Friday, March 8, 2013

Belated Happy New Year!

After retiring, my parents frequently remarked that "They didn't know how they ever found the time to work!" I now understand perfectly. Since returning to Florida in October it seems like we have been constantly busy. So here is a synopsis of our retired life up to this point.

Just before we returned home the family was expanded by one. She has since moved to her "forever" home with our granddaughter.
Delilah
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For a brief period of time we contemplated trading in our motorhome for a 5th wheel and new truck. Then sanity returned! We still have the motorhome. :)

Untitled Wishful thinking!
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Instead we invested our money in home improvement. We had the pool enclosure re-screened and expanded, a new air conditioning system installed, all the windows and sliding doors replaced with more energy efficient windows and french doors, and have completed the laundry room remodel and all but the ceiling in Mike's room. We even bought an electric fireplace!

Screen room addition Home Improvements
New windows New French door Other new French door Transition tile between dining room and laundry New tile in laundry room
Laundry room Mike's new floor Mike's room wainscoting Hallway with new chair rail New fireplace entertainment center


We also had to invest some big bucks in the motorhome having both maintenance and repair work completed. Unfortunately the repair work is still not finished. There was more damage discovered than first estimated and the insurance company is not real thrilled about that.


In October we attended a deployment ceremony for our niece who is in the army. She was to be deployed to Afghanistan but injured her knee just before leaving. She is presently recuperating from knee surgery and her plans are on hold.

Deployment Ceremony
Deployment Ceremony Shara and her Grandmother Swain
Shara and family
Shara and Mary


For the first time we were able to be more fully involved in our granddaughter's extra curricular activities; attending award ceremonies, band concerts, piano recitals, etc.

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Of course we've celebrated several holidays.

Louie's in the Christmas spirit! Holiday Fun
My Christmas village New fireplace decorated for Christmas Darn! Where's the chimney? Christmas dinner with the family. Christmas dinner
H-m-m . . . What's in here? Kitty toys? Back off! It's mine! Leo


Our latest adventure was attending the Daytona 500 with friends and family. This year we didn't have to worry about explaining our absence to our employers in case of rain. And go figure, it didn't rain!

The "500" front row. Go Danika! target= Daytona 500
A boat in the infield?! Bob at our site. Sunset over Turn 1 Alaskan salmon on the grill! The "family"
More "family" Ready to race! Speed Channel filming Craig Adam Richman from "Man vs Food" Untitled
Ready for the Nationwide race. Nationwide race Nationwide race The "500" The "500"


Like I said at the beginning we certainly aren't bored and we can't wait to see what the rest of the year will bring.

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