PADILLY NEWS: Total Shutdown – Spring 2020

My goal is to try and move through each day as if everything is normal — but it is not.  I hope that this Spring 2020 newsletter finds you and all those within your circle of family and friends untouched by this dreaded coronavirus. My wish is that this Spring 2020 newsletter brings a smile to your face with news on a few beautiful things.

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I learned of an acquaintance who is fighting for his life and who I think about and pray for daily, but to date, Covid-19 has not physically touched my extended family and friends — only economically.

March 2020 has been unlike any other time in my lifetime. On the first of March, we celebrated the marriage of one of our daughters, and just two days later, we closed on the sale of our Texas house. Yes, life was good, and two such positive events happening days apart were an answer to a prayer. I can only imagine what would have happened if these events took place only two weeks later…

When I arrived back home in Florida on March 4, the virus spread to new communities across America with each passing day.

With Mr. Padilly still back in Texas preparing our boat, Beautiful Dreamer, to be moved to Florida, I’ve found myself in our home alone.

Since I enjoy working in the yard, or better yet, sitting in it, I decided to use this time to create a little spot where I could get out of the Florida sun, have a cup of tea, and read.

I also wanted this area to pay tribute to my Texas roots, complete with a Javelina created by a local artist during my trip to Big Bend. Once the plants mature and pink flowers bloom, the setting will be complete alongside my pink Adirondack chair.

New News – Beautiful Dreamer:

I would have to say that the biggest adventure underway (even as I type this) is that Mr. Padilly is literally in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico.

He set sail on Tuesday from Kemah, Texas, to bring our sailboat, Beautiful Dreamer, to her new home at Twin Dolphin Marina in Bradenton, Florida. In just a few days, I’ll be making the drive down to Bradenton to join him.

With the sailboat in Florida, I look forward to sharing stories and pictures from the beautiful waters in which she will sail. For more on our sailing life, please visit our Instagram page, @sv_BeautifulDreamer.

I DO BELIEVE IN DINOSAURS

If you are ever north of Orlando, check out Barberville Yard Art Emporium. You can’t describe this place, only experienced, and if you can’t find something for your yard here, I doubt you can find it anywhere. I actually stumbled upon it on my way back from a trip to St. Augustine. What a treat! It’s a beautiful potpourri of metal!

EPCOT’S ART FESTIVAL

Living 40 minutes from Disney World makes it easy for me to visit any time, and one of my favorite festivals is EPCOT International Festival for the Arts.  The Coronavirus was a world away when I visited on this day, just two months ago (sigh).

I especially love the beautiful chalk paintings and admire the artists who share such beauty with the public. Imagine creating something so beautiful, knowing rai will wash it away, but also knowing the memories will last forever.

“Imagination is the only weapon in the war against reality.” ~ The Cheshire Cat

LEESBURG’S VENETIAN GARDEN’S:

During this period of social distancing, I really enjoy walking the Venetian Gardens in Leesburg.  The gardens began to help feed Leesburg residents during the Great Depression through the Federal Emergency Relief Administration project.  I can only wonder as I walk along these lakes if a need for similar projects will be our new reality.

Stay safe, everyone. I’ll be back this summer.

Happy Trails,
Mrs. Padilly

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