Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Idalia, yet another

Hurricane Idalia. Wednesday, August 30th, 1:30 pm

Bay Island’s storm surge begins it's slow retreat from the highest tide of the previous night. Our home is left partially flooded. Now becoming common as an annual event. 

Outside walkway, wearing my "wellies". Not sure where to start. The aftermath is the worst.


 

 

Post Script;  Two weeks later, still cleaning-up debris in our back lagoon. A photo debunking a family rumor that I don't like to swim. I was to born to swim.

 



 

Sunday, August 27, 2023

It's your Birthday ......

My old pal, Paul Reubens, sent me this clip last year on our birthday. We share the same day; August 27th. Paul would call in the morning and throughout the day would share from his collection of numerous clips and photos. And I would share from my early childhood something that I knew that would make him smile.

A big Happy Birthday Paul.  We'll miss you.

 



In 1955, me out on the Key, celebrating my fifth birthday. Always loved costumed characters.




Wednesday, August 23, 2023

back out there

Every now and then with my motor-bike, like me, she needs fixing up. Kenny Clark, with Hap's Cycle, has worked on my bike from the day that I bought it new, twenty some years ago. 

 



Wednesday, August 16, 2023

non-fiction

Hospital's post-procedure recovery room.

Coming out of the anesthesia, I found this internal, unpublished book at my bedside. My life's new story.




Saturday, August 12, 2023

two birthdays in one

Today is my sister Caren's birthday. She would have been 76 years old - and now, a little over ten years since her passing (1947-2012). 

We grew up separately. Caren was sent away at an early age, sent off to boarding school. She was my elder, and in those early years, one that I barely knew. Still missing her, loving her even more so today.

Caren's high school graduation (1964) at Villa Duchesne, an all-girls Catholic school in St. Louis, Missouri. (photo; a little curious and somewhat scary in their formal white dresses, holding flower bouquets).

 


 

 Caren and I (self-portrait) in Sarasota, 2007.

 



Celebrating another birthday in a happily circuitous way. Today is for 'Rio' who has now turned three. A very special, and actively curious grandson. Below, at our home last year in Sarasota. Happy Birthday, Budster!



 The youngest and the oldest within the family, with birthdays each, celebrated on the same day.

 

 


Monday, August 7, 2023

Abdominal Ultrasound

First they offered me a warm blanket, then asked me to relax, take a deep breath ……. The ultrasound of the liver and surrounding areas was requested by my Hepatologist. Today at the hospital, I wore my best pair of boots.