2016 Winter Adventure - The End

THANK YOU

This last blog post contains that big THANK YOU to all those who have taken the time to read the ramblings of someone who has too much time on his hands, someone who loves to write, and someone who loves to drive. Sometimes the photography captures that postcard moment, most times "you get the idea." As you know, I'm very fortunate in so many ways and it's this knowledge, realization, and appreciation that enhances everything I see and do. I set out in August or September planning the itinerary that will get me away from home before blizzards (so far, 2 for 2) and return in time to celebrate a mother's birthday...this year the 97th to be exact. Mission accomplished:

The People

97 year old birthday girl

Marybeth who said I "look surprisingly
good" after not seeing me in over 2½
months. I think that was
a compliment, no?

The one and only,  Carlo

   

Being with my beautiful
granddaughter, Rebeca... 

...and my beautiful granddaughter, Sara,
(22 years old next month.)

Beca's friend, Jasmine, another
super soccer player.

The Selfie

Jasmine, Sara, Mom, & Beca

Me, Mom, and Judith who takes care of it all 24/7

The Food

The best meal I've had in over two
months. Sister Judith's creation; she
makes it the best!

And the price we pay 

A good time had by all.

As mentioned in an earlier blog, the reality of mail, bills, shopping, income tax preparation, 12,000 miles maintenance service for Winnie, and doctor appointments all had to be dealt with. The reason I've waited so long to post my final blog is so I could share that all on that agenda have been taken care of:

Dr. Arthur Pidoriano

Jorge, Mercedes-Benz tech
in White Plains who serviced
Winnie 

The mail and bills have been taken care of. One large garbage bag of envelopes/fliers/papers have been discarded, another garbage bag of shredded paper is gone; income tax worksheet has been submitted and now I await the final meeting with accountant; shopping for perishables is complete. Winnie's service complete with thanks to Jorge; met with orthopedic surgeon and the date has been set for April 5th to do my hip replacement procedure: Three days in hospital, then home with PT through VNS.  In addition, I satisfied my sushi urge with a trip down to Hastings to see friends and enjoyed a delicious dinner at Sakura Garden. 

KJ, always a welcomed
dinner companion.

Fresh, thin sliced salmon appetizer
in the house marinade.

Sakura Garden Roll:
Lobster salad and shrimp tempura
topped with spicy crab, avocado,
and a golden sauce.

Rocky Shrimp Tempura, the
signature appetizer at Sakura.

And so it ends. There is one last request, however. Be sure to click and visit the VISITORS tab along the top of the blog page or CLICK HERE. It's finally updated and contains all the friends and relatives who have stopped by and visited me as I traveled. Thanks for your comments and I'll see you in May.
~~Charlie