Bounder32
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
New Years
We are spending new years with my brother Rich and Robin. We have been having fun playing cards, exercising, just hanging out and of course, eating. Robin made us a terrific turkey dinner!(turkey dinners are my favorite)
Rich exercising
Rich's house is in trendy Naples
Teddy loves it here, especially chasing geckos!
And sleeping!
Saturday, December 28, 2019
Family, Food, Fitness, and Fairness!
We spent a wonderful Christmas day with Diana and her family. Diana is an excellent cook and we had a Christmas dinner table fit for royalty and loaded with delicious goodies!! Ham, asparagus, 2 kinds of potatoes, carrots, biscuits, soup, and tasty pie desserts. Thank you Diana!! Later we got to watch Ian and Heather's children, Liam and Damiama, tear into presents! Heather's mom, Tery and her friend Joe were also in attendance but photo boy missed them!
One of my major goals here in Florida is to improve on my fitness, especially after being sick last month. So, every day I try to walk, swim, and ride my bike. It's about a mile and a half here to walk around the park which is just right. The pool is less than 100 yards from my door and they keep it dreamy warm. Just the way old people like it. No heart stopping plunges here!
And then there is my bike. It is right out of the Wizard of Oz!! I didn't get to start riding until 2 days ago as I had a little mishap. When I got the bike down off the back of the bus, the tires were flat. Hey, no problema! I have the sweetest pump you've ever seen complete with digital tire guage. The only problem is that I am getting old and stiff and I failed to get bend over and get close enough to read it properly while I inflated the front tire. I leaned over just enough to see that there was 11 pounds of pressure in the tire so I kept filling. However, had I gotten closer, I would have seen the decimal point. Too late I realized that it really read 110 pounds of pressure in a tire that normally takes 40.
Imagine how I felt when the tire exploded with a deafening boom! I am indeed a fool! Stupid is as stupid does!
The guys at the JRA bike shop were very friendly and had a hearty laugh when I explained what happened to my tire. As I left the shop with my refurbished front tire it dawned on me that I now had more money invested in the front tire than in the whole bike, which cost me 25 bucks. Yikes!
Here is a shot of my trusty pony in her stall awaiting a run. How do I know she's a girl? Check out the bar!! (Easy on/off for clumsy old fool!) (Also good to have on the days when I am feeling gender fluid)
Finally, I read an article by Anthony Esolen of Thomas More College in New Hampshire on tolerance. It spoke to me so I share part of it here:
"I am the father of a twelve-year-old boy. I want my son to be comfortable being a boy. I want him to grow up to be attracted to women, and to be attractive to them in turn. I want him to have natural, matter-of-course friendships with other men; not the suffocating touchy-needy relationships that stunt a boy’s maturity. I want him to walk and talk and work and play and fight and laugh like the man I see developing within him. I want him to love the beauty and grace and wisdom of girls and women, and to see himself as perfecting them and being perfected by them. I hope he will marry a good woman and raise happy children, who will look like him and his wife, and maybe a little like me and my wife. It’s perfectly natural for me to want this. It’s what fathers have always wanted for their sons.
Therefore it is natural that I should want no one to lay a snare in the boy’s path. Adolescence comes with a maelstrom of new feelings: frustration with still being so young, fear that one is already too old, longing for some indefinite thing of beauty, curiosity regarding good things that are mysterious, and bad things that seem so; no one can chart a map for every adolescent child. Adolescents are, then, peculiarly vulnerable. We owe it to them to make their passage as healthy and easy as possible.
All right, then. I understand there are men who have not attained the healthy masculine nature I hope my son will attain. I don’t make fun of them. I don’t wish them ill. I count some among my friends. I extend to them my tolerance of a state that is at least a significant falling-short of a natural good. But it requires pretty serious reciprocity. For one, the rights of my son should be respected. No snares in his path, thank you. He should not have to suffer, by suggestion or invitation or public example or enticement or moral sophistry, any complication along his way to becoming a healthy man, able to love a woman in a healthy way."
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Merry Christmas from Swan Lake
Tradition
We have successfully arrived here at Swan Lake Village in North Ft. Myers which will be our home for the next 3 months. I call it our "winter quarters". We arrived on Saturday and one of the first things I did was take a refreshing dip in the pool. They keep it toasty warm for us old farts (think: not heart stopping). It felt so good after being cold the whole trip down.
Then the rain came and for the past two days we have been socked in. Oh well, at least it isn't snow and I have had time to get to work on my Christmas Cards. I've had to wait until the last minute this year so it was time to grind them out.
OK, after writing my 52nd Christmas card here on Monday afternoon, I figured it was time for a break. So at 6 pm Joanna and I headed to our community center here at Swan Lake for the annual Christmas Caroling. Yes America, there are still places where people actually get together and sing carols. Sounds corny until you give it a try. After all, singing is good for the soul and caroling takes me back to a time of important traditions and community.
Our cultural traditions are rapidly disappearing in this modern age as more and more technology isolates us from each other. It's a fact of life that we are all a part of. The idea of facing somebody and talking eye to eye may become a thing of the past sooner than later. Is this a good thing? I can't believe that it is but I am certainly part of the problem.
It's difficult to list modern American traditions. I guess we should count watching a screen as the new American tradition, but as old ones fade so does our national identity and culture. Going to church, sitting down for family meals, playing board games as a family, making Christmas cookies with the grandkids, using good manners like avoiding the casual use of profanity in public, and doing anything with others in real time are a few that seem to be in jeopardy.
Heck! Certainly sending Christmas cards is an archaic tradition that I am stubbornly clinging to. Who is dumb enough to spend hour after hour writing and then snail mailing card after card? An email wishing my friends a Merry Christmas would be quicker, cheaper and easier. That's OK, but for me there is something special about receiving a handwritten card. Maybe it's simply all of the effort I put into it that makes the difference. If that makes me a dinosaur I am OK! (I am careful not to write my cards in cursive.)
I do enjoy texting, which is a new tradition that allows me to keep in close contact with friends and family. Are there other worthwhile new traditions I am missing, like maybe binge watching on streaming media? I am guilty of binging like everyone else, but most of the new traditions seem isolating to me.
I'll send along some "fight eyes" of Swan Lake Village.
Then the rain came and for the past two days we have been socked in. Oh well, at least it isn't snow and I have had time to get to work on my Christmas Cards. I've had to wait until the last minute this year so it was time to grind them out.
OK, after writing my 52nd Christmas card here on Monday afternoon, I figured it was time for a break. So at 6 pm Joanna and I headed to our community center here at Swan Lake for the annual Christmas Caroling. Yes America, there are still places where people actually get together and sing carols. Sounds corny until you give it a try. After all, singing is good for the soul and caroling takes me back to a time of important traditions and community.
Our cultural traditions are rapidly disappearing in this modern age as more and more technology isolates us from each other. It's a fact of life that we are all a part of. The idea of facing somebody and talking eye to eye may become a thing of the past sooner than later. Is this a good thing? I can't believe that it is but I am certainly part of the problem.
It's difficult to list modern American traditions. I guess we should count watching a screen as the new American tradition, but as old ones fade so does our national identity and culture. Going to church, sitting down for family meals, playing board games as a family, making Christmas cookies with the grandkids, using good manners like avoiding the casual use of profanity in public, and doing anything with others in real time are a few that seem to be in jeopardy.
Heck! Certainly sending Christmas cards is an archaic tradition that I am stubbornly clinging to. Who is dumb enough to spend hour after hour writing and then snail mailing card after card? An email wishing my friends a Merry Christmas would be quicker, cheaper and easier. That's OK, but for me there is something special about receiving a handwritten card. Maybe it's simply all of the effort I put into it that makes the difference. If that makes me a dinosaur I am OK! (I am careful not to write my cards in cursive.)
I do enjoy texting, which is a new tradition that allows me to keep in close contact with friends and family. Are there other worthwhile new traditions I am missing, like maybe binge watching on streaming media? I am guilty of binging like everyone else, but most of the new traditions seem isolating to me.
I'll send along some "fight eyes" of Swan Lake Village.
Saturday, December 21, 2019
If you take the time...
I was standing by the gas pump feeding my thirsty motorhome when an old timer pulled up at the pump next to me. He got out and walked over.
"Hey, how many gallons does that thing take?" he asked.
"75," I answered. "And I only get about 7 miles per gallon. Guess you could say I have a big carbon footprint." He laughed at that. "But you know what?" I added. "When I finally get to where I am going, my carbon footprint is really quite small. It's not like I'm running a big home or condo with a pool."
He nodded in agreement at this and I noticed his Korean War Veteran's hat. "Korea eh? Were you at Chosin Reservoir?"
"No. I was in the Navy on a cruiser named the USS Worcester. We had 6 " guns that when fired leaned that ship over far enough to slide you right off the deck." We introduced ourselves and Wally went on to talk more about his service. He later spent 5 years on the aircraft carrier Forrestal. (my favorite plastic model as a kid)
I was really warming up to this guy and pretty soon we were like old friends.
"I'm 90 years old," Wally said proudly, and spoke about his latest checkup at the doc who proclaimed him "fit as a fiddle".
"Wow! You look much younger. What's your secret?"
"I eat right and I do lots of walking!"
" I bet you have a good wife that takes care of you."
"I sure do!" he replied.
Just then my pump clicked off and I found myself surprised at how quickly the last 5 minutes had sped by with this kindly man. (It takes AT LEAST five minutes to fill the big tank)"I guess it's time for me to go Wally. But before I do I want to thank you for your service to our country." Wally gave me a big toothy grin and we shook hands. "Wally, can I get a picture of us to remember this little talk?"
"Why sure!"
Thank you Wally for a great moment in time. Gosh I love this country!
ONe more thought: I think that Wally looks like my friend Doug DeRancy will look at age 90!
"Hey, how many gallons does that thing take?" he asked.
"75," I answered. "And I only get about 7 miles per gallon. Guess you could say I have a big carbon footprint." He laughed at that. "But you know what?" I added. "When I finally get to where I am going, my carbon footprint is really quite small. It's not like I'm running a big home or condo with a pool."
He nodded in agreement at this and I noticed his Korean War Veteran's hat. "Korea eh? Were you at Chosin Reservoir?"
"No. I was in the Navy on a cruiser named the USS Worcester. We had 6 " guns that when fired leaned that ship over far enough to slide you right off the deck." We introduced ourselves and Wally went on to talk more about his service. He later spent 5 years on the aircraft carrier Forrestal. (my favorite plastic model as a kid)
I was really warming up to this guy and pretty soon we were like old friends.
"I'm 90 years old," Wally said proudly, and spoke about his latest checkup at the doc who proclaimed him "fit as a fiddle".
"Wow! You look much younger. What's your secret?"
"I eat right and I do lots of walking!"
" I bet you have a good wife that takes care of you."
"I sure do!" he replied.
Just then my pump clicked off and I found myself surprised at how quickly the last 5 minutes had sped by with this kindly man. (It takes AT LEAST five minutes to fill the big tank)"I guess it's time for me to go Wally. But before I do I want to thank you for your service to our country." Wally gave me a big toothy grin and we shook hands. "Wally, can I get a picture of us to remember this little talk?"
"Why sure!"
ONe more thought: I think that Wally looks like my friend Doug DeRancy will look at age 90!
Friday, December 20, 2019
Getting close to Christmas!
Very pleasant here and more wildlife today. Dolphins this morning browsing inshore, more sea birds and herons, pelicans, ducks and even an osprey.
Then a ride over to St. Pete Beach for lunch at the Rumfish Grill!
I still have to do all of my Christmas cards so it looks like the next few days I will be busy and not blogging! Sending out cards is an important tradition for the Young family and there are a lot to do!.
Thursday, December 19, 2019
Ft. DeSoto Park
Good evening from the very tip of the St. Petersburg peninsula. It was a breezy and sunny day with lots of traffic as we got further south but we made it. Of note was that today we saw our first "left laner" trucker. Just unbelievable how low the truck driving profession has sunk. Is this a reflection of our self-absorbed culture? I hope not. I have remarked about Tampa Bay area drivers before. My experience has been they are very impatient, drive crazy, and do a great deal of honking. Much worse than other areas of Florida. I have no idea why.
We are in perhaps the most beautiful park we will be staying in the whole trip. And, we have just about the nicest campsite in the whole place. Our own beach and private view of the gulf. Wow!
Tomorrow is the first day since December 6th that we are not traveling or visiting and it will feel good to just goof off in the morning. (Something I am good at!) I may actually get on a pair of shorts if it gets into the 70's as predicted.
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Picture Awards
Knowing that I have been terrible about taking photos, I did manage to get a few that deserve "Best" awards:
Best Scotch: Mike Tirrell is correct. This is indeed ambrosia!!
Best overall picture: Here is a shot of Mike and I in our "calf skin" Chuck Taylors looking mean! Sweet shoes and a great photo!!
Best rum: Definitely the one on the right: Havana Club Maestro. I should have swiped that bottle when Ed was not looking!!! A very smooth dram.
Best Christmas Decorations: We happened on these at a house overlooking the Neuse River in Bridgeton NC. Outstanding!!
"Sparky"
Good evening from downtown Starke, Fl. My brother informs me that this is the home of Sparky, Florida's electric chair. Should there be a sudden brownout here in the RV park tonight, I will know the reason.
Yes, I am finally in Florida, but I still can't escape the cold as it is going down into the 30's tonight. Yikes! It's been like that since we left home on December 6th. The good news is we have bright sunshine today after a rainy day yesterday. Tomorrow we are heading to Ft. DeSoto in St. Petersburg which is a jewel of a park. Pictures to come. Tonight it's just the KOA here in Starke.
We encountered our first "Left Laner" today on the Interstate. These are drivers who get into the left lane, stay there no matter what, and cruise at 65. Very dangerous strategy if you ask me, and infuriating to to those desiring smooth traffic patterns. We also had several cars pass us on the left, move into our lane, and then slow down so we could exercise our brakes. Hmmmmm........
We stay mostly in the right lane chugging along at 65 as the world races by us. Today I was able to go a little faster as the Interstate in Georgia is wide and smooth. Good day overall as we get closer to the finish line in Ft. Myers.
I neglected to mention my friend Tara Gardner yesterday as another inspirational person battling cancer. She is a person who lights up any room she enters and I wish her the best in her battle.
There are so many people facing challenges and hurting this Christmas Season. We all need to reach out as much as we can and be thankful for the blessing we have!
Here is a picture from Monday night in New Bern as we visited with (counter clockwise) Ed and Mary Ann and Al and Elena
These are our former neighbors in new Bern who we miss and love to see. We went to Outback Steakhouse and I must admit my steak and shrimp was excellent!
This pretty much finishes what I have been calling our "Kareem Abdul Jabbar farewell tour". A new venue almost every day but no Cadillac like Kareem got. We have had just the best time. It's as if our journey south has become the whole reason for the trip rather than the destination. So many great people have warmed our hearts along the way!!!! Thank you all! We are blessed!
Yes, I am finally in Florida, but I still can't escape the cold as it is going down into the 30's tonight. Yikes! It's been like that since we left home on December 6th. The good news is we have bright sunshine today after a rainy day yesterday. Tomorrow we are heading to Ft. DeSoto in St. Petersburg which is a jewel of a park. Pictures to come. Tonight it's just the KOA here in Starke.
We encountered our first "Left Laner" today on the Interstate. These are drivers who get into the left lane, stay there no matter what, and cruise at 65. Very dangerous strategy if you ask me, and infuriating to to those desiring smooth traffic patterns. We also had several cars pass us on the left, move into our lane, and then slow down so we could exercise our brakes. Hmmmmm........
We stay mostly in the right lane chugging along at 65 as the world races by us. Today I was able to go a little faster as the Interstate in Georgia is wide and smooth. Good day overall as we get closer to the finish line in Ft. Myers.
I neglected to mention my friend Tara Gardner yesterday as another inspirational person battling cancer. She is a person who lights up any room she enters and I wish her the best in her battle.
There are so many people facing challenges and hurting this Christmas Season. We all need to reach out as much as we can and be thankful for the blessing we have!
Here is a picture from Monday night in New Bern as we visited with (counter clockwise) Ed and Mary Ann and Al and Elena
This pretty much finishes what I have been calling our "Kareem Abdul Jabbar farewell tour". A new venue almost every day but no Cadillac like Kareem got. We have had just the best time. It's as if our journey south has become the whole reason for the trip rather than the destination. So many great people have warmed our hearts along the way!!!! Thank you all! We are blessed!
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Inspiration
Today I want to talk about two of my friends who have had to battle some serious illnesses. The first is Ed Sanderson. We spent two days with Ed and his wife Sandi over the weekend in Havelock, NC. They are really great people and we always enjoy our time with them. For most of this year Ed has been fighting infections that have had him down for the count at times. But this former Navy rescue jumper is tough and crusty and has fought this health battle all the way. Sepsis and leg infection and knee removal cannot keep this good man down. I am pleased to say that he is on the mend but has a long road ahead. Keep the Sandersons in your thoughts and prayers during this time.
Here is a picture taken out on their back deck with beautiful Clubfoot Creek in the background.
The other friend I want to talk about is Lacy Lyn. You can find her on Facebook and I encourage you to do seek her out and read about her amazing battle with cancer. She has been an inspiration for me as I fought my own little battle with cancer of late. Lacy has been through so much yet she still is able to stay positive as she goes toe to toe with cancer each day. She doesn't know it but she is a great role model and positive influence for many people, especially me. Here she is:
I know I have already mentioned this, but I had a prostate procedure done last August after which my doctor informed me that they had found cancer. This was very disturbing as I had to wait 3 months for my prostate to heal so they could do a biopsy. I finally went in on Friday, November 22nd for the biopsy to determine how bad the cancer might be. I was very nervous about the procedure but it went well and wasn't as bad as I thought, even though they really violate you.
I went home hoping for the best but Saturday morning I began to feel ill. It wasn't long before I had a high fever with violent chills and Joanna drove me to Crouse. They admitted me for sepsis and I spent the next 4 days being infused with hi test antibiotics. I was really sick and Sunday night I actually passed out that night from the stress of my condition. One thing that really helped me though was that I kept thinking about Lacy and her battle with cancer. It gave me strength and inspiration and from then on I began to get better. I finally got to come home Wed. The next day I got the results of my biopsy. In what is surely a miracle, my biopsy came up clear! I was stunned to hear this news and obviously I am feeling blessed and relieved. What a roller coaster ride of emotions the past few weeks. Suddenly all is well and Joanna and I can go back to our normal life.We are now heading to Florida for some R and R.
But I am also praying for a great outcome for Lacy and for Ed. Nothing less will do for these wonderful people that I call my friends.
The other friend I want to talk about is Lacy Lyn. You can find her on Facebook and I encourage you to do seek her out and read about her amazing battle with cancer. She has been an inspiration for me as I fought my own little battle with cancer of late. Lacy has been through so much yet she still is able to stay positive as she goes toe to toe with cancer each day. She doesn't know it but she is a great role model and positive influence for many people, especially me. Here she is:
I know I have already mentioned this, but I had a prostate procedure done last August after which my doctor informed me that they had found cancer. This was very disturbing as I had to wait 3 months for my prostate to heal so they could do a biopsy. I finally went in on Friday, November 22nd for the biopsy to determine how bad the cancer might be. I was very nervous about the procedure but it went well and wasn't as bad as I thought, even though they really violate you.
I went home hoping for the best but Saturday morning I began to feel ill. It wasn't long before I had a high fever with violent chills and Joanna drove me to Crouse. They admitted me for sepsis and I spent the next 4 days being infused with hi test antibiotics. I was really sick and Sunday night I actually passed out that night from the stress of my condition. One thing that really helped me though was that I kept thinking about Lacy and her battle with cancer. It gave me strength and inspiration and from then on I began to get better. I finally got to come home Wed. The next day I got the results of my biopsy. In what is surely a miracle, my biopsy came up clear! I was stunned to hear this news and obviously I am feeling blessed and relieved. What a roller coaster ride of emotions the past few weeks. Suddenly all is well and Joanna and I can go back to our normal life.We are now heading to Florida for some R and R.
But I am also praying for a great outcome for Lacy and for Ed. Nothing less will do for these wonderful people that I call my friends.
My Bad!
We are in New Bern on an absolutely gorgeous day. Sunny and 70. I have a picture to upload. But it hasn't shown up yet for me to upload it. I have to admit that I am terrible about taking pictures, especially when we are with friends and I am caught up in the moment. Right after we leave I suddenly remember that I forgot to snap a photo!!!
So I have to apologize to my cousin, Claire. We had fun but no photo memory! Spent two days with Connie Haas, but not one photo! Went to dinner with Elizabeth, Jenny, Sue, and Don in New Bern at my favorite restaurant, Arturos, but no fight eyes!!! Very annoying!
We certainly have had a fun trip though! Maybe I can do better tonight!!
Here is our campsite with the Neuse River in the background
So I have to apologize to my cousin, Claire. We had fun but no photo memory! Spent two days with Connie Haas, but not one photo! Went to dinner with Elizabeth, Jenny, Sue, and Don in New Bern at my favorite restaurant, Arturos, but no fight eyes!!! Very annoying!
We certainly have had a fun trip though! Maybe I can do better tonight!!
Sunday, December 15, 2019
A Crazy Few Weeks!
Just a few weeks can bring about epic changes. On November 22nd I went in for a prostate biopsy after being diagnosed with prostate cancer back in August during a prostate procedure. To make matters worse, the biopsy took a wrong turn and I was admitted to the hospital the next day with sepsis (blood infection). The next 4 days in the hospital were a real low point for me, but I recovered nicely and also got a real blessing in a clear biopsy report. A miracle in itself!!!
The dark cloud was now removed and so it was time to pack up the bus and hit the road!! It was a rush but we made our break on a snowy December 6th. Got delayed by snow in Cortland, NY but that gave us a chance to see Doug DeRancy while we waited out the snow at the Cortland Perkins. (I recommend the Magnificent Seven breakfast!)
We cleared the snow belt when we hit PA and finally made our destination for the day, the Hollywood Casino in Grantville PA north of Harrisburg. Great parking lot for us to camp out in for free and very quiet. (The casino was filled with walkers, wheelchairs, and cigarette smoke and I smelled like a fresh pack of Luckies when I got back to the bus).
Got the bus stuck in snow!
Casino
Family Thanksgiving above and Wilson below. I was attached to Wilson for 4 days as they infused me with heavy duty antibiotics.
The dark cloud was now removed and so it was time to pack up the bus and hit the road!! It was a rush but we made our break on a snowy December 6th. Got delayed by snow in Cortland, NY but that gave us a chance to see Doug DeRancy while we waited out the snow at the Cortland Perkins. (I recommend the Magnificent Seven breakfast!)
We cleared the snow belt when we hit PA and finally made our destination for the day, the Hollywood Casino in Grantville PA north of Harrisburg. Great parking lot for us to camp out in for free and very quiet. (The casino was filled with walkers, wheelchairs, and cigarette smoke and I smelled like a fresh pack of Luckies when I got back to the bus).
Sunday, May 26, 2019
One More Day!
Our time in LA is winding down but we are still having a great time! Tomorrow is our last day and we have tickets to Mets-Dodgers. Jaco deGrom faces Clayton Kershaw.
Friday, May 24, 2019
Malibu
We made a day trip over to Malibu. On the way back we stopped at the Bachelor Mansion. Jessica let us inside the gate and we were able to get a few pictures of the mansion. Pretty cool!
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