Back in Florida, while Publix was very
nice to me, I found that not only was the great, great weather not
enough compensation, but I discovered I really hate to live alone.
So, once again, I packed it up and put it in a storage unit in New
Port Richey, FL. After spending a great weekend with my friend, Barb
in Parrish, Fl, I headed for North Carolina for Thanksgiving, then to
Charlotte for a short visit with a friend. After that, on to Ohio.
A friend in Richfield, Oh, whose father
hurt himself and had to be placed in assisted living, needed someone
to ready the house for sale. In exchange for rent, I readied the
house and had a place to live for the WORST WINTER SINCE 1962!! The
house had heat, electricity, indoor plumbing, an attached garage and
was in a very nice neighborhood. They also provided me with a case
wine (probably so I wouldn't whine). The dog, however, did not
benefit from the wine, so she was rather in shock – especially one
morning when she jumped off the deck and the snow was than she was
tall!! I had to actually shovel the grass so she could take care of
business. But, we did survive, and in May we moved to Bay Village,
to Scotty's basement. It is not really as bad as it sounds! I have
cable, a bed, a chair, my own bathroom and people to say good morning
to. Actually, when I was out to dinner with my 14 year old
granddaughter last week, she told me it was a lot more fun since I
moved in!
Last summer, in order to enter the
world of the living again, I joined a rowing club (8 in a boat) and
rowed on the Cuyahoga River for the summer and fall. (Actually, I am
quite bummed because next Wednesday is our last row for the year. It
was so much fun that next summer I hope to row the 8 again and row
the 4's. Everyone should try this! The only really difficult part
was getting out of the boat like you are supposed to. When the
coxsun says “one foot on the dock and up” - it takes a little
more time. For one thing, if I have to put one foot on the dock with
one in the boat, I could be there a week!! Therefore, I have to
stand with both feet in the boat at step off. The other kids are
quite nice about it, though, and make sure the boat does not float
away while I am attempting my exit!!
I also sharpened my ice skates - and haven't even broken anything yet!!
Job search and the return to dating is next on the agenda!!
