Awards

Monday, after taking Peg’s truck to not 1, but 2 mechanics to find out why the check engine light kept coming on, she and Betsy arrived in time for dinner, still not sure what the problem was. I had made the lentil salad we’ve enjoyed, this time with the suggested radicchio, and a lemon pie using the can of cocoanut cream left in the fridge when Spaulding came and made piña coladas. Both delicious, although I’m unlikely to recycle the pie recipe. Key lime is still our favorite.

They had been up in Gainesville, organizing more of Jen’s things, so Barton can decide what to do with them when he is ready. The other project was building a cat-proof fence in the backyard so his kitties can spend outdoor time. I’m sure the cats are grateful. 

Tuesday, we dropped Betsy at the airport for her many-hour trip home, via Atlanta and LAX. So glad to have so much time with her, so very sad to say goodbye. Visiting next year is on my agenda, even as I keep looking at a Nile River cruise.

That evening, Peg went to the FFA, Future Farmers of America, convention to hear her mentee Treg deliver his farewell speech after finishing his term as an officer. He helped Peg around her farm for the past 4 years. Since he’s off to college in the fall, she already has lined up 2 new helpers, an advantage of have a son teaching ag at a nearby middle school who can vet potential hires. Would that he could find me 1 or 2, but the trip from Plant City is too far.

Wednesday was an open day, so we returned to Orlando Wetlands. Just 2 weeks later, and the birds are almost all gone. Only the wood stork babies were still in their nests, clamoring away. Rosette spoonbills and anhingas had fledged. We did see 6 little (3’) gators on the far end of the boardwalk, I assume a safer place to be, avoiding being eaten by the big ones swimming around. A lot of the floating plants had turned brown. I guess a natural event because I’d be surprised if they herbicide the water going to the St. John River.

On the way out, we drove through Fort Christmas and spotted 5 sandhill cranes darker than we’d ever seen in Florida. Were they lesser ones away from their normal areas. TBD.

Thursday morning was Peg’s time to be honored as Treg’s FFA mentor. I was impressed by how well the youth ran the event, even if the heavy emphasis on Christianity set my tax-paying teeth on edge. Standing up for a recording of God Bless America? The keynote speaker doing a come-to-Jesus call? I’m debating how to approach the adult leadership for some feedback.

Peg chanced driving her truck back to Plant City to see another mechanic, and we packed for our flight at o’dark hundred Friday morning to California for Ryan’s residency graduation. 

Held Saturday afternoon at the Wheat and Water restaurant in La Jolla, it was a joyful celebration of the 6 new anesthesiologists. First each was roasted by emcee Sean, a 2nd year resident, then they were individually recognized by their attending physician. Ryan was awarded the Scholar of the Year, so very apt. Mary had made (with my last minute help) each of them a paper lei; Steph made Ryan one of her fancy ribbon ones. Well done all.

We also celebrated Grant’s 82nd birthday, first with a picnic at Balboa Park, then with cake and ice cream at home. Bittersweet, because probably our last time visiting those places. Before we grabbed the red eye home, we ate dinner in Old Town. The desert cottontails ignored us.