So long Solivita

We have had a wonderful time getting to know you!! 

Looking forward to seeing you again this winter. 

Exercise

This blog would not be complete without a post about exercise.  Exercise is typically thought of as a four letter word, we have had a great time.   We started out with bicycling which we have always enjoyed and Solivita is ideal for our pace of bicycling.

Then we moved on to working out in the gym.  As you can see John took it very seriously, me...not so much.

Then there was pickleball, which has been a blast.  For non-athletic people, we have had a great time and don't even embarass ourselves as much as we did in the beginning. 

And of course there was my walking path.  Early mornings became my time to take the 2 1/2 mile walke aroung the lake on Shorehaven Blvd.  Just beautiful!!

GO MAGIC!!!

John was invited to go to an Orlando Magic game against the New Jersey Nets in the new Amway Center with his friend, Tom.   

It was especially exciting because it was the first game after Dwight Howard announced his decision to stay with the team.  (Can you believe that I know this much about basketball??) 

The Magic won by 14 points. Tom, thank you so much for inviting John to go, he had a blast and I was thrilled that I didn't have to go!

Guinnesws World Record

Solivita tried to break the Guinness World Record for the largest Zumba class.  The standing record was 3,013.  Alas, we fell short by 200 people, even busing in 1,200 people from school and local groups.  The weather held off, rain clouds were heavy, sound systems and large screens were in place and almost 3,000 people danced for 35 minutes.  They even included a belly dance (almost 3,000 people belly dancing, what a hoot) Well, I did my part and it was really fun trying!!

Bok Tower Gardens

We attended the 21st annual International Carillon Festival .  The carillon at Bok Tower Gardens has 60 bells ranging in weight from 16 pounds to nearly 12 tons.   The day was perfect as we sat on a bench shaded by a large oak tree and  soaked in the sounds of the carillon as music floated to the ground from the 205 foot singing tower. Friends , Jim and Sally were with us and said that it felt a little like what heaven will be like.

Established in 1929, by Edward W. Bok as a gift to the American people, the 50 acre garden was designed by noted landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.

It was a marvelous day!!

HAPPINESS

A sweet daughter gave us this card when we retired. The card is now framed and placed by our front door. I just love the message which has made me think a lot about what defines happiness. Here is my list....so far. 

Spending time with the people I love.
Watching my children find happiness
Special times with my sweetheart
A call from a grandchild

A gentle breeze
Watching snow fall from my cozy nest inside
Sweet memories of my mother
The smell of gardenias
A breathtaking view
Phone call from a friend
A baby's smile
Good movie
Flowers
When things go just the way they are supposed to
A clean house
Laughing so hard that tears run down your cheeks
Black and white family photos
A Kiss
Good music
Getting lost in time in a creative project
The smell of fresh cut grass
Brilliant sunsets
Cheese cake