21 January 2025
It’s currently snowing in New Orleans and snow is scheduled for northern Florida. The only time I saw snow here in South Florida was in 1985 and it was only a few flakes. I have seen ice form on puddles down here and we have had some frost in the past. We continue with rain today with highs in the mid-70’s. Then we drop down in temperature as the front passes.
One of the more oxymoronic things (I thought) down here are snow ski shops. There are several in Fort Lauderdale. Finally it dawned on me that the shops are for people who go to Vail, Sun Valley, Heaven, etc. Apparently there’s big business in catering to the Jetset crowd down here.
I shouldn’t be surprised. Fort Lauderdale has a Rolls Royce dealership and the number of luxury yachts can overwhelm you. There’s big money down here – I just don’t have any of it.
I am getting lazier and lazier with this rain. I use it as an excuse not to get outside and either walk or do yard work. There are a few odd jobs in the house that always need attention but otherwise I read and nap. Wait, isn’t that what you are supposed to do when retired?
Yesterday, I gave permission for my doctor’s office and some national office to monitor my glucose levels via my continuous glucose monitor. Big brother really is watching me. I think the main thing is when my high glucose alarm goes off, they’ll call me and ask if I’m OK. In reality, it means I’ll watch more carefully what I eat – of sweets. My doctor said it will revolutionize diabetes. It probably will because we diabetics will become more careful.
Yesterday was my cousin Charles’ 88th birthday. Congratulations! He seems to be recovering from his radiation treatments. He now passes Albert Eldridge Searcy as the longest lived member of the Searcy family (I think). Granddaddy (1880-1967) lived to be 87 and my Dad lived to be 86 (1913-1999). Here’s to many more years for Charles and his wife Minnie Jean!
In February, I’ll make the last payment on my HELOC loan from Bright Star Credit Union. That means I have no mortgage and no outstanding loans. I hope that continues until I’m 6 feet under. I remember the satisfaction when I paid off the last student loan. The process of paying off the final amount of the HELOC is a little convoluted but it basically means an extra $600 in my checking account. These days, that means I might be able to fill up the Jeep with diesel one time.
Otherwise, a typical, slow day in South Florida. The weather is gonna change. I knew I shouldn’t have gotten rid of those snowshoes.
Stay tuned!