Hiking in Zion and Bryce National Parks in Utah is a must-do for any nature enthusiast! In 2007 I flew out to Las Vegas, rented a car and was able to spend three nights in Zion, two nights in Bryce, … Continue reading
Yosemite National Park is as grand as everyone says! I was fortunate to hike about 14 (long and rugged) miles of it one day back in 2006 while traveling solo for a week through California! That’s me…looking small beside the … Continue reading
Saturday evening we attended a Bengals Playoff Game party at a friend’s house. I’m not much of an organized sports watching fan…but I love to socialize. I made some Tailgate Ham/Cheese Sandwiches that were a big hit. Originally the recipe was on Pinterest, but when I went to the website, the recipe was no longer there. Luckily, I had typed it up and saved it—
Ingredients:
* 1 pkg. (12 count) Hawaiian bread rolls
* 1 lb. shaved Black Forest ham
* 12 slices Gruyere cheese
* 1 tub (8 oz.) Philadelphia Chive & Onion Cheese Spread
* 1/2 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted
* 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 Tbsp. dried minced onion
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
~Cut all rolls in half. Place roll bottoms in 9 x 13 inch pan.
~Place equal amounts of ham on each roll bottom. Top with Gruyere.
~On each of the roll tops, spread a generous amount of the cream cheese spread. Return the tops to the bottoms making sandwiches.
~In a separate bowl, mix together the butter, Worcestershire sauce, onion and Parmesan cheese. Pour over your sandwiches and let sit for at least 20 minutes. (You can make these ahead of time and allow to sit in fridge overnight.)
~Place sandwiches, covered in foil, in a preheated 350 deg. F oven.
~Bake for 20 minutes or until warmed through. Enjoy! Yield: 12 servings.
After a while of talking, eating, and drinking, it was time to have some fun…so I arm wrestled four women and won! They wanted me to try a couple of the guys…so I did…but I knew they would win. My arm is a little sore today.
Next, we convinced a couple of the guys to help us make a partial pyramid…
The photos were taken with my friend’s iPhone. Who says you have to act your age?
A couple of days ago, I went to a Hot Yoga class in Loveland, Ohio at a studio called “Simply Power Yoga”. There were 22 of us sweating profusely in the over 100 degree heat for an hour and fifteen minutes. At the beginning of class, the teacher read the following to the class.
“My dear girl, the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through.
If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say: “You said the same thing a minute ago”… Just listen, please. Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep.
When I don’t want to take a bath, don’t be mad and don’t embarrass me. Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a girl?
When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don’t look at me that way… remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair and dealing with life’s issues every day… the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through.
If I occasionally lose track of what we’re talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can’t, don’t be nervous, impatient or arrogant. Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you.
And when my old, tired legs don’t let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked.
When those days come, don’t feel sad… just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love.
I’ll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared. With a big smile and the huge love I’ve always had for you, I just want to say, I love you… my darling daughter.”
– Unknown
Here is a photo of my mother and I on a cruise back in 2004. She passed away in June of 2011.
As the teacher read this…I found myself welling up with tears, trying to wipe them away without anyone noticing, and remembering back to all the times I wasn’t patient with my mother. When she was finished reading…she made eye contact with me and knew I was touched. Then yesterday on Facebook I saw the same letter posted on an acquaintance’s page.
I also remember all of the times I was patient and sweet to her. Calling her almost daily. Buying her diamond rings and hiding them in her glass of champagne or wrapping them in multiple boxes. Flying her to see me in Germany when I was in the military. Quitting my job to take care of her when she was in a nursing home and finally, again, the week before she passed.
I realized that we are too hard on ourselves. We beat ourselves up. I learned the lesson of forgiving myself and realizing I’m not perfect!
Walking in the woods is magical! Even when you go to the same place over and over again…there are always new ways to look at the same scenes and these scenes change through the weeks and months. There’s nothing like breathing in the sweet-clean-woodsy air and feeling the sun’s rays upon your face. The sky seems bluer in the woods.
I love the way the towering trees cast shadows and surround you with their being…
The paths seem so inviting. Without leaves, the trees don’t seem lonely.
A light dusting of snow still clings to this path…
Icicles glint in the light and seem to sprout from the rocks…like roots from a tree.
The trees admire their reflections in the icy water…
I’m grateful for the woods!
A couple of days ago my friends–April & Wayne–and I were at Fort Myers Beach to listen to one of Wayne’s favorite bands at the Holiday Inn, which is situated on the beach. Being a local, he knows where to go! Of course, we had to witness Earth’s daily wondrous display of beauty…the sunset!
When looking back at this photo…we don’t recall what we saw…but liked the photo…
April and I both like to do handstands, cartwheels, and generally just act like kids…so we rushed out in the sand and Wayne started snapping…
We both really liked this photo…it’s quite funny with all of the legs flailing around…
This one has a frenzied motion appeal…
Now we’re to the calmer…controlled stances…
We want this for everyone!
After all of that fun…we danced for a while!
It’s fun to engage the crowd! April pulled these gentlemen up to dance and they were quite surprised and good dancers!
I’m leaving Florida today to drive back to Cincinnati and will arrive tomorrow evening. Just in time to put up my Christmas tree, do a little shopping, baking, attend events and get used to the chill!
I had a great six-week road trip and loved meeting all of the new people, seeing new sights, and experiencing new activities! I’m very grateful and also grateful for all of you!! 🙂
My friends — April and Wayne — were such fun when I asked them to dance and shake the maracas before we went out for dinner! April is in her early 40’s…don’t you think she’s “hot”? She’s very athletic…in fact she’s out jogging right now as I do this post. She rides a Harley, runs in charity events, bought a boat recently (so she skis)…practices yoga and is a certified holistic health coach (or something like that)!
Of course, Wayne, the guy — has to take it to the next level — juggling with them! And he does it quite well! Isn’t he cute! Wayne is also quite amazing! He’s won awards in his age group (which is still the Fabulous 50’s) for swimming. He swam 12 miles around Key West last year!! He turned me on to the Yoga place here in Fort Myers. He’s also almost single!
Hopefully, we’ve entertained you!
Stay tuned for the next installment of fun!
I think some of the best Yoga I’ve experienced is right here in Fort Myers at Fort Myers Fitness 24/7 and it’s only $5.00 (what a deal). I usually do “Hot” Yoga (where the room is 100 degrees) in Cincinnati. I’ve been a few times during the three weeks I’ve been visiting here from Cincinnati and LOVE the instructor. He has a calm presence and voice and explains every move in a fluid fashion and you know you’re working your body and becoming more aware of everything!
This is after class…just posin’ for all of you!
I asked the instructor if he would do a move or two for my blog…
If you haven’t given Yoga a try or its been a long time…I strongly urge you to go. It’s one of the best forms of exercise and will help keep you looking and feeling younger for the rest of your life! There was a lady in the class that was at least 100 lbs. over weight…so it doesn’t matter what shape you start out in! I’ve run a half-marathon, hike, and a multitude of other activities and feel that this gives the best return—both physically and mentally!
My good friend–Sherry–came to visit for 5 days. Today, we started our day with a bicycle ride. In addition to riding along the avenues, I took her to the abandoned golf course next to the condos. It felt like we … Continue reading
If you live in Florida or travel with your dog…Lee County Dog Park next to Ft. Myers and Lovers Key State Park is a fun..fun place to take your dog! We arrived about 7:30am to meet a friend who took us kayaking and checked out the Dog Park while we waited for him to arrive.
One of the dog owners told us that the place becomes quite busy with dogs and their owners on the weekends. Depending on the tide…you may have to wade through a foot or two of water to get to the little island where the dogs are in the photo below. It was a bit chilly this morning to do that…50 degrees.
I spotted this bird while we were watching the dogs…
I’m becoming obsessed with reflection shots…
I have my down jacket on for the beginning of the kayaking experience. We paddled about three miles total and even ventured out into the Gulf from the coastal waterway. We stopped at Lovers Key State Park and walked around. I’ve only been kayaking once or twice before…so this was a lot of fun! Thanks Wayne!!
Yesterday, the lumberjack and I went and bought a couple of used beach cruisers to leave for the family members that let us use their condos…and for anyone else that visits. We purposely bought these type…you know…the old style where you push back on the pedals to stop and only one gear…forward!
We took a ride this afternoon. Of course, the lumberjack would have to ride by me and screech his brakes really loudly to scare me…which worked…but also made me angry! This was after the chain fell off…preventing me from being able to stop…which was scary! But…I had fun!
We’re headed to have a drink at the small beach nearby and a bite to eat…while we watch the sunset. Lovin’ Florida!!
Clearwater, Florida has a daily festival on their pier and surrounding area called, “The Sunsets at Pier 60. I had to jump for joy from the beauty!
The Hilton was glowing…
I noticed this girl and asked if I could take her photo because her hair was pretty. She seemed surprised and quickly said “Yes”! Her name was Ebony and we told her she should be a model, but she said she has MS and couldn’t wear high heels. I told her upon leaving, that she was beautiful! It feels good to make other people feel good!
This drummer was using empty buckets as drums and was very talented!
Walking back to the car, I told Zully this palm tree looked almost like fireworks going off from the lighting…
When we got back to Zully’s condo, we had pizza delivered and it was sooo good! Another great day! 🙂
The stretch of pavement that extends 18 miles from Rosemary Beach to the West is perfect for walking and/or bicycling! After jogging a couple of miles on the beach and having a healthy lunch, I set off to explore the area.
One of the areas you pass is Alys Beach…
Everything is white, blue or green! Except for the yellow lines in the road!
I like the aura around the entry gates…
This home wasn’t in Alys Beach. I’m not sure what development it was in, but I love the color!
I passed Camp Creek Lake and Deer Lake on the ride. I think this is Camp Creek.
Rusty bridge and shadows love!
The day’s not over yet. Tomorrow I have photos from an Art Festival and another fun sunset photo!
Hopping on my bike, I set off to explore the Rosemary Beach area located four blocks east of my condo. With over 500 homesites and a town center with shops, restaurants, and activities, you never need to leave home!
The town is a master-planned community and with its cobblestone streets and gas lanterns, has a definite European vibe. I began to imagine the perfect couples with their perfect children, living their perfect lives in their perfect homes (kind of like The Stepford Wives), but then remembered no one is perfect! Even on the beach you feel a bit out of place…me in my bikini…them in their one piece with a little skirt bathing suit! Oh gad….what must they think of me…the interloper!
Rosemary is also known for its Bocce ball tournaments and the popular candy store, The Sugar Shak.
They have plenty of bicycles for hire…
The Town Hall and Post Office are charming!
A partial view of some of the shops…cafes…
The homes and condos varied in design. This is one of the more modern homes…
The community has some beautiful common use areas…
No code…No Access!
This is another community two blocks from Rosemary…
I worked up an appetite. Salad–Bread with Cheese–Vino! On the balcony. Life is grand!
After lunch…time to soak up some sun at the pool! I think it made it to 70 degrees…just barely warm enough.
Tomorrow we’ll finish up my day with some absolutely gorgeous photos from my walk on the beach!!
Most every year I go to the same Halloween party. I met this group of people through the meetup.com groups I belong to…a few of which are the hiking club and the wine tasting club. The majority of people are in their 40’s and 50’s. This year I think everyone looked great in their costumes!
Our host–Bob–is an award-winning wine maker and makes a great pirate! You might remember me posting about his pig roast over the summer.
I was a viking princess and the lumberjack was “Thor“…
Cindy was a very cute Little Red Riding hood and Kathy was an amazing witch! I would guess approximately 50-60 people attended the party and every year there seems to be a costume that is more popular than others. Last year there were at least six cats (I was one of them) and this year it was little red riding hood.
All of the couples dressed in matching costumes. Ed and Jessie’s 20’s costumes were perfect for them!
Anne, Gina and Kathy are so much fun! Kathy obviously was a nurse. She had a rather large syringe filled with some type of alcohol that she would administer upon request!
I loved Dee and Chris’ Gladiator costumes!
Frank got really creative this year as a…you guessed it…”serial” killer!
Gina’s being accosted here by the Martians with too many arms!
I wanted to include my friend Shari in a photo…but in every one of them…she has her eyes closed and it wasn’t because she drank too much!
Dave and Kelly didn’t come together…but she’s a Fallen Angel and he’s a High Priest.
Janet was a jelly fish and John was a diver! Very unique!
Spiderman looks sexy!
Todd’s eye makeup was nicer than mine!
Tina Tuner looked fabulous!
Tim was wearing another very creative costume — a tribal cannibal!
April makes an amazing Dominatrix with her friend Chris!
Later in the evening the party really got going when we turned the music up outside!
Us “old folk” sure know how to have fun! Cheers!
Sherry Lachelle Travels 