2/25/2026 Some Crazy Moments This Year...

My few months in Florida has came to a close.

I'm heading back home...

To be honest I definitely feel burnt out, I miss my home, friends & family, but man I'd be lying if I didn't say I feel attached to this place too lol. Especially since I stayed in the North Central panhandle of Florida for almost the last five years. I have spent so much time for quite a while over the years so it really felt like I was living there and had a routine not just a normal vacation.

Essentially just thinking about going back to my life at home and leaving the crazy fun place after adjusting feels so weird haha.

I guess a few months on the road solo does that to ya?

I can't even imagine being around certain groups of people and having to see so many familiar faces again. Seems like I've definitely changed and just blehhhh & yet excited too!

I'm conflicted about being back home so many things that I used to care about seem so unimportant now.

It always a pleasure take a road trip.

However each year I notice the change I feel about experiencing new people, places and feelings.

This year I experienced an unusual circumstance.

I ate out at McDonald's each morning because that's was my thing... "No cooking rule" is a treat to myself on these Winter Excursions.

I always enjoy having conversations with fellow retirees & others.

This year I experienced drama that threw me for a big surprise.

The first day I arrived to my Winter hub at my daughter's house. We had a wonderful welcoming few days but I knew that my daughter & I had different schedules in our life. I have always been an early riser & my daughter's family is on a opposite system of late sleeper & late night owls. That is fine we the found time in the afternoon & evening for conversations.

Anyway to get back on topic of the early mornings for me was a McDonald's run.

I met several regulars right away which they were delightful.

One particular woman approached and insisted I sit with her. I sat and listened to her details of life for her in Florida. I inserted my introductions in the few moment gaps in her ongoing conversation.

Then later I was invited to her Sunday school at one church and church service at another. I went along that one Sunday.

I have had days of greetings others & introductions this year.

I noticed as time went along this woman became very intrusive as to my life & my daughter's life. Wanted to know every minut details.

She was always questioning things that was really none of her business. At least from my upbringing point of view.

I was told by one male retiree that he arrived around 6:00 am to have a comfortable breakfast without her brags, inquiries, and weird personality.

I enjoyed a few good conversational moments with this male individual so I took his suggestion and started to arrive earlier at 6:00 am.

We were enjoying our Peace & Solitude for a few mornings together with a sprinkle of pleasant conversation but... it was a short achievement. She began coming earlier too.

She began a crusade to "I guess" to compete with me or smother me one... I am not sure which one.

She almost demand that this one particular man that I had began conversing with now talk to her. He had previous experience with her & he was having nothing to do with her. He even turned his back to her refusing to talk.

She had already decided there was some sort of competition. She would always find a seat sitting across from me.

So the next day she hailed over a perfect stranger who then step over to inquired if he knew her. She admitted that they indeed did not know each other but he could sit there with her.

He looked very uncomfortable & told the McDonald's counter employee to bag his order to go please... And he left!

Then the next day I was sitting at a table so I didn't have to view this very intrusive woman yet it might allowed me to have a conversation with others if I chose.

I met an younger man who wore a prison guard uniform whom I had seen several times. The tables were full so I asked if he wanted to sit down and he did.

I asked a few questions about his job explaining I had 2 brother in-laws who were employed with Missouri Dept of Corrections in my home state. One as Sargent & the other who rose to Director of Prison Industries.

We had a very pleasant conversation with similar knowledge of the prison systems.

However, the very next morning this same individual was cornered by this said intrusive female.

I was aghast at her behavior of cornering this same young man the next morning.

He was asked probing questions regarding his birthday year which I overheard was almost young enough to be her grandson. She asked him for a pen so she could give him her number. He fidgets and tells her he did not have a pen. She inquires what is that in his pocket. He reluctantly gave her his pen & then she demanded his telephone number. (I was hoping he gave her a false number)

I was seated there uncomfortable watching these trespasses of this woman who professed to be a teacher for 30 years & age 77. 😳

Whoa... Now... I notice that nobody has seen that guy in McDonald's since that inquisition .

I myself have even stopped sitting inside because there seems to be no where I can avoid her. I just want a peaceful meal.

I tried the Burger King but the service & breakfast was lacking there. Then several mornings I saw her parked at Burger King as I approached the store so I didn't stop.

I felt like I was being stalked.

The only other alternative would be that I would have to drive ten miles further to find a restaurant that served a sit down breakfast at a higher price tag.

I had just resorted to McDonald's breakfast ordered through the drive thru and parking in the square downtown.

No Drama There!

It Been A Crazy World Down Here In Florida This Year!

Nana