Merry Christmas and Transitions

It is now three weeks for us on the space coast as we are helping my mom sell her retirement home of 25 years and most possessions.  And make the transition to an independent living facility in Indianapolis close to my brother.  We have been working most everyday making some significant progress.

We have either sold or given away most of the furnishings, even the piano!  The sale of the house is still pending a few details.  Hopefully, it will be resolved this week.  The movers are contracted to pick up the few things for the move.  The contract has been signed for the new Indianapolis facility.  Even her car is basically sold.

The piano was sold after tons of email and text inquiries. Selling a piano is kind of like selling a boat.  Happy to buy it, but happier to be able sell it.  There was not a scratch on this thousand pound beauty and we had to sell at a fraction of the new price.

We have also gone with mom to see many of her local friends.  Many changes in her world and she is handling the stress very well.  She has been right in there with us working through the entire process.  At 85 years old.  Quite remarkable.

Another of the saying goodbyes was a trip to the Canaveral National Cemetery where dad was buried two years ago.  At 88 he was a WW-II veteran in the US Navy.

This cemetary was brand new two years ago. Reserved for vets and their spouses.
I was very impressed that they added Christmas wreaths to each and every gravestone. Very nice remembrance.
A final salute to dad’s earthly resting place.
After visiting the cemetery, we stopped for lunch at Crackerjacks, a local seafood place in Titusville.  It was very good with a view of the water.

On Christmas day, Pat made a great ham dinner that we all enjoyed eating poolside.  The weather down here has been close to perfect.  This last week it has ranged from highs of 74 to 84.  When communicating with family in the northern climates, we heard of mostly sub-freezing temps with some snow.  Sure happy to be spending the winter in Florida!

A window treatment we liked at Cocoa Beach on a surf shop.

I hope that everyone enjoyed a Merry Christmas with family and friends!  Being in Florida for the winter meant being away from our kids for the first time at Christmas.  Another big and difficult transition for us.  Almost as difficult as assembling and wrapping the kids toys on Christmas eve until very late and then being awaked by the kids at some very early hour the next morning!  Ah, the memories of the excitement in their eyes made it worth it.

Take care and God Bless

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