Ping-pong anyone?

23 Friday Jan 2026

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This is one of my Christmas gifts: a ping-pong table.

Michael had a very sweet response when I acted very surprised to get a ping pong table.

He said: I saw how much fun you had when you played ping-pong with your sister on the cruise.

Michael continues to surprise me with how thoughtful he is and how much he cares for me.

So now, we play at least a few minutes every day.   The table sits between the kitchen and living room.

The table doesn’t go with the decor.  Well, really, we have no decor.  Unlike most of our neighbors, we chose not to update our place after we had already paid thousands of dollars in assessments. So, we still have old floors and cheap furniture.

We decided not to invest too much money on it.  We buy whatever we need to be comfortable.  I am so glad that Michael and I are on the same page about expenses.  We both rather spend money on experiences and not material stuff.

Today, I found out that another couple in the building is getting divorced.  I think the stress and cost of the building renovation is one of the causes of these breakups. It is important for couples to be on the same page with finances, and how they choose to spend their money.

Next month it will mark 3 years that Michael and I are together.  We are not sure how we will be celebrating it.  Perhaps a cruise, perhaps skiing (if Colorado manages to get some snow), perhaps a casino, or we can always play ping-pong 🙂

“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” ― Marcel Proust

Always grateful!!

16 Friday Jan 2026

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“Gratitude begins in our hearts and then dovetails into behavior. It almost always makes you willing to be of service, which is where the joy resides. It means that you are willing to stop being such a jerk. When you are aware of all that has been given to you, in your lifetime and the past few days, it is hard not to be humbled, and pleased to give back.”― Anne Lamott

2026 will be an amazing year!!

Why?  you may ask.

Because I said so! :–)

Well, this is the year I am turning 60 years old.  That thought it is hitting me like a ton of bricks.  It is daunting to think I will be 60.  What happened to 30, 40, and 50?  It feels like it all went so fast.

At moments I get a bit down about it.   60 feels heavy.  It feels like I have done nothing with my life.

Then I remember and realize how blessed I am, and how much I have accomplished.  Age is just a number. What is important is to live every moment to the max. It is important to not to waste this beautiful gift called life.

So the best thing to do is to live it up, no matter what the number is. 60, 70, 80, or 90 like my mom.

I have so much to be grateful for.  Everything is a matter of attitude and perception. Today I am choosing to remember all the beauty and blessings. My family, Michael, health, home, work, friends, a great mind and great heart.  My breath, the ocean, my bike, French bread with butter… and the list goes on and on.

I am even grateful for the hardships that made me strong and successful. 

What I have today is even more than I ever dreamed of.  Not to enjoy it and be grateful would be a sin!

Enjoy it all!

But remember, until March 28 I am still in my 50s! 🙂

 
An old Portuguese prayer of gratitude:
And what do you want the coming year to bring you?
Nothing, I don’t want it to bring me anything. The only thing I want is for it not to take anything away.
May it not take away the roof that shelters me, the food that nourishes me, the blanket that warms me, nor the light that illuminates me. May it not take away the smiles of my loved ones, my health—which is my treasure—nor the work that sustains me.
May friendship, companionship, hugs, and kisses remain.
May it not take away my dreams, nor the pieces of my heart—formed by the people I cherish—that I always carry within me.

 

Highlights and lowlights

31 Wednesday Dec 2025

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“It’s a New Year and with it comes a fresh opportunity to shape our world.
So this is my wish, a wish for me as much as it is a wish for you: in the world to come, let us be brave – let us walk into the dark without fear, and step into the unknown with smiles on our faces, even if we’re faking them. And whatever happens to us, whatever we make, whatever we learn, let us take joy in it. We can find joy in the world if it’s joy we’re looking for, we can take joy in the act of creation. So that is my wish for you, and for me. Bravery and joy.” ― Neil Gaiman

2025 was a tough year, most of all because of my dad’s passing.  Still, I know that his passing was timely and was a blessing for the fact that he is no longer in pain, and he passed on his terms.  He transitioned. He is here but in other form.  I was able to be there and hold the family together – for that I am so grateful.

 

Today was a cold day (for Florida) so I am using my dad’s sweater and lounging pants.   There is something comforting about that.

Dad, be in peace!  You are loved!

 

Then there was the long regulatory audit… so much stress, so many sleepless night,  and let’s not forget the costly assessments for our condo structural repairs.

Still, in 2025 there was also a lot of highlights, such as:

  • Taking my mother to a casino resort in Argentina to celebrate her 90th birthday
  • Skiing in El Colorado, Chile in August
  • Skiing trips to Breckenridge
  • Cruise to Caribbean
  • Trips to the Seminole casinos
  • Sunrises at the Indialantic Beach
  • Sunsets at Melbourne Pier
  • No regulatory fines
  • Condo construction finished

For 2026 I am hoping for more adventures and fun trips with Michael.  The future seems so bright and big.  I am blessed, and I know it!

For you I wish so much love and joy.  I wish you strength and wisdom! I wish you peace!  I thank you for being in my corner in 2025.  I thank you for the kind word that showers me in love!

“I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes.
Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You’re doing things you’ve never done before, and more importantly, you’re Doing Something.
So that’s my wish for you, and all of us, and my wish for myself. Make New Mistakes. Make glorious, amazing mistakes. Make mistakes nobody’s ever made before. Don’t freeze, don’t stop, don’t worry that it isn’t good enough, or it isn’t perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work or family or life.
Whatever it is you’re scared of doing, Do it.
Make your mistakes, next year and forever.”
― Neil Gaiman

 

Sanford and Lake Mary

28 Sunday Dec 2025

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“Have you also learned that secret from the river; that there is no such thing as time?” That the river is everywhere at the same time, at the source and at the mouth, at the waterfall, at the ferry, at the current, in the ocean and in the mountains, everywhere and that the present only exists for it, not the shadow of the past nor the shadow of the future.” ― Hermann Hesse

We had a fun Saturday biking on the riverwalk in Sanford, Florida. We got there very early and it was very foggy, but then turned into a gorgeous day.

After the bike ride, we stopped for coffee at the Caffe Di Riverwalk.  I had a mocha and a bacon, egg and cheese on a croissant. Michael had a potato burrito and a black coffee.  It was good, not outstanding.   I thought my sandwich and my mocha weren’t hot enough. Great service, but I am not running back.

We walked around town afterwards and there was a little fair going on.  I found brigadeiros (Brazilian fudge candy) and I had to buy some.  They were okay.  From the booth next to it, I got a Dubai chocolate cake.  I have started seeing all these “Dubai” items more and more.  I guess any time you put pistachios on something you make it “Dubai”.  The cake tasted like it was from a box, and the chocolate frosting was just okay.  I wouldn’t buy it again.

We then drove to Lake Mary and walked around downtown for a while.  We then went to lunch at Pisco Peruvian.  It was awesome!  Everything about it was perfect.  Beautiful ambiance, amazing service, delicious well-thought-out food.

To drink I had a passion-fruit (of course) drink and Michael had some non-alcoholic (he was driving) frozen coconut lemonade. He had a sushi dish with shrimp ceviche.  I had the lomo salted, and of course I also yucca fries – I have to have that any time I see it on the menu.  I brought dessert home  – it was 3 leches cake with a layer of merengue and crème diplomat.    I would go back to eat those again and to try different items.

After it, we walked next door to Brooklyn Water Bagels to bring some bagels home.  I gave up on trying to find a good NY bagel in Florida, so I only bought a couple thinking that they would be disappointing, These bagels were delicious. We just had them for breakfast and now we are sorry we didn’t buy more.

Too bad those 2 great finds are almost 2 hours away from where we live.   Any time I find a good restaurant it is always far away.  Maybe it is for the best – my wallet and waist are probably better for it.

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”  – Virgina Woolf 

 

Lately … beach, river and town

20 Saturday Dec 2025

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Life continues with sunrises at the beach, sunsets at the river and the occasional night out. Oh yeah, work has been driving me insane with end of the year compliance issues, but I am choosing to focus on my huge list of blessings.

Daily sunrise walk

Amazing sunsets – so grateful

 

A curious little squirrel 🙂

 

Yucca fries and passionfruit mojitos – while I wait for skirt steak with rice and beans – yummy

“If you want to be happy, do not dwell in the past, do not worry about the future, focus on living fully in the present.” ― Roy T. Bennett

 

Lately … in the kitchen

11 Thursday Dec 2025

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Scones – I adore scones and I have not been able to find any bakeries that sells them anywhere around me.

I looked for scone recipes online, and chose one that looked easy and fast. 

They didn’t come out great, but still we ate them all.  

 

Irish Soda Bread – this is another favorite of mine, that I cannot find to buy anywhere around here.  Perhaps on Saint Patrick’s Day I will find some bakery that makes them.

It came out okay, not great.  I definitely need to tweak the recipe I found online.

Anything toasted with butter is great, and that is how I eventually ate it all.

 

 

Brownies from a Box

Can you believe that I got brownies wrong? Brownies is the one thing I don’t mind making it from a box.  I accidently put the oven too high and the sides and bottom got overbaked.

I cut off the offending parts and the rest was eaten anyway 🙂

 

I will be trying all of the above again.  If you a good recipe for scones or soda bread, please send it my way.

Thank you and have a blessed weekend!

“With enough butter, anything is good.” (Julia Child)

 

 

Quick getaway – Western Caribbean cruise

21 Friday Nov 2025

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Michael and I decided on a last minute getaway. We did a Western Caribbean cruise.  We went from Port Canaveral, FL to Cozumel, then Costa Maya, and back to Port Canaveral.

We had a great time.  In Cozumel, Michael went to the Chichen Itza Ruins.  I skipped that, as I had been there before and didn’t want to face the long trip there.  So, I had a lazy, quiet day to myself.

In Costa Maya we both went to Chacchoben ruins, it was smaller and less impressive than Chichen Itza, but still very interesting.

This was a Royal Caribbean cruise, and it was the Explorer of the Seas ship, which is a 25 year old ship.  It showed its age, but that doesn’t really bother me.

One thing I was a bit disappointed was the quality of the food at the buffet.  Even though there was tons of different ones, I don’t think the quality came close to that of the MSC Meraviglia ship.  Specially when it came to desserts, something that I really look forward to.  Some of their desserts gave me an aftertaste, which means that it had too many preservatives and food extracts and coloring. Still, I confess I overate, as I have a tendency to want to try a bit of everything.

I went to the gym a couple of times, and was really impressed with the amount and quality of the equipment.

We also saw a few shows, such as the magic, the comic, and the ice-skating.  We went to bingo and to the casino. We also played ping-pong and arcade games. And we rested.

We can’t wait for the next one.  I really want to do longer ones, to Alaska and Europe.

Have a blessed weekend everyone!!

“Every person needs to take one day away.  A day in which one consciously separates the past from the future.  Jobs, family, employers, and friends can exist one day without any one of us, and if our egos permit us to confess, they could exist eternally in our absence.  Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for.  Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.” ― Maya Angelou

 

 

Sunset – Melbourne Beach, FL

02 Sunday Nov 2025

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The sunset at Melbourne Beach Pier overlooking the Indian River Lagoon is one of my favorite places.  The sunset is a great time to stop and say thank you for the day.

I don’t know where I saw the below writing, but I really like it.  If you know who wrote it, please let me know so I can give them credit.

  1. your growth comes first,
    2. be intentional with your time,
    3. forcing things does not work,
    4. being kind supports your peace,
    5. hang out with revitalizing people,
    6. let consistency help your flourishing,
    7. remember the progress you have made,
    8. slow things down when your mood is low,
    9. people pleasing hurts your mental health,
    10. seeking perfection hinders your progress,
    11. you cannot make everyone understand you.

 

 

 

 

All green and bones – Happy Halloween!

31 Friday Oct 2025

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“Most people will tell you growing up means you stop believing in Halloween things – I’m telling you the reverse. You start to grow up when you understand that the stuff that scares you is part of the air you breathe.” ― Peter Straub

When I was growing up in Brazil there was no Halloween.  Now due to globalization,  Halloween is increasingly becoming part of our culture.  In some areas we do have a different names for it, such as Dia das Bruxas (Witch’s Day) and Dia do Saci (Saci Day).

Saci is one legged black boy with a pipe and red hat from Brazilian Folklore.  He played tricks on people and was quick to disappear in a whirlwind.

I never spent Halloween in Brazil, so I am not sure about kids going trick or treating.  I know of parties, specially hosted by language schools.

I am not really into dressing up and costumes parties, but I do love seeing the kids all dressed up, and I always enjoy some people’s creativity when it comes to their costumes.  

Another thing I always loved was seeing the houses decorated for Halloween, and all other holidays for that matter.

As I go on evening bike rides, I plan on taking pictures.  But as I sit here composing this post I realized that Halloween is here and I only took a couple of pictures.

A few is better than none.

I hope you are having a grand ole time, no matter what you are doing today.  Being alive is a great reason for celebration!

 

 

“Halloween is the only time people can become what they want to be without getting fired.”
― Sylvester Stallone

It is good to be back

28 Tuesday Oct 2025

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“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.” ― Maya Angelou

After one week in Chile, two months in Brazil and one week in New York, I am finally back in Florida.  I have been here for one week.

It feels good to be back and try to start a routine.  Feels good to play house with Michael.  Well, I am already looking at cruises and ski trips… I love having things to look forward to. 

Our building is finally done with the renovations.  There are still some little issues, but Michael and I are fully enjoying our apartment. 

I have so much organizing to do.  Michael returned from Brazil before I did.  He stopped in NY and picked up some more of my stuff.  So I have boxes and boxes to organize, including tons of mosaic material and mosaics pieces.

After my father’s death and watching my mother struggle with debilitating hip pain, I decided to think about my health more seriously.   I want to have a very active future, and I know I need to address issues that I have learned to live with. 

I arrived home and hit the ground running:

  • I got a gym membership
  • I got a personal trainer for two times a week (I need that accountability) 
  • I got blood tests done
  • I got a physical and wellness check (cholesterol down to 174 from 248!! yippie)
  • I got an eye exam and ordered 3 new glasses (from Costco – the best place to get glasses!!)
  • I made appointment with:
    • an orthopedic doctor (time to revisit the hip issues)
    • an ENT doctor (time to revisit the vertigo symptoms)
    • a skin doctor (a big brown spot all of sudden appeared on my hip)
    • imaging center for bone density and mammogram
  • Bought a bedroom set.  We are not picky, hate shopping, and don’t like to wait.  So we just went out on Saturday bought a bedroom set and three hours later they delivered it.  We love it!  

There is more to do, but this all feels like progress, and progress makes me very happy.  The only problem is that all these doctor’s appointments, and possible tests and follow-ups are going to interfere with future travel plans 🙂

… not to mention the little detail of having a full-time job.  Retirement? Retirement? Where are you?

 

 

My view as I write this: so grateful!!

My view as I write this: so grateful!!

“True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have, which is sufficient, for he that is so wants nothing. The greatest blessings of mankind are within us and within our reach. A wise man is content with his lot, whatever it may be, without wishing for what he has not.” ― Seneca