12 Oakdale

I have lost 20# since my peak, following our Christmas Markets cruise and then Costa Rican birding trip. I can fit into all of my slacks with room to spare, including the several pairs of khakis I bought who knows why, a gazillion years ago. They will be my winter wardrobe. We are on that eat less, exercise more regimen. More vegetarian meals, less animal protein. I’ve also quit drinking alcohol, except for a delicious charred pineapple Paloma on our anniversary. Seems to be working.  Grant has lost 15#, enough from his waist so that his shorts, being held up with suspenders, looked like the old clown in a barrel routine. I refused to be seen with him until he bought new clothes.  His first order was for 42” waist shorts, which looked like ruffle tops when he tried them on with a belt. Nope, back they went. Second try was 40” waist. Much better, even a little loose. I am hoping these will be too big in a few months. In addition to looking and feeling better, he is snoring at ...

For their birthdays, I invited Steph and Clara to join me on a bioluminescence kayak paddle on the Indian River Lagoon. They got a free trip; I got someone to paddle my kayak. Organized by Diane, specifically at a new moon, I figured it was closer than flying to Vieques in Puerto Rico to see eerie lights. I remember how pretty the blues and greens were in the water when Steve and I lived on our boat at Fort Myers Beach. First up was meeting the rest of our party for dinner at Pier 220 in Titusville at the Veterans Memorial Pier, built in 1949, a good year. My platter-sized Caribbean salad with seared tuna was delicious ($18.99!), but way too much for me.  Last week, Clara attended Camp Grammie, where I showed her how to use Steph’s sewing machine. We recycled cloth from little throw pillow covers: more out of my house, no expense, modeling good environmental policy! I had explained the concept of an “ice bag”, a tote with no seams on the bottom, so any melted ice didn’t drip while ...

 Yes, I’m in good shape, for my age, as the doctors always have to add. However, 10 pounds less makes my pants fit better. Back on the eat less, exercise more plan. January 6th: 170.0#  I’ve begun my arm exercises again and am trying a NYT’s stretching program for lower backs. Mine is fine, and I plan to keep it that way. January 13th: 172.0# Sigh, definitely not the right direction. At least I’ve started walking daily and added my shoulder exercises back to my routines. February 3rd: 172.5# Double sigh, but no surprise. I have reestablished my morning exercises, varying from shoulders to stretching to some more core. We moved the stationary bike to the lanai. I ride every few days. February 24th: 172# Up and down, wavering around 172. We have walked every day this past week, except Wednesday, when it rained all day. March 10th: 177# Ouch. I knew our low-impact birding trip definitely would impact my weight. Too much enjoying eating casado (beans, rice, protein, plantains, a...

Our plan to follow the NYT’s “36 Hours in Orlando” suggestion of places for drinks, then dinner in Winter Park was thwarted when Grant read the restaurant had been closed yesterday by the Health Department. Good to know that some of our government is still working, but yuck. I can’t vision ever going there, even after they pass an inspection. Patten says all restaurants are like that, one inspection away from closer. He should know, with all his waitperson experience, but not a comforting thought. Onward. Coincidentally, Jag Cantina had just opened near home, so we celebrated there. My steak fajitas were enough for 2 people, which means I have a delicious dinner tomorrow. Grant ate all of his birria tacos, so he will get the last serving of gnocchi in the fridge. My charred pineapple Paloma and his 2-for1 happy hour margaritas were quite good. Too full for dessert. We will return. But first, Grant went to the lymphedema clinic to find out about possible treatment for his swollen feet a...

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Perhaps I am in a little over my head. I decided I would paint every day in July, forgiving myself for 1 or 2 misses. Prioritize!  First was getting caught up on the tiny painting series by Kristian Van Leuven. I’m on #51 of the 52 she published so far, so I think I can do that this weekend. I have her 2 June birthday flowers, honeysuckle and rose, to paint, and a live class on a loose desert landscape to follow. She will also have 2 July birthday flowers. Next I wanted to copy the dreamy, watery landscapes by Anastasia Mily. I’ve bought 2 blocks of watercolor paper so I can have the page really wet like she does. My first attempt has a couple of good areas. My thought was to paint 1 every other day or so. I signed up for the 3-week series at the Art Room with Linda Ziegler. That starts next Tuesday night, 6:30-8:30. Plus a one-off at Leu Gardens with Ann Marie. This time it is watermelon slices. And there is Emma Lefebvre’s month-long, back-to-basics, online class. Only 10 minutes...