Southern Bits and Pieces 2015-2016: January and time is a passing.....

It is already the 10^th of January and all the rest of the snowbirds have arrived. Many arrived in time for the New Year’s Dance and Party which was a really wonderful time. The band Pappa Chubby, which is well known around here, played music that kept the crowd dancing all night. The busy shakin’ dance floor was packed with happy revelers as we grooved to the oldies. Champagne, old Lang Syne and hugs and kisses rang in 2016.

January 1st was quiet for us as we had decided we wanted to have a low key day. Most of the day was spent at the pool swimming, reading, visiting and resting. A small group of us had planned a BBq poolside with hotdogs, chips and veggies. No fuss!! We all enjoyed the relaxed light supper and lazy evening of chatting and laughing as we remembered past events and planned some new ones. A perfect way to start the New Year!

Activities are in full swing now and the bulletin board has been full with things to do. Book club started on the 4^th with our first book, East of Eden by John Steinbeck. A true classic and a great read. I had forgotten what a great book it was. As usual we had a rousing discussion as we discussed the characters with all their attributes and faults, the likes and dislikes of the book, its significance to our lives today and much more.

We have decided not to do bowling this year as Roger’s poor back did not like it very well and I thought I would like to try some other things. I will sub a time or two but I do not want to commit to every week. We tried Tango lessens that were fun but not something that Roger or I wish to pursue long term. We can stroke it off the bucket list and move onto other things. I think we are more foxtrot and waltz kind of people. LOL . There are many activities and events to keep us busy. Why-not-Wednesdays, bingo, Cards, bocce and golfing for Roger, jewelry making for me, aquasices, and the list goes on. We have no reason to be bored here and in fact I am finding I could use a bit more down time. Getting older I guess!

At the end of this week I am leaving on a girl’s weekend away in New Orleans. We are staying in a friend’s timeshare in the French quarter so we will be close to everything. Free lodging has made this trip much more affordable especially with the low Canadian dollar. Our itinerary is quite full while we are there as we want to pack in as much as possible. Good walking shoes are a required item as most of our touring through the French Quarter is on foot. Trolleys run to other districts and if need be we will take cabs. Voodoo, ghost and cemetery tours are on the list as well as a lot of jazz clubs,markets and eateries. I will be sure to let you know how it all goes.

Roger is off with his plenair painting group at White City Park, I am doing wash and catching up on things I have put off doing. Its grocery shopping this afternoon, bingo at the clubhouse this evening and there you have it, another day gone by.

Take care all and stay well.