Pool Repairs

Owning a swimming pool is not an option when you live in the Sunny State of Florida. They are however an expensive item as they must be maintained to a high level or you end up with a real mess. Two days ago as I was sitting quietly reading a book I heard a sound that sounded like money leaving my wallet. The bearings were burning on the main pump. I ran...actually walked quickly to the pump and turned it off. It was hot..very hot.

I closed the main circuit to the electrical panel and then I saw and heard a bang and a big puff of smoke came from the 1 hp motor. I knew it was shot but I changed it before and decided to do the same. Four stainless steel bolts hold the motor to the actual pump. Three came out very readily but the fourth one was stuck. I gave a little force and the head came off the bolt.

This puts the whole game in a new ballpark. I left the scene and went to the dealer where I bought a whole new unit and ordered a service call to install the new system and re plum the the above ground working parts to the system. Theresa and I noticed that our solar blanket was beginning to wear so we went out and bought a new one. We decided to get it all out of the way at the same time. After today we should have all the problems solved and we will be able to get back in our heated pool again. As we swim every day we missed even the day when the pool was under going a cleanup.

It was nine years ago we did the same thing so we felt that this would be our last time for this up date.Life is fine and all will be nice again until we have another unexpected challenge. You can see from the picture that Theresa supervised the whole operation.

Thinking Back

My memories of my time shared in the High Arctic have become pictures of special events hidden in the recesses of my mind. This time of the year up there was very new to me as the sun was forgetting to appear and with 24 hour darkness I had to make some adjustments. I never had those bad mental and physical effects that many experience when moving to the North.

I was determined to carry on and with my dog Buck we continued to travel to my fish and hunt camp on Grainier Lake. Travelling to and from the camp was a challenge but when the moon was bright it added a whole different atmosphere and I loved the solitude with the beauty of the white landscape and moon shadows.

Every once in a while Buck and I would encounter caribou or muskoxen and we would just sit and watch them silently disappear into the whiteness of the landscape. One time an Arctic  owl swooped down and nearly took my helmet off as it attacked me several times. I must have invaded her space.

In town the Inuit pretty well hunkered down but people managed to complete their work and find time for ice fishing for fresh Arctic Char and lake trout. The air temperature was averaging minus thirty below zero but with the wind it was way colder than that. I received great advice from my Inuit friends when they helped me purchase clothing to withstand the cold temperatures and specially the wind. I never really felt cols on a regular basis and when I travelled over land for a distance I took special precautions.

All my clothes were similar to or the same as the Inuit. They were very costly but you must protect yourself. The danger of freezing was very real and for the first weeks I froze my eyes, hands and feet. Facial freezing was a regular danger and after a few months I rarely suffered any problems.

On the first of December the Hamlet had a big party in the rec center with live music, good food and beer.Everyone took part. In the afternoon the young people had their dance, food and soft drinks. Even the very young had a great time and when the day ended many were so tired that they fell asleep and parents carried them to their snow machines to get them home.

The night party for the adults gave some of the talented Inuit an opportunity to sing and jig and just have a good time. Since beer was served there was a limit of six over the evening. This was a colourful night with the women dressed in bright colours and a beautiful array of Inuit clothing showing plenty of fur and excellent sewing skills. As the evening ended the people drifted to their homes where the party carried on with the addition of home brew and music.

I loved the customs and traditions of the Inuit and I regret the bad influences of the outside world which eventually will partly destroy a people who survived 10,000 years as an independent people.

A Year Later

The other day I celebrated a very important anniversary. It was a year since I had my surgery which gave me freedom from pain which haunted me for many years. The spinal fusion was a complete success but I still had work to do to become mobile and able to perform physical tasks as well as before.

The surgery left me with a blood clot and some nerve damage to my right leg. I was told that the recovery would take up to 18 months and I believe it. I lost about 30 percent of my back flexibility which means I can pin up my golf ball but when I occasionally sink a putt I am unable to reach down to pick it out of the hole..

Theresa and I attend a gym five times a week and we are enjoying the exercise. I hope that the program I am on will help me with the strength issue and perhaps the other issues which I have. It is difficult to have a problem putting on your socks or shoes but it is a small price to pay for the benefits I received  from my surgery.

It is a mental issue and when I become a little concerned about my lack of mobility or any deficit I have physically I quickly  remember before time. I now realize my golf game will never return to its best times or my walking will have speed or agility problems. In fact nearly every physical act I perform will be a little less efficient than in the past.

I accept the situation and give thanks to the Dr's who gave me the increased freedom from pain and a chance to live a normal life. When my Dr. told Theresa and I the true fact that I would end up in a wheel chair without the surgery it took me 10 seconds to make the call. I really helped me to have a wife who was a nurse and understood the need for patience and hard work to recover. Our life has changed over the past year and I know that the recovery will be on going for the next period of time.

All in all the past year was an adventure for me and everyone connected with my recovery has made it happen. I am thankful.

The World We Live In

We sometimes take for granted the wonderful opportunity of living in a clean, safe environment.Our life here in Florida is basically living outdoors. Every morning we open our house to the outside world. With sliding doors and a covered lanai we begin our day sitting in fresh air and it only gets better as the day moves along.

Since there are no smokestack industries in the area we never feel the effects of pollution. I do experience the pollution at home and my eyes and nose give evidence of the cause.As we bike along uncrowded back roads and along waterways we are treated to sightings of birds of every description. One of the common and most beautiful exhibitions of birds is capturing wood storks in flight. Often we will see large numbers of these large birds performing their ritual dancing in the sky.

These birds are excellent flying machines and achieve very high flight patterns. Sometimes they fly with the vultures who dot our skies every day. Along our shores wading birds dart in and out among the waves and gain their meal of sea creatures. The sea grapes in abundance grow in profusion in the sandy soil and provide food and shelter to many birds.

Palm trees have a profound effect on the landscape as the number and variety of these trees spell out a tropical world.People who live here yearlong take this world for granted but the visitors and snowbirds appreciate the unique and wonderful environment we share with mother nature and her beauty.

Area Discoveries

While out biking yesterday Theresa and I had an opportunity to look around our community and to see if any new birds were making their home here.Much to our surprise we observed another pair of eagles taking up residence. The female was on the nest and the male was roosting on a limb close by. This was a sure sigh that they had decided to have a family at that location. This tree is about five minutes from our home and just down street from the other eagle nest. We shall be busy this winter keeping tabs on this pair.

There are many signs of a comeback for the construction business. There seems to be some building going on everywhere. Even the commercial sector is involved and we hope that this trend keeps up. As we biked through our neighborhood we observed few if any vacant houses. The yards and property in general was neat and well kept. This was a change from a couple of years ago where numerous houses were empty and there was the appearance of abandoned properties.

Things are looking up and our area is on the mend. We are so happy that there are families are once again moving into the area and bringing new life. We hear children playing and people working on their properties. It is a good feeling.

Grey Cup Day

Grey Cup Day used to be one of the greatest celebrations among our group of friends in Pembroke. The day was a time where our gang planned to share the best part of a day at someones home. Arlyss usually had the honour of hosting the party but others shared the joy of entertaining the rowdy bunch..Great food, great drinks and just a great time shared with trusted friends.

This year in Florida with the big crowd of Theresa and I ,we planned a special party. As the game was special in as much it was the 100 year of the Grey Cup we planned to watch it on channel 61. This channel follows Canadian sporting events and have been advertising the event for sometime.

Theresa went out to bring home a large uncooked pizza. We added other ingredients and it turned out to be excellent. As the game started at 6 pm we sat in our favourite chairs and waited for the early introductions to finish.With the game being played in Toronto and their team in the game , Calgary was at a disadvantage because of the crowd noise. It seemed like hours before the game got under way and it was pretty exciting for the home crowd as they got off to a great start.

Theresa and I were now having pizza and getting in the football spirit.Time became a factor and the clock ticked off at 10 pm and the game was still being played we were beginning to get a little distracted. Toronto had a commanding lead and the officials were calling a foul on every other play it looked like we might make it to midnight. However at 10:27 the game ended and Toronto was the final winner.

As far as Grey Cup days go this was a good one with our party of two. I did go back in my memory bank a little and remembered three Grey Cups that I attended. One was the wind  bowl where kicking into the wind was impossible and another was the fog bowl where the fog rolled in off the lake and the game had to be completed the next day.Those were exciting days and memories from those games are still clear in my mind. Today with the four hour plus game I shall remember it as the 100 Th Grey Cup and a good long at that.

Eagles Have Returned

Our eagles have returned to their nest and will soon become parents again. This is the ninth year that these eagles have used this nest to raise a family. At latest count some 16 babies have been added to the eagle population in this area due to their ability to provide for their youngsters.

The female eagle is rather remarkable as it had a bad accident some years ago when she wounded her wing when hitting a power line. She was treated and returned to the wild where she has lived ever since.

We make an effort to watch over these magnificent birds as they begin the life cycle once more.

Enemy of the Trees

The day before Thanksgiving we received our newspaper the News Press. Ordinarily this paper contains three or four sections with 36 to 48 pages.On Wednesday the paper weighed over five pounds and was filled with inserts making people aware of all the great bargains to be had on Black Friday; over a hundred inserts, some like small catalogues and all in color filled the sections of the paper.

The paper was in a waterproof bag and the regular paper was in another. Many hundreds of advertisements would end up in the garbage or recycling basket. With a readership of thousands I could not believe how many trees would be required to fulfill the need for the newsprint and fine paper used for this one event.

We are in a small service area in the USA and if you count the paper products used this day across America it would really make you think. Today with computers and on line shopping surely we could do better to take care of our precious resource, trees.

I would think that this is a low return type of advertising as these same clients who were involved this day had already flooded our mail many times during the past week. We can only hope that our recovery of this resource is covered by our much better recycling modes will help.

Thanksgiving Happiness

In the USA Thanksgiving ranks as the second most important and celebrated day of the year. Schools are closed for three to five days and travelling is the busiest of the year. At our airport the flights are doubled and auto traffic brings an estimated 43 million people travelling more than fifty miles.

It would appear that the economic spin offs from this day can make or break a business. This year Best By is counting on the black Friday to keep them solvent. It is such a great time of the year for a holiday because of the weather and the need for a break. America loves this time and it is nick named Grandma's day as families really try to unite and be with their families. Food is a driving force as stores stock up on turkey and all the trimmings to complete the perfect day.

We Canadians are fortunate to have two days to celebrate while we are here  for the winter. This day marks the start for Christmas shopping and Black Friday is the busiest of the year.It seems everyone is excited about this day.

We who think about the meaning of this day find it easy to list a number of solid reasons why we can and should be thankful. This year while we live in relative peace here in North America after the election fever this day could be a coming together day where Republicans and Democrats could count their blessings and work for the mutual good of every citizen.

Further afield we see war and misery in many corners of the world where ordinary people are being killed, injured and displaced because of political unrest. Hunger is common in Africa and parts of Asia and we appear to be helpless to come together to solve the problem.

Yes Thanksgiving is a wonderful day for we the fortunate ones who live with full stomachs and a safe place to live. I wonder how the less fortunate ones view Thanksgiving?

An Ordinary Day In Paradise

Some years ago Cape Coral and surrounding area was called Paradise because of its tropical climate, fine beaches and palm trees everywhere. For the last number of years Theresa and I have been enjoying our time here.

There is another side of life here and it is the maintenance of your property. You get excited about all the beautiful trees and flowers so you plant, plant and plant some more. You are amazed at the speed that everything grows and when you go home for six months you never know what to expect when you return.

The last two days were maintenance days. Mowing the lawn on a ride on mower takes one and a half hours. Trimming and cutting those areas where the big mower will not do is another hour. Pruning the bananas and white bird of paradise takes some time and the leaves have to be placed by the road for pickup. Weeding the garden is a on going chore as the weeds can quickly get out of hand. I prefer no weeds at all and try to keep it that way.

The pool required the weekly cleanup and this time there was a major vacuum job as we had a green one day problem. This required testing and a visit to the pool store for chlorine, salt and acid. Besides costing a lot you have to make sure everything is done properly. Watering the lawn and garden is easy as we have a sprinkler system but everything takes time.

Sounds like a pile of work but it must be done in a timely manner so your place presents the proper curb side picture. I am fortunate as I have a willing partner which makes the work feel like fun.Theresa often jokes about out dates looking after our home in Paradise.

We never work more than a few hours so the rest of time is sheer pleasure. We love our time here but miss our friends and family.

Super Fishing Trip

My friend Carl invited me to go fishing yesterday for Grouper.I was delighted to go and along with Carl was my golfing buddy Ron and Ron a fishing friend. I was up at 4.30 am and at the dock side At 5.30 am ready to head out on the Gulf of Mexico. Carl decided to go out to 125 feet of water and that meant over a 60 mile trip on the water.

The excitement I felt was special as this place we were going to was known for big Grouper. At thirty miles and 60 feet of water we stopped and caught bait fish. These baits were about a pound and under a foot long. We had our wet well pretty well filled so we moved on.

The weather was supposed to be calm but a north wind made the trip bumpy and rough. After nearly three hours we drifted over a large shoal in about 125 feet of water. Using one pound weights we dropped our lines and instantly Ron hooked a Grouper. It weighed 15 pounds and was a beauty. Within minutes we were busy catching Groupers.

We threw back all fish 20 inches or smaller. The water became even rougher and it was difficult to stand and we often slid from one side of the boat to the other. This did not cut down on our fun and prosperity. Within 2 hours we had ten large Groupers. in the ice locker.

We were drifting and suddenly I thought I was caught on bottom. I realized I was not because I felt a head shaking fish on the end of my line. I could not move the fish. All of us felt I hooked a giant grouper. For one half hour I fought this fish and still never moved it off the bottom. I was pretty well exhausted when I felt a little give and began the task of getting this big one to the surface. Another 15 minutes passed when my fish was sighted in the clear water. It was a nurse shark. Seven feet long and about 250 pounds of solid muscle.

I guided it to the side of the boat and photographed it and cut the line and let it go. It was my second large shark but this one made the rest look small. Even thought we were grouper fishing , catching the shark was a real treat. My arms were weak and sore but we decide to stay for a short time to look for our main treasure, grouper. We dropped our lines for the final time and all four of us had good luck. After boating these fish we called it a day . We had 14 keepers weighing about 120 pounds and that was fine.

The weather was turned nasty so we headed home by a longer route but safer.   Fighting the heavy seas and bouncing about took us about 80 miles and four hours before we sighted land. We were happy to come along Carl's dock and to get about the job of cleaning the fish. We all went home with a fine pile of fillets and great memories of our adventure out on the Gulf  of Mexico.

Quiet time with Green Tea

It was just getting light this morning at 6:45 am when I slid back the sliding doors to our lanai and ventured out. I had the cup of green tea in one hand and the newspaper in the other. I settled down in my favorite chair and just relaxed. A little fog was drifting by but otherwise it was perfectly quiet and calm. The sun did not yet break through the morning fog so it was too dark to read.

Sitting quietly I discovered I was not alone. Three tiny finches were sharing the yard space and gently flitting up and down the Hibiscus trees gathering breakfast. They are so tiny but seem to do a good job clearing our trees of tiny bugs.

In the still of the morning you can hear and see the earth waking up. Around here the mocking birds are king but this year there seems to be fewer. Blue Jays wake up everything with their loud call and there are many of them in the nearby trees. Geckos cling to the pool screen ready to pounce on any passing bug. They have to be careful as they make a good meal for even small birds. Their quickness usually gets them out of trouble but when they are trapped they have the ability to break away from their tail and escape. A new tail grows back in a relatively quick time.

It is getting brighter now and I will read the News-Press and become informed about all the problems of the world. For the past half hour I was completely unaware of the rest of the world as our little back yard provides us with a safety net against the ugly reality posted every day through our media.

Privacy Trees and Golf

A very few years ago Theresa and I planted some small {1 gallon} trees in the hope they would grow and give us some privacy. Well they did grow and grow and now I am faced with a big task every six months to keep them under control. They do their job very well and along with the sea grapes make a nice separation between our home and the road. Already we have put out 8 barrels of cuttings and several piles of branches.

In our back yard we have the same situation where the White Bird of Paradise grows so quickly that on our return we have a massive cutting. The city picks up this garden waste every week and turns it into mulch used for the landscaping in the city.

I like the work involved but feel guilty cutting away beautiful branches and sometimes flowers. It could be very easy to find yourself overgrown if this task is not completed every six months at least. Our gang played golf yesterday and I was amazed at the improvement in the look of the course after their fall cleanup. Palms had their dead branches cut, all the grassy sections were trimmed preparing for a tournament and the greens were perfect. People at the golf course were doing what Theresa and I were doing but on a much larger scale.

Winter Routines Being Established

After nearly a month here in the south Theresa and I are setting our routines and the schedule is a very busy one. We have decided that certain elements had to be adder or enhanced to make our time shared here worth while.

First we wished to play more golf so we added that element. We practically never eat out so we believed we would make sure we go out at least once a week.

Already we have doubled that number and share meal time with new friends. Since we joined the gym I have been attending at least 5 times and sometimes 6 days a week. It is fun and work but the feeling you receive in return is worth it. I have not lost a pound but there is definitely a move in the right direction and Charles Atlas look out. Actually we are encouraged by the way we feel and if sleep is any indicator the we surely feel better.

Once we put our yard and house in order we decided to use our time this winter making a change in our physical well being. It amazes me to see the old people working out at our gym. Theresa and I still have to save time for a swim every day and a bike ride around the area.

The good news is that our eagles have taken up housekeeping again this year. This will be the ninth year for this pair and they have added 16 new eagles to our area. They have not laid eggs yet but are building the nest even larger. Maybe they have ideas of a even larger brood than two. We shall keep an eye on them almost daily.

We have a busy schedule because there is yard and house work to complete and we have to have time to read and I write every day so....less sleep is the answer.I hope the politicians realize that they have the same set of needs. Cut the spending on wasteful things and balance the budget...we do by time management.

A Milestone Birthday

Firsts of anything are important but when it is your first grand child it always remains special. Our grand daughter will be 30 in a few days and there will be a celebration for sure. There are so many memories attached to your grand children that sometimes it is hard to keep them straight. For your first it is easier and we share so many firsts with Lyndsay that were replicated by the others we think of her as the one who set the standard.

How old was she when she crawled, stood up on her own, first step and first words. Well we could go on but let us say she set a very high standard. I was fortunate to be close to her during her young years and shared experiences which I thought were important to a every young girl. Like learning how to fish, drive a boat and all those activities that make for a well rounded person.

I found out that my wishes for her were way off course as she had her own agenda. Her ideas were more complicated than mine and her level of interest was geared to her her intellect and vision. I tried to see if she would become an athlete and play sports but after trying that she decided to use her physical activities to build a strong body. Many people would admire the manner in which Lyndsay developed a consistent workout plan to acquire her desired weight and fitness level.

When I ask for help from this girl I am never surprised at her knowledge of computers. She has been so helpful with Theresa and I with computers and our limited success was because of her patience both on the phone and in person. When I write some stories she has a gift of knowing English form and syntax. I will need her more in the future as I get more forget full and needy. I know she will be there.

I am very proud of all my children and grandchildren and hold Lyndsay, our first grandchild special in every way.

November 11

November 11 has special place in my life. As a young child I was taught that the 11th was a remembrance day; a day when peace was recognized and there should never be another world conflict. After the first world war which ended in 1918, countries of the world signed a proclamation against future conflicts. So Remembrance Day evolved as a day of peace.

It was only a few years when the second world brought the world to a deadly conflict where millions of people were killed. The civilians died by the millions and whole cities were destroyed.Weapons of mass destruction brought a new phase in the manner in which wars were fought.

As time changed so did the emphasis. Now countries call this day many different names and the emphasis is on the men and women who fought and died in the cause of freedom and liberty.

I always find this day an emotional one when I see the old vets who left their families and friends to defend freedom in foreign lands. When I was in Holland playing Old Timers Hockey I visited the grave site of my uncle who died during the great conflict. When I was taken to the field where he was buried the keeper drove me by means of a golf cart to view his headstone. There were thousands of crosses and the size and scope of the numbers staggered me and left a permanent impression.

Now I ponder the living who fought and returned with scarred memories of the horrors endured during their time on the battle field. There was little or no comfort for these human beings who were called upon to experience inhuman acts. Most coped but many who had fragile emotional strength drifted off and many became lost souls. There is enough evidence that wars solve little and there has to be a better way of solving differences.

My thoughts at this time is thankfulness for the heroes who defended our country and free way of life and gratitude for the men and women who choose to wear the uniform and find themselves in harms way to keep us safe.

Remembrance Day was a holiday when I was younger and later it became less important and people were free to take a few hours and attend service. When school was in session men of the Canadian Legion came to our school and classes. I found this very meaningful as the students listened to a real live military presence. The students were moved by the stories from these vets and they probably received a life lesson.

I hope that this special day will always be a part of our moral fabric and we recognize the value in looking back a little every year to honour the role played by our military.

Second Chance

Now that the dust has settled on the political scene here in the USA there is a golden opportunity for a second chance to do the right thing for the American people.Nearly 120 million people voted and spoke through their ballot. They want meaningful change in the way that the elected people do business.

It is so simple for everyone to see how we could solve the problem but so difficult to change the ugly culture of life on the Hill.One would think that after an election the winners would be permitted to govern and all people on the hill would come together for the greater good of the nation.

The USA has the potential to be once more the greatest nation in the world. They really do not have need to fear the enemies from afar but the enemy who lies from within. That enemy is partisan politics which has taken a terrible turn for the worse.

Free votes on issues of national importance would be a start whereby the brain trust of the elected could all express their collective wisdom and come up with solutions. At present with party politics most members never have a chance to even voice their opinion let alone vote by their conscience and intelligence. What a different world without the negative acrimony would evolve and how great would be the progress to making the world a better place in which to live.

Wow What A Night For Democracy

After the most costly, vicious and negative campaigns in history the people of America had the last word. A coalition of white, Latino, black and alternative life style folks defeated a party that moved too far right to appeal to the middle class and scored a huge victory.

President Obama with his well organized party worked the old fashioned way and brought out the supporters in numbers that translated in victory.Mitt Romney is a good man and had the disadvantage of having to win a brutal battle just to get nominated by his party. During this struggle he had to appeal to the far right and had to make statements that would cause him to establish positions which were not acceptable to the public as a whole.

He was punished by the other 9 candidates who saw him as the front runner and exposed him to the American people as man who represented the rich and the tea party.He never was able to connect with the average citizen.

Two other issues made Mitt lose votes among the women and the growing Latino voters.Both candidates relaxed with their families watching the voting process play out and I am sure talking about the nine billion dollars wasted on negative adds. Romney had more cash and flooded some states with few votes gained but very happy and rich media moguls.

President Obama begins his second term with the same gridlock but a nation which will demand that both parties having to work for the common good. Huge economic problems bring the country to the cliff so I believe Obama will reach out and compromise with the house of representatives and get the job done. Theresa and I were glued to the TV until nearly 1 am and shared in the process.

It was an exciting evening but I am happy that we are spared all the trash adds presented on the media and can get back to life without politics.

20 Minutes Means 2 Hours

Anyone who knows anything about mechanical devices knows that storing them in a super heated garage for six months is not a good thing.Well every from our car to the riding lawnmower and every tool spends six months during the summer in near or above 100 degree weather. Add the humidity and you can imagine how much the rust devils love this picture.

Saturday I decided to pressure wash to pool deck and the cage. I prepared it in the normal fashion but the only place water was spouting was through the handle. I tried everything to get the darn working with no avail. I decided to share 20 minutes with this device and take it apart and correct the problem. There were 7 tiny screws in the handle and they were recessed far in. I had no screwdriver that could reach the screws.

I have a mini-set of screwdrivers, the kind you fix glasses with. I found the appropriate on but when it reached the screw I was unable to get enough purchase to turn it. Not to be outdone I used a small pair of vice grips and managed to turn the screw.Ten minutes a screw was slow work but six came easy. The seventh would not budge. I was tempted to force the separation but thought differently. Finally I got the seventh to co-operate.

Now the moment to open the magic handle. As I carefully opened the handle into two matching sides there was a burst of energy from within and parts scattered around the lanai propelled by springs and parts under pressure. I managed to gather up what I thought were all the parts and studied the plan to solve the problem and get it together again.

I saw the problem I though the small O ring was damaged and out of place.  I tried to put all the parts back in places that looked like the proper order but I had one spring too many. I could not get the thing to close and screwed using that extra spring. I realized then that the manufacturer placed an extra spring for some reason. I went ahead and screwed it together carefully keeping that spring handy just in case.

Well everything fit and Theresa turned on the water as I held the gun like handle at arms length to receive any punishment I deserved for not using that spring. Remarkably the power washer never ran as well and I got on with my job. Instead of twenty minutes I shared over two hours with that device but I am happy that it works and I have a spring to use on one of my other adventures. Life is fun if you don't take it too seriously. Time is a fleeting thing but when you are retired and have lots of patience little 20 minute jobs can take two hours.

Sunday Golf

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN NOVEMBER 5, 2012

Theresa is always looking for new deals at golf courses close by. Palmetto Pines is a private, members only golf course about 5 minutes from our home. We have driven around it on our bikes and loved the layout. Because it is private you have to have a member invite you to have a game .

Theresa saw an advertisement whereby private citizens could play. It was an exceptional deal as the cost was only $25 for 18 holes with a cart. Theresa made arrangements and we played this beautiful course yesterday.

I heard talk of this course being in some financial trouble as its membership had fallen. The people in charge wishing to keep the course in good financial shape decided to try to attract new business and members have restructured their membership to include several new types of service. It seems to be working as the course was well attended and we were made to feel very welcome by the staff and players.

This course was by far the best course we have played since moving to this area and we will play many games there over the next months. The weather in November is probably the best during the whole year for golf as morning temperatures are generally around 60 and afternoon reaches the low eighties.

With Daylight saving our early morning golf will begin at 7 am so we will finish before 11am leaving time for more activities in the pm.

November, the Perfect Month in Florida

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN NOVEMBER 3, 2012

For all the times I have been coming to Florida I always feel that November is the perfect month. The days are hot and we have many evenings and nights that you are able to open the windows and have a good sleep. This year so far is no exception. We have 80 degree days and 60 degrees nights, perfect.

The seeds I planted two weeks ago are now plants. The beans and tomatoes are doing well and the other vegetables are fine. It feels like our spring in Ontario and I am able to experience that feeling of procreation all over again.

Most people here in Florida close their pools and go into that winter mode but Theresa and I swim every day during the winter because the water is warm but the air is cool. We have a big towel ready when we come out and that is it. Some days people around us think we are rather unusual but we don't mind.

Tomorrow we are going to lay golf again and the course will be almost free of people because of the cool weather. From now to February the courses are trying to get customers and are waiting for the snowbirds who make the economy really get into action. Everywhere we go around the city we hear about the snowbirds. Some people complain because we drive too slowly but remember we are older.

The locals realize that we put millions of dollars into their economy so they put up with us. Actually the locals are friendly and try to understand us and in many times feel we add much to their economy.

Theresa and I love to explore the area we live in and are amazed at the diversity of the area and what it offers to people from the north. When we have friends visiting this area we are pleased to help them experience the beauty of the south.

Comments On The Presidental Election

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN ON NOVEMBER 2, 2012

I watched with great interest the myriad of comments made during this 6 billion dollar contest to see who could outspend and outshout the other candidate. First I am amazed that very little was or is being said about the environment in spite of the evidence Mother Nature displayed in a graphic manner during the past week.

The Conservative side would rather ignore basic science so the rich will be able to do business as usual and avoid the costs of following the EPA regulations. Obama has left the fight to common sense and the reality that most Americans realize that science is correct.

It was rather humorous to hear the right wing conservative talk show hosts severely criticizing  Governor Christie after he praised President Obama for his steady and fast action in trying to get his state back on its feet. Last week Christie was the golden haired fellow who stood with Romney and became a poster boy for the party. How quickly events change attitudes.

In Lee County there was outrage from RC Members as they had to listen to a letter written by the bishop about how to vote come next Tuesday. He asked his flock to vote for the candidate who was more in line with the Church's belief about issues like abortion. Some wrote to the paper and admonished the Bishop for his remarks.

Bill Clinton is like a huge political machine going about the country and making speeches on behalf of the Democratic Party and draws huge crowds. He is here in Ft. Myers today and is expected to draw young and old alike. Remember last election when he was supporting Hilary, he was just as great.

Next Tuesday will be a exciting time in America and the result will be important for our country.I live in a county which is mostly Republican and my golfing friends except for one are as well. Heated debates resound about the clubhouse but I try to stay out of the mess but sometimes I do stir the pot, especially about health care. Politics are fun - serious fun - and we will be happy to see the end of the fight and recognize the winner.

Halloween

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN OCTOBER 31, 2012

Ever since I was a young kid I loved the thrill of going out at Halloween.  Theresa and I always stock up on goodies for the kids but over the past few years few come. There is a fear that danger lurks out on every corner so the kids are robbed of the fun we had at this time.

We used to dress up in home made costumes and knock on every door. Every door was opened with a happy neighbour ready to fill your pillow case with goodies.Apples were the main treat when I was a kid but soon the packaged treats took over and my children hardly ever got an apple.

People here in Florida take this day as a time to dress up their property and elaborate displays appear everywhere. The commercials interests have taken over and it has been converted to the most profitable  time for the retailers.

Tonight there is a full moon plus one and when the beautiful yellow moon rose over the trees Theresa and I stood outside our home and just looked in amazement. No matter how many times you see the moon rise it makes you think and wonder. Wondering how the people in Eastern US are coping tonight, wondering how our family are celebrating this time at home and wondering what the next week  will fare out for the President of the USA who had tried so hard to make his country a better place in which to live.

The moon has a great effect on all of us but no more than on Mother Nature who taught us a lesson  when we did not listen to the scholars who warned us about global warming and climate change. When will we ever learn? Yes I am a person who believes in the natural order of things and this last week is a perfect example of the consequences of ignoring the facts which are in our face every day.

Golf Tournament

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN OCTOBER 30, 2012

Once a month we have a tournament among our Tuesday golfers and today was the day. Seventy two  men broken down into 18 teams playing for big money. This morning I had great expectations until I met my team. One fellow was gulping down pain killers as he had surgery on his back and he fell while trimming one of his trees.

Another was a retired doctor who was 85 years old and couldn't see beyond his nose. We had to keep an eye on his ball after every drive when he would shout, "where's my ball"? The third was the leader and decided that every member of the group should follow his instructions when playing, especially when putting. Then there was me. I decided to be a humorist and take everything in stride until he started to tell me about my stance when driving the ball.

The wind was a steady 30 mph and under these conditions we all had difficulty but with his help we managed to keep the ball out of the water some of the time. Most teams when playing best ball would end up 5 or 6 under par. We were three over par after 9 holes. Our leader was a good golfer and managed to keep us in the game on some holes  but the look on his face when we did not meet his expectations was something to behold.

Our pill-taker broke out the beer after the first nine and offered us a choice between a Bud or Perrier water. We decided the offer was well meaning but wouldn't help our game. We managed to do a little better in the second 9 and even had two birdies but it did not make up for the boogies on the other holes.

I couldn't wait for the game to end and as we shook hands and said what a great time we had he ,the leader offered to buy us a real drink. We took him up on the offer and found him to be an OK guy at the bar. It is amazing what golf will do to some people. By the way we came second last with a score of five over par.I was not happy but will be back next Tuesday.

Lots of Wind

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN OCTOBER 29, 2012

We have been accustomed to a lot of wind from the politicians at all levels for the past year. Big noise from the super pacs with plenty of the green stuff to spend without any concern for honest content. Some of the adds that the presidential candidates authorized are disgraceful.

Mother Nature got so fed up with the crap coming by way of the election she decided to give the people something real to talk about. She put together a massive storm involving 23 states and mixed up wind, rain, snow and flooding to create havoc with the election.

The candidates fearing the Bush effect of not being concerned about this national disaster decided to call off their campaigning to take advantage of the national publicity gained  from doing the correct thing. When Bush flew over New Orleans during the Katrina fiasco he lost much creditability because he did not land and make a personal presence. We knew later he did not wish to distract the rescue efforts by his presence and that was the right thing but the people there wanted their leader to be by their side as he was during 911.

It is refreshing to see the news media change gear and dominate the airways to keep everyone informed and to have a break from the big wind created by the politicians.

Busy Weekend

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN OCTOBER 28, 2012

Theresa and I had a busy weekend but there were a few things that made it a wee bit interesting. We went to a dance to hear a  group that we have always wished to hear. they are called the Del Prado's and are a senior professional group who have been together forever. They sing music from the fifties and sixties and sometimes go over the top and sing some seventies music.

They were terrific and Theresa and I sang along with them and enjoyed every selection. We danced and sang and everyone had a great time. We sat with a couple of couples and one was wearing a gun. I asked him about this and he said he always wears his gun. He was from New Jersey so I sort of understood.

Dinner was served and it was very good and during dinner we talked a little about everything. Three ladies were from Kentucky and they wanted to know how we felt about their State. Theresa said she loved that pace and I added my feelings as as well. Two were teachers and we had a great discussion. They were proud of their state and we gave them to feel that way as we always loved the time we shared in that place.

Today we played golf in a windy thirty to forty miles per hour wind. The people we played with did not make us feel very welcome once we were known as Canadians. We had fun anyway and ended the 18 holes in five hours. Home we came and jumped in the pool and were able to cool off and get the supper ready and forget the game. Our scores were way up with the wind  and our time shared was a lesson in understanding those who feel Canadians are just not so good as Americans. Actually almost every couple we play with wish they had our benefits and are real friendly and great.

Tomorrow Theresa and I go for our formal test at the gym... fitness center. We will not reveal the results but they will motivate us to work hard and get better.

Everything Is Up In Fresh Air

I planted everything from seeds this year and after only a few days everything is up. The beans were the first to break through in three days followed by the cantaloupe. The carrots were last at seven days. Now that they have started the battle with the weeds begins. I find that the best way is to have absolutely no weeds. You have to be diligent but it pays off.

Theresa and cut tons of branches and limbs off our sea grapes. We placed them beside the street and hope they will  pick them up with the garbage today. So far this few weeks have caused us to cut and trim tons of foliage.

Some of our greenery has gone wild and our back yard looks like a jungle. We enjoy the privacy we get so it is a good payoff. I still have to get my amaryllis placed in their proper pots for the Xmas showing we receive every year. This year they split so we should have a good show. Some will be too small to bloom this year but will be right for next year. We have dozens of little geckos and they keep the bugs off our pool screen. Harmless but interesting.