[pe2-gallery class=”alignleft” ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qeY81eHXTlk/U0qsRYbbRMI/AAAAAAAAA2U/0uLmLs1OFHs/s144-c-o/IMG_20140413_104656_018.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118152253666588425720/201404143?authkey=Xcje38Glh-Y#6001798868039845058″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”IMG_20140413_104656_018.jpg” ][/pe2-gallery]
We have packed a lot of living into the 2 days since we arrived. After our never-ending car journey on Saturday, we needed a day just to recharge our batteries. So, bright and early the next morning Don & I dropped Matt and Damian off at the indoor pool and we set out on a walk.
[pe2-gallery class=”alignleft” ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UCvArdXq_PY/U0qtCTQMq4I/AAAAAAAAA3c/T5Xig5yPjTI/s144-c-o/IMG_20140413_111316_732.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118152253666588425720/201404143?authkey=Xcje38Glh-Y#6001799708464163714″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”IMG_20140413_111316_732.jpg” ][/pe2-gallery]
The irony of the fact that the “retired” folks live very active lives did not escape us.
[pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Pu356QiXxGM/U0qsiKq-9hI/AAAAAAAAA2s/oRxFO8ijOyA/s144-c-o/IMG_20140413_105444_315.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118152253666588425720/201404143?authkey=Xcje38Glh-Y#6001799156404778514″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”IMG_20140413_105444_315.jpg” ]
Being a fan of flora & fauna, my photo subjects reflect my preferences.
[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0-5D0Xt7Lqw/U0qsrd3X4-I/AAAAAAAAA24/zmb8VO7QU8E/s144-c-o/IMG_20140413_105830_421.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118152253666588425720/201404143?authkey=Xcje38Glh-Y#6001799316175840226″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”IMG_20140413_105830_421.jpg” ]
[pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bvlR-EIJKEc/U0qs6EoWEFI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/hG_NOOqlSb4/s144-c-o/IMG_20140413_110126_815.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118152253666588425720/201404143?authkey=Xcje38Glh-Y#6001799567099957330″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”IMG_20140413_110126_815.jpg” ]
While taking this picture, which I have entitled “Succulent” for several reasons, a man emerged from his house and approached us with his cat trailing behind him. He remarked that he saw us taking the picture of the plant and asked us if we knew anything about that type of plant. Of course, we knew nothing so the man enlightened us. It was a cool conversation and we then found out some of his history and how he came to a retirement home in Florida. I love getting people’s stories.
[pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-d2F9JpIzpFY/U0qtUUAZHsI/AAAAAAAAA4A/qPd3ENfXa5o/s144-c-o/IMG_20140413_111911_395.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118152253666588425720/201404143?authkey=Xcje38Glh-Y#6001800017903951554″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”IMG_20140413_111911_395.jpg” ]
We retuned to the pool to retrieve Matt & Damian but they also decided that they wanted to walk back to Grandma’s. (It seems the lovely Florida weather makes us want to walk!)
[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LINrZg9ZhOo/U0qtM_Dl9-I/AAAAAAAAA30/0hqJa3G7tyY/s144-c-o/IMG_20140413_111615_378.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118152253666588425720/201404143?authkey=Xcje38Glh-Y#6001799892021147618″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”IMG_20140413_111615_378.jpg” ]
Eventually, we all return to Villa Volpone and my in-laws inform us that they would like to take us to dinner tonight at their favorite Karaoke Club. Being the adventurous lot we are, we agree. Our in-laws then begin to tell us that they go to 2 different karaoke venues. They also tell us about their other activities: poker, pinochele, tai chai, tutoring school kids, red hat society and then they drop the bomb that they are now into “role playing”.
Of course, this conjures up all kinds of images for us. None of which we want in our heads. So, I decide to delve some more. “So, are we talking D & D, WOW or whips & chains?”
It turns out that what they mean is they will talk to each other with foreign accents and use different names as alter egos. OK, so that seems harmless enough. Whatever floats your boat!
Evening comes and it’s off to karaoke.
[pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6QWU8_uO-HA/U0ySzHqouuI/AAAAAAAAA5g/gpkmyK4YWpY/s144-c-o/IMG_20140413_175535_547.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118152253666588425720/201404143?authkey=Xcje38Glh-Y#6002333810306890466″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”IMG_20140413_175535_547.jpg” ]
It seems my in-laws are quite the karaoke stars.
[pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kfs2oHBZXJs/U0yVcXivH6I/AAAAAAAAA7Y/9_wB4CDOwvg/s144-c-o/VID_20140413_184536_584.png” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118152253666588425720/201404143?authkey=Xcje38Glh-Y#6002336717966614434″ caption=”” type=”video” alt=”VID_20140413_184536_584.mp4″ ]
That’s my mother-in-law, RoseMarie- Francesca-Golda (those are her “role playing” identities,. . . whatever.) She sings under the identity “The Original Show Girls” (Perhaps my in-laws retreated to Florida for the witness protection program? That might explain all this “role playing”)
My father-in-law, Bill, is the undisputed King of Karaoke here. He goes big right from the start tackling Frank Sinatra’s version of “That’s Life” as his opening number. The night ends with a rousing version of “When the Saints Go Marching In” sung by a 92 year old man that is so swinging the patrons form a conga-line and dance their way through the restaurant! So tell me, who are the “old folks”? Is it those who are sitting home on their couches or these swinging seniors??
Follow