A Wonderful Winter Break

I returned a couple of weeks ago from a most wonderful month in Florida. This is the first time I have gotten to stay that long. Amazing how fast that month passed by. The weather was great with most days in the 80's, but the nights cooled off, so it was good sleeping weather. I stay with my old friend, Joann. She has been my friend for over 40 years. Used to be 4 couples of us were in Florida together every year, but as the years have passed, our group has gotten smaller and smaller and now only the 2 of us get down there. Sad!

Jeanne and Richard took us out on their boat one day. We went to Cabbage Key to have a cheeseburger in paradise. I love going there. The day we went was a beautiful day.

Deedee, Mary Lou, Joann and I also went out on a gambling boat, the Big M and that was another beautiful day. And I won. Course I only play nickles, but hey, who cares if ya can win!! We eat out at the Shrimp Shack every Thursday night. Got to Captain Con's a couple of times, a German place, the Lazy Flamingo, the Island Cow and a new pizza place we all liked. We went shopping, spent time at the library, ate lots of key lime pie, ate a bit of ice cream, read 5 books and think we went to pool every day but two days. Met lots of new people. Had a car the whole time, which is really nice. Think we went someplace everyday. The day I returned it was in the 60's in GR and felt pretty good. when I arrived home, was delighted to see most of the snow had melted. Sadly spring did not last and a storm came last night and today. I could not even get my doors open. Sounds like it is going to be a cold week also. Guess I came home to soon!! But it is nice to be home. Now I am thinking about spring cleaning, yard and garden work. May have to take another road trip once the snow gets gone again.

So proud of my son and another adventure

At the end of January I took a trip, via Amtrak out to Iowa for my son, Evan's induction into his high school Hall of Fame for his swimming achievements. Of my 7 children, Evan is the only one to be in a Hall of Fame.  It was a very special and wonderful occasion and honor. 

He gave a wonderful acceptance speech.  He included his whole family,, friends and coaches in his speech and told how each  had inspired him and helped him attain his swimming goals.  He still holds 4 records after all this time. He attend high school from 1991-1994.

All his siblings were able to attend except one.  In fact about 30 friends and family attended in his honor.

  

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Evan, his wife Traci and daughters, Tori and Tessa traveled all the way from Arkansas for the induction.  It was a very quick and long trip for them especially with the new baby.  It was also the first time for most of the family to meet Tessa. 

I am so glad I was able to attend.  My only regret was that Evan's dad wasn't still around to be there.  He would have been so proud of his "Big Evan" as he affectionately called his 6'5" son.  Evan paid great tribute to his Dad during his speech. Always makes me cry!

Returning home from Iowa turned out to be a new adventure.  First of all I was delayed for two days because of blizzard that hit Chicago really hard.  I took for the first time the Mega Bus from Des Moines to Chicago and then the train from Chicago to Michigan.  Mega Bus pretty good, especially because it only cost me 50 cents.  When I got to Chicago, Union Station was so busy I could not believe it.  People were stacked up everywhere and all the trains were late.  I got into Michigan 2 hours late.  Luckily my dear brother had stopped in Holland and shoveled my car out for me.  Would have taken me forever.  As it was I did not get home until almost midnight.  I was one tired gal. 

 It was all well worth it tho.  Anytime I can spend time with all my family is a great time and I will do it every chance I get!