Home again……

So, wow, that was a fun trip. We actually got home last Tuesday, but the last part of our trip and after we got home has been incredibly busy. We spent about seven days with Jenna and her husband and had a great time there. We tried all kinds of great restaurants. We got to witness Tyler Krager eating oysters and octopus for the first time, which was great. He comes from a small town in Illinois, not really known for it’s diversity in food, or anything else, for that matter! Anyway, him trying new things is big, and especially cool because he likes it. I love how open minded he has become, since that is such a huge change from the way they are back home.

After the first week there, Rick and I decided to go explore the Atlantic coast and absolutely fell in love with the Daytona Beach area. This is not an area I was even mildly interested in, but it was beautiful and the people were so friendly. Don’t even get me started on the great beach. So, to make a long story short, we bought a condominium there. Ever since we sold the business back in 2010, we had been thinking about getting a place on the beach, and almost bought one in Clearwater back in 2014 when we took the big road trip. But now that we will have our daughter, son in law, and a grandchild in Florida, we figured, what the heck. If not there, now, where and when would make more sense? Besides, it is a little over an hour from the town Jenna lives in. We found a great deal, and we already have it rented out for four months next year, which covers most of the expenses for the whole year. It was a no-brainer. No, we aren’t planning on spending half the year there or anything, but we will try to go there a several times a year and stay two to three weeks at a time. When we aren’t there Jenna and her husband can use it, or our son Tyler can go there and we will also rent it out here and there, but not until next year. This year we are redecorating it and making it ours. It is obvious that it was owned by an older couple-the decorating was very 80’s and not in a good way. We can’t wait to get started on this project! We head back for a couple of weeks next month.

After we found the perfect condo, Rick was ready to head back home. Originally we thought we would just explore both coasts on the way there and back, but after our week in Daytona, we saw no reason. We spent another couple of days with Jenna and headed back. While the way over was a nice leisurely 6 day drive, the way home was a three day race through some of the crappiest weather we have ever driven in. We got to make a great first stop in Mobile, Alabama for some crazy good oysters, and spent our first night in Lafayette, Louisiana. The second day was pure hell on the road. It started raining around Lake Charles, with the worst rain around Beaumont, TX. Zero visibility-basically following taillights. I just wanted to get into a fetal position in the passenger seat and weep. That was the first bad day of flooding in Houston, and lucky us, we got to see it firsthand. In the middle of Houston the highway patrol, had I-10 closed. No detour signs, no arrows just now you’re on 45 south. Sweet. We found our way around on the loop and got back on I-10, only to to find ourselves about 50 miles west of Houston at a standstill because the road was flooded. I mean, flooded. We were directed to drive at about 2 miles an hour single file in the left lane. We made it to Fort Stockton again after several more storms. Basically, Rick drove 11 1/2 hours in some of the the worst weather ever. I was useless. I did, however drive most of the way home on Tuesday so he could have a well deserved break….

Some photos:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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We’re gonna be grandparents!

SURPRISE!!!

SURPRISE!!!

So, that’s the big news! The Kragers are having a baby! Jenna is in the first week of her second trimester…The due date is October 11th. We couldn’t be more excited! We went out to The Villages yesterday to take the baby announcement photos. What a place! I think this is an area they might make their permanent home. I can’t imagine, golf wise, how Tyler could do much better in his career. And Jenna seems to really like her new job. She’s enjoying the hospital atmosphere, and in addition to the public relations work, will be doing two separate healthcare shows, one on television and one for the hospital. So back on air for Jenna.

We spent Tuesday exploring the immediate area. There’s a boardwalk around Lake Dora that has alligators in the shallows. It’s so pretty, but definitely has a creepy undertone. The trees have Spanish moss draped from the branches, and I swear the area looks like It was staged by Disney! Signs warning you to not feed the alligators makes you want to not venture off the boardwalk on the trails, just in case they might confuse you with a food source.

The food in this area is pretty good…lots of seafood and a lot of diversity. The first night we had Peruvian food, which I’ve never tried before. It was delicious! We followed that up with gelato. Last night we ate at Ty’s country club on the patio overlooking the greens. Part of getting ready here includes spraying myself down with insect repellent. Mosquitoes love me. I don’t even want to think about how many more there will be come summertime!

Florida, here we come!

We left New Orleans in the morning, drove across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama and got to Florida in time for a late  lunch. Magical. This was our first true pit stop. Or maybe after our beautiful hotel, the difference was too extreme, but ugh, not a fan of this area. We got a room in a place called Inn at Destin Harbor. Sounds nice, and the photographer that took the pictures of this place is a freaking magician. But, cannot wait to get the hell out of here……. The whole (or hole) area is kind of trashy. They call it the emerald coast-I have a few more accurate suggestions. Please forgive my bratty tone!

New Orleans

I know I’ve said this before, but I love New Orleans. It has the best food. I saw this great quote by Tennessee Williams today: There are only four cities in America. New York, San Francisco and New Orleans. Everyplace else is Cleveland. Food wise, definitely true! The saddest thing was we were still stuffed from the barbecue place in Natchez to have a proper dinner after we got here.

We settled in to our hotel on Bourbon Street. The Royal Sonesta is our favorite place to stay. If not here, I’d probably check out The Hotel Monteleone, but definitely in the French Quarter! We then headed out to the Tropical Isle to have drinks and watch a trio that we enjoy-Rhythm & Rain. Some of their lyrics are a little off color, but the combination of the drinks and music works. I don’t think we made it to Felix’s Oyster Bar before 10…one of those nights in the big easy!

For brunch we were off to Mr. B’s Bistro on Royal. Wow! So good! Actually anything Brennan family related is a good bet! Duck spring rolls, a salad and another half dozen oysters with horseradish bernaise followed by bread pudding for dessert. Rick went with eggs Benedict. Food heaven-at least for me! We waddled back to the room and napped. We had to rest up before the next meal!

Later, we wandered around listening to street musicians-it always amazes me how many talented people play on street corners. Afterward we went to another oyster bar for a crawfish boil and oyster po-boys. We called it a night fairly early-we are too old to stay out late two nights in a row!

Before hitting the road on Monday morning, I stepped across the street to the courtyard at Cafe Beignet where there was live jazz at 8 a.m. You’ve got to love this place!

 

 

 

Natchez, Mississippi

 

After spending a night in Lake Charles, we took off bright and early to explore Natchez. They had a spring festival going on so it was pretty busy. We did a little self guided walking tour after a delicious barbecue lunch at the Pig Out Inn. You can imagine how much we needed a walk after that! It is a very nice little town and I’m glad we got to see it….I’m equally glad we couldn’t find a decent hotel room there. That meant we would go to New Orleans a day early. Let the wild rumpus begin!

 

 

 

 

April Fool’s

Today is the second day of our mini road trip. Yesterday we stopped in Fort Stockton again. For old times sake. Two other couples, who are friends of ours, were on the way to Austin, TX, so we all decided to stay at the same hotel and have dinner and hang out. It was a fun way to start the trip!

Tonight we are in Lake Charles, LA. What a long day in the car-so much traffic! Driving through Houston on the first day of the Final Four Basketball Tournament is not a great idea. It was intense. Got in a lot of stomach tightening exercises! Tomorrow we are heading to Natchez, MS….we both read this great, yet somewhat disturbing book called Natchez Burning, and feel like we need to see it. Then we are heading down to New Orleans for a couple of nights to, well, eat and listen to some good live music. Why else does anyone go there? It’s our 4th time there, so we’ve seen and done a lot already-just the important stuff now, thank you very much!

So far we have eaten nothing but total crap, yet I can barely keep my pants up, no clue what’s up with that….. A friend of mine asked me to send pictures and believe it or not, I haven’t taken a single one yet. Tomorrow though, I promise!

Easter Sunday, 2016

Easter. Not a big holiday in our family. When the kids were little, it was though. Dying the eggs, putting together Easter baskets with toys or movies and chocolate bunnies, all that good stuff. We used to have dinner at my mom’s and she put a See’s or a Lindt chocolate bunny and matching chocolate eggs at every place setting. As the kids got older it morphed into Easter brunch at our house. But today, nothing. Jenna in Florida, Tyler up in Phoenix for a wedding, and later today a cd release party for a friend of ours. What an odd day for it. I read in the obituaries today that Frank Hastings died-he was a friend of my mom’s.

Ready or not, the days and nights keep going by. The fact that we are coming up on the 5 month anniversary of mom’s death seems impossible. We are still overwhelmed. Tyler, more than anyone else. I often question whether him living in mom’s house is the best idea. I think being surrounded by all those memories day in and day out is incredibly hard on him. He knows he is very fortunate to be there, but there is no doubt in my mind that it makes him very sad sometimes. I wonder if it wouldn’t be better for him to be somewhere else. I’ve talked to him about it and told him that if it’s too hard, we could rent it out until it isn’t so painful. He’s not ready to do that. I just want him to be there for the right reasons, not because he thinks he has to. One of mom’s friends sent him a very sweet note the other day along with some photos, and it just took him to his knees. It is just this endless series of ups and downs for him. Not that I am immune….I went to a Celebration of Life for Rose Enderle, the mother in law of a friend of mine. A few friends of mom’s from the German Club were there and while it’s nice to sit and reminisce, it ultimately brings me down. Afterwards I went to Tyler’s and emptied out a dresser so it could be used. Three more bags of things to give away.

Rick and I are doing well in general. He’s working less and playing more, which is a good thing. We have learned to enjoy every day as much as possible, because you just don’t know what is around the corner…. I’ve been doing a lot of cooking and reading and god knows what else, but the days go by with lightening speed sometimes, and I couldn’t tell you how or why.

This week Rick and I are making our first trip to Florida to visit the newlyweds in their new home. Jenna landed a great new job doing public relations for a hospital. It is perfect for her!  Tyler Krager is enjoying his new job with a lot more employees and responsibility. They sold their truck before leaving Texas and bought a new car last weekend. It seems like everything is coming together for those two! We are really looking forward to seeing the new area, not to mention the road trip! Getting there is half the fun! Plus, we’re stopping in New Orleans!

Yesterday I had my first in a series of private golf lessons! I am so excited to do this-I always promised myself that I would after I retire, and I’m finally getting to it. I actually did pretty well, which totally surprised me. I love how this lady teaches. She starts out with putting and then moves out from there. I almost hate having to wait until after the Florida trip to have lesson number two! I’m taking my lessons out at Forty Niners-it is so beautiful out there. I just want to get to the point where I don’t groan or laugh out loud after my shots, no illusions of much more than that.

Really looking forward to getting on the road again.

Leap Day

Today is February 29th. It’s been four months since mom died. So hard to believe…. I spent some time over at the house today putting more collectibles away. Still not getting rid of any-just trying to get it to look more like a young man lives there. I did finally start on the going through the clothes closets part of the adventure. Wow, there were so many things in the closets that I haven’t seen in many years. It’s a huge job, but I think it’s time. We did come up with some paintings that we would like some of mom’s friends to have. Will figure out the logistics of that soon.

The very best news this weekend is that my cousin Roland made it through his cancer surgery with flying colors. We all breathed a huge sigh of relief. He still has another week in the hospital, but it’s looking good,

Tomorrow Jenna and her husband are leaving Texas and moving to Florida. So, it’s safe to say we will be spending some time there in the very near future. So excited for them on their new adventure! We will miss them being just a 12 hour drive away though……

Once again, the latitude changed my attitude!

It is amazing how some time spent at the beach always makes me feel better! It has been so long (about seven months!) since I felt so happy and content for eleven straight days. We had the nicest vacation we could have hoped for. Cruises are so nice. Why did I resist for so many years? Unpack once. Go to new places. See new things. Eat too much. How can anything about that not be great?

We got to Ft. Lauderdale two days before the cruise and had an enjoyable time before taking off. The first 36 hours or so were pretty choppy, with 8-10 foot waves. Yikes. I tried to think of it as a perpetual roller coaster. And, it really did rock you to sleep like a giant cradle. I had an amazing facial on the ship (a birthday gift from Steve and Linda). We kayaked in Turks and Caicos and got to see some amazing marine life, courtesy of our entertaining and knowledgeable guide. We explored the cute old town of San Juan, Puerto Rico and had a Pina Colada at Barrachina, where the drink was invented. We shopped in St Thomas and took a crazy, local, open air bus-like vehicle through the hills to Red Hook for a few cold beers and a bite to eat at the ferry port. We took a long walk on the beach and swam in the incredible turquoise blue Caribbean at Half Moon Cay, in the Bahamas. It was beautiful! Sitting on our balcony watching the ocean was totally and absolutely as peaceful as it gets. If you can’t relax on this kind of vacation, relaxation just may not be in the cards for you!

After the cruise, Rick and I spent a couple days in South Beach, a place we have really grown to love. We discovered a little neighborhood diner called Puerto Sagua, that has the most delicious Cuban food in a very low key, not fancy way. Also the best coffee I have ever had in America! We stayed on Ocean Drive at The Pelican, which is owned by the same people that own Diesel clothing and Viktor & Rolf. It was a great little offbeat Italian place in an old Art Deco building. And their pizza. Wow!

On the first morning at sea, the steel pan drum performer, Ashton, had an early morning class on how to play them. We watched while having our coffee and it was adorable and hysterical! Rick leaned over to me and said, “Your mom would be up there doing that and laughing out loud.” I had been thinking the very same thing, and could actually hear her laugh. There were so many times on the cruise where we would see a lady about mom’s age, just having the time of her life. Just like mom would have, if she had been there. And while there was definitely some sadness that she was gone and that those times won’t happen for her again, a part of me felt better that she had so many great experiences. I know that if she had lived with her illness one, three or five more years, and if it would have been in a way where she was totally dependent on others and unable to enjoy her life the way she always had, she would probably have preferred to go sooner rather than later……

Some photos:

 

February 11, 2016

Today is my 58th birthday. I can’t begin to communicate just how crappy it felt to not get that very early morning happy birthday phone call from my mom. I’ve been trying to remember where I was and what I did on my last birthday when mom was still here. I have absolutely no idea. I cannot in any way remember. So much has transpired since then. I know that we had dinner with mom at some point either on my birthday or just before or after, like we did for all of our birthdays. It just seems that we take for granted that the people in our lives will just always be there, even though we know, rationally, that is not the case. It makes me so want to hold on tighter and make the most of the time we have. And at the same time I want to curl up in a dark corner and be alone. This. Has. Got. To. Get. Easier.

Tomorrow morning Rick and I will leave for Florida to spend a couple of nights before our Caribbean cruise takes off on Sunday. We are going to Turks and Caicos, US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas. We really need this trip! So much!