Vacationing at Home

I decided to take a week off from work but this time there were no plans made as to what I/We would do for the week. We had discussed renting a cabin on the lake, going to Missouri, but decided to just stay home. The first day, I actually, did not know what to do with myself. I had nothing on my calendar! No place to be, no computer, no phone and no schedule. To say, I was bored is an understatement.

I finally realized it was vacation mode that I needed to wrap my mind around to fully enjoy this week. So I got busy there were things that I wanted to do that are difficult to arrange when you are tied to a desk during the week. I started with researching, and making appointments to obtain my backyard project estimates. That in process, it was time to get my work station in my cave cleaned up and re-organize the rolling shelves.

I have reviewed the types of Christmas lawn blow ups we have on hand and which ones will be necessary for this year’s lawn theme. What will be the front yard center piece and the back yard theme? There is a new Blowup calling my name so my plan may change by Thanksgiving.

The new Dance Gig is starting in a week and I have reviewed my first set of dances to teach. I have developed my plan of action to succeed with this new venture at Murph's Country Music Barn. Since Murph's has a live band that rotates through different styles of country, my goal is to always be teaching a dance per week that the dancers will hear from the band. I can then add newer dances to songs that can be played during the band breaks increasing the number of opportunities for the Line Dancers to get up and shake their money makers.

I knew I had achieved vacation mode when I felt at ease with sitting on the deck reading. I have completed two books and closing in on number three. I am shooting for 5 this week.  Reading for me relaxes me to the point of dosing and is my favorite vacation relaxation activity and this week there has been just enough chill in the air to sit on the deck, coffee steaming and lose myself in pleasure reading.

Today, we took a drive to Paducah to spend some time visiting our extended family the Henry's. It was a great visit and lunch with Sarah, Melissa, Megan, Brian and Santa Butch. Thanks for a great day.

To top off the week, Paul and I are going to a Halloween theme party on Saturday. This year's theme is Super Heroes. The Flash and Green Lantern are planning to attend.  I am sure it will prove to be an interesting evening; this is our introduction activity with a new group we just joined.  What better way to meet a whole group of new people but dressed up as Super Heroes...

Paul has started his Christmas Embroidery project and has been sequestered in his cave most of the week. It has been a great relaxing week, even if it took me a day or so to get into that vacation frame of mind. Vacationing at home is an art not to do too much around house and achieve that vacation frame of mind.

Keep dancin' Larry B

2012 a Year of Loss

I can honestly say I am happy that this year is finally coming to an end. It has been a year filled with great loss for my Florida Family.  We lost so many great family members this year, and it was difficult to be so far away during their time of need. I know they understand we were there in spirit and our prayers were with them throughout.

Being here in Tennessee has it draw backs as far as we are no longer next door and able to participate in their everyday life.  Our Florida family will always be an important part of our lives. They are the family we chose and not our blood family but there is no difference in our hearts.

So I wanted to pay tribute to those of our Florida family that have left us this year.

Louis Lozito, Uncle Louie to my dogs.  Louis was the kindest, sweetest man that I have ever met.  He was big softie when it came to animals. He would watch over my two or three whenever I had to be gone during the day. It was also common to see the wild ducks following him around because they knew he would sneak them treats as well. Connie Lozito, the Grand Mother of our group, always ensuring everyone was okay and doing what they needed to do to stay safe and healthy.  Connie would show up with home-made soup if she saw your car in the drive way for two days. Connie and Louis lived across the street and I never had to worry about my house when I was away for Connie was always on watch in our little corner of the neighborhood.  The best times where on Friday afternoon when all would gather on Connie’s Corner; catch up on everyone’s week, plans for weekend, and simply enjoy each other.

 

John Persico, a man’s man, good friend and who had a heart bigger than the East Coast. If you ever needed something John was there to assist. John was always full of life and could always make you laugh; yeah I will admit it even for a Yankee he was okay.  I mean we supposedly share Connie’s front yard one night or so our Florida Family would claim.  …

 

I know Paul and I will always have a special place in our hearts and in our home for these three wonderful dear Florida family members. They may no longer be participating in our gathering, or our cruises but we know they are always going to be part of our lives.

So as we had a wonderful Christmas here in Tennessee. Our family was together and remembering those that are not with us.  We had the Evelyn tree, the Elizabeth angel lit and the memories from the Christmas past.  Each holiday is more special as we get to spend it with Dad and Sister but our Florida family will always be in our hearts and thoughts.

Keep Dancin’

LB

Technology, What a Wonderful Invention

Thanksgiving has come and gone. Christmas is just around the corner. Are you ready for the thrill of the hunt for those special and unique gifts?  Many of you will utilize the internet as part of that hunt, just as I am.

 In that quest, I ran into a computer issue this week.  A firewall upgrade was downloaded into my system and required a reboot.  Once back up I discovered that I was not able to obtain access to my network. I was cut off from everything, no email, no internet; nothing would run at least on the computer. Thankfully I do have a tablet but like the laptop for searching internet.  Of course, after I recovered from the shock, I ran every diagnostic I have on the computer and deleted files/programs I determined were not necessary any longer.  I still could not resolve my problem and I am pretty good with this techie stuff.  Once that failed and I completed some relaxation exercises to maintain my control. I called Support.

 After hours on the phone with support and going through every possible solution, I was told I would have to speak to another technician that would probably be able to resolve my issue.  Needless to say, I was, by this time, not a happy camper.   The new techie called and within 10 minutes had my issue resolved and I was back up and running. 

I appreciated so much all the patience and knowledge that these support guys provided to help me.  Even when they, themselves could not figure out why the program was doing this strange action.  I got to thinking how difficult it must be for them every day dealing with irate customers and strange computer issues.

We all have that support person in our company or even in our own home that is always catching the heat when our technology goes awry.  So why not let them know we do appreciate and acknowledge their skill. The next time you speak to a support person, express your gratitude and apologize for your attitude.  For that person in your home, make them a special dinner and thank them for putting up with your impatience.

Happy Hannakah which begins Saturday December 8^th at sundown.

Keep Dancin’  LB

Family, Friends and a Year of Changes

As the year draws to a close, it is time to reflect on the past year and how very important our family and friends have been in our lives.  I am sure most of us are still in a stupor from our Christmas feast.  It was during our feast that I got to thinking about how 2011 had been a year of many changes for Paul and I.

I started the year in a new/old position after 20 years with Intracorp, the company was sold to GENEX Services at the end fo 2010. So although I am still doing the same job, it was all new with a new employer. The year has been a challenge learning how to do the same job under new policies and proceedures. I do have to state that my new immediate boss has been nothing but accepting and supportive in this year of transition.

I also started a new website www.LineDanceNews.com and also became the host site for Stella Cabeca's website.  Just taking my passion for dancing to a new level.

Paul met a milestone this year and after 30 years retired from the US Postal Service. He has been making a nice adjustment to the life as a retired person.

Then the most dramatic change came the last quarter of the year when we decided it was now time to make the move to Tennessee to be closer to both our families especially my Father. It then all happen very quickly with us selling the house in Florida.  So after 40 years for Paul and 20 years for myself in Florida, we relocted to Clarksville, Tennessee.

So this Holiday season, we got to spend with our families and not our our Florida friends. For me it was a very special holiday getting to spend it with my Father and sister afte 20 years. I know my Mom was smiling down at us, happy that her family was back together again.

I have to admit it was strange at first since for the past years, it was our Florida family that had made our holiday season so enjoyable and memorable.

We  tend to take many things in our life for granted and sometimes neglect to express or show our true feelings for those immediately around us in our daily lives. Being from a farming family, family gatherings with lots of good food, good fun and camaraderie were what was important throughout the year. It was during these family gatherings that you caught on family and nurtured the bond that makes us all family in one way or another.

Paul  and I come from very different family backgrounds but the one common thread was that family was the most important aspect of our daily lives growing up. The weekly or Monthly family gatherings that included everyone from Grandparents to cousins. The feeling of having that common denominator that made you whole and who you are today. 

The old saying you can pick your friends but not your family  is so true. Yet we have friends in our lives that we consider family and have the bond that comes with family.  Knowing they will be there for you in your time of need and support you in whatever venture you undertake. 

So as 2011 draws to an end, We know that our choices were the right ones for Paul and I. Our Florida Friends will always be a part of our lives but now is the time for us to spend with our Family. 2012 is going to be a good year, now we get to show our Florida Family the area I grew up in and around.

What Attack on Christmas?

I keep hearing that Christmas is under attack. Congress has even touched on the matter as if that is the most important issue they have to deal with at this time. But I digress.. I am having a hard time understanding just what is attacking Christmas.  Is it the fact that the retail stores start advertising and putting out their Christmas items before Halloween has past.  Maybe its the Condo Association that is fighting a owner for putting out colored lights instead of only clear lights. 

I just can not figure out what is attacking Christmas, as I sit in front of our beautiful Christmas tree, listening to Christmas music and all the Christmas cards from friends and family. Where is the attack, what is the attack, who is doing the attacking?

Can anyone tell me? 

The only thing I can think of is the attack is from those spouting the issue that Christmas is under attack.   I just don't understand why human beings can not just get along, this country was founded on freedom.  Freedom of speech, Freedom of religion, Freedom to be who and what you are without prejudice.  At least that was what I was taught in a small country school in the rural midwest.

I personally, think that those that are claiming there is an attack on Christmas are just trying to create a diversion so they gain more votes in the upcoming election.  We as Americans are always under attack, from outside our borders and more dangerous within our borders. Ultra conservative, Ultra liberals, Ultra Religious, Ultra white, Ultra Black, Ultra, Ultra Ultra. Oh there I go digressing again..

Attack on Christmas, I don't think so. The attack is on the American people, who for the most part just want to enjoy the Holiday in Peace and Good will to all.

Merry Christmas  and Happy Holidays to All.....

Holidays are in Full Swing

Decorations galore are not the only hints that the holidays are upon us. Dinner parties, cocktail parties, cookie swaps, caroling and shopping.   Shopping  and Shopping, did I mention Shopping. Whether it be at the mall or in the comfort of your home in front of your computer. There are so many choices for your gift giving pleasure.

This year the best gift that I will receive is spending the holidays with my Dad and Sister. After 20 years of spending the holidays in Florida with our Friends/family there, this year, I actually get to spend the holidays with Dad and sister.   Although, I will miss the special time we have had with our  Florida family/friends all these years.  This year just has a very special feeling for me. The holiday weekend is planned with a great meal and quality time with the both of them.

Another huge difference for Paul and I is that our complete yard decorations are in storage in Florida, living in a Condo does not offer any real yard space for the 20-25 inflatables that I would put out in my yard and the neighbors yard each year.  Paul is going through Holiday decorating withdraw due to not being able to put up his tree, ornaments and all the indoor decorations.

We have been in our Tennessee home for 30 days and have done a great deal of work to make it home and energy efficient.  New Flooring is the final improvement and so the tree can not be brought out till the flooring is down.  Not sure if this will be completed prior to the holiday, so I may have to see if we brought the little ceramic and 2 foot tree of our mothers to curb his holiday decorating withdrawal symptoms.

Next year, we will have our home decked out to the max for the holiday.  We wish all our Florida Family/friends a wonderful holiday and will miss you all. Take Care. Happy Holiday.. till next time LB

This Year I have a lot to be Thankful for..

Yes, tucked between the two monster sized holidays of Halloween and Christmas, Thanksgiving receives far less attention. But Thanksgiving is a very important holiday, especially in the busy lives of Americans. It is a time to kick back and relax, watch a football game or go to a movie, and enjoy a huge feast. There is no nation in the world that has more to be thankful for than the USA.

The first Thanksgiving was celebrated between the Pilgrims and the Indians in 1621.That first feast was a three day affair. The fall harvest was time for celebration. The Pilgrims and the Indians created a huge feast including a wide variety of animals and fowl, as well as fruits and vegetables from the fall harvest. This early celebration was the start of today's holiday celebration. Like then, we celebrate with a huge feast.

After the first Thanksgiving, the observance was sporadic and almost forgotten until the early 1800's. It was usually celebrated in late September or October. In 1941, Congress made it a national holiday and set the date as the fourth Thursday in November.

Today, most of us enjoy Turkey with "all the trimming". The "trimming" include a wide variety of foods that are a tradition for your family. Those traditional foods often replicate the foods at the first Thanksgiving feast. While others, are traditional ethnic or religious group’s recipe, or a special food item that your family always serves at Thanksgiving dinner. Then, to top it off, pumpkin pies, apple pies, an even mince meat pies are bountiful around the table.

With our busy lives, it is not always possible to spend Thanksgiving with all your family and loved ones. This Thanksgiving is going to be very special and important one for my family.  My Sister and I have not spent Thanksgiving together in over 20 plus years. This year, we will not only be together,  but our Father will be with us as well.  Sure, I have to put up with Football all day but I think this one day is worth the sacrifice.

Our Mother would be so proud to see the family together for the holiday and she is dearly missed.  Not only is this Thanksgiving special but I am also starting out this holiday season in a new home and location.  Yes, we miss our friends/family back in South Florida but they know they are still in our thoughts, it just this year they will be the ones getting the phone call and not our feast.. .

 Did you know? Potatoes were not part of the first Thanksgiving. Irish immigrants had not yet brought them to North America.

Till next week. LB