A New Year

I'm going to be honest with you, these past two weeks, while tremendous fun, are somewhat of a blur. With great brain effort, along with a little help from my photos, I will do my best to get it all down before it can no longer be retrieved. 

2023! 

Wow, just wow! 

The first post of the new year, one of 15 that I have welcomed in this space. In early February, 2007 I began chronicling our life, beginning while I was a student at Valencia College, battling a mystery illness, and starting a photography business. My how times have changed! While Matt and Tom were here, he and Bruce picked out a new laptop at Costco. Following the set up by Matthew, Bruce began reviewing old files, a few of which were my yearly sales. That was quite the trip down memory lane.

 Having thrown away all of my sales books during our downsizing, I'd almost forgotten that I did darn good for someone who didn't know what she was doing! Of course I had help along the way,  mostly Bruce, but also the man who did my printing, Roger, who never quite knew what to make of me because I kept putting out new stuff instead of just sticking with what I knew would sell. 

I just kept shooting more photographs, and to this day, I still do because I just can't help myself! I love it!

With that out of the way, while reviewing photos for this post, I came across this one which I thought held a good message 2023.

Taken in a little shop on Robinson Street, wouldn't that be awesome if we all tried being kind? I know I am going to remind myself of that mantra, especially when I get frustrated with clerks or the like. 

We went to Orlando Wetlands Park with Jonathan and Alissa, as we are wont to do when the kids are visiting. It's just such an enjoyable walk, different each and every time. The weather was gorgeous and we were especially interested in the new boardwalk that opened only recently. It did not disappoint! 

Being the lollygagger that I am, Jonathan and Alissa got a big head start on us which was good for them and bad for me. A nice batch of Roseate Spoonbills landed in a tree above Alissa's head and while I tried getting closer, the zoom lens had to suffice as they soon flew away.

While not a great shot by any means, their lovely pink color is hard to miss. During that visit, or maybe the one we did the following week with our London family, a knowledgeable person described the stand of trees below as a Cypress dome, a term that was unfamiliar to me. Did he make it up? Let's check.

Yup, it is a real term. So now we know.

One thing that was happening during this visit was a huge number of Barn Swallows flying in a pack overhead. We are talking a bunch!

Needless to say, I was going crazy! Speaking of terms, have you heard of "murmuration" before? While watching the Barn Swallows, I kept thinking that is what I was watching but according to this, that term refers to Starlings.  Do yourself a favor and click on that link for some incredible footage. Just astonishing how the world works. 

Because we used the boardwalk this time, our normal route was different; this time we went by the overlook, a path we'd not taken for a very long time. I am struggling to remember what day we went, but it was near my birthday so I climbed up on the small knoll and celebrated being older than my father who died at 68, and my sister Carol who died when she was 63.

Normally I don't get all crazy for my birthday but this year it just felt a little different. That said, we did not do much of anything so do not believe my pronouncement for a single minute!

We saw alligators, an eagle, loads of Black Bellied Whistling ducks,

as well as Purple Gallinule and Glossy Ibis in the shot below.

All very exciting encounters!! Returning to the center after our long walk, father and son took a little rest.

Two days after Christmas Bruce's sister Michele and her family came to town from St. Paul, MN. We had a lively dinner with them at Chuy's in Winter Park. David and Michelle were running late, but wouldn't it have been grand to have them, along with Matt and Tom in the photo? 

It was so great meeting her grandchildren for the first time. Cris, Bruce's brother who nearly died of Covid in the early days, joined in along with our niece Jessica who drove him there from DeBary. Here are the three siblings who rarely have a chance for a group photo.

Obviously they came to town to soak up some sun although it was in shorter supply than I was hoping for them. Plus, we had some chilly weather for a change. Maybe three days of it? 

On our way home from the restaurant we stopped by Lake Eola, we, meaning Jonathan, Alissa, Bruce and I, and absolutely loved what we saw. The city of Orlando outdid themselves this year.

The fountain lights were changing colors and dancing as was the Christmas tree in the distance. Photo ops were scattered around the lake, including this awesome one.

Along with this one.

We most definitely have to get out more at night! 

Finally it was the 29th, the night of the Florida State bowl game!! While that was exciting, even more so was that Matt and Tom arrived from London, landing at the new terminal for the first time. While Jonathan and Alissa went to the game, we picked them up.

Who's ever seen the airport looking this empty?? The setting sun made the new train terminal glow.

After dinner at El Porto on the way home, they caught their breath for a bit before heading down to spend the night at Mary's condo because there was no room for them in the inn. At least for one night anyway as Jonathan and Alissa returned to Austin in the middle of the following morning. It must be noted that one day she sorted all of my plastic and turned it into this. Perhaps if it is on the internet now, I will do a better job of keeping it tidy? You think?

Crazy impressive!

Before we leave Christmas behind, one evening we took Matt and Tom to see our favorite Christmas lights. Sadly we forgot to watch the show on ABC when they were featured. If they lost, I can't imagine the house that won!

They did the seemingly impossible this year and added another 250,000 lights to their beautiful display.

Although not nearly as elegant, this house on Peel did a remarkable job as well.

While there is more to recount, this will do it for today. 

What will this new year bring? 

It's a clean slate now, but who knows how long it will be before it gets messy, as it always does. That said, here's hoping that we all stay healthy in 2023, inflation decreases, PEACE reigns in all war-torn countries and, yes, let's all be kind to one another.

your friend,

Gail

p.s. Florida State won a thrilling ball game against Oklahoma. 

Shopping, Baking, Gifting, You Know the Drill

 Gosh it has been an excellent December. In this household we are very pleased to say that we indeed had a very Merry Christmas.

When Bruce was not either wrapping presents or playing pickleball, we were shopping and had so much fun doing so. Aside from one or two gift cards, everything else was purchased with love in mind. 

One thing that we discovered is that very few stores have boxes for their merchandise, so when we saw this pile at Dick's it was noteworthy.

We shopped at several malls, as well as on Park Avenue following church. One of those mornings we came across the coolest little car parked along the avenue.

Lucky for us, the owner arrived and told us a little about his Nissan Figaro, made only in 1991. As I recall, he'd had it repainted along with super cool new upholstery. As well, it is right side drive. So cute!

It was on that same morning that we saw a photo op booth in the park and thought, why not? Pulling my camera out of my bag, an older lady (yup, probably older than us), stopped and offered to take our photo. Showing her where to push the button, we put on the requisite smiles and after claiming to have taken several shots, we parted ways after a word of thanks. What is worth noting about this story is that she actually did NOT push the button. It wasn't until three or four days later, while scanning the photos on my Lumix camera, that I realized there were no photos of broadly smiling Mr. & Mrs. Peck!! That's a first. :)

Speaking of shopping, Bruce put this note on his car to remind him to buy what I told him were called Ruby Slippers, a name which seemed to make sense to me as they are little clear chair leg covers with a red bottom. Since moving the table to the new, very handy position, we were in need of more to keep our wood floors looking good.

Opening the package once Bruce was home,  I discovered that they are actually called Ruby Sliders, one of those weird things that are sold on tv but every now and again show up in stores. Sometimes you just have to laugh at yourself! Speaking of clever products, very handy indeed are these little clips that I used while making a new table runner.A Christmas present from Fallon last year, using them makes me wonder how I ever got along without them.

It was the end to an era when I had Bruce donate these orange table lamps we have been using for countless years. 

Not to worry...I am still an orange lover, but it was just time for a change!

One evening we went for a nice little visit with our friends Keith and Patty who have some lovely Christmas decorations in their warm and welcoming home.

We have a lot in common, including loving mid century modern goodies. Because they have a house, there are plenty of places to show off all of her fun decorations!

One major  thing that I've not written about yet is losing the peace dove pin that I've been wearing since the war in Ukraine began. A pin belonging to Bruce's mom, it held a lot of meaning for me. Because it seems to have flown away, Bruce searched for a replacement, finding a beautiful small pin for me to continue wearing until this hideous mess is over. So why write about it now? Well, before heading to our friend's home, I'd also put on a Christmas pin that we gave to my mother-in-law, not long before her death. It fell off while we were sitting on their couch. No big deal, I reattached it and we continued our chatting. On our way home I had Bruce pull over for me to photograph an exceptionally lit home on Raeford Road.

I suspect you know where this is going don't you?

Preparing for bed, as has been my custom all these many months, I remove the pin (s) and leave them on the bathroom counter. Except, yes, you guessed it, the Christmas pin was not there. First thing in the morning, I hopped in the car, pulled over close to where we'd done so the night before, and....

Whew!! Second disaster averted!

Never imagine that I'm super good at stuff because the truth is that I am pretty average, especially when it comes to things like decorating cookies. The stupid tops of the colored sugars were challenging to use, to say the least. Thus, an avalanche of sugar graced the tops of the sugar cookies. That said, there are but two left out of the five or so dozen I baked so what should I make out of that?

We interrupt this Christmas post to show you one from our last camping trip that Alissa liked when she saw it on my computer this afternoon.

Back to the here and now, one afternoon, following my dental cleaning appointment, I stopped by the "peacock" neighborhood and was not disappointed as there were close to 50 between the two streets where they mostly hang out. Hanging out is just what they were doing on that gloomy afternoon. Looking pretty doing so, I might add.

Jonathan and Alissa were set to arrive on Friday evening but with the challenging weather around the country their flight was delayed until after our bedtime. Uber to the rescue. Earlier in the evening, as the temperature began falling, I stopped by the lake for sunset. Too cold for me to actually stay until the sun dropped below the horizon though! A freeze, caused by an Arctic blast of air from the North, was in the forecast for that night.

The beautiful day finally arrived however our gift exchange was delayed because Bruce and I attended church, as if it were any old Sunday. Most people apparently attended the Christmas Eve candlelight service as there were but 20 of us in attendance! In spite of the few parishioners it was a lovely service.

Reverend Garvey, as you can see, was in a very casual mood in dress but not in his message. Chilly, chilly chilly that morning. Some people might even call it cold, although I relish the falling temperatures because I am hot for so many, many months. The family arrived at our home around lunchtime and it was one of the best Christmases that I can remember. 

Gifts galore, including ones wrapped by Michelle for her first foray into wrapping after having a lesson from her father-in-law. (the black paper up top) That, in itself, was very thrilling. Because I did not organize any formal shots, after recently being chastised by a family member for including a photo found less than flattering, I will skip the ones I did take, instead I'll include one more of that fantastic wrapping done by this blogger''s dear husband.

More lovely days have passed since Christmas which I will talk about next time, but suffice it to say, if the next week is anywhere near as nice, we will be starting the new year off in good form. 

I began this post days ago but now finishing it up, Jonathan and Alissa are out meeting up with college friends whom they will attend the FSU bowl game with. Matthew and Tom are on a plane, flying across the mighty Atlantic and should arrive later this afternoon. For a few short hours, all four of our sons will at least be in the same zip code, something that has not happened since Bill and Fallon married.

To say we feel so blessed is a bit of an understatement. 

With much gratitude for your continued support of this page, I remain,

your friend,

Gail

A Busy December

Ha ha...you may recall that earlier this month I wrote something about we might go camping this week.

Not happening! 

That was wishful thinking by a long shot. At least we could if we were not too busy, a blessing for sure because we know several people who have had Covid recently and we are reading that it is spreading again. What we need is to make time to get our second booster shot, especially because we have our family arriving from afar at the end of this week! Maybe Wednesday afternoon would work following my teeth cleaning appointment. Actually it was Bruce's appt., however, I jumped in line and will be taking his place. About a month ago mine was cancelled because our hygienist was having wrist surgery at the same time that our hair stylist was out with a broken wrist. What are the chances, right? 

It goes without saying that more would get done around here if not for playing pickleball so often. Choices, choices! So far, pickleball is winning out. The weather has been chillier, and for sure, the morning skies on our way to play has been, on some days, seriously dramatic.

A case in point.

So really, how can you go wrong with both birds and a sky filled with color and drama? 

It wasn't much later that Anne accused me of not concentrating hard enough to actually hit the ball. Another case in point!!

Actually, as we were driving the 3.5 miles to the court, the sky was just beginning the transformation from gray to fuchsia.

Heavenly hosts sing hallelujah! You think?

Remember I mentioned the church event? "A Walk Through Bethlehem" has been a tradition at FCCWP for some time now, and it takes a lot of work to pull off, not to mention scores of people. 

For example, the luminaries took several people to fill the bags with sand, place the candles after which time I placed them on the sidewalk surrounding the church, while others put them on the steps. Then another woman came along and lit all 100 of them! I don't know where they got the wooden camel, but it took another volunteer to make the creche. 

These are my comrades in arms from the pottery booth, Gail and Cynthia.

Dressed similarly, my head gear was not nearly as stylish! This would be someone you know hawking fish.

A guide leads groups of ten or so on the walk which includes a stop to see the real goats, chickens and a donkey. It really is something to witness, and I am just glad they only do it every two years!

Another thing I touched on, while we are on the subject of church, was that Bruce and I lit the second candle of Advent doing a reading at the same time. A very special moment for us that later on I watched on the church website. Fascinating listening to one's spoken voice. I am so behind, this past Sunday the fourth candle was lit.

Community Christmas party anyone? Yup, that happened as well. A week ago Sunday or so I think? 

That would be our son David talking with Yvette and my sister Nancy wearing the Christmas headgear. The committee, comprised of myself, Patti, Susan, Ellie, Diane and Sherry put it together with a few planning sessions and some shopping and decorating! Our goal was not only to have neighbors mingle while listening to the locally famous Caroling Company,

but gather donated toys as well. As it turns out, our pickleball friend Tony (l), along with his daughter, are members so that was really fun. As was the "Ugly Christmas Sweater" contest. How do you feel about Bruce's sweater?

Some called it cute, but to my eyes, it is pretty darn ugly! Mine was as well, however, the contest was not won by either of us, instead the prize went to Peg who had fun altering an already ugly sweater.

Diane opted for an entire ensemble, courtesy of a visit to the Goodwill boutique in Winter Park.

Ellie is standing next to the table and by the end of the party it was laden with gifts galore. Close to 100! The following day the folks at the Orlando Union Rescue Mission were delighted.

Connie had a ladies get together last Thursday night, outdoing her previous efforts, a difficult task for sure, on the delicious appetizers,

as well as the guest list! The gang was indeed all there. (note Peg rewearing the sweater and rubbing it in!) 

While at Connies, I noticed, not for the first time, but it may as well have been, that she had pushed her dining table against the wall at the end. The very next morning I asked Bruce if that might work in our kitchen, Heck yeah it did!

Instead of having just three kitchen seats available, we now have four! Seriously, we have been here four years and this idea just came to mind? Sheepishly, I have to answer in the affirmative! Anyway, the set table above was for the potluck breakfast we were hosting for our new Dover Shores friends. The table in the "dining" room was set as well.

The tree was lit with the amazing array of presents wrapped, not by yours truly, but her darling husband.

More than one person this season has asked if they are real presents? 😀

The twisted bacon was ready too. Leaving the party the evening before, when I mentioned the breakfast, Sandy immediately said that twisted bacon was not only all the rage, but it actually lives up to the hype. It did work nicely, allowing me to cook an entire pound on one jelly roll pan in the oven, leaving no mess, not to mention no tending too!

I will leave the "googling" to you!

Although various calamities kept some ladies from attending, we had a marvelous morning of getting to know one another better. Mary set her camera on a timer, allowing me to be in the shot for a change.

When Bruce returned a few hours later, while we were tidying up, he opened a hostess gift from Rene and said, as is his custom, "oh wow!" Oh wow indeed.

Honestly, I could not have been more pleased! 

During a visit to Hobby Lobby for a few Christmas items, we found this guy at 70% off and thought, "why not?"

If some weather predictions hold true, this very thing might happen, although I seriously doubt the forecast will prove true. That said, miracles do happen!

The lights are looking good.

Should you be wondering, most people living in here, do not do much in the way of outdoor decorating, however, we just really love outdoor lighting this time of year. 

Next up on the agenda was a birthday dinner for our daughter-in-law Michelle last night. Originally Bruce had an engagement, but he canceled that in order to be here for her.  Only problem was that I had to think fast and these days my quick thinking is not what it used to be. Nonetheless, I thought of one of my favorites, hoping it would become one of hers. Dirty Risotto mise en place below.

While it has been featured here in Camera Crazy in the past, for those who missed it, I highly recommend Giada's recipe which you can find here. She will shoot me for posting this photo, which I took while no one was looking, but here goes anyway.

Roasted green beans, along with some bakery bread from Publix made for a meal to remember. Which is to say that David and Michelle loved it. A homemade chocolate cake with crushed peppermint on top held the candles.

Do not ask me why I chose to use that waxed paper! Plus, the cake looked way better in person. Or is that me looking at it through rose colored glasses?

Busy, busy, busy. 

Your story as well. 

Yet four mornings a week, we arrive at the crack of dawn to hit a ball back and forth over a net. 

Isn't it great to be alive?

your friend,

Gail