Sunday, April 10, 2011
 
PAST - PRESENT - FUTURE
When I refer to the word PAST - I'm thinking of past winters I have spent in Florida.

Millie Garfield and Florida Oranges

If you have been reading my blog you know that the weather this season has been great, I've done a lot of fun things, seen some great shows and movies, gone out to eat a lot and gotten together with family and friends.

There is a Yiddish expression that explains what has been going on here. "Mit ein tuchus ken min nit tansen oif tzve chassenes." Translation - "With one rear end you can not dance at two weddings."

It's a lot funnier in Yiddish but you get the message. There is so much to do here, you just can't do everything.

There have been winters in Florida where I have landed in the hospital, once for something minor and once for major surgery.

One year when I was here with my husband he had major surgery and spent the winter recovering. One year we had to cut our winter short when my sister-in-law took ill.

Last winter I was very limited in what I could do. I needed hip surgery and waited until I got back North to have it done. Just going to the supermarket was a painful experience! So that winter was "for the birds."

This winter has been one of the most enjoyable, with good weather, good friends and good health!

THE PRESENT

Now it's time to close up shop here, close this phone, open phone up North, stop paper, start paper, disconnect computer, start computer, stop mail, start mail.

And then there's the packing!! I've started that job, I do bits and pieces whenever I can. My freezer and refrigerator are where they should be at this point, running on empty.

Just a point of information: I recently bought some gas, the price was $3.77 a gallon. When I first came down gas was $3.05 a gallon.

THE FUTURE

I know that when I get home it will still be chilly, but I really don't mind.

I can deal with that.

It will take me some time to get things put away.

I can deal with that.

It takes a few days until I find my way around the house. Where are the light switches, where are my pots, pans and dishes?

I can deal with that.

I might have to wait for a few days before my car gets delivered.

I can deal with that.

There is one challenge I will face when I get home - I don't expect to have the busy lifestyle that I have in Florida or the many opportunities to do different things that are available to me.

There is a senior center around the corner from where I live, never really looked into it. My impression is, "they play bingo." I have heard that they offer some day trips but they leave at 7:00 a.m.

That's not for me!

There is another center a few towns over, I'll check that one out.

The local library has an occasional program in the evening. The street is not well lit, the sidewalk is made up of irregular red bricks. (That's not a good thing for a senior)

So you see , my work is cut out for me. All I can do is keep my ears and eyes open and hope for the best!

Once I get settled I'll make a post from the North country.


Comments:
Wonderful blog. I love your detailed description of daily life. Keep on blogging. Dianne
 
You always seem to make the best of the changes in your life. That is why you have so much fun.
 
Do have a safe trip back Millie!
 
Millie, I love that Yiddish expression and I will have to remember it!

I hope you have a safe trip back north!
 
My parents do that thing. They are in Englewood FL right now, and they will drive to Old Orchard Beach, ME sometime in the coming month or two probably.
 
Whaddaya mean you're heading North? Seems like you just got to Florida. Glad you had such a good year there.

Can appreciate your attitude about the Sr. Center near you at home as the activities of the one near me are during the day and mostly not of that much interest either i.e. Bingo. I did read of some all day trips I may explore later, but I prefer driving with a few good friends.

Also, I like going out at night.
An 80+ Ohio friend does, too, and both of us have trouble finding those in each of our locales who feel the same. We often commiserate that it's too bad we live so far apart with me here in So. Calif.

Have a good trip North and hope you don't have too much more unpleasant weather there.
 
I admire you so much for continuing to winter in Florida. I am not sure I could continue making the transition each year.

You look great, Millie, and I love your winning smile.

Safe journey home.
 
Millie, love your sharing.
So much of what you are doing - I will be doing if I stop gardening.
Welcome back to the North country.
 
Hi Millie! A friend of mine from the website Over Fifty Is Nifty (a place for babyboomers to connect) shared your blog with me. I'm so glad they did. At first, I was glad because reading it reminded me so much of my in-laws. Ben and Anita Caslar lived in Florida for years and years and you sound so much like Anita, who died a few years ago, that it was kind of like a blast from the past.

But, today, it is your upbeat attitude that has warmed my heart. I've really had it driven home lately that we choose how to react to life. Some have it wonderful and moan and groan all the time. Some have trials and laugh and spread joy all the time. It's all about choice. You are such a great role model for us "younger" ones and for the others who have hit their 70s and 80s.

Barbara Boxwell, who is 74, founded Over Fifty Is Nifty and has inspired me so much in doing so because most of the "elders" in my family have spent their golden years sitting on the couch, existing rather than living. My mother-in-law was like Barbara and you...a mover and a shaker. You have all made me realize that to continue enjoying life, I can choose to continue exploring and doing.

Thank you so much for inspiring me and inspiring other "elders" to learn computer skills and keep up with the "youngsters." I LOVE it!

Jessie
 
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