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 All this stuff is obsolete, relics of another time. The dictionary has certainly been replaced by a more efficient online app. The globe is out-of-date; it shows countries that no longer exist.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...

;-)