Wendy's trip log: September 2023 when things began to change, and some fun events

NY State

September 2023

Wow, this year was so full of wonderful and amazing events, but there were several things that were also going on as we were in the transition of plans to move. I know that I have mentioned in several of the post, that we do have a place in Florida and the plan is or rather was, as it is now May of 2025 and that plan changed as I am still living here in Central NY. We still have a place in Florida, and someday we plan to make the big move, but for now, we are here. Living in NY. A quick story of what had transpired vs what was actually happening in my life at this time (September 2023). In September of 2023, Mark and I were patiently waiting of confirmation that he was licensed in Georgia, Florida and South Carolina. The plan was that Mark would retire early, we would sell the house and go to one of the locations that offered him the best locum tenens placement. ( This is a temporary position working with an area healthcare provider that may be in need of coverage for staff shortage, vacations or absences) The licensing process was delaying much of the move, so we just kept pushing through with no date in mind, but with the projected plan that it would come soon. I had sold most things, we had downsized, many of my things were in Florida, and we were in the stages of consideration of selling the house, renting the house, we really were not sure. What we did know was that things at home were not stable. I wont get personal here, but long story short. Since September of 2023. We have had a tenant live here who was going to buy the home,( no longer) several changes of heart, a placement position offered that was less then ideal, emotional and financial hardships, and two adult children that currently are living home and a new retirement date that is more in line when Mark can actually retire. (this will be in 3 years from June of 2025) So there you have it. We are still in NY. I know now that it was needed to step back and address the things that were staring us all in the face. Still, several changes need to be made around here for the final plunge. We still have a place in Florida, we still have the horse/horses, we still have our home in NY, I am still traveling with Tulip, Mark is still working for the state. We no longer have our camp, I still have my little casita, which has not left the driveway, and we still intend to make the move towards Mark taking on Locum positions across the United States someday, It's all just delayed.

Many of you might not care about all this, but I know when I have tried to watch video blogs or read blogs, and there is a random change in the flow I do wonder what the hell happened, so this is only for clarity on why the hell I am not living my best life possibly in Atlanta, or Charlotte or even Melbourne Florida for that matter. With that....on with the good stuff.

A return to Saratoga, this time to the harness track. Mark's horse was racing at the Saratoga Racecourse, so we pulled an evening at the hotel and the casino, so we could enjoy watching Kisses from Above race. Unfortunately he loss, so I wont get into that because it was so upsetting. But the Hotel and casino is awesome. We have stayed here before, and took in all that the hotel has to offer, including a shuttle into town. This time we didn't take the shuttle, or maybe it just wasn't running at this time of year. But we didn't

Instead we enjoyed the pool and hot tub.

Attempted to eat at one of the areas fine dining, but it was packed so we went to Druthers. Which is super yummy btw and it has a unique outdoor space, as well as some yummy soft pretzels.

We had a little fun in the hotel and also did some gambling. It was a nice much needed get away, and at least after Kisses loss, we didn't have to take the long ride home in depression. we have before, he just doesn't seem to do well at this track.

It was fun to get away just the same. I found this odd sculpture. I tried to get a background with no luck. It was just this random family in the middle of nowhere.

We had a dinner at Turing Stone Casino. It was very nice and we got to spend time with our friends Gary and Sue.

Sue was having a great time.

We had a visit to the barn to see the horses. Mark had decided to sell Crazy Beach, and we got an opportunity to say goodbye to her. She was really showing that she was not interested in racing. The last few runs, she would simply give up. She really was crazy. She is a fast horse who wants nothing to do with racing, so it made the most sense to sell her. She was ready to breed babies and run the pastures. It's sad. I will miss this Crazy girl.

We also paid a visit to Kisses. Hey big boy!

Goodbye Girl....miss you already.

We celebrated Becky's 50th Birthday at camp.

and I ended up selling my camper to these guys. Bobby and Fred. It didn't end up as smooth as I had expected, and it actually was sold to someone else.