Life is Good!

It's been a few weeks since I last posted on this blog. We've just been busy. As the photos will attest, we have been taking advantage of some free time and the activities in the area before Honey went back to work.

Tarpon Springs has quickly become one of our favorite quaint towns to visit. Many, many shops to stroll through. Specialty clothiers and souvenir shops line the streets. Quite a few good restaurants and several Greek bakeries. Tarpon Springs was noted, at one time,  for its sponge fishing and was considered the sponge capital of Florida. I don't know if that holds true anymore, but from the looks of the boats at dock and the souvenir shops, I would say it is still true. Beautiful homes line the water's edge. Both old and new with the old homes displaying some wonderful architecture.

We found a great restaurant called the Rusty Bellies. It sits on the water and the shrimp boat unloads right there at the adjoining dock. The shrimp is fabulous, and along with the hush puppies and a Corona it is well worth the drive.

Actually, we found the quaint section of the town to be in two areas. The portion that sits on the water with the clothing and souvenir shops, and then another section in a downtown setting which features antiques and restaurants. We have not yet been to the downtown area, but it is certainly on the list of weekend jaunts yet to be taken. Visiting either location is a great way to spend a weekend afternoon. Just strolling through the shops and watching all the out of towners with their packages carrying special items to remind them of their visit to Tarpon Springs.

 Not too far from Tarpon Springs , we found a small bakery, called J.J. Gundy's,  that specializes in pies. It's been in business and serving local restaurants for quite a few years. Of course we stopped in to sample their wares. They have, by far, the best key lime pie we have ever tasted. Just absolutely dynamite.

Big Blue Nation

We did it! We got there. We made what we hope will be our annual pilgrimage. Last week Honey and I made a trip to Lexington and attended Senior Night at the final home game of the Wildcats of UK.

What an experience. We have been to games before at Rupp Arena to see the Cats play. It never ceases to amaze me. The crowd, the excitement, the electricity in the atmosphere, the aura. College basketball at its finest. The game was a 9:10 PM tip-off, all seats are pre-sold, the gates open at 7:30 PM, and yet there are fans in line at the gates at least 30 minutes before they open. Why? My guess is just the experience of being in Rupp Arena and watching the players warm up before the game. The chance to get near the floor and see the players up close. At the slim chance to see Coach Cal before the game. Maybe grab an autograph of a favorite player or coach. Who knows; everyone has their own reason.

Of course, we were there early also. In fact, we were at the adjoining mall about 5:00 PM. Lots of shops with Kentucky paraphernalia and a few eateries. We spent the time roaming through the shops and watching the multitude of fans grow. Everyone had Kentucky Blue on, with some dressed a little more fanatical (see some pictures). Fans of all ages.

We joined the wait at the gate about 7:15. Knew we couldn't get in until 7:30 but it is just part of the whole experience. Once in the arena, we located our seats, and I headed courtside to watch the players, get photos, and just enjoy the surroundings. It's interesting. These kids get all this audulation heaped upon them and they just go about the business of having a good time and playing a game. Laughing and joking like 18 and 19 year old kids should act. As big as Anthony Davis is (6'11") and Terrence Jones (6'9"), they do not possess the physical presence that DeMarcus Cousins possesses. I was fortunate to see him play a couple years ago in Lexington. Got courtside then also. Wow was he big.

Senior Night is always a great game to see. The emotions before the game when the seniors are honored is really special. Darius Miller is a home grown player and has contributed all four years to the Wildcats success. Eloy Vargas has been in Lexington just two years and plays sparingly, but has also contributed to the success of the program. To see these two young men honored and then hear "My Old Kentucky Home" sung is nothing short of chilling.

The game was a sell out, as every game is at Rupp Arena. The stands are nothing but a sea of blue. Loyal and knowledgeable fans everywhere. The game itself was great to watch - another lopsided victory. A great display of basketball. I have to admit, I did not take many photos of the game itself; I was busy watching.

A couple months ago there was some criticism of the Kentucky fans not being continuouslly vocal during games at Rupp. Fans in other arenas are that way, why not Kentucky fans? I, too, questioned that. After attending a game, it became obvious to me. The Kentucky fans are very knowledgeable of the game and are there to watch the players play the game as it should be played. They are not there to be entertained similar to a show. They certainly show their appreciation for a great play and for the players efforts and to show support for their team. But they enjoy the game itself and understand it. This can't be done if they are jumping around and yelling and screaming constantly. The fans at other schools that do the screaming throughout the entire game have no idea what is actually happening on the floor. They are there just to yell.

After the game we hung around for about an hour to listen to the radio talk show that takes place from courtside. There were a few hundred fans that stayed to listen and see two players, the seniors this time, talk with the broadcaster. After they left, Coach Calipari came out and did "his thing" for the radio. Can you imagine, a few hundred fans staying late to watch a radio program.

All in all, a great experience. We plan to be at a game next year, and the year after that, and the year after that.............

I did get quite a few photos of the players in pre-game and some of the floor activities during timeouts, with a couple game photos mixed in.

Finally getting settled (Again)

Here we are, finally, in our new digs and getting settled. We, of course, have had some bumps in the road getting set up, but that is to be expected. Some furniture delivery issues and some TV cable installation issues, but what else is new.

We've been in our apartment for a week now. It still does not feel like home, but when I think about it, we haven't really had a home since some time in September. That is a long time to be bouncing around with no feeling of having our feet planted anywhere.

We have no doubt that Tampa is going to work for us. There is the big city activities and atmosphere for Honey and the warm weather and historical activities for me. Plus we have a huge array of sports activities and teams to follow.

I think I mentioned previously that we spent a day visiting Ft. DeSoto a couple weeks ago. That was a great day just being a bum hanging out and seeing the sights. Unfortunately I couldn't get any pictures as my camera was still packed someplace. Yesterday, to take a break from moving and unpacking, we went to an art and crafts fair in Sarasota. We had a great time.

I have spent every morning since we've moved in, on the lanai/patio drinking my coffee, reading the paper, working the crossword puzzles (3 each day in one newspaper), and reading about the Wildcats on line. Our lanai is screened in and faces a nature preserve on both open sides. It is absolutely wonderful. No one will ever live behind us or next to us. It doesn't get much better than this.

The other day we had our first two visitors. As I was sipping coffee, two raccoons came out of the preserve just nosing around and came right up to the lanai. They were just looking and sniffing and eventually turned around and headed back into the woods.

One of the complex's maintenance men told us he has seen deer, a bobcat, snakes (of course), a small alligator, and an assortment of birds in the preserve. I can't wait to see any or all of them with the exception of the snakes.

We are figuring that it will take another month or so to start feeling like this is home. Honey is anxious to get back to work and we both are anxious to get back into an everyday life routine. I also anticipate going back to work, part time. I am just not sure what it is I want to do, but I am sure I will know when it presents itself.

In the meantime, we have seen more Kentucky games since we've been here than the entire time we were in the DR.       Ain't it Great!!!

The weather report - It's been a bit cool in the evenings. Recently it's been down into the 50's at night but during the day the temperature is in the 70's. It's not the weather we were getting in the DR, but the trade-offs are well worth it. This sure beats the heck out of snow and cold winds.

I will be getting some photos now as we do things and visit places. I found my camera and it is crying out for me to put it to good use.

We're Baaack!!!!!

We made it back. After two trips for both Honey and I, and one additional trip for just me, we have gotten all of our possessions and belongings back to the States. We needed that many trips to get everything back due to restrictions by the airlines regarding the number of check-in items we were allowed per flight. We have an apartment in New Tampa, an area north of Tampa that is growing leaps and bounds. We are excited about our new living space and are anxious to get moved in. Just waiting for maintenance to do their thing following the previous tenant's move out. We will be in by mid-February, at the latest.

Honey and I spent a week in Tampa in Mid-January to search out and secure an apartment, to buy furniture and household items in addition to a car, and locate a storage unit.  Wow, what a whirlwind seven days that was. But we got most of it accomplished.

We left the DR, for good, on January 26th even though we could not get into our apartment until February 14th. Honey's parents have been gracious and kind enough to allow us to be house guests for those two weeks.

Honey has started sending out resumes. We anticipate that she will be a member of the working class again very shortly. If anyone knows of a firm or company in this area that needs a great administraive assistant, or executive secretary, or legal assistant please let them know there is a great one here looking for a job.

Here is an interesting thought. There is absolutely no reason or rhyme as to what an airline charges for excess baggage. Leaving the DR, we were told the first check-in bag was free, the second was a nominal charge, and bags three through five were large fees. In actuality, they charged something different each time we flew - all three trips. No matter how we calculated, we could not figure out why they charged what they charged. We just knew it was less than what we anticipated. In addition to that, bags over 50 pounds have an additional charge. Guess what? that happened only once. The first two trips, the airlines did not even weigh the baggage. We could never figure out what to anticipate.

Besides that, what TSA checked varied each time also. Twice they opened boxes in Miami, but not the third time. Twice they opened and rummaged through carry-on luggage, but not the third time. Everyone has to remove their shoes? Not true. The last time coming through Miami, we had to remove shoes, but the family behind us had children that did not. Not infants, buts kids in the 12 - 14 years old range. Go figure. We had an item in our carry-on that TSA allowed once, but the second time they confiscated it.

 Each trip was about a three hour flight time, but took ten hours each time. All I can you is that we are finished with flying for a very long time.

We are now just finishing up some shopping that is needed so we can set up our household again. We also spent yesterday just playing. There is so much to see and do in the Tampa/St Pete area that we are excited about. I will definitely continue to post as we explore and discover and visit places and things. I will also get photos of interesting places to post.

AH, life is good again.

 

Rounding Third and Heading For Home

"This is the old lefthander rounding third and heading for home" is a metaphor that Joe Nuxhall, a Cincinnati Reds great pitching legend, used when he was signing off after completing a broadcast of a Reds' game.

It currently applies to me, or should I say us, also. Honey and I are rounding out our third month of retirement in the Dominican Republic and heading home.  Needless to say, as I've implied or outright stated in previous blogs,  it has not worked out for us here. Just way too may obstacles to overcome to make this a place to reside. I will not belabor these points again. If you are not familiar with them, please refer back to my earlier writings.

Anyway, we've decided that Tampa is where we want to finally land, for several reasons. I have realized that I really enjoy the warmer year 'round weather. And although Tampa does not match the weather in the DR, it sure beats the cold and varying changes the north has to offer.  In addition, Honey just plain needs to go back to work. She is absolutely not ready to retire. And true be told, I am not sure I am ready for that lifestyle either, but the jury is still out on that. Employment opportunities are not here as we were led to believe and we both need something to do.

We spent some time in Tampa recently and have found an apartment that suits our needs and wants. We have also purchased a car, furniture, and miscellaneous household items that we sold to make the DR move possible. We will be Tampa residents by the middle of February, if not sooner, our move-in date.

We are looking forward to our new adventure and place of residence. But let there be no mistake; we will NOT be Gator fans. We will continue to be, and will continue to display, our support for the Big Blue Wildcats of Kentucky. We will continue to be members of the BBN (Big Blue Nation).

We do not regret our attempt to retire in the Dominican. It has been an experience that we do appreciate and it has made us more grateful for the creature comforts offered in the dear old USA. We have become very aware of how good we have it in the States and how far behind other countries are; especially third world countries. The difference in education, ambition, drive, pride in one's country and surroundings, and respect for others is painfully obvious. No matter how bad you may think it is in the States, try another country. Or learn from our experience.

One more item has been stricken from our bucket list.

I will definitely miss the consistent weather. For the last two months, the temperature has been 83 every day and 78 every evening. Most of the time the sun is shining, and usually we are getting a nice breeze from the beach. Beyond that, I do not think I will miss anything else.

I have enjoyed writing this blog and sharing our experiences and new found knowledge of this island. I hope all of you have enjoyed reading it, learning, and sometimes laughing at some of my comments.

Thoughts and Observations

Here are some random thoughts and observations from the Island.

The temperature is unbelievable. Nearly everyday is 83 degrees with a mild breeze. Nearly every night is 78 degrees with a mild breeze. You've got to love the consistency.

Talk about contradictions. The life style is slow and easy. No one is in a hurry for anything. But the driving is just the opposite. It is fast paced and "loco". No matter how fast you may be driving, you will be passed by a motor bike, bus, taxi, or truck. Interesting that they are all in a hurry to get someplace to do nothing.

Go the grocery and find milk - leche -  on the shelf with a long shelf life. Not condensed milk, but regular milk. And you know what - it tastes just fine.

 Another grocery item that is not refrigerated is eggs. But that makes sense; hen houses are not refrigerated either.

Just started to see and hear birds. I guess the winter migration from the States in on.

The community we live in - White Sands - has a security guard operating the gate to control who comes in. But the gate is always up and the guard just waves and smiles.

As we drove to Heguey we passed though a small town. We saw many shops with meat hanging on the front porches. Flies, smog, fumes, dust and dirt were flying all around. I hear it tastes fine, but I will never be able to confirm that statement.

Some of the fruits and vegetables look good. Local products. But they do not taste the way they look.

Beautiful, large pool at the complex we live in. But no one is ever there. This is great because every time we go, which is nearly every day, it's like having our own private pool. No noise, no children, no distractions.

Everyone jokes about "Dominican Time". But it really does exist. The term means that it may happen sometime after the time given, or maybe some day around the day given. But it will happen some day, some time.

Went to the bank last week. Honey was wearing a ball cap. The security guard instructed her to remove it. I've never heard that request before in a bank.I guess that is so the security cameras can get a better facial photo.

At the main intersection in the town near us, Bavaro, there is a stoplight. It must be there just for decoration as it does not work. The intersection is a wild place. It's a place where the bravest and boldest get through the intersection first.

Had a friend drive us to a store a few weeks ago. She had a little bump with a pickup. She was passing on the right. She didn't even get out to look at the damage; nor did the pickup truck driver. Every one just kept going.

With all the crazy driving, there are very few vehicles on the road that have damage.

Speed bumps are placed randomly on the roads.

All the locals wants to help, but it seems they all want pesos for the help they give.

I've heard there is a bikini car wash in town. Have no idea if they do a good job of washing your car, but I think most of their patrons don't really care.

I thought fresh fish would be abundant. After all, we live on the coast of an island. What I've seen in the grocery is not very appealing.

Personal transportation is oh so important.

Another weather comment. The humidity is not at all noticeable, even though we are close to the beach.

We saw a rainbow the other day. Actually, we saw a double rainbow for just a moment. Wonder what that means?

When we get rain clouds, it's always a great mix of beautiful colors.

Adjustments, Adjustments, Adjustments ???

It's interesting. We, mostly Honey, worked with the realtor here for about one year. Constantly exchanging emails with her to gain more information about this area and making sure the realtor knew exactly what we wanted and what was most important to us.

We were wanting to be in a quiet area, easy access to a golf course, and have the capability to get ESPN on TV as sports, in particular college football and Kentucky basketball, are very important to us. Other things, such as short walking distance to the beach would be a bonus.

Well, as I've mentioned in previous blogs, the golf course is near - just across the road - but it is closed and no one seems to know when it will re-open. The realtor was positive it would be open in November. I guess my mistake was that I did not ask "November of what year?" I went over to the course the other day and started to play a few holes. The course is in decent shape. I got kicked off after just one shot. Are there other golf courses in the area? Certainly. But to get to them would require hiring a taxi which equates to additional costs. One of the reasons we took this condo was the close proximity to the course.

We have the quiet that we wanted. It's just intermingled between all the nearly constant noise of the buses, cars, trucks, vans, and motor bikes that run the road all day and all evening. And then at night, just to make sure there is minimal quiet time, we get the non-stop music (?) from the nightclub.

The realtor didn't hesitate to tell us we would be able to get ESPN. She just didn't mention that it is ESPN Deporto (the Spanish ESPN). Now that would be OK if they televised college football and basketball. But just about all we get is soccer.  We did get to see the Xavier game Wednesday evening, but we never know what is going to be on.  Periodically they do televise basketball, but we have not seen football on ESPN Deporto.

I know, I've commented about all of this previously.

My point to all of this is this. Don't completely trust anyone when you may be gathering information to make a move similar to ours. Check out the items that are most important to you on your own. Don't rely on someone else, regardless of how sure they speak of their knowledge of those items or how convincing they may sound. Remember, the items important to you are never as important to someone else. In addition, if someone is apt to make some money off your move, verify and then verify again what they are telling you.

Did we make a mistake moving here?
              I don't think so.

Is is going well? 
             I don't think so.

Are we going to stay here?
             I don't think so.

Before you make a move to an area that you are not familiar with, know what is really important to you. Discuss it over and over again with someone that will play "Devil's Advocate" for you.  Is it conveniences, food, sports, leisure time, activities, restaurants, social time, or some other item? Know it and make sure it is available to you in your new location. Verify it's availability and then verify it again in some other manner. And then do it one more time. Do not rely on someone else telling you "sure you can get it".

One of the ways to verify that an area has all the things that are important to you is to spend a few weeks in that location. Don't treat it as a vacation, but rather spend the time as though you are living there. Walk around. Talk to the locals. Visit the stores. Find out where the hospital is. Learn the customs. Learn how the locals think. Don't be a tourist. This is where you plan to live your life, so look at it through those glasses. If, during your research visit, you find that one of your important items is not accessible, ask yourself if you can live without it. If the answer is NO than don't move there. Be honest with yourself. Discuss it with your spouse.  

Through all of this, still  EVERYDAY IS SATURDAY!!!