Best Life

 With our flight not scheduled until 3pm, we had the morning to clean the house, clean the fridge, drop off Fenway at Megan's, drop an Ebay return at the post office, do 2 loads of laundry and vote! It was our first flight on Breeze and we are pleasantly surprised.  A lot of leg room, left on time, baggage claim was quick and it was well priced.  (Good thing since we wound up with 3 bags apiece!) We are settled in our hotel room after a quick stop at Walmart (ugh) and will head to the boat first thing in the morning.  It is a warm 72 degrees and only slightly humid.   Today is National Mule Day.  In 2011 we rode mules through Royal Gorge in Colorado.  Similar to horses, they are essentially on auto pilot following the mule in front of them.  However, being on the edge of a canyon was pretty intimidating.  I did panic at one point and pulled back on the reins so my mule would stop.  Only he backed up and kept backing up towards the e...

 Shrimp fajitas (thank you TJ) and chips with guac (thank you Scott) were yummy last night.  We played a game of Continental where TJ won with points under 100 (despite our attempts to thwart him)!  It was nice to be with all the kids, including Isis (who didn’t even unpack after being in Manchester all week but joined us instead).  And Kevin’s wingspan was measured – he is a Calitri! (Arms longer than his height!)  I will miss the loud “discussions” and teasing.  We spent this chilly, sunny morning in Narragansett.   We visited with Mom and Marc while Paul made his specialty – omelets.   A few winter chores, feeding the birds, wiring the heated bird bath and a game of Scrabble and the time just flew. We are still in touch with the marina and hoping they finish the rudders and painting before we arrive (or shortly thereafter) so we can get her in the water.   With the captain ready and a dock secured at the end of our trip, we a...

  Today is Take Back Your Time Day.   “To get up off your butt and take back or get a life. ”   I have a best life! Today Paul and I celebrate our one-year anniversary of being retired!   On October 24, 2023 we officially sold our home to Megan at 9am, Paul was laid off at 11am and I quit my job at 4pm.     Our plan to retire early and buy a sailboat began in January 2021 after taking a sailing vacation.   Our three-year plan included strenuous saving, serious purging and learning as much as possible about sailing and boat life.   Being able to begin in October instead of January was well spent.   The year has been amazing in so many ways and the coming year promises to be just as fulfilling.   We have found a dock to leave our boat so we can return for the holidays!!!   We will be leaving her on a private dock in Stuart, Florida.   A little pricey but I am not ready to skip Christmas yet.   (Probably never). This mo...

 I do not do well in limbo.  With only three days until we leave, I do not want to start any new projects.  We washed and vacuumed the new car this morning and helped TJ briefly.  A last run to Goodwill.  Packed our bags.  Spoke with the boat yard and repairs should be finished within the week. I will miss the walking - the monastery, bike path and differing neighborhoods and even a cemetary.  I will miss seeing the kids and being able to "drop in".  I will miss their antics.  I will miss Brianna's random singing and stories.   Here the kids decided the needed to know if their arm length was more than their height.  Conclusion - Calitri's have a longer wingspan than height.  Non Calitri's are the opposite.  Who's to blame - me! In the 4 months we have been "home" we have enjoyed so much. We have hung out by the pool, the beach, Canobie Lake.  I have been to the circus, yard sales, estate sales and consignment sto...

 Another stunning fall day.  Todays' walk took us behind the Amica complex.  Who knew?  Way better than trying to walk on Rt 116 or Great Road, the roads through the complex were winding with minimal traffic and lots to see.                                                                 Just outside the main building, main door. Today is National Make a Dog's Day.                                                             Fenway's happy place is being close to Paul.                                  ...

 Such a beautiful day!  Low 80s and sunny, Paul and I walked several "blocks".  Despite the traffic it was enjoyable.  It is always nice to wear shorts and a tee shirt in late October in New England! I definitely needed the walk after lunch.  Thank you Donna and Lisa for an awesome lunch!  The stories, the laughs and the hugs are food for my soul.  Corny but true.  Although I do not miss work, I do miss seeing you guys on a more regular basis.   Paul continues to search for a marina so we can come back for the holidays.  We have started packing our suitcases, cleaning the house and fridge and making final plans with friends and family.  The time has flown by and we have enjoyed our time north immensely.  

 My two favorite little people.  Very entertaining with their endless chatter and boundless energy.                                                                                  Brianna and Layla And yes we are more than halfway through October in New England and the girls are wearing shorts and are barefoot!                                                                      Brianna (holding Baby) and Pop (Alan)                               ...