We may have underestimated....

The recreation area Duke Energy opened this area with a trail to the falls. The trail just opened this year in April.

we didn't know anything much about it...other than it was a way to get down to the waterfall.

reading to see about how long it would take us...

getting closer to the trail

We happened to meet the man who designed the trail as we set out. He was there with his family. He wanted to show his mother the finished trail.

Based on the sign we figured 1/2 hour down..."we may have underestimated" is what more than one person coming up the trail said....but we kept going...haha

John, Bill & Kathie

We climbed over fallen trees...and crossed a couple of little bridges...like this one

over the bridges and through to woods...past the rocks... I know it's silly...but they made me nervous...I went quickly past the rocks

heading back up-I looked like a professional...with my purse! hahah

stopped while John and Bill Chatted with "Mom" and others

It was a nice day. The trail was nice...a little more strenuous then we thought....but not enough to stop us. We took about 2-3 hrs total....from the time we started down...to the time we hiked back up.
We were glad we had taken advantage of the walking sticks someone had left behind. First took them as kind of a joke...but realized rather quickly that they might actually come in handy. We all made it in one piece...Bill with his bad knee...me with my purse, Kathie slow and steady...and John stopping to get photos for me. It was worth the hike... we all felt good once we finished!

A Trip To the Mountains

View from my window

Centerpiece...one of Kathie's many decorations around the house

lots of colors

Out on the deck we were surrounded by trees. Lots of yellows...that got deeper yellow as the days went by.

Temperatures were nice and cool...40's in the morning...60's during the day. Mostly clear skies while we were there. We did have some rain during the drive up from Atlanta and it continued the next morning...but when it cleared up...the sky was BLUE!

many different birds were enjoying the bird feeder on the porch...a little more variety than I have in Florida.

view down near the clubhouse...I loved the row of red trees

coming down the path on our walk

I liked the pop of color in the green

Each time I went out for a walk I had to have my camera ready. I was snapping away...I just couldn't help myself...haha I loved the colors. I stopped along the way to collect various colored leaves. Tried to find different shapes and colors...it was kind of  like going to the beach  and collecting shells. Once I started looking...it was hard to quit. But at the end of the day I looked them over and took a picture of my favorites.
John was patient with me...every time I stopped and said "Look at that one!" he went along with it...haha
He held the phone while I took pictures...or held leaves while I got  my camera out...etc I missed seeing the leaves the last two years...it was great to go back!
This trip I was determined to see a little more of the area...waterfalls, etc. We made it a point to take a few easy hikes. Decided I needed to spend time outdoors, enjoying the beauty...not just going into town to shop and eat...but don't worry...we did that too. haha All over town were pumpkins, scarecrows, haystacks, flowers, etc giving everything a very festive look.
Tomorrow I'll post some pictures from our hike on a new trial that just opened in April.

Tell tale signs that you are getting older.....

John's 40th Class Reunion was this past weekend.

The committee did a great job...everything was super organized and very nicely done

They had an informal  get-together downtown Friday night, then a dinner/dance party on Saturday night.

there were lots of goodies...treats on the tables, door prizes and goody bags with an assortment of coupons and gifts and the requisite T-shirt

AND THESE! HAHAHAHAH ...only at a 40th reunion would you find these kind of treats in your goody bag!

 

The weekend was a great success...John really enjoyed seeing a lot of old friends. I think he told me 169 people had signed up...not a bad turn out. Approximately 60 classmates have passed away over the years...they had a nice tribute to them as well. I knew some of the people...enough to have a good time Saturday night...though I did spend some time "observing " from the sidelines. More than once I met up with other "guests" in the bathroom...we all just laughed and figured we could handle being out of place...since our husbands seemed to be having fun. One of John's buddies and his wife danced  (I guess you could call it that.)..haha they could qualify for "So You Think You Can Dance"...he was such a goofy dancer...having such a good time...it was pretty funny. She kind of hopped around "doing jumping jacks (John's take on her moves)...don't know if anyone enjoyed the music more than those two. Funny!

Music "snob" that John thinks I am...I'm not really...it just takes me a while to get going if it's not the music I normally listen to... I enjoyed some time on the dance floor. Local DJ did a great job...kept everyone going with mostly old hits...but enough current, or more current music to keep things moving. We stayed until the end...then ventured over to The Monkey Bar where we crashed the Palm Bay High Class of 1988 Reunion. Their band was playing my kind of music!
Our friend Heather was there with her husband.
 Originally I had made a tentative plan with my friend Karen, Al, her cousin Rob and son David to meet up there if I needed to escape the Mel-Hi reunion...then I found out Heather & Chris would be there at her reunion...so things worked out well. We stayed at Monkey Bar until closing...can't remember the last time I did that! Danced (we danced more than the kids at the reunion I might add...hahah). John & I, our friend Kemp...who first crashed the  Mel High's reunion...then joined us at the Palm Bay High party. we had fun...the band Rock Candy was great...lots of Alternative 80's music. It was a bit loud...but what the heck...
Sunday morning we slept in a little...and then used some of the Biofreeze on our sore muscles...hahah

Another Sunday(except now it's Monday )

Last week was a pretty  good week. It was relatively quiet...which was fine with me. I needed a quiet week. Yesterday I spent the day shopping a various stores. I seemed to run in to someone everywhere I went. I guess one thing about having a hairstyle that never really changes...people always remember me...hahah I have run in to several people recently who greeted me with a hearty "Hi Anne!"...and I must confess I had to stop and think "Oh crap..who is this...I know this person..." I figured it out each time...and told them...as they asked "Do you remember who I am?" Two of the people were friends from Holy Trinity. Their girls were in the same class as my girls. It was fun to hear how their kids were doing...and to know they still remembered me...since I had not seen one of the  women in probably over 15 years!
Now in case you're wondering how these pictures have any relation to that story...They DON'T! haha There was an Art show in downtown Melbourne this weekend...David was in it. We stopped by today and

saw that he had won a prize! Always a good thing! It was really HOT though...so we did not hang around for long. We did stop by an artist's booth that we recognized. (He carved two of the fish we have on our walls.) John was chatting with him and noticed a new one he kind of liked. The artist gave us a bit of a deal...and John decided to get it. I took down one of my wreaths that was starting to get a little dried out...and rearranged the rest of the art work to accommodate the new fish.

These are pictures from a sunset last week. It was so nice...I went in and got my camera...and just kept taking pictures. My friend had a shot of the same sunset from her roof...and I passed another woman out on the street who was snapping pictures with her phone. It was one of those kind of nights!

The days have been nice lately...blue skies...a little cooler...if you get out early enough!  This was the view from my new phone...as I came in the back way into my neighborhood the other day.

And these clouds reminded me of some kind of giant smoke signal...they arched across the sky from south to north (or the other way I guess) here's the view looking north

same clouds- looking south

I mentioned that last week was kind of quiet...the week before...there was a little more going on. My good friend Karen lost her sister Laura on September 21st. It was not unexpected...but still hard. The memorial for Laura will be this Saturday. Also that week our good friend Mike Roy lost his father. His dad went golfing...came home and suffered a massive stroke. It was totally unexpected...but the family is managing. Mike and Denise had a small get together at their house...something he knew his Dad would've enjoyed.
Then the funeral mass was Monday, September 30th. It was a nice funeral...but sad. Everyone from the family participated in some way, the priest was good friends with Mike's mom...which all made it a nice service. Everyone is still kind of in shock...it's not something you ever can be prepared for. As I was telling Mike what a nice job he did with the eulogy...in my  mind I was thinking That is not anything anyone wants to be good at...reading eulogies for loved ones.  We also lost a neighbor the same week. He was a few days shy of his 89th birthday and from what I understand he was very matter of fact...he recently got sick and decided he was fine with whatever happened...he did not want any treatments...no heroic measures...as his mass card said (an excerpt)
When I come to the end of the road,
 and the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom -filled room,
Why cry for a soul set free?
 Miss me a little, but not too long and not with your head bowed low.
 Remember the love we once shared,
 Miss me and let me go!

I didn't know him well...I knew his daughter a little...but as I saw all the cars and people gathered at his house during his last few days...I remembered what is was like for us when we lost my dad, John's dad, my mom and my sister Jen. There is comfort in having all the family together...at least there was for me. I know what Mike and his family are feeling, what Karen, Linda and her Mom and all the family are feeling and what Vicky and her family are feeling. It's that final goodbye...knowing that this time...they are gone...and this time they won't be back. For a while it's like a hit that takes your breath away...and slowly time goes by and it's not as hard. We still miss our loved ones...but knowing that all of them are now at peace...not suffering anymore...is some comfort.
And on that note I will wrap this up. Started this Sunday night...now it's kind of a gray Monday afternoon....I got off work at 1pm and now am just relaxing and getting myself organized for the rest of the week.
Happy Monday!

It wasn't Disney World...

leaving from the Sebastian Inlet boat ramps

As I mentioned in the last post...my wacky schedule wound up giving me a 4 day weekend. I had hoped to maybe go to Disney World (it's slower this time of year) or do something  exciting....but none of the plans I/we came up with seemed to work out. In spite of that...it was a nice relaxing weekend...the weather was great and other opportunities presented themselves. We went to dinner and a show on Friday night, Saturday we watched the GATORS BEAT TENNESSEE!!!! Winning always makes watching your team more fun..haha
And then... John decided now was the time to take me offshore on the boat...since I've never gone out on our boat. He told me he'd make sure the conditions were going to be good and he had invited Charlie and Gayle to go along with us. I was nervous...but decided to give it a try.

can you see all the little bait fish?

 It was a really calm day...no wind and it was like a lake.
 We went out to the buoy to catch some "livies"

watching the clouds as we rode along

we got about 30-35 fish at the buoy...bait fish that is...haha

 These conditions were about as good as it gets for a nervous passenger like me...we saw assorted 
 sea  turtles, dolphins, a shark, lots of flying fish...but we never found any FISH to catch!

these birds know there will be fish near by the buoy

we also happened upon some friends also out looking for bait.

 

                     We stayed out for about 5 hours....maybe more...spotted some birds...but never found any fish to catch. I didn't really mind. Towards the end of the day...we were running south for one more look...when I started getting nervous as I watched the storm clouds building in the west. I don't mind rain...but I did not want to be out in the ocean on that boat in the middle of a thunderstorm! John agreed...and he had promised me he'd get me in before any storms started up...so he turned around and headed in.

We got back safe and sound...only a few drops of rain along the way. I started feeling a bit like I had worried for no reason...until about 1 hour later when the big storms hit. Thunder (never saw lightening...at least here.)..and the power flickered a few times. Some areas had flood watches in effect...because there were spots that got 2 inches of rain in 1 hour....so it's a good thing we came back when we did. John was happy...he finally got me out on the ocean in his boat...and even though we came home empty handed...it was a nice day.

I'm back

 I haven't been posting anything lately...just haven't had much excitement around here.......and I just couldn't seem to get motivated ....and decided not to bore you with any more rants...hahha Life has been moving along as usual. Work is steady for John...some fishing but not quite as much. Glad football is back in season; it gives us something to watch a few days a week! Fall is definitely in the air...even if it's just a hint. This morning was so nice. A little bit of a cool breeze from the north. It got hot as the day progressed, but at least for an hour or two...it felt nice. I took a bike ride...ventured down to Karen's favorite spot down by the river.

 Sat on the swing and just enjoyed the nice view and the fresh air. A few dolphins were swimming around out in the river.

No one else was around...except a guy trimming palm fronds at the church....So the swing was all mine! I love this time of year...but it doesn't always like me. Lots of early morning headaches. I try to refrain from taking anything...until I get up and get going. Usually a cup of coffee or two and just getting UP does the trick. I wake up around 4am...I'm fine...but my sinuses don't seem to like the last hour or two (more like 3) that I want to stay in bed! Oh well...for a day like today it's worth it. And once I got up, got going and then took a bike ride today...I was fine. When that doesn't work Excedrin does wonders. When it was off the market for a while...I was really anxious for it to come back. Had my two bottles that I did NOT turn in...and hoarded them! hahah Since my migraine medicine  costs $50.00 a pill...till I switch back to Imitrex...I'll take one Excedrin...maybe two...and nine times out of ten it does the trick.. Sometimes I do seem to get the kind  of headache that just won't go away...a 2-3 day thing. It doesn't knock me out...but it's just there...lurking in the background. (usually when a front is coming through.) Anyway.... today was a good day.
Beautiful all day...and then a nice evening too. John and I went to the Chart House...missed Happy Hour by 10 minutes...but managed to find some tasty options anyway. We had a couple of appetizers and I ordered Chicken Romano. It was great! After dinner John took me to see
 Special EFX a "Smooth" Jazz group performing at the Henegar Center. Tickets were reasonable...and some good seats were still available when we made our last minute plans.


Speaking of plans...we had all sorts of different plans this weekend...since for whatever  crazy schedule reason I ended up with Friday,Sat-Sun-Mon off. Every so often it works out that way...and I always feel like I should actually DO something...but so far my attempts to find someone who wants to go to Disney World have failed...haha. I have been dying to go...it's not as hot or as busy this time of year. Eventually I'll get there! (Megan I need you! hahaha)
Another option was to go down to The Keys...to Islamorada (sp?)..(not Islamabad like spell check wants me to change it to...haha) John did work for a friend and the house is done now. Part of the arrangement was that John could use the place a couple of times. He has been wanting to show me the place...more "Old Florida Keys"...versus the tacky (as far as I was concerned) Keys we visited last time we went. I did not really like Key West...just wanted to get out of there. A job he was working on this past week had a few hitches...and he wasn't able to finish up as quickly as he's hoped....so we decided to try another time.
Since my Disney plans didn't work out...and the Keys didn't come through...John was feeling badly...even though I tried to tell him not to worry about it...he just wanted to have A plan...so...came up with dinner and the concert. That was nice...I appreciated that.  For whatever reason I was a little out of sorts the last day or two...no particular reason...just feeling a little off. The bike ride helped and then a nice evening too...both helped.
I had a good day yesterday...nice group for Story time...this year I have been having  consistent numbers...unlike last year when I was wondering if I was going to get to keep having the program...because it seemed like hardly anyone was coming! This fall I've had lots of new kids and moms/dads/grandmas/babysitters. Some are little ones that have moved up from Dianne's Toddler Time...others just friends of friends...etc. The group is a little younger than I've had...but that's okay...just have to keep things moving. I have a few that have trouble sitting still...and it's a challenge when they get together...but yesterday...everyone was good! The one little girl who likes to get up and run around...didn't have anyone else that she could get interested...so she settled down too.  Everyone was interested and participating in the stories. If I asked a question...they all answered...and they were really cute! It was fun..
.So...again...don't know why I was a little off today....oh well...some days are like that. For the rest of the weekend I will watch the Gators tomorrow...we should be able to beat Tennessee.(I hope! haha). and then......who knows. John has plans to take me fishing Monday with Charlie and Gayle. I am trying to get used to the idea and not get too anxious thinking about it...because I think once I get out in the ocean I will enjoy it...I just can't think about that boat out i n all that water...with no land in sight...because that kind of makes me nervous!   We shall see.......:}

Birthday party surprise

Linda and John saying "SURPRISE!"

Last Sunday we went over to Orlando for our friend Karen's surprise birthday party.

she really had no idea anything was up...she thought her son Eric had made plans for Karen, Al and her mother to meet him for lunch.

Karen and her sister Linda have been helping their mother take care of their sister Laura for the last year and a half.

Her son decided after all she had been through......first helping with care of Laura...then negotiating with care givers, doctors, lawyers, social workers etc...to find a place that could take care of her when the job got to be too much for the family. Anyone who has been through this with a family member...knows the whole process can be exhausting. You get one person to do what they need to do (fill out forms, etc) then you have to make sure everyone else is also doing their part. They went back and forth with the social worker...and finally had to get a lawyer to help. It took months...all the while they were doing their best to take care of Laura. Finally in April (?) if I remember correctly, they managed to get all the pieces in place and they got Laura into a facility. It happens to be only 15 minutes from Karen's home in Casselberry...so it all worked out well.  After all of this...her son Eric decided he wanted to do something special for her.

Linda, Lisa, Linda,Karen, Anne and Jane- friends from over the last 4o some years.

Karen and the boys

He sent out a notice to family and friends...inviting us to come and surprise her. He had a cookout planned....and of course it had to include her favorite chocolate cake! (Linda made it...it was good!) As you can see there were actually several cakes...NO Problem!...hahah the more the better.
John and I rode over with Lisa...which was nice. we got to catch up on the way over and back...and with Lisa's GPS and John in charge of reading the directions...we only made one or two wrong turns... ;)
 It was a nice day...and a good surprise for Karen.