Saturday, March 27, 2010

Another beautiful day for the beach people. Steve and I went to Venice beach today and walked from the public beach almost to Venice pier where Sharkey's restaurant is. Got some sun and found a few nice shells. Only one shark tooth. The beach replenishment seems to have depleted the supply of teeth that use to be so abundant. We went into Venice for some frozen yogurt and then back to the house. Life is treating us well.
I finally finished the sweater that I have been working on since last July. I have a scarf to finish for my daughter in-law Kim and then I hope to start on a project for myself. My cousin should be here soon. We are anxiously awaiting her arrival. Even the dogs are looking forward to her being with us again................

Sunday, March 21, 2010




Walking on the beach is just as lovely in the evening after dinner even when the day has been rainy. Cleared up enough for the walk and exercise to be great............Just wish the water was a little warmer.

I think I understand now what this retirement deal is all about. You can walk the beach as long and late as you want (or the law allows) and not have to worry about getting up to go to work the next day. The screaming kids are usually "put away" for the night and one can enjoy the beach as it was meant to be. I hope to be able to make this at least a twice a week part of my new no-work schedule.

Friday, March 19, 2010




This is not one of my favorite pics of myself, but this was a fantastic day. After doing the Arts and Craft Show on Holmes Beach, Steve, myself and my friend Lea Baker went to Rotten Ralph's Marina on the north end of Anna Maria Island and had lunch. It was a windy day but the sun was warm and the company was great. For those of you who aren't familiar with the area, I am attaching a picture of the waterway. I am looking forward to more good times like this throughout the spring and summer.

Thursday, March 18, 2010


It has been brought to my attention recently that a great deal of time has passed since I last posted to my blog. For a change I have happy news that doesn't involve packing up our house and moving yet again. The charming gentleman that I mentioned in my last post is now my husband as of March 16. His name is Steve Shaw and he has become the light of my life. He makes me laugh and smile constantly. I can't believe how much we have in common and how well we are suited to each other. Since we both have homes and neither is large enough for the extended family that I live with, we are dividing our time between the two houses. My cousin will be moving into the Sarasota house shortly and I will then be spending more time at the house in Englewood. We haven't combined the animals in our households yet and I am inclined to leave them separated - not that I have any doubt that the mastiff boys would accept the schips with no problem. The schips, however, are not the most hospitable critters when it comes to a breed that isn't the same size and color as themselves. My cousin is great with the schips and they are very fond of her so once she arrives they will be spoiled rotten and I won't feel so guilty about being gone for a few days at a time without seeing them.

The Englewood house seems like a quiet retreat from the city noise. The yard reminds me of a tropical setting from Better Homes and Gardens or a scene taken from Sarasota Jungle Gardens. There are two ponds with a waterfall and beyond the property is a small lake. The yard is set with tropical and semi-tropical plants. Native birds put in an appearance on a daily basis. Even though the house is in a residential area with neighbors all around, the property is landscaped and fenced so that it is very private and seems secluded. I truly enjoy the time I spend there and look forward to being there more often. I love the mastiff boys and they seem to be very fond of me. If you can imagine a 200 pound dog galloping towards the door to greet you - that would be the scene at the house when I open the front door.


I also just returned from a week in New Mexico. I felt I needed the trip back to make sure there were no lingering ghosts and that I had closed all the doors behind me. I had a very good visit and left with high spirits and hopes of being able to return soon for another visit. I didn't get to the Santa Fe area, but I made several trips to Ruidoso Downs where I had worked as a dispatcher. It was great seeing everyone that I had worked with. I had missed saying my goodbyes to some of them when I left last year. I really hope to go back with Steve and show him all the places I have seen and introduce him to my friends and former co-workers.