It's A Rematch!!

Hard to believe that a full year has gone by, since David and his longtime friend Ron played 'lights out' at last year's Member-Guest tourney in Harbor Hills. But here it is again, and the Terrific Twosome will be defending their Second Place title, and vieing for First Place this year. The tourney is played Friday and Saturday, March 28 and 29th with a Thursday practice round. Saturday night culminates in a big bash with terrific prizes and trophies. I'm getting my party dress ready and a new spot on the credenza for a crystal cup! Pictured above are last year's triumphant winners!

Excuse me, is this WORK??

We heard from Sunni today, and thankfully, she's made it to her destination safely. She's off to work at the factory, but did manage to relax at her hotel...The Sofitel Royal Lagoon Hotel in Dongguan, China. The luxury hotel features a business center, concierge services, Internet access, car rental service and for the sports-minded guest~ a golf course, basketball facilities, tennis courts and a jogging track. She's sure to take advantage of all the spa facilities, with a mani-pedi during her stay. Okay, so we work hard! But we play hard, too!

Canine Massage, Chinese Style!

I had the first opportunity to incorporate some new acupressure techniques in today's canine massage. Beau is a mixed breed rescue that Elizabeth adopted from Houndhaven. Houndhaven is located in Mineola, Florida near Orlando. I've volunteered at their events and been extremely impressed by their facility, philosophy and honest concern for large, hard-to-place dogs. So it was a treat for me to work on shy and timid Beau (pictured on the left). Beau's 'brother' Buddy, wanted to get in on the massage, so Elizabeth showered affection on Buddy while Beau got his acupressure. Within minutes, Beau relaxed and let me show Elizabeth some healing strokes. We all were energized and feeling great at the end of the session. Elizabeth is interested in my 'Doggie Party Package' for doggie birthday parties and will be in touch soon!

On Her Way...Again!

Despite poor weather in both Boston and her connection city of Chicago, Sunni's flight took off for her Hong Kong destination and ultimately, mainland China. She'll do a two week assignment, meeting with her factory personnel to review each individual customer's product, overall project & timeline. Of course her nervous Mom will feel much better once the trip is over and she's once again on US soil. Renting out her condo, moving to a new home and planning a wedding rounds out the busy life of our youngest daughter! Picture above is famous Oriental Pearl TV tower in Shanghai, China, taken by Sunni during her last trip.Click for a closer view, then use your back button to return.

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

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My certification course has officially ended, but my journey into Chinese Veterinary Medicine has just begun. Every day of instruction was a jewel in my life introducing me to Chinese philosophy and animal care. Restorative techniques including acupuncture and tui na (Chinese acupressure using meridian concepts) were taught by holistic vets who are professors at the renowned University of Florida Veterinary School. 'Wet labs' using both horses and dogs to practice, were highlights of the week. Also included were Tai Chi & QiGong movements. This has been a week of life-changing experiences, including networking with both veterinarians and students from all over the world who are now contacts and friends for life. Click on the arrow on the picture to start the show.

Surviving Day One!

Okay, so it's only been forty years since the last time I sat in a classroom environment for nine hours. But, with hourly breaks and a lovely catered lunch, I survived my first day at the Chi Institute in Reddick, Florida. The sheer 'ton-age' of philosophical, historical and application-oriented information was truly mind-boggling. Tomorrow, eight greyhounds will join us for practice in accupuressure. Props to my loving husband who is taking time out of his life to drive me to and fro for all but one day.

Monster Truck!

Well, not really, but it sure seems that way to me! David rented this Chevy Trailblazer (complete with North Carolina license plate!) to take me up to Gainesville for my certification class this week while our Infiniti is being serviced. Of course, my vote was for the cute navy blue Miata convertible in the Hertz parking lot. But I got overridden as David will be doing the bulk of the driving on every day except Saturday, when he will playing golf with his Saturday group. I'm a sports car, low to the ground kind of girl, with luxury overtones, so this Monster Truck/SUV isn't really working for me. I drove it from Home Depot back to the Hertz parking lot to pick up our Infiniti. And I felt like I was driving a freight train! How the heck do you back up in this thing? It's as long as a city block! We shall see how it goes on Saturday, my only driving day. Meantime, David is happy and we already loaded in some new flowers for the garden. Maybe this "cruise ship" isn't as bad as I thought it was!

Canine Massage and Acupuncture

Getting ready for my coursework this week. Here's a good example of canine massage and acupuncture. My classes this week will enhance my current knowledge, plus give me an insight into the holistic perspective of canine health. A new client called from Orlando and booked a March 22 massage. Her 'baby' (a big lab) will be the first to get the benefit of my newfound knowledge!

Nancy Lopez (born January 6, 1957 in Torrance, California) is one of the most accomplished women in the history of professional women's golf. She won the United States Girls Junior Amateur Golf Championship in 1972 and again in 1974. In her rookie year on the LPGA Tour, she won nine tournaments, and was named Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year in the same season. This feat has not been repeated to date. Lopez was inducted in the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1987. My good friend Jaye just purchased a set of Nancy's new golf clubs...so imagine my surprise when, at lunch last week, Nancy herself walked briskly through the restaurant! My friend Annette and I were seated at the bar, enjoying our lobster bisque and eggplant sandwich. I spotted Nancy on my left side, and breezily said, "Hi, Nancy!" as she walked by the bar. She feigned recognition of sorts, and replied, "Oh, hi there!" as if she had known me all her life. I'm not overly impressed by celebrities. But Nancy's easy friendliness and down-to-earth presence really impressed me. Way to go, Nancy! I may even consider your clubs the next time I'm shopping for a new five wood!

Canine Acupressure & More!

To enhance my current knowledge of canine massage, I'm so excited to be participating in a certification class for TCVM - Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. The class starts next week. The instructor is a professor at the renowned and nearby University of Florida Vet School in Gainesville, Florida. Classes include herbalogy, equine and canine accupressure, acupuncture techniques and more. Located on more than forty acres in rural central Florida, it's an animal lovers dream.

Sunni's Boston Wedding Shower

Sunni & Kevin's wedding is rapidly approaching!! Plans are in place and we are trying to meet all our milestone dates. Here's a picture of our two beautiful daughters taken at Sunni's bridal shower in Boston in January...

Snow in Boston!

My recent trip to Boston for my daughter Sunni's wedding shower included an unexpected bonus - a snowstorm! It's been literally decades since my last romp in the snow. Older daughter Lisa and I had some Mother-Daughter fun before our hasty return to Florida and the sunshine!

The Family Recipe Book is Finally Published!

Recipes to Rem...

Compiled by the chi...

By Nikki Hoffman

Book Preview

David and I were fortunate to enjoy our second New Years Eve at Harbor Hills. A GREAT time was had by all!

Holiday Time is Here!

Well, somehow the summer and fall escaped us and here we are in Holday Season, 2007. They say the older you get, the quicker time flies, and that is certainly true for David and me! We're looking forward to an exciting 2008, with Kevin and Sunni's wedding in May. A trip to Boston in January is scheduled for Sunni's shower. I'll be traveling up with Lisa, which will be fun! Wish me luck with all the cold weather!

Our World Traveler...

Our daughter Sunni headed back to the UK last week to generate business for her new endeavor. She is now an 'independent contractor' working with a former associate from Tru-Fit. Her stops this time included the Manchester area and Amsterdam as well. She's pictured above with boyfriend Kevin attending a destination wedding in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. I wonder where that travel bug came from??? Hmmm.....

Where the buffalo roam....

Who would believe it? In our very own home town of Lady Lake/the Villages, a few precious buffalo still roam...Even the Villages High School honors them as their official mascot. The buffalo are quite the tourist attraction and easily approach you from the fence. As you can see, they also love the camera! Thanks to our friend Bob Brownfeld, Photographer Extraordinaire for this up close and personal look at our favorite local attraction. Click on the picture for a closer view if you dare!

Member-Guest Tournament, 2007

Click on pic for a closer view.

Our friend, Ron Steinert from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, joined David for the Member-Guest Tournament in Harbor Hills. This is a three day event, bravely fought in Lady Lake's cold weather in March. The field was one hundred and twenty men strong! Our twosome struggled against strong winds and rain...and proudly brought home the second place trophy!! Frankly, the second place trophy was my personal choice. The first place trophy was too big to fit on our shelf!!

Celtics & the Heat - Up Close!

And personal, as daughter Sunni & boyfriend Kevin sat
in the 6th row of the Boston Garden. They enjoyed some up close time with Shaq and Duane Wade! So much FUN! Click for a closer view.

Chef James' Cooking Class

On Monday, February 5, Chef James imparted a few of his many secrets to interested cooks at Harbor Hills. On the menu: lobster pasta salad, beef casserole pot pie, Pork Crostini, Maple Leaf Duck Breast with mixed greens, puff pastry tort with fresh fruit and the perfect jelly roll. A delicious time was had by all! For more pics of this savory event, click here. Use your browser's back button to return to the blog.