On Saturday, we had a tornado that swept across our county and Ed and I got caught in it while at the Fort Myers airport picking up our friend, Joan, a former neighbor of ours in New York. When her plane landed she was already a wreck because flying conditions had been very rough and the passengers, despite seat belts, had received a very bumpy ride.
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We left just as night fell. Ed was amazing, managing to drive us home, an hour’s drive, despite zero visibility and sheets of rain and lightning threatening constantly. I ground my teeth. Earlier I had offered to get our guest if he was too busy to do it. I am relieved it wasn’t me driving. I would have had to pull over and wait it out. And I was amazed to note cars whizzing by (they couldn’t see either), trusting in the divine providence of “it won’t happen to me”.
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Joan has settled in and yesterday we took an hour’s walk, and visited the trendy little shops on our big road. This walk was once easy for me but since my accident my lower back is a problem. I was pleased I could do it at all and I am encouraged to try it again soon. I have two bikes now and we’ll probably bike together tomorrow. Earlier this evening we visited the Helping Paws animal shelter on Pine Island (where we got Ziggy) and Joan got her kitty fix. I’ve been biking, stretching, and doing half push-ups, plus supported jumps. But I do get worn out.
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I took Joan to the Beacon of Hope, a charity resale shop where you can find great bargains. I got a crew neck cotton top with long sleeves, never worn before as it still had the tag, perfect fit,for $3.50 and a stunning gold (well maybe it was brass?) choker for $4.

And we just got back from dinner at Sandy Hook, a local restaurant on the bay that calls itself a fish and rib house. We are having a pleasant visit. Joan works as a free-lance editor and had been on staff at Random House in the old days. We share a profession.

Meanwhile, I lost my house keys and have located them at the airport lost and found and they are being held for me. I am more than pleased to get them back because hanging on the chain is a CIA medallion given to me by our friend Howard, a legendary CIA agent who ran the war in Afghanistan for George Bush, the elder. He was mentioned in the book "Charlie Wilson's War".

That’s all.

xx, Teal