Dec 22nd - Mon - Naples
We got going earlier today and went to pick up Billy, Lori and their bicycles for a ride today. We drove to the Shark ? visitor center in the Everglades National Park, a couple of hours from Billy & Lori’s park. Along Hwy 41 where it runs east/west on the northern edge of the Everglades, there are waterways with clear water, alligators and birds. Very pretty.
Our ride was a 15 mile loop on a paved road that is also used for tourist tram tours. Bicyclists ride the opposite direction from the trams so you have plenty of time to pull over and stop when the tram comes by.
We saw LOTS of alligators on the sides of the road. Some even slept with their tails on the road. Also saw one coiled snake and many birds. In the middle of the loop there is an observation tower accessed by a large curved ramp. We ate our lunch there, took some pictures and headed back - into the wind! Billy & Lori have single speed bikes so Lori struggled a bit but we were in no hurry and finished the ride with no problems. We stopped at an interesting (rustic décor!) establishment for a nice cold beer and took Hwy 75 back to shorten the drive time a bit.
We had a quick drink with Billy & Lori while I helped them with a couple of computer questions and finally headed home to rescue our Dolly from a long day in the rig.
Dec 23rd - Tues - Naples
Puttered around checking more things off my list this morning and discussed having some friends over for drinks and appies tomorrow with the usual vague response from Terry. When we went for a walk to take out the garbage we stopped to talk to a couple down the street (Colin & Linda) who are from Alberta. Really enjoyed chatting with them so I impulsively asked them over for tomorrow and got the ball rolling. A couple of phone calls and visits to 2 neighbors to round out our guest list.
Colin & Linda stopped to say they probably would not be able to come tomorrow after all and we ended up in our rig (with sewing machine, ironing board, etc all over) talking about air cards, satellite systems and who knows what else.
Next a trip to a grocery store to try to find the candy coating to make covered pretzels since the package I had would not melt properly - must have been sitting around too long. Of course the store we picked did not have it but by the time we finished there I just wanted to get back and have something to eat since we had skipped lunch. Made use of the great barbeque light again!
Dec 24th - Wed - Naples
Terry checked our bank info this morning and got a bit of a surprise that really got him wound up. Three CDs had disappeared from our balance screen. One CD had matured on Sunday and we had sent instructions to our personal banker so expected it might not show up right away but the other 2 should have been there. Anyone who knows Terry very well will know that he went into “pacing mode”. Of course, with the time difference we couldn’t do anything right away. We sent an email to our personal banker and got a message back that it could not be delivered! (add a bike ride to the pacing!) Meanwhile, I am baking shortbread cookies and getting other things ready for our little get-together. I even sent Terry to WalMart on a successful search for pretzel coating. Finally got through to an online banking tech and it took him about 30 seconds to make all 3 CDs show up on our screen.
Terry did some running around with our neighbor Ray while I finished up my baking & prep. About 4:30, our neighbors Paul & Lorraine (from Ontario) joined us for a drink before they had to leave for dinner. They had to leave shortly after meeting everyone else - Ray & Claire, Billy & Lori and Gary & Carie. The weather was great for staying outside, a few no-seeums and mosquitoes, and we had a great time. Colin & Linda were able to join us later. They traveled a lot of the same places that we did this summer, including Newfoundland, so we have lots to talk about. They even stayed in the same park, at the same time, as we did in Ft. Lauderdale. Such a small world!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Dec 19th to 21st - Naples FL
Dec 19th - Fri - Naples
Visited the produce market and rode to the post office this morning before going to Gary & Carie’s. We stopped at National Hardware to buy a bright light to illuminate the barbeque on the nights that it gets dark before dinner is cooked - which is almost always at this time of year. Then on to the Fleamasters flea market. We had found an awning sunscreen for them on a previous trip - turned out to be just what they wanted. Next we went to the Ortiz flea market which was mostly empty of vendors and shoppers so on to the Flamingo flea market. Started out with lunch and then wandered the market. Carie found a few items including a great buy - a pair of sandals for $10, original price $62.99. Tried to find a Linens and Things store but they couldn’t remember exactly where it was so back to pick up our truck, a stop for something to put on the barbeque (have to try out the light!) and home.
The light worked great for Terry to cook on the barbeque and then we settled dinner and cooled off by going for a bike ride. Ended up chatting with our neighbors a bit.
Dec 20th - Sat - Naples
Another beautiful, sunny day. Started with breakfast at the park and then laundry. Next a bath for Dolly. When I had her wrapped in a towel and we were sitting outside, I discovered that she has fleas. This is the first time in her 12 years that she has had fleas. So off to Super WalMart for flea stuff and a few groceries. Found a Linens and Things store just down the street from here but there isn’t much left. Checked out the shoe department in Marshalls with no luck.
Terry sat and talked with a couple of neighbors while I got to relax with a book before starting dinner.
Dec 21st - Sun - Naples
I guess Sunday is not necessarily a day of rest when you are retired and can “rest” any day you please! I had a list of things to do today - crossed off 4 and did several other things that weren’t even on the list. Got the carpet sprinkled with flea powder and vacuumed up so hopefully that, along with a treatment for Dolly, will get rid of the fleas.
I didn’t have anything good around for lunch so we took off about 1:30 and went to Subway. Then spent an hour and a half in a couple of shoe stores looking for some “dancing” shoes for me. We like to dance and get a chance occasionally but I don’t have any shoes suitable for dancing - tennies and slip-ons just don’t cut it. Finally found some and Terry got some sandals as the ones that I finally got him to wear (without socks!!) are about to give out.
Had a nice chat on Skype with Claude & Val this evening. We are unfortunately not going to be able to meet them anywhere this winter.
Visited the produce market and rode to the post office this morning before going to Gary & Carie’s. We stopped at National Hardware to buy a bright light to illuminate the barbeque on the nights that it gets dark before dinner is cooked - which is almost always at this time of year. Then on to the Fleamasters flea market. We had found an awning sunscreen for them on a previous trip - turned out to be just what they wanted. Next we went to the Ortiz flea market which was mostly empty of vendors and shoppers so on to the Flamingo flea market. Started out with lunch and then wandered the market. Carie found a few items including a great buy - a pair of sandals for $10, original price $62.99. Tried to find a Linens and Things store but they couldn’t remember exactly where it was so back to pick up our truck, a stop for something to put on the barbeque (have to try out the light!) and home.
The light worked great for Terry to cook on the barbeque and then we settled dinner and cooled off by going for a bike ride. Ended up chatting with our neighbors a bit.
Dec 20th - Sat - Naples
Another beautiful, sunny day. Started with breakfast at the park and then laundry. Next a bath for Dolly. When I had her wrapped in a towel and we were sitting outside, I discovered that she has fleas. This is the first time in her 12 years that she has had fleas. So off to Super WalMart for flea stuff and a few groceries. Found a Linens and Things store just down the street from here but there isn’t much left. Checked out the shoe department in Marshalls with no luck.
Terry sat and talked with a couple of neighbors while I got to relax with a book before starting dinner.
Dec 21st - Sun - Naples
I guess Sunday is not necessarily a day of rest when you are retired and can “rest” any day you please! I had a list of things to do today - crossed off 4 and did several other things that weren’t even on the list. Got the carpet sprinkled with flea powder and vacuumed up so hopefully that, along with a treatment for Dolly, will get rid of the fleas.
I didn’t have anything good around for lunch so we took off about 1:30 and went to Subway. Then spent an hour and a half in a couple of shoe stores looking for some “dancing” shoes for me. We like to dance and get a chance occasionally but I don’t have any shoes suitable for dancing - tennies and slip-ons just don’t cut it. Finally found some and Terry got some sandals as the ones that I finally got him to wear (without socks!!) are about to give out.
Had a nice chat on Skype with Claude & Val this evening. We are unfortunately not going to be able to meet them anywhere this winter.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Dec 13th to 18th - Naples FL
Dec 13th - Sat - Naples
More chores today! I did most of my sewing, need thread for one more pair of shorts. A cord in the blind in our bedroom broke some time ago. We shopped unsuccessfully a couple of times for replacement cord and checked on the internet for repair instructions which looked very complicated. We happened to mention it to our neighbor Ray and he said he had yards of cord, had repaired 4 blinds and would be happy to help us. Unfortunately, this was a 4 cord blind and didn’t look like the ones he had done. Fortunately, Terry was able to tape new cord to old and pull it through. It took a while to get everything adjusted but it works and I can put away the lovely container of seasoning that I was using to prop up the blind for some air.
We went through forwarded mail and then after dinner made a quick trip for the thread that I need. Hemmed one leg on the shorts, cussed the tangled mess of thread, ripped it out and left it for tomorrow!
Dec 14th - Sun - Naples
Strawberry shortcake again for breakfast. I love having it for breakfast instead of being too full to really enjoy it for dessert after dinner.
We had received a phone call yesterday from our friends Billy & Lori (traveled with them in Tennesee, NC and SC) and they are in the same park north of here as our friends Gary & Carie from Victoria BC. We picked up Billy & Lori and went to the Fleamasters flea market. The weather turned out windier and cooler than forecast so it was a good day for the flea market. Basket of 5 tomatoes $1, whole medium seedless watermelon $2, huge avocado $1.
We stopped at Costco on the way back and discovered that they have a separate liquor store with good prices so we had to stock up a bit. We had a drink with Billy & Lori and Gary & Carie joined us when they drove into the park.
Christmas decorations along Hwy 41 are lovely so it is fun to drive home in the dark. Palm trees are a natural to decorate with lights spiraled around the trunk.
Dec 15th - Mon - Naples
Did a bit of housecleaning and put together a picnic lunch for a visit to a beach today. Billy & Lori and Gary & Carie came to our site and then we took 2 vehicles to Delnor-Wiggins State Park which is not very far from here. It rained last night and the weather did not look promising but it was still warm. After paying the $5 per carload state park fee, we found several parking lots with boardwalks to a very long, white sand beach. We set up chairs and relaxed!! Did some shelling, ate lunch and everyone except Terry & I went in the water. I did wade and the water is initially cool but swimmable. We built a sandman (as opposed to a snowman!) and took a bunch of pictures with it.
Some very dark clouds started moving in so we wisely packed up and headed for our rig just in time to get under the awning before the rain really came down. Billy & Lori headed out after one drink, Gary & Carie and we moved inside for another round when wind came up with another downpour.
Dec 16th - Tues - Naples
Our steps had quite a few rusty spots so, since there was very little wind, we spray painted them this morning. Then, since we had to wait for the steps to dry, we went for a bike ride along a path/sidewalk beside Hwy 41 and then checked out a small strip mall near our RV park. And wouldn’t you know it - Terry found a little casino there! We each signed up for a card with an initial $5 on it. I lost the $5 and a bit more and finally pried Terry out of there with some money still on his card.
We had invited Ray & Claire for dinner so we made a quick trip to a grocery store for a couple of items, put the baby backs on to boil and sat down for a drink with our guests. Because of the high humidity here, the steps were still not dry so we put them up and used the cooler to get into the rig - good thing for Ray & Claire that we ate outside. Had a great dinner with dessert provided by Claire.
Dec 17th - Wed - Naples
Had a late breakfast today before we realized that it was hamburger day at the community center here. We made RV park reservations for January (still in Florida) and did some cleaning. Terry thought he would have a hamburger anyway but we both ended up just having ice cream. Then we went back to the casino and spent some time and not too much money.
I spent some very frustrating time trying to figure out why our vehicle insurance premium went up by $100. Insurance company sent me to the credit bureau (rate is based on your credit rating!) which sent me back to the insurance company where someone finally found that WA state had an increase in premiums last year. I was getting pretty upset before it was all solved.
Dec 18th - Thurs - Naples
Another beach day. We stopped at a couple of stores before picking up Billy & Lori to go to Sanibel Island which is not too far north of here. There is a $6 fee to cross the causeway to the island. We found a public access and the metered parking that we had been told about. So we paid for 3 hours at $2 per hour and packed our gear out to the beach. Everyone raves about the beauty of Sanibel Island and the beaches there but we would return any time to Delnor-Wiggins rather than Sanibel.
It was a hot day except for a few welcome cooler periods when the sun went behind a cloud - great for sitting, eating & drinking!. We left just before 4 and drove north to Captiva Island. Large houses and lovely landscaping. We dropped Billy & Lori and went to check on Gary & Carie. Gary has been having some very bad back pain and had gone for some chiropractic/massage treatments. He was still feeling pretty bad but has not let it totally stop him.
More chores today! I did most of my sewing, need thread for one more pair of shorts. A cord in the blind in our bedroom broke some time ago. We shopped unsuccessfully a couple of times for replacement cord and checked on the internet for repair instructions which looked very complicated. We happened to mention it to our neighbor Ray and he said he had yards of cord, had repaired 4 blinds and would be happy to help us. Unfortunately, this was a 4 cord blind and didn’t look like the ones he had done. Fortunately, Terry was able to tape new cord to old and pull it through. It took a while to get everything adjusted but it works and I can put away the lovely container of seasoning that I was using to prop up the blind for some air.
We went through forwarded mail and then after dinner made a quick trip for the thread that I need. Hemmed one leg on the shorts, cussed the tangled mess of thread, ripped it out and left it for tomorrow!
Dec 14th - Sun - Naples
Strawberry shortcake again for breakfast. I love having it for breakfast instead of being too full to really enjoy it for dessert after dinner.
We had received a phone call yesterday from our friends Billy & Lori (traveled with them in Tennesee, NC and SC) and they are in the same park north of here as our friends Gary & Carie from Victoria BC. We picked up Billy & Lori and went to the Fleamasters flea market. The weather turned out windier and cooler than forecast so it was a good day for the flea market. Basket of 5 tomatoes $1, whole medium seedless watermelon $2, huge avocado $1.
We stopped at Costco on the way back and discovered that they have a separate liquor store with good prices so we had to stock up a bit. We had a drink with Billy & Lori and Gary & Carie joined us when they drove into the park.
Christmas decorations along Hwy 41 are lovely so it is fun to drive home in the dark. Palm trees are a natural to decorate with lights spiraled around the trunk.
Dec 15th - Mon - Naples
Did a bit of housecleaning and put together a picnic lunch for a visit to a beach today. Billy & Lori and Gary & Carie came to our site and then we took 2 vehicles to Delnor-Wiggins State Park which is not very far from here. It rained last night and the weather did not look promising but it was still warm. After paying the $5 per carload state park fee, we found several parking lots with boardwalks to a very long, white sand beach. We set up chairs and relaxed!! Did some shelling, ate lunch and everyone except Terry & I went in the water. I did wade and the water is initially cool but swimmable. We built a sandman (as opposed to a snowman!) and took a bunch of pictures with it.
Some very dark clouds started moving in so we wisely packed up and headed for our rig just in time to get under the awning before the rain really came down. Billy & Lori headed out after one drink, Gary & Carie and we moved inside for another round when wind came up with another downpour.
Dec 16th - Tues - Naples
Our steps had quite a few rusty spots so, since there was very little wind, we spray painted them this morning. Then, since we had to wait for the steps to dry, we went for a bike ride along a path/sidewalk beside Hwy 41 and then checked out a small strip mall near our RV park. And wouldn’t you know it - Terry found a little casino there! We each signed up for a card with an initial $5 on it. I lost the $5 and a bit more and finally pried Terry out of there with some money still on his card.
We had invited Ray & Claire for dinner so we made a quick trip to a grocery store for a couple of items, put the baby backs on to boil and sat down for a drink with our guests. Because of the high humidity here, the steps were still not dry so we put them up and used the cooler to get into the rig - good thing for Ray & Claire that we ate outside. Had a great dinner with dessert provided by Claire.
Dec 17th - Wed - Naples
Had a late breakfast today before we realized that it was hamburger day at the community center here. We made RV park reservations for January (still in Florida) and did some cleaning. Terry thought he would have a hamburger anyway but we both ended up just having ice cream. Then we went back to the casino and spent some time and not too much money.
I spent some very frustrating time trying to figure out why our vehicle insurance premium went up by $100. Insurance company sent me to the credit bureau (rate is based on your credit rating!) which sent me back to the insurance company where someone finally found that WA state had an increase in premiums last year. I was getting pretty upset before it was all solved.
Dec 18th - Thurs - Naples
Another beach day. We stopped at a couple of stores before picking up Billy & Lori to go to Sanibel Island which is not too far north of here. There is a $6 fee to cross the causeway to the island. We found a public access and the metered parking that we had been told about. So we paid for 3 hours at $2 per hour and packed our gear out to the beach. Everyone raves about the beauty of Sanibel Island and the beaches there but we would return any time to Delnor-Wiggins rather than Sanibel.
It was a hot day except for a few welcome cooler periods when the sun went behind a cloud - great for sitting, eating & drinking!. We left just before 4 and drove north to Captiva Island. Large houses and lovely landscaping. We dropped Billy & Lori and went to check on Gary & Carie. Gary has been having some very bad back pain and had gone for some chiropractic/massage treatments. He was still feeling pretty bad but has not let it totally stop him.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Dec 9th to 12th - Naples FL
Dec 9th - Tues - Naples
Another chore & shopping day. You probably wonder how we can shop so much and where we put what we buy. The secret is - you shop a lot to find exactly the right item and then sometimes get rid of old stuff. We found some shorts for Terry which means he can finally throw out the jean shorts that he has worn to death! But it also means that the sewing machine comes out again so he is not wearing capris.
We got a little fiber optic Christmas tree (I decided my small tree was just too little) and it looks wonderful set on a bar stool in the back window where it is totally out of the way.
Our neighbors Ray & Claire joined us for a drink before we went to play Bingo. This time, I won only one game and Terry didn’t win any - our luck should change some time! Actually, our luck did change a bit - we sat beside 3 very nice ladies from Edmonton Alberta.
Dec 10th - Wed - Naples
We completed the satellite wiring into the bedroom this morning before we went to the community center to have lunch. Every Wednesday, they have hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs and ice cream at very reasonable prices - I’m sure we’ll take advantage of it again.
I tried to help Claire put some movies onto DVDs but could not figure out how to do it. Their son sends them movie files on an external hard drive. Claire asked us to join them for dinner and I offered to bring potato salad so I did some internet research while I was making it. We had a very nice dinner with them and gabbed afterwards.
Dec 11th - Thurs - Naples
Rained last night and most of today. It finally cleared enough in the late afternoon that we could get laundry done without getting soaked.
I finally got our expenses caught up on the computer but did not complete my blog! The weather just made us lazy!!
Dec 12th - Fri - Naples
After buying strawberries and a few veggies at the produce sale here at the park, we took Ray & Claire to the Fleamasters flea market. First we stopped at Camping World to return an item that we didn’t need and to buy a couple of replacement window knobs.
We wandered the flea market and had a good lunch. We all bought a few items (Pat - I finally found a shrimp deveiner like yours) and headed back about 2. Made a stop at WalMart on the way home for a couple of grocery items. It was cloudy most of the day and was cool enough that we put on long pants to take a bike ride around the park before settling in for the evening.
Another chore & shopping day. You probably wonder how we can shop so much and where we put what we buy. The secret is - you shop a lot to find exactly the right item and then sometimes get rid of old stuff. We found some shorts for Terry which means he can finally throw out the jean shorts that he has worn to death! But it also means that the sewing machine comes out again so he is not wearing capris.
We got a little fiber optic Christmas tree (I decided my small tree was just too little) and it looks wonderful set on a bar stool in the back window where it is totally out of the way.
Our neighbors Ray & Claire joined us for a drink before we went to play Bingo. This time, I won only one game and Terry didn’t win any - our luck should change some time! Actually, our luck did change a bit - we sat beside 3 very nice ladies from Edmonton Alberta.
Dec 10th - Wed - Naples
We completed the satellite wiring into the bedroom this morning before we went to the community center to have lunch. Every Wednesday, they have hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs and ice cream at very reasonable prices - I’m sure we’ll take advantage of it again.
I tried to help Claire put some movies onto DVDs but could not figure out how to do it. Their son sends them movie files on an external hard drive. Claire asked us to join them for dinner and I offered to bring potato salad so I did some internet research while I was making it. We had a very nice dinner with them and gabbed afterwards.
Dec 11th - Thurs - Naples
Rained last night and most of today. It finally cleared enough in the late afternoon that we could get laundry done without getting soaked.
I finally got our expenses caught up on the computer but did not complete my blog! The weather just made us lazy!!
Dec 12th - Fri - Naples
After buying strawberries and a few veggies at the produce sale here at the park, we took Ray & Claire to the Fleamasters flea market. First we stopped at Camping World to return an item that we didn’t need and to buy a couple of replacement window knobs.
We wandered the flea market and had a good lunch. We all bought a few items (Pat - I finally found a shrimp deveiner like yours) and headed back about 2. Made a stop at WalMart on the way home for a couple of grocery items. It was cloudy most of the day and was cool enough that we put on long pants to take a bike ride around the park before settling in for the evening.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Dec 5th to 8th - Naples FL
Dec 5th - Fri - Naples
A fruit & veggie vendor was at the park this morning so we rode our bicycles to check it out. What a busy place the park was about 9 am - bicyclists, shoppers, dog walkers and cars. Bought some lovely bell peppers, including purple & white which I have not yet tasted. Also got some strawberries so made a couple of biscuits when we returned and had a big strawberry shortcake for breakfast - YUM!
Next we went to the Flamingo flea market which is not too far away. It was very clean and organized. I guess we were just in the right mood as we bought a few items including a Santa lawn ornament with spinning wheels. Most people at the park have some Christmas decorations so we had to put something out.
Visited a bit with the neighbors and saw a shoe shelf that we will have to add to our rig. More about that when we actually do it.
Dec 6th - Sat - Naples
We attended a breakfast at the park this morning. Pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, juice & coffee for $3 each. We sat beside a couple from Quebec (Marcel & Louise) who spoke very good English and were a delight to chat with.
Checked email when we got back and had a message from Gary & Carie from Victoria. They are camped just north of here and wanted to get together but their email & cell phone were both intermittent. So we hunted them down in their RV park and went to the Fleamasters flea market with them. It is a huge market and we did not get there until after noon so we only got through part of it when vendors started closing up at 3:30. Made a trip to Camping World, stopped at Dairy Queen for sundaes (lunch for Terry & I!), dropped them at their park and headed home.
Dec 7th - Sun - Naples
Chore day today after finishing the strawberries on another shortcake. We decided to hook up the bedroom TV to satellite so Terry tried the wiring already in the rig but it would not support satellite. We temporarily ran a cable through the bedroom window, put a new program on our old receiver and got it working. Good thing, as the new program for our new receiver did not show up today.
We also made a trip to a couple of stores and bought supplies to make a shoe shelf outside under the steps. Our neighbor used a heavy metal grate, bent the edges over the 2 bars in the recess where the steps fold up and fastened it with a lot of cable ties. We found a black, vinyl covered metal shelf that is intended for “build your own” closet organization. It was 6 feet long but cost less than a 3 foot white shelf - go figure! With a little hacksaw application, it fit perfectly and since it is solid took fewer cable ties to secure.
Dec 8th - Mon - Naples
Gary & Carie were supposed to join us today but Carie called about 10:30 and said Gary was not feeling up to an excursion so we went on our own. We drove south to Marco Island which is laced with canals and huge houses with boats moored in the back yards. Along the gulf (west) side, there are miles of high rise hotels/condos/apartments. Next we stopped at Tin City in Naples which is a little shopping & eating area. We had planned to have lunch there but it was getting late so we decided to head for home and have an early dinner instead since I had a chicken in the crock pot to use for fajitas.
After dinner, we routed a cable for the satellite connection in the bedroom. Now we just need a fitting on the outside of the rig to complete the project. Running the cable had the added benefit of cleaning out some drawers and storage areas that had to be removed and emptied.
A fruit & veggie vendor was at the park this morning so we rode our bicycles to check it out. What a busy place the park was about 9 am - bicyclists, shoppers, dog walkers and cars. Bought some lovely bell peppers, including purple & white which I have not yet tasted. Also got some strawberries so made a couple of biscuits when we returned and had a big strawberry shortcake for breakfast - YUM!
Next we went to the Flamingo flea market which is not too far away. It was very clean and organized. I guess we were just in the right mood as we bought a few items including a Santa lawn ornament with spinning wheels. Most people at the park have some Christmas decorations so we had to put something out.
Visited a bit with the neighbors and saw a shoe shelf that we will have to add to our rig. More about that when we actually do it.
Dec 6th - Sat - Naples
We attended a breakfast at the park this morning. Pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, juice & coffee for $3 each. We sat beside a couple from Quebec (Marcel & Louise) who spoke very good English and were a delight to chat with.
Checked email when we got back and had a message from Gary & Carie from Victoria. They are camped just north of here and wanted to get together but their email & cell phone were both intermittent. So we hunted them down in their RV park and went to the Fleamasters flea market with them. It is a huge market and we did not get there until after noon so we only got through part of it when vendors started closing up at 3:30. Made a trip to Camping World, stopped at Dairy Queen for sundaes (lunch for Terry & I!), dropped them at their park and headed home.
Dec 7th - Sun - Naples
Chore day today after finishing the strawberries on another shortcake. We decided to hook up the bedroom TV to satellite so Terry tried the wiring already in the rig but it would not support satellite. We temporarily ran a cable through the bedroom window, put a new program on our old receiver and got it working. Good thing, as the new program for our new receiver did not show up today.
We also made a trip to a couple of stores and bought supplies to make a shoe shelf outside under the steps. Our neighbor used a heavy metal grate, bent the edges over the 2 bars in the recess where the steps fold up and fastened it with a lot of cable ties. We found a black, vinyl covered metal shelf that is intended for “build your own” closet organization. It was 6 feet long but cost less than a 3 foot white shelf - go figure! With a little hacksaw application, it fit perfectly and since it is solid took fewer cable ties to secure.
Dec 8th - Mon - Naples
Gary & Carie were supposed to join us today but Carie called about 10:30 and said Gary was not feeling up to an excursion so we went on our own. We drove south to Marco Island which is laced with canals and huge houses with boats moored in the back yards. Along the gulf (west) side, there are miles of high rise hotels/condos/apartments. Next we stopped at Tin City in Naples which is a little shopping & eating area. We had planned to have lunch there but it was getting late so we decided to head for home and have an early dinner instead since I had a chicken in the crock pot to use for fajitas.
After dinner, we routed a cable for the satellite connection in the bedroom. Now we just need a fitting on the outside of the rig to complete the project. Running the cable had the added benefit of cleaning out some drawers and storage areas that had to be removed and emptied.
Friday, December 05, 2008
Dec 2nd to 4th - Naples FL
Dec 2nd - Tues - Naples
A huge gust of wind came through at 5 this morning so Terry and our neighbor Ray were out putting up the awnings and putting away chairs as there was also rain at the time. Of course, shortly after they finished, the wind & rain disappeared.
Laundry is much nicer to do when you can sit outside in the sun and read a book while waiting. There are 2 laundry rooms here but the nearer one was full so I used one by the office and stayed there rather than going back & forth as usual.
Took it easy the rest of the day - caught up on the blog & emails, relaxed in the sun and rode our bicycles around the park. Then we joined a small group playing Bingo in the park. Terry won a couple of games so it cut the cost down somewhat.
Dec 3rd - Wed - Naples
We went driving and exploring today. Stopped at a large shopping center where I got my hair cut and then checked out a Super Target store. Like a Super WalMart, Super Target has groceries in addition to the full line of clothes, kitchen stuff, sporting goods, electronics, etc. Georgia would have loved going through the 50% and 75% off racks with me! I did get a pair of jean “half pants” for $4.24.
We went north to Ft Meyers (about 30 miles) and then turned east to find a flea market which turned out to be open only on the weekend. Back through Ft Meyers and to the beaches which we followed a long way south and then back to Hwy 41. The beaches have many public access spots along the main road and most of them have parking. But the parking spots are metered and only hold a few cars. It would be tough to get our truck in a lot of them and tougher to get out if someone parked too close. There is a trolley that starts at a large parking lot and runs for a long ways so that would probably be the way to check out the area some day.
Dec 4th - Thurs - Naples
Hit the laundry with sheets & towels this morning. I bought new sheets a while ago and have fought with the top sheet being too wide so I pulled out the sewing machine and altered it. Then Terry brought out a pair of shorts to be shortened but I discovered that I did not have a close enough thread color so that ended the sewing for the day.
Next we had to check out a casino in Immokalee. It is being enlarged or remodeled and is not too impressive - but it managed to take our money anyhow! We stopped at a grocery store on the way home for fried chicken as we were both really hungry and did not want to wait for me to cook dinner. Sorry, Marion, but we will not be getting fried chicken from Publix again.
Diesel at $2.559
A huge gust of wind came through at 5 this morning so Terry and our neighbor Ray were out putting up the awnings and putting away chairs as there was also rain at the time. Of course, shortly after they finished, the wind & rain disappeared.
Laundry is much nicer to do when you can sit outside in the sun and read a book while waiting. There are 2 laundry rooms here but the nearer one was full so I used one by the office and stayed there rather than going back & forth as usual.
Took it easy the rest of the day - caught up on the blog & emails, relaxed in the sun and rode our bicycles around the park. Then we joined a small group playing Bingo in the park. Terry won a couple of games so it cut the cost down somewhat.
Dec 3rd - Wed - Naples
We went driving and exploring today. Stopped at a large shopping center where I got my hair cut and then checked out a Super Target store. Like a Super WalMart, Super Target has groceries in addition to the full line of clothes, kitchen stuff, sporting goods, electronics, etc. Georgia would have loved going through the 50% and 75% off racks with me! I did get a pair of jean “half pants” for $4.24.
We went north to Ft Meyers (about 30 miles) and then turned east to find a flea market which turned out to be open only on the weekend. Back through Ft Meyers and to the beaches which we followed a long way south and then back to Hwy 41. The beaches have many public access spots along the main road and most of them have parking. But the parking spots are metered and only hold a few cars. It would be tough to get our truck in a lot of them and tougher to get out if someone parked too close. There is a trolley that starts at a large parking lot and runs for a long ways so that would probably be the way to check out the area some day.
Dec 4th - Thurs - Naples
Hit the laundry with sheets & towels this morning. I bought new sheets a while ago and have fought with the top sheet being too wide so I pulled out the sewing machine and altered it. Then Terry brought out a pair of shorts to be shortened but I discovered that I did not have a close enough thread color so that ended the sewing for the day.
Next we had to check out a casino in Immokalee. It is being enlarged or remodeled and is not too impressive - but it managed to take our money anyhow! We stopped at a grocery store on the way home for fried chicken as we were both really hungry and did not want to wait for me to cook dinner. Sorry, Marion, but we will not be getting fried chicken from Publix again.
Diesel at $2.559
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Nov 28th to Dec 1st - Ft Lauderdale to Naples
Nov 28th - Fri - Ft Lauderdale FL
We saw the granddaddy of all after-Thanksgiving shopping destinations today. We went to BrandsMart USA at Sawgrass Mills about 10:30. We lucked out with a close parking spot in a jammed parking lot and started walking to the store. We thought there was an auction going on at the loading dock but it turned out to be people standing around waiting for their name to be called to pick up their purchases. The names were being called continuously. As we got closer to the door we saw a huge line of people waiting to get into the store so we left. We ended up at a Home Depot where Terry got a new tool box to replace a bag that was not working and I could not resist a poinsettia in a 6 inch pot for 99 cents. We stopped at the large flea market on the way back so Vicki could get some shammies.
After my favorite lunch of turkey sandwiches, we went to the pool and then sat and enjoyed the sunshine. Vicki had a roast in the crock pot and invited us for dinner.
Nov 29th - Sat - Ft Lauderdale FL
We drove today to explore Ft Lauderdale and finally get to the beaches. First we went to the Convention Center area and walked part way across a bridge to look at all the cruise ships in the harbor. Parking along the beaches is at meters (couldn’t find a spot) or in lots that are a flat $10 for the day. Since we only wanted a short time, we kept going until we found a spot in front of some stores & restaurants at Deerfield Beach. We walked out on the pier where there were quit a few fishermen but the only fish that we saw being caught were what we figured were bait fish. Then we had lunch at a restaurant where we were parked before continuing our drive north past miles of beaches, large apartment buildings and huge, gated estates. At Boynton Beach we headed over to I75 and back to the park.
None of us were too hungry so we all went to Baskin Robbins and had banana splits or brownie sundaes for dinner.
Nov 30th - Sun - Ft Lauderdale FL
We went on the water taxi today with Paul & Vicki and a couple that they know who live in Ft Lauderdale. The taxi has 11 stops along the Intercoastal Waterway that runs parallel to the coast through several states. In Ft Lauderdale, it includes some areas with many canals, huge houses and equally huge yachts moored by the houses. Water taxi personnel commented on who owned what, how much it costs for moorage at the yacht club ($6 per foot per night, even for 80 footers!) and how much some of the yachts for sale would cost (6.5 million!).
For $13 each, you can get off & on at any stop all day and was a very fun way to spend the day. We got off at a stop near the beach where there was a shopping center and a Hooters where we had lunch. Then we carried on to Las Olas which is a shopping area with mostly higher priced stores and restaurants. We were one stop from the end but we decided to return. The weather was not perfect - some showers & wind. We ducked under some trees to hide from rain as we were waiting for the return taxi and managed to get to our vehicles before it rained again.
And rain it did. We had the door open when it started and did not realize that the rain was blowing into the rig until we had a wet mat and puddles in the shoes by the door. Paul & Vicki came over for cheesecake for dessert and had to wait until the rain let up to make a dash for home.
Dec 1st - Mon - to Naples FL
It continued to rain on & off last night but let up for us to pack up to leave. We said goodbye to Paul & Vicki and hit the road just before 10 for the 2 hour drive across Florida to the west (Gulf of Mexico) side. We are at the Lake San Marino RV park just north of Naples. When we stopped at the visitor info center as we came into Florida, we picked up a pamphlet with a special offer for 8 parks in the Sun RV resort chain so we are paying only $280, electricity included, for the month of December here. The park has quite a few permanent residents but we are in an area with several temporary sites so should meet some new friends. In fact, the couple behind us (Ray & Clare) joined us briefly for a drink before dinner.
After setting up and having a late lunch, we made a trip to WalMart for some awning tie downs to replace some that disintegrated and for some groceries. A large Publix grocery store is nearby with the small WalMart right across the street. We passed several large malls on the way in and beaches are nearby. There is a bicycle club in the park that goes on rides a couple of times a week. We just have to start getting up earlier again to be ready to go at 8:30!
We saw the granddaddy of all after-Thanksgiving shopping destinations today. We went to BrandsMart USA at Sawgrass Mills about 10:30. We lucked out with a close parking spot in a jammed parking lot and started walking to the store. We thought there was an auction going on at the loading dock but it turned out to be people standing around waiting for their name to be called to pick up their purchases. The names were being called continuously. As we got closer to the door we saw a huge line of people waiting to get into the store so we left. We ended up at a Home Depot where Terry got a new tool box to replace a bag that was not working and I could not resist a poinsettia in a 6 inch pot for 99 cents. We stopped at the large flea market on the way back so Vicki could get some shammies.
After my favorite lunch of turkey sandwiches, we went to the pool and then sat and enjoyed the sunshine. Vicki had a roast in the crock pot and invited us for dinner.
Nov 29th - Sat - Ft Lauderdale FL
We drove today to explore Ft Lauderdale and finally get to the beaches. First we went to the Convention Center area and walked part way across a bridge to look at all the cruise ships in the harbor. Parking along the beaches is at meters (couldn’t find a spot) or in lots that are a flat $10 for the day. Since we only wanted a short time, we kept going until we found a spot in front of some stores & restaurants at Deerfield Beach. We walked out on the pier where there were quit a few fishermen but the only fish that we saw being caught were what we figured were bait fish. Then we had lunch at a restaurant where we were parked before continuing our drive north past miles of beaches, large apartment buildings and huge, gated estates. At Boynton Beach we headed over to I75 and back to the park.
None of us were too hungry so we all went to Baskin Robbins and had banana splits or brownie sundaes for dinner.
Nov 30th - Sun - Ft Lauderdale FL
We went on the water taxi today with Paul & Vicki and a couple that they know who live in Ft Lauderdale. The taxi has 11 stops along the Intercoastal Waterway that runs parallel to the coast through several states. In Ft Lauderdale, it includes some areas with many canals, huge houses and equally huge yachts moored by the houses. Water taxi personnel commented on who owned what, how much it costs for moorage at the yacht club ($6 per foot per night, even for 80 footers!) and how much some of the yachts for sale would cost (6.5 million!).
For $13 each, you can get off & on at any stop all day and was a very fun way to spend the day. We got off at a stop near the beach where there was a shopping center and a Hooters where we had lunch. Then we carried on to Las Olas which is a shopping area with mostly higher priced stores and restaurants. We were one stop from the end but we decided to return. The weather was not perfect - some showers & wind. We ducked under some trees to hide from rain as we were waiting for the return taxi and managed to get to our vehicles before it rained again.
And rain it did. We had the door open when it started and did not realize that the rain was blowing into the rig until we had a wet mat and puddles in the shoes by the door. Paul & Vicki came over for cheesecake for dessert and had to wait until the rain let up to make a dash for home.
Dec 1st - Mon - to Naples FL
It continued to rain on & off last night but let up for us to pack up to leave. We said goodbye to Paul & Vicki and hit the road just before 10 for the 2 hour drive across Florida to the west (Gulf of Mexico) side. We are at the Lake San Marino RV park just north of Naples. When we stopped at the visitor info center as we came into Florida, we picked up a pamphlet with a special offer for 8 parks in the Sun RV resort chain so we are paying only $280, electricity included, for the month of December here. The park has quite a few permanent residents but we are in an area with several temporary sites so should meet some new friends. In fact, the couple behind us (Ray & Clare) joined us briefly for a drink before dinner.
After setting up and having a late lunch, we made a trip to WalMart for some awning tie downs to replace some that disintegrated and for some groceries. A large Publix grocery store is nearby with the small WalMart right across the street. We passed several large malls on the way in and beaches are nearby. There is a bicycle club in the park that goes on rides a couple of times a week. We just have to start getting up earlier again to be ready to go at 8:30!
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