Apricity South 2

November 14, 2025, Friday

No water aerobics today as it was 55 degrees at class time. So I walked instead after a quick trip to Costco. Surely the steps up the stairs lugging groceries counts for something! Ironically, WW gives me 3 points for H2O aerobics and only 2 for walking 1.6 miles. Doesn’t seem right. 

The Lee High Wildcats practice for the big football game on Saturday. It is at home and you never know what the weather will be in the Berkshires.

A ride through the town of Lee illustrates the immense town spirit. Bed sheets with each player’s name and tagline are hung in the store fronts. It’s pretty impressive to see. This is Jake’s 2nd cousin, Landon. Big boy!

Injured Jake got coverage too. 

November 16, 2025 - Saturday

The warm weather is back, thankfully. 

We did another early morning run for breakfast at Skillets and a Publix - home before people have even climbed out of bed. Love the knotty pine…

They won the Qtr. Final trophy - if they win next week’s game, it’s on the road to the MIAA Super Bowl at Gillette Stadium in Framingham, MA. Jake is #23…

The town of Lee does a stand up job of celebrating the Wildcats successes! The fire department drives them through town with whistles lights and sirens blaring! The towns people line the sidewalks to cheer the passengers on the trucks! 

November 17, 2025 - Sunday

Went for a walk, listened to church on line, then opened the Owner’s Closet here in my condo! Wow! Lots of stuff in there that I had forgotten about since its been 5 years since I was here last. I spent the afternoon going through the right side of the closet - filled 1/2 a garbage bag and also a box for Good Will. The other half will be done later. It was pretty exhausting as most of the items brought back cherished memories. Then deciding which pile to put it in… keep, donate, toss - Ugh!

November 18, 2025 - Monday

Started the day with H2O aerobics wearing my finger condom to keep it dry; then Rich came over to swim and soak up some sun. 

I almost forgot to go to Line Dancing this afternoon. I am pleased to say that I did pretty darn good with the steps (muscle memory) and certainly got a good workout. It lasts one hour with one brief break, but no loitering between songs - just go right into the next one. There were 15 of us there. During the break, I heard someone talking about “up North” so I asked where up North. St. Albans,Vermont! It so happens I had talked to her husband a few days ago. I was out walking and noticed a golf cart with the vanity plate CLARK. He was nearby, so I started the conversation. Both of my kids married Clarks (2nd cousins) from Tyringham, MA so I am attracted to the name. So now I met Linda - don’t know the husbands name yet.

November 19, 2025 - Tuesday 

After my early walk and shower, we went to ukulele practice for 2 hours. Of course, we always arrive early, but I heard a woman talking to everyone about how she sliced her finger with a potato peeler! Say what? At first, I thought it was a joke on me, but she held up her well- bandaged left index finger. I approached her holding up my left index finger which is now protected by a New Skin, a liquid bandaid. Brenda is now a new friend of mine as she encouraged me to use one of her extra bandaids for playing today. I was able to use that finger lightly holding down the strings. 

We had to solicit Mr. Handyman to come by to check on my front window with a $175 minimum due at the consultation. Oy! I decided to wash this window for the first time that I can remember since we bought this condo in 2008! That’s right - I have been here VERY LITTLE  until now and don’t think we ever opened the window as it is A/C all the way. Anyway, Mr. Handyman, Andy was a great guy who has been working with windows for 35 years and was able to pull out the faulty springs. He will have to order replacements ($90) which is a whole lot better than having to replace a heavy hurricane window. We breathed a sigh of relief. Great guy working seamlessly with a thumb, 3 stubs and a pinky on his right hand. It amazes me how people make the best of difficult circumstances. 

 

November 20, 2025 - Wednesday 

Walked early to beat the heat. For lunch, we went to the Lakewood Ranch Elks Lodge for the first time. It’s a very nice club and just 15 minutes away. They have a burger special on Wednesdays which was very good. The bartender is a performer (12 string guitar and singer) - we will probably go over on Thanksgiving Eve to hear him. 

Nice bar…

Ready for Bingo tonight…

This is a great picture of our dear friends from Arizona and Texas. We miss them a whole bunch  and try to stay in touch. ❤️

November 21, 2025 - Thursday

Ukulele practice after my early morning walk.

This is Alice, the amazing retired high school teacher who injects so much energy and understanding into the group - it is contagious. 

There were fewer than usual players here today, but they sounded great. See the short video in the body of this email. 

There is a Dim Sum Kitchen across the way from where we practice. Watch out! This is one of our favorite things to eat - just ONE of our favorite. 

Small, medium and large baskets.

Rich does NOT like to wait for anything, much less a table in a restaurant. But today we did wait - 40 minutes. Unheard of… With only 5 booths, there was actually a waitlist to sign to sit and eat. It was well worth the wait. As we watched folks pick up to go food, we realized that the way to do this is to call in your order, pick it up and go home to eat it. 

Rich grabbed one before I could get a picture…

When we checked out, the waitress told us that they would only be doing take out after Thanksgiving. The chef (now owner) has been preparing fresh, homemade dim sum for 20 years. His assistant is retiring and they do not have the staff to cover sit down dining. Good to know…

The view from my office!