And just like that my birthday is over and I’ve entered a new decade. I fretted about it for months but now that it’s passed I don’t feel quite so disturbed by it. Actually I feel kind of like the same old me. It’s when I think about that number that things unravel, my mind wanders to realm of life expectancy, and then I feel uneasy.

Wrinkles will only go where the smiles have been.

Jimmy Buffet

Guess I’ve smiled a great deal in my life. 😃

We are always the same age inside.

Gertrude Stein

Now that I believe.

How many of you still feel young? I bet all of you. I sure do.

Young at heart.

In my mind I’m still young. In my mind I feel the same, act the same, and look the same. Until I pass a mirror. Or get out of bed in the morning, or from a chair if I’ve been sitting too long. Those are toughies. Yes in my mind I’m still young, just my face and my body don’t realize that.

Hmmm. I really like that one. I don’t have to get old. Yes I like it. Now I just have to keep remembering it.

You can tell I’m trying to be more open and positive to this new decade.

I gave myself three days of birthday delights as I was dreading this birthday so much. Pre Birthday, Birthday, and Post Birthday. So today was my last day.

No gym today. Took it off. Oh my. What a wonderful morning. Nice to have a day like that once in a while. Nothing to do. Oh wait. I did three loads of laundry. Oh and cleaned the bathroom.Then we went for a walk. Does it appear to you that I issues with sitting around relaxing?

But I did eventually take it easy.

Relaxed this afternoon on the deck with tea and a book. Ahhhh

I wanted to post this afternoon so can’t describe my evening delights but this evening we’re invited to dinner at Joanne and Jean’s, friends from Michigan who we met down here in 2019. My last bit of birthday delights. It’s always such fun visiting with them.

Young at Heart – Frank Sinatra

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

I invite you to click Follow or Subscribe to receive timely updates, Like to show your love and support, Share my post on your social media site, and /or Comment here.

Birthday in Gulf Shores

January twenty-four

No card from the King

Haiku – Richard Pack

Birthday here and almost gone. Good. Can’t say I’m feeling any better about that number but hopefully I’ll gradually improve.

Comics help.

As does positivity from friends.

After yesterday’s blog I had many share their wise words. Here’s some.

*Wish I was there to have a toast 🥂 & wonder at the amazing year 2024 will be for the totally cool 😎 new 70 year olds.

* If you weren’t this age you wouldn’t have that sweet little grandson.

*I always think, enjoy it as some don’t get to celebrate this day. Eat the cake and ice cream 🤣

*Welcome to my decade! We are so lucky to have good health and, despite some challenges, a blessed life. 🌹 🌹🌹🌹❤️

All true words. Hopefully I’ll graciously grasp their sage advice.

This line comes to mind.

“… I’m in the depths of despair. Can you eat when you are in the depths of despair?”…

Anne of Green – L.M. Montgomery

I’m not really in the depths of despair. But whatever I’m in it doesn’t affect my desire to eat.

What an absolutely fabulous way to start the day. Thanks Richard.

Again started the day with the gym. Must keep active.

Then, as it’s my day, we went to the Tanger Outlet Mall for some browsing and my birthday Starbucks drink.

Hey. It’s a birthday rewards and it’s free so why not enjoy a Venti.

Then to Marshals. I bought nothing but always enjoy looking.

Richard’s not a fan of Mexican food but as it’s my day (taking full advantage of that 😉) and as he’s a good sport we went to Cactus Cantina.

Their Fajitas? Yummy. And their Margaritas? Delicious.😋 I kept getting brain freezes but hey, they don’t last long. Guess I should have sipped slower.

Thank you family and friends for your lovely birthday wishes. Great to hear from so many.

Birthday wishes (I received their presents earlier) from my children and my grandson topped off my day. Love them so much.

Growing Older – JJ Heller

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

I invite you to click Follow or Subscribe to receive timely updates, Like to show your love and support, Share my post on your social media site, and /or Comment here.

Age is just a number …

Cicely Tyson

Yeah right.

Don’t believe that for a minute.

At least not right now.

I’ve been dreading tomorrow for months. I hate to even say that number. 70 😩

I know. I know. Age is just a number blah blah blah. But not a number I’m liking. I guess in my mind I’ve always thought of 70 as OLD. Just thinking that number makes me feel old. 😝

Nothing I can do about it. It’s almost here. And I am not a happy camper. But then I never was a fan of camping. Haha.

The funny thing is that I don’t feel old until I think of that number. Maybe I should just think the number 50. That sounds so much better. Although it certainly didn’t when I turned 50. Hated that number too. And come to think of it I didn’t enjoy turning 30. I see a pattern emerging. But I was fine with 60. The mind is a curious thing. Or maybe my mind is a curious thing.

So for my pre birthday we did our normal yoga and gym. Great workouts. Love yoga. Treadmill is a necessary, not an actual joy. Thank goodness for TV screens on each treadmill.

Then off to The Wharf in Orange Beach for a few pre birthday delights.

Sounthern Grind for lunch.

A little 15 minute walk about and then to the AMC Classic Wharf 15 to see The Color Purple.

Hmmm. I realize it got rave reviews and although it had all the elements, compelling story, and wonderful singing, dancing, and acting, for some reason it didn’t grab me. For me, no memorable songs. No songs to hum or sing as I left the theatre. But that’s just my opinion.

Next stop – Kilwins for ice cream.

My favourite flavour down here: Chocolate Peanut Butter.

And to top it off good friends dropped by the house with flowers and a card. How sweet of them.

And one you’d never expect me to post.

Rappers Delight – The Sugarhill Gang

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

I invite you to click Follow or Subscribe to receive timely updates, Like to show your love and support, Share my post on your social media site, and /or Comment here.

And they did. At least last night. We made sure all taps were dripping. No frozen pipes.

This morning we were heading out the door for the gym and the door wouldn’t lock. Electronic door lock. Never expected that. An hour later, no problem. But due to having that late departure we missed going to a talk on the Civil War that we had planned on attending. Can’t win ‘em all.

“Always look on the bright side of life”.

Had to quote those lyrics as on Sunday we attended a performance of the musical Spamalot presented by the local community theatre group.

Bright side today? We went to yoga, walked our steps, had lunch at Happy Pappys, and took our time looking for books at the library. Nice to do that once in a while.

Hopefully just one more night of dripping taps.

Now today seemed cool. But we didn’t find it outrageous, between 1 & 3 C. Back home it’s around that temperature but feels much colder with the wind chill. Today I wore my leggings and a sweater while Richard still wore his shorts. It would have to be extremely cold for him to give those up. Locals? Winter jackets, hats, gloves. They were freezing. All depends on what you’re used to.

Snug and warm in the house for the rest of the day. No sitting on the deck. At least not for me.

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life – Spamalot

Stay safe and healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

I invite you to click Follow or Subscribe to receive timely updates, Like to show your love and support, Share my post on your social media site, and /or Comment here.

Ain’t that the truth.

Let’s compare the weather reports I read this morning for Summerside, PEI and Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Today Summerside goes down to -2C and Gulf Shores down to -6C.

Somethings wrong with this picture. Unbelievable. I’m down south. I should be warm.

And read these.

They even announced that some schools will be closed tomorrow due to the freezing rain. Sound like home?

Not looking for sympathy. And certainly no need to be jealous of us.

Tonight we need to turn on all the faucets and have them drip so the pipes don’t freeze. The house is on stilts and I don’t think houses down here do much for insulation.

So that’s it for today. Fingers crossed no burst pipes.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s update.

Cold Weather Blues – Muddy Waters

Take care and stay healthy (and warm).

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

I invite you to click Follow or Subscribe to receive timely updates, Like to show your love and support, Share my post on your social media site, and /or Comment here.

If you read yesterday’s blog I said I’d tell you the reason for the walk.

And the reason is. (Drum roll please.)

We joined the Walk the Line >>>>Steps Challenge.

Every January the Bodenhamer Recreation Center has a challenge. They also have challenges throughout the year but I think they have this one specifically with Snowbirds in mind.

https://www.gulfshoresal.gov/1162/David-L-Bodenhamer-Recreation-Center

We love this facility. There is a multitude of classes/activities.

They put out a new schedule every month but it usually remains quite consistent.

Amenities include:

INDOOR HEATED POOL WITH LAP LANES
AQUACLIMB WALL
OUTDOOR CHILDRENS WADING POOL
FITNESS & WATER AEROBICS CLASSES
WEIGHT & CARDIO ROOMS

GAME AREAS
INDOOR WALKING TRACK
SAUNAS
MENS & WOMENS LOCKER ROOMS BOYS & GIRLS LOCKER ROOMS RACQUETBALL COURTS

TENNIS & PICKLEBALL COURTS

REGULATION SIZE GYMNASIUM

Wowzers. Quite the spot. More than we’ll ever use. Plus they offer even more programs. Too many to mention here.

So back to yesterday’s reason.

The Challenge: Walk 190 miles or 380,000 steps in 60 days. (They state an average of 6,333 steps a day will accomplish this.)

Cute catch phrase: Walk our state’s width while reducing yours!

Ha! I’ll believe that when I see it.

Off to a great start. So far we’re ahead of the game. We’re walking more than the recommended daily steps. To keep track they have a binder at the main desk where you can record your steps but you can also email them your steps for them to do the recording. Pretty easy. Of course I keep a spreadsheet on my phone and input them each day for my own personal account. Then record them at the rec center the next day.

And my music selection? I mean really. How could I not use this song.

I Walk the Line – Johnny Cash

Stay safe and healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

I invite you to click Follow or Subscribe to receive timely updates, Like to show your love and support, Share my post on your social media site, and /or Comment here.

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.

John Muir

Yesterday we went to Gulf State Park and enjoyed a nice, long walk. Hmmm. Most of it was enjoyable.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_State_Park

https://mygulfstatepark.com/

Richard enjoys communing with nature. Me? Not so much. But as it was a warm, sunny day I was ok with it. I’m a warm weather walker. Perfect. And not many bugs this time of year and that suits me just fine.

Gulf State Park is lovely. Lots of trails. Boardwalks on land and over water.

On our excursion these posted signs caught my attention. There were many of them. Signs that is. Not alligators or snakes. Never saw one. I could pass on the snakes but would have liked to have seen an alligator.

Now the park also posts these signs regarding what you can/might see.

Right.

Well this is what we saw.

I guess better than nothing.

Now I know myself. And I know I often need to find bathrooms. And use them whenever I do find them. Even if I’m sure I don’t have to. You never know when the next one will be available. Famous last words.

We were about 3.5 k into our walk and oh yes. I needed to go. Passed a sign that said .7 miles to the Interpretive Centre. So walk a little faster and hold on. Gritting my teeth and honestly not a happy camper. Whew made it. No no no no no. Washrooms closed. Give me a break. Middle of the day and the centre was closed. So off to the next building.

Hallelujah. Success. Washrooms open. Not the cleanest but at that point I did not care. When a girl’s gotta go, a girl’s gotta go.

At least this made the walk back to the car much more enjoyable. And me in a more pleasant mood.

The after walk treat was a Starbucks Matcha Tea Latte and the new Potato, Cheddar, and Chive Bites. The bites were good but I won’t have them again. I prefer their egg bites.

Enjoyed the rest of the afternoon reading on the deck.

And to top it off we had a lovely meal and evening with our friends Joanne and Jean. Can’t ask for more than that.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post. I’ll let you in on the reason for this walk.

All is Love – Karen O (from Where the Wild Things Are)

Stay safe and healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

I invite you to click Follow or Subscribe to receive timely updates, Like to show your love and support, Share my post on your social media site, and /or Comment here.

Apparently I am overloaded with common sense.

For two days I was scared, apprehensive, worried, uneasy. and fearful.

Why?

On the flip side, Richard was not. Hmmmm. Interesting.

These are some of the warnings that were posted.

With our beach house being super close to the water I was worried. Strong winds, possible tornados, flooding. Yes. I was scared.

So what did I do?

I prepared. Followed my old Girl Guide motto. Be Prepared.

Charged all electronic devices.

Packed a travel bag with essentials: change of clothes, medications, toothbrush and paste, laptop, battery pack, and this may seem bizarre to you buy I also packed my hair straightener. Oh sweet vanity. Packed important papers, passports, and money in my purse. Placed my clothes and sneakers close to the bed for sudden dressing in the middle of the night.

Being use to snow storms at home I got out the flashlights and placed them in strategic places: bedside table, bathroom, kitchen.

We had lots of food and water so no worries there.

I even researched what to do in the house if there was a tornado. Only room with no windows was a bathroom. I read you should get in the bathtub, put pillows and blankets over you and keep your head down.

Thankfully we didn’t have to do any of the above.

Our area had lots of wind and rain but that was it. Whew. Thankful.

I was saddened this morning to see pictures of Panama City, Florida. It got hit with a tornado. It’s makes it hard to feel grateful for not getting hit when you see pictures from a place that did.

Today’s weather post.

Now on a different note.

This morning, since everything was all clear, we went to Foley’s Annual Snowbird Coffee 2024. (Foley is about 35 min. away from us.). Remember our misadventure last week going to a snowbird’s coffee meeting. No problem with that today.

It was interesting. We got welcome bags filled with coupons, information brochures, pens, notepads, hot chocolate packets, etc. The usual items. They also had special draws but we didn’t stay.

This was my favourite freebie.

What could that be? An address book for emergency numbers? A note book? Hmmmm

Voila!

Love it. Will be so useful in my voice studio. I’m always reaching for sticky notes. Love how it’s so compact and so organized. Yay.

Oh. And I had my first Krispy Kreme doughnut. Nothing to write home about. Won’t bother ever having another one

Now lately I’ve been feeling old. I turn 70 this month. Ugh. I hate to think about that number let alone say it or write it down. But being there this morning lifted my dark cloud. Not completely but certainly substantially. I didn’t feel as old. I have no idea their ages. I’m not good at guessing ages. They could have been older, younger, or the same age as me. But it seemed, at least to me, that they exuded an aura of aged tiredness. I’m not trying to be mean or toot my own horn. It was just how I felt. Ha. Maybe they felt the same way about me. Who knows.

When It Comes My Turn – David Myles

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

I invite you to click Follow or Subscribe to receive timely updates, Like to show your love and support, Share my post on your social media site, and /or Comment here.

Sometimes a crazy idea can make something special.

Cory Barlog

Sitting on the deck
Enveloped by sun and surf.
Tea is delicious 

How do you like to drink your tea or coffee? China cup? Pottery mug? Insulated refillable cup?

Not me today.

Although I drink tea in all of the above, that’s not what I’m using today.

Mine is in a Tim Hortons cup. Yes you read correctly.

But not in a refillable one.

Oh no.

One of their paper cups.

Oh yes I am. Crazy, right?

Well certainly bizarre.

When I was home at Christmas I saved some of the Tim’s cups (James bought me at least one steeped tea every morning) and I took some of the empty cups back with me.

Now I know you think I’m weird.

But hey.

Think of it this way.

I’m saving those cups from going into PEI’s compost and waste. Aren’t I helpful?

Making my tea I put a very generous amount of almond milk in the cup, plus two tea bags then boiling water. Ahhhh.

Makes me feel like I’m having a treat. Something special. Almost like a latte.

How crazy is that.

You may be right. I may be crazy.

But absolutely delightful sitting on the deck savouring my cup of tea.

Almost tastes like a latte with the almond milk with the added bonus of having a little taste of home.

You May Be Right – Billy Joel

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

I invite you to click Follow or Subscribe to receive timely updates, Like to show your love and support, Share my post on your social media site, and /or Comment here.

Last week Richard saw an ad for a meeting of the Gulf Shores Snowbirds Club at The Wharf. It was advertised in the free community paper, The Mullet Wrapper which is published every two weeks and includes tons of information for snowbirds.

https://mulletwrapper.net/

We were especially excited to attend as the ad said it has members from three Canadian provinces. There are lots of state snowbird clubs here in Gulf Shores but no Canadian ones so this club really interested us.

So today off we went.

Off to see the Wizard.

Oops. Nope.

Off to see The Wharf.

https://alwharf.com/

First we went to breakfast at The Southern Grind Coffee House.

https://thesoutherngrind.com/about-us/

It was ok. My veggie quiche was barely warm. I like my food HOT. But my Chai Latte was tasty. Richard’s oatmeal was good but his coffee awful. Can’t win ‘em all.

Ooo. Excited to now try out the club.

While walking there a gentleman stopped and asked us a question about how to get to the second level. During our conversation it came up that we were from Canada. His response? “I love Canadians. Do you know…?” OMG. We sure had a laugh afterwards. I’m sure this has happened to many of you. Comment and tell me your stories.

The G.S. Snowbird club was meeting at Ginny Lane Bar and Grill .

http://ginnylanebargrill.com/

Inside the entrance two men were sitting at a table and asked us to pay $2.00 for coffee. I gave them two dollars and mentioned I don’t drink coffee. He quickly countered “Women aren’t allowed.” Hahaha. I laughed. I thought he was joking. Again he said, “Women aren’t allowed.” Whoa. What? He was serious. I couldn’t believe it. Threw me for such a loop I couldn’t even think of a come back. Probably good I didn’t.

After we left we discussed the ad and neither one of us remembered it stating Women not allowed.

Here’s the ad. Can you find that qualifier?

Unbelievable. But ladies remember this.

The rest of the day was much better. Gym. Yoga. Starbucks.

And shopping at Tanger Outlet Mall.

I had such fun shopping for baby clothes. Spent an hour in OshKosh/Carters. Loved it.

Late lunch or early supper what ever you want to call it at Baumhowers

https://www.baumhowers.com/about-us

Food was delicious although there was quite a mixup in getting it. The waitress brought one burger and fries to the table and obviously our faces showed surprise. She though we had ordered one between us. Nope. Doesn’t know us, does she? Like we’d be sharing a burger. Not in this lifetime. So I ate mine while Richard ate my fries. Then 30 minutes later his arrived and he got to eat his burger and me his fries. It worked.

Home again home again jiggety jig.

I’m Every Woman – Whitney Houston

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

I invite you to click Follow or Subscribe to receive timely updates, Like to show your love and support, Share my post on your social media site, and /or Comment here.