltimore to visit with a 89 year old cousin of Al's. We try to see her every year, also at lunch were three of her daughters. Then we left them after having a great lunch at the Elmwood. It's a local yokel bar/restaurant, very good food and good service. It's Margaret's manhattan haunt. Good for her, she will be 90 in November. When we left them from lunch, we headed to Inner Harbor. Wow, another one of our favorite places. We had a terrific dinner at the top of the Hyatt. Another good day, we went to David's for a barbecue. A great time. Always good to see Michele's family and our nephew, Mark, was also there with his friend. We took a walk with the kids up the street in the old neighborhood. What a lot of memories it brought back. All good. We had wonderful neighbors and I am hoping our Son finds the same kind of neighborhood that we had. I think he is pretty happy to be back on Plymouth Rd. The house is darling and Michele has it fixed perfectly. I can see Al and I in them, when we were their ages. Looking ahead, how they can make the house bigger and better. We did that in a BIG way. The best house we ever had. As we walked up the street that Sunday of the barbecue, we saw old neighbors. We were all thrilled to see each other. We couldn't talk fast enough, trying to tell each other what has happened to all of us in the past 15 years. Funny thing, when they are old friends, you seem to continue where you left off. We also had a visit from other neighbors, Sandy Cox and Ann and Ed O'neill. Just not long enough. WE also visited with our #2 son and his girl. Went to a restaurant near them, very good, and we really caught up. We are very lucky, we have great kids, and the girlfriend and wife of our children are terrrific girls. As for our Grandchildren. They are growing like weeds. Naturally, they tower over me, well, who doesn't? James is now 16, has a permit to drive. I am sure he will not have any trouble getting his license. He is looking for work again, and I'm sure he will land something. Nicholas seems to be happy at school. He had a wonderful year last year and I'm sure he will this year also. It will be interesting to see what each of the boys turn out to be in the future. Something great, I'm sure. Now, we are home again. Until we go on our yearly cruise. That will be over Valentine's day. Already, I am itching to go. Now, Al will start is train display. That will take a couple of months. In the meantime, our Snowbirds from our Club will return. So we will be busy entertaining, golfing, riding bikes, walking and just having fun. We are very lucky. As you can see, we live a very wonderful life. To all our family and freinds, thanks for making our stay in the North so great this year. Hopefully, we will still be able to walk and talk next year and be able to do it all over again. Next years Blog will include a trip to Interlaken Switz. Till then. Love to you all, Barb

Shore

2006-09-04T19:41:00.000-04:00

Well , this is our second week at the shore. The first week was very wet. Still had a great time with #1 son and family. On Thursday, #2 son came with Marianne and we all spent the afternoon together. Even went to dinner. Did we take pictures, of course not. Met up with a Niece, Nephew and their son on the boards. What a treat. Also ran into A freind the children went to school with who were our neighbors on Plymouth Rd. Ocean City, the best. Today, we went to The Anchorage in SomerPoint, with friend from Ventnor. Great seeing them and catching up. They are leaving for Ireland tomorrow, always wish I were going. Love to travel, just need the money to do it. Lunch was delish, crabcake, no filler, all crab. When we left them we came back to OC and it was so beautiful out, we headed for the beach. This has to be a first for us. It was 3:45. We stayed on the beach for a couple of hours, it was beautiful, so relaxing. Please boys, when we are cremated, toss our ashes in the Ocean off of Ocean City. Tomorrow my Bro arrives for two days with his wife. Always good to see them. Talked to almost #3 son today. He has been having some doggie troubles. We missed him on Thursday. Hope to see him on Sun. Our #1 son is having a barbecue and we are anxious to go. I guess you can tell, we love being with our kids. That's the main reason we come North. A long time till we meet again next year sometime. Hopefully we will stay healthy and wealthy and be able to do this all over again next year. All for now. Enjoy the rest of your holiday, we are. Barb

Vacaton

2006-08-28T14:27:00.000-04:00

We are having a great time in Pa. and NJ. We spent the past week with Grace and Bill at their home. They are the perfect host and hostess. Bill really makes good manhattans. We talked and talked and just caught up. Saw a couple of their kids. Had friends for lunch one day and also Brother-in-law, Frank. He is in NJ at his daughters. It was a great family reunion for the twins and Grace. We went to Linvilla Orchards one day. A place Al and I have not been since our kids were young. It was great. Now we are in our beloved Ocean City, NJ. Where we met, 49 years ago. Weather has not been real great, but when you are at the shore, you make due. We had a nice Condo meeting at the Tuckahoe Inn and also lunch, which was delish. Saw our old part-time friends from Cape Coral. We stopped to see the Nelson's. Had a nice visit with them. They have been kind enough to lend us some b each chairs and beach tags. Alice gave Al a plate of brownies. Now, that's the kind of friend to have. We have been seeing alot of #l son and his family. While we were in Pa. we went to see their new home on our old street, Plymouth Rd. It is a dollhouse. Which, I am not surprised at. David and Michele are workers together. We are thrilled that they are back in our old neighborhood. We had dinner with them last night. I have been getting my fill of shrimp, crab and flounder. Love the seafood. The young grandsons have grown. Naturally, they tower over me. I see them maturing and growing into fine young men. Thanks to their parents. Al is fishing with them today. He is bonding with David. James and Nicholas. He loves that. So, we are just having a great time. On Thursday, son Chris and his girl, Mari and almost son, Mark will be here to spend time with us and David and his family. We are hoping for sun as we usually go to the beach and have a round table discussion about everything. Well, we have another 2 1/2 weeks to go. I am sure they will go fast. But, when it is all over, we will have alot of fond memories and maybe if the kids will let me, some pictures. Barb

Only Wednesday

2006-08-16T15:59:00.000-04:00

Wow, what a long week this is. We are counting the days when we will travel North to see the Children, family and friends. We are hoping to see everyone, never enough time. Those we do not see we will try to call. Our friends are important to us, so are family. The children always come first, then Frank Snyder and Bro Bill Murphy. WE stay with Grace and Bill, so we will see lots of them. We always try to see the people who have lost a loved one in the past year. This year, we will be trying to see a gal I worked with in the cafeteria at the Middle School, Fran Guiffre. She lost her husband, Nick, a great guy. We are packed and ready to go. We took the bag down to the work-out room yesterday to see if it was over-weight. It wasn't, thank goodness. It would cost $80.00 if it were over. Lots of things we cannot take on the plane this time. But, we will manage. The freezer is empty. Just enough meals to last and give us one day out for lunch. Works for me. We were in Cape Coral today, last time to check the condos. Needed to see the Chiropractor, no golf this week, don't want to take a chance the back will come out. We had lunch in the park. A great lunch. A package of cheese peanutbutter crackers and a Wendy's frostie. Yea!! Well, all for now. See you all soon. We can't wait. Anxious to see our Son and Daughter-in-laws new home. Be great to be back in our old neighborhood. Love you all,Barb

So Lucky

2006-08-07T19:40:00.000-04:00

Poor me, the cleaning girl was in today. What a blessing she is when one has a bad back. She cleans both baths, kitchen, mops all the tiled floors and vacuums all the carpets. She speaks english, but it is a struggle to understand her. We still communicate, we try to make her laugh and smile. And, she does. I have trouble giving her orders. I try not to do that. She knows her job. I am not used to giving orders to people cleaning my house. I have always done it myself. However, I remember when we were going to move into Shell Point. I said to Al, how will I be able to handle this cleaning. It took me about one visit from the cleaning girl to get used to it. I thank goodness every Mon. when she arrives. I am a very lucky lady. I do appreciate the people who are not as lucky as we are. All the maintenance people around SP are terrific. We really do apprciate everyone of them tending to us. It's the same with Al. When every he had a problem, it didn't take him long to pick up the telephone and make a call to the maintenance desk and ask for assistance. It is a mind thing to be able to do this. To let go and let someone else do the work. Hard at first when you have always done it yourself. Lucky us. See you all, less than 2 weeks. Barb

Sanibel

2006-08-02T19:35:00.000-04:00

Wow, what a great day we had today. It was so beautiful. We left Shell Point at 10:00 and what should have taken us 15-20 min to get to Sanibel turned out to be 1 1/2 hours. The cause was an accident on the causeway. Not much you can do about that. I read and Al got out of the car and smoked his pipe. We were heading to a resort on Sanibel which our friends own a time-share. We go there every year with our group and picnic. When we all arrived, 11 of us, we had a dip in the gulf. It was like a bath. My kind of water. Then we went back to the gazebo and had our lunch, which we had all packed. Some of us made brownies and cakes and some brought watermellon, etc. We ate and then took a dip in the pool, which must have been in the 80's. We did not know that the temp. today was 93 and the heat index was 110. We were cool. How I love the beach. Pretty soon we will be on another beach, my favorite, Ocean City, NJ. I can't wait. Hope the hurricane by passes us this weekend. I don't mind them, I just hate having to leave the condo and trying to decide where we will go. Last time it took Shell Point so long to decide if we had to get out, we were gone by the time they made the decision and found out later, we could have satyed. I guess that give you some insight on our day. It was great. Barb

70th Birthday

2006-07-25T21:36:00.000-04:00

July 25, 1936, 70 years ago, my Mom was pear shaped. Don't know what time I arrived in this world. I only know my Mother and Father brought me into this world. Thanks Mom and Dad. I was born in the house on Lincoln Ave. in Collingswood, NJ. It has been a wonderful 70 years. My childhood was great. Had a wonderful family. Loved my Mom and Dad dearly. Also, my Sister, who has departed this earth, much to early and a Brother who I love and keep in close contact with. Teenage years were great. Had alot of friends and went to alot of dances. Then Al came along, my darling husband. He spoils me. Would give me the Sun and Moon if he could, and, he tries. We adopted our wonderful boys. We miss them. We have two Grandsons who we regret not having seen grow up. Have alot of great nieces and nephews, especially Mark, who is like a son. Love living in Florida, just to far from the family. Other favorite places, Ocean City, NJ and Interlaken, Switz. Which, we go to as often as money will allow. Very lucky. I am in good health. My Dad died early and Mom lived into her 80's. I'm hoping I have another 10 years of good health and are still able to travel and golf. I have told my children, I have lived a wonderful life, especially with their Dad. Some interesting trivia: 1936 Prices: Loaf of bread-$.08, Gallon of milk-$.48, A dozen eggs-$.55, Car- $610., Gallon of gas-$.19, Average house-$6145., First class stamp-$.03, Average income-$1672. a year. President-FD Roosevelt, Vice Pres-Garner. New toy-Monopoly, Top song-Pennies from Heaven by Bing Crosby. This wraps up this Blog. I'll leave you with this thought, enjoy your lives, make every day count, 70 years fly by. Barb

Ice Cream Social

2006-07-20T20:14:00.000-04:00

Wow, what a great day. We went to an Ice Cream Social with our group. Such fun. Reminded us of the days when we dated and all went to the ice cream parlor. Al was dreaming all week of a Banana Split, which he had. Too much for me. I would eat the banana and be full. But, don't worry, I had my share of ice cream. How I love it. Do not eat much of it, do not keep it in the house. That's what happens when you reach our ages. It was a terrific place where the social was held. It was an ice cream parlor and the theme inside were trains. I guess you know, Al loved this place. Every place we have ever lived, we have had some kind of ice cream establishment. Green Valley Farms was the place to go when I was growing up. Then we had the Dairy Cottage, which is still in Springfield, Pa., another great place. Even in Interlaken, Switzerland, we have a wonderful place that sells pasteries, tea, coffee, drinks and wonderful ice creams. The place is called the Schuh. We frequent it often. There is nothing like an old fashioned Ice Cream Parlor. What a great Social it was. Barb

Rain

2006-07-08T11:35:00.000-04:00

Rain, rain, go away. We have had rain for a week. Not good. Can't golf. Boo hiss!! That's our exercise. We walked this am, between the rain drops. Went to a 90th Birthday Party yesterday at our neighbors. It was very nice. Cake and ice cream. My kind of party. Al and I went to a pancake breakfast yesterday at what is called the Kings Crown on the SP Island. We went because we do not know much about the Assisted Living or the Medcial part of Shell Point. Thank goodness. However, they just renovated the Kings Crown and had an open house. It is beautiful, but we are not ready for assisted living at this point in our lives. However, there were a few ladies from our building, in their early 70's, who are in very good health, and decided to go to the Assisted Living because they do not care to cook any longer. At the Assisted Living, you get your three meals a day. I still cook and bake, so I do not wish at this time to go this route. However, I think we will know when we will be ready. Hopefully, we will not wait to long to make the decision as many people do. Alot of people told us we were crazy to buy in Shell Point when we did four years ago. I think it was the right time for us. Most people wait to long to become residents of Shell Point. Living in a Life Care Retirement Community extends your life expectancy by 10 years. I'll buy that, gotta lot of livin to do yet. People think that the place we live, is as it use to be years ago. One room and dingy. Not so here. We have our own condo, come and go as we please and have loads of activities and trips. When you are in Assisted Living, you also have your own quarters, maybe a little smaller than you have now. But, you have to keep in mind, the reason you go there is because you need assistance in your living everyday. Guess that catches you up on Assisted Living. Hope I cleared up some questions for everyone. Not ready to do it yet, but, nice to know when the time comes, it will be just as beautiful as the condo we have now. The Arbor, which is also an Assisted Living building here at the Woodlands where we live, was just built. Cost $5000000. Wow, it's beautiful. Our thought when we moved into Shell Point? This is the best Gift we will ever give our children. Barb

Jully 4th

2006-07-03T21:01:00.000-04:00

Fly the American Flag every day, not just on holidays. We do!! The 4th of July brings back such sweet memories. When I was a kid, my parents, brother and sister walked across the street to my Grandmother and Aunt's home. They always had a cookout on the 4th. The best part of the outing? Making homemade ice cream. Always pineapple. Such fun. The best 4th? 1972, when we lived in Springfield, Pa. and the boys and Al belonged to Indian Guides. An "Old Fashioned Trolley" was built in our driveway. The riders on the trolley were Indian Guide boys and their sisters. As I recall, the trolley won several prizes. Now, 34 years later, we will attend a 4th celebration with a cookout here at Shell Point. The usual menu, dogs, burgers, beans, etc. Whether you are in the North or the South, I hope the rain does not dampen your day or ours. Have a Happy and Safe 4th everyone. Barb

Interesting Dinner

2006-06-24T11:11:00.000-04:00

Well here it is Saturday, already. We were to our friends home for dinner last evening. They are German and from Munich. They have just returned from their home in Germany, only for a few months here this summer. We are so glad to have them back as we golf together. An interesting dinner. We started out at 4, when we arrived, with a cold coffee, made with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. Yum, yum. And, I am not much of a coffee drinker. A couple hours later we had a glass of wine. We were inside, in the air, a very warm day. Which doesn't bother us, having the heat. So we went outside to have hot coffee and a fruit torte. Homemade by the hostess. It was delish. They have a lovely home, it sits on one of the Canals in Cape Coral. There was a nice breeze. An hour or so later, the hostess brought out our dinner. Salad, thinly rolled cooked beef stuffed with onions, cucumbers and seasonings. Add to that green beans and boiled potatoes, and a delishes gravy. Desert was a lemon custard. Interesting how they do not have a cocktail hour like the Americans do, with drinks and snacks. I like it better their way. But, for a little person like me, I could just have eaten the cake and that would have been my dinner. However, the dinner was lovely and the company also. They would like us to visit with them in Munich. That's always the best way to see a country, with someone who lives there. Perhaps we will, next year, on our way to Switzerland. Have a great weekend everybody. Barb

Here we go again!

2006-06-16T23:28:00.000-04:00

Well, we are back to our afternoon thunder showers. In about two weeks our water levels are almost up to par. The rest of the day is hot, hot. We went to our Golf lessons being held at Shell Point Golf Club every other Thursday for five week. They are really good. And in this day and age, FREE! We are heading out tomorrow night to our friends, Lynne and Wayne Reinas, for a cocktail party and Dubs Bridge. Sixteen of us are going. Then on Father's Day, Barb is having dinner here for some friends, Tom and Barbara Hewton, Lynne and Wayne Reinas, Ed and Phyllis Hagan, all from the Philadelphia area. That's all for now. Al

Father's Day

2006-06-16T14:10:00.000-04:00

Happy Father's Day to all the men in my life. Even if your not a Father, you should enjoy the day. You young ones, enjoy your children now. All too soon, they are grown and and have lives of their own.

Small World

2006-06-10T19:47:00.000-04:00

A few months ago we had an E-mail from our friends in the Poconos. He told us a couple, the Hambletons, were moving into the Lakewood and would be our neighbors. He was telling us, because, the couple both graduated from Upper Darby High.The same school as hubby, but, years before him. Last week, we were invited for cocktails at the Hambletons condo. In getting acquainted with each other, we found out, we had much in common. Giff Hambleton had graduated with our friend, Carl Rogge. Dan Depetro's Father was his barber for years. We bought a stolen car from Depetro, who still owes us money, which is another saga. We had a delightful visit and thru the conversation we found out, Giff and his Father owned a Real Estate at Burmont and State Rds. Further discussion revealed, his Father had built the houses on the street we lived on for 29 years. Which our son lives on today with his family. And, Giff had sold the houses on Plymouth Rd. It was like coming home. It is a small worrld.

Saga of the Fla. Panther

2006-06-05T14:00:00.000-04:00

Yes, the saga continues. Probably the same Fla. Panther was spotted crossing road on Shell Point Blvd. We golfed on Sun. and saw six alligators on the links. They are all down at the ponds, but nothing I want to get near. Our rainy season is here. We have had much needed rain. We still have fires springing up in the area. Hopefully, it will rain at night so none of our daytime activities are hindered. yes, we are very selfish about this. We have signed up for five free lessons of golf at Shell Point Golf Club. Why not, it's free. We wer e out on Sun with another couple here at SP. Very hot. However, we teed off at 8:30 and were finished by 12:30. It was really starting to get humid and hot. We both did pretty well. I guess, our first lesson has already paid off. Again, I should have worn my safari hat on the links. Pray tell, what would the other golfers say about that. Probably, the old bat is going loco. Signing off for now.

Wilderness

2006-05-30T11:18:00.000-04:00

Well, here I am again. Had an E-mail from #3 son today. He made me feel so good that I am a blogger. Because, I need all the encouragement I can get. I am now wearing a Safari Hat. You are asking why? Sat. a week ago, we had a Fla. Panther on our Shell Point Island. Yikes!! We do have signs on the road in certain areas here in our area that tell us to be careful , Panther Crossing. The first time I saw it, I laughed. Well, I'm not laughting any longer. Thursday we golfed here at Shell Point Golf Course. The first ball was hit, near the water. It was not picked up because of an alligator. We saw many on the course that day. All sunning by the water. The Bald Eagles don't bother me or all the many species of birds we have here. They are a joy to watch. Maybe we will start packing a pistol, just in case we run into a panther. BS

I'm at a loss

2006-05-17T11:08:00.000-04:00

Well, here I am, writing a Blog. Almost at the age of 70, this is a fete for me. And, only because my #1 son has encouraged us. What to write? That is a perplexing question. My Mother always told me to stay away from politics and religion. I have added to that in the past years, abortion, white colar, unions and smoking. Our lives are very busy here at Shell Point. Not on the grounds of Shell Point, but with our club we joined 9 years ago when we moved to Fla. We so love the sunshine everyday, almost. Shell Point is a beautiful place. But, recently we have had some thefts in our building. The only thing that was taken was money. But, when you think you are living in a secured, gated community, it is a little unnerving. However, the higher powers to be here tell us they are looking into it. They have by-passed our security guards and have gone to an outside contractor for help. Seems to me, after watching so many TV cop shows, that it has to be an inside job. The gal next door was robbed and they are never gone in their car. But, the day they were robbed, they had been gone for hours in the car. Someone new about their tin box that held the money and that they would be away. That's about the most excitment we have had here in SP for awhile. That kind of excitement, we don't need. On an interesting note, we just came back from a walk around SP. Saw a small gator sunning by the edge of the pond. Small, but nothing I want to tangle with. Well, this is it, David. I hope I did not bore you to much. It was fun. Thanks for taking me by the hand. I remember so well, doing that with you.

Last week agenda

2006-05-07T20:35:00.000-04:00

Well, I finally got this far. Just talked to Mary Jane, she is doing fine. Works two jobs and seven days a week. Loves to fish.
Went to a Kentuky Derby dinner last night, Mom won $2. Had a lot of good food and fun. 95 again today, no rain in over a month, lake and ponds are really getting low. Went to Ft. Myers beach last Wednesday, stayed about 4 hours and had lunch on the beach. Had 18 of us from our club. Took one of our friends out in a ambulance, too much heat for her and she wasn't under an umbrella, Dah! We still had fun. Can't wait to see your house and what you have done so far. That's it for now. You haven't written anything in a month. Pop

Take My Hand and Come On

2006-03-19T13:51:00.000-05:00

This is the first post on my Mom's new blog...

Come on mom, take my hand and let's step into the "now".

This blog will allow you to let all your friends and relatives know what you're up to, broadcast style, not one at a time like with email.

Call me or email me if you have any questions.