The Nymphomaniac

A man boarded an airplane and took his seat.. As he settled in, he glanced
up and saw the most beautiful woman boarding the plane.

He soon realized she was heading straight towards his seat ... As fate would
have it, she took the seat right beside his.

Eager to strike up a conversation he blurted out, "Business trip or
pleasure?"

She turned, smiled and said, "Business. I'm going to the Annual
Nymphomaniacs of America Convention in Boston "

He swallowed hard. Here was the most gorgeous woman he had ever seen sitting
next to him, and she was going to a meeting of nymphomaniacs.

Struggling to maintain his composure, he calmly asked, "What's your business
role at this convention?"

"Lecturer," she responded. "I use information that I have learned from my
personal experiences to debunk some of the popular myths about sexuality."


"Really?" he said. "And what kind of myths are there?"

"Well," she explained, "one popular myth is that African-American men are
the most well-endowed of all men, when in fact it is the Native American
Indian who is most likely to possess that trait.

Another popular myth is that Frenchmen are the best lovers, when actually it
is men of Jewish descent who are the best.

I have also discovered that the lover with absolutely the best stamina is
the Southern Redneck."

Suddenly the woman became a little uncomfortable and blushed. "I'm sorry,"
she said, "I shouldn't really be discussing all of this with you. I don't
even know your name.."

"Tonto," the man said, "Tonto Goldstein, but my friends call me Bubba."

Bear Hunting Downeast

Paul and I went downeast to bear hunt. A friend of ours set up three areas for me to hunt. I have never bear hunted before so I welcomed the opportunity.

It started out OK. We rented a place in Lubec which was a typical downeast cottage. The bed left something to be desired; not terribly comfortable.

Bear hunting takes place at last light. Paul and I looked over the sites Derek had prepared for us and decided on the one with the double tree stand (where we could both sit together while waiting for Yogi). It required climbing up a ladder and shimmying into the seat. I was able to gauge my progress as the last time I attempted this feat was before I had surgery for my hydrocephalus and I couldn't get into the stand.

We sat three evenings waiting for the bear to come in. All three days had record heat and animals wearing fur coats like to rest in this weather. The wind (at least what there was of it) was perfect but no bear......

Paul looked over at me and commented that he had never been hunting with someone wearing full eye makeup and jewelry (you can never tell who you may run into LOL). Needless to say, I didn't get my bear although I am not through yet. The last day we were driving out and there was Yogi crossing the road. Needless to say, I am going back in a week with my son to see if I can get Yogi in my crosshairs. More posts to follow....

Quiet Time

It has been a rather quiet day for Tom. His friend, Frank, came to visit this morning. Frank has cancer that was in remission for eight years but has come back with a vengeance. He is quite active considering he has to wear a mask to protect him from germs. Still plays golf and all....I am in awe when I see older men and women living their lives with zest.

We are staying in for supper tonight. Tom is going to have barbecued pork chops, homemade potato salad and coleslaw. I prefer to eat in because it is healthier for him with his heart problems but Tom loves to eat out. He is so tired today, he didn't give me a fight.

So here we sit, watching Millionaire and Jeopardy while I cook brownies to take to Belvedere Commons (to butter up the women residents).

Fortunately, I've been able to run or walk every day since coming back here. It has been in the high nineties but it should help me when I get back to Maine. If I can run in this weather I can run in anything.

So, tomorrow is moving day for Tom. Two Men and a Truck will move his furniture and I will put everything together for him in his new apartment. He is going to love being with other people again. He was so lonely after Carolyn died.....

Becky and Tom in Florida

It is hard to believe all Tom and I have been through together in the last six months. From broken wrist to broken hip to major heart surgery to bouts of pneumonia and two trips to ICU. We have had our ups and downs; with me in tears when the ICU doctor told me he wouldn't make it. Well, lo and behold, he got the news from his primary doctor that he won't have to be on oxygen for much longer (only until his lungs heal and strengthen) and he will be able to go back to work as a starter at The Hombre possibly as soon as two months. I hope I am that determined when I am 86 YO! His doctor is very enthused by his progress.

On Saturday, he will be moving to Belvedere Commoms on Panama City Beach to be closer to his golf buddies and work. I have been shopping all week for him. It is a very nice facility. He has two large rooms with a kitchenette and a handicapped accessible bathroom. I picked up a 32" Vizio LCD HD TV that the handyman will mount on his wall for him.

His longtime friend, George, who's a realtor, found Belvedere for him. He checked it out while I was back in Maine and kept me posted on openings. What a big help he was in putting this all together.

Wednesday, I am flying back to Maine. That will give Tom some time to let me know if he needs anything else from home.....

As a result of the last six months, I am thinking of going to nursing school. Is fifty-six too old to switch gears? I think not. I should have done it earlier instead of going to business school.

Returning to Florida

July 21st, I am returning to Florida. On Thursday, I am planning to tour Belvedere Commons on the beach as an assisted living possibly for Tom. He no longer wishes to live by himself and wants to be closer to The Hombre and the beach (as a lot of his friends live there). Tom is doing much better and I anticipate he will like living there. If he decides move to Belvedere he will be able to go into the assisted living portion for as long as he needs then he can move over into the independent living villas. Even in the villa he can opt for a meal plan that will get him out with other residents. Belvedere also provides transportation for residents. The villas are 1600 square feet, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths with walk in closets and a one car garage.

On July 23rd I will go and I will break Tom out of HealthSouth. I am sure he'll be relieved to get back home.

I am going to continue to run a 5K three or more times a week just to stay in shape while I am there.

Paul and I have been doing Baxter Boulevard weekly. Sophie (AKA puppyupalous, doggy do do and Sophie Linda) likes to run the Boulevard with me but I haven't been able to take her lately because she's been in heat. That is a whole other story....what a little bitch! I really didn't have to worry about a doggy pregnancy because she barked at every dog she saw....."Keep (bark, bark, bark) away (growl, bark, bark, growl) from me (growl, bark, bark, bark)!!!" She certainly wasn't up for mating. LOL. We really didn't want any mongrel dogs so it worked out fine.

I will keep the posts going from now on.....,..

Tom's Miraculous Recovery

As all who follow me on Facebook know, my father-in-law Tom, has been in MICU fighting for his life. This last week his kidneys began to fail as he fought pneumonia and MRSR (medically resistant staff infection). I was told by Dr. Doom (my nickname for him) that Tom's prognosis was "grim" and that I should call the family if they wanted to say good bye.

Needless to say, I was quite devastated by this turn of events. Being who I am, I immediately contacted everyone I knew requesting prayers. I have been saying rosaries daily (more than I have said in the last 40 years).

I let everyone at the hospital know that Tom is a fighter. It seems that many of the so-called professionals are too quick to give up on 86 year olds, but I do not ascribe to that view. Up until January Tom was working at the Hombre Golf Course and playing regular golf with his buddies. This is not a man who has given up....

Now for the good news. Tom is improving every day. Today, he was able to speak a full sentence without losing his breath! He conned the nurse out of two breakfasts which he gobbled down. When Paul and I were visiting this afternoon, the nurse/social worker came by to tell Tom he would be transferred to Select Care for extended rehab this evening. I think he has walked away from Death's Door for now. I can't thank everyone enough for the love and prayers that have been sent our way. Continue to keep Tom in your prayers and God Bless....

All Women's 1st Twilight 5K for Maine Cancer Foundation

Thursday June 3rd I ran my second 5K, the all women's Twilight 5k at Southern Maine Community College. We ran by Spring Point Marina and around Bug Light and back to SMCC. What a course! There were hills and valleys, unlike any running I've done in flat Florida. My first 5K took me 39 minutes 16 seconds to run; this one took me 34 minutes 46 seconds (about an 11 minute mile). I finished 5th out of 13 in my age group. Paul followed me for most of the race encouraging me to dig in. It wasn't easy because about 1.5 miles into it, I developed a horrendous headache (I would like to think it was due to pollen and not my shunt) and every step hurt my head. Paul kept telling me there was only 100 yards left but there must have been an awful lot of 100 yards because it seemed to go on and on. Quitting never entered my mind but having Paul with me made it easier. One of the women I ran with commented on how great it was to have someone running with me.

By raising $1,000 for the Maine Cancer Foundation I became one of the top fundraisers. Many of our friends and relatives have died from cancer so it was my pleasure to help the cause.

My daughter, Kelly and two grandchildren, Trinitee and Gavin, also came to cheer me on. It was nice to have them at the finish line.

Some may say, why are you doing this at your age? For me, it is done in gratitude for being able to walk. Three years ago, I was diagnosed with Communicating Hydrocephalus (this is not easily diagnosed but is very evident on a brain MRI). For many years, I had been going downhill physically and finally went to a neurologist. I am convinced it would have been a matter of time before I had ended up in a wheelchair. Thank God, with the help of a shunt in my brain, I am able to walk and run. And run I will do.

I am headed back to Florida this Wednesday to care for Tom again. He and I will be flying to Birmingham for his follow up appointment on the 21st of June.

From what I've heard it is hot and muggy. That just means I will be running earlier in the day........Unfortunately, I may have the opportunity to wash birds and sea life while I am there. The oil is beginning to show up at Panama City. Ugghh.....

I am back in Maine!

I flew back to Maine last week as Tom is rehabbing at HealthSouth in Panama City. I flew into Portland and was thrilled to see Paul AND Sophie waiting for me in the airport terminal. Even though it had been three months, Sophie still remembered me. She was so excited to see me she kept running through my legs. It is so good to be back!

Paul and I ran the 1st Patriot 5K in Gray last Saturday. I ran it in 39.14, not real good but not bad either. I was 6th in my age bracket. Paul was 4th in his age bracket.

I have been walking and running with Sophie. She does very well on a loose lead now. I've been taking Sophie everywhere with me......

The reason I have Stitch on my post (from Lilo and Stitch) is because I ran by a truck every day in Florida with Stitch on his back window. It always put a smile on my face. Stitch is such a happy little guy.

On June 3rd I am running in the All Women's Twilight 5K in South Portland. I have raised
almost $500 for the Maine Cancer Foundation, the sponsor of the run.

My newest Dancing Bear tattoo is going to be recolored on June 8th. Ryan at Sanctuary Tattoo does a fantastic job on Grateful Dead tattoos. He used to work at a tattoo parlor named Shakedown Street. I get more comments about my tattoo. Paul surprised me with two Dancing Bears on his upper arm with our initials under them. Guess he can't get rid of me now.....LOL.

Tom is doing well at HealthSouth. He is walking over 115 feet with his walker. I'm returning to Florida on June 9th, having family training on the 10th and Tom will be discharged on the 11th. We will be flying back to Birmingham for a follow up with Dr. Akins as soon as I can get an appointment for him.

Got to run. We are watching the Celtics overwhelm the Magic!

We are home!!!!!

After an extended stay at UAB, Tom is back in Panama City (at HealthSouth). We had a 6 hour drive back from Birmingham. Tom did fantastic. We arrived at the rehab at 8PM and Tom was ready for bed, but managed to eat some Frosted Mini Wheats and vanilla ice cream. He is never too tired for ice cream!

I am flying to Maine for a couple of weeks while Tom is in rehab. I spoke with Dan tonight and told him to make sure Paul brings Sophie when he picks me up.

I'll return to Florida when Tom comes home. Hopefully, he will come to Maine for a stay with the Tracy's. He won't be able to return to work for at least two months so he can enjoy a Maine summer with us. The Hombre has said they will welcome him back when he is ready. It really is his more than a job for Tom. It is a social circle for him.

We are very happy to be back in PC. It has been a long haul.......

16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham

Great news! Tom is being transferred to HealthSouth in Panama City tomorrow. He will be leaving UAB at 9AM by ambulance. Brenda and I will be driving back to meet him at HealthSouth. I could be flying home to Maine as Thursday evening.

I spent the morning at the Civil Rights Institute across from the 16th Street Baptist Church, which was the scene of the bombing in the 60s that killed four young girls. The last of the bombers was just convicted, which is unbelievable. There is so much civil rights history in this city that I wanted to see it first hand. It was amazing.

I went for my last run in Birmingham, through Five Points and down University Blvd. This is a great town to run in; lots of hills and valleys. The only downside is that a different road is shut down every day, it seems.

Tonight I am going to the hospital cafeteria and using my coupon for my blood donation for pie slices for all of us. Sort of a celebration for how far Tom has come. All he wants is Snickers. LOL.

My cousin and me

This is one of my new Birmingham friends, Chris McCann. He could very well be a long lost cousin, as my mother's maiden name is McCann. He is the evening manager at McAlister's Deli next door to our Hotel. He is awesome. Always upbeat.

I went to Mass today at the Cathedral of St Paul again. It was another high Mass and this time the priest was an Indian (from India). Once again I had to really, really pay attention to the homily; it was about us being like a boomerang.......

Tom moved to a regular room today and had his first real food in two weeks. Pork chops, apple sauce, sweet potatoes (his favorite) and collard greens (not his favorite-LOL). He was weighed and is 193.8 lbs down from 206 lbs pre-surgery. The nurses let him sleep today because tomorrow he is beginning rehab. He is so happy to be in a room where the lights can be turned off and doors closed. His room is actually a suite with a microwave, refrigerator and a fold out couch. Brenda and I aren't going to stay overnight though.....he needs his rest without us there.

Sweet Little Sophie

Tom is doing fantastic. He doesn't have the mask on anymore and can talk again. Unfortunately, we still can't understand him but it is getting better. He ate some ice chunks and held it down OK. He may be going into a regular room tomorrow.....

I love this picture of Sadie and Sophie. It was taken last August at the Crocketts just after we got Sophie. Sadie and Sophie are both Irish Water Spaniels and Sadie is the reason we settled on this breed. Sue and Scott are Sadie's parents. Sue was the one who located the breeder in New Hampshire for us. Sadie tolerates Sophie but sometimes she "shows her teeth" to Sophie. But Sophie could care less and just carries on her irritating puppy antics.......such is life.

New Day, New Nails

Tom is doing well. He does have MRSR but the nurse and his doctor are already treating it and expect good results. He is not happy about the oxygen mask he has to wear but I told him that he needs to keep taking deep breaths in order to strengthen his lungs. He understands this and accommodated me while I was visiting. He hates being laid up so I give him pep talks as he is doing very well.
Brenda went into the local Penske office and checked her emails today.
I went to a nail salon and had a manicure/pedicure. Unfortunately, I have ruined two nails already. For someone who chewed her nails until the age of 50, I have done pretty well. I decided to go wild and get yellow nail polish today.

Mass at St Paul's Cathedral in Birmingham

I went to a high Holy Mass at St Paul's Cathedral in Birmingham. It was an impressive Mass that included a baptism and a blessing of all the mothers present (after all, it is Mother's Day). After Mass, I asked the priest if he knew where I could purchase a rosary (because I have had to use my fingers so say it) and he pulled his rosary out of his pocket and gave it to me, asking only that I think of him when I say it......Wow!

Tom was breathing on his own today but they still have the tube in in case he gets tired. He probably will be put back on for the night and taken off completely tomorrow. He is in better spirits today but I understand his depression as he is so independent and hates to be this way. It is hard for Brenda and I to see him like this but it is only temporary and once they start removing tubes, it will go fast. Before we know it, he will be back in his room and getting ready to return to Panama City......

Tom's Surgery

Tom had surgery yesterday and it went well. He is currently in CICU with a semi-private nurse. He had a bleeding problem that necessitated several transfusions but he is one tough bird and came through it well. His incision isn't as bad a my father's triple by-pass scar. Tom still hasn't woken up but his vitals are stable and he still has the breathing tube. The nurse isn't concerned. He said they won't rush him. Tom was starting to twitch and his mouth was moving when I went to see him last night. His color is better than it has been in a long time so the pig valve is doing its job.
I bought this Beanie Baby for Tom because of its big eyes. When he gets into his regular room, this Beanie will be on his shelf watching out for him.
I have said more rosaries this week than I have said in the last 30 years. Had to say them using my fingers cause I don't have a rosary with me......I will blog more through Tom's recovery and will post it on Facebook.

We are in Birmingham

We traveled to Birmingham today. We stopped at Mollywood in Dothan, AL for a break and to visit with our cousin, Molly. I fell in love with this pink flamingo and lo and behold, Molly gave it to me. She said after all I had done for Tom, I deserved it. It will grace our home and the boat launch. I will remember this adventure every time I look at it. It is so unique.

We are settled in for the night and will rise early tomorrow to get Tom to his 7AM appointment for his catheterization and angiogram. It looks like everything is moving ahead. Jane is coming into the Birmingham Airport at 5PM tomorrow. By then, Tom should be admitted to UAB and being prepped for surgery. What an ordeal this has been for him. We'll all be happy for it to be behind us.

Another fine meal at Fugi's Japanese Restaurant

I went to the Harrison Avenue today with Donna, Tom's next door neighbor. The street was shut down and vendors were in full swing. Lots of fine jewelry and paintings and woodworking (neat swings, etc). We had hotdogs at Tom's famous hotdog stand across from LG Beads on Harrison.

I went to Mass at 5PM and Father George said I shouldn't raise my hand to say I was a visitor. He suggested that I pick up a registration card LOL. He also is going to pray for Tom's speedy recovery. Another couple who had sat with us at one of the church suppers will also be praying for Tom. I am going to miss St John's when I go home. There's a nice bunch of people who go there

Brenda got here at 4:45 and after I got out of Mass, we went for dinner at Fugi's Japanese Restaurant. They put on a good spread and we came home really, really full! We had hibachi and sweet and sour soup and egg drop soup, fried rice, chicken wings, beef on a stick and much more! The owner is very accommodating and I hope they do well.

Sophie is driving Paul crazy but he is dealing with it. She's on her worst behavior when he puts her out and refuses to come when called. Sounds like another visit to doggie obedience school and Carl when I return.

A Clean Vehicle to Drive to Birmingham in

I went out today and cleaned the car. It hadn't been vacuumed for awhile and the windows needed washing. Now all it needs is a carwash and it should be good to go. The windows may need a once over but I won't know for sure until I get driving in the dark or bright sunlight.

Tom had his teeth cleaned today. His original appointment in January had to be canceled due to his hip injury. All went well and he doesn't have to go back until November.

I didn't get my walk in today because of thunderstorms but will do a good run tomorrow. I signed up to run in the All Women's Twilight 5K on June 3rd at 7PM. I have already raised $340.toward my goal of $1,000. Hopefully, I will make my goal. The link to donate is http://tfac5K.kintera.org/sophieschoice.

Got up early

We got up early today (8:15) as Andrea, Tom's caseworker, called to see how he was. I guess 8:15 is late for some people but to us it is the equivalent of 5AM. LOL. I have yet to see Morning Joe (Joe Scarborough and Mika Brezinininski {those Polish names get me every time}). It comes on from 5 to 8AM here, way too early for me!

This is Melanie and her new dog, Cooper. He is fast becoming one of Sophie's pack. He is 5YO and much more settled than Soph so she will drive him nuts for sure. Melanie and Basil rescued Cooper from Harvest Hills Animal Shelter in Fryeburg, ME. They lost their other dog, Max, to bone cancer. Max was a hoot. He had multiple personalities and you never knew which one you'd encounter. He lived more than a year and a half longer than the vet said he would and maintained a pretty good life.

Harvest Hills is supported, in part, by a thrift shop they run and donations. If you Google Harvest Hills, Fryeburg, ME, you can see who is in residence.

Cooper is a good addition to our neighborhood, which includes Sophie and Molly (the wild women) and various other cats and dogs. I am anxious to see them all......

Yard work and Goodwill treasures

Today, Tom and I went to Burger King for junkfood before I bought 4 pair of shorts at Goodwill in Springfield, FL for $14. What a find! All were in new condition, three were Jones New York and one was Geoffrey Been (sp). And I also found a book by Barbara Bush for Tom to read.

As usual, I went for my walk/run and waved to everyone who drove by. Saw my friend, the red Siberian Huskie with the beautiful white eyes. She is so calm and never barks at me.

I also put black mulch down along the garage around the plants, etc; it looks so much better now. And Tom did something he hasn't done for a long time. He walked around the yard without his walker. He blew the leaves from the walkway all by himself. It was quite an accomplishment for him. He says he is a little sore but feels really good about being able to do it.

We just ate sandwiches for supper and are now watching CSI New York.

We begin the countdown

Got notification from University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital today regarding Tom's catheterization schedule and heart surgery. He will be coming off all blood thinners on Wednesday in preparation for the procedures. It looks as though it is going to take place this time.

Brenda will be coming on Saturday and we will make the trek to Birmingham on Sunday. Tom is anxious to get this behind him as are we. He has agreed to come back to Maine with me to recuperate. He is such a social person and has a string of visitors who visit. I had to promise that I'd get a social circle going for him in Maine.

He will be eating a lot of high iron foods this week to thicken his blood. We don't want any delays in Birmingham, although there are medications available to thicken his blood if necessary.

We are just relaxing tonight after a good meal of pot roast, spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes and red potatoes. Popsicles for me, of course. I made chocolate chip cookies for Tom.

Sophie and her two moms

This was Sophie's last day with her pack and her breeder, the late Marion Hopkins. Marion was a great breeder of Irish Water Spaniels, having bred them since 1960. She actually picked out Sophie for us and she was right on. Marion protected the breed's lineage by not overbreeding. She was a true lover of the IWS and we were fortunate to have found her in Bradford, NH, so close to our home. People came from all over the world to adopt one of the 10 puppies in her last litter. Sophie couldn't have had a better start in life than Marion and her daughter, Pam, provided.

Marion passed away peacefully this past winter at the age of 94 (?). RIP Marion and thank you.

Becky and her Dancing Bears

Went to Mass this AM. Father George told me today he was sending me an application for membership to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Panama City.....I have been one of the longest visitors to the parish. It is a vibrant community of friendly people who have made me feel wanted and welcome. The good thing about Father George is that he is Polish, has a wicked accent and I have to really pay attention to his homilies. No sleeping on his watch or I will miss the gist of it LOL.

Tom and I went to Pier Park on the Beach and the buildings are many different (and georgeous) colors; only in Florida. It sort of reminded me of Seaside (the community that was featured in the "Truman Show"). Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Restaurant in in Pier Park. Very impressive.

We went to eat at Outback Steakhouse on 23rd St. Tom had their signature steak and I had French Onion Soup and Grilled Chicken with barbecue sauce and summer veggies. Of course, I had lots of unsweetened ice tea. From the restaurant, we went to visit Harriett and Tom, Tom's sister-in-law and brother-in -law. I helped Harriett to order some Tony Stewart t-shirts for their son, Michael.

Now we are home for the night and plan to watch the last disc of Band of Brothers. It has been a good series. I finished Tom Friedman's The World is Flat (finally!) Now I am on to a biography of Tom Brokaw.

Tom's New Azalea

Here is the Azalea Tom and I picked out for his walkway. It will fill in the area between the hydrangea and the palm tree. It is an Encore Azalea that should be three feet tall and three feet in circumference. It is an Azalea that will bloom nine months of the year. This picture doesn't do justice as it is a very pretty peachy pink color. Now we have to get some cedar chips or something to finish it off......

Tom's clean porch

This is Tom's porch. It was pretty dirty and the chairs were all broken. We went to Lowe's to get a dwarf Azalea and then we stopped by Ace Hardware to get the pastel Adirondack chairs. After vacuuming the porch and dusting, now we can actually use it. It is much more inviting and Tom can entertain his buddies when they come to visit. All it took was three new chairs and a little elbow grease (I did discover he needs a new vacuum but that is for another day). :-)

Sophie and Paul

This is Sophie's dad. In keeping with the chair that she thinks is hers, look where she is. She hates it when Paul sits there and she pounces on him.

Sophie was a good addition to our family.

I have never had a dog from birth on and it has been a treat. Sophie came home with us in late August, the day after her mother went home with her human. She left behind her siblings (there were nine of them) and I held her all the way home (about 70 miles). She cried and cried and just as we crossed the Maine border, she glanced up at me and a look came over her that seemed to say, "I guess you're my pack now." That was all it took. Sophie was crate trained but cried that first night as all puppies do. She has been fantastic since then. House training was a breeze; the only mistakes she had was when her humans failed to interpret her signals. I guess it could be said that she trained her humans well. I miss her....

Chris, another of Sophie's pack

This is another of Sophie's humans. Chris, our oldest son, is sitting in the chair that causes great consternation for Sophie. Every time someone sits in this chair, she thinks she should be in it too. He doesn't let her sit in his lap usually. But she's allowed to sleep on his bed at night. Chris regales us with her antics (he calls them doggy dreams) when her paws start running and she is kicking him. Sophie is a fortunate dog to have so many people who love her.........

Sophie and one of her "pack"

This is the only person in Sophie's circle who always warrants a hug from her. And by hug, I mean a real human hug. One paw on each side of the neck. Dan is her best buddy whenever he is around. It is a true symbiotic relationship......
I didn't get out for a walk until 3PM today and what a walk it was. 80 degrees with no humidity and a nice breeze. I walked in my Birkenstocks instead of sneakers. My walk is about three miles and I wave at everyone I see. Usually, about 95% return my wave. My time in Florida has been pleasant for the most part. There hasn't been a day that I haven't been able to walk; any rain has held off until I was home again. There is a beautiful red Siberian Husky (with those white eyes) who welcomes me almost every day on Yellow Bluff Road. I sorta get my my puppy "fix" whenever I see her. I miss Sophie though.

We are sitting here eating breakfast. Tom is reading the newspaper and I am watching "The Price is Right" and writing this. If I ever get out to California, I want to go on the show. It is my favorite daytime show of all time.....

Paul just called. He and Chris are heading home after getting haircuts. Sophie is home alone. She is a dog who can be left alone and doesn't get into things. Of course, I will never say never. But so far she just lays by the back door and waits for her humans.

She went out today to do her business and stood at the end of the driveway looking at Molly's (her doggy buddy) waiting for signs of life. Paul said she stayed there for fifteen minutes like a statue. I miss her. She is such a personality.

Enjoy the video.

Sophie serenading her humans

This is Sophie singing for us. She is a treat to be around.....it is as though she is human. She understands so much. I really miss her.

Sophie's looking for her human

Tom and I went to Fiji's Japanese Buffet for supper and what a meal! I don't think I have ever had such a good meal at an oriental restaurant. The waitress waited until I was done to suggest that I try the Hibachi (which is veggies and meat cooked on a hibachi in front of us). I am going to have to walk, run and do aerobics to work that meal off.

Paul called me to say MLM wants him to do a Floe Dock for them. It will be a good deal for both he and Dan. Dan has gotten some summer work lined up in Raymond so it appears that it will be busy summer for all.

When I get back to Maine, I intend to use my kayak on Sebago this summer. And we will be out on the Sea Ray as well. The last two summers have been washouts. This summer will be awesome.

This picture of Sophie is one of my favorites. She is checking out the wildlife in the backyard. I'd like to think she is looking for me (LOL).

This is our "princess", Sophie, lounging on the livingroom floor. She is the best friend we could have. Not only is she company for Paul while I'm in Florida, she is a clown. In keeping with her Water Spaniel genes, she loves the water and the mud and the slime. She thinks nothing of going for a swim in the filthiest of water and then shaking off right next to Paul!
Every time our son, Dan, comes for a visit, she meets him at the door and gives him a hug. Seriously, she hugs him and he is the only one she does it to. I have never had a dog from puppyhood on but she has brought great joy to my life. I hear of her escapades daily from Paul and look forward to seeing her again. I will add the video of her singing later in the day. As always, RST.

The end of another beautiful day

Here we sit in beautiful Panama City after a whirlwind day. Tom and I arose at 7AM to get ready to visit The Hombre, Tom's employer. Of course, he hasn't been there since the day he broke his hip in January. He was very excited to be going back if only for a visit. We went to the Waffle Shoppe on 23rd Street for waffles with strawberries and whipped cream. We needed all the energy possible to visit with his co-workers, who are also his social circle. It was a blast driving a real expensive golf cart all around The Hombre. The one at my old job pales in comparison. We also went into the pro shop and I found a beautiful sleeveless shirt and a pair of golf socks. However, the closest they'll come to golfing is when I walk past Tom's clubs as I go out for my daily walk!
We went to visit another friend, Joanne, who lost her husband, Charlie, to lung cancer this year. Her home is on the golf course and has a pool just off the livingroom. She has a 17 YO orange cat who looks like she put her paw in a light socket.
When we returned home, both of us began to read our books (Tom a Tom Brokaw bio and me Tom Friedman's The World is Flat) and ended up falling asleep. Getting up earlier than 9AM takes a lot out of us old farts (LOL).
Tom's CNA came for her visit and I helped her find a good biography of Bill Clinton so her son could do a school report on him. I don't think many people realize Bill was our first black president. I am fortunate to have a cheap printer attached to my laptop.
She left at 4PM just as Florida Pest Control came to respray the lawn because here in Florida, people pay to have their lawns de-weeded. In Maine, we just wait for winter and the weeds die....I miss my dog, Sophie. That is why I named this blog after her. Don't get me wrong, I also miss my husband and kids but they understand where I am. Sophie doesn't and I am afraid she'll forget me. Sophie is a beautiful Irish Water Spaniel and is a clown extraordinaire. If I can figure our how to post pics, I will put some on here.