Accomplish a lot with out doing too much!

2014.08.28

Start of school. Meetings with teachers. Caring teachers. Teachers that are on the ball and sometimes even a step ahead of me. Doing what they are supposed to do without me having to remind them. It's been a long time since I have been to a school like that! Thank you!

Many things on my list were accomplished by a few clicks of the mouse and a few phone calls. That is a relief because I am tired and that is about what I have strength for.

Deliveries this week included: bed frame for my oldest son's bed, bedside tables to our room, a gas propane tank to the grill, the grill connection unit, garbage pick up, the dog tag for Sophie with our new number on it and even accepting a package for the neighbor.

My phone calls and emails were well received and I managed to have the parking permit company allow me to pick up my permit tomorrow so we can park the car on our block and not pay £2 an hour to park. So many helpful people everywhere. I am flabbergasted and not used to it.

I asked the neighbor about her cleaning lady and got her to come to our house after she does theirs.

The bed frame delivery company called me the day after delivery to see if I was pleased with their service.

Delivery of the rental car to my house, that is service I could get used to. So cool except for the part of finding a pay parking spot that I could maneuver into. I decided that only making left turns was the safest way to go today. Tomorrow I might have to make a right turn when I go to pick up the permits.

I even managed to find a stylist and personal shopper that is going to help me with a much needed revamp of my clothes and sense of style. Can't wait for that to go shopping with her and actually find something that looks great on me.....

The kids have liked school so far. I have met a few other moms and it looks to be a promising year for all of us. They were happy when the teacher said there wouldn't be homework for the first 2 weeks.

I have energy in the morning but am feeling tired in the afternoon. As soon as I have a chance I take a quick nap. Of course, every time I do that it is interrupted by a phone call.

Fatigue is bearable if I don't overdo it. As soon as I do too much, I am reminded that I am still on this journey of recovery and that my body has taken a beating.

There is a lot to fix to get things to work in the everyday life. But once that is done, I can start catching up on all the other things that I should have done these past few months but have not had enough strength to tackle. I might have the boxes unpacked by Christmas.....or I might not.

LIFE IS GOOD. NEW SCHOOL. NEW FRIENDS. NEW HAIR. NEW CLOTHES. GOTTA LOVE IT. GRATEFUL.

Raining outside.....get stuff done inside

Sunday and Monday

It has been a lazy but hectic two days. Unpacking boxes, trying to find a spot for everything or making the decision to throw it out has tired me out. But I see the progress and that feels good.

It will take a long time but I am not too stressed about it.

The rain has been beating down all day on our kitchen skylight windows. It has been quite melodic and in varying intensity throughout the day. If we had more of a lawn I would say it would be getting its fair dose of water.

The kids are hibernating in their rooms enjoying their last two days before school starts and we get back into the routine....

Living right in the city and it is so quite here. I really can't believe it. It could also be that today was a bank holiday so not as many people are in the city.....

Another cool thing is that even though it has been raining, there is still a beehive of activity going on outside on the high road.  Lots of people mostly holding umbrellas and tramping along in their wellingtons. And some even sitting outside the restaurant under the awning eating dinner.

This weather doesn't help my achy joints but I am going to try and rest more as my body rejuvenates itself.

As the hair on my head is growing in, I have noticed that all the strands of hair do not grow at the same rate. That is baffling to me. I am faced with the dilemma of whether to get it trimmed, styled or leave it to grow in like a forest of ferns. What should I do?

Everything here can be ordered online and delivered. The delivery is quick and to the house. Online shopping is my new best friend. If I can click it, it will be delivered.  

When ordering online you give your house number and your post code and it fills in the rest of your address. That is pretty nifty.

Now, it is late night on Monday and I just checked my email. WOW, I have received a prompt response from the school regarding how we are going to manage Eric's diabetes. I am impressed that they responded so quickly. This is a good sign that it will work out.

Little by little the pieces are falling into place. 

I can exhale out the stress and breathe in the new and exciting. It might be time to embrace and enjoy this new adventure.

Tomorrow some of my online orders are being delivered.......gotta get some rest.

HUGS. GRATEFUL. LOVED. THREE FANTASTIC KIDS. ADVENTURES AWAIT.

MORE ME TIME is needed.....

Saturday

July 23, 2014

Being a Mom and Wife in this century is hard work. Especially once you become a mom, that mom instinct kicks in. Always putting the kids first in everything you do. That is hard work and sometimes it gets to be too much and something triggers you to remember that "I should come first".

99% of the time it doesn't bother me that I put the kids and the family first. But when that 1% of me finally gets fed up it is an eye opener. I want for them to succeed and do well and is it based on me pushing or nudging them in the right direction?

Aren't I a better mom and wife when I have fully charged batteries? Why don't I charge them just as much as I keep my iphone charged? Low battery levels never have the same effect- it changes our perspective.

The past 6 months I had 2 jobs. One was fighting cancer and the other has been trying to keep the family routines going as normal as possible. It would have been easier with just 1 job- either one but not both.

There were 10 moving boxes in Eric's room and these are now disposed of by either sorting into his room, into boot sale boxes or into the garbage. He has his desk set up with a great view next to the window so he can start with homework next week.

I realized I needed to charge my batteries. Sometimes retail therapy helps. Thank goodness it is only 10 minutes by bus to a most fantastic retail therapy spot. I could walk around without anyone poking me on the shoulder saying "Mom, mom, mom" just like Sheldon says to Penny. I went to my two favorite stores Apple and the Lego store. I took my time in each and made careful decisions. I should have been hitting the clothes stores so I can update my wardrobe but that is hard to do by yourself, I would have needed a girlfriend with more fashion sense than me along for the trip...

I came home in time to take my middle son to dinner and to the premiere of the Dr. Who season at the theaters. He is a huge Dr. Who fan. I have never watched an entire episode before tonight. It was shown at the same time on tv. Why go to the movie theater? It is seen by so many at the same time. Then there was a 6 minute preview and a live Q&A period after which was beamed in from Leicester Sq with the lead characters. He was in heaven. I might have to watch the show each week as a new follower.

So much to see and do here. That is exciting.

I WILL PUT MYSELF FIRST.  I need to plan the battery charging before I get too low.
I WILL PUT MYSELF FIRST.

I WILL PUT MYSELF FIRST. (any helpful tips appreciated...)


GRATEFUL FOR LIFE. BEING A MOM. SIDE EFFECTS.

Fatigue, frustration and looking to the future

It has been a month since I last updated. I have thought many times to write and update but haven't had the strength.

It has just been too much going on. We traveled. We packed. We unpacked (only a little bit). We are trying to get acclimated.

All of these activities have been challenging for me as the side effects are really taking a toll on me and my body.

SIDE EFFECTS: Fingernails ruined, toenails ruined, every joint aches, tired, risk of infection, no or limited feelings in the hands and feet. I feel like I am 10 years older (not more mature though).

Just cause the doctor says the cancer is gone doesn't mean everything is like it was before.

YES, HAPPY TO BE ALIVE. My hair is growing back!!!!!!

I see the new surroundings with wonderous eyes. I appreciate each and every moment especially when I am laughing with family or friends. I am getting some things done each day.

BUT, most of the time I am tired and I try to ignore it so that I can make everything like it was before. It is to no avail. I get up from the chair or bed and it hurts when I walk. I have worn open toed shoes since May 5th. My hips and legs are tired and I think of Tim Conway as I shuffle to the next room.

My brain is still a bit slow. The times when it feels normal is when it is frustrating to not be up to speed already.

I have come to grips with it by doing as much as I can before I feel tired. I focus on the important things to do each day and try and manage that. I am forcing myself to be happy with the present status quo.

The kids start a new school next week. It will be a lot of new impressions and friends and people to meet. It will also give me time to rest ......during the day. (HOPEFULLY)

Things will get done eventually if they are important. My side effects should diminish with time.

I AM ALIVE. THE FUTURE IS LOOKING BRIGHT.

GRATEFUL. LOVED. FAMILY. FRIENDS. NEW BEGINNINGS.

Hot in the House.....

July 21-July 24

It has been a hot hot week in Stockholm. Practically no houses have air-conditioning here. Ours doesn’t.  It is then important to have many doors and windows open and hope for a breeze to blow through.  It is an added dimension to a good summer here.

The hot weather means everything is slower. The kids move slower. The wasps move slower. The dog moves slower. And I was already moving slower so now I am almost at a standstill.

I have so much to do and no energy to do it so I just do one thing on the list and try to forget about everything else.  That is easier said than done. That is the issue with the move -the uneasy feeling that there are too many loose ends that only I can fix.

I am doing the bare minimum while trying to recover from the cancer treatments that have taken a toll on my physically and now even mentally. Yesterday speaking with Madeleine, she made a good point about the recovery from cancer.

“It is like your body and your mind are on two different journeys”

The body is cancer free and is healing itself from the side effects.  The mind is thinking of all sorts of things and working through the unbelievable occurrence of getting cancer and the routine of the treatments to get rid of it . And then wondering if it is really gone to worrying that if it is gone that it will come back. There is very little respite from these thoughts.

As I was driving today I realized that I haven’t said thank you to all of the people that have sent words of encouragement and been there for me.

Here is the list (not in any specific order)

Thank you Mia, Peter, Kevin, Marcus, Eric, Nikki, Nicole, Kris, Mike, Dan, Jen, Mom, Dad, Ann, Charlotte, Maria, Annica, Stina, Gunilla, Marie, Dale, Sarah, Pearl, Petra B., Marie-Claire, Anna H., Ellinor, Maggan, Helena, Åse, Katherine, Melissa, Katja, Petra J., Petra H., Erika, Donna, Inga-lill, Joni, Bridget, Carla M., Carla P., Marianne, Robin, Molly, Mary, Clara, Terry, Colleen, Ulrika, Sofie, Ingrid, Karin, Lena, Åsa, Doreen, Liz, Angelika, Kicki, Anna, Silvia, Kim, Stacy, Dawn, Annelie, Maria, Gey, Reinhold, Evy, Putte, Ida, Kerstin, Mikaela, Eva, Kenneth, Nina, Catharina, Jessica, Hans, Johanna, Victoria, Emma, Zennie, Aiga, Sol, Emma, Elspeth, Sally, Silvia, Emma, Hajar, Jennie, Nisha, Michelle, Jacqueline, Amanda, Tina, Hema, Rebecca, Yingje, Jennifer, Tamara, Erika, Elisabeth, Gillian, Hagit, Victoria, Terri, Claire, Barbara, Aarthi, Grainne, Elaine, Harry, Eila, Irre, SL, Marisa, Stefan, Suzanne, Henric, Anett, Micke P., Mikael, Annika, Eileen, Jackson, Ashley, Katelyn, Katarina, Doris, Julie, Penny, Amy, Lisa, Peo, Lisa, Eva-Karin, Göte, Oskar, Erik, Frida, Anna, Anton,  Åke, Susan, Dianna, Debora, Natalie, Danny, Tammy, Helen, Ulrica, Jenny, Anders, Patrik, Thomas, Veronica, Rocky, Cia, Shelly and I am sure that I have missed many more.

I am BLESSED to have so many people in my life that care.

It is still hot here as evening approaches. We are almost done packing for the adventure that really starts tomorrow.

LOVED. BLESSED. GRATEFUL. EXCITEMENT. ADVENTURE. 

BE BRAVE. LOVE LIFE.

Back in Sunny Sweden........

July 12-20, 2014

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

These were our last two days in the USA. We hung out with the cousins and did some last minute visits to our favorite stores. Tried to organize some activities for the kids but they were tired after all the traveling and just wanted to hang with their cousins.

My usual problem with having too many pieces of luggage going back did not happen this time. We didn’t buy enough stuff to warrant excess baggage. That is a first!

I am feeling tired but not exhausted. It is sad to leave Mike and Nicole’s house and not know the next time we will see them.

MONDAY

We woke up early to say goodbye to the cousins. It has been a great time. The packing the car after closing the suitcases and weighing them is always the most stressful step of leaving the house.

I am like a crazy camp counselor and no one should get in my way. The only difference now is that I am visibly tired and less tolerant to any delays. Once we have checked in our luggage, I can usually relax a little bit. 

After check-in off our luggage, we say goodbye to Peter who was flying later on that day directly to London. Our flight to Sweden via Chicago went well. The boys are seasoned travelers and SAS has games and movies in the seat backs so they are pre-occupied with that. The trip East is always harder to make because it is not as easy to sleep on those flights. So, effectively we lose nights sleep. Not so good in my case.

TUESDAY

Arrive early morning to Stockholm. Get the car from long-term parking and drive home. Feeling tired, as it is actually the middle of the night in the USA.

Got home and told the kids – ok we are only going to sleep for a max of 2 hours…yes-6 hours later I woke up. JETLAG makes our days longer and stranger.

Don’t feel like doing anything today except sleeping even though the suitcases are strewn all over the floor and it is an obstacle course to get from one room to another. I dislike when things are not in their place.

WEDNESDAY

Today we got Marcus Swedish passport renewed, ate lunch, went past the storage unit to pick up some stuff, and went past Gunilla’s house to pick up our mail and back to the summerhouse.

Forced to unpack the suitcases as best I could and make some food for the kids. Then none of us could sleep until after 2 a.m.

THURSDAY

The fun task of going through all the mail and paying all the bills that keep accumulating. It took the whole day to go through the mail and get everything sorted. Not one of my favorite tasks.  

Yes, the kids still need to eat. Good thing they are happy to get any type of food and let it be a break from their screen time.

FRIDAY

A little sad today cause I lost track of the days and thought it was still Thursday. We should have been going to Gotland this weekend to visit Ann and Hans but my strength was just not there to make the trip. I wish I could have teleported myself there and really taken advantage of living in the here and now.

Instead, I had more unpacking and laundry to do. It has been a hassle to get the kids up this week. Marcus sleeps until lunchtime unless his cousin has come over to wake him up and spend some time with him and his Grandfather on the boat. Glad they are getting out a little bit.

Eric was to play with his best friend and we decided to make it a good time and eat dinner at their house and then when Peter arrived from London he would drive us all home. Stina and Alex are two good friends that we really appreciate. We sure do laugh a lot. I can’t wait for them to visit us in London.

We had a great time at dinner but Peter kept calling from the airport and updating us on how delayed the plane was and finally how it was delayed until Saturday morning.  A bummer.  (Especially cause I couldn’t drink now that I had to drive home)

SATURDAY

Woke up and got a text from Peter that he was at the airport early and was booked on a flight that would get him home around 3 pm.   Well, just two hours later he calls and says the flight is cancelled and I needed to book him on another flight.

OF COURSE, I can. I booked him on a 1 pm flight from Heathrow so he enjoyed his taxi ride from Gatwick to Heathrow. Of course, that flight was also delayed so he finally made it home around 6:30 pm- almost 24 hours after he should have been here. Felt bad for him, as he is only home for less than 24 hours.

Stina and Alex were here to pick up Ville and eat dinner with Peter and me. It ended up being good that we could enjoy a few hours of their company and the kids had a great time.  SO FUN THEY WERE HERE.

SUNDAY

Peter slept late and then had the enviable task of mowing the lawn after it has grown for a month. Not the easiest and quickest task. He did it well and then he showered just in time for his parents visit for lunch to say goodbye to him.

We enjoyed their company and then it was time for him to pack his bag and head back to the airport.  

There was not enough time to get everything done, but that seems to be the common thread here for the last six or seven months.

WHEN WILL WE HAVE TIME? 

I have begun to realize that time is what you make of it, and I can only do so much.  It is frustrating but I am trying not to use the the little energy I have on being down but just concentrating on getting something done every day and being happy with that.

We drove him so we could have more time with him. He is really excited that we are coming next week. This has been his last weekend of commuting and it will be easier on all of us to be together.

So only a few days left here to get as much done as possible. I am pacing myself and due to chemo brain will probably not worry too much about it cause I can’t keep so many things in my head at the same time.

Ready for the next step and just need to get through this week and enjoy it at the same time.

Still LOVED, GRATEFUL, APPRECIATIVE and HAPPY.

Key West....and the rest of Florida

July 6-July 11, 2014

SUNDAY

We left the castle in Florida and took farewell of my parents, siblings and their children and headed on our journey even further south in Florida towards KEY WEST.

View from the back balcony. Not a bad way to spend a week.

Kevin outside the castle 

The drive down to the southernmost point in the continental USA was over many bridges and islands. It was a one-lane highway-road once we got past Miami. It was the Sunday at the end of a long holiday weekend in the USA. So, there was at least a 40 mile line of traffic heading north….thank goodness we were going the other way.

Past Miami and we finally get onto the famous Highway 1 to Key West

Peter gets to do all the driving. There are a couple of reasons for this. My eyes are still sensitive to light and I can’t wear contact lenses yet as my eyes have changed during the chemo. I am still tired and sitting behind the wheel is not safe for long periods of time. I am also the best one of us to keep the order in the back seats with the kids…….or try to anyway.

Key Largo......we drove past it 

It is a varied landscape from water, flat landscapes, hot weather, tourist shops and signs along the way and it wouldn’t be complete unless there was an afternoon lightning and thunder storm to drive through. I tortured the kids by playing KOKOMO by the Beach Boys as we drove through Key Largo and then putting it on repeat until they could name all of the cities mentioned in the song. Late afternoon, and it was a relief to pull up at our hotel and unload the luggage and get changed for dinner before we headed into the main streets of KEY WEST.

Henry Flagler built a railroad from Miami to Key West 128 miles long in the early 1900äs

The excitement of seeing new places is a strong force within me. I try and transfer this to my children. They know the routine. We are going to explore our new surroundings. The kids noticed first that there is a Starbucks in the lobby of our hotel. Can’t get better than that…..but it does….

We take the hotel shuttle to the middle of Key West and boy is it hot outside.  We walk along the waterfront exploring a little bit after being in the car all day. It felt good to stretch the legs.

We walked down Duval Street and found a fantastic Italian restaurant with great food, great service and air-conditioning. Dinner was enjoyed and it was time to head to Mallory Square to see the sunset.  As coincidence would have it – a friend that we knew in Charlotte was also in Mallory Square and we noticed this because of facebook- so we met up for a little bit before they went to eat dinner. Awesome Natalie, to see you and the kids!

A walk around and a chance to see all the street performers before we head back to the hotel to try and get some well rested sleep.

MONDAY

Breakfast at the hotel Starbucks was enjoyed by all of us. Time for head into town and learn a little more about Key West. We walked down Duval Street and explored a few of the side streets.  Tourist shops with fun t-shirts, many bars and tons of restaurants. We get tired fast in this hot climate.

Lunch was the Hard Rock Café right on Duval Street. Then the obligatory walk to the Southernmost point in the USA to stand in line and then get to take a picture of yourself standing in front of it. The boys were hot and so was I. Didn’t know that heads could sweat so much, felt worse as my peach fuzz is growing in a little thicker.

We headed back to the hotel so I could rest and the kids and Peter could be in the pool at the hotel. The heat had taken its toll on all of us. Of course, as is par for the course, just when I feel like getting my bathing suit on and swimming ---the afternoon thunderstorm starts….lightning…..not allowed in the pool.

We ate a simple dinner that night in the vicinity of our hotel and then went to the neighboring hotel to inquire about jet ski or boat rental for the next day. We were told to come back in the morning as it was so late. We all fell asleep easily that night.

TUESDAY

Today we have been married 19 years. Can’t believe it. We have been through so much and still love being around each other. Only 31 more years to achieve the same level as my parents.

Woke to sunshine and a plan to get lucky with the charter of a boat for a half-day excursion out into the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic. We really got lucky. We booked Sol Chaser Charters for a half day tour. It was just Captain Nik and us.

A totally memorable day. The Gulf side is very shallow in the miles closest to the keys. We saw dolphins, egrets, tons of other wildlife. Nik took us to a fantastic island with a great sandbar where we could swim. Paradise. 

I dipped my toes off the edge of the boat while the rest of them jumped in and walked/swam to shore. I am too scared to step on something and my big toe is not ready to be bitten by any fish yet.

We had the time of our lives and Nik was born and raised in Key West so we got inside information about everything possible.

The boys were happy after this trip. I thought it was fantastic too. Of course, with me as tour guide we had a schedule to keep in order to maximize every minute of our trip. 

So, a quick lunch and then time to head back into town to take a Conch train tour (sightseeing tram) around Key West to learn more about its history. 

It was hot, hot hot to sit on that open air tram. But, we did learn a lot about Key West.

We were so hot after that ride that we needed to stop at the world famous Sloppy Joe’s Bar where Ernest Hemingway hung out. Dinner today was a few daiquiris and some bar food as we sat on the bar stools and watched a World Cup Soccer game where Germany was scoring goal after goal……

We ended our last day in Key West with viewing the sunset and enjoying some large ice cream cones. It was a good day.

I try and ignore the side effects and how they affect me just because I don’t have enough time to dwell on them. It is hard to not think of them or the cancer as I am constantly reminded every time I look down at my toes in my open-toed shoes. Or when I look in the mirror and try and remember what it was like when I had long hair. Or when the lady at Starbucks asks me what type of cancer I had.

WEDNESDAY

A Day of TRAVEL.

Awoke early as it was time to check out and get on the road. It is a long drive back up the keys. Today’s drive is to Daytona Beach Shores. I have managed to book a good hotel right on the Atlantic Ocean with Ocean view. So the expectations are high.

It was a long day with driving and stopping for some shopping and lunch at the outlets. It was a typical afternoon drive when we hit the storms and had to drive with our hazards on while not being able to see out the windows unless there was some lightning. Luckily those storms pass so quickly that it is almost fun to drive through them.

We arrived at the hotel around 9 pm and checked in and just unpacked for the night and went to sleep. 

THURSDAY

Awoke early as the sunrise shined into our room so we could have a walk on the beach and the morning by the pool before we met Mike and Nikki and the kids so we could drive back to Charlotte in a caravan.

Good Morning Atlantic Ocean! 

The beach was beautiful and the morning walk I forced the kids and Peter on was appreciated by them…. The sand was smooth and soft on the feet. The boys had their suits on so them ran in the gentle waves and laughed and splashed each other as they ran past.

We then settled into the pool which was between the hotel and the ocean. I swam in the pool and did a few laps. It felt good. I stayed in the pool and the boys and Peter got the boogie boards and headed back into the ocean again.

Too soon and the morning had passed so we went up to the hotel room, changed our clothes and checked out.

It was time for the 8 hours of driving to Charlotte. Lunch and then we started off. My brother and his family were leaving from Orlando and finally caught up with us halfway into South Carolina. It was fun to have some quasi – company on the trip up.

 

We made it home to their house at 8 pm and I got changed and then Peter drove me to the old neighborhood for a ladies night out with the old neighborhood girls. It was a lot of fun to see them again. Many, many laughs this night as we reminisced about all the good times. These ladies helped to re-charge my batteries. They gave me energy. Peter was really nice and came and got me at midnight. Good Guy that he is.

FRIDAY

Peter felt the urge to shop today. Just he and I went to the big mall and walked around. He managed to buy some stuff for him with great ease. I for some reason did not find it so easy. It is really a combination of remembering how much crap and junk we have thrown out over the past few months as we prepared for the move and the fact that I had no energy and maybe not such a positive picture of myself in the mirror. It meant that nothing I tried on would look good. I just wasn’t in the mood.  Good thing a Starbucks coffee made the feelings bearable.

Back to Mike and Nikki’s house and we felt good. The kids had spent the day with their cousins. Life is good.

We are so lucky to be able to stay at Mike and Nikki’s house when we are in the US. It is like our second home and all the cousins have fun with each other. THANKS MIKE AND NICOLE.

Only a few days left in the USA until we head back to Europe.

I am tired but that is to be expected. It has been three weeks since I got the news that I am in remission. It still feels surreal that I had cancer, that I battled cancer and now that the cancer is gone. Really???????   The doubts linger that it is really gone….only the next few doctors appointments every three months will lessen those doubts.

I really need to take each day as a gift and do what I want to do and be with the people who give me energy. I need to plan a little more than one day at a time but live each day in the here and now.  I think I might set the alarm on my phone a few times each day as a reminder……..

50th Wedding Anniversary Week

2014.06.30 to 2014.07.05

My parents got married 50 years ago and this week all their kids and grandchildren are staying in a beautiful house in Florida. It sleeps all 22 of us. This is the first time we have all been together in a long time.

It has been a fun week.

My ambition levels are set low. I am tired but do a little bit each day. I want to do a lot but get tired so easily. It is frustrating but l am trying to not let it bother me. Many people think... Oh cancer free - now you are better......   Unfortunately all the darn side effects will take a year to disappear and only I have to live with them. I don't feel like explaining to everyone all my issues.

 

MONDAY

The first full day and we spent the time getting acquainted with the house, it's huge. During the week each of our families were responsible for one dinner for the rest of us. This means great dinners every night but only needing to prepare one night. A fun day with the cousins.

TUESDAY

It was Eric's birthday today. My youngest son turned 11. We celebrated at lunch with an ice cream cake for dessert and him being sung to by all his cousins.

Then the rest of the day was spent with getting ready for the evening ceremony for the renewal of their wedding vows and the wedding dinner. The priest arrived at 5pm and the ceremony started shortly thereafter my parents were repeating the words they said to each other 50 years ago.

The Happy Couple

A little crying and a little giggling but they made it through. The champagnes toast was followed by a sit down dinner and sharing the memories. Then the wedding cake was served and the dancing followed.

Looking at their 50th Anniversary Book

WEDNESDAY

This day was spent recovering from yesterday's festivities. Poolside in the morning, a quick supermarket trip, dinner and games. Feeling pretty good as long as I don't over do it. The afternoons in Florida are usually punctuated with lightning and thunder storms. Just today we got a good wind storm also as the edges of Hurricane Arthur were off the coast.

THURSDAY

Our day started early as we piled into The three cars and drove west to the Everglades for our family's Christmas present to the rest of the family. It was an airboat tour in the Everglades all of us in one boat to see the wildlife.















Really really fun as we were wearing our family shirts. We got to see some alligators and learn the history of the Everglades.

We headed back to the house and ate lunch. Our night for dinner preparation was tonight. I am trying to conserve my energy. I focused my attentions to reading reviews for the best Italian restaurant in the area. Excellent- ordered 8 large pizzas and some side dishes and we made a salad. Couldn't be easier. Yum yum good pizza.

Another part of the evening responsibilities was to organize a game for the whole group. The only thing that seemed appropriate was to use the architecture of this 4 story house to our benefit. The two games included making the best paper airplane and paper helicopter and launching them from the 3rd floor and make it land on the wine cellar floor at the bottom of the house. It was an exciting event and we all got exercise walking up the stairs and launching our planes.

FRIDAY -4th of July Happy Independence Day.

In the USA, the festivities start in the late afternoon so we have time for daytime activities. Our family got in the car and headed for Hollywood Beach, the best Florida beach it was a fun way to spend the afternoon.

We got back and dinner preparations were already full speed ahead. Dinner was hosted by my parents are we were done in time for the fireworks. We went up to thereof terrace and watched in a 360 degrees view all around us the spectacular fireworks show.

SATURDAY

Awake and a big bacon and pancakes breakfast hits the spot. The cousins are having. Great time together. The weather has been hit or miss each day. sun, a little clouds, rain, lightning and thunder and then sun again while all the time being hot, hot, hot. (Unless of course you are inside in the air conditioning...)

Tonight is our last night here all together. It has been fun. We ended the week with turning the lights out and playing a big game of hide and seek.

LOVED. FAMILY. SUN. ALLIGATORS. COUSINS. 50 YEARS. EVERGLADES.