12 Oakdale

The dawn chorus of sandhill cranes clattering, competing with my bedmates’ snoring (Grant), purring (Annie), and chirping (Gracie), plus a couple of wrens and cardinals singing woke me on the last day of our second year here in Central Florida. It is still cool enough at night for us to keep the bedroom patio door open to let in the fresh air and the bird calls.  It’s also Mother’s Day, so Grant will be up soon to start the charcoal to bbq ribs, which Stephanie requested. She, Clara, and Kyle are coming for lunch, bringing ice cream and cake. Grant also made salt potatoes and his green beans. I did nothing other than putting the tablecloth on the lanai table. Perfect. (The picture was taken at Clara’s softball game. Even though Steph and I talked about taking pictures on Mother’s Day when we were all gussied up, we didn’t. Sigh.) Even though I miss my Fort Lauderdale family and friends, I think we are adjusting to this new area.We still haven’t joined a UU congregation, made any de...

Oh, happy day. Spaulding and Molly came over, and he cooked roast pork ramen with two kinds of mushrooms, sautéed  bok choy, soft boiled eggs, and noodles. The house smells so good. Patten drove up with gardening tools as my Mother’s Day presents, and he took his leaf blower up on the roof and cleaned out our overflowing, mulch-filled gutters. Stephanie and Clara delivered the groceries we’d asked for and brought peach cobbler for dessert. Mary called, and Bella chatted while Remi slept and Ryan doctored Happy, happy. Only sad part was not getting to hug them, still maintaining the suggested 6’ physical separation, at least most of the time. Girls Have Landed on Edge of Spa And, of course, I have to eat my words. I am loving our pool, even though it’s a little chilly for my south Florida body. Everyone swam, including granddog Emma, a Sharpei/Lab mix. She had to be coaxed in, even though she’d already run into the canal without slowing down. I’m sure there are alligators, but...