February is always filled with emotion, as both of my deceased parent’s birthdays kick off the month. My wife was watching the movie Groundhog Day this afternoon, as Punxsutawney Phil called for 6 more weeks of winter. Sadly, our Austin friends are already trying to thaw themselves out of a recent ice storm, something we don’t worry much about down here in Florida. However, we too have had our share of weather-related emergencies.

My mom and dad would have both been celebrating 102 years this week, born just hours apart in 1921. They’ve been gone for nine years now, passing within weeks of each other in 2014. Dad had Alzheimer’s and mom tired from trying to care for him. I’ve been busy of late updating blog stories I’ve written about this amazing couple for my autobiography in Storyworth, at the expense of preparing new material for this site.

My wife and I have lots of local travel planned over these next few weeks, but also some rare time apart. First, I’m playing golf with three former LIN TV executives near Anna Marie Island. I’ll spend two nights there and two afternoons on the Waterlefe and Lakewood Ranch Legacy courses. Before I take the car and leave her with only a golf cart, she’s in charge of a “Hello February” neighborhood bash tomorrow night. I’m still getting over a hangover from last night’s martini social with neighborhood friends. I’m sure the drinks will also be flowing during the upcoming golf battles and the televised I.U. vs. Purdue basketball rivalry that we will probably watch in a bar.

Next week, we’ll accept delivery of a new living room  chair, drive to Leesburg with Tally in tow to see my sister, take another auto excursion to Bradenton for lunch with more former LIN co-workers, and return to enjoy the Alter Eagles concert at our Islandwalk community center. Next, comes the Superbowl, more I.U. games, and the monthly Borrego Boys luncheon, followed by a three-day visit from my sister/brother-in-laws, then friends from Ft. Wayne for at least one night. My son’s new job at Chili’s will certainly add more babysitting duties to our already busy social calendar.