The Official Christmas Letter – 2011

Happy Holidays 2011.
Our first year in Florida has been interesting, surprising, educational and another adventure in the lives of Ray and me.
We spent January and February remodeling my folks 1977 “harvest gold” house. Since Dad had been gone some 6 years it was hard for Mom to keep it up so there was lots o’ work to be done. We pulled up all the carpet, put in new and tiled the living areas. Pulled off the storm shutters, replaced all the window coverings with venetian blinds, painted every inch of the place, cut down the rainforest that had taken over the house, added new closet systems (because of course there is never enough closet room), built lots of IKEA furniture, replaced all the lighting, added a pantry, put up shelves in the garage, repaired the pool, power washed the lanai. Then there was the kitchen – pulled out the collector’s edition harvest gold kitchen counter tops, stove etc and replaced with new counter tops & stainless appliances which seemed like a good idea keeping re-sale in mind, however could render me with a full time job polishing off fingerprints, doggy noses and misc. drips.
Kitchen and bath cabinets along with new toilets and sinks for the bathrooms are on the waiting list since our credit cards are full up. Trying to work around the harvest gold bath areas…challenging. We or shall I say Ray did all the work himself and the place looks bright, eclectically modern and pretty damn fashionable. We are pleased and despite the much less sq. footage – we feel most comfortable. And we only have on television – yes, you can live with just one.
March – May we traveled back from Virginia on the boat. Polaris was left there at the end of our sailing adventure and needed to move it to Florida. We ocean sailed most of the way – much better than the slow going intracoastal waterway. In the interest of time and tight budget, this was not a leisurely trip and we sailed 12 hours daily, showered off the back of the boat which could prove pretty chilly in March at sea and anchored out every night. It was a good trip but we were pretty beat when we got back. Living on a boat that way is tough stuff only for the stout hearted. Now have her docked at Clearwater Marina.
The job market has been enormously tough especially in Florida but finally a turn around.
Ray has started his own company. Ray Fixed It! (www.rayfixedit.com) and is regularly busy in the handyman business. The widows love big Ray-Ray (me too.) The hope is that he can grow this and hire minions to do the heavy lifting.
And, as I write this, I just accepted a position as head of marketing for a non-profit group called ISPE. I’m excited and relieved. Have learned to be much more frugal this year. Can’t say we haven’t had more than a few restless nights thinking about the finances, health insurance and our remodeling bills, but things work out. Whew. Little apprehensive about wiggling back into grown-up clothes and high heels. Wonder if flip-flops are considered snappy casual biz attire in Florida.
We have learned that life as we know it pretty much stops in the summer in Florida. Snow birds and their money are gone and everyone stays inside like a Minnesota winter. It is simply too damn hot, humid and rainy. While we knew this in theory reality was a monumental shock. Not much boating, not much outside exercise and lots and lots of sweating and complaining. But when October rolled around it was clear why one lives here. Spectacular weather, good sailing, activities every weekend, incredible farmer’s markets and no humidity. Wonderful having morning coffee on the lanai in mid December!
Mom (92) has declined substantially this year. The Alzheimer’s has taken a toll and while she has good days and always knows me and makes commentary on my fashion (a family legacy passed down through the generations), the disease is progressing. She is aware to what’s going on, but is often confused, confined to a wheelchair and needs complete help in doing everything. A time in the hospital and now in rehab created setbacks and we are hoping she will rally and we can get her back to her assisted living apartment soon.
Mercedes (25) remains in Madison, loving her job as Director of after-school programs in an under-privileged area and enjoying the college town lifestyle. She’s visited a couple of times (YEAH!!) and “did” Las Vegas for the 1st time this year. She and Rachel are coming for after-Christmas visit – I am thrilled. Pandyman, aka – cutest puppy-lamb in the world, keeps us entertained, loves beer and is a regular at the dog beach, dog park and local art fairs where he garnishes plenty of attention.
Ray’s kids, Bradley and Hilary remain in Indianapolis, both growing up fast and getting tenure and great success at their jobs in retail. Bradley made it down last year – our hope is both kids will make a visit soon.
We miss the kids, our friends and some of the shopping and eating haunts but are settling in nicely. Interesting how people are much more likely to visit Florida than Indiana. Hmmmm?
While a white Christmas is a very pretty and romantic thought, driving in that stuff is a stress and frankly not near as nice as crossing Tampa Bay over the causeway to and from work.
We wish you a most merry season and hope the New Year brings everyone good times, good news and good health.
Fondly, Ray, Marny and Pandyman

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Tags: boat, Christmas, cruising, Florida, holidays, indiana, job, letter, living on a sailboat, snow

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