This week flew by! We had a cold front come through and actually had to turn the heat on one day since it was 48 degrees in the morning! Everywhere you go people are in fleece and down vests and heavy sweaters.
The cabinet people came this week to replace two panels on my island. The original panes were the wrong size and it left a gap between them. And one of the panel had a couple of imperfections that were just painted over. Not a huge deal if it was an island that was already here, but since I paid a lot of money, the builder and I both felt it should be done right. So they came with two new panels and they were the same size as the origianl ones. Not sure where the miscommunication happened but now they have to order another panel. I really like the installer, Matt, so we decided he would replace the too small panel on the island with the right size one since it involved cutting out an electrical outlet. So now when the new panel comes in it will be an easy job to swap them out. Then he had to adjust the microwave drawer. The way it was installed, you could not see the controls unless you stood back 3 feet because it was recessed too far and the counter top blocked the view. I told him I was too old to be bending down sideways to see the control panel all the time. He agreed that it was not installed properly and he was able to make it right! My installer, Matt has a helper that is learning the business. He said it is so hard these days to find young people who want to learn and work and show up to work every day.
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Today Richard and I went to see a performance of Chicago at a local Theatre in Jupiter, Fl, only about 10 minutes away. I have seen the movie and love the music and thought the performance was excellent. I thought theperformers were outstanding with nice clear voices and we could hear every word. The dancing and choreography were also well done. It was an great afternoon (we always go to the matinee with all the other old people!), followed by dinner at our favorite little restaurant, Cafe Solé. Yesterday the cool dry front arrived. Finally was able to have windows and doors open all day. It was pretty windy, but nice to let the fresh air in. The really cold air is coming one day this week. Might get down to the 40s one night but low 70s during the days. Perfect weather for walking or doing anything outside. 1917 We decided to go see 1917 despite mixed reviews. We normally go to a Cineapolis theater, but they were sold out so we went to a another movie theater. The seats were terrible. Ample size and seemed nice and cushy but designed for a much bigger person. The stuffed headrest was in a perfect spot for Richard but for me it forced my head forward because I am so short. And despite the overall look of being cushy after two hours the seat felt pretty hard. I think we will stick to our nearby theater in the future.
It has been a long time since I left a movie and thought it was a disappointing and a waste of money. I am not a huge fan of war movies, but this one did not seem to be believable or redeeming. I found this comment in a New York Times review that sort of sums up the movie. "Here, everything looks authentic but manicured, ordered, sane, sterile. Save for a quick appearance by Andrew Scott, as an officer whose overly bright eyes and jaundiced affect suggest he’s been too long in the trenches, nothing gestures at madness. Worse, the longer this amazing race continues, the more it resembles an obstacle course by way of an Indiana Jones-style adventure, complete with a showstopping plane crash and battlefield sprint." If you live in Florida, you expect some bugs. I have seen a few ants so I put out the ant traps. We used them in our stays the last couple years and were told the liquid ones are the best. The only bad thing is that if it does not stay flat, the liquid comes out. So I put one behind the buffet in the dining area and somehow the extension cord knocked it over as I was trying to get my Echo set up.
So now there is a puddle of sticky liquid which is actually borax so not terribly toxic to me, but the ants love it. And there are maybe 50 of the smallest ants I have ever seen. They tell me they are called Ghost ants. Anyway, the point of the ant liquid is for the ants to take it back to the next and feed it to the queen and kill the next. So I left the puddle and let them feast on it. By the next day, sure enough the ants were all gone and hopefully dead somewhere outside of my house! A little hot water and a paper towel and the puddle came right up. I will be sure to place the replacement clear of anything that can disturb it! Live and learn. I did contact a couple pet control companies and found one that does not use toxic chemical inside. They come out treat the exterior of the house and then seal every entry they can find around the house and put bait traps in the attic and light switches. Then they will do ant bait traps as needed. The other companies come and spray the baseboards inside every month and I didn't really care for that options. So I guess time will tell how the battle of the bugs goes. A local furniture store, The Yum Yum Tree, that specializes in South Florida furniture and accessories is having a big sale. After 50 years the owner is going to retire. I have had my eye on a big glass and stainless steel turtle for months but didn't want to spend the money on it. I found a similar on online but alas it was the same price. So when I saw the sale sign I had to go check it out. 20% off! I still didn't buy it but found a great little end table for the TV room and a little rug to go in front of a door with flamingo's on it and an awesome lamp that with a big turtle shell! I also saw a large wall art of a turtle but I thought it might be a little too colorful. So I didn't get it. All sales were final,.... I finally decided I was going to get the turtle. The one online was no longer available and I got my Required distribution from the annuity I inherited from my dad, so back to the store I went. While I was there I wanted to look at the turtle wall hanging again. The furniture store is big and rambling from room to room, kind of like Marborough or Saybrook barn are. I came across some new wall art that just arrived and was just stacked against some other furniture, not even priced yet. But there was a framed print of a turtle and the colors blended perfectly with the furniture we brought with us. And of course 20% off. Another couple was looking at these prints as I came upon them and they bought a similar turtle print but it was much bigger than the one I wanted. So maybe a little FOMO entered into my decision and I took a picture and sent it to Richard and he loved it to, so I left The Yum Yum tree with my framed art AND my stainless and glass turtle! Now to get them hung in my house!! I think I better stay out of that store. Too many temptations!!!!! My window installer called this morning to say my dining room shade was in as well as the rods and he had time today to install. So I whipped out steamer and the ironing board. I quickly discovered that the steamer was not going to do the trick. It might be ok for a few creases or wrinkles once they are hanging but not for major creases from being folded. It quickly became clear that ironing was going to be the way to go. Of course the iron plate was not very clean and I was worried it would transfer to my white sheers. I got out my Barkeepers Friend and was pretty impressed that the iron ended up looking like new in no time. It took almost three hours to iron all 18 panels. But I had to stop to give John, my installer, direction on how I wanted the brackets on each of the windows but I finished before he was ready to hang the last panels. I was going to hang room darkening drapes in the casita to cut the glare on the computer, but we decided that the Vertiglide shade accomplished that so I will return them and get sheers for that slider as well. Now I am only waiting for a roller shade for my office and the master bath windows. I didn't order those two initially as I was going to just put a film on the bathroom windows but decided we needed the privacy. My office is on the backside of the house and faces a little grass yard, a wall and then cars parked on the other side of the wall. I thought I could just put up some panels and would have enough privacy, but I am often up early in the morning when it is dark outside and with a light on in my office I felt a little too visible. I have a vague memory as a kid an incident of a Peeping Tom at out Manchester house and how upset my mother was over it, so I have always closed shades at night. Afraid I might see a face on the other side of the window I guess. Funny the things we carry with us from our childhood. Master Bedroom. Awaiting Curtains and rods and need to hang some things on the walls. But progress. Master Bath- awaiting a shade for the window to replace the paper one! My office/guestroom- Floating shelves is the next project. Futon lays flat and is actually a really nice full size mattress. Great for afternoon naps!! Guest Bathroom
We went to see Jumanji today. It was very entertaining. Maybe not Oscar material but it made me laugh and was engaging the whole time. Nice story line, good acting and enjoyable.
We wanted to to 1718 but the only seats left were the front row, so will wait till it is not opening weekend. 55 degrees this morning. Yipee for wonderful winter weather. It will get into the 70's by afternoon. Perfect weather in my opinion. Can't say I miss the 24 degree weather in Andover.
I don't know if we will ever become Floridians who find this weather freezing cold. Target and Kohls are full of cold weather clothes. If you go out for a walk everyone is in fleece and long pants. Very amusing. Haven't felt the need to put jeans on yet although I have used a jacket at church in the mornings. The window people came to adjust the screens. They tell me that because of the way the impact sliders are made, the screens have to fit snugly to seal. I told them they were so snug I couldn't open them and that they had to figure out a better option. Two work fine, One comes off the track every time you open it and one will open but it is almost too hard for Richard to move. Very disappointed in the design and quality of the screens. I am optimistic they will get it right. But I guess time will tell. This week I have been working on organizing the garage so we can try to get the cars in. I can get mine in but the door to the house does not open fully so it is not really a great everyday option. I can pull in diagonally and access the door, but not sure I can then back out if Richard's car is in the driveway. The goal is ultimately to be able to put both cars in the garage in hurricane season. I think we might be able to do it if we get them close enough. There are two doors in the garage. One opens into the garage from the house and one the opens out into the courtyard. Hoping the second car door would open enough to exit the garage via the courtyard. For the rest of the time, probably only one car will go in the garage. I guess the next car we get needs to be smaller!! Maybe electric! Hope all you Northerners stay warm! XO We have a few more things to finish on the house and the holidays of course put everything on hold as people took time off to celebrate with family and friends.
The installer for our cellular shades came yesterday and installed the window shades. Two of the vertical cellular shades for the sliders are done, but he was missing the brackets for the third one. I guess the people packing the order had Santa on their minds. The replacement bracket will be here in a week or however long it takes to get it shipped since it is already Friday afternoon. But I am was so happy to take down most of the paper shades we have had up for the last few weeks. In my ordering decision I couldn't decide if I needed a shade in my office/guest room of if a semi sheer curtain would be ok. But after being here for a few weeks I realize that I am often up early in the morning and want more privacy than the curtain will provide so Monday I will be ordering a shade for that window as well. But at least it is the last paper shade I have to live with a few more weeks. I also installed the privacy film on the master bathroom window. It faces a patch of grass and trees in the back of our unit. Although it is common area, only the lawn guys ever go back there. We have to test it out to see if it provides enough privacy when it is dark outside and the lights are on inside. I may need to get a shade for that window as well. The glass installers came yesterday as well and finally we have glass in the master bathroom. The first time they tried to install it they discovered the glass supplier cut one panel too short and of course that was before the holidays. It took all day for them to get the glass installed. It is a little funky shaped but we were limited by the existing foot print of the shower. Now we just have to wait till Monday afternoon for the glue to be totally dry and the joints solid. We had the courtyard powerwashed today. The pavers look so much better and all the mildew and or mold on the fountain is mostly gone. But what a mess while he was doing it. But very happy with the results. Our list of things to do is getting smaller and smaller. The window guy comes Monday to adjust the screens, I guess the rubber has to settle in before they can trim it so the screens fit properly. We shall see!! I will post some more pictures soon, once I get some things on the walls. XO This is the new year in the new Chapter of our Retirement life. Every time I drive into our community it feels like we are at some tropical resort, which I guess we kind of are!! The beginning of a new decade. Time is racing by, that is for sure.
We went to see Little Women this afternoon. It has been a very long time since I read the book and although the movie was good, I think if you didn't really know the story very well, there were too many flashbacks so you were constantly trying to figure out if the story was current or past. Then dinner at our favorite spot, Cafe Solé. I always get thePesto Pizza with either shrimp or sausage and Richard gets the Greek wrap. We are so predictable, they know us now and barely ask what we want! Wishing all of you a wonderful adventure this year. It will be fun to see what the year holds for everyone. |
Author: Penny
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October 2020
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