First Things First

@DianneN (247186)
United States
December 1, 2017 8:44am CST
Before I jump into our magnificent pool in Florida, I have several things that need doing. I must finish packing things to ship to Florida later today. I must make room in my closets for my son and new daughter-in-law. They have sold their home and will live in our house while we are wintering in Florida. They will take their time to find a home that is perfect for them. And the most difficult thing for me will be returning Doodles, the cat, to our son on Sunday, the day before we leave. Luckily, I will see Doodles on Monday morning when we drop off an extra car at my son's house. Then my son will drive us to the airport. Parting is such sweet sorrow.
50 people like this
50 responses
@shaggin (72021)
• United States
1 Dec 17
Aww you got me with the picture I though you were siting in front of that pretty pool. Won’t be much longer now.
7 people like this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
1 Dec 17
We leave Monday and that pool is calling to me! lol. Thanks! We love it.
5 people like this
• United States
1 Dec 17
Me too @shaggin I was immediately jealous when I saw that picture
6 people like this
@shaggin (72021)
• United States
1 Dec 17
@Marilynda1225 I don’t like to get in water but oh my that View is beautiful and I’d love to feel that warm air and sunshine as we got a light dusting of snow last night.
3 people like this
@amadeo (111938)
• United States
1 Dec 17
Enjoy your winter stay in Florida.Doodles will be in good hand
7 people like this
@amadeo (111938)
• United States
1 Dec 17
@DianneN well he is in good hand.
2 people like this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
1 Dec 17
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
1 Dec 17
We are dropping him off Sunday to my son. I've been telling Doodles that Grammy will return. Poor boy.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (470745)
• Switzerland
1 Dec 17
Poor Doodles he will miss you, I am sure. There is so much to do when you go away for several months.
5 people like this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
1 Dec 17
You know how much I adore that Doodles. He has been following me up and down the stairs and from room to room. I think he knows we are leaving, the poor babydoll. Yes, lots to do with the house and cars, bills, etc. This year it's worse, because I have to make room in the closets and dressers, since the kids will be staying here. I'm on myLot to relax, then back to work!!!
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (470745)
• Switzerland
2 Dec 17
@DianneN Your son is lucky, you are doing your best to make them comfortable while they search the perfect house for them.
• United States
1 Dec 17
It's nice that your son and daughter in law will be staying at your house while you are in Florida. Seems like it works out well for everyone. Gosh it's hard to believe that it's time for you to return to sunny warm Florida but looking forward to your posts especially if Orville is still visiting.
5 people like this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
1 Dec 17
Thanks, Marilyn. I'm happy for the kids. This way they won't feel pressured to run out and buy anything only to be sorry later. I will look for Orville the moment we arrive and hope he made it through the hurricane.
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
2 Dec 17
@Marty1 I will look far and wide for Orville and post as many pictures of him as possible if he is still there. He's my pet away from home. I know you understand how I feel about Doodles. I'm so sad. I seem to love him more and more each day.
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
3 Dec 17
@Marty1 Awww! Sweet! And yes, he's Doodles' daddy, so all will be good for Doodles.
@JustBhem (70555)
• Davao, Philippines
1 Dec 17
All I can say is enjoy your trip to Florida and for sure Doodles will miss you.
4 people like this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
1 Dec 17
Thanks so much! I miss him so much already and he's napping right next to me!
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
2 Dec 17
@JustBhem He knows we're leaving. He has followed me all over the house all day long! Poor baby.
1 person likes this
@JustBhem (70555)
• Davao, Philippines
2 Dec 17
@DianneN Yay, looks like he doesn't want to be away from you.
1 person likes this
@Happy2BeMe (99380)
• Canada
1 Dec 17
It is nice that they are staying at your home until they find the perfect home for them. Time is drawing near. Soon you will on the beach soaking up the sun!
5 people like this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
1 Dec 17
I'm getting that feeling of anticipation and excitement now. But Doodles knows something is going on. He has been following me from room to room upstairs and downstairs. I put Bach on to soothe him. He's napping right next to me now.
2 people like this
@Happy2BeMe (99380)
• Canada
1 Dec 17
@DianneN awww poor guy
2 people like this
@djd832001 (124)
• United States
1 Dec 17
Enjoy the warm weather in FL. I was there during Hurricane Irma so it was quite eventful.
3 people like this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
1 Dec 17
Oh, my! It was eventful for many of our friends, too. I hope your time there wasn't ruined!!!!
@marguicha (222364)
• Chile
1 Dec 17
Have fun with Florida´s good weather. You Know that They will love Doodles.
3 people like this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
1 Dec 17
Thank you. Yes, they love Doodles and he lets them take such good care of him. lol
1 person likes this
• Valdosta, Georgia
1 Dec 17
That pool is gorgeous! I know it will be hard being without Doodles though.
4 people like this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
1 Dec 17
Thank you! I love hanging around the pool. Oh, I'm sick over Doodles. I love him beyond belief and have been so sad and depressed this week.
1 person likes this
@rebelann (112738)
• El Paso, Texas
1 Dec 17
Wow, that photo makes me want to go with you just so I can jump into that pool. Well, without a swimsuit I'd be so out of luck I hope you have a safe trip to your winter home.
2 people like this
@rebelann (112738)
• El Paso, Texas
1 Dec 17
Soon we'll get to read all about your warm winter haven @DianneN At least you won't have to worry about hurricanes, thank goodness.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
1 Dec 17
Lol! Thank you! I finished the packing and feel so good. My husband is going to ship it now.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
1 Dec 17
@rebelann No hurricanes this time of year. Perhaps a tornado though?
1 person likes this
@hereandthere (45645)
• Philippines
1 Dec 17
how many days does it take for your things to reach florida? i remember you son wanted to keep his bedroom furniture. so i guess they're in storage somewhere? does your son follow the same, um, ocd routine you do for doodles?
4 people like this
• Philippines
2 Dec 17
@DianneN a very smart and irresistible cat
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
2 Dec 17
@hereandthere Thank you. He is a character, but sweet and so smart.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
1 Dec 17
The boxes usually get there the same day we do or the day after. I'm just sending some new clothes down, shoes, several cases of sunglasses, a new bedroom clock, and handbags that I don't want to keep there for 8 months. My son is renting a pod for his bedroom set and a few other things he wants to keep. While we're away, he will move into our house little by little. I assume it will mostly be clothes and personal things to tide them over. My son is a bit OCD when it comes to cleaning and of course, Doodles has him well trained, too.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121499)
• Gainesville, Florida
1 Dec 17
The countdown to paradise has started!
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121499)
• Gainesville, Florida
2 Dec 17
@DianneN It will have to be after January I'm afraid. Every weekend is booked between now and the end of January. But I will find time to get down there!
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
2 Dec 17
@moffittjc That's ok. I understand. Just squeeze me in this year. I'm not getting any younger.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
2 Dec 17
It has!!!! Start picking dates to come on down!!!!!!!
1 person likes this
@just4him (317004)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
1 Dec 17
Sad and happy at the same time.
2 people like this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
1 Dec 17
Yes, and it's an odd feeling. He's up from his nap, so out we go!
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
1 Dec 17
@just4him And we're back. He was entertained by a chipmunk. I'm freezing!
1 person likes this
@just4him (317004)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
1 Dec 17
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40243)
• United States
1 Dec 17
Ah that pool looks nice :-)
3 people like this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
1 Dec 17
Thank you! We love it, especially when we're the only ones there!
@1hopefulman (45120)
• Canada
2 Dec 17
Nice that you know exactly what you need to do and when. See you in Florida soon!
2 people like this
@1hopefulman (45120)
• Canada
2 Dec 17
@DianneN You husband is really nice. Just keep an eye on him when he has a power saw in his hand.
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
2 Dec 17
One learns along the way. My husband keeps a list. I myLot.
1 person likes this
@much2say (55318)
• Los Angeles, California
2 Dec 17
Lots to do! You are taking care of things so everything is taken care of when you're away. I wonder how Doodles would react to going to Florida?
2 people like this
@much2say (55318)
• Los Angeles, California
3 Dec 17
@DianneN Oh I'd imagine he'd go nuts in the plane. I wonder how he'd react to Orville! Ohhhh, no more pets - ok, got it. Yah, he would not have it being cooped up!
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
2 Dec 17
He'd howl in the plane, but would love watching the birds from our condo. Don't think I haven't thought of him in Florida. There would be no walks, because we aren't allowed to have pets anymore. I'd have to keep him hidden. lol
1 person likes this
@Madshadi (8840)
• Brussels, Belgium
1 Dec 17
Will it be cold to swim?
2 people like this
@Madshadi (8840)
• Brussels, Belgium
1 Dec 17
@DianneN I would go in the pool. I don’t like to swim in the sea. Too salty
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
1 Dec 17
Not at all. The pool is heated automatically and the ocean is just refreshing. The ocean is on the other side of those buildings. We go frequently. It's about a five minute drive for us. I don't swim in the Intercostal which you can see, but I do walk in it at low tide.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
1 Dec 17
@Madshadi I don't mind either. I love to ride the waves. I'm like a kid!
1 person likes this
@LeaPea2417 (37334)
• Toccoa, Georgia
2 Dec 17
Yes, the parting is sad but the pool above is fabulous looking. I love swimming in pools like that.
2 people like this
@LeaPea2417 (37334)
• Toccoa, Georgia
2 Dec 17
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
2 Dec 17
Parting is such sweet sorrow. Thanks! My tears will wash away in the pool. lol
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (338640)
• Rockingham, Australia
2 Dec 17
I guess Doodles is used to this routine by now. Hope the packing proceeds smoothly.
2 people like this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
2 Dec 17
I hope he won't miss his Grammy too much. He knows something is up and follows me all over the house. He even went into the basement with me! Packing is done and shipped. I only have to pack up a few essentials for my carry on bag. I'm ready to leave this bleak and chilly climate.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
2 Dec 17
@JudyEv My son refuses to let us keep Doodles in Florida. Besides no animals being allowed, he'd howl from fright on the plane.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (338640)
• Rockingham, Australia
2 Dec 17
@DianneN Poor Doodles. What a shame you can't take him with you. We saw a cat in a carry basket taken on a plane as hand luggage from Vienna to Bordeaux when we were overseas.
1 person likes this
@Courtlynn (67086)
• United States
1 Dec 17
Is that the actual pool and view
2 people like this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
1 Dec 17
@Courtlynn It's nice to lay out on the lounge chairs and dangle your feet in the pool. The ocean, on the other side of those buildings, sends us a nice breeze, as does the Intercostal by the pool. That's my backyard!
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
1 Dec 17
Yes! Can you blame me for wanting to spend my winters there?
1 person likes this
@Courtlynn (67086)
• United States
1 Dec 17
@DianneN ugh jealous. And im not a swimmer lol
1 person likes this