Monday - Rain, Storms, and Pickleball

When we awoke on Monday morning it was already raining and the forecast was for more rain and storms most of the day. With coffee in hand we took our puzzels to the balcony and watched the storms roll in. Two pots of coffee later, the rain had stopped temporarily, so we decided to run some errands and stock up on a few food items. We headed over to Merritt Island first. That was where the closest Regions Bank was located, and we had a few checks that needed to be deposited. It was already early afternoon and we still had had nothing to eat, so we decided to stop and the Sunsrise Diner. We'd been here several times before; they serve a great breakfast. And since you can get breakfast all day long we both went for a couple of eggs with homefries and toast.

A quick stop at the grocery store and one more at the hair salon ( we needed shampoo!) and we headed back .

Before we got here, we had checked places to play pickleball on the USAPA website. There are actually three places that play on a regular basis. We had also called Dave and Debbie Christian. Many of you reading this know Dave and Debbie from the pickleball courts at TT Orlando. They own a lot in the Melbourne area, and come this way around this time every year. They were arriving on Monday - so we made plans to meet for pickleball Monday evening. When we were in Orlando this past winter, it was there time out of the park, so we missed them. We were looking forward to seeing them again.

Here we are playing at the Ted Whitlock Community Center at the Palm Bay Regional Park in Palm Bay. Actually it was much further away than we thought. We were meeting at 7:00 and by the time we left the thunder and lightening storms were well under way. So that made the drive seem even longer. It took us almost an hour to get there........

Here is Debbie playing with Pete Kohler. Pete lives locally and plays here regularly.

This is not a great picture - I have such a hard time with the glare inside!!. But this is Dave, playing with another local player Bill Vitalliano. Bill and Pete are practicing to play together in the Florida State Games.

Debbie and I were playing against Lisa( she works at the Community Center) and Dave. Debbie and I won!

And here is Dave and Debbie.

I know - where is Rich you are asking? Yes he was there - but he is still not ready to play. It was VERY difficult for him to watch us play for two hours. He did get his paddle out and said he was going to just play without moving around the court. Yeah, Right! Have you ever played a game of pickleball standing still? No - we did not let him on the court. So now you know why you are seeing pictures of me. Above are Rich and I, Debbie and Dave and Bill and Pete. The little girl from the office - went back to work.

It was after 9:00 by the time we left - and the rain had stopped. Neither of us had eaten since breakfast this morning at the Sunrise - so we were both hungry. For some reason Rich was craving Italian - more specifically a Calzone. We did not see anyplace to stop along the way, and by the time we got back to Cocoa Beach it was after 10:00. Not much choice at that time of night, so we did Subway. Well, it's a combination Subway and Dairy Queen, so while I ordered the subs, Rich went to get his Medium Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard!

We made it back in time to see the 11th inning of the Indians/Tampa Bay Rays game. And Tampa Bay won 4-3. Still the best record in baseball - and two games in front of those Damn Yankees!!

We arrive in Cocoa Beach

We left Peace River early Sunday afternoon and arrived in Cocoa Beach around 4:00 in the afternoon.

We have a timeshare at the Ocean Landings Resort, on the beach and have enjoyed our stay here every time we've been here. For the last two years, friends of ours from Punta Gorda have used our week, but this year we decided to return. The trip over was uneventful, just a quick stop for gas and then at Bob Evans for a late breakfast. Ocean Landings is located directly on Cocoa Beach - although all buildings/rooms are not necessarily "oceanfront". In addition to several ammenites and activities, there is a great Steak and Seafood restaurant (Gregory's) on site. Upstairs over the restaurant is Goucho's - where each Thursday evening they host a comedy show.

The skies were looking a little threatening - and rain was in the forecast, but we unpacked and settled in to our room. Actually it's two room/two full baths. There is a small kitchen with refrigerator and microwave, In the picture above is the combination dining area and family room. There are two queen beds in the bedroom and two full baths. Very convenient and very comfortable.

We are on the second floor - and our room is not ocean front. We are in the A building which is just behind the two buildings in the picture above. These two buildings face the ocean. But the ocean is just a short walk - between the two buildings.

Since there is no cooking in the rooms, except for the microwave, this pavilion has a full kitchen with two stoves and a large refrigerator, should you want to cook breakfast or dinner. Outside, and under cover are several picnic tables and gas grills for barbequing.

Tonight there would be no cooking. We decided to just walk across the road to Denny's for dinner. They actually have some pretty good specials for $4, $6 or $8. I took the $6 special which was a pulled chicken barbeque . Rich went for the $8 Spicy Texas Ground Steak which was topped with onions, peppers and PepperJack cheese and fried onions, along with green beans and fries.

We made it back to the room before the rain.

Another Week Gone!

On Tuesday we dropped Greyce off. We only had her around for 2 or 3 days, but it was so hard to let her go. Rich and I are both animal lovers, and seem to get attached too quickly. We even talked about keeping her ( actually about why we could not keep her). It was tough to say good-bye, but hopefully she'll find a good family. If not - she's still better off than running in the wild. Yes, I cried most of the day!!!!

Since we'll be taking off on Sunday we've been doing a little bit each day to get things packed away, making lists of what we want to remember to take with us and lists of things we need to remember to do before we leave and list of things we need to do before we come back..... and so on.

We're looking forward to our week in Cocoa Beach. It's been a couple of years since we've been to our timeshare at the Ocean Landings Resort, but we've always enjoyed the pool and the walks on the beach. Bob and Barb (Orlando PB players) live over in that area, and we think that Dave and Debbie are over that way as well. Got an e-mail from a guy in Melbourne - which is not too far from Cocoa Beach, inviting us to the local Rec Center a couple of nights to play a little pickleball. Rich sent a note off to the Orlando crew to see if they would like to join us. Either way we'll make sure we get in touch with them, even if it's just to go to dinner one night. Actually, Rich will NOT be ready to play any pickleball, but said he would like to come over and see the new venue and watch us all play. I think I'll make sure he wears his sandles - so there is no "maybe I can be careful and play a little bit", if you know what I mean.

Yesterday we cleaned the awning and the screens, took up the mats and packed them and the screens away. Today I defrosted the refrigerator and did a good cleaning of the kitchen cupboards and pantry. Rich did some reorganizing in the storage bins. And then I went to have my hair cut, fill up the water jugs, and wash the car. The love bugs are out!!!! Tomorrow will be finishing up and packing for our trip. And then Sunday we'll be ready to head out.

The camera is on the packing list - so you know you'll see a little of Cocoa Beach over the next week or so.

Where Has The Week Gone?

Wow! Can't believe it's been a week since we've updated our Blog. It's not like there has been a lot going on.

Last Saturday , Sunday, Monday and Tuesday mornings, while Joe and Sharon were still in the park, I headed down to the pickleball courts each morning around 8:00. It was just the three of us, but we had a great time playing a three player rotation. The weather has been extremely hot. Like last year we went directly from winter to summer - skipped right past Spring. So playing pickleball in the morning with just the three of us required several water breaks between games.

Rich rode the bike over one morning to watch. Given our level of play, I know he probably thought he could come out on the court without worry of his healing foot! But he didn't. He said it was too hard to come and watch; it only made him want to play more.

On Wednesday Rich had his follow-up visit with Dr. Feldman. We both anticipated that it would be a quick visit, he would check out the healing progress, change the bandages and schedule another visit in two weeks. Up to this point Rich had really been good, making sure he always had he surgical shoe on when he needed to walk.

Dr Feldman took the x-rays and then removed the bandages. Normally he would wait three weeks before removing the pins, so we were both surprised when he said he was removing the pins today! He said the toes looked very good. He told Rich to relax - and began to remove the pins. I think it probably bothered me more than Rich, although I could tell by the look on his face that it was not the most pleasant experience he's had. Dr Feldman began to turn the pins and at the same time began to pull them out. Rich said, especially on the first toe that it did not hurt, but it was strange because he could actually feel the pin being pulled through the bone. Once the pins were removed, he wrapped both the toes again; this time because there could be some bleeding from the open holes. He told Rich to keep the walking to a minimum, elevate the foot and to apply ice should it begin to swell. By morning, the holes should be closed, he could remove the bandages and SHOWER! Yeah! He told Rich that he could begin wearing a shoe, but to begin slowly - maybe an hour the first day, two the second and work his way back slowly.

Well, we were already in Sebring, so it goes without saying where we stopped for an early dinner. Yes - we went back to Homers. As ususal the food was great, but Rich was a little dissapointed that once again there were no chocolate eclairs. I'm convinced that when they see him come through the front door that they quickly pull them from the table!

Once again the bandages were wrapped a little tight, so the toes swelled a bit, and we applied ice three or four times. During the night there was a little problem with the circulation again, so he sat up and lowered his foot three or four times. On Thursday morning he removed the bandages and enjoyed a long shower.

On Thursday, Joe and Sharon had to go to Sebring to the eye clinic and had to be there by 7AM - so there was no pickleball. Friday I slept in, Saturday they do church and Sunday they left.

During the winter, we had heard stories of a stray cat in the park. We also learned that several of the campers were feeding the stray and some on a regular daily basis. Not a good idea! One day - all those people who were feeding the cat were gone............and the poor cat was left to fend for herself.

We had seen this little grey cat roaming in the park for the past few days, and on Friday she showed up at our place. At first she was a little cautious - then worked her way to the patio and playfully began to rub her body against our legs. She's a very small cat, and a little underweight, but we were hesitant to feed her. Doing so we mean that she would not leave - and we are leaving the park on Sunday. Both of us are animal lovers, and while we have never had a cat, it was difficult to watch this cute little thing be so friendly, and know that she was hungry and not feed her. We also did not want to see her left to fend for herself - luck would not always be on her side. So......we decided that we would feed her for the weekend and on Monday look to take her to the local Humane Society. In the meantime I named her Greyce......... And here are some pictures of Greyce enjoying herself.

A few more rigs came in for the weekend - but no-one that played pickleball. Rich is doing well with the shoes on - and says that the foot is improving a little bit each day. We've continued to do a couple of bike rides each day as well as increase the time walking.

Sunday was Mother's Day - and we went to Nicholas for dinner. We had not been there at all this winter, and we were pleasantly surprised. The salad bar was excellent. Rich had the Pot Roast and I did the Turkey dinner. They too were delicious, and there was enough to take home for another meal.

On Monday morning I called the local Animal Control in Wauchula and found that while they do indeed have a shelter for animals, if the animal is not adopted out within a short period of time they are euthenized. That's understandable, given how small the shelter is and it is run soley on donations. Both Rich and I felt that even if Greyce was not adopted, the euthenation was probably better than leaving her in the wild. But...... neither of us was comfortable with that. I got on line and found a Humane Society in Sebring that has a wonderful reputation for taking care of unwanted and stray pets, and works hard to find homes for them. They were closed on Sunday and Monday - so we are going to take Greyce in tomorrow.

She still won't let us pick her up - so we got a crate from the office and we hope we can lure her in with some food. It's about a 40 minute drive and I'm sure she'll be frightened in the car........but it will all work out for the best. So, we'll call in the morning and confirm that they will take in strays - and then head for Sebring in the afternoon.

NO STOPPING AT HOMERS THIS TIME!!!!

A Short Visit.....!

On Friday Lee and Gerry left the park. All the pickleball players were gone, and Lee's leaving brought an end to billiards as well. But on Thursday afternoon, they went down to the clubhouse and played a few last games for a couple of hours.

Over the past several days, since Rich has been able to get up and around, we've gone for a bike ride at least once during the day, checking to see if any of the new rigs coming in were anyone we might know. Just before dark last night Rich went out for a short ride and ran into some old friends and they were just getting ready to start a fire!

This is Sharon and Joe. We met them here in Peace River two years ago. We had heard there might be a couple of pickleball players in the park, but didn't know where, and we never saw anyone out on the court playing. It's seems so strange to be looking at a pictur of us in front of the campfire. This winter was so cold that everyone was bundled in their heavy coats and sat by the fire for warmth. Today the temperature is supposted to be 90. But the fire set the atmosphere for a great evening of catching up. Joe and Sharon spent the winter in Mexico and we so much enjoyed hearing of all their great adventures and plans for next winter.

And what another great surprise. Paul and Cis just arrived in the park Thursday and they are leaving tomorrow!!!! Can't believe that we almost missed them. They just stopped for a few days on their way to Ft. Lauderdale before they head for home in New Jersey. So we heard about their winter out west and their meeting up with several mutual friends. Cis loves to play pickleball and told her stories of learning wether she was a C, a B or and A player, meeting Keith Bisel and Laurie Kilmain and watching Pat Kane play. Can't believe they are leaving in the morning; so glad we ran into them. She made me promise that I would send her the names of two other pickelball couples we met/taught this winter who live in New Jersey. You never know - they could be neighbors!

It was almost 10:00 when we got back home. I'll meet up with Sharon and Joe sometime today and the three of his will play a little pickleball together. It's the weekend, and we were surprised at home many rigs came in yesterday- maybe we can recruit a few more players.

Denny's New Toy

Got this picture from our son, Dennis. Wrote him back and asked if he was serious!!!!

"It's a motorcycle (Trike) 2010 Can-Am Spyder. 991cc
Uh yeah serious."

He picks it up on Wednesday - so we expect more pictures!!

In the meantime.......Rich and I need your help........and this is really serious. As you know, Dennis and the family live in Iowa - a long way from Pa Pa and Gramma Do........A while back he applied for a job in Florida that did not work out. Well - he has now applied for a job in the Orlando area.

PLEASE - We need everyone to keep their finger crossed and say an extra prayer that it works out!!! Thanks

Update on Rich

Well, it's been a week today since Rich had the foot surgery. For the first few days, he had quite a bit of pain, especially when trying to sleep at night. On Wednesday following the surgery he had an appointment with Dr. Feldman, where they took an xray of the foot and redressed the toes. Once the bandage was off, Rich said the pain was gone. After the surgery the toes/foot had swelled, and that had caused the bandages/dressing to be too tight and that in turn was affecting his circulation.

I went in while they changed the bandages, because I wanted to hear what restrictions the doctor was giving Rich. When the doctor says a few days, Rich hears ONE. Dr. Feldman said he needed to listen to ME!!!! Imagine that!! He told Rich that everything had to go perfect between now and the first of June if Rich wanted to be back on the courts. Unfortunately - he told Rich that he was a "perfect speciman" for a quick recovery. Needless to say Rich has continued to remind of this 'perfection' several times since then. But he was instructed to keep the foot elevated periodically over the next few day, and to keep his walking to a minimum.

Well- he has done quite well. No more pain. But it's getting more and more difficult to keep him down. He still must keep the surgical shoe on any time he's on his feet. No way does he want the toes to bend yet!! And he must not get it wet! Makes bathing a real chore!!!

Yesterday , was a comfortable overcast day, so near evening I went out for a walk. About half way back , and just ahead of me on the road was Rich- RIDING HIS BICYCLE!!! You just can't leave the man alone for a minute!!!! However, I will say that he was being very careful and made it back without incident.

Yes - he's smiling!!! He got to go for a ride today to the barber shop to get a hair cut. But I'm sure that if the park was filled with pickleball players you would see a much different face! I think Rich and I are the ONLY pickleball players in the park right now. This afternoon he's going to go down and shoot some pool with Lee so that will keep him happy for a little while.

There's not a whole lot to do--------------so he draws Smily Faces!!!!

Not too much else going on. The park looks so deserted! Kevin and Linda took off yeterday. They'll go to Orlando for three weeks and then off to Maine. Lee and Gerry will be heading out in a few days. The only people left in the park that we know are a few of the workers, and I don't think there's even a half dozen of them left. And it will be this way till next Fall!

Rich goes back to the doctore on May 5th, and then we'll start getting ready to head over to Cocoa Beach. Probably not a lot of beach walking - but he should be able to get in the pool and do a little swimming. We're hoping for the doc's OK.

Get Well Wishes for Rich

Just way tooooooooo great not to share. This was sent to Rich from our friend Louann.

Temporarily out of (pickleball) commission

The alarm went off very early this morning. Rich was scheduled to be at the Sun N Lake Surgical Center in Sebring by 6:15 AM for his foot surgery. Those of you who know Rich, also know that he does not function well in the morning before his first cup of coffee. But it was nothing to eat or drink after midnight last night . Needless to say the ride to Sebring was a quiet one.

While not looking forward to being out of commission for 4-6 weeks, Rich was very pleased that he had finally found a doctor that promised to permanantly correct his problem, rather than just treat the symptoms as the previous two podiatrists had done.

Compliments to the Surgical Center and their staff for their efficiency and great care. We arrived about 6:10 and by 6:20 he was taken in to get prepped. The nurse said that Dr. Feldman was scheduled to begin the surgery at 7:00. About 6:45 Dr. Feldman came walking in already dressed in his scrubs, stopped to say hello, and said he'd talk to both of us after the surgery. At 6:50 they let me come in for a few minutes. Rich was just about ready, the IV's were in and the anethesiologist was there. They were ready to begin by 7:00. They scraped the bone on both of the small toes, broke the small toe and inserted pins into both toes.
And then it was off to recovery.........

Dr. Feldman and the recovery room nurse check things out before letting Rich go home. They checked to make sure that the toes were getting enough blood back into them and returning to their normal color. They decided to lowere the foot just a little to get the blood circulating better.

Dr. Feldman said that Rich was asking for COFFEE before he was even awake. Here he is, almost awake with his first cup of coffee for the day. Good thing I was there to listen to the instructions the nurse was giving him. He said that while he was awake, he still felt like he'd about 4 or 5 bottles of beer!!!

We put on the surgical shoe and headed for home. We were home before 10:00 am. If you look closely at the picture you can see what looks like two yellow push pins shoved into the tip of the two little toes. Rest and no weight on the foot (except to go to the JOHN!) for the first 24 to 48 hours.

Comfortable and Smiling!!! I left him with the TV remote and headed to CVS to pick up the pain pills and the antibiotics. He's already threatening to buy a wheel chair so he can get on the pickleball court and play. This man is not going to be easy to keep down!!!!

Back to the Doctor on Wednesday morning.

A little Tree Trimming?

Well, this may be a bit more than just trimming........A little backgroud first. Bob (the ranger here in Peace River) and his wife Kathy had their travel trailer parked in the site just behind us. They recently purchased a new Fifth Wheel. Before moving it into the site, there was some work that they wanted to do on their site, and thatt was the removal of one very large tree!!

We had not been home long from our trip to Wauchula, when we heard the sound of the chain saw. It was about 3:00 pm and I was on the computer downloading pictures from our workshop that morning. Rich came in and suggested that for my safety, I do NOT stay inside. Well, if I couldn't download my pictures, I'd go outside and take some more.

So here we go - It's time to cut down a TREE!

Just to put things in perspective - that is the picnic table at OUR site, and that is Bob with the bucket propped up against the tree to be cut down.

And Bill with the chain saw ..............

Of course the buzz of the saw brought out the park spectators, and all the guys who wanted to suggest the best and safest way to cut down this monster of a tree.

And why did Rich suggest I not stay inside? Yes - that is the back of our Fifth Wheel not far behind the tree!

Bruce and Gena along with their grandson Nate stop by to see what's going on. Nate is "almost four" he told us!

And then along came Gerry........

Dad (Bob) was busy cutting down a tree - and mom (Kathy) was a ball of nerves watching him...............and Casey - well he just relaxed and took a nap.

And then it was over - the tree comes down!

Looks more like wild brush that a tree!

And the men admire the job.........but I think that Bob's concrete pad may have suffered a bit.

Kathy - glad to see the tree finally down - inspects the tree - or is she really checking out her concrete pad?

The tree snapped here when it hit.

Kathy, Gerry and Bob

Kevin and Linda inspect the area.

And what are Rich, Lee and Bill looking at? Sure hope they are not contemplating another tree trimming! Could it be that horrid palm tree that drops those berries on our roof?

And by late morning today the tree was gone.......and once again we have the beautiful view of the walking trail and the Peace River..