I Will Be Leaving Lloyd. But Just For The Weekend

There are quite a few azaleas in this yard but it seems like years since I've had a good bloom from them. This year is the same and I am pretty sure it's because Mr. Moon trimmed them last year later than he should have. I told him but did he listen? 
Nope. 

Driving around Tallahassee, I have seen many in bloom so I am presuming that azaleas are relatively frost proof. 

The azalea in that picture is one I believe I planted and it's by the deck between the old kitchen and the laundry room. 

Another day of perfect weather but I went to town to do shopping. I also stopped by Lily's to drop off some medication that I'd picked up for her when she was out of town, and to sit and chat for a few moments. They just got back from their little jaunt to visit Lauren's parents yesterday and had to turn right around and get the kids ready and packed to go to DC with their dad today. So she was understandably a little tired but cheerful. Her tooth is all healed up and she'll be going to the endodontist soon. Hurray for antibiotics! 
And time for them to work. 

One of the reasons I had to go shopping was because I needed to pick up things to take to Gatorbone where Lon and Lis live. They are having their giant throw-down, shindig, music festival, St. Patrick's Day celebration, spring celebration...all that...party this weekend. 
They used to have this giant fest every few years at least and then along came covid. I don't think they've had one since. I could be wrong. 
Now you know me. Crowds scare me to death. Social anxiety? This sort of thing pushes me way over the redline. Social awkwardness? Oh please. I have enough of that for five other people at least. Inability to remember names and faces, even people I've known for years? 
I'm your girl! 
Okay. There are some people I'll recognize but so many I won't. And even if I do, I won't remember their names. Lis always says to me, "You know Cheryl. She's always at the party." And I'm like, "Uh. No clue. Sorry." 
And I don't play any instruments. I do not sing in public. I am, in fact, a useless deer in the headlights at this party. 
The one thing I am capable of is cooking. Lis plans meals to feed over a hundred and fifty people three meals a day throughout the weekend. 
No. I'm not kidding. 
And it always happens. 
And if there is one thing I can do, it is cook. Her kitchen is tiny but we make it work although refrigerator space is very limited, the stove is just your normal four-burner stove, and I always freak the fuck out trying to figure out how in god's name any of this will come together. 
And yet I know it will. 

Glen and I have rented a cabin at a nearby state park where we have stayed before. I have that place to go and decompress, drink vodka, and silently weep if need be. We had to reserve on the first day of the Florida residents' early chance at getting a cabin and it is so worth it. If you think I am camping with a hundred other people, you are wrong. And since I am not a musician, I do not need to sit around the fire all night drinking whiskey and singing the old songs. 
No, I do not, although I will be pleased to listen to some of what is played over the course of the weekend. These are real true musicians from all parts of the country, many quite well known. Everyone loves Lis and Lon. Everyone. And they are the most gracious hosts you can imagine. 

So that is that story. I was not sure I was going to be able to go because of this kidney stone and because I am so crazy but I have indeed pulled up my big girl panties and am determined. The kidney stone is no worse and no better. It is just there. And Glen is excited to go because he's taking the kayak and his fishing gear and can take people out on Gatorbone Lake (yes, there is a Gatorbone Lake) if they would enjoy doing that. Jessie and Vergil were going to come with the boys but they decided that due to the fact that they'll be just getting home from the beach on Friday, it was too much. 

I am glad they've had such a good time on the Gulf of Mexico but I sure will miss them being at Gatorbone. 

A few more pictures.

Fire spike coming back. 

The native buckeye, all set to bloom. 

Have you bought your Tesla yet? 

God DAMN, where are the checks and balances? 

Love...Ms. Moon