I'm BAAAAAACK!!!!! I left Tampa at just under 80 degrees only to land in Denver to low visibility, heavy snowfall and a high temperature of 11 for the day. Perhaps I should've extended my stay (pretty sure my husband would've been tempted to come get me himself though).
The flights went well but the close to 4 hour flight back left me very sore and achy. I found it a challenge to move sideways into my seat (or out of it to give my seatmates access to the facilities). It sure would've helped if that aisle seat had an arm rest that could be dropped for easier exit. I did take advantage of pre-boarding with my cane so I was able to get in the 2nd row and in the aisle both ways. It was my first time on Southwest Airlines and they were most pleasant to deal with.
My visit with my mom went well. That being said, I KNOW that I am NOT ready for senior living yet. She lives in a very active community (physically active and uh, errrrr, hmmmm, sexually active). It was like watching a live performance of Peyton Place. One afternoon at the pool left me with a sore stomach from laughing so hard at the cheesiest pick up lines I have EVER heard. Mr. "self-proclaimed" Casanova was hitting on all the ladies but particularly those who were widowed. I had to warn my sisters and my sweet mom to avoid the Italian Stallion when going to the pool in the afternoon because once he had you cornered, you were stuck for the next several hours listening to the telling of his prowess and love of all women!!! My husband laughed and laughed as I told him what I had overheard while I played like I was sound asleep every time he was within 4 or 5 chairs of me!!!
Swimming felt FANTASTIC - I loved it. I can hardly wait until our Rec Center with the aquatic area opens this spring. I used the treadmill in the work out room several times while there and was able to increase my walking distance and time but it was the swimming that felt the absolute best. I would highly recommend water walking or swimming for recovery of hip replacements. We didn't make it to the beach this visit - they were actually having a bit of cool weather the first several days I was there. I plan on going back in a few months and have every intention of taking Mom to her favorite beach at that time. Perhaps all of the snowbirds will be gone by then and Mr. Suave will also be relocated (one can only hope).
Oh, almost forgot. I did manage to set off the metal detectors both ways and had to be pulled aside for further screening. They were very kind about it all though so I needn't have worried beforehand. Now to survive this ice and snow that is on the ground. Our springtime snows can be quite heavy but they are usually 100% melted within 24 hours (it's not uncommon for snow shovelers to be out in shorts and t-shirts for those storms). Come on Spring - I had enough of a taste of it in FL with the flowers in bloom, birds singing and pool going so that I'm impatient with this white stuff here!