It's about time I show you some pictures from Florida. I really didn't take many and several are from my phone. When you go someplace often enough sometimes you just forget about the pictures. I spent 16 days with my dad and family. It was a perfect visit. I've been home for about 20 days now. Time sure does go by quickly!
We kept super busy. We watched the Olympics each night from 8pm until Midnight. That was fun for us and every time the medals were given out we stood up for the National Anthem and of course crossed our hearts. We went to the casino and also went to show to see Hope Springs.
I did notice that this time my dad's memory wasn't as good as when I visited him in March. We would have a discussion about something and maybe a few hours later, or the next day, we would have it all over again :( This is very hard on me. Also had a few close calls while he was driving. Got honked at a few times :o I worry about that but I'm not sure how to take that away from him. If he can't get out and run little errands each day he would be so unhappy. It would truly be the end of his life. All in all though he is doing great. A lot of aches and pains which he tries to live with. It's so hard when the body ages. I love him so much.
My dad!
Fun with Ashlynn and Garrett. Went to Build-a-Bear and took advantage of the special they had going on. These are my sisters grandchildren. The showed me their diving!
Relaxing in the sun. Also did exercises in the pool.
Took the kids bowling. We had so much fun!
Amanda, Ashlynn, Amber and Garrett
Love the clouds in Florida!
My sister and BIL. My niece Melissa, great niece Amber and her friend. We all got pedicures. Melissa and Amber again plus Amanda and Garrett. Had some great meals out. One night my dad and I were lucky enough to meet with my sister and BIL for a free meal at Red Robin. There is a new one that was opening at their mall and my sister was invited to attend since she manages the Hallmark in the mall. That was fun! It's really hard living so far away from all of them.
A saucer my dad had that I brought home with me.
Wish I had the cup! And the cute little sign bought for my kitchen.
A few odds and ends. A super tiny frog, not much bigger then the raindrops on the hood of the car. The tiniest lizard I have ever seen. A MJ game at the casino. I didn't get around to play it. A magazine I picked up at the airport that is so awesome. For Woman First and it is packed full of awesome idea! Some ducks in a row and a mosaic alligator outside the mall by Red Robin.
There you have it!
Happy Labor Day
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26 comments:
Great pictures ... I know what you mean about pictures when you've visited a spot so many times. I didn't take many pictures when we went to Hilton Head last May ... I felt like I already had plenty of pictures (from previous visits) of everything I thought about taking a picture of. ;-)
If I recall correctly, your dad is 89 as is mine. It is hard to see a parent age and to see the toll that aging takes on them. I know what you mean about worrying about what will happen if your dad can no longer drive. As far as I can tell, my dad's driving is still pretty good (at least when I've ridden with him), but he's lost some peripheral vision with his glaucoma ... and if he loses any more, I fear that he won't pass the vision portion of the driver's license test. I don't know that he would last much longer if he were to lose his license.
What a great trip! Love all the pics.
Sorry to hear about your dad. It's really hard when your parents get older and start having health issues.
I am sorry about your dad... getting older stinks!
What wonderful pictures.. thanks for sharing!
Looks like so much fun. Sometimes it feels so good to be with your family!
I know how hard it is to watch someone you love decline like that. Does he live alone? I wonder if he would be open to having someone come in occasionally to help him out with things like errands? I do that sort of thing for a living and there are services like that everywhere.
The tiny frog is so cute. I see those tiny lizards everywhere, they are FAST too!
WEll, I would have to say that your Dad looks great. And, yes, it is so difficult to watch our parents age, especially if they are hit with serious health problems.
Enjoyed the pics and what fun to have repeated trips to the great state of Florida.
Everything looks so wonderful!
I understand all to well the "forgetting" it is hard...but does come like you said with age.(((hugs)))
It looks and sounds like you had a great time!
Looks like you had a wonderful time. There is nothing like spending time with family.
Problems do arise with age....driving being one of them. You sounded good and what a nice visit with your family. I have still to have a plane ride. Have a good week.
The pictures are great! I can see that everyone had a wonderful time. Your dad looks quite young, actually! My dad is going to have to undergo radiation when he gets back from his trip to Italy in October. I really hate that. So glad you had a good trip and that you made it back home safely!
Well looks like a nice trip and a lot of nice things. Debby you may want to think about that car - he could hurt someone else. I tell you taking the car from my mom was hard. But we moved her to a great location downtown and she had everything right there. It was harder moving her to a nursing home.
You got some sun and visited your family.
The Queen was coronated the same year I was born - lol. She has been queen a long time.
Glad you had fun.
sandie
You are a queen. You deserve to go first class all the way. Love the pics. Your dad is adorable.
It is hard to see your parents age...my FIL repeated the same stories over and over...you learn to listen and understand..it is hard though...glad you had a nice time with your family...
wonderful photos! Thank you for sharing. Sending hugs your way and wishes for a beautiful week ahead xo
Thanks for sharing the pictures, Debby. I can imagine how you feel about dad's againg process. I just hope he stays safe especially when driving. I can also imagine how much you miss being with the family in Fl cause I feel the same way. Glad you made the most of your time there.....Christine
Looks and sounds like you had a great visit!
Looks like a great trip with many memories made!
I remember when I noticed a difference in my dad too. Oh how that hurts. We also had the issue with driving and we didn't know how to deal with it because if we had taken that away from him, he probably would have given up on life right then. As it turns out, he was taken from us too soon. But in the big picture, it was a blessing that we never had to take his keys before he died.
Oh I love the pictures:) SO sorry to hear about your dad. My Mamaw was not as fit as she was last time I saw her and it broke my heart. Your right about driving it is so important to them. Saying a prayer for his heath now!
I enjoyed all the pictures, Debby. It did seem like you had a nice visit with your dad! He is a nice looking man!
I totally understand about the driving issue. Honestly, I feared for my FIL when he was driving but he refused to have anyone even approach the idea of him not driving, even though his doctor told him not to drive. His sons were terrified to take the car away from him even though they knew he was literally an accident happening at times; he rarely wore his seat belt because he couldn't belt himself in due to his arthritis, had trouble turning the wheel, etc., but his car was his independence like your dad's. What I did was this; pray. pray for his safety and the safety of others and I asked God if he was not safe to drive for God to be the one that got him from behind the wheel. He renewed his license when he turned 88 end of September (hubby had to drive him to the DMV, he did pass the written test, I wish they had a law where people over a certain age had to take the driver's test, he would never have passed that with the seatbelt). Anyway, his health started to decline after that and he stopped driving as much, eventually by November he stopped driving altogether on his own and then he died middle of December. I was sooooo thankful to God for answered prayer; he was safe, he didn't hurt anyone or get hurt himself and he died with dignity of not having his license/car taken away (honestly, the sons thought he would disown them if they took that away from him and that is sad that they felt that way and sad that they would allow him to continue driving and potentially hurt himself and others). So pray about it. And be wise when and if as you age if your kids want to have you stop driving or your doctor and respect them and stop driving. I intend to do the same myself if I cross that road (no pun intended). It is hard to see them age, Debby, I know it is. Hugs to you; glad you had that good long visit with him!
betty
How fun, family time is just so special isn't it.
Aging parents are a difficult thing - worrying about their safety and health - balanced with wanting them to have a full and rewarding life. I feel for you with the decisions about driving, etc. Glad you had such a wonderful visit with the whole family.
Also - love the Autumn design for the blog. Very cute!
Sure sounds like that was a trip to remember! So glad you got to see many of your loved ones...and spend time with your dad.
Hey again! I meant to say this yesterday, but I saw your comment about the no-reply. I don't know what that means and I don't know how to change it. Want to give me a quick tutorial? :-)
I love love the pictures.
I'm sorry to hear about your dad's memory. Prayers with him driving.
I'm so glad you got to visit!
I NEED that kitchen sign so that my family understands now why I don't cook! If they only realized who I am! They'd be cooking for me! :) There aren't many dads who dress so spiffy anymore. Dad looks like a fine dad! Yes, I understand your dilemma about him. It was a terrible, sad, no-good day when Mom and I hid the truck keys from Dad so he wouldn't drive. He searched for days and finally gave up. I think he knew why. Terribly sad, nonetheless.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend out there in California! XO
I love how you put your pics into mini collages--I need to learn how to do that! The quality of your phone pics is pretty darn good.
I can relate so much to what you said about your dad and driving; my husband's dear father has reached that same point.
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