greetings from Naples

I can't tell you how lovely it is here. The sun and all the green grasses and palms are spectacular. I had easy flights down here. Arrived at midnight on Monday night. Gloria, Em and Rosie picked me up. I have been reconnecting with old friends since I arrived. Last night we went to the "Hoss Races" at the community hall. I realized how little it takes to entertain retired people. The night before we had the annual lighted bike parade. The entire day was spent decorating our bikes and our helmets. There were approx. 60 riders who showed up at dark to parade around our park. People lined the streets and clapped and cheered enthusiasticaly as we passed. There were others blowing their airhorns with gusto to support our nighttime endeavors.

But last night, as I watched 50 people place their bets on stick horses with colored heads of pink, purple, cream, brown, white and dark brown, I was able to see the connection between the children in my fourth grade class and the "recycled teenagers without parents" who reside here in paradise. It doesn't take much to entertain us really. The dice are tossed by each person and the horses move by floor tile squares until they reach the finish line. I managed to win back $5 of the $7 I had bet.

A friend loaned me a bike and helmet for my stay. Today, four gal friends and I road up to Bonita Springs for lunch. The wind blew us up there but was in our faces on the way back. But it felt just wonderful to me.

Tonight we are going to a surprise birthday party for a friend and then to a street dance in the park. February is very socially busy here. Parties, dances, bike rides, golf games, shuffleboard, swimming and plenty of gaming. There is a sign at the entrance that reads, "Slow, Grandparents at Play".

I am going to try to load a picture of Lake San Marino with our resident swams. There is an Iguana here too who resides in the top of a fir tree. By the way, an Eagle few right over my head on the bike ride back from Bonita today. I plan to ride to the beach soon.

Bashey has been sick since I left. He and I have not been separated for a long while. But I think he has adjusted as of last night. Please keep him in your thoughts.
I remain - soaking up the sunshine.