2021 Wrap Up

2021

January - County Retirement dropped our health supplemental and drug coverage plans as it was too costly for some retirees. We had to find broker to help with getting new coverage. Hassle! Horse loving friend died.

February - Roof was shoveled by construction company. Lots of snow. Interior bedroom door was sticking. 

March - COVID  continues. First Moderna vaccination. Socially distancing. Seedum and daffodils poking up from ground.

April -  Second Moderna vaccination. Hummingbirds arrived. 

May - Yard man hard at work with Spring cleanup. 

June - The Mister hospitalized on 6th after many falls. The Mister died  June 20. It was our 60th anniversary on 12th. Nephew had bladder surgery for cancer. Radiation followed.

July - Private memorial Masonic ceremony for the Mister. Impressive. Many Masons participating. Cremains brought home and in special Raku pot. Lots of paperwork completed. 

August -  Great Grandson #2 was born. PA tomatoes only fair this year. NJ daughter’s were outstanding as usual. Saved seeds. 

September -Beach friend’s wife died.

October -  Sold car. Got my long hair cut at home. Local Grandson grew a huge pumpkin again!

November - Brother very Ill and hospitalized with double pneumonia and Covid right after Thanksgiving. Several neighbors diagnosed Covid + and recuperating. Got my Moderna booster vaccination. James has another torso hole. Repaired previous ones this summer. Sent golf car to dealer for winter storage.

December -Staying as safe as possible with Covid Pandemic. Spent Holiday alone. Coping well. Nice gifts received. The sound of pine cones bouncing off of the roof is something I didn’t hear last year - probably because the roof was snow-covered then. More red squirrels evident than in previous years. No Mister to control population now. Brother not gaining and still in ICU.

ME-Turned 85. Still slowing down while moving forward. Took some pictures  from golf car riding with daughter around home area; most photography efforts are of indoor activities. Shoulder received injections many times throughout year. More constriction due to increased scar tissue. Eyes still giving me grief with dry eye. Leg and feet circulation poor. Lost weight. Using cane when motivating outside cabin. Exercising by walking laps with rolling walker inside cabin. Mailbox moved closer to side door.

Am living with smaller means and don't have any debt. I am comfortable and still capable of being somewhat independent and self sufficient. Schwan’s delivery of foodstuffs continues. Laundry picked up and delivered by friends. Grocery shopping help with friend. Medical appointments with daughter’s help. Depending on Yard man more than before.  Thankful for many good friends.

New Stuff

Large hand thrown clay bowl and several small ones.

Candles in potter’s bowls. 

New sweater vests and fleece sweatshirts.

Repairs (Professionally Accomplished)

One, a patch on chimney flashing - no charge

Crafts…..

Created some Christmas cards-scissors, glue, etc.

86 Photomanipulations on computer

Hobbies…..

Published 175 Blogs

Read at least 40 books

Research of many various items and subjects on internet

All of my various directories and calendars are updated for the year 2022 and I start all over.

“Count your blessings instead of your crosses.

Count your gains instead of your losses.

Count your joys instead of your woes.

Count your friends instead of your foes.

Count your smiles instead of your tears.

Count your courage instead of your fears.

Count your full times instead of your lean.

Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.

Count your health instead of your wealth.

Love your neighbor as much as yourself.”

Kindness and acceptance for all. SHARE! SHARE!

Out with the old....

IN THE KITCHEN 2021

I spent less time in the kitchen 

Cinnamon Buns

Bread Pudding with Almonds and Raisins

Baked White Loaves of Bread (4)

Baked Wheat Loaf of Bread

Lemon Poppyseed Zucchini Bread

Pumpkin Spice Quick Bread 

Loaf of Lemon Bread

Dinner Biscuits

Pumpkin Pie (2)

Lemon Cookies (2)

Chocolate Chip Cookies (2)

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Walnut Bars (2)

Chocolate Brownies

Spaghetti & Homemade Meatballs

Meatloaf

Pickled Eggplant

Quiche with Spinach and Cheese

Baked Macaroni & Cheese (2)

Patty Pan Squash Casserole

Swiss Chard Soup

Cabbage Bean Soup

Vegetable Bean Soup

Split Pea Soup (2)

Chicken Chunky Soup

Cheesy Potato Soup

Dehydrated Apples

Cantaloupe

Turkey Breast roasted

King Crab Legs baked 

Back to the Beach and Friends

One of my blogging friends actually missed me! Well I haven't felt like writing lately, and if it doesn't feel good - I don't do it. I didn't before, but now feel a bit, just a little bit to blog - just a little bit. 

We traveled to SC (13 hours straight through) on the day before Labor Day. The highways were not  very busy and it was  good decision. It is quite a job for us old(er) folks to pack up our pre-cooked foods and empty the refrigerator, order and be sure to bring medicines for the two month absence, and to endure the ride, that we are always bushed upon arrival. The good thing - very good thing, is that the trailer is always as we left it two months previously. NOTHING could be better than that! 

Once we arrive there is a two day recovery period. At this time of the year the winter-like clothes are put away, and we are getting reoriented to our surroundings, again. The golf carts have to be uncovered and the covers put away and the deck chairs, tables and chargers have to be brought up onto the deck. of course the deck must be hosed down first, and then dried. It's so nice when it hasn't rained for a few days and wet sand isn't brought up along with the necessities for porch sitting. We have no stairs or steps in PA so our legs get a heavy workout!

Grocery shopping is a necessary that is next on the list. We can only eat grilled cheese sandwiches for a couple of days before desiring a more varied menu. Because we always bring milk and cereal and bread and cheeses, we don't starve. We leave a new can of coffee so we can have the usual morning energy to do what must be done. 

We've been to the outdoor pool every day since our arrival and a stroll on the beach is next in order, but I have to watch out for too much sun. I had hives for three days because of overexposure already! Benedryl tabs took care of it - 4 a day! 

Friends of many past years all gather here at this time of year - some friendships since 1989 when we first came in our motorhome. There are "dates" for gatherings at several local restaurants scheduled and at campsites. Most of our friends are "transients" meaning they don't have a permanent place as we have had since 1999. Some have motorhomes, some trailers, some fifth wheel campers, some rent the villas. All are wonderful and regular people, just enjoying life. We've lost a few over the years, to death and illness and really miss them. 

This was supposed to be a bit of a blog but I got carried away, as usual. It is here that I find so many opportunities to photograph nature at its rawest and highest peak of beauty. It is here that I seem to be able to construct and teach various crafts that are fun and very varied. It is here that many have great satisfaction in the surf fishing and the beach and ocean fun. Mostly it is a very social time and I turn into a different person. 

More to come……

Frank & Ray 

 Bud of red flower below

 Not identified as yet

 Wild Morning Glory

 Pampas Grass

 My Pineapple Plant (started 1/1/13)

 Giant Beanstalk Flower

Pindo Palm Green Fruit