MARDI GRAS SUN AND MORE SUN!

Tuesday, February 13, 2013
Dade City, Florida/80s and sunny

This morning was interesting. Travelers Rest Resort (TRR) had a health fair. There were about 20 vendors, from Meals on Wheels to local hospitals. I decided to get a pneumonia shot. Only people above a certain age could get the shot J and we both wanted to get one. I was eligible. The shot (good for 10 years) was administered by an R.N. from the Florida/Pasco County public health center.  Then I won a free EKG, blood test, and an oxygen level test (through the finger). Since I have small veins, a different R.N. took a little vial of blood from my left forearm. My EKG and oxygen levels were normal, but a little while later I noticed a hard lump at the blood draw site. I went back to the health fair and it turned out to be a hematoma and I was “ordered” to apply pressure, rest, and keep my arm above my heart for the rest of the day. J

That was not a difficult task in this area! This park/resort is in such a lovely setting—and the people are friendly and very active. In the late afternoon two other couples joined us for hors d’oeuvres and refreshment. One couple is from Canada—retired bankers, and the other couple is from Michigan—a retired firefighter and a retired teacher. We had a very entertaining evening because Scorchy and the others are very funny. 

We watched the State of the Union tonight---there is always hope. I agree that we all deserve a vote—to me that meant that Congressmen and Senators need to consider their constituents instead of their own personal interests. It was outrageous that a lady who was 102 years old had to wait for 6 hours to vote in the last Presidential election. People must not be disenfranchised, just one issue that makes me upset.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Dade City to Estero, Florida/sunny/79F

All of us are leaving today to go to visit Tim’s brother, Tom, and Carol in Estero after Scorchy finishes his charity golf tournament (TRR has 9 hole golf course). We took a little ride to a roadside stand for delicious honey bell and Hamlin oranges. On the way back we saw a bald eagle with buzzards along the road. Tim stopped to get a photo and the eagle was very accommodating!

 

 We have heard more about the cruise ship, Carnival Triumph that had an engine fire 90 miles off the coast of Progreso, Mexico, on Sunday, during a 4 day cruise. They decided to tow the ship to Mobile, Alabama (the ship started out in Galveston so we don’t understand this move. Tim says that Galveston port would require much delicate maneuvering and since the ship is undertow, that would be very difficult. Also, Mobile probably has a shipyard capable of repairs) more than 150 miles away. There are over 4200 people on board. The ship has been three days without electricity, no engine power, limited bathroom facilities, and limited food. Some food has been supplied by passing cruise ships. Thankfully, there were no injuries. This extraordinary situation would be very difficult. We have been very lucky with all of our 32 cruises.

We are sitting in the back yard enjoying a soft warm breeze as I type. Thank goodness we are not on that cruise!