This one is for our local modeling/talent agency. They wanted full body.

And this one was for me.

I changed my tune when I landed in the Sunshine State, which was at a balmy 73 degrees.  This was taken from the dock behind my mom’s boyfriend’s house.  I was bummed that I didn’t see any manatees.  They apparently swim back there quite often.

And this is Mom and Shelby.  (Mom’s probably going to hate this picture)

My Mom’s boyfriend Ethan has a great dog named Chance.  I always miss my dogs when I’m gone,  so I was really glad to have some K9 company.

Shelby is my 2nd favorite yorkie. (And in case my friends are wondering, she does have two eyes.)

My grandparents live in this great retirement community in Bonita Springs.  There is so much going on there all the time.  There are swimming pools, hot tubs (you know I visited the hot tub!), shuffle board, pool tournaments, dinners, dancing, karaoke, field trips, variety shows, and tons more!  Mom and Ethan played pool while Gram and I went to Bingo. Poppy is one of the callers.

Picking out your cards is serious business at Bingo.  Actually, they take their Bingo VERY seriously.  I thought a few of those old broads were going to kill my grandfather during one of the games. And you should see how FAST they get out of there when it’s all over.  Don’t let those walkers fool you. Those gals can MOVE!

The biggest event is the softball tournament.  Poppy’s team won both games while I was there. Go Poppy!

It was great seeing my family, even if for just a couple days.  Love you, Gram!

And it was really nice to be warm!!!

Okay. Back to your regularly scheduled programming.

According to Swift Creek Mill Theatre’s website, records indicate that Swift Creek Mill was in existence as early as 1663, and is believed to be the oldest grist mill in this country.  On May 9th and 10th, 1864, a battle was fought around the mill when General B.F. Butler’s Army of the James attempted to cross Swift Creek.  Good thing they weren’t attempting to do that in the winter.  Look how the ice is still covering the branches in the falls.

The water level of Swift Creek has gotten way above this marker many times.  The Granite Room, which is the lower dining room in the restaurant, has been completely under water on several occasions.  The most famous story of water in the Mill was when the show Two By Two, a musical about Noah and the Ark, lost its closing night due to the flood in theatre.

If Swift Creek Mill’s food isn’t your thing (and it’s not mine), Wagstaff’s Steak House is right on the other side of the creek.
(But take the bridge. The water is cold and rough!)

So come on down and see Pete ‘n’ Keely.  And while you’re there, take a look around.  You’ll be glad you did!

Of course, I don’t see Bat Boy anymore without thinking of my friend Scotty. So this is for him – especially since it will be a cold day in hell before Robin Arthur reads a blog!

There went our opening.  A producer’s nightmare!  On a personal note, I thought “fine with me!”  I generally don’t enjoy the big opening night thing.  I barely know the show at that point, and the fact that the critics (and so many of my friends) are in the house usually makes me want to throw up.  However, I’ve got to say it was pretty strange to just…  go home.  No opening night party? No celebratory drinks?  Kinda sad.

Fast forward to last night.  Remember how we hardly knew the show last week?  Well now we’ve been away from it for six days.  Thank God our small, but lively audience didn’t mind.  They seemed to be having quite a good time!

And today – more snow.  And more cancellations. When did I move to New England?

It could be worse.  It could be Mulan.  They’re only scheduled to play three weekends and they’re losing two.  That’s gotta hurt! At least we’ve got until mid-March.  Russell and I are bound to hit our stride long before then!

But the fire is so delightful!