Selling our Lido Drive Home and Moving Out!

 On May 1st we closed on selling our beautiful Lido Drive home.  It was on the market on and off for a year.  After 3 hurricanes hit in the summer of 2024, Punta Gorda became a "Buyer's Market" because of widespread flooding and hurricane damage (did not effect us), higher insurance premiums and generalized concern about global warming and climate change.

We lived in our custom-built "on the water" home in an active boating community for almost 16 years and enjoyed our time here immensely.  In 2011, it was an absolute thrill sailing Eagle's Wings, our 35 ft Catalina across the Gulf Stream all the way down the Exuma Bahama Chain of Islands to Georgetown.  We achieved our "Retirement Dream" of sailing by ourselves there in the company of other friends in their boats.  We treasure the tremendous adventure shared with Maureen & Tom in s/v Can't Agree and Marilyn & John Jorgensen in s/v Blue Goose.

Later in 2014, we returned in the company of Sue & Gene Fuller to visit the Abaco Islands of Bahamas.  We rejoiced that we completed all our exploring of these beautiful islands, snorkeling, beach combing, enjoying the conch and other restaurants.  We were so fortunate along the way to meet sailing buddies who encouraged us.

We had so much fun in the PGIslander Boating Group and we became the only couple to be Commodore (equivalent to President) of our club in different years - 2014 for Richard and 2018 for Joanne.

We also enjoyed the Isles Yacht Club and visited all 13 Florida Counsel clubs and received an inscribed glass plate award for it.  We treasure all boating adventures with the club, especially Jackie & Bob Whitaker, who showed us around the Miami area.  We particularly enjoyed the Memorial Day tributes, the Blessing of the Fleet and the Christmas Lighting of the Fleets, in which we participated fully.  Joanne also enjoyed water aerobics, Rhonda, the leader and all the lovely 'water' women.

Along the way, with our 'best buddies' encouragement (Sue & Rob Linehan), we joined the Friendship Force (FF), an organization that promotes world peace and understanding through home visits and home hosting of those from other countries and clubs.  We did not anticipate how much it would impact our retirement.  Joanne became the President, wrote the newsletter while Richard was Treasurer for many years.  We hosted countless 'ambassadors' (our name for visitors from other countries) and traveled to 24 different FF clubs throughout the world.  We made so many friends and still hear from them. Of note, our friends in Perth Australia (Linda & Colin) are very dear to us and every day after 14 years we still play "Words with Friends" with Linda!

Over the past 8 years we have been very active in volunteering with St Vincent de Paul affiliated with our local Catholic Church, Sacred Heart.  Joanne interviewed those in need while Richard worked in the warehouse, and took leadership roles as District President, Secretary and Treasurer.  We definitely received more than we gave when we saw the tremendous impact this organization has on the local community.  It is a lifeline for those who are food and housing "insecure", need clothing and housewares, furniture and emotional support.  What a treasure this organization is for those struggling!

When we visited the Sacramento FF Club a few years ago, we realized we met an extraordinary group.  Now, we will relocate there and have a 'built in' group of friends in our transition across the country.

We also so appreciate our Cousin Constance and Bill who helped us find Punta Gorda.  It was wonderful having family close by throughout the years to celebrate birthdays, holidays and other events.  We will miss them and hope to continue to visit one another.

Remembering Father Jerry Kaywell

 

We moved our boat from Clear Lake, Texas near Houston to Punta Gorda in 2009 not intending to relocate but to only stay for six months before heading to the Bahamas.  Then at Sacred Heart we heard Father Jerry, a priest like no other.  Mass begins with three breaths.

Three Breaths

On the first breath in, we let go of all our problems, concerns, schedules and plans and surrender into the Love of God – here present.

We breathe out and let go.

On the second breath in, we welcome a moment of silence. This sacred silence ushers us into the contemplative dimension of our faith.

We breathe out and let go.

On the third breath in we sink as deeply as we can into our hearts – into the depths of our hearts where we discover as always, the sanctuary space that is our sacred meeting place with God.

Three Breaths

We built a house in Punta Gorda, joined Sacred Heart and began volunteering with Saint Vincent de Paul, a Catholic lay organization that Father Jerry both enthusiastically promoted and for which he served as spiritual advisor.

We attended mass at 11 AM almost every Sunday that we were in town hoping Father Jerry would give the homily. He was a master at public speaking never standing behind the podium.  Sometimes he would define a word or provide its Greek or Hebrew antecedents and then ask us to repeat the word all together. He often explained the readings in the context of the culture in their time and sometimes added a Father Jerry twist. He was always educational, entertaining and inspiring. Of course, he was also famous for his Sermon on the Amount for the Catholic Faith Appeal.

Mom Drops Her Jaw

About 2009 or 2010 we attended mass on Christmas Eve with Joanne’s mom, Marie, who lived at that time in New Port Richey, FL After spreading $5,000 in front of the altar (that someone had gifted him with on Christmas Eve), Father Jerry told us that he knew people were hurting and that anyone could come up and take what he or she needed. Marie’s jaw dropped! She said, “In all my born days I have never seen a Catholic priest give away money!” She was enamored with Father Jerry’s words and made plans to relocate to Southport Square in Port Charlotte so that she could attend Sacred Heart regularly.

Holy Land

In 2013, we were incredibly fortunate for the opportunity to travel to the Holy Land with Father Jerry. Highlights were baptism in the River Jordan, renewal of our marriage vows, mass on the Sea of Galilee and camel riding to Abraham’s Tent.

Baptism in the Jordan

On the Sea of Galilee - Joanne with Father Jerry

Who Do You Say I Am?

Preaching at Caesarea Philippi

Riding a Camel to Abraham’s Tent

 

Ruach – Breath Wind Spirit

Ruach is one of the many words Father Jerry asked us to say all together during one of his homilies. Occurring over four hundred times in the Old Testament, Ruach translates as breath, wind or spirit.

Richard created his own version of Ruach:

Imagine you are with Abraham in the Judea Dessert, as I have been, sitting quietly as stars replace the sun in the heavens. Only the embers of the fire glow. 

All is still.  You breathe. I breathe. Your breath, my breath is Ruach.

A cool and gentle breeze caresses your skin. My Skin. This wind, the breath of the earth, is Ruach.     

Embers glow. Stars twinkle. Far below, across dunes of time Bedouins light their camp. The light we see, all light, suggests the Spirit that encompasses the whole of the universe.  Spirit, breath of the universe, is Ruach. 

Our breath. the breath of the earth and the breath of the universe all in one word. Peace be to you.

 

Sacred Heart, The Mosaic

Father Jerry was instrumental in bringing the mosaic to our church.

For Richard, he lives in this mosaic. Richard’s thoughts about the Mosaic:

Perhaps you have seen the mosaic of Jesus at Sacred Hearth made of thousands of ceramic tiles. I like to think that each of us is like a tiny tile that together make the whole. One hand is offering, the other welcoming us in. The beams of shinning light converge behind the heart, the convergence hidden from our sight. The Light moves outward to illuminate the world and at the same time inward to draw us to the heart and beyond. Each of us is a particle of the Light moving both ways at the same time.

Using the Priests’ Microphone at Marie’s Funeral

Joanne’s mom, Marie, passed away in September of 2023 at the age of almost 103. Richard asked to use one of the wireless mics; he didn’t want to stand behind a podium when he spoke. Father Jerry seeing Richard wearing mic exclaimed, "That is the priests’ mic." Richard said, "Yes, but I am wearing it."  Father Jerry sighed and said, "OK."

Some excerpts from my talk:

"Brothers and Sisters

Every time I enter this church, I contemplate the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Each piece of the mosaic tells little in itself. Each piece connects to others that surround it and so on and all together make up the big picture. I think we are like those pieces taken together are so much more than all of us separate. There is more to it, but I must move along..."

Richard sneaked a look at Father Jerry. OK so far.

As I looked up at the mosaic with Michele holding my hand on the day my mother-in-law  Marie passed, in just a blink of the eye, I saw the mosaic made whole, maybe just for a millisecond. I can’t remember the image, only the thought of it.  I dismissed this “vision” as my eyes not yet focusing or just the result of an overactive imagination…

Later in the morning, I went up to Saint Vincent de Paul, to request their truck to pick up Marie’s furniture. I couldn’t help but relate to the ladies my experience at Mass adding that I must have been hallucinating.    

Immediately, one replied: "No, you weren’t. That was Marie telling you that she is with Jesus and that she is happy…"

Richard sneaked another look at Father Jerry. OK so far.

The Saint Vincent de Paul truck would pick up the furniture but not her bed…   It was up to me to find Marie’s bed a new home. So, I listed it for sale on Market Place.  But I told Joanne I really wanted to give it away to the right person.

The first potential buyer never showed.

The second potential buyer showed but didn’t want it as this bed wasn’t a good fit for her massage parlor…

Richard sneaked a look at Father Jerry. He had his head in his hands!

      The third potential buyer was Alfonso…

Alfonso was just the “buyer” we were waiting for. Richard sneaked yet another look at Father Jerry. He had recovered.

Richard ended by saying that he was leaving everyone with the Sacred Heart, Marie was there.  Father Jerry looked well pleased. 

Blessing of the Pets  

Father Jerry always enjoyed blessing the pets. Our cat Bleu made the bulletin one year!  Blessing of the Pets – Check it out!

 

Speaking up at a Spiritual Meeting

 

St Vincent de Paul Spiritual Meetings feature an open mic. At one meeting, Richard spoke about the treatment of immigrants, the two greatest commandments and somehow shifted into Scott Peck’s definition of love as a commitment to spiritual growth after which Father Jerry hugged him and then offered his own comments.

 

Thanking the Children

To conclude the mass, Father Jerry would ask all the children to join him at the sanctuary and help read the prayer from Holy Mother Church. Then he thanked them for helping.  I have always thought that this small act of appreciation will live deeply imbedded in their minds providing positive feelings for the church for their whole lives. I shocked Father Jerry when I told him this was the most important part of the mass! But he mentioned my comment at next week’s mass.  After that, he made it a point to invite the children up each Sunday -and we all loved it when everyone sang this blessing,

“The King of Love my Shepherd is

Whose Goodness Fills Me Ever

I Love Him Like if I am His and

He is Mine Forever.

May God the Father and the Son

The Son and Holy Spirit

Be with You now and for always

For He is Yours Forever.”

This is one of Richard's favorite all-time memories.

The King of Love My Shepherd Is   

Blessing the Children

 

Father Jerry was a Franciscan and often gave us the special Blessing of Saint Francis: 

The above tribute was written by Richard.  As for me (Joanne), I feel that Father Jerry was such a gift from God to all of us.  He had Christ's love radiating from him and we all felt it.  His primary message was recognizing God's love in all of us and encouraging us to show that love every day in our words and actions.  Until we all meet again in Heaven.  Praise to the Creator, the Lord of the Universe.

Panama Canal Cruise

 December 23 - We pulled out of our driveway about 10AM for the drive to Fort Lauderdale in a Dodge Hornet rental for a Princess cruise through the Panama Canal!  Joanne found a last minute deal on the Island Princess, an older but still serviceable cruise ship. Supposedly oversold, we bid on a cabin upgrade, we lucked out swapping a "port-hole" cabin for a cabin with a terrific balcony with an unobstructed forward view.

With all rental cars unfamiliar, there are always a few things to figure out along the way. This car had two flaps for fuel, one on each side.  Expecting to fill the gas tank in Fort Lauderdale, we opened the flap on the driver's side only discover a plug for a electrical cord! - gas goes in on the right side. 

As our room number was 637, we expected it to be on deck number 6. Wrong! It was on deck 10.  We were routed to our cabin all right, found our muster station, ate some lunch and after a few miss-directions, we settled in. Before long, we knew our way around. 

Our lovely Cabin

Our Balcony, with partition only on stern-side

Pilot Boat, Pilot Waving Goodbye

Leaving Florida

Christmas Eve Onboard - Formal Night

Princess cruises feature formal nights. Everyone dinning in one of the restaurants except the Horizon Cafe which offers a buffet is supposed to be dressed smarter than smart casual. We did as you can see above. Many did not; the dress code was not enforced. 

We thought we would see many young kids. We saw some but were surprised to see so many really old-looking people, many dressed pretty slobby.  More than a few were using walkers and mobility scooters. Many were "weigh" overweight.  

We found the very well equipped gym sometimes crowded with men and women serious about their workouts - so not all passengers were unfit. We managed to workout - but not as often we should have!

One of Two Pools

The Island Princess featured two pools with hot tubs, the one above open to the sky and the other directly behind it closed. One night we watched a great movie, The Penguin Lessons, on the big screen behind the pool. 

At the other end of the pool we discovered the pizza place on the pool deck and the place for hamburgers on the next deck up. Joanne found the pizzas excellent while my lunches were mostly cheese burgers with fries. They were tasty!

 

Princess Ships

After two days at sea, we docked at Aruba for one day, a small island off the coast of Venezuela.  We signed up to go underwater in a submarine. 

We had never been under water in a submarine so this was our chance. 

We saw a few fish, a few wrecks and the sandy bottom a hundred and fifty feet down but not much coral.

After our submarine surfaced, we walked around the tourist strip just off the dock for a bit before reboarding the ship.

Blue Horse 

Early morning before sunrise the 28th of December,  the Island Princess approached the Atlantic Bridge to begin our transit of the Panama Canal.

Approaching Atlantic Bridge

View from the Atlantic Bridge

We stepped through the Gatun Locks into Gatun Lake. These locks are on the right in the photo above. The new locks for newer and bigger ships are on the left.

Panama Canal Map

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Approaching First Lock

Mules

Devices called "Mules" hold the ships in position so that they don't collide with the canal walls. Ships move through the locks under their own power.

Looking Back

London Bridge, "Roll On - Roll Off" Car Carrier

Crews on the ships locking down to the Caribbean Sea waved to us and we waved back. 

 

On Gatun Lake

Pedro Miguel Locks

Lines are rowed out to the ships. 

Panama City from Island Princess

The following day, we joined a bus tour to see the new locks on the Atlantic side. Also included was a great IMAX film about the canal.

Ship Entering New Lock

Tugs are used in the new locks instead of mules. Gates slide in and out.

Locking Down to the Atlantic

On our way to Los Angles from Panama City, we stopped at Puntarenas Costa Rica; Puerto Chiapas, Huatulco and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

At Puntarenas,  we chose to visit the Natuwa wildlife sanctuary. Natura provides rescue and rehabilitation for Costa Rican wildlife. 

 

The macaws in a very large cage were difficult to photograph due to the cage but this one was free.

 

This was our first time to see a sloth! 

The jaguars prowled around behind a fence making a photo tough to get.

Puerto Chiapas is a few miles from the nearest town, Tapachula.  On a bus, we skirted around the nearest town, Tapachula located a few miles inland from the port, to Tuxtia Chico for folk dancing and chocolate making demonstrations. 

Dancers at the Port

At Tuxtia Chico, Rabbit Town

Following the chocolate demo, we visited an IZPA archeological site that appeared to be little visited and less maintained. Stones from Mayan times protected by little huts lay around the perimeter of  large grassy field.  One of the stones depicted the Tree of Life.  A beautiful Ceiba tree held court in the center of the field. 

Tree of Life

After another day at sea we docked at Huatulco where we snorkeled. 

Puerto Vallarta was our last stop before Los Angeles. 

Docked at Puerto Vallarta - Early Morning

Malecon

                                  Our Lady of Guadalupe

After strolling through the cathedral and square that lie just across the street from the Malecon and a short bus ride we arrived at the Lazaro Cardenas Park in the Romantic section of the city.  The mosaics were quite colorful.

Next Up - A stop at an "upscale" flea market. We saw lots of souvenir and tee shirt shops but no fleas. 

  

 After what seemed like a  long bus ride with many turns through run down sections of the city and a stretch of unpaved road, we arrived at Rio Bendito for a tequila lesson and tasting. Joanne enjoyed the coconut and chocolate tequila! Following the lesson and sales pitch, Joanne & I split a fajita lunch before returning to the ship. Yum!     

Rocking Horses for Papa Tourist, Mama Tourist and Baby Tourist

Taking Advantage of Stern Thruster Turbulence

Island Princess needs to turn around to depart and did so with the help of its stern thrusters. Pelicans found the fishing excellent in the turbulence.

It's the start of a new year where we have hope of selling our home here and relocating to the Sacramento, CA area to be nearer to family.  2025 was a wonderful year of travel for us.  However, in October Richard had a serious operation, but was fortunate that his polyp was benign.  We ended the year with this wonderful adventure through the Panama Canal. We look forward to 2026 and hope our health holds out and we will be able to travel with the Friendship Force and by ourselves to some more great destinations!