Archive for the ‘Florida’ Category

Panama

Wednesday, October 30th, 2013

soleilbirth Steve and I left home on Oct.11, 2013 to head out again to Orlando (for work) and Daytona ( to see my dad) and then to Panama to await the birth of our grandaughter, Soleil Naomi Wilt. The princess took her sweet time as she was 9 days late, but appeared on the scene at 20″ and 8lbs 12 oz. We are watching big brother, Carson, while mom and dad have a couple days at the hospital to rest up for real life.

Lots of first impressions of Panama, but I know it’s not a complete picture yet as we are in the outskirts of town (Panama City) and not yet to the Wilt home-base in Santa Catalina, some 6 hours away in the jungle.

pararisaThat comes after we spend 10 days in a missionary compound where it is busy and we have been sequestered (my meaning=holed up) in two bedrooms. Our bedroom is about 8′ x 12′ with 4 bunk beds lining the walls with just enuff space to walk down the  middle. Mind you, that and a bathroom is it! We make our meals in the communal kitchen and retreat to the bedroom. The bunks do not allow for sitting without hitting ones head. It feels like you’re getting in a drawer to go to sleep. But it’s clean and free and it is what it is.

Now I guess my only complaint is there is NO HOT WATER. We clean with a lot of bleach but that shower can be awfully shocking. KC and Jono’s bedroom is next door with a double bed and one bunk set. We visit by sitting all around the double bed. Oh, they do have 3 folding chairs — the luxury suite.

It rains a whole bunch here in Panama, it’s a Jungle out there! But it’s not scattered showers, it’s a bucket thrown at you. The country is very green, but they are rather trashy; no litter laws. I guess they figure that something will grow over the mess eventually. The canal that bisects the country is a couple blocks away and the ships are huge! They are enlarging the canal to allow for even bigger ships. Lots of little tug boats scurrying around working 24/7.

But first impression: if you stare at it long enough, it will Rust, Mold, or become Overgrown.

Full Circle

Friday, November 23rd, 2012

We started this year of travel in April after all the cancer stuff was over; it was like a New Year’s celebration to head to Phoenix on our way to Colorado. One of the first photos I included in my blog was a saguaro cactus (they look like people to me), and here I am back in Arizona finishing up 2012’s travels.

It’s been totally awesome to think back at our time with Focus on Family, a European riverboat cruise, England friends and memories, family reunion on the Jersey shore. Disneyworld and Daytona, a retirement celebration, forever friends, DC Marathon, Hurricane Sandy, voting absentee on the road, a noreaster, humidity, wind, rain, snow, icicle-cold, and desert hot!

While at the family reunion at the shore, we fondly remembered cousin Sandy, who lost her cancer battle.I am so glad we had gotten closer over the last couple years. It seems like she might have had her hand in protecting her family’s beach house when her namesake hurricane came through and didn’t do any harm.

And while visiting Barnoldswick, England, we joined friends still mourning the death of my special friend Gail Usher. Some of her ashes are hidden in a crevice on the south side of the Grand Canyon because this was a special spot for her! We end our travels by way of this majestic natural wonder to be near and reflect on the gift of her friendship.

This journey, all of 2012, has shown us the glory of God in the sights, sounds, and tastes we have experienced, but most of all the people. It’s always good to come home, but if your heart is with God then it ALL feels like home.

Blessings

Role Reversal

Monday, October 15th, 2012

In Daytona Beach and it’s time…time to get my Dad lined up for a retirement home.  The mind and spirit are not ready but the body is, and we are braced for a fight.  After working with him on a 35 page application for the new VA facility only 5 minutes away, he dug in with all sorts of arguments and fears.  He accused me of coming with the ulterior motive of locking him up. Tomorrow we work on some power of attorney and bank issues. Then another try.

We’ve told him he can say “when” but let’s get our ducks in order.        

sigh

Just Us Kids

Monday, October 15th, 2012

You know what’s great about going to Disney World without your children?

EVERYTHING!

Doing what we wanted to do, when, and how. No whining, no arguments, no rushing, and no sticky hands.  We just played for 4 pure days and did it our way.

I think I need a princess dress!

It Could Give You A Rash

Monday, October 15th, 2012

Humidity – that invisible wall of air that hits you as soon as you de-plane in Orlando in October.

Now the Disney attractions were entertaining but I found my eyebrows not thick enough to hold back the sweat! My power walks looked like dunks in the pool. Clothing doesn’t dry, make-up runs, deodorant fizzles, and hair frizzes.  

We are now moving up the state to Daytona after a great time at the JW Marriott(work) and the Magic Kingdom(play). I am in search of dryer/cooler weather before MOSS grows on my backside!

Family Time In Daytona

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009

mtvernoncoupleWe were so warmly welcomed in Janet’s home  and happyt to spend a few days with she and my dad and celebrate his 85th birthday with he, Janet, Aunt Marilyn and lots of cronies.

We particiated in their Friday night get together (karaoke and all) a wonderful homecooked meal at home, and dinner at Outback, guests of Marilyn. I have had the priviledge of seeing Dad 3x in the last year. Maybe with the new baby coming there will be another visit this summer.

Then we headed back to Orlando and the flight home. Five weeks, two Pfizer conventions,  monuments, museums, friends, family, a BIG birthday, Disney, new sights and tastes…..priceless!

Disney On Wheels

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009

citylightsWell, I can swallow my pride and admit that if I wanted to do ALL of Epcot and Disney Studios, I would have to rent a wheelchair. And I got a new perspective of both at a different level. Steve quite relished his part in this, as Speedy Gonzalez ( He still builds up steam and rides shopping carts in parking lots).  We never laughed so much, and what fun both parks were (and there was always room for a wheelchair in every program).

 It was especially breathtaking in the City Streets of Disney Studios with all the size-adjusted buildings covered with lights and set to music.  5 million lights, snow falling, a Nativity, angels, a star on the huge globe at Bethlehem! We have not been in such wonder and awe as that night.  Goosebumps!!!

Nightmare On Shoal Summit

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009

We were about to have the time of life, when we got word that  KC’s and Jonathan’s cars were towed by the police.  Despite a “non-operational permit” from the DMV which allowed us not to register it, and permission from the immediate neighbors, the officer cited us for having a non-registered vehicle parked on city streets.

Despite the pleadings of our dear neighbor, Helena, the cop had the cars  impounded.  After numerous calls to any one we could think of, and lots of help from Andy, we came to the conclusion we could do NOTHING but pay up when we get back, in excess of one thousand dollars.   So much for the spirit of Thanksgiving and for our Christmas budget! grrrrr

Post Script:  $1300, plus smogging, and registering them. Don’t get towed.

Free Mickey

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009

mickeytopiaryWe escaped the Pfizer work at the American Heart Convention and are ready to play! On our own, we have reservations at “Shades of Green’; a military resort on the disney properties.  There are 5 military resorts worldwide and we have been fortunate tostay at 3 of them:  Disney, Garmish, and HaleKoa(the other two are seoul and virginia beach). 

Shades of Green has all the amenites of  any Disney resort and cheaper. When we checked in, we  found out that every  active duty or retired service person was intitled to a free five day pass to the Disney theme parks and a reduced price for anyone with them!!!!!  

Our original plan was to spend one day at Epcot and then head to my Dad’s. Change of plans:  add one day at Disney Studios and be a day late to Daytona (they understood)!

Up, Up And Away!

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

shuttle launchThe latest Shuttle launch was a success and clearly visible from alot of Florida. I asked around and was told the best viewing spot would be on the top of the parking structure at Universal Studios. Two boat rides, 4 moving sidewalks, 2 escalators and one set of steps later, I joined about 15 others on the vacant roof of the garage. We all saw an amazing sight as the rocket headed skyward ,precisely on time , and with its precious human cargo disappearing in the clouds.

I was exceptionally proud of myself and the little band of folk who took the time to make it important to be there. We can never become casual about anyone who puts their life in jeopardy for the betterment or advancement of all.