She missed it....lost in the Mail

Saturday was Aunt Margie's memorial service on Treasure Island at the American Legion post.

Margie was at one time, 1995-97, I think the auxilary President.

She loved the Legion and was its famous bartender, "Margie The Hat Lady"'

But to me and all her relatives, she was somone special. Someone that gave us the laugh, the spirit and strength of the Elliotts.

The memorial was served by several of the lady members who set up a table and led the group in prayers and songs.

On the way to the hall I picked up my cousin Carol and met Margie's daughter Joan and Margie's brother Uncle George.

Joanie gave a little talk from the heart about her wonderful mom. We all shed tears and remembered the special lady.

Unfortunately, Aunt Margies Ashes got lost in the mail and they missed the services. But we all knew that Margie's spirit was enjoying the memorial and all her friends.

Following are photos taken at the hall.








Carol -- Uncle George -- Joanie -- and Me

Another Beautiful Day In Paradise

As you might know we've been staying in Rotonda at the inlaws house.

Got the century 21 sign in the front but no bites.

I'm sitting on the lanai/deck watching the hackers hitting balls close to the property line or over it.

Most are friendly and very few are ignorant and drive the carts on the grass.

Karolyn is just outside the lanai cleaning a wire closet shelf and just a few feet from where
a couple balls landed. She joked with the golfers and continued to scrub.

Karolyn is returning to Chicago late Weds night and I'll stay for a few more weeks
to get some quiet. Just kidding. We need to finish some paperwork and K
wants to get home to the family.

When she leaves I'll spend more mornings at McD's where I've met a nice group
of folks.

Well, they're talkative and one is nuts. I worry about him bringing a gun
someday.

The others seem to be mostly Irish and in the same boat as me. Except for Homer who
has his own boat and dock and a few bucks.

There's big Rich who lives near us and seems to be the outspoken and knows everyones name guy. He's very friendly.

Then Roy who is a retired Auto Worker Union Boss. He tells great stories and is colorful now so I can imagine what a great character he was back in the Union days.
A regular Jimmy Hoffa type who can talk you into almost anything.

Recently, two ladies who walk from Mansota Key to McD's sit with us. Mary and Frances. As friendly and nice as can be. Both have that evil Irish sparkle in their eyes.

There are a few more but I'll save them for later

Searching thru the in laws stuff we found a card for $50 to Sam Selzers Steakhouse. So today Sat we will have cheap steak......right up my alley.

But before that we will drive to Sarasota and visit Granny for a few hours.

We think she appreciates the visit, and we know it means a lot to us. As you know
I lost my parents when I was in my early 20's. That was a long time ago.

So for Karolyn to still have her mom....well....we know that she is the last of her breed. Soon Granny will be gone and we won't be able to hug her or tell her we love her.

The weather is just perfect. Almost 80 and a little breeze with blue skies.

Double Treat--Sunset & Space Shuttle

A double treat and I'm not talking a double cheeseburger from McDonalds or twins.

I just got up from a nap and suggested we go watch the sunset. Ahh, we're both tired but maybe it would be a good idea.

We jumped into the car and over to US 776 to Manasota Key and Englewood beach.

The sunset was almost unreal....a big Golden sun that just sat down into the water and melted.

We started to walk the boardwalk along the beach when we heard many people scream and point east away from the gulf.

There was the Space Shuttle taking off.

It was just awsome. We could see it from maybe 200 miles away. Special with a darkening sky behind it.

A Bird Eyes View

Karolyn and I were doing a lot of errands and got hungry half-way thru them.

We decided to make a quick stop at Checkers and ordered the Bufords.....and then ate them outside in the great weather.

A little birdie kept us company.

Friend Visit...Cathy & Cari Touhy

I've worked with a few wonderfull partners. Marty Touhy was someone special. Karolyn and I became good friends with the two of them and had many laughs.

Marty and Cathy retired and moved to Texas where they had a ranch. Horses, mules, goats, llamas', and an assortment of animals.

Marty passed and we have stayed friends with Cathy and her daughter Cari.

Cathy did a charity marathon at Disney and they drove south to Rotonda to visit. We took them to Boca Grande....the same Island we took Ed & Judie....another of the great partners and his wife.

Rockets Red Glow

Another few days and even more adventures.

Two weeks ago, I was on the beach on kinda of a warm day. As a typical tourist I took off my shirt and walked to the end of the beach.

Walking away, I was warm but on the way back the weather changed to a little cooler. The results of which, I caught another bad cold.

So, we didn't accomplish too much for a week.

Thursday, we scheduled a visit from our friends Ed & Judie Valkanet. They drove from Ft. Myers to Rotonda just for the afternoon and we had no idea what we were going to do with them.

We came up with the idea of going to the island of Boca Grande. Its a richie titchie island and cost $4 to cross a privately built bridge.

Then we went to the Loose Caboose restaurant for a nice lunch.

Returned to the house and said goodbye to them after a nice day together.

Friday, Karolyn and her sister signed up with Century 21 to list their parents house. Monday the sales folks will come on over and take photos.

In the meantime we must clean up the house. 65 years of collecting stuff. We packed up much of the stuff in garbage bags and stored them in the garbage can. Next Tues a big green truck with gracefully pick up the can and empty the stuff with other peoples stuff.....

We pooped out around 10—11pm and while watching tv saw a rocket take off from the Cape. The sky was really clear so we ran outside and looking to the northeast saw the Rocket cross the sky.

It was really cool.

Today we went to visit Granny at the home. But we got there a little early and decided to join friends at the Free Hot Dog Bar on Siesta Key.

They really taste good, and would even if they weren't free. I did buy a coke and Karolyn and Nancy had a few beers.

We visited granny and were on the way home when we decided to look for the sunset. We were in Englewood and pulled down the main st hoping to find some water and the sunset.

Surprise, a super large carshow on the street. A hundred bright and shiny cars. Wow, just what we needed.

We parked the car and found a opening in the homes to see a great sunset and then walk the car show.

Just another day in Paradise.....temps about 80.