Greetings and welcome back. I started this blog late March and listed events that have occurred since then that I wanted to share. As with all my blogs, everything is to be considered a diary/journal entry for me and my future. Looking back at my past five-year camping experiences has brought back so many great memories. Like other writers, I think, "ya gotta be in the mood" to get on with it. So, as I am moved, so too will I move this blog along to its conclusion. Today, May 21, 2019, I feel "moved."
- 2019 Summer Itinerary
My 60 day season is written in stone; dates are set, reservation deposits paid for and confirmed. Clicking on this "2019 Summer Itinerary" link will show that the days have significant breaks in between. I'm hoping as I move along, there will be spur-of-the-moment travel opportunities with other RVers to fill the gaps. We shall see.
- Dining Experiences
One of the highlights of my off-season has been my twice weekly dining experiences in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY. Sushi aficionados have been inundated via my Facebook page or text messages indicating I was "having a wonderful time and wishing they were here" at Sakura Garden. My collection of "Edible Art"photos numbers well into the hundreds. Lynn, Carlo (FL), Jack, (3) Dianes', Bill, Mark, Sunny, Jessie, Ed, Marina, Greg, Norma, Nina and Richard to name a few, have joined me and would attest to the fact that their dining experience was most pleasing and satisfying. And, as always my thanks to the hard working owners/staff that always make me feel special and like family: Tony/Sharon, Alex/Annie, Jenny, Jennifer, Chloe, Evan, and Bryan. |
| Carlo and Marybeth |
For Italian cuisine there are few restaurants that compare to Cosimo's in Poughkeepsie. Last week I enjoyed Rigatoni alla Buttera; Sweet Sausage, Peas, Rosemary, Tomato Cream Sauce. The Montepulciano was one of twenty different wines available by the glass and paired perfectly. It was an outstanding treat I enjoyed after visiting my mother for the afternoon as was the company of my host, Carlo, a very special gentleman.
Be it Table 9 at Annsville, Spaccarelli's in Millwood or Zero Otto Nove in Armonk, dining with friend, Dina, is always a pleasure and something to look forward to. Catching her commuting from Cortlandt Manor to Del Ray Beach keeps me at my scheduling best.
- Sad News From Neighbors
Along with the good
times, a bit of concerning news has been weighing heavy on my mind. A neighbor
and friend on my floor became seriously ill and has been in a Manhattan hospital for over three months. One can
only imagine the hardship and emotional roller coaster being
experienced by his wife and family. Fortunately, there is neighborly support
here for her should she desire to reach out and take advantage. Meanwhile, we
stand by helpless and can only offer prayers and good thoughts that this unwelcome hardship
end.
- Mom's 100th Birthday
This past March 13th, my mother became a centenarian. Quite an achievement, eh? This month I become a septuagenarian who has high hopes that I've inherited that longevity gene. A quick search indicates the verdict is still out on whether or not there is one. |
| Amazed at the numbers and variations of card styles for the 100th that are available. |
I visit twice weekly and continue to be impressed with her ability to use the tiles in Bananagrams to form and spell words correctly. A great mental exercise for both of us. Short term memory, processing, hearing, sight and mobility are on the decline, but she's doing well...considering. That was a description of her, not me...although at times, it could apply. There is no doubt that living at home with the 24/7 care given by my sister, Judy, has played a major role in her making it this far. At this age? In a long term care facility? Think of what has to be done on a daily basis and then think of a facility that would do it to anyone's satisfaction. No way.- The Passing of Bailey
Sadly, long time family pet member of Carlo and Marybeth's, Bailey, had to be put down. A rescue from Louisiana, it's hard accepting that such a pleasant, gentle companion is no longer with us. She greeted me each time with a nuzzle and a sniff knowing there was a treat in my pocket. In time, her absence will be accepted and the memories she leaves will remain forever.- Income Tax
Why in the world would you consider income tax an item of interest to anyone?...asks anyone who reads this. And a good questions it is. The answer is simple: It's the first time I can ever remember receiving a refund; a refund that did not go into an IRA or Estimated Taxes for the next tax year. The refund was directly deposited into my checking account. Sure, it was my money all along but to see it appear in my checking account was sweet.
- Health Issues
It's always been my habit not to dwell or complain about any health issue I may have. We all have health issues in one form or another and their impact on our quality of life is all a matter of degree. I've learned through observing others that my problems are minor. The ol' "you think you've got it bad," comes to mind. And for that, I'm thankful. When I had my right hip replaced in April of 2016, I was told then the left needed replacement as well, it was just a matter of time. That time worked out to be three years. The conclusion of my RV schedule in October of this year will be the target date for the procedure. I'm actually looking forward to it anticipating the relief of some associated symptoms; that and having it done once makes it an easier pill to swallow. To alleviate your concerns about your own health, use the 3-box check off sheet.
When you wake up:
£
Do you see the ceiling?
£
Do your feet touch the floor?
£
Can you walk out of the bedroom?
3 checks and you're good to go. Others are not that fortunate.
- Weather
What a wild and unpredictable weather pattern so far. You sure cannot plan trips based on the weather, so you go with the flow and hope for the best. Not that it'll affect anything but here's how the summer looks so far:
- Words With Friends
 |
| My highest so far, 177 points |
My late night addiction
to games on the Internet is limited and include: Crosswords w/Friends, Cody
Cross, Wordscapes, Mahjong, Spider Solitaire and Words2 w/Friends. Yes, instead
of hours watching the TV I don't own, I'm busy either kickin' butt or having
mine kicked till sometimes one o'clock in the morning. Such is the scenario
each night with upstairs neighbor, Judy (Chardonnay lover), and Words2. Great fun and like my
other "Friends" on Word, Cheri and Sue, she's a formidable foe. And,
did you know? Games go better with wine.
GET SET...
 |
| My Winter Sunsets over the Hudson |
 |
| Same view in summer - Trees |
Today the weather is such that my RV season is reaching out to me and enticing me to get with the program. It's in the
air: comfortable temperatures, sunshine, blue skies and breezy...Perfect. Flowering
plants are emerging and ready to bloom now that the threat of frost is passed...maybe. Although I've lost the beautiful view of the Mighty Hudson
GO!
At this writing there on 17 days before I travel the 1+hour to Wurtsboro, NY and the site of the Hudson Islanders first get-together of the RV season at the Catskill Adventure Resort. It will be my third visit. I won't be giving the detail that I did in the past so if you'd like to catch a glimpse of what's in store at this campground, take a peek at my past blogs by clicking each of the links that follow.
2018 Season - Spring2017 Season - Fall
Look forward hearing from you in the comments below. See you in Wurtsboro, NY. Till then, take care.