Life takes another giant step--Terry and Carmen

Indeed, life moves quickly and changes in many ways.
Last Sunday, after a church service Pastor Gene performed our marriage ceremony and Terry and I became husband and wife.  It was a special time and one to be remembered forever. We are excited.  As soon as the pictures come, which should be in a very short while, we will post them on the blog. 
Terry and I are now making plans to return to St. Paul the week after Easter.  We will head north April 19th and then spend Easter Sunday with Aaron and Amy. .  There is much to be done, many plans to make and many decisions to be made but in time all will happen.
I will continue to blog but of course it will be in a different vein, one that I hope will be informative and interesting. 

Florida flowers

As one can see the landscape in Naples is very different than in MN at this time of the year!!  These two flowers are by the house and near the walk as a person enters Terry's house.  Very beautiful.
This week has flown by but then don't they all.  The temps are now beginning to show a hint of summer as I think each day by mid afternoon it hits low 80's.  Naples has put some restrictings on water as it is dry here.
I am now getting a bit concerned about my right calf.  After hurting it for the second time 10 days ago it just does not seem to be getting a whole lot better.  I may decide to have it looked at.  Perhaps the worst thing could be to not do any more tennis this season.  Of course that would not be fun but if that would help it heal one can certainly deal with that.  I did do a tennis clinic Thursday and that did not go the best.  When I bike it feels fine but walking or running is not very good.
I continue to enjoy some of the delicious sea food here.  Maybe once or twice a week Terry and I indulge and eat out and it seems like it is always good.  Yesterday it was at a small place called Steamers Seafood and the chowder and seafood sandwich were very very good.  I have always enjoyed seafood but never before had much.  When a person goes to the beach there are always many fishing but most often it seems the people are throwing them back. 
Will see the Twins play on Monday as their spring training is about 10 miles north of here.  It is kind of crazy as these games are just practice but yet each game is sold out way ahead of time.  I think their stadium has seating for about 7500 people.  Anyway it should be fun.  Amy's parents attended a game when they were in Bonita Springs in February.
Not much planned for the day but it seems that each day fills up and goes fast so am sure this day will be no different.

The Moon

The moon was full last night.  Here I am trying to take a picture and then the picture that I got.  It was amazing how beautiful it was.
The temp today was as hot as it has been with the car showing 85.  Terry and I had breakfast by the Naples Dock.  Had to wait for about 45 min for a seat but the atmosphere was great and then the food was very good too.  Hard to beat sitting by the water on a Sunday morning talking and waiting for a table so you can enjoy breakfast.
Last night we enjoyed an evening at the Philharmonic Center for the arts.  A group called "Aztec Two-step" played for about an hour and a half songs mostly from the 60's and 70's.  Our kind of music.  Much of the music was from Simon and Garfunkel songbook which it was advertised to be.  I knew most of the music but the words--never was into music in that way so could not sing along.  I am not sure but I think that may be the first time I have gone to something like that.
Spring has sprung here for sure and it sounds like it has in MN too.  How can it be 50+ with snow on the ground I do not know but sounds like finally some warm weather.
I think this week will bring more tennis, more biking and perhaps a bit more of a tan.  We will take in a Twins' spring training game next Sunday and am looking forward to that.

It is so good

After 2 hours at the beach this banana split hit the spot.  If you have not had one in the last few months it is highly recommended you indulge!!  This was a special ice cream place that has dozens and dozens of ice cream and the banana splits are too large, too good and almost criminal in nature but oh oh so good.  For sure there needs to be more bike riding after that!!!!
I had mine with cherry, coffee and maple walnut ice cream!  With the hot fudge and pineapple toppings topped with cherries it would be hard to find a better one any place.
I was kind of pleased today.  Went on a 14 mile bike ride by myself and when I did not have to battle the wind was able to pretty much keep a 19-21 mph pace.  That was fun.  I did make a mistake.  I did not wear my helmet and for much of the ride I had to be on the bike path on the road.  The road is a 3 lane with a speed limit of 55 so no helmet is NOT smart.  Next time the helmet goes on for sure. 
I canceled out of my tennis clinic as that right calf is hurt again and I think I should rest it.  Terry and I did do the ball machine for about 45 min but that does not involve moving much so the calf does not come into play.
For anyone reading this happy St. Patrick's Day.
Enough for now.

A day at the beach

What is the saying about a day at the ________________ is better than a week _____________??
Monday was a day spent mostly enjoying the sun, enjoying the beach and just being lazy.  I was so surprised to see so many people at the beach on Monday afternoon.  I think it is that time of the year here when people up north say "I need some warmth and sun"  and they head to Naples and area.  Terry and I do not go out to eat much but as one drives around it is amazing at the number of eating places and most have lines at the door, not for me.  There is a place near the beach where I have never failed to see cars parked in the ditch and people lined up to eat. 
It has been good to get on the bike more again.  It was 21 miles on Friday, 30 miles on Sunday and then 15+ miles yesterday.  My bike is amazing and each time I ride it I like it more.  I have found that I can put my sandals on and ride a mile to Walgreen and it works fine without my clip on shoes. 
Yesterday Terry and I played in a 24 person tennis mixer for an hour and a half.  I re-injured my calf after the first hour so will see how long it takes to heal.  Not happy about that but what can one do.  It was the first time I had played tennis other than the clinics I have taken and the times Terry and I have played-just the two of us.  I found that the competition was fun, challenging and really I have some of the "I like to win" attitude in me yet.  Really it was mostly a time of fun and for me it was good. 

About 3 miles from where I am staying is the border between Collier and Lee County.  Beyond the sign over a walk way is the beach and I would say maybe miles of sand to walk on.  Each evening there are crowds of people who come, sit, nibble or drink and watch the sun set.  As it disappears over the horizon most pick up their blanket or chair and head home.  On days when the sky is clear sun sets are just stunning.  It is an example of one of the God made things that I have come to enjoy as I have settled into retirement.   For years the day just simply changed when the sun set.  It went from work outside to work inside but now it is a time to savor and reflect on many things.

Day One

I have moved from my Grandma Gail Blog to this new one.  My intent is that I enjoy writing, I want to keep family up to date with what I am doing and it can serve as kind of a history of my time from week to week.
I will see how it works.