07/20/2025
Greeting from sunny (hot) Florida. I’ve been bad about updates, but I’m getting it together now. I’m still staying at Tim and Mary’s house. They are very generous hosts. I’m still on the job hunt, Citrus County Schools has a hiring freeze on, so no teaching job at the moment, but I’m pounding the internet pavement for other options. There is a contract on my house in KDH, fingers crossed it will close in August. I’ve found a wonderful house here, in a lovely neighborhood about 10 minutes from Tim’s, and we have a contract on it that should close end of August also.
Mom is super excited about her move into her new apartment at Coral Oaks. We toured it last week, did the final paperwork and it is absolutely lovely. She met friends she knows from church while we were there and we got to see her apartment. Her apartment has a lovely balcony overlooking a beautiful courtyard and they are completely updating it. Fresh paint, new floors, new kitchen countertops. It is going to be all ready for her to move into next Saturday. My sister Beth is coming down to help out with the move. We will all pitch in and make it work.
Carolina is learning how to be a Florida dog. I’m re-learning how to be a Florida girl. Tim and I are playing around on the Jeep making it all pretty again. He adopted it as a project, and I’m loving spending time hanging out in his shop working with him. He is doing really well. We just have to watch that he doesn’t overdo and get too tired.
I’m loving time with my sweet Charity. We are reading good books, playing games, playing in the pool and just having fun. I haven’t had a chance to see my other littles, but that will come soon. We are all getting together for mom’s birthday next Sunday, for pizza and family time, so everyone will be there.
Extra super duper thank yous to all of my sweet friends who sent cards to mom for her birthday. She saved them all and you will likely get a thank you note from her. She is very touched by the kindness and good wishes.
Brother Paul’s foot is finally on the mend and he is out of the cast and into just a boot. He’s finally allowed to bear a little weight on it and that makes him very happy. He’s been non-weight bearing since the surgery in January, so this is a big improvement. Mom is there for one more week until she moves into her place.
That’s all the news from the Sunshine State. My roses made the move surprisingly well (stuffed into vehicles, etc) They are loving the Florida rains and even setting beautiful blooms. I know I’m right where I’m supposed to be, and I thank all of you for your love and support. I miss you and the shop, but this is where God guided my feet, and I am listening. Much love- j
