A Day at the Zoo with the kids - Stephen - Picasa Web Albums

A Day at the Zoo with the kids - Stephen - Picasa Web Albums

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Zooey!

Six of we seven had never been to the Palm Beach Zoo. They had the sad old picture of rows of cages and pacing animals in their head. The seventh person pushed them into it and they had a ball. We had discounts of one sort or another and we had camera batteries expiring right and left. We had a pretty decent day for it and spent the day.

This after a pretty full Saturday on which I delivered the dogs to the kids and met Latours at Butterfly World for a concert of the Acappella singers. I am a "groupie" for the basso-profundo who unfortunately was not there-gall bladder surgery. That was somewhat disappointing but the concert was great. The Korean coloratura soprano brought tears to my eyes-for the right reasons. We repaired to the Butterfly House for awhile afterwards and, since it is spring, we were rewarded with the greatest profusion of butterflies to date. I got a good shot of the Giant Hummingbird and some other good pictures. Home by 4:00.

Butterfly World Concert Florida life

Frenzy

With decent weather and stays coming to an end there is a veritable frenzy to socialize outdoors. I went to the store this evening and got hailed for a screwdriver with the usual suspects. Rene tried to hurt me with the vodka and almost succeeded. Then it was home to a cocktail party at Moe and Robert's. Joyce, Gary, Mervi and Ken, and Moe and Robert and moi. Moe said last night that it was just going to be a cracker, a piece of cheese and a piece of sausage. I was surprised to see shrimp, several dips, egg salad sandwiches, salad, etc. We had a fire in their nifty fire pit and just enough alcohol to release the hilarity. Very nice. We had a great sunset. I introduced Moe and Joyce and a warm friendship has ensued.

I managed to keep the Tony therapy to a hour but it put me behind schedule. When I went to the store my pouch was running on empty and I saw a small ham at a good price. The doggies were very impressed. We'll eat on it for a day or two before it hits the soup pot. Big weekend planned which you will find out about in due course.

Finally ! Floridays

Two great days in a row. The park has been very quiet -the beaches have been busy. So have I. Greg and Lew came by yesterday and it was very good to see them. Greg has been fighting a bug and looked pasty-he was just up yesterday from his sickbed. They have been helping Lew's folks downsize for assisted living. Ninety some years of stuff-good stuff. They enjoy their mobile home but were afflicted by the same crap weather. We visited here, then I took them to lunch at their favorite-a Denny's Classic Diner -all chrome and retro movie posters. Greg looked better for a little food. He doesn't eat much but a little food brought some color back. I had a late lunch with them. Then I remembered I had a dinner invitation at Andre and Nicole's- Bob and Ruth were joining us. We had a lengthy happy hour which was fortunate because I had just eaten. Eventually, grilled salmon, rice pilaf, and mixed vegetables found the table. It was excellent. I should be writing the names of the good wines down but I haven't. Lots of laughing. Ruth is funny if you can get a little wine in her. Bob is funny with or without and he was without. He has had a bout of diverticulitis. I got home about 9:00 and my life force was on a serious ebb. I did not hurt but I had doubts about waking up today. I took the range: minerals and all meds and fell into bed. I did wake up and felt pretty good.

After walking the dog and waving goodbye to the beachgoers, I fed the pups and ditched them for a couple of hours. I went to the beach to take pictures. I bought an egg salad sandwich with tomato and a few Greek olives at Toojay's Deli. I had a little lunch at the beach and saw these two Amish beach ladies. (joke). After I got home Tony came over to bend my ear. He accused me of being anti-semitic because when he was railing all bigoty about the Haitians, I used his own history to refute the bigotry. I know more about Tony and his history-as told by Tony, than I ever wanted to know. Tony has Haitian tenants who have bounced some rent checks- about $1600.00 which eventually make it through the bank. This sends him into rants about what terrible people Haitians are. His most recent client, a Jew, has stiffed him for $10,000.00. Another Jew stung him for $40,000.00. So I asked him where the diatribes against the Jews were. Mentioned a few names like Madoff, Helmsley, etc. Now I am anti-semitic. I was saved by (the other ) Nicole who stopped by on her bike to ask me to dinner with Guy, his wife, for fish nd chips cooked and caught by (the other) Andre. Good food-French Canadians like their french fries with a little vinegar. This is very nice. They are genuine foodies. They like every part of gastronomy. The conversation with the group is a little tough but Andre is very good in English. I like their sensibility. Guy's wife, who went through rehab for alcohol and looks tons better, waited until the French -Canadians left the tent and took a good slug of Guy's wine. I was a little uncomfortable.

Clix on de pix. I like the flock of seagulls in this one. Trivia: the "th" sound is very difficult for the native French-Canadian speaker. They have "brudders," go to "de store," and "three-thirty-three" is an impossibility.

Life in the Slow Lane is OK with me.

Monday started rainy and blustery. I was content to hole up in the RV and read, surf the Internet, etc. Came a knock on the door. Tony! I told him I was busy-through the door. The rain let up and I ditched the dogs and went to Walmart for dog food and a few other items. Lori called while I was there. I called her back when I got to the car. We had a long chat while I sat in the parking lot. Enjoyable.

Tony must have been watching for me because I had no more than put away the groceries and here he comes. It wasn't too bad but I really feel stalked. Many of the people I like are packing up and heading toward home-many in no hurry, but Tony stays. Sheryl and Doug and Abbie, the dog, are bidding on a short sale condominium and putting their 5th wheel up for sale. I will miss them next year. Bonnie and Dave are in South Carolina at a beach island. Joyce and Gary and Moe and Robert will join them on their meander north. Yves and Andee have found a spot on Nettles Island for a month and for next season. (I think the romance with the Rosenbergs has lost its bloom). Patsy and Joe are back from Canada for a few days. Then they will head north. Ken stopped by today to discuss the activities agenda for next year ("If we are both here.") Ted Fish came down, and packed up to go to Atlanta where Kitty is sounding better, to hear her tell it, but Ted thinks she is done. I spent time entering email addresses for several friends in my databases. (I love my Droid phone-enter the data in Gmail and it appears magically on the phone.) Even with the communications miracles of today it is a little sad-making, all these farewells.

Today, I slept until 9:30 a.m. and felt wonderful when I awoke. It was a Tony-free day. Jean and Marc were restless and going out for a drive. I headed them toward Mount's Botanical Gardens which they enjoyed. We have a date to go to the zoo this weekend. I haven't been this year and they haven't been at all. I made a run to Harbor Freight. I want to make some improvements for next year's camp. I am told the rates are going up next year. I think they are dumb because at least 7 couples have opted for condo land because the prices are somewhat competitive and there is no anxiety about getting in to something you own. As much as I enjoy this park, I have been exploring.

03202010 FL Butterfly World - Stephen - Picasa Web Albums

03202010 FL Butterfly World - Stephen - Picasa Web Albums

Click the link for a Butterfly World Album

Butterfly World

The kids got back from their cruise Saturday about 11:00 a.m. which was just perfect for my meeting friends at Butterfly World in Coconut Creek. Rene and Terese had never been and their friends, Pierre and Marthe joined us. Marc and Jeanne were their tour guides. It was a great day with enthusiastic people and cameras that produced the good, the bad and the unrecognizable. The bugs and birds are busy pursuing their own agenda with no consideration for having their pictures taken.

It is always interesting to go with "newbies" because they don't really expect the great experience that it is. It is highly interactive. The music is wonderful, the tropical setting enjoyable, and the critters are exotic and up close. The people watching is pretty good too. The place attracts a wide cross section of society who are really into what they are seeing.

Rene feeds some Lorikeets. Below, Terese is being mugged by a Lorikeet that must have smelled the almonds she had in her purse. These birds are quite chummy with humans and one lady exited with one on her back-much to her surprise. My season pass expires the 28th and there are singers there next weekend so I may go one last time. I have gotten my money's worth out of the season pass.

I went back to Deerfield to visit with the kids and Chad and Joyce, gather my laundry and stuff, pick up my doggies and head for the park. When I arrived our same group was putting together an impromptu dinner: Costco Chicken, a green salad, chips, good Chilean Wine, and a couple of the little rum cakes the kids brought me from their trip. We do laugh. Pierre and Marthe are fun too.

Today, Sunday, I set about putting my campsite to right, paying for my last month, cleaning the icemaker. Tony came. Blah, blah, blah. Then Bob came and rescued me. He is funny, animated, and has some good tales. He left, and Tony came back for two hours. He tends to go bigoted and I nailed him on it. But he still stayed. Tired me out. Got nothing else done. Some folks bring you up, some folks bring you down.

We are having a pretty impressive thunderstorm tonight. Supposed to be better tomorrow.

Party time

Andre helped give Juneau his workout Tuesday. The day was a little cooler than forecasted but still pretty nice and way better than cloudy/rainy yesterday. The temperature at home-60 degrees was the same as here. Jeanne says folks had a ball. That is a credible assessment because the laughter is frequent among this bunch. They enjoyed the resort atmosphere. They brought finger-food for the afternoon and I cooked dinner for 7 at 7:oo.

Someone- probably Jeanne, brought silk leis and drink umbrellas. We were moderate but steady in our beverage consumption and I count the meal a success because there were few leftovers.

I didn't realize until just now that Honey was taking a leak in the background of this fine piece of photography. The friends wanted to stay and help me clean up but it was nigh on to 10:00 when we broke up the party. I had plenty of time to clean things up yesterday and read a book. The pool cleaner and the cleaning lady both come on Thursday. I sat by the pool and tended dogs-just like in my job description. I also started Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States. I learned of the title in his recent obituary. It is eye-opening, well sourced, if clearly an intended antidote to the account found in"The Promise of America" textbook we all had lo those many years ago. It is also eminently readable. The Kindle pages keep flipping even though I know how the story turns out.

I haven't posted because the cable to my Sony camera was 20 miles away. I ran down Hillsborough to CompUSA and bought a cheap 72 in 1 card reader so I am back in business.

I am coasting on leftover finger food. I am not dirtying the kitchen after Mita put everything in order. I want a cleaning lady-in fact I want Mita. She is a beautiful Hispanic lady with a smile that knocks you out. She and her assistant pulled up in a pretty darn nice black sedan, got their equipment out of the trunk and two hours later I handed her the envelope with the check.

I fell down this evening. I am not sure what happened other than I lost my balance. Juneau was the first one there. Buster wisely ran from the disaster and Honey thought I wanted to play. A couple of skinned places but no other discernible boo-boos. At least when I get up from falling down I am no more dishevelled looking then when I fell down. Not everybody can say that.

Juneau's Birthday Party

Juneau opened presents-he loves to open them. He got some pool toys and a "Fluffy" rabbit. The other dogs got little fluffy's.

Lori made "Tuna-peanut butter surprises encrusted with kibble" and stuck a candle in them.

We sang "Happy Birthday" and Juneau blew out his candles. I kid you not. He barked at them and they went out. Honey and Juneau roughhoused outside, inside, and Juneau took a couple of dips in the pool. They wore themselves out. Buster enjoyed the treats and tried to hump Juneau. Of course we shared the "grown up" dinner with them: Pistachio Grouper masterfully done by chef Jason, Sugar-snap peas, warm bread and strawberries for dessert. As we had coffee by the pool we heard the cannons going off for the 1812 Overture and decided we might be a little late to go to Mizner Park. But it was a great evening. We walked the dogs on Juneau's route so I am completely checked out taking care of the little pride and joy. I was right. Lori is already missing him.

Today Tony and I had been talking for quite awhile. Honey started to whimper like she does when she needs to go out. I asked "Do you need to poop?" Tony said, "Are you clairvoyant? I sure do." Then he realized. I nearly wet myself.

I am off to Deerfield tomorrow morning.

Morton's

Morton's is a fancy-schmancy Steakhouse in West Palm Beach. The kids had attended a charity event about a year ago and a $100.00 gift certificate came in a gift basket. It was about to expire so they kindly offered it to me. I was warned that there would be some "out of pocket" expense even with $100.00 off. I went on the website and downloaded an "off-menu" offer of a dinner for two for $99.00. Then I cast about for a dinner companion who might appreciate the experience and chose Tony. I picked right. It was a "shades of former glory" experience for him. He is still glowing, downloaded the salad recipe from the web, and telling his friends about "Dining at Morton's." We did not see any celebrities but we were treated like them. Tony developed a crush on a Nicaraguan server (not ours) and I told her. She couldn't have been nicer, nor our server.

The food was extraordinarily good: Beefsteak tomatoes on arugula, with red onions and bleu cheese, Asparagus drizzled in a balsamic vinegar reduction, garlic mashed potatoes, Jumbo shrimp Florentine, hot fresh onion bread and a creme brulee' with raspberries for dessert. The portions were gargantuan. I took fully half of mine home. We upgraded on a couple of things- a $30.00 bottle of wine (bottom of the line there) and double cuts on the beef. It still cost us $88.00 which we split but we lived like Palm Beach glitzes for a few hours. I'm glad to have had the experience.

Creme Brulee is blanc mange with a blowtorched cover of sugar. It came with a sprig of spearmint and three perfect raspberries. I hated to leave any but I did.

We left John Prince Park in a rainstorm and came home in a deluge. And it deluged until late Friday afternoon. At least 7 inches that soaked everything. I was not amused. I had gotten my hopes up that the weather would be nice for a few weeks. That is not to be.

Jason called. We will do the doggy birthday party tomorrow, then go see the Russian National Orchestra in Mizner Park. Jason remembered my playing The 1812 Overture on my reel-to-reel tape machine when he was a pup. We'll see how the Russians do it. It is a fun piece of music with the English themes and the French themes ("The Bear Went Over the Mountain." ) and cannon fire-real, or simulated.

Birds of Prey/Ice Cream Social

A Docent from the Gumbo-Limbo Nature Preserve came on a beautiful Wednesday to make a very interesting presentation. It had been postponed three times because of the weather. It was well attended. The Docent was a black man. I didn't use my flash because I didn't want to startle the critters. He passed a docile snake around. Marc held it and was surprised at how smooth and non-slimy it was.

We even got the staff out for this one. This was the last official event of the season.

I helped serve the ice cream for the ice cream social. The $1.00 charge for the Potlucks has resulted in a nice kitty for the future and Lots of ice cream, sugar wafers, and syrups were on hand for a linger-longer gabfest. Seconds and thirds were common and people seemed to have a good time.

Last Potluck of the Season

The last Potluck of the Season was a big success. We had about 110 in attendance and the food was terrific and plentiful. "My" dance was a big hit. (It was aided by my crowd who wasted no time getting on the dance floor and hamming it up.) There was time for a few rounds of, LCR, a gambling game during which time, my 78 year-old"Roadie," Bob, and Andre and I got my sound equipment and lights disassembled and packed up. After I got home I got the giggles: it was all over by 10:00 p.m. A preview of life at Shady Pines?

Andre and Guy caught a mess of fish-one six pound bass. Andre and Nicole H. made a Greek dish "Bass Mayonnaise" which was artfully done and very tasty. Within that ex-cop's breast beats a poetic heart.

The "usual suspects" hitting the vino before the food .

Marc was shooting the picture. Andre, D. Nicole G. Jeanne, Rene, and moi making bunny ears on Jeanne. More pix at the link. Click it see some old and happy fools. (Jeanne's pictures included)

Last Potluck of the Season

Beautiful Day

Jaason called Sunday morning. I had sent a list of things I needed to be taught for my housesitting stint. We got that done and had a great time. Jeanne's kids had sent my kids an edible bouquet as a thank you. Lori went to the fresh market and we had bodacious burgers, sat by the pool, and watched the Goodyear blimp and party people on boats enjoying a very pleasant day. A colleague of Jason's had won a trip on the Goodyear blimp and was very likely aboard.

When the young ones come along the canal with the tunes blaring, the O.F. scoots out to the dock to dance along and take pictures. This boat obliged me with a closeup and saucy poses. Great fun for all.

The dogs played a lot. It really is entertaining for them and us. Good exercise for them. Jason had fired the old lawn maintenance crew. They broke something nearly every time they came. With a new outfit he was emboldened to contract for new landscape lighting which is lower voltage and absolutely amazing. The texture of the tree bark makes exotic patterns. There is a blue light high in one tree that casts "moonlight" on a patio table. The reflection of the trees in the pool is dramatic.

I had planned to stop at WalMart on the way home. I was completely out of some things and with six weeks to go, I had to stock up. Sunday night is a great time to go-I was in and out in record time. Lori and I made a plate to share of fruit from the bouquet for Marc and Jeanne and I dropped it off on my way home. Marc is feeling better. Great day hanging out with my kids.

Leprechauns!

I was surprised to have Andre bike up to me while I was walking the dog. When they left last year it was to be their last trip. Here at age 80 and 81, they are again in the park at their favorite site. Tonight they are square dancing in Boynton Beach. Anna booked a cruise for them and told Andre it was his job to get them here. So the 1990 Ford van made another trek to chilly Florida. They are sharp as tacks mentally, Anna is getting a little deaf. Andre almost brought me to my knees recounting his prostate issues. Not entirely funny because his PSA numbers are climbing again. At 81 Anna is unembarrassed by anything. Tough as nails. Andre has a little electric heater for his dome tent. Anna has a lot of blankets and a hair dryer for heat in the van.

Joyce came over while Tony was holding forth today. She had taken Gary's scooter over to the office to collect the newspaper, turned around and crashed right into the electric gate. She is bruised from toe to shoulder. I felt bad for her injuries but found the mental pictures hilarious. "Crash" Anderson they are calling her.

Tony's daughter, Jennifer, and his grandkids came up for lunch. Evidently she did not want to go to the Ritz-Carlton for brunch so they went to John G's. She is a beautiful woman and the grandkids are also gorgeous and "smart", the three year old informed me.

Rene and Terese invited me for breakfast this morning. Terese worked her magic, producing an excellent omelet on her hot plate. We had grapefruit, sliced tomatoes with pesto sauce, avocado, and toasted English muffins. Jeanne crashed the party to announce that Marc had a good night and was now able to urinate. I was glad to hear that but it kind of spoiled my surprise. Terese and Rene had, after much urging, decided to keep the little TV I loaned them for the Olympics. It is just the perfect size for their VW Westfalia and it doesn't catch a signal in Wyoming. They were really wrestling with accepting such a gift. So the breakfast was an occasion to give me a very nice "French Press" Bodum coffeemaker, some Starbuck beans and a nice travel mug. All of which thrilled me. Thoughtful gifts.

It was actually a pretty nice day all day long. Hope arises in my heart. Guy, from home, had a computer issue so he called. He said we had two inches of rain in Arapahoe yesterday which, on top of the snow which has been there since October, was making a mess. But moisture is always welcome- here or there.

Alive and flourishing

Not having posted since Monday, some enquiries have arrived. All is well, if not perfect- the weather really has been dispiriting some days. Strong winds, rain, but usually some sunshine too. "The Season" is coming to a close. The last potluck will be March 8 (WEATHER PERMITTING). Folks are hustling to get some entertaining done. Nicole has been planning a spaghetti dinner since Rene and Terese came on January 15th but the weather has not cooperated. They took me to John G's for lunch Wednesday in their Rialta. I will close and come back-her highness is pitching a whining fit to go out.

Now I am back. Tony has come and gone. He is the bane of my existence. Sheryl came by to ask me to walk her dog, Abbie, and Tony wanted to know who the woman was who came out of my RV! I was, in fact, down the street having dinner at Bob and Ruth's. They are very entertaining and somewhat of a surprise. They were tradespeople-fencebuilders, but are very sophisticated in some ways-down to earth in others. Bob fixed Tilapia in Bruschetta, Ruth, cooked carrots and mashed potatoes and made a salad. Nicole brought a nice wine. I was told to bring nothing but I brought chocolate covered strawberries from Hoffman's. That was a redundant dessert because cherry pie was on the menu. They are both good storytellers. Bob greeted my arrival with "The pain in the ass is here."

The Rialta is a little person's RV-22 feet but completely equipped, V-6 engine 17 m.p.g. on the highway. Since Nicole is a size zero and Andre is not large it works well for them.

Marc is still suffering. Jeanne took my advice and got his appointment moved to today as opposed to next Thursday. Over the weekend in agony could be dangerous.

I am feeling better. I massaged my painful legs and got the lumps out. It hurt but in a good way.

Laundry Day

The kids called and I spent Sunday afternoon at Deerfield doing my laundry and watching dogs play. They invited Marcia to dinner as well. Her husband Bob was up at Daytona with his Harley but came home in time for Jason to help unload the bike.

Ka-Bobs from the Fresh Market are fantastic. Lori opened a bottle of "three figure wine" that was so mellow. It was a gift from David. I buy 3 digit wine-low three digit wine. There is a difference in taste but not effect. I used my little FM transmitter for my iPod to play tunes through the big stereo. That was pleasant. Marcia is a holistic therapist and Chiropractor. She used a tapping therapy to rid Jason of a headache. It was effective. She brought her dogs Lucy and Maximus (huge Maximus). Jason has been busy. They are going to take a cruise with Lori's brother and his wife for Chad's 20th anniversary. I will sit the dog during that time and Lori suggested I invite my friends down for a dinner party. Sounds good to me.

Going home I passed a burning car and pulled in to report it but the fire trucks arrived before I could draw my phone. No occupants in the car. Likely arson.

To give Tony his due, the rack of lamb was delectable-perhaps the best ever. But it cost me dearly. Six visits today and three phone calls. I also had visits from my old friend Andre (my 80 year old friend, Andre) and my 78 year old friend Bob who is a New Jersey riot. Lord he is funny. He extended an invitation for a fish dinner Thursday. Joyce had called last night while I was at Deerfield and invited me for dinner tonight: Her excellent meatloaf, mashed potatoes, Bonnie's veggie melange from the green market, and Joyce's ambrosia salad and lemon lush for dessert. Oink, oink.

New neighbors on both sides-Quebeckers. One side is going to be fine. The other -typical. I guess the park erupted in car horn blowing yesterday when Canada won the gold medal in hockey.

Marc is having urinary issues. Pain and fever. He got meds from his Georgia doc yesterday but not much relief. Urologist tomorrow. I got the water flowing but now my minerals are fouled up. Rene heard from his brother who lives in Chile. He is fine but is sleeping in his street clothes with his car keys in his pocket, close to the door. There have been hundreds of aftershocks. Past couple of days have been nice, if a little cool, in South FL.