Stop reading & start writing and enough of the fickle weather…

It’s April, and the springlike conditions have failed to show; not surprising, though, since we live in northern Illinois.

But the thought of warmer, comfortable days not being too far off is a pleasing one all the same. We’ve had rain and wind, but we’ve avoided any late-season snow storms, and the landscapers have been on the scene a few days performing the annual spring cleanup. It is always great to see and hear them out and about doing their magnificent jobs sprucing up this community.

This whole week has been less than sunshine and gentle breezes. Rain and the occasional snow flurries seem to have been the primary weather “bill of fare” each day. One bright thing out of all of this is the birds have shown up at the feeders out back and enjoy the fine blend of seed provided.

Looking ahead, things are supposed to warm up in the days ahead, but how much faith can we put into any forecast these days? I guess it doesn’t really matter, since we have absolutely no control in any of it in the first place!

As I type now, there seems to be a glimmer of some sunshine peeking out from the atmosphere above, and at least it has taken the fifty shades of gray out of the panorama for the moment.

While at the gym this morning, I told myself that I would spend the afternoon writing: This blog post; an article for the Route 66 Association of Illinois newsletter; and work on that novel manuscript that has been lying in wait for oh, so many years! So far, I’ve gotten about 250 words put down here. At least I’m trying!

Which reminds me, I was admonished earlier today to stop reading so much, and get to writing! True, I have spent way more time reading the works of others instead of focusing on my own words of wisdom, etc., etc. What has happened to my enthusiasm and dedication to getting that book finished? Hard to understand since I began the thing about eight years ago.

I have the first draft done (sort of), and now it needs some massive editing, cutting, and fixing. Aye, there’s the rub. I’ve continuously hit a wall whenever I attempt to get back into it, and I’m at a loss as to where to begin with the editing, cutting, and fixing. Frustration sets in, and I usually close the file and let it slide back into its deep, dark resting place. Alas.

And so, I have reached my word count target for this post, so I’ll wrap this up and shift to that Route 66 article. And, time permitting in this day, I’ll give it another “go” on the revision of the novel. If anyone is interested, let me know if you have any clear suggestions. I would, indeed, like to get a “finished” product out there, and I’m open to all ideas and suggestions. 

Until next time…

Next time…

He was just here yesterday!

After the initial shock of hearing of our friend’s sudden passing from a heart attack last night, that was my first thought: He was just here yesterday. 

Our friend, Doug, was here in the morning so my wife could cut his hair, something she does for various friends and acquaintances, being the “retired” hair dresser for the past several years.

No unexpected death is ever an easy thing to digest. I know this so very well from my own personal experiences, and our friend’s death seems laden with even much more sadness. His wife recently died following a long and courageous battle with cancer. And now Doug was gradually putting “things” back together in his life and had plans for some fun trips in the days ahead. All the signs of life looking better for him seemed evident as he spoke of having the spring cleaning of the house and their massive garden taken care of yesterday.

When his hair cut was finished, and he prepared to head out and on his way, both my wife and I told him to have fun on his upcoming golf trips and that we’d see him “next time.”

This morning’s notice of Doug’s passing starkly made me realize once again that there may never be a “next time.”

I close now.

Until next time…

If it’s February, it must be Florida!

Well, here I am again, on the road and finally settling down to the old MacBook Pro and going to piece some thoughts together (I hope!) to post on dear, old Down Many Roads. I really had intended to get something posted prior to our hying off to the sunny south on February 5^th, but that, obviously, never materialized.

Our first night out found us staying near Benton, Kentucky, at the wonderful home of some very goods friends of ours, even though they weren’t there. They had graciously let us spend the night in their absence. Early the next morning, we were up and out and back on I-24 to begin another long trek, with Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, as that night’s destination.

After all those miles of what was a very nice drive down through Tennessee, Alabama, and into the Florida Panhandle, we arrived at my sister’s place and immediately enjoyed settling in for the next few days and learning lots about that particular part of the state. 

We enjoyed some fine meals over the course of the next few nights at some fun spots in the area: Pompano Joe’s, Grimaldi’s Pizza, and Lulu’s. I also found the local beers there cold and very refreshing!

Lunch at Ferg’s in St. Pete with cousins

Our time there slipped by rather quickly, and Friday rolled around and time for us to make our way further south for a stay at our daughter’s in Cape Coral for the next week. However, we planned to stop for lunch at 2 p.m. at Ferg’s Sports Bar and Grill in St. Petersburg with the wife’s two cousins who reside in the area. It was a nice break from the road, and the sports bar was an amazing, large facility that sits right next to Tropicana Field, home of MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays.

It’s a pretty neat area, and one I wouldn’t mind returning to at some point when my team—the White Sox—are playing a series down there. Anyway, our food was good, and we had a good visit with the cousins before we resumed the drive further south to Cape Coral.

Despite the usual heavy traffic, we made good time getting away from the Tampa-St. Pete area, crossing over the large Sunshine Skyway on I-275. Sadly, though, our old standby place to stop for orange juice and ice cream—Mixon’s—in Bradenton is no longer in business, having been closed during the past year. It was really difficult to know that our favorite orange swirl soft-serve ice cream we’d get there on our way in for vacation every February was no longer to be! That can’t be right… 

Strolling with daughter Laura in the Eco Preserve in Cape Coral.

Our stay in Cape Coral was good, and we enjoyed the time with our daughter and her two cats. We discovered a couple of new places of interest, and both provided us good walking ops. And since I am now able and somewhat enthusiastic about walking and moving the body about on a regular basis, thanks to two new knees, we had an enjoyable time visiting Four Mile Cove Eco Preserve, a magnificent preserve of mangroves and wildlife along the Caloosahatchee River.

Carolyn and me after our walk in the Four Mile Cove Eco Preserve

The other was the Tom Allen Butterfly House at Rotary Park. It is one of the premier attractions in Cape Coral. The Butterfly House is home to many native butterfly species. Carolyn and I paid it a visit, and then strolled around some beautiful gardens and landscaped delights and found ourselves on a winding path that provided a nice walk, looping around ponds and other natural wonders returning us to the parking lot. We both agreed that discovering these two special places in Cape Coral was truly a highlight of our stay there.

Lunch at Harpoon Harry’s

And so today we bid farewell to Cape Coral and made the relatively short drive up U.S. 41—Tamiami Trail—to Punta Gorda and lunch at Harpoon Harry’s on the Waterfront on the Fisherman’s Village pier. We’d eaten there a few other times, and today’s stop didn’t disappoint. The grouper sandwiches were delicious, and my IPA—High Five, from Fort Myers—was excellent! The place was crowded, as usual, but it was all worth it as we were in no hurry. 

After our meal, we strolled through the line of shops and stores leading back to the parking lot. I managed to while away some time on various benches and “people watch” as Carolyn visited several establishments.

Finally, we found our way back to one of the full parking lots and made our way out of Punta Gorda onward to the Country Inn and Suites in nearby Port Charlotte. And that’s where I’m writing this, and I’ve just realized that I’ve gone way past my word count goal, but I’ve been rather lax on any sort of word production these past weeks, so the more the merrier!

From here, tomorrow, we’ll move up to Longboat Key, near Sarasota, where we’ll check in for a week’s stay in the same condo resort where we were last year. It will be fun to get there and unpack and relax. I have a few books to read, more writing to do, and lots of walks to take. I look forward to my next post here when I can share our adventures with you again.

Until next time…

A good week with our daughter and the outdoors!

Wintry thoughts on an “Inside” day…

Snow on the driveway. So it goes!

The past two weeks have been quite interesting around here, with the crazy winter weather full of heavy snow and followed by temperatures way below comfort level of any sort. And after a couple of days, the temperatures climb out of that miserable cold to temperatures above freezing, and rain sets in, making things slushy and equally treacherous in their own right. 

But weather is something that is what it is, and I’m fortunate enough to be able to stay in and not have to venture out for any specific purpose, with the exception of my early-morning exercise class—Jump Start Your Heart—Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, about a thirty-minute drive for me. 

I hated to do so yesterday morning, but I stayed home as the sleet/rain/wintry mix was just beginning, and I simply didn’t feel inclined to chance things. As conditions improved later in the afternoon,  however, I did make the trip to the Health & Wellness Center for a good independent workout, so I didn’t lose out completely. To say the least, I’m eager to get back with the group early tomorrow morning—weather permitting.

Ideas turn into blog posts!

Today has been an excellent opportunity to get several little odds-n-ends taken care of and to actually get some writing done. I enjoyed checking out the Reader for the current list of blog posts by those I subscribe to and follow. I’m always quite envious of some the ideas that those authors developed into worthwhile posts, and I constantly am chiding myself, saying: Why didn’t I think of that?

Front yard trees stark & bare.

At any rate, I do, indeed, find inspiration from the many posts I read, a sort of “kick in the rear” to get me clacking away on the keyboard with hopes that I can also contribute something worthwhile. As I do, I peer out my window at the slushy street and across the neighborhood blanketed with wet, heavy snow and the trees standing stark and bare in all of our yards. Melting snow from the steady rain drips down from the gutters along the edge of the roof. 

Thankful that I do not have to go out and shovel or clear any ice or snow from the driveway or walks, I stay focused on my writing and the words that appear on the screen.  

So on this day to stay home and off the roads, I’ll enjoy my hot coffee and work at my desk and ponder wintry thoughts. Warm and content, I’m glad that I’m inside and not outside!

Pour me another cup of hot coffee!

Until next time…

Winter’s scene out back…

Enjoy the moment(s)…

A fresh, hot cup of coffee at hand, I’m at my desk and thinking about putting this blog post together. Seems as though I was just doing the same thing not so long ago. Yes, another week has sped by, taking us past the halfway point of January, making it even more difficult to fully comprehend.

When I was younger, and my wonderful grandfather would often offer words of wisdom along with other sage pieces of advice for living, he would tell me that I should enjoy each day. It seems that he had come to believe that as one ages, time seems to speed up and whizz past, a phenomenon that must have some realistic and logical explanation.

Of course, time moves at the same rate as it did when we entered this world, but it only seems to drag along at a leisurely pace in our youth, that period of growing up and going through life’s experiences that we meet head-on. Youth: when we long to be older and to be able to do all of those things that mark us as not-so-young anymore, quickly hurrying through those years we long for later on in retrospect from a 73-year-old point of view!

I always smiled and shook my head in agreement with Grandpa, knowing that I had all the time in the world, and I would be very glad to take his words of advice fully to heart. After all, the world was an oyster, promising opportunities and endless adventures as the years would unfold. Funny how it’s suddenly many years later and the glow of youth has dimmed as a distant fading gleam, and we’re talking about grandsons’ activities and what the best healthcare and Medicare plan might be. Even if we don’t voice it, we think it: Where has time gone?

Long ago, not really giving much credence to his words, I may have merely gone along with Grandpa’s admonishments that we should live and enjoy every day and not wish them away in hopes of “better” ones late in life. But now—so many years later—I realize just how spot on he was. And, like him, I find myself trying to impart the same advice to my own grown kids—and grandsons—at many turns along the way. And, like me, they say, “Ok, sure…” and move along to the next thing in their young lives, never realizing just how precious that in-the-moment experience really is.

And so it is, and these thoughts bounce around on this snowy 6° mid-January day. Enjoy the moment, folks!

Until next time…

Riding out the winter storm . . .

Well, as predicted, the winter storm has come our way, laying down a cold white carpet and paving the way for the high winds later this afternoon and on into the evening hours and through tomorrow.

All ready to write with winter’s storm outside

I happen to like this, especially since there is no place I have to get to today or tomorrow. The car can remain in the warmth of the garage, and I can remain inside, getting some long overdue writing going. That novel that has been awaiting editing/rewriting/proofing keeps calling out to me to get to it! So what better opportunity than today to get to it.

Of course, there are a few other texts, emails, and good-old-fashion letters to get to, as well. Besides those, there are the various blog posts in the Reader I keep telling myself I’m going to settle in and enjoy.

And the day is still young, since I’ve been up since 5:00 a.m. What fool gets out of a perfectly warm and comfy bed at that crazy hour, you ask? Well, I had assumed that I would be going to my regular Jump Start Your Heart class at the Good Samaritan Health & Wellness Center for the 7:00 a.m. class, and as I was all set to head out the door shortly before 6:00 to drive the twenty-five minutes to the class, I saw there were already several inches of snow that had fallen fast and furiously within the hour. As such, It didn’t take me very long to call a halt to that plan and shift to “Plan B.” That was changing back out of my gym clothes and slipping into my attire for the rest of the day (probably weekend!) sweats and sweatshirt.

And so that has how this morning has gone to this point.

Our “snow globe” room

It was enjoyable sitting in what we call our “snow globe” room (see attached photo) watching the swirling snow continue for quite some time. As predicted, though, things tapered off and there have been periods with little or no snow falling. That’s to pick back up late this afternoon. Wind gusts are expected to increase as well, which should really add to the “flavor” of this winter wonderland.

As I wind this post up now, thinking that it’s a pretty good time to go fire up the Keurig for another cup of hot Folgers, I appreciate not having to go anywhere and that I can stay right here at my nice little desk, in my nice cozy room, and look out onto the wintry scene that has found its way here to Aurora, Illinois.

Stay safe, everyone, and ride out the storm as best you can, wherever you may be.

Until next time…

Some thoughts on a cold January afternoon…

Winter’s “first blast” came calling.

Our first blast of winter finally arrived the past couple of days, leaving several inches piled up, and more of the same is expected this coming Friday, to be followed by drastic drops in the temperature throughout the weekend and the coming week.

Living in Illinois, we’re pretty much accustomed to the cold and snow, although there are those who at this time of year act as though they can’t truly believe that cold and ice and wind-driven snow could have the audacity to make their presence known! So it goes…

In my last couple of posts, I’ve focused mainly on my two knee surgeries, so I won’t dwell anymore on that topic, other than to say that I’m happy to report that I’m all finished with physical therapy and both knees are functioning pain free and allowing me the comfort I’d been missing for so many years. I could kick myself for having waited so long to take care of them, but that ship has sailed and I’m just happy with the outcomes. Now, it’s onward and forward…

Speaking of which, we’ll be embarking on our annual motor trip to Florida on February 5. As usual, we’ll be eager to leave all of the white stuff and cold in the rearview mirror!

We’ll stop the first night at some friends in their home in Kentucky, and head on from there the next morning to Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, to spend a few days and nights with my sister.

That particular part of Florida is rather unfamiliar to us, so we’re looking forward to learning and enjoying the “lay of the land” there. And since we’ll stop back on our way back north at the end of the month, we’ll certainly have plenty of opportunity to get acquainted with the area.

At the end of the week, we’ll make the marathon drive down to Cape Coral for a stay with our daughter. This time each year, the weather is ideal and it will be wonderful to exchange our winter garb for shorts and t-shirts once again.

It will be a time to relax, yet at the same time to re-visit many of our favorite restaurants and shops. And since I’ll feel pretty good about getting out of the car and being able to walk comfortably, this year’s visit holds a different sort of attraction for me.

I’m sure we’ll head over the bridge to Fort Myers Beach to see how much has changed and been re-built following the terrible hurricane from 2022. When we drove out there last February, it was a sickening experience. The whole area was devastated and everything resembled a ravaged, bombed-out Third World war zone! It can only be better…

From Cape Coral, we’ll check into a condo at the same resort where we stayed last year on Longboat Key. We’ll be joined by Carolyn’s brother and her niece. There will be lots of pool time and strolls out on the sands to enjoy the Gulf.

As always happens, time will fly by way too quickly, and we’ll grudgingly resign ourselves to the fact that it will be time to wend our way northward and eventually back home. But traveling once again on so many of the old and familiar Florida back roads , through towns that are off the beaten path, will be another treat to which I’m eagerly anticipating, as we end up back at my sister’s place in the Panhandle before the long haul back to Illinois.

Again, there are restaurants we will make a point of returning to. As I write this, the blackened grouper and lobster bisque is sounding awfully enticing, not to mention a nice IPA or golden ale from one of several local craft brewers. With thoughts such as these, I’m ready to start packing!

The cold and snow and gray that is outside my office window at the moment seems only a temporary scene. After all, February 5^th isn’t all that far off, and the journey can begin!

Until next time… 

End of the line for another year…

The end of another year has slipped up on us, ready or not, and one could go on about all of the highlights of the year we’ve just experienced, or bemoan the missed or lost opportunities that may have made a difference in our lives—for better or worse.

Or, one could spend an inordinate number of words in writing about pledging to be better in so many ways—resolutions—and come off as a caring, feeling, and dedicated human who wishes to make himself/herself better, and thus, making for a better world altogether. But since I learned long ago that end-of-the-year vows and resolutions don’t hold up very well for me in the long run, I won’t go there. I know without shouting it out what it is I need to do to improve myself and my well being and what I wish/hope to accomplish in the next year.

So on this final chapter of 2023, I’ll merely share a few thoughts on what the  waning year has meant to me and simply leave it at that and head on into a new year early tomorrow morning, with good thoughts and a positive attitude for the journey ahead.

I am fortunate to have turned another year older in June, and my overall health has been pretty good. The valve replacement surgery back in the summer of 2020 helped things out in that department, but I have to keep a regular regimen of cardio and strength exercises just the same. And I’m thankful for the group of folks I join three early mornings a week at the Health & Wellness Center and participate in the Jump Start Your Heart class. Not only do we keep tabs on our blood pressure and heart rate through guided exercise and work on the various cardio machines, but we also have a good time laughing at corny jokes and simply enjoying the camaraderie that has been built up over time.

Rolling out of bed at 5 a.m. isn’t always a joy, but for me to get to the 7 a.m. class twenty minutes away from my house, I make that “sacrifice.” What’s really insane, though, is I look forward to it and hate it whenever I have to miss! In short, I’m a much better—healthier—person because of the time I spend in this class.

For several years, I have known that both of my knees needed attention. Much attention! Finally, in July I actually became assertive and told my doctor I’d like a referral to see an orthopedic surgeon to get that “attention” ASAP. I was fortunate to get an appointment relatively soon and went in for a consultation and x-rays. All guess work was quickly taken out of the equation when the doctor looked at the x-rays and immediately told me that the knees were some of the worst he’d ever seen. And only surgery would be an option.

Since surgery number one on September 11, and surgery number two on November 29, my life has been one of rehabbing, Physical Therapy, home exercises, etc., etc. And I’ve been blessed once again that the pain in each was never over the top and to the point of agony beyond control! The powerful pain opioid they prescribed, I took a minimal number before totally going in another direction. Plus, having a wonderful and caring wife as my support person in all things has made it what it is.

At this writing at year’s end, I’m in the final stages of the Physical Therapy for the right knee. Which means I’ll be able to rejoin my friends and fellow early-morning heart “exercisers” back at the Health & Wellness Center for most of January. And then it’s off to Florida for the month of February.

It will be so good to travel and get out and walk without the nagging discomfort caused by those bad knees of yore. I’ll be walking and carrying on and enjoying everything about the new way of life in 2024. Thank you, 2023!

Until Next time…

A short walk and long benefits…

I’m just back from a walk—cane in hand—having logged nearly one mile in the damp, chilly (42°) morning. One might say that “almost a mile” is really not all that much to cheer about, but for me it’s a very good thing, and I’m happy all the same. Three weeks ago this coming Wednesday, I had my second knee replacement surgery, and so for me to have felt as good and comfortable out on the sidewalk as I did this morning, is a major milestone for me. What’s more, I have reached the point where I need not the cane, but I carried it along as a sort of “security” source—just in case. Now, as pictured here, the cane is conveniently “hung by the chimney with care…”

I’ve never been an enthusiastic walker merely for the sake of walking. I suppose as I’ve aged, I’ve grown lazier and would prefer to take some other conveyence other than by my legs and feet! However, I have long realized the critical importance of moving the body and to keep all parts functioning as best they can. It isn’t easy to be self motivated, but having had two surgeries in three months, I’ve been better disciplined in “getting up and getting going.” After the initial soreness, stiffness, and general discomfort following surgery, I made up my mind that I would do whatever it takes to be able to walk and move about and to be able to use my legs as they were meant to be used.

Physical Therapy has really made that possible. Following the first surgery back in September, I was immersed in fifteen PT sessions, each one helping to strengthen the leg that had been operated on. And it has been no different this time around, either, as the right leg—as nicely straightened as the left—as I work my way through two sessions a week and follow things up here at home with exercises that reinforce everything. At this writing, I’ve had five sessions, and I can tell that I’m basically on the same course and time frame as I was the first time through. And that’s a good feeling!

Many people have asked why I had both surgeries so close together. My answer is rather simple, although I’ve never looked forward to any kind of major surgery. The first week of February, we are loading the car and heading off to Florida for several weeks on our annual “get away” down there in the warmth. Thus, I wanted to have both knees “fixed,” legs straightened, and be in as good a condition as possible before hitting the road for points south. And a bit farther along on the calendar—June—we’ll be embarking on a 28-day cruise to Alaska and the Arctic Circle. Having terrible knees and legs at that juncture would certainly not be an option.

Besides those motivators, however, is simply that I just wanted to feel better. And so the morning walks have begun; the PT sessions and home exercises are ongoing; the positive mental attitude is in full gear. 

And with the happy holiday season upon us, all is bright! Until next time…

New knees, a glorious football season, and much in the “Thank Tank”…

This time of year always creeps in before we know it. I suppose it’s because we’re so busy putting the finishing touches on fall and getting winterized, that December has appeared, front and center.

This has been, for me, one extended stretch of medical appointments, knee replacement surgeries, and the required periods of rehabbing and recuperating that follow. Fortunately, I have good medical insurance, and a very caring and supporting wife.

I was also blessed to have had quality physical therapy following the first surgery in September. The therapists brought me through (14 sessions) and my “first” knee turned out fine. Of course, I must pat myself on the back as well, having been a “good student” who diligently does his “homework” (exercises) on a daily basis!

I am quite pleased, too, that I am now seeing the same PT crew after surgery number two. Since I’m just going on two weeks out from it (November 29), I have a long way to go. But knowing what I know from the first ‘go-round, I’m sure I’ll get there.

On the field after another win with the grandsons

To say the very least, it has been a unique autumn for me. Besides the two surgeries, etc., I was able to enjoy our grandsons’ high school football season and its run toward a Class 5A state championship. The season began in late August and was extended into early November. The team posted a 10-3 overall record, and every game was exciting. Early on, following surgery, I couldn’t attend two games, but I made up for that as the weeks wore on, getting to all of the remaining tilts—home and away.

With cane in hand, and my left knee getting stronger each week, I managed to navigate many bleacher steps up to the top row, some cold and inclement weather, and all of the “other” things that go into being at a high school football game in person.

Our boys moved right along, getting to the semi-finals—one game away from a trip to the Class 5A championship down at Illinois State—but it wasn’t to be, as their good fortune seemed to wane and were beaten, thus calling a halt to a wonderful thrill-packed season. 

Always champs in our hearts!

Though the team fell short of reaching the Championship game, 10 wins and 3 losses isn’t a bad season, after all, and our senior grandson certainly can hold his head up. The other grandson, a sophomore, was moved up to varsity midway through the season, and he became a starter on the offensive line, earning an unexpected varsity letter by season’s end. It was a proud moment whenever both grandsons were out there, playing side by side, in the heat of the action!

I look back on those months of September, October, and November and can only smile and be thankful that I had that glorious football season to focus on and to forget about knees and what might lie ahead as I rehabbed and battled through pain, stiffness, and lack of agility.

Thanksgiving was definitely a time to be thankful for so much, and now as we near December’s mid-point and approaching the joyous Christmas season, there is all that much more in my “thank tank” and I smile and realize just how blessed I have been, and that makes me glad. I wish the same for one and all!

Until next time…