No place like home, home

American flag hung from Orlando home
Land of the free, and the home of the brave.

We feel like we have a new neighbor. But we’ve never met to confirm this.

Until midday today.

i was walking our perimeter like i always do.

He was pushing a small mower.

By the way, with everyone owning two acres no one owns a ‘push mower’. So i walked back to investigate.

Our backyard corners meet. That’s where we met. Unbeknownst to him it’s a special corner, and a special place, that Cheryl and i affectionately nicknamed ‘Trudy’s corner’ in the 1990’s. Trudy was the original homeowner’s Springer Spaniel. Trudy and our first Lab, Luther, were buddies.

He and his wife (and young daughter) are from Brazil.

They’re not renting. They are owners.

Within five minutes, i felt relief and gratitude that his first impression on me exceeded expectations. i asked him if i could hug him.

(i was weirdly ecstatic)

He cried after i hugged him today at noon.

He said, “You’re the first American who’s ever hugged me.”

Note, as i type this, realizing i’ve walked over nine miles.

10-second video: Time to head inside. See ya tomorrow.

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This website is about our HOME. This is the fifth of five daily, differently-themed blog posts about: (1) mind, (2) body, (3) spirit, (4) work, (5) home. To return to Mid Life Celebration, the site about MIND, click here.

Fly home from Paris, home

Sports banners in a Boston airport
Boston airport required us to claim our bags then re-enter the connecting terminal as if we hadn’t been flying all day.

The Boston Celtics were a basketball dynasty. Remarkable run. And then there’s me and my life. Did i have a remarkable run?

Can i finish life strong, with a remarkable run?

Weird how something random at airport security can inspire deep thoughts and deep questions.

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This website is about our HOME. This is the fifth of five daily, differently-themed blog posts about: (1) mind, (2) body, (3) spirit, (4) work, (5) home. To return to Mid Life Celebration, the site about MIND, click here.

Disneyland Paris-day 5, home

two seniors on disney ride
Pinocchio attraction.
Phantom Manor (aka Haunted mansion)
Phantom Manor (aka Haunted mansion). One of the first in line.
Disneyland Paris Walt Disney, Legacy award name tag
Disneyland Paris’ Walt Disney Legacy Award name tag. Bottom says, Dream • Create • Inspire
Disney cast member writing a fast pass note
Cedric gifted us not one but two fast passes.
two seniors at Disney park
Riding the Paddle-wheeler Steamboat.
two seniors at Disney park
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Disneyland Paris Castle
Iconic trees.
guest in baseball hat at Disneyland Paris
Amazing seats for daytime parade, based on a Cast Member’s recommendation.
disney restaurant dining room
Walt’s Restaurant on second floor above Main Street USA. We offered our window seats so six children from three families could view the Parade from above.

Final day photo montage.

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This website is about our HOME. This is the fifth of five daily, differently-themed blog posts about: (1) mind, (2) body, (3) spirit, (4) work, (5) home. To return to Mid Life Celebration, the site about MIND, click here.

Disneyland Paris-day 4, home

Two Disney retirees on a Disney train
We also stumbled upon the Frontierland Train Station.

Took the Disneyland Paris train for a full-circle trip. Then walked over to Disney Adventure World Park for our 4:00pm Bistrot Chez Remy restaurant dinner.

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This website is about our HOME. This is the fifth of five daily, differently-themed blog posts about: (1) mind, (2) body, (3) spirit, (4) work, (5) home. To return to Mid Life Celebration, the site about MIND, click here.

Disneyland Paris-day 3, home

Four people at a table
Dinner in “Manhattan”. Our long-time friend and Disney colleague Djuan, and our new friend Matthew, Ops manager at two Disneyland Paris Hotels.

Today has been spectacular.

Cold morning like yesterday morning. But today i dressed more proactively, including gloves.

Got more in tune with Disney Adventure World (Disneyland Paris’ second theme park).

Never made it to Disneyland Paris Park. No need. Not today.

Tomorrow we will do early entry and a beeline to Arendell.

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This website is about our HOME. This is the fifth of five daily, differently-themed blog posts about: (1) mind, (2) body, (3) spirit, (4) work, (5) home. To return to Mid Life Celebration, the site about MIND, click here.