In the middle of the winter is not the best time for a visit back to Indiana, but we had some great family reasons to make this trip. We are continuing to enjoy the warm Florida weather during this winter season and plan to stay in Florida until March 1st. My mom just moved to a facility near Indianapolis and Pat’s family threw a surprise 90th birthday party for her mom, so it was off to the Hoosier state for a long weekend to see both moms and family.
Trish actually drove up a few days earlier to see our kids in Virginia on the way and then to spend some extra time with her mom in Greencastle Indiana. I flew up on Friday 1/19 to meet her, then back on Monday 1/22. It was great to combine two occasions to see both of our moms. Frontier Airlines have some super low rates. I really do not see how they can make a profit at $49 round trip.
The surprise birthday party for my mother-in-law was on Saturday at 1:00 pm at her church in Greencastle. Greencastle is a small, 10,000 person town located in the west central part of Indiana. A slow pace and not much in the way of traffic. My kind of town.
The party invitation above was sent out to over a hundred people and the church was full with many friends and family. It was great to see everyone and to celebrate with this wonderful lady. She is quite amazing and has led a wonderful life. Seven of her children were in attendance from all over the US along with many grandkids.
It was great to be there for the party and to celebrate with her. From Greencastle, we drove up to our hotel near the Indy airport to spend some more time with the other out of town family. Catching up with them and playing an online game called Fibbage. You play the game while looking at the TV monitor and provide answers via smartphone. Very cool use of the technology.
On Monday, we drove up to the northeast side of Indy to see my mom in her new apartment at the independent living facility. She sold her Florida home a couple of weeks ago and now is settled into her new home where they provide 3 meals a day and a plethora of activities.
It was great to see mom in her new place. After we spent the last two months together during the home selling and downsizing phase, it was good to see that she is doing well at the new place. A much simpler life for her now. I kind of felt like a parent checking in on the child at college.
The quick weekend trip was over in no time and we were back in the warm and humid Florida weather. Although we will surely miss seeing all the family.
It was a great trip to Indy. Glad we got to spend time together and with the family. Looks like you are on the road again in about 5 weeks.
It was a very enjoyable trip to Indy to see family. Yes, another month in the sunshine state and then we are northbound again.
Glad you both got to spend time with your Mothers. Hope to meet up some day!
Yes, our paths will have to cross eventually. Either in Indiana, Texas, or perhaps way out west. Take care.
You are sure are busy in your retirement! You’re sure not letting any grass grow under your feet.
So glad you keep us abreast about your whereabouts with plenty of pictures. Those fries looked good too.
Glad you guys had a chance to spend time with your moms. Great pics. By the way Randy, I think the sign “Beware of Alligator” doesn’t mean it’s OK to stand inches from water with your back to the ALLIGATORS!
Ah, you may a point at that. After seeing hundreds of gators in Louisiana, seeing any in Florida has been rare so far. I’ll keep looking though!
A very nice blog and you write so interesting. Thanks for all your work. I couldn’t have done it alone. Love you both.
Thanks mom! We loved spending the time with you during this large project. I’m glad that you are adjusting well to your new home. Love you…Randy