Year’s End


Our third year anniversary at our little house in Windermere. Not as far along as I’d hoped in my quest for no grass, but progress, progress. The vegetable beds are in good order, with my summer veggies all in and coconut coir mulch on top. I have ordered new living room furniture and 4 dining chairs, from Ethan Alan at an exorbitant price, so that part is done. Replacing the decking for the boat house had begun, with all the old wood taken off. The contractor claims this is a small job for him, so I’m going to squeeze him to finish in early June. I’m almost ready to paint in the living room and guest bathroom.

I’ve kept up with my resolution to get caught up with my magazines by reading an article or two every morning. Currently, I have only the latest National Geographic and a 2022 Summer Audubon in my stack. A pat on my back for sure. I am considering substituting doing a lesson from one of the Cornell Bird Lab courses I’ve bought, when I don’t have any magazines to read,  It would be nice to learn more about the birds I’m see. And I’ve already paid for the classes.

Each morning, as part of my routine (pee, make coffee, feed cat), I’ve added exercising either my core or my arms. Another pat on my back, which I can actually do, because of the exercises. Gracie usually has a little of her breakfast, then comes over to supervise. I’m going to ask our trainer Denny about starting some stretches. I can’t touch my toes, and I’d like to be able to. Nor look over my shoulder when I drive. 

This morning, I skipped my arm routine because my shoulder hurts from the Covid booster I got yesterday. It was recommended for people over 65. Since neither Grant nor I have gotten the virus, I’d like to keep it that way. With previous shots, I’d had a fever for several hours. This time, no general body response, only the injection site hurts. Does that mean I’m having a lesser reaction, so less immunity, or am I so healthy, I don’t react as much? Who knows. We’re just doing the best we can. 

Sometimes I wish we were living at the beach or in the Keys, but overall, coming to central Florida has been a good move for us. We get to see Stephanie and help with Clara; we are closer to Sally and northern Florida, and we can visit Patten easily. Mary and Spaulding are too far away no matter where we live. Other than that, happy, happy.

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