The Books

One of the last things I unpacked were the cartons containing the books. I was not lazy, oh no, just awaiting the delivery of the three 96" high x 36" wide solid oak, professionally finished bookcases from Wood You in Ocala. Together they will nicely fill the 9 foot alcove in the space I lovingly refer to as "the study". There they will join my beloved world globe (a gift from an old friend), the antique reproduction of a library table, the oak swivel desk chair and the dictionary stand which holds an ancient, 20 pound, 2,347 page, Webster's New Universal Unabridged Dictionary.

Ah you might say. All this stuff is obsolete, relics of another time. The dictionary has certainly been replaced by a more efficient online app. The globe is out-of-date; it shows countries that no longer exist. Google Earth will take you to anywhere on the planet and show you the most minutest detail. And even books! Who needs them?! My iPad will hold the content of all of these books in something less than the size of a pad of scratch paper.

I did cull out a lot of books before the move but many, many heavy books remained. Some are gifts, some inherited from my father and grandfather, some are my very earliest books like "Little Women" and some have brought me so much pleasure I could never part with them. Some are my first programming textbooks. How strange to see instructions on writing code for the IBM 360 mainframe! 

So I bought them new homes in the well made and beautifully finished bookcases that will be delivered tomorrow. That is their due...

:-)

Pampering Day

I deserve a whole day of pampering, don't you agree?  So here's how my perfect pampered-me-day started:

A long email from Jean in DC with lots of news

Breakfast at TooJays Deli with nova lox platter and the Sunday paper

A quick trip to the library on the way home to pick up Bill O'Reilly's Killing Jesus for my next read

Home to change into soft fleecy pajama pants and a long sleeved thermal top (hey it's chilly! 66 degrees hahaha)

A great book to finish - John Grisham's latest, Sycamore Row

Hot cocoa, a full supply

A call from cousins Harvey and Vi saying they can't wait to visit and cruise together

And it's only 10:15 a.m.! More pampering awaits!

;-)

One Month

It's been a month since we closed on the new house.  Wow!  What a month.

Movers delivered our stuff and everything (almost) has been unpacked and put away. Pictures are hung and favorite photos are on display. Faucets and shower heads have been replaced with gorgeous new fixtures. Kitchen stools have been assembled. Mini chandelier shades now grace the lighting fixtures. Bookcases, a name sign for the lamp post and new closet systems are on order. Computers and TVs are run by Comcast and work great, better than before. First bills for utilities arrived. We visited with Scott & Family in Orlando and they treated to a five star restaurant. Friends June and Kay treated to a great dinner at Lighthouse Point. Thanksgiving dinner was at Perkins and actually was fun too. A new bench is on the front porch and new patio furniture is on the lanai. Most of the companies that send us mail have been alerted to the new address. New neighbors dropped off "welcome" gifts. Hubby is suffering quite a bit but is on a tapering program from the medicine he is violently allergic to. The old house is under contract (yay!) and a closing date is set for January 10th. 

Whew! I am tired but content...

;-)

It's Over! Yay!

Christmas is over for another year. Yay!  It is tough to be a Jew at Christmastime.

Here are 17 Questions (credit: Jaimie Etkin) Jews are tired of being asked about Christmas and here are my answers.

1. "But, like, you still celebrate Christmas, right?"
         No

2. "But, wasn't Jesus Jewish?"
        He was indeed

3. "Are you going to celebrate it anyway because it's a National Holiday?"

         No

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4. “You don’t even have a tree?”
         No

5. “Did you ever have a tree?”
         No
 

6. “So, you never believed in Santa?”
         No
 

7. “Did you tell other kids he wasn’t real when you were younger?”
         No
 

8. “Do you still want to do Secret Santa? Oh, I’m sorry. I mean, ‘Holiday Gift Exchange’?”
         No, I hate it but I do it with a smile to be a good sport.
 

9. “You don’t even get presents?”
         No
 

10. “Do you wish you celebrated Christmas?”
         No
 

11. “Don’t you feel left out?”
         Yes
 

12. “If you’re Jewish, why are you so into ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ and Home Alone?”
         I'm not but I do love "It's A Wonderful Life"
 

13. “So, like, what do you do on Christmas?
         Kill time
 

14. “Do you go to the movies and eat Chinese food?”
         Always an option
 

15. “Isn’t Hanukkah not actually important?”
         It is but not in the same way most people feel about Christmas
 

16. “Are you excited for the first night of Hanukkah?”

I will use Jaimie Etkin's answer: No, because that was like, a month ago because it actually has nothing to do with Christmas and just got inflated thanks to Christmas. It’s actually based on the Hebrew calendar begins at the 25th day of Kislev.
 

17. “You can work on Christmas Eve, right?”
         Happy to!

;-)

Dade's Battlefield

On my Bucket List is to see a Civil War battle re-enactment. I love American History and have just finished George Washington's Secret Six- The Spy Ring That Saved The American Revolution (the first book I got from the Sumter County Public Library!).

It's Christmas Eve morning (one of the two most melancholy days of the year for me) and just like a great Christmas present, this ad was in the paper!  I can't wait!





Of course Dade's Battle was a clobbering (massacre) by the Seminoles in 1835, definitely not a Civil War battle. So that activity remains on my Bucket List.  Dade went on to somehow get the biggest County in Florida named for him (Miami-Dade) along with many other places like Dade Counties in Missouri and Georgia, Dadeville Alabama and Dade City Florida.

History can be quite forgiving as Major Dade had little else to his credit to warrant such memorials. Good to know...


;-)

Home Office

Someone should invent something better than having three or four power strips to plug in dozens of computer peripherals and devices needed for a home office.  All electronic devices should get some kind of wireless power off a single plug in. I am sure someone is working on that right this minute!

In the meantime, I tackled the yucky task of crawling behind furniture and into specially designed crevices, threading cables through holes to power sources and squishing visible cables behind the desk, bookcase and printer stand as best as I could. I remember thinking the last time I did this 13 years ago that if I ever had to do it again there would be a "better way". If there is one, I still don't know about it.

This is truly a job for someone slim and flexible (moi) who has a small modicum of knowledge on how all these pieces plug into each other. Should there be a "next time" (I solemnly swear this is my last house before a life-care facility) I am guessing I will be too old and feeble, or at least too worried about breaking any of my porous bones, to do it myself. 

But the final product - Hubby's Home Office and the source of ongoing paychecks - looks pretty good if I do say so myself!

;-)

Caretaker

So Much To Be Thankful For..

Hubby has been going through a very rough medical patch for the past three months.  Thankfully it is not life threatening. Baruch Hashem!  But it is exceedingly uncomfortable and often painful for him. It breaks my heart to see him suffer so. It will be at least another month before his condition begins to subside as he weans himself off the medication that is causing the problem. 

Of course, this situation could not have come at a worse time, when I was counting on him to help with the move and do the things (most requiring tools and know-how) I can't (although you'd be amazed at the stuff I can do myself hahaha). But somehow the house is shaping up nicely and the "honey-do" list is getting smaller. I drew the line at his putting together his workbench - no power tools (it requires using the power saw) while he is so heavily medicated!

I was feeling a little mope-y and sorry for myself. But I am rededicating myself to the Caretaker role starting today. I will focus on the fact that in a month or so he will be back to "normal" and our cousins will be here for a visit and a cruise (big fun). I've put the large roster of activities I've circled in the Recreation News on hold and I will start my "new Villager lifestyle" a little later than planned.

I can do this!

;-)

Letter To Frimette

My dearest cousin,

We were so sorry to learn of Mickey's death last week. When Chavie called with the news I slipped into a state of shock. The movers were at the door and I couldn't quite process what she was telling me. So sudden! Out of nowhere!

It felt like we had just seen the two of you a couple of months ago at Caren's wedding but I realized it was closer to a year ago. How happy and healthy Mickey looked. Cracking jokes as always. I had a big smile when Mickey told cousin Victor B. that we get together and see each other frequently. I am so proud that you enjoy our company. We always have such a fun evening whenever we see each other.

We so greatly admire you and Mickey. You are so down-to-earth and unpretentious and we love how you enjoy the "early bird specials" and the "hamisha" menus even though we know you could dine anywhere you choose, at the most fancy shmanzy restaurants. I am so proud that you chose to endorse a Chair in Nanotechnology at the Ben Gurion University in Israel. What a legacy that will be!

I love hearing about your big family. Another fabulous legacy and I'm sure they are all of great comfort to you. But of course, nothing can take the place of your beloved Partner in Life for 60+ years. I will not even try to come up with words that attempt to assuage your loss.

Frimette, I must thank you again for the kindness you and Mickey showed my dear Mother. You always made a point to visit her whenever you were in town and take her out for a meal.at Poppies. You and Mickey are what it means to be "menschs".

And so much fun! Mickey was so active! Hiking in the Candian woods once a year?! Still involved in business and working! What an amazing person! He was "larger than life" and truly one-of-a-kind. He seemed to grab the center stage wherever he went.

Although of small comfort, we are happy he did not suffer any debilitating illness and passed quickly and easily. I consider it a blessing from God that my parents went quickly also. A reward for a life well lived.

We loved Mickey and will miss him so much.

Baruch dayan emet

I'm Not Really A Waitress

I'm Not Really A Waitress

My new nail technician here in The Villages suggested "I'm Not Really A Waitress" for my "Christmas look" mani yesterday. Since I did not want to go into a shpiel about me and Christmas, I said sure, why not.  It's pretty and festive looking and after all, it IS nail polish giant conglomerate OPI's Number One Best Seller.

It is truly a gorgeous color, a deep and sensual looking red that catches the light perfectly and makes one feel glamorous and sexy. But I bet that's not the only reason ladies have made it Number One.  Its name suggests that there is more to its wearer than people might first guess.  Like "I'm not really a Telemarketer or a Nurses Aide or a Housewife or a Sales Clerk".  Perhaps I am really a talented writer, a musical genius, an astronaut, a globe trotting explorer, an eccentric millionaire, a famous actress or an Olympic champion?

After all, there is no way Yours Truly is a retired senior citizen with two (very small) pensions living in an active adult community.

Is there???

;-)

Retrospective

Cousin Jeannie posed this question today: Why did I move so far away?  Am I glad we moved to The Villages? Hmmm, I am pausing to contemplate my answer so I guess there are pro's and con's to consider.

My new neighborhood is alight with Christmas decorations in almost every house.  They are so pretty but it reminds me I left my predominantly Jewish neighborhood in South Florida far behind.  A negative.

My new house is beautiful and I like it even more than my old house (which I loved). A positive.

I'm not sure the medical care here will come close to the renowned Cleveland Clinic in South Florida.  I am tempted to pile in the car and head to CC immediately so that hubby can get the quality care I believe they provide. A negative.

The cost of living here is lower than in South Florida.  Homeowners insurance, car insurance, property taxes - all less than half of what we've been paying.  A positive.

I miss the beautiful Friday night services at Temple Solel and the Cantor's incomparable voice.  A negative.

There's a very active Temple filled with folks our age, tons of activities and entertainment options to choose from, and at least one or two couples that promise to be new friends.  A positive.

It's colder here! Positively chilly! The heat has been on in the house and we even mentioned the possibility of buying an electric blanket, something I never thought I'd own again.  A negative.

There's a wonderful feeling of "living in a bubble", a safe and friendly place to grow old. Services for older adults of every imaginable kind are readily available. A positive.

The godchildren love Disney and will be here often.  Another positive.

When all is said and done, I'm POSITIVE I will love it here!

;-)

2013 In Review

The year is rapidly heading for the history books and wow, what a year it was for me.  I was thrilled to sell two of three properties and buy our gorgeous retirement dream home.  I am worried about hubby's recurring medical problem. I am hopeful our house in South Florida will finally close.  I travelled to Nashville, Atlanta and to Chicago for a fabulous simcha.  Visits with the god-children were wonderful. 

I'm wrapping up this year with plans for 2014.  A cruise to places yet unvisited with favorite people Harvey and Vi.  A fraylek wedding in June in Toronto.  A resolution to meet new people and make new friends here in The Villages.

Can't wait!

;-)

People of Walmart

I must admit: I am a fan of Walmart.  It almost feels like I should be saying this in some kind of blank-blank- Anonymous meeting.

OK, so there's nothing classy about shopping at Walmart.  Shopping for groceries there is certainly not a "pleasure" as it is in Publix, and truth-be-told, lots of the folks I see when I look around do look an awful lot like some of these pictures. HaHa, I suppose I fit right in myself.

At least they help bag the groceries (it was a real pain to do it myself like I did today at Aldi's) and the prices are - let's face it - stupendous. 

But the real reason I-heart-Walmart is that I can get 95% of whatever I need in a single store. In and out, that's my kind of shopping. Plus the Walmart closest to my new house is open 24X7!  A big plus if I get the urge to buy a new toaster or sheets at 2 a.m.

So I freely admit it (even if I'm whispering), I am indeed a Person of Walmart.

;-)

Gratitude Journal

I'm going to Stop The Madness for a few minutes and reflect on how lucky I am and just a few of the many, many blessings in my life.

Although I don't show it or say it as often as I feel  it, I am incredibly grateful for my Godchildren and their families.  We are part of their family and they are our family. I love them to pieces and they are truly a blessing. I miss their Mom tremendously and thank her every single day.

I am grateful that God has once again answered my heartfelt prayers and we have another contract on our house with a closing date in 30 days!

I am grateful that my new house has turned out so beautifully, beyond my wildest hopes. It is now filled with my "stuff" and the "stuff" looks better than it did in the old house!  Uncle Mattie's pictures are hung in straight lines and Grandma's Oriental rug looks great. Every room looks warm and welcoming. (Still lots to do though in the garage and several "improvement" projects await.)

I am grateful to be in The Villages, without question the best place on earth for Boomers who are "active adults".

I thank God for our health and pray that hubby's (non-life-threatening) problem will go away soon.

Happy and Grateful me!

;-)

Up For Air

It's Sunday night and I've been working on my new home for five straight days. I must admit the house has exceeded my expectations!  Almost 98% of our stuff fits perfectly and looks fabulous in it. The other 2% are tchatchkes that I stowed away in the bottom cabinets of the breakfront. 

Oh yes, there is still quite a bit left to do and will be for many weeks or months. Pictures need to be hung and the garage is far from organized. The new lanai furniture is only half assembled by hubby. A professional picture hanger is coming tomorrow to hang Uncle Mattie's 12 Japanese prints (he bought them as a young sailor stationed in occupied Japan) in two straight rows of six prints each. Two companies are giving me estimates for closet systems.  A plumber is coming this week to raise the shower head (via a sliding slower head gizmo) because it's hung at the height for a 5 foot lady and not a six foot tall man. And a carpenter will be converting my pantry shelves to slide-outs.

But I am very pleased with the progress to date and feel Home At Last!

;-)

 

Stuff

In a short 14 hours my Stuff will arrive from storage in Fort Lauderdale. I've missed my Stuff, I must admit.

I will not go so far as to say we are completely defined by our Stuff (although it kind of feels that way around this time of the year) but our Stuff does give a pretty big indication of what we think is important. Status items? Tons of well preserved awards and other memorabilia of our glory days?  A signed photo from someone we admire? A bunch of hobby equipment? Family albums? Religious icons?

I think I've blogged quite a bit about about my various possessions, from my Gypsy Dance bedding to the Passover matzo covers Jennifer made for me.  I will be oh so happy to see all my Stuff again! Excuse me for awhile - I'm going to be too busy unpacking to Blog...

;-)

Black Friday

Today is Black Friday, arguably the most fun day of the year!  I, of course, do not participate in all the madness but  I must admit I love all the ads in the paper and contemplate braving the crowds for The Big Score. 

I do not waste my time chasing after the small stuff, oh no. So today we will travel to the Wood You store in Ocala (20.2 miles, 33 minutes) to take them up on their Black Friday offer of 20% off Everything!  Nothing held back!  Since we were planning to buy three 36" wide by 96" tall solid wood bookcases (professionally finished by them of course), 20% off makes waiting until Black Friday well worth the effort.

Yesterday I ventured to WalMart on Thanksgiving Day, not seekling bargains but rather new house essentials like (more) shelf liner, a 7 foot ladder, a kitchen mat, batteries, and other boring things definitely not on any serious Black Friday shopper's list.  At 3 pm I was pleased to find the store practically empty, no line at the Customer Service window and plenty of parking. The store employees assured me it would be a madhouse in a few hours!

Let the madness begin!

;-)

Today I Am A Villager

Today I leave my old life in South Florida far behind and become a Villager. OK, so I've had six weeks to transition by renting this adorable villa and learning my way around, taking steps to find a doctor and a nail salon and a good hair stylist and even sampling some of the activities, but it is not the same.  Buying a house means making a commitment to the neighborhood; it's a mental thing I know.

Being a Villager is not the same as moving to another town or County or even moving across state lines.  It's a state-of-mind, one that says you WILL enjoy your Golden Years, you WILL have fun and make friends and you WILL slow down and say "hi" to strangers.  You WILL help maintain the Villages' reputation as "Florida's Friendliest Hometown".

I WILL!

;-)

One More Day

Tomorrow is the closing!  We drove by the new house yesterday and saw two moving vans parked in front and stuff being carried out. In all my experience with moving I have never seen a household require a full size tractor trailer PLUS a large city van, not even our own house-fulls of furniture and worldly goods.

Don't worry house, you won't be empty for long!

;-)

Work, Work, Work

Two days to go to closing!  I am gearing up for at least two months of work, work, work and a curtailment of all other activities including social get togethers, television, reading, exploring the neighborhood and, of course, sleeping and eating.  Scott & Family's visit next week to Orlando is an exception. I can't wait to see them!  After all, cleaning and unpacking can wait, a lesson my BFF, Scott's Mom, firmly believed in.

 

Work and activity is a wonderful cure for insecurity, depression, mental instability and even some health problems. It takes your mind off of your problems and at least gives you the impression you are "doing" something and in control of your destiny.

 

But in my case, I am excited about seeing my new home come together and opening the boxes of my possessions that I haven't seen in months. It will be like Christmas morning! 

 

Two more days to closing.  Eight more days until the movers arrive. Can't wait! 

 

;-)

Wish List

With three days to go until closing on our new house I am chomping at the bit to see my beautiful new home filled with new, special stuff.  So I'm rummaging through Tuesday Morning, Ross, Pier One and other retail establishments seeking the exact right paraphernalia. I've even been reduced to checking HSN and QVC for inspiration (none there). And of course there is on-line, the easiest possible way to find whatever it is you're seeking and a whole lot of goods you never knew you needed.

I fear making a mistake in my selection of decorative items so I am valiantly trying to curb my enthusiasm.  But I am only human and my resolve is oh-so-weak. Here are a few of the purchases I've made in advance of actually occupying my new abode. I hope I did good and will not regret my alacrity.

Gorgeous vintage French Country chandelier shades for the kitchen. Come on, they were on ebay  ($30 with shipping) and I couldn't take the chance someone would snatch them up first could I?

Similarly gorgeous deep red and gold chandelier shades for the dining room, bought at Tuesday Morning at a great price ($42. for six). I love all six of the matching chandeliers in the house but prefer them with mini shades, like I had in Hollywood.

This Welcome bench for the front porch. I found it a few weeks ago at Ace Hardware and went back yesterday to get one before they are sold out.  Good deal at $69.

Black wrought iron hanging pot rack from the hospice thrift shop.  A steal at $20. I got the necessary black hooks for "free" using my cash back credit on Amazon.

I also cleaned out 100% of the white shelf liner at Walmart and also every package of gold picture hangers but that was not as much fun...

;-)
 

History

Yesterday was the 50 year anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.  The TV was filled with coverage and pictures and videos of the event.  It's all history now but of course to those of us old enough to remember it, it certainly does not seem like a half century ago.

"May you live in interesting times" is often referred to as a Chinese curse.  Or is it really a blessing? 

I thank God my life commenced after the Holocaust and after World War II.  But I look back and remember so many incredible events. No wonder grandkids think their elders lived on another planet when they were young!

I remember:
Eisenhower 
Sputnik launched into space
Walking to school, carrying books before backpacks were popular
Alaska and Hawaii becoming states
Playing outside and fearlessly running around the neighborhood
Civil Rights marches, segregation and Martin Luther King
Black and White TV and 4 channels (counting PBS)
The Six Day War
No computers (gasp!)
The walk on the moon
The Vietnam War and the protests
Watergate and Nixon's resignation
Inflation and stagnation
Ronald Reagan shot (I remember his Borax commercials too)
The impeachment of William J. Clinton
The first calculator and giant cell phones
The first woman to run for Vice-President
The first Black President

Interesting times indeed...
;-)

Houses

Realtor Rick sounded very upbeat last night when he called and I hope and pray we will soon get the good news that our house is under contract again.  I am trying to "curb my enthusiasm"!

It got me to thinking of all the homes we've owned that somehow did manage to get sold even though none were as "saleable" as the one we have for sale now.

The condo in Evanston
The house in Pittsburgh
The condo in Prospect Heights
The house in Buffalo Grove
The house in Long Grove
The house in Pembroke Pines
The beach condo in Hollywood

I've got to remember that if they could get sold, so will my favorite one of them all!

;-)

Schadenfreude

Did you miss me Dear Diary?  I've had a bad case of pink eye for a week and working on the PC has been very tough. It still hurts a little and I vow to be more careful about rubbing my eyes with dirty hands. It's been a hard time for other reasons - hubby has been fighting a poison oak rash for weeks and the week in a hotel away from the comforts of home did not help. Cousin Harvey suffered a fall and spent a night in the hospital as they tried to get his bleeding under control, something made harder due to the blood thinner coumedin he takes. There was stress from the moving company and worry about the house in Hollywood that's still for sale. We bickered about changes hubby would like to make in the new house (all on Day One of course) and our nerves are raw, probably because we feel so crummy. Do you feel for me Dear Diary?  Then you are kind and sympathetic listener. 

I heard of a new-to-me word this week: Schadenfreude. It's German and means "the joy one feels at the misfortune or failure of others". Can you imagine having a word for this in your culture? Do German people actually experience this horrible emotion so often they require a single word to express it?  There are indeed some people that I am not above wishing a little bit of karma to come around and bite them on the you-know-what but I don't believe I've ever experienced "Joy on the Misfortune of Others".

Wish me a better week OK?  No Schadenfreude allowed!

;-)

Reprint

Obamacare (reprint from May 2, 2013)

I just finished reading this book on Obamacare.  It reads like a novel - a horror novel!  Scary is not the word. 

I chose this book because the author seemed well qualified to dissect the "Affordable" "Care" Act in a non-partisan and professional manner (and of course it was available at the library).  Like anything new, there are "winners" and "losers".  But I fear there will be far more losers than winners when the biggest part of this law goes into effect on New Year's Day 2014.

Intellectually speaking (I have to stretch here) it is a huge effort at social engineering. There is no doubt care will be stingier for us old folks who probably should not work so hard at staying alive and taxing the system.  Instead of that costly knee or hip replacement maybe we should just gulp down a painkiller. 

I see what my relatives have going for them in Canada and it is spooky.  My cousin - for whom money is not a problem - had to wait weeks to start treatment for breast cancer.  I fear this is what awaits us here in the States.  And just like a true horror story, there is literally No Way Out - everyone will be impacted.  The book's title is a bit of a fraud - there is no good way to "beat" Obamacare.

My next book will be on medical tourism - treatment available in other countries.

:-(

Georgia On My Mind

Del Webb Griffin Georgia

We leave tomorrow morning to drive the 358 miles to Atlanta where hubby is mentoring would-be PhD candidates for a week.  They  would have been happy to fly him in but I wanted to have our car and save on my airfare and besides by the time we drove to the Orlando airport and arrived two hours before the flight and flew there and rented a car and drove to the hotel, we might as well drive the whole way. As a Big Bonus, we'll spend a night, maybe more, with Jen and Eddie at their new retirement home about an hour outside of Atlanta.

Their new home sounds exactly like the retirement home Jen has been envisioning for the past 15 plus years, as long as I've known her. It's in a cooler climate with four seasons, near Eddie's family, surrounded by trees and rural countryside and in a community that appreciates home cooking (Jen is an Expert) and quilting (Jen is a Master). Quite a difference from the congestion, noise and hustle-bustle of South Florida!

Jen told me to make sure we "come hungry" and bring our winter coats, scarves and mittens. I wish I hadn't packed and stored the little imitation UGG boots I bought for Caren's wedding in Chicago in March!

I miss Jen and I am thrilled to be able to see her in her natural environment, the place she always knew she wanted to be...

:-)

Thanksgiving 2013

I was so looking forward to Thanksgiving this year. I planned to cook a small turkey and some simple side dishes in this little rental villa.  I envisioned continuing my personal tradition of naming each year's turkey and this year I anticipated stuffing "Harriet" (co-incidentally the name of the would-be-buyers-of-our-Hollywood-home's realtor). But with the closing on our new home the day before Thanksgiving, I see myself working instead of cooking.  Driving the golf cart the ten miles from the rental to the new house. Shlepping stuff out of the villa. Scoping out immediate needs like shelf liner and cleaning supplies. 

Last night I learned that K-Mart and Wal-Mart will be open all Thanksgiving Day, much to the chagrin and ire of Thanksgiving purists. I of course am pleased that there will be somewhere I can get anything I might require tout de suite. 

But Thanksgiving will not be the same without turkey, sweet potatoes, stuffing and pumpkin pie.  And I surely will not feel up to dressing up for a fancy offering at one of the gorgeous Villages Country Clubs. 

The last time we were in Golden Corral I saw they were offering a Thanksgiving feast which will be both plentiful and casual.  Hubby said there would be something sad about having Thanksgiving at GC (he is not a big fan) but with a beautiful new home in the Villages finally ours, I think I can be Thankful anywhere!

;-)

It's A New Day

I woke up today feeling good. Getting two "stressors" out of our lives yesterday probably had something to do with it.  I'm feeling in control again and that feels fantastic.

Gone are the days when I will worry if someone will like me or if I'm doing well at work or if I'm keeping up with the Joneses.  Ah, such is the freedom that comes with age and a bit of financial security. 

Other rays of happiness snuck in yesterday.  A cute virtual card from a friend who misses me!  A text from a girlfriend.  An email from Jen in Georgia who said "come hungry" next week when we visit.  Positive (but not yet great) news on selling the house in Hollywood.  A move-in-sooner-date for our new house (can't wait!) and an offer from the seller for nice long pre-closing visit.  A check in the mail (I was worried it would be lost in the mail forwarding shuffle).

Happy me :-)

All Reverse Mortgage

After almost three full months of working with the Five-Star-Rated "All Reverse Mortgage Company"  and despite having impeccable credit, substantial assets, a nice government pension, ongoing earned income and a contract on a property the inspector said was "like new" and worth quite a bit more than we are paying for it, guess what? With our closing date exactly three weeks from today we still don't know if we have actually secured this reverse mortgage! Oh and did I mention we have jumped through every hoop, responded immediately to every request, moved the closing date (because the lender's software provider will not update the current LIBOR rates in their system until 13 hours after they are released) and disclosed all personal information except for bodily functions?

Yesterday we were asked to sign a form so the IRS can send our tax forms "within 48 hours". I guess the 50 pages of tax returns I already sent were not good enough. We also were asked for current payroll stubs. When I asked the simple question "do we have this reverse mortgage?" the answer I got was "yes, except for...."

How do I feel? Mad, Upset, Frustrated and believe-it-or-not Bullied. I was reduced to tears yesterday as I tried to fax even more forms in order to satisfy the almighty "underwriter" and the mythical "investor" and the omnipotent "HUD" (who I secretly believe would grant reverse mortgages to dead people).

I called the closing agent here in The Villages and asked how hard it would be to change our purchase to an all-cash transaction, even at this late date. She assured me it could easily be done. Thank God we have the means to do that if necessary.

:-/

Chris Christie

OK I admit it.  I'm a fan.  I love his no-nonsense approach to everything and I greatly admired his willingness to say out loud that President Obama did a terrific job during the Hurricane Sandy aftermath.  I believe he has strong principles - many of which I don't agree with - but his willingness to grudgingly admit there are differing views out there and compromise is the only way forward gives me hope for the future of our great country.

So I smiled when I read this quote from a speech he gave on the eve of his recent re-election to Governor of New Jersey:

Let me tell you, if you're looking for the candidate that you agree with 100% of the time, then I want you to do something for me tonight: Go home and look in the mirror, because that's the only person you agree with 100% of the time.

It's not just true of political candidates.  It's true of our friends, our co-workers, people whose paths we cross in everyday life and even - maybe especially - our spouses and loved ones. 

You Rock Governor!

;-)

Line Dancing

Wow!  I woke today to friend June's text asking if I want to try line dancing today at the Colony Cottage Recreation Center.  Of course I said yes, I'm always up for trying something new and fun (as long as it's not something like skydiving or bungee-jumping).

Truth-be-told line dancing was on my short list of stuff to try in my new life as an Active Adult (as opposed to Couch Potato Adult in my previous life).  My problem is that I am a Big Klutz and might never have ventured into even the Ultra-Beginner class with out a little push from a friend.

Thanks June!

;-)

Thank You God

I have been humbly asking God for some help the last two weeks. I have so much to be thankful for that I feel a little ashamed to be asking. But I know God does listen to my heartfelt prayers. I have proof, maybe not irrefutable proof to others, but indisputable, iron-clad, unassailable proof to me. He has answered me in both small and large, very large, ways. 

Baruch HaShem. Thank you God.

Lifelong Learning

When hubby received his doctorate at a rather late point in his life he dedicated his dissertation to my father and wrote that Dad had shown him "what lifelong learning truly was".  Wow, I was flabbergasted. 

It's true that my father had a passion for learning his entire life - new languages, astronomy, carpentry, zoology, history, you name it. I even caught him reading my high school and college textbooks a time or two.

So I am excited that The Villages offers extensive opportunities for lifelong learning. Their motto is "no grades, no stress, just fun".  I know I won't have time for a few months to fully partake in classes that pique my interest - I'll need to unpack hundreds of boxes and entertain my guests (Scott & family in December and Harvey and Vi in January) followed by a Cousins Cruise in February - but eventually you will find me at the Lifelong Learning College. I can't wait to start with the historical classes that have an underlying Jewish theme.
 
Today is Open House at the Lifelong Learning College so I'll get to scope everything out.  I'm sure Dad would have approved. 

Miss him so much...

My Best Habits

She really has let herself go...
 

I like me.  And why shouldn't I? I am awesome!

Hahaha not really. But I do have some good habits I'm proud of. I'm actually amazed that I keep them up without any need for a push. Of course, these habits generate their own reward. Here's my top ones:

1. I weigh myself daily
2. I shop carefully
3. I track anything related to finances diligently (I'm an Excel whiz)
4. I never procrastinate
5. I forgive and forget quickly
6. I will never "let myself go". Not completely anyway.
7. I remember how lucky I am everyday

;-)

Halloween

I adore Halloween, that one day a year when anything is possible and you can be anyone or anything you want.  And this year promises to be the best ever with a two night extravaganza here in the Old West themed Paddock Square.  There will even be children trick-or-treating in this mostly child-free enclave of active adults - sons and daughters of Villages employees and children from the surrounding communities. I can almost feel the magic and witchcraft and ghosts and goblins and strange goings on emanating from the opulent Victorian era and well-named Palace Hotel on the Square. A Haunted House! Tons of entertainment!

And if Ichabod and Katrina Crane will be there can a headless horseman be far behind??

Can't wait!

;-)

Fall Flavors

Yahoo is reporting that "Birthday Cake is the new 'it' flavor", replacing bacon (yuck) in such culinary delicacies as popcorn, yogurt and candy.  I never got on the bacon bandwagon but birthday cake sounds much more appetizing so I may give it a try.

But best of all are the flavors that come once a year - now!  The Fall flavors are truly my favorites - pumpkin spice, cinnamon bun, apple pie, gingerbread, cranberry, spiced cider, s'mores and caramel corn.  I love them in hot drinks, doughnuts, coffee cake, ice cream, pancakes, muffins or actually almost anything. 

So it's not just the cooler temperatures or changing foliage or switching from shorts to jeans or the thought of the Thanksgiving feast that makes me love October and November.

I think I'll put off trying "birthday cake" until, uh, well, my birthday!

;-)

Josh

I never met Josh, he's the son of an old high school friend and I am one of his 1,000 Facebook friends.  I am pretty sure he has no idea who I am but no matter because he has adopted the habit of posting inspirational quotations daily so in a way he has become part of my daily routine. 

Inspirational quotations are sort of a take-them-or-leave-them kind of proposition - until you  read one that speaks to you like it was written just for you.  Then you have that AHA moment when you realize someone else has gone through (or is going through) the same situation as you. 

The rather large recent changes in my life have finally caught up with me and I have been feeling a little out-of-control and in need of hugs and pep talks.  Not my usual state I assure you. So waking up to Josh's bits of shared wisdom and encouragement have been welcome of late.

Thanks Josh!

;-)

Adventures

I've decided to chronicle some  of my "adventures" in The Villages.  Yesterday there were two - the Parapsychology Expo and the Annual Art Bazaar, both interesting and fun and free (unless you buy something). 

The Art Bazaar featured creative offerings by Villages residents, some of course better than others, but all much better than anything I could ever dream of creating. 

It was the Parapsychology Expo that seemed to draw the biggest crowd. Hubby is a New Age kind of guy and loved to kibitz with the Reiki "masters" and the purveyors of acupuncture, lava mats and other alternative forms of hokum.  I of course stuck to perusing the tchatchkes - crystals, jewelry, tie dye and earrings reminiscent of my hippie influenced youth. We escaped with only purchasing a small burner and some Sandalwood incense.

The Craft Fair is next week. A great way to spend lazy days!

;-)