Monday, December 25, 2017

Monday, December 25, 2017


Tonight's picture was taken on Christmas of 2008, Mattie's last Christmas with us. Mattie was home between treatments and was recovering from limb salvaging surgery. Mattie was dealing with a lot of pain, depression, and medical traumatic stress. He was not in a good or happy place, but despite that, I was able to capture this funny moment between himself and Peter. Mattie's friends dropped off these Christmas antlers, hat, and noses and together they made the best out of a very challenging situation. 





Quote of the day: Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. ~ Calvin Coolidge

I think it goes without saying that celebrating another Christmas without Mattie, is packed with many challenges. We had 7 Christmases with Mattie, and now 9 without him. Let that sink in.... more without him, than with him. It is no picnic seeing families with their children whether in person or on Facebook. I naturally want to wish my friends who have children a Merry Christmas, and yet there is a part of me who doesn't want to see the MERRY or even hear about it. 

As it is Christmas, many attractions and activities in Fort Lauderdale were closed today. However, that did not stop our adventures. We went on a "Venice of America Tour." Which basically takes you for a 90 minute cruise on the intercoastal, to see homes, canals, and the downtown area. 

Peter and I had done such a cruise once before on a different boating line. Today's tour with Riverfront Cruises was much better than the previous tour we took. Captain Louie was humorous and gave us a lovely tour, and when he wasn't talking, he was playing old time Christmas music..... all the classics featuring Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, Dean Martin, etc! I also love how they took a souvenir photo. 

My mom took a photo of Peter and me with the 17th street bridge in the background. I love all the bridges in Fort Lauderdale, as most are draw bridges that go up on the half an hour. An activity Mattie absolutely loved to watch. 

My mom and me. 

Going through the intercoastal canals. You can see why this is referred to as the Venice of America. The building on the right, that is a mint green is the Riverside Hotel (built in 1936). The oldest hotel in Fort Lauderale. 

In a way such a tour makes you feel like you are experiencing the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. 

Fort Lauderdale is a boating capital in the US. You won't believe how expensive some of these yachts are.... millions and docking them each day costs around $7 per foot. Keep in mind these boats are 300 feet or longer. Therefore, at minimum to park a boat is $2,100 a day. Not for the average person. 

Where was everyone? ON THE WATER!!! Totally different kind of December than most of us face in the North East!!! Hard to believe it was in the 80's on Christmas. 

Can you see this boat that looks like a tiki hut? Literally it was a floating bar!

Stranahan House is the home of Fort Lauderdale pioneers Frank and Ivy Stranahan. Built in 1901 as a trading post and converted into a residence for the Stranahans in 1906, the house is the oldest surviving structure in Broward County.

Fort Lauderdale also has a White House! The White House is an 11-bedroom mansion built in 1938 and lived in for years by the man who made his fortune selling air-conditioning assemblies to car makers. It was listed for $35 million, but then was marked down to $28 million. If you do buy it, prepare to pay more than $600,000 a year just in property taxes.

Wayne Huizenga's (American businessman and entrepreneur. He has been involved in the founding of three Fortune 500 corporations and is responsible for six New York Stock Exchange listed companies.) $15 million estate, is the only home on the New River with three waterfalls and a bell tower.

Can you believe this house was sold for $100 million? It kind of boggles the mind. Meanwhile, as a house owner here, you have boats staring into your backyard and skyscrapers hanging over you. 

A typical yacht that we passed!