V

This is the story of two Gerrys, one Barbara, and one Jan. We knew Gerry and Barbara Rosenzweig when we all lived in Middletown, NJ. Jan and Barbara's acquaintance began when they both participated in League of Women Voters activities and later Jan joined Barbara's bridge-playing group that met once a month. The two Gerry's both were in the computer field, although they never worked together.

When retirement time came, co-incidentally at the same time, and for the two Gerry's much earlier than traditionally, we chose different paths — almost completely opposite paths. While we have given up any permanent home and stored all that is precious, Gerry and Barabara have chosen a beautiful home in a golf-course community in Florida and made that their permanent base. There are some things besides temperament which help to explain the differences. The Rosenzweigs have children and having a base helps to get them to come home from college sometimes. And their parents are retired to Florida too, so they can spend more time with them.

Barbara Rosenzweig cooking at home

Barbara, Jan, and Coco

When we finally showed up in Florida after having been invited for years it was a great reunion, with a very warm welcome. As is traditional we immediately got a tour of the house and, of course, were more than a bit jealous. They have picked very well for themselves and decorated beautifully, right to our taste. We particularly liked the art that detailed the walls, and, because there is plenty of space, the scupltures that decorated the floors here and there. That night we were treated to Barbara's fine cooking. We do appreciate relief from restaurant fare and when, as this time, it is exactly what we want to eat and very well made, how could we be happier?

Newspaper with Saddam Hussein on cover

As it happened our arrival coincided with the beginning of the Anti-Saddam war in Iraq. Of course everybody everywhere had been speculating what Saddam Hussein would do and what George Bush would do. Would one fold? Would the other act decisively? We discussed this during dinner. As we have different points of view the discussion was lively, but friendly. All the while the TV had been on in the other room. Suddenly we realized what news had flashed onto the screen and off all four of us went to see what reality was, as opposed to our speculations.

Club House pool

Barbara and Jan, poolside

The Rosenzweigs live in a gated community. This is the rule rather than the exception in Florida, but it was new stuff to us. On our second day we went to see what the club house and its pool were like. Well, anybody who has read much of this diary knows that pools are a big treat for us. We were delighted with the pool. The day was only a bit hot, but once in the pool it was really refreshing. And, as usual, most of the people were lookers rather than swimmers, so we had plenty of place for ourselves.

Barbara at poolside lunch

Gerry and Barabara Rosenswieg with Coco

After swimming we were treated to a nice meal on the terrace. It reminded Gerry of the old days in Nancy, France, when he would go swimming as often as possible at lunch time and then take his lunch by the side of the open air public pool. Even in the heat and humidity of Florida, there is something so pleasing about eating out of doors.

Sadly, however, all good things must come to an end. After our great vacation from vacation we had to mosey on and leave Coco the terrier to take good care of our friends. In the words of the old Vera Lynn song from WWII: "We'll meet again, Don't know where, Don't know when, But we know we'll meet again some sunny day!"