We have not fallen off the face of the earth as lack of blog and Facebook posts might suggest; rather, we’ve been enjoying grandkids, golf (and all that Hot Springs Village has to offer), and fishing between rain events.  

We have begun a routine of playing bridge with Jim and Jackie Morris on Sunday evenings, and began the month with a lively bridge game.  The next morning after exercise, Kay began baking for the United Methodist Women’s annual bazaar (the largest “garage” sale in the Village), and continued baking throughout the week.

She had several meeting the first week in May, including a PEO meeting and the UMW Naomi Circle at our house.  (Did I mention how much we like Hot Springs Village?)  We ended the week with my driving to Norfork to “assist” best friend Wayne in installing a new compressor for the dash AC in the motorhome—as you might expect, Wayne does it all.  We are so thankful for his and Loretta’s friendship and help.  Kay finishing baking, and with Karyn’s assistance, worked the UMW Bazaar.  By the way, Karyn had a ball and Kay really enjoyed spending time with Karyn to celebrate Mother’s Day.  Ron came by on Sunday to celebrate Mother’s Day as well; with both Karyn and Ron visiting over the course of the weekend, Kay was a very happy mom!  Of course, interspersed with all these activities was golf almost every day, at least for me.

On May 11, Kay had cataract removal surgery on her right eye, with follow-up appointments the next few days.  The surgery was quite successful, and she is seeing much better, except close-up.  Also following surgery, she joined Pam in Little Rock for dinner with the “old girls” from Northwood HS.

Birds and butterflies returned this month  A pair of Mississippi Kites regularly hang out in a tree above the dock and with the butterfly bushes in full bloom, butterflies have finally begun visiting our place.

We had Friday night catfish dinner at Mulligan’s (Ponce de Leon) with new friend and golf buddy Donald Atchley.  Karyn and the kids came for the weekend just after we arrived home, and we had a blast.  

We began the month with a visit from Karyn, Ridge, and Aker.  The three of them, along with Kay, visited Garvan Woodland Gardens and Mid-America Science Museum in Hot Springs, and had a great time.  During the week, I played golf, bicycled, and walked, along with lots of piddlin’.

The following weekend, Tim and Roseann Sikora, RV friends from the RGV, visited. Tim and I fished, while Roseann and Kay took in the sights of Hot Springs, including mineral baths and massages.

On Monday, a visit to an ophthalmologist revealed cataracts in both eyes and stigmatism in my left eye—formerly my better eye!  A new and stronger prescription for a solo contact for the left eye resulted.  Both Kay and I played golf during the week, bicycled, and piddled around the house.  We had a quiet weekend, at least for us.

I played golf the following week while Kay focused on book club—casino night on Tuesday, and then Crystal Bridges Wednesday and Thursday.

Karyn, Ridge, and Aker joined us for the weekend, and we had a blast, fishing, canoeing, and attending the Farm to Table Festival here in the Village.  Ridge really liked the kids’ zone, and especially the Bounce House where he jumped and ran for what seemed like an hour.  Ridge learned to cast an open-faced spinning reel, and was rewarded with his very first fish—the look of surprise and “What do I do now?” expression were priceless.  Matt joined us Saturday afternoon late, and we continued the festive weekend. 

The last week of the month, I played golf, bicycled, and fished—what more could one ask for—and the golf was decent and fishing excellent. 

There were many more “memorable” experiences during the month, including our first of the season (FOS) RubyThroated Hummingbird, Green Heron, and Mississippi Kite.  Lots of butterflies are flittering about in the Village, but not many around our house.  However, the butterfly bushes, lantana, marigolds, and other plants will be flowering very soon.  

I could not remember other “memorable” moments!  We kind of like this retirement lifestyle.