Another year has flown by and we are now back in Venice, Florida and enjoying lots of sunshine while all the people at home are enduring an artic blast. It has been cooler than most years, so far, but the days are very pleasant so no complaints from me.
We had a very enjoyable Thanksgiving with all the Gabehart’s, along with many of the extended Gabhart people, and all of the Crockett’s. We had the traditional Thanksgiving meal…delicious…after we had enjoyed some very delicious appetizers throughout the afternoon, and the meal ended with desserts…not sure what those were since I can’t eat them, I didn’t even check them out.
Friday morning we got up early and headed towards Florida. We went as far as Rome, GA so it was only about a 6.5 hours travel day…our norm these days. On Saturday we only went as far as Thomasville, GA….about 15 minutes outside of Florida… because we needed to stop before the Alabama / Auburn game began at 3:30. Sunday we finally made it to our place by early afternoon and it was so great getting here. We were greeted by friends that helped us unload…a big plus. We were getting all settled in when some different friends called and ask us to meet them for dinner at a local restaurant as they, too, we getting back in town. That was fun and a good visit.
After dinner we finally made it to the store to get the groceries and then headed back to the house…bone tired by this time, I might add.. Once again, friends stop by to say hello, so we had help unloading. We are so blessed, and spoiled by this point, but we are ever so thankful.
This first week of being here has included some fun times with friends. Sunday we had dinner out with friends…Monday dinner at friends home…Tuesday and Wednesday I actually cooked…Thursday dinner at friends home, tomorrow ( Friday) evening we’ll be out with friends to see a Christmas program at a church then a snack / dessert afterwards…on Saturday we’ll have lunch with friends and then go to their home for a nice visit…that will complete our first week back. It is so fun to get together with people from all over the USA that we would have never know had we not come down here all those many years ago.
Since the weather has been pretty cool (60″s with a lot of wind) the beach is yet to be enjoyed. We have driven to the one we usually go to and the hurricane sure did a lot of damage…a lot of the foliage is gone or very damaged. The main parking lot is filled with all the stuff that’s been removed from homes, roads, etc and It all has to be sorted before it can be removed so it’ll take a long time. The Englewood beach, along with most of the businesses,are completely destroyed and are now closed. This will all be repaired but not for us this season.
Our house has some exterior damage but the inside is good with all new floors, cabinets in the kitchen, and new furniture for the living room. This was all done before the hurricanes so the owners felt grateful that it was only the outside damaged. Our front lanai, and part of the carport, was ripped off and blew away but compared to some others, we are fortunate to be left standing. When the roof gets ripped off and the rain comes in, you pretty much have to start all over.
George and I did really well with the surgery’s we had in November. I had a cyst removed from my right foot…not really a big deal…but it took almost a month for it to completely heal. George had a procedure done to help rid him of his prostate cancer and we’ll know how successful that was in March. We both feel great, for the most part, and so thankful we are as good as we are.
Guess that’s about it for now. May any that still read this, have a great winter staying warm and healthy. Love you all and pray we continue to stay well and safe while so far from home.
Blessings….