12 Oakdale

Our trip has not gotten off to the best start. While showering the first evening, Grant slipped. Fortunately, he was not hurt, however he was stuck in the bottom of the bathtub. After a few minutes, he was able to swing his legs over the side, then scoot his bottom up on the edge. And there he was, lying on the edge of the tub. I grabbed him by the waist, and between the 2 of us, he was able to get to a sitting position, then stand. That evening, my left shoulder hurt and my hamstring twinged, but my back seems fine. My last nerve is shot. Next up was my losing my glasses. We’d swum on the bayside, showered, then walked a short distance along the ocean beach. I was wearing my sunglasses and had tucked my others in my bra top. They were gone when we got back to the car. We have searched and searched the beach, the shower area, the car. Gone. All I can figure is someone picked them up, and I hope will turn them into the rangers. So far, they have not. On the positive, we watched a yellow...

I made the mistake of looking at an internet site where watercolorists displayed their art. It wasn’t just that they were so good, which I won’t achieve in my lifetime. Rather it was that each had their own style. Bad enough I have to learn water control, color theory, and composition, but I need to find my style and stick with it. I have been pinging around, watching YouTube, and copying different artists.  The plus side is that I have free lessons, in my home, that I can watch over and over, copying the work, brushstroke by brushstroke. I particularly like the paintings of a woman from Australia, a guy from England, and a Scotsman. They all have the desired “loose” work. Plus with the latter, some trips around the UK as he goes looking for places to paint. They all explain their work in great detail.  Some of my copies: They are all 9"x12". The larger size moves me out of my smaller-is-better comfort zone. And there is something in each one that I like. The...

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 ...

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...

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...

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 even...