Jan 29th - Thurs - Thonotosassa
Cool but warm enough for water exercises. Then we all (Billy & Lauri, Carie & Gary) loaded our bikes to check out a trail about 15 minutes away in the Flatwood recreation area. There are several trails but we picked the paved, 8.4 mile loop. It was cloudy and breezy but a lovely ride. We had packed lunches so stopped midway to eat. There were people roller-blading, walking and running as well as other bicyclists. The only wildlife we saw was a hawk resting on a branch quite close to the trail.
When we got back, Terry took the garbage to the dumpster and continued to ride around the park. It was getting dark so he headed back and arrived just as it started to pour rain. He had to dash out to put a plastic bag on his bicycle seat and then out again to unlatch and close the door as the rain was blowing in onto the mat.
I had strawberries left from Tuesday so I cleaned them and invited Billy & Lauri and Gary & Carie over for strawberries and dip - YUM!! “Life is uncertain - eat dessert first”!
Everyone headed home to make dinner and then we all went to play bingo. Terry won one of the larger payouts for a blackout - $21. Considering it cost us $9.25 to play all evening, that is pretty good.
Jan 30th - Fri - Thonotosassa
Lots of rain last night - greatly needed here. When I heard the rain let up a bit this morning I quickly took Dolly out so we didn’t have to go out in a downpour. I figured it was too cold for water exercise class but when we took the laundry over about 10:30, the diehards were in the pool.
About noon, Billy & Laurie and we went to check out a little restaurant for lunch and had the recommended grouper sandwich. Deep fried fillets on a huge hoagie bun with all the trimmings and a large side of fries. I’m glad I tried it but it was a little too greasy to order again.
Next door was a Price Cutter grocery store that someone mentioned for good meat prices. Wish we had found it sooner - $5.99 for boneless ribeye & New York strip steaks, $2.99 for boneless center cut pork chops, $2.13 for boneless/skinless chicken breasts and .99 for chicken thighs to cook for Dolly.
Stopped at a Bealls for Lauri to check out a sale and then home.
I immediately started boiling the thighs for Dolly as I did not have room in fridge, cooler or freezer to store them whole. Putting away groceries and other puttering and it was time to relax. After such a large lunch, we had soup for dinner. Then we headed to a Western dance here at the park.
There was a self-described “one man band” for the music and he was great. He played a mix of music and the only reason that I didn’t dance every dance was that Terry was dancing with Lauri & Carie. He also had one dance with a lady that approached us and asked if I minded if my husband taught her how to two-step. He tried but she was not a very good student. A guy stopped by and told Terry that he hadn’t seen a man dance with so many women. We even danced multiple polkas nearly to the end!
Jan 31st - Sat - Thonotosassa
Just puttered around getting things ready to leave tomorrow - cleaning, pick up a few groceries, a quick visit to the nearby flea market for shammies that work so well for washing dishes and visiting with a couple of neighbors. Happy hour inside our place since the weather was pretty cool.
Feb 1st - Sun - to Keaton Beach FL
Didn’t take long to unplug and hook up this morning and head north. A 3 ½ hour drive took us inland near Ocala and then back to the Gulf of Mexico to Old Pavilion RV park in Keaton Beach. Billy & Lauri pulled in before we were even done setting up. They left at the crack of 8 am while we were still in bed but they had to stop for propane and gas in their motor home. Billy drove his motor home in next to us so our doors are together and so they can enjoy the waterfront view through their windshield that we see from our back window.
After our lunches, Billy offered to drive on an area exploration trip. Not much here!! Most of the residences are up on HIGH “stilts” of some type - concrete columns, poles, concrete blocks and timbers are all used. A lot are manufactured homes and many put an elevated deck under part of the house. We went back to Steinhatchee which we drove through on the way here - stopped at a grocery store but did not find an appealing bar for a beer.
Lauri asked us to join them for hamburgers for dinner - nice not to cook! And we all watched the Super Bowl which turned out to be a good game.
Feb 2nd - Mon - Keaton Beach
Woke up to light rain so Terry made a quick trip outside to put away the patio chairs and tuck Billy’s chairs under his rig. Enjoyed our coffee & a bowl of fruit looking at our waterfront view. Had a late breakfast and then invited Billy & Lauri over for cards. We ended up playing Sequence which we all enjoyed. The rain had quit and there was no wind so we wandered around outside for a while and then played more Sequence until it was time to split and prepare dinner. Caught up & posted my blog.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Jan 25th to 28th - Thonotosassa
Jan 25th - Sun - Thonotosassa
With the return of warmer weather, we moved a couple of chairs into the sun this morning to enjoy a cup of coffee. After breakfast/lunch, we joined Carie & Gary for a bike ride around the park and then we all decided to join Billy & Lauri at the pool. But before we went, we cleaned, masked and touched up the rust on the bike rack with spray paint. I guess it’s a combination of 27 months of traveling, humidity and some salt spray in the Florida keys that is resulting in rust.
At happy hour at our place, we all decided that it was time to go for pizza at Ci Ci’s - the pizza buffet place. Gary & Carie have a fold down console in their pickup so they emptied the back seat and we all squeezed in for the ride to Zephyrhills. No one ate too much (yeah, right!!) and we all enjoyed our dinner.
Jan 26th - Mon - Thonotosassa
It warmed up enough (at least 60 by 10 o’clock) for water exercise class this morning. There had been a problem with the pool and it was very warm - 91 degrees!
We had talked about the group going on a canoe trip but we all decided that nearly $50 for a 2 hour paddle was a little pricey so we packed lunches, loaded our bikes in trucks and went for a bicycle ride. We discovered a 6.7 mile trail between John Sergeant county park and Hillsborough River state park so we unloaded the bikes and then took one truck back to the county park so we would ride only one way. The trail was unpaved and had several sections of loose sand so it was a real workout. Luckily, the last 2.2 miles were paved to give us old folks a break. We saw 2 armadillos - one was quite curious and stood up on it’s hind legs to try to see us.
When we got back we all headed for the pool and the hot tub. Then a short happy hour at Gary & Carie’s before parting for dinner.
Jan 27th - Tues - Thonotosassa
After water exercises and breakfast, we and Billy & Lauri headed for Costco. Costco has a liquor store right beside the regular store and the prices are very good (½ gallon Scotch $17, ½ gallon Vodka $12) so we decided to stock up a bit as we don’t know what the prices will be down the road. A quick stop at WalMart and then at a produce stand for some strawberries. Gary’s birthday is today and “the group” will have dinner together at Gary & Carie’s. I made strawberry shortcake so I baked the biscuits and sliced & sweetened the berries when we got home. Also cut up a pork loin that Lauri & I split and washed up romaine lettuce. And it was already time for happy hour!
The weather cooperated so we could sit and have dinner outside. Gary & Carie made a buddy burner so we enjoyed that as well. Very nice dinner and evening.
Jan 28th - Wed - Thonotosassa
Before exercise class, I gave Dolly another bath and flea dip treatment and vacuumed. Only a few fleas left so have to keep at them. I sent Terry to the store so after exercises I could mix up marshmallow & cream cheese dip for the rest of the strawberries. Then the 6 of us set off for Clearwater Beach in Gary & Carie’s truck. It is quite a long drive (an hour). The sand is very white and fine, the weather was warm but windy. We left at 3 and drove to Cody’s Roadhouse restaurant in Brandon to take advantage of the 2 for 1 fajitas again. It was just as good as the first time, most of us ate too much and groaned all the way back to the park.
Terry & I went for a bike ride around all the park roads to settle our dinner a little.
With the return of warmer weather, we moved a couple of chairs into the sun this morning to enjoy a cup of coffee. After breakfast/lunch, we joined Carie & Gary for a bike ride around the park and then we all decided to join Billy & Lauri at the pool. But before we went, we cleaned, masked and touched up the rust on the bike rack with spray paint. I guess it’s a combination of 27 months of traveling, humidity and some salt spray in the Florida keys that is resulting in rust.
At happy hour at our place, we all decided that it was time to go for pizza at Ci Ci’s - the pizza buffet place. Gary & Carie have a fold down console in their pickup so they emptied the back seat and we all squeezed in for the ride to Zephyrhills. No one ate too much (yeah, right!!) and we all enjoyed our dinner.
Jan 26th - Mon - Thonotosassa
It warmed up enough (at least 60 by 10 o’clock) for water exercise class this morning. There had been a problem with the pool and it was very warm - 91 degrees!
We had talked about the group going on a canoe trip but we all decided that nearly $50 for a 2 hour paddle was a little pricey so we packed lunches, loaded our bikes in trucks and went for a bicycle ride. We discovered a 6.7 mile trail between John Sergeant county park and Hillsborough River state park so we unloaded the bikes and then took one truck back to the county park so we would ride only one way. The trail was unpaved and had several sections of loose sand so it was a real workout. Luckily, the last 2.2 miles were paved to give us old folks a break. We saw 2 armadillos - one was quite curious and stood up on it’s hind legs to try to see us.
When we got back we all headed for the pool and the hot tub. Then a short happy hour at Gary & Carie’s before parting for dinner.
Jan 27th - Tues - Thonotosassa
After water exercises and breakfast, we and Billy & Lauri headed for Costco. Costco has a liquor store right beside the regular store and the prices are very good (½ gallon Scotch $17, ½ gallon Vodka $12) so we decided to stock up a bit as we don’t know what the prices will be down the road. A quick stop at WalMart and then at a produce stand for some strawberries. Gary’s birthday is today and “the group” will have dinner together at Gary & Carie’s. I made strawberry shortcake so I baked the biscuits and sliced & sweetened the berries when we got home. Also cut up a pork loin that Lauri & I split and washed up romaine lettuce. And it was already time for happy hour!
The weather cooperated so we could sit and have dinner outside. Gary & Carie made a buddy burner so we enjoyed that as well. Very nice dinner and evening.
Jan 28th - Wed - Thonotosassa
Before exercise class, I gave Dolly another bath and flea dip treatment and vacuumed. Only a few fleas left so have to keep at them. I sent Terry to the store so after exercises I could mix up marshmallow & cream cheese dip for the rest of the strawberries. Then the 6 of us set off for Clearwater Beach in Gary & Carie’s truck. It is quite a long drive (an hour). The sand is very white and fine, the weather was warm but windy. We left at 3 and drove to Cody’s Roadhouse restaurant in Brandon to take advantage of the 2 for 1 fajitas again. It was just as good as the first time, most of us ate too much and groaned all the way back to the park.
Terry & I went for a bike ride around all the park roads to settle our dinner a little.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Jan 21st to 24th - Thonotosassa FL
Jan 21st - Wed - Thonotosassa
It was very cold last night (near freezing) and windy this morning. The cold front is supposed to be leaving in a couple of days which will be great.
Billy & Lauri and we went to a Manatee viewing area that Paul & Vicki had told us about yesterday. When the water is cold, the manatees move to a protected inlet where a power plant discharges warm water. There are viewing platforms, a long boardwalk/pier, an interpretive center with an informational film and a gift shop. Retired power plant employees are hosts and docents. And for a nice change it is free.
We had dug out our warmest jackets and I should have tried to find ear muffs as well since the wind made it pretty cold. There were lots of manatees mostly submerged in the water. They would slowly raise their heads to breathe and slowly roll and go down a bit. We saw a sting ray and schools of large fish (tarpon, we think) off the pier.
Billy had heard about a restaurant (Cody’s Roadhouse) in Brandon that had 2 for 1 fajitas on Wednesday so we had to check it out on the way back. It is a “peanut shells on the floor” and “disposable paper on the table” type of place - very relaxed and fun. We were there at happy hour so drinks were 2 for 1 as well. The fajitas were great and Billy was very happy with his 2 glasses of beer so it was a good dinner choice.
Carie wore a mask to dinner last night as she was sneezing like crazy and did not want anyone else to catch whatever she might have be coming down with. She had a full blown cold today so they were taking it easy.
Jan 22nd - Thurs - Thonotosassa
Cold again this morning so we hibernated until about 10:30 when we joined Billy & Lauri for a drive to Ybor City which is between here and Tampa. It is a National Historic District which still has several hand-rolled cigar companies that were the reason for the growth of the city in the late 1800’s. It is well known for it’s nightlife from Wed to Sat. We visited the visitor information center and wandered down the streets before stopping for lunch. I wanted to sample a Cuban sandwich and figured this would be a good place to do so. The sandwich has ham, pork, salami, cheese, tomato, lettuce, pickles, mayo & mustard on Cuban bread which is like a French bread. Then it is pressed and toasted. Good but too much ham and not enough pork & salami which would have made it more distinctive.
We wandered back to the car - still cool but the sun was warm - then stopped at Camping World and a little roadside produce stand on the way back to the park.
After dinner, we and Billy & Lauri went to Bingo. No one at our table won a thing!! Gary now has Carie’s cold so they didn’t join us.
Jan 23rd - Fri - Thonotosassa
Relaxing day today. Did laundry and then took advantage of warming weather to go to the pool.
We have been getting wonderful, huge avocados here and both Lauri & I had the idea to use them for guacamole before they went bad. So we had to force down a couple bowls of guacamole at happy hour!
Tomorrow is an auction and bake sale at the park so I baked a few dozen shortbread cookies to contribute.
Jan 24th - Sat - Thonotosassa
I made a dozen quick danish this morning - 6 for us and 6 for the bake sale. Terry & I delivered the baking just after 9 and took a quick look at the auction items. This is a Chinese Auction - donated items are grouped on sheets of paper on tables with a red plastic cup for each group. You buy tickets (10 for $1) and drop a ticket into any cup where you want the items on the paper. Then a ticket is drawn from each cup to determine the winner of that lot. Any item that we wanted had other junk grouped with it so we didn’t buy any tickets.
At noon, a regular auction started with larger donated items. We attended for a while, took a break for lunch and then went back for a few minutes just in time for a 30 amp cord go for more money than Terry wanted to spend. Went to pick up a few groceries and had happy hour at our place - first with Billy, then joined by new acquaintances Larry & Judy (we met Judy at bingo) and then Gary & Carie joined us for a while.
It was very cold last night (near freezing) and windy this morning. The cold front is supposed to be leaving in a couple of days which will be great.
Billy & Lauri and we went to a Manatee viewing area that Paul & Vicki had told us about yesterday. When the water is cold, the manatees move to a protected inlet where a power plant discharges warm water. There are viewing platforms, a long boardwalk/pier, an interpretive center with an informational film and a gift shop. Retired power plant employees are hosts and docents. And for a nice change it is free.
We had dug out our warmest jackets and I should have tried to find ear muffs as well since the wind made it pretty cold. There were lots of manatees mostly submerged in the water. They would slowly raise their heads to breathe and slowly roll and go down a bit. We saw a sting ray and schools of large fish (tarpon, we think) off the pier.
Billy had heard about a restaurant (Cody’s Roadhouse) in Brandon that had 2 for 1 fajitas on Wednesday so we had to check it out on the way back. It is a “peanut shells on the floor” and “disposable paper on the table” type of place - very relaxed and fun. We were there at happy hour so drinks were 2 for 1 as well. The fajitas were great and Billy was very happy with his 2 glasses of beer so it was a good dinner choice.
Carie wore a mask to dinner last night as she was sneezing like crazy and did not want anyone else to catch whatever she might have be coming down with. She had a full blown cold today so they were taking it easy.
Jan 22nd - Thurs - Thonotosassa
Cold again this morning so we hibernated until about 10:30 when we joined Billy & Lauri for a drive to Ybor City which is between here and Tampa. It is a National Historic District which still has several hand-rolled cigar companies that were the reason for the growth of the city in the late 1800’s. It is well known for it’s nightlife from Wed to Sat. We visited the visitor information center and wandered down the streets before stopping for lunch. I wanted to sample a Cuban sandwich and figured this would be a good place to do so. The sandwich has ham, pork, salami, cheese, tomato, lettuce, pickles, mayo & mustard on Cuban bread which is like a French bread. Then it is pressed and toasted. Good but too much ham and not enough pork & salami which would have made it more distinctive.
We wandered back to the car - still cool but the sun was warm - then stopped at Camping World and a little roadside produce stand on the way back to the park.
After dinner, we and Billy & Lauri went to Bingo. No one at our table won a thing!! Gary now has Carie’s cold so they didn’t join us.
Jan 23rd - Fri - Thonotosassa
Relaxing day today. Did laundry and then took advantage of warming weather to go to the pool.
We have been getting wonderful, huge avocados here and both Lauri & I had the idea to use them for guacamole before they went bad. So we had to force down a couple bowls of guacamole at happy hour!
Tomorrow is an auction and bake sale at the park so I baked a few dozen shortbread cookies to contribute.
Jan 24th - Sat - Thonotosassa
I made a dozen quick danish this morning - 6 for us and 6 for the bake sale. Terry & I delivered the baking just after 9 and took a quick look at the auction items. This is a Chinese Auction - donated items are grouped on sheets of paper on tables with a red plastic cup for each group. You buy tickets (10 for $1) and drop a ticket into any cup where you want the items on the paper. Then a ticket is drawn from each cup to determine the winner of that lot. Any item that we wanted had other junk grouped with it so we didn’t buy any tickets.
At noon, a regular auction started with larger donated items. We attended for a while, took a break for lunch and then went back for a few minutes just in time for a 30 amp cord go for more money than Terry wanted to spend. Went to pick up a few groceries and had happy hour at our place - first with Billy, then joined by new acquaintances Larry & Judy (we met Judy at bingo) and then Gary & Carie joined us for a while.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Jan 18th to 20th - Thonotosassa FL
Jan 18th - Sun - Thonotosassa
Chores this morning. Terry scraped, sanded and spray painted the 5th wheel hitch as there was quite a bit of rust on it. I helped with masking tape and advice! After a sandwich for lunch, we headed to the Super WalMart to buy a couple of digital conversion boxes for our TVs. We received our forwarded mail yesterday and got our $40 coupons from government so figured we better get them sooner than later. On the way back we drove by to see Paul & Vicki but they weren’t home. Just then Carie called to see where we were and if we wanted to show them the strawberry shortcake place. She twisted our arms so we returned to the park, dropped off our purchases and went for shortcake which was just as good as the last time(s).
About 8, we finally were hungry enough to want something for dinner so had bacon & eggs.
Jan 19th - Mon - Thonotosassa
Not sure what happened but Marg told me last night that my blog was not up to date. I checked this morning and sure enough, the 13th through 15th was finished in my word document but not posted. I even had 2 more days in the word document so I posted them all before we left at 8 for the big Monday-only flea market in Webster. Today is Martin Luther King day, a federal holiday, and the Webster market has way more vendors than usual so we had to check it out. Started out cool but we carried our jackets most of the day.
We bought a couple of small things and took some pictures for Dad. All of us met up for lunch and finally left about 1:45 - the wind was really kicking up dust and we were all tired of walking. It took us ½ hour to reach the turnoff to Hwy 301, maybe 4 miles - bumper to bumper cars leaving the flea market. About 4 we put on jackets for an outside happy hour.
Jan 20th - Tues - Thonotosassa
We were having Billy & Lauri, Gary & Carie and Paul & Vicki over for a baby back rib dinner for Terry’s birthday today so we had to go to Costco this morning for the ribs. Billy & Lauri came with us and we also made a stop at Super WalMart. Had some lunch and figured out how to seat 8 for dinner as it is just too cold to be outside. It poured rain last night and was very windy. Today is cold and windy.
Everything worked out great for dinner - everyone contributed to the food and we all had a good time. We brought in our new rectangular folding table and sat 2 on one side on the couch and 2 on the footstool ends of the coffee table on the other side - perfect.
We had dinner early as we had expected to eat outside and wanted to eat while the sun was out. So everyone was gone by 7:30 and Terry climbed into our nice electric-mattress-pad-warmed bed shortly after!
Chores this morning. Terry scraped, sanded and spray painted the 5th wheel hitch as there was quite a bit of rust on it. I helped with masking tape and advice! After a sandwich for lunch, we headed to the Super WalMart to buy a couple of digital conversion boxes for our TVs. We received our forwarded mail yesterday and got our $40 coupons from government so figured we better get them sooner than later. On the way back we drove by to see Paul & Vicki but they weren’t home. Just then Carie called to see where we were and if we wanted to show them the strawberry shortcake place. She twisted our arms so we returned to the park, dropped off our purchases and went for shortcake which was just as good as the last time(s).
About 8, we finally were hungry enough to want something for dinner so had bacon & eggs.
Jan 19th - Mon - Thonotosassa
Not sure what happened but Marg told me last night that my blog was not up to date. I checked this morning and sure enough, the 13th through 15th was finished in my word document but not posted. I even had 2 more days in the word document so I posted them all before we left at 8 for the big Monday-only flea market in Webster. Today is Martin Luther King day, a federal holiday, and the Webster market has way more vendors than usual so we had to check it out. Started out cool but we carried our jackets most of the day.
We bought a couple of small things and took some pictures for Dad. All of us met up for lunch and finally left about 1:45 - the wind was really kicking up dust and we were all tired of walking. It took us ½ hour to reach the turnoff to Hwy 301, maybe 4 miles - bumper to bumper cars leaving the flea market. About 4 we put on jackets for an outside happy hour.
Jan 20th - Tues - Thonotosassa
We were having Billy & Lauri, Gary & Carie and Paul & Vicki over for a baby back rib dinner for Terry’s birthday today so we had to go to Costco this morning for the ribs. Billy & Lauri came with us and we also made a stop at Super WalMart. Had some lunch and figured out how to seat 8 for dinner as it is just too cold to be outside. It poured rain last night and was very windy. Today is cold and windy.
Everything worked out great for dinner - everyone contributed to the food and we all had a good time. We brought in our new rectangular folding table and sat 2 on one side on the couch and 2 on the footstool ends of the coffee table on the other side - perfect.
We had dinner early as we had expected to eat outside and wanted to eat while the sun was out. So everyone was gone by 7:30 and Terry climbed into our nice electric-mattress-pad-warmed bed shortly after!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Jan 13th to 17th - Thonotosassa
Jan 13th - Tues - Thonotosassa
Gary & Carie joined Billy, Lauri and me for water exercise class this morning. After lunch, Terry & I went to Plant City just south of here looking for a hardware store and a place that we have been told about that makes good strawberry shortcake. We found the hardware store but not the strawberry shortcake. We also stopped at Big Lots to get a new lamp for between our recliners.
I decided I had to pull out all the stops to try to get rid of Dolly’s fleas so I bathed her in flea shampoo, used a leave-on flea dip and then we set off a “bug bomb” in the rig to kill fleas in the carpet and furniture. While we were unable to go back into the rig, we did laundry and Carie invited us to their place between washing & drying. Then she invited us to join them for dinner - how nice! After Terry opened windows and door to air the rig out, I took the laundry and Dolly in from the truck and cleaned the floor & countertops. Then we went with Gary & Carie to soak in the hot tub and have a swim.
Jan 14th - Wed - Thonotosassa
The huge Tampa RV show started today at the fairgrounds. Terry has been like a kid before Christmas waiting to go so we made plans to meet Frank & Marion (from Newfoundland, met in Davenport) at 9 at the front entrance. They arrived just before Carie & Gary called to see where we were and they joined us as well. We knew we would not be able to stay together so we made plans to meet for lunch and went our separate ways. It is indeed a very large show - the ads said 350 vendor booths and 1200 2009 RVs. So we were amazed that we saw Paul & Vicki (now in Zephyrhills) and Doug & Louise (spent New Years with them) twice while we were wandering around. There was an interesting motor home where the side folded out to make a deck accessible from the inside. A row of windows folded out as well and then up to form the deck railing.
We finally left about 4:30 and did not see everything. We think we looked at most of the 5th wheels but there may be more hiding in the buildings. I did not see one 5th wheel that I prefer to ours so we better take really good care of ours as we may have it quite a while longer. When you purchase a ticket, you receive another one for a future day so we will be going back tomorrow to finish checking everything out.
We sat out for a quick drink with Gary & Carie and Billy & Lauri. It started out quite cool this morning and cooled down quickly after the sun went down so we all headed inside. Terry went to the hot tub with Carie & Gary but I was tired & lazy so didn‘t go.
Jan 15th - Thurs - Thonotosassa
It was 41 degrees when we left for the RV show just before 9. Yesterday was senior day and there were way more people there early than there were today. Repeat of yesterday except that we finally saw a 5th wheel that caught our eyes - a Montana. Very similar layout to ours but with a peninsula kitchen, a large fridge, flat screen TV and a nice closet by the door that is plumbed for a washer/dryer but set up as a broom/coat closet - all features that we would love. If the recession hadn’t decimated some of our savings we would be negotiating with the salesman!
There was a great sand sculpture at the show. It was a map of the US, made on a slant for viewing, with items on it that were representative of some states or areas - for example, the Space Needle in Seattle, Liberty Bell, Capital Building, St Louis arch, hula dancer in Hawaii, an ear of corn and a sign pointing to Tampa for the 2009 RV show. Very clever and well done.
We left the show earlier today and went to Plant City to return an item to Big Lots (not the lamp) and to find the place selling strawberry shortcake. And wonderful shortcake it turned out to be!!
About 5 Carie invited us all over for happy hour (inside as it was too cool to sit out) that turned into 2 ½ happy hours with lots of laughs. Both Terry & I declined to go out in the cold to join Carie in the hot tub.
Jan 16th - Fri - Thonotosassa
Posted the blog and worked on emails before joining Billy & Lauri on a drive to Plant City & Lakeland. There is going to be a Hawaiian theme dance tomorrow at the park so Billy & Lauri needed some shirts, much to conservative Billy’s disapproval. They found something for each of them at Bealls Outlet and then we had to introduce them to the great strawberry shortcakes. Lauri and I opted for the Strawberry Boat which is strawberries over ice cream with whipped topping - YUM!! Also picked up huge avocados for 80 cents each and a bag of fresh picked navel oranges for $1.39. The oranges are very sweet.
We continued on to check out Lakeland and find the location for a gun show that Billy will be going to tomorrow. Terry & I walked over to exchange some books before joining the rest of the group at Billy & Lauri’s for happy hour.
Cool again all day today - 51 inside this morning and 42 outside.
Jan 17th - Sat - Thonotosassa
I caught up on some computer stuff and other chores this morning while it was still too cool to enjoy outdoors. We made a quick trip to the nearby Big Top flea market with Gary & Carie trying to find a bicycle for Carie and made a grocery stop on the way back.
Happy hour at our place before dinner and then we all attended a dance from 8:00 to 11:00 at the RV park. Music was provided by a couple with a wide range of styles including Hawaiian to match the theme of the dance. $10 for tickets, BYOB and snacks for an inexpensive evening. Terry & I danced a lot - including most of a polka and the twist.
Gary & Carie joined Billy, Lauri and me for water exercise class this morning. After lunch, Terry & I went to Plant City just south of here looking for a hardware store and a place that we have been told about that makes good strawberry shortcake. We found the hardware store but not the strawberry shortcake. We also stopped at Big Lots to get a new lamp for between our recliners.
I decided I had to pull out all the stops to try to get rid of Dolly’s fleas so I bathed her in flea shampoo, used a leave-on flea dip and then we set off a “bug bomb” in the rig to kill fleas in the carpet and furniture. While we were unable to go back into the rig, we did laundry and Carie invited us to their place between washing & drying. Then she invited us to join them for dinner - how nice! After Terry opened windows and door to air the rig out, I took the laundry and Dolly in from the truck and cleaned the floor & countertops. Then we went with Gary & Carie to soak in the hot tub and have a swim.
Jan 14th - Wed - Thonotosassa
The huge Tampa RV show started today at the fairgrounds. Terry has been like a kid before Christmas waiting to go so we made plans to meet Frank & Marion (from Newfoundland, met in Davenport) at 9 at the front entrance. They arrived just before Carie & Gary called to see where we were and they joined us as well. We knew we would not be able to stay together so we made plans to meet for lunch and went our separate ways. It is indeed a very large show - the ads said 350 vendor booths and 1200 2009 RVs. So we were amazed that we saw Paul & Vicki (now in Zephyrhills) and Doug & Louise (spent New Years with them) twice while we were wandering around. There was an interesting motor home where the side folded out to make a deck accessible from the inside. A row of windows folded out as well and then up to form the deck railing.
We finally left about 4:30 and did not see everything. We think we looked at most of the 5th wheels but there may be more hiding in the buildings. I did not see one 5th wheel that I prefer to ours so we better take really good care of ours as we may have it quite a while longer. When you purchase a ticket, you receive another one for a future day so we will be going back tomorrow to finish checking everything out.
We sat out for a quick drink with Gary & Carie and Billy & Lauri. It started out quite cool this morning and cooled down quickly after the sun went down so we all headed inside. Terry went to the hot tub with Carie & Gary but I was tired & lazy so didn‘t go.
Jan 15th - Thurs - Thonotosassa
It was 41 degrees when we left for the RV show just before 9. Yesterday was senior day and there were way more people there early than there were today. Repeat of yesterday except that we finally saw a 5th wheel that caught our eyes - a Montana. Very similar layout to ours but with a peninsula kitchen, a large fridge, flat screen TV and a nice closet by the door that is plumbed for a washer/dryer but set up as a broom/coat closet - all features that we would love. If the recession hadn’t decimated some of our savings we would be negotiating with the salesman!
There was a great sand sculpture at the show. It was a map of the US, made on a slant for viewing, with items on it that were representative of some states or areas - for example, the Space Needle in Seattle, Liberty Bell, Capital Building, St Louis arch, hula dancer in Hawaii, an ear of corn and a sign pointing to Tampa for the 2009 RV show. Very clever and well done.
We left the show earlier today and went to Plant City to return an item to Big Lots (not the lamp) and to find the place selling strawberry shortcake. And wonderful shortcake it turned out to be!!
About 5 Carie invited us all over for happy hour (inside as it was too cool to sit out) that turned into 2 ½ happy hours with lots of laughs. Both Terry & I declined to go out in the cold to join Carie in the hot tub.
Jan 16th - Fri - Thonotosassa
Posted the blog and worked on emails before joining Billy & Lauri on a drive to Plant City & Lakeland. There is going to be a Hawaiian theme dance tomorrow at the park so Billy & Lauri needed some shirts, much to conservative Billy’s disapproval. They found something for each of them at Bealls Outlet and then we had to introduce them to the great strawberry shortcakes. Lauri and I opted for the Strawberry Boat which is strawberries over ice cream with whipped topping - YUM!! Also picked up huge avocados for 80 cents each and a bag of fresh picked navel oranges for $1.39. The oranges are very sweet.
We continued on to check out Lakeland and find the location for a gun show that Billy will be going to tomorrow. Terry & I walked over to exchange some books before joining the rest of the group at Billy & Lauri’s for happy hour.
Cool again all day today - 51 inside this morning and 42 outside.
Jan 17th - Sat - Thonotosassa
I caught up on some computer stuff and other chores this morning while it was still too cool to enjoy outdoors. We made a quick trip to the nearby Big Top flea market with Gary & Carie trying to find a bicycle for Carie and made a grocery stop on the way back.
Happy hour at our place before dinner and then we all attended a dance from 8:00 to 11:00 at the RV park. Music was provided by a couple with a wide range of styles including Hawaiian to match the theme of the dance. $10 for tickets, BYOB and snacks for an inexpensive evening. Terry & I danced a lot - including most of a polka and the twist.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Jan 9th to 12th - Thonotosassa FL
Jan 9th - Fri - Thonotosassa
After water exercises and lunch, we all went to Zephyrhills in search of a bathing suit for me. I haven’t wanted to swim in the afternoon or evening as my suit will still be wet which is no fun to put on in the morning. Checked out a few stores and finally found one at Bealls Outlet at a reasonable price.
When we got back, it was time for a drink and some more cards before dinner.
Jan 10th - Sat - Thonotosassa
The weather is forecast to get cooler next week so Billy & lauri thought it would be a good day to check out the beaches. We packed lunches and took off about 10. It is quite a long drive (an hour?) to the coast and then you can drive along a coastal highway with access to multiple beaches. We checked out St. Pete’s beach which was lovely with very fine sand. It was early so we decided to continue driving north. We stopped at Sand Key beach, fed the parking meter for 2 hours and discovered that the beach was not as pretty and clean as St. Pete’s beach. We had lunch, gathered a few shells, caught some rays, headed back to the car and continued driving north to Clearwater Beach. Good thing we did not go there initially as the parking lots were full as were the meters on the streets. So we turned back east and took a slightly different route back to the RV park.
A few games of 31 again before dinner.
Jan 11th - Sun - Thonotosassa
We got tired watching Billy washing the black streaks off his rig so we headed to Zephyrhills looking for a couple of flea markets that we had found on the internet. It appears as it the internet information is not updated regularly as neither one is still in operation. Vicki called just before 12 while we were still in Zephyrhills so we went to see them at their RV park. It was a lovely day so after chatting a bit we went to watch skydivers a few miles away at one of the most popular skydiving locations in the US. We watched from 21 to 29 people load into a plane, waited while it gained altitude and then watched them come down and land. It was a fun thing to do on a sunny day.
From there Paul & Vicki went with us to a Super WalMart for some groceries. We dropped them off and headed home. Gary& Carie were due in today but weren’t here when we returned so we took a bike ride around the park to see if they were in a different site. Nope - they showed up as we were riding so we confused the heck out of Gary trying to help him squeeze between the concrete pad and the sewer connection and still get far enough back to reach the electric connection. While they were setting up we cooked dinner (a wonderful steak!) early as we hadn’t had lunch. Gary & Carie joined us for a drink and when they went to fix dinner we went to discuss tomorrow’s plans with Billy& Lauri.
Later, we and Gary & Carie enjoyed the hot tub and the pool.
Jan 12th - Mon - Thonotosassa
We all skipped exercise class today so we could leave at 9 to go to a flea market in Webster, about an hour north of here. Billy & Lauri rode with us and Gary & Carie followed. No one can fit 6 people.
I have to revise a previous comment in this blog - this is probably the largest market that we have attended. One side is mostly used/antique/collectible items and the other is a lot of new items with most of the stalls under cover. We were there for 4 hours with a short lunch break and were not able to see the whole thing even though we did not linger long at any one spot.
On the way back, we stopped at a state park to check out a spot to launch kayaks in the Hillsborough River.
Terry & I went for a bike ride around the park while the others were starting dinner. Then we all got together for a drink and more 31 before going our separate ways for dinner. Another visit by us and Gary& Carie to the hot tub & pool to end a very nice day.
After water exercises and lunch, we all went to Zephyrhills in search of a bathing suit for me. I haven’t wanted to swim in the afternoon or evening as my suit will still be wet which is no fun to put on in the morning. Checked out a few stores and finally found one at Bealls Outlet at a reasonable price.
When we got back, it was time for a drink and some more cards before dinner.
Jan 10th - Sat - Thonotosassa
The weather is forecast to get cooler next week so Billy & lauri thought it would be a good day to check out the beaches. We packed lunches and took off about 10. It is quite a long drive (an hour?) to the coast and then you can drive along a coastal highway with access to multiple beaches. We checked out St. Pete’s beach which was lovely with very fine sand. It was early so we decided to continue driving north. We stopped at Sand Key beach, fed the parking meter for 2 hours and discovered that the beach was not as pretty and clean as St. Pete’s beach. We had lunch, gathered a few shells, caught some rays, headed back to the car and continued driving north to Clearwater Beach. Good thing we did not go there initially as the parking lots were full as were the meters on the streets. So we turned back east and took a slightly different route back to the RV park.
A few games of 31 again before dinner.
Jan 11th - Sun - Thonotosassa
We got tired watching Billy washing the black streaks off his rig so we headed to Zephyrhills looking for a couple of flea markets that we had found on the internet. It appears as it the internet information is not updated regularly as neither one is still in operation. Vicki called just before 12 while we were still in Zephyrhills so we went to see them at their RV park. It was a lovely day so after chatting a bit we went to watch skydivers a few miles away at one of the most popular skydiving locations in the US. We watched from 21 to 29 people load into a plane, waited while it gained altitude and then watched them come down and land. It was a fun thing to do on a sunny day.
From there Paul & Vicki went with us to a Super WalMart for some groceries. We dropped them off and headed home. Gary& Carie were due in today but weren’t here when we returned so we took a bike ride around the park to see if they were in a different site. Nope - they showed up as we were riding so we confused the heck out of Gary trying to help him squeeze between the concrete pad and the sewer connection and still get far enough back to reach the electric connection. While they were setting up we cooked dinner (a wonderful steak!) early as we hadn’t had lunch. Gary & Carie joined us for a drink and when they went to fix dinner we went to discuss tomorrow’s plans with Billy& Lauri.
Later, we and Gary & Carie enjoyed the hot tub and the pool.
Jan 12th - Mon - Thonotosassa
We all skipped exercise class today so we could leave at 9 to go to a flea market in Webster, about an hour north of here. Billy & Lauri rode with us and Gary & Carie followed. No one can fit 6 people.
I have to revise a previous comment in this blog - this is probably the largest market that we have attended. One side is mostly used/antique/collectible items and the other is a lot of new items with most of the stalls under cover. We were there for 4 hours with a short lunch break and were not able to see the whole thing even though we did not linger long at any one spot.
On the way back, we stopped at a state park to check out a spot to launch kayaks in the Hillsborough River.
Terry & I went for a bike ride around the park while the others were starting dinner. Then we all got together for a drink and more 31 before going our separate ways for dinner. Another visit by us and Gary& Carie to the hot tub & pool to end a very nice day.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Jan 6th to 8th - Thonotosassa
Jan 6th - Tues - Thonotosassa
Terry went for a walk and a bike ride around the park while I was in the water exercise class. Then lunch and a bike ride around a park across the road and down the road a ways to see what was there - nothing much!
Our down comforter badly needed washing so we went to a laundromat next to WalMart for a large washer and dryer. Picked up a couple of items at WalMart while we waited and then a quick stop at the nearby Publix (grocery store) for some shish kabob ingredients for the barbeque.
I also had to wash sheets but didn’t take them to the laundromat as I thought it would be more expensive than the park laundry which is $1.00 per load. I was wrong (same price) and we still had to go to the park laundry when we got back. Terry fell in the pool while I passed the time with a book.
Billy & Lauri were outside playing cards when we passed by and invited us to join them. So we learned how to play 31 (often played in RV parks) which was fun. After dinner, Terry talked to Don (step-Dad) to see how they were coping with all the snow. Spokane has had 77 inches of snow this season but it was raining today so some was disappearing.
Jan 7th - Wed - Thonotosassa
The water exercise class completed just before a rain storm hit today. Florida needs rain desperately so it was a good thing. It didn’t last very long which meant I didn’t get through organizing and putting captions on my pictures - but I did get a start on it!
Later in the afternoon Billy & Lauri went with us to find Costco and a Super WalMart in Brandon which is just south of here. Easy access off a freeway which is great for these two important stores.
After we all put purchases away, we played 31 again and swapped quarters around to end up with each couple back to even. Into the rig for dinner and to close up all windows against the cooler weather.
Jan 8th - Thurs - Thonotosassa
Still cool enough to keep some people from the pool exercises - but not us hardy north-westerners. We finally got out the ladder to clean windows today. Outside is easy with Terry moving the ladder and me washing the windows. I bought some cloths for window washing at a flea market. You use only water and they work great. They are also absolutely wonderful to clean my black stove top with no streaks. Cleaning the windows inside is another story as screens have to be removed and cleaned and the tracks have to be washed. Good thing no one else was around as I would have been embarrassed by how dirty some tracks were.
Billy & Lauri and we went to play bingo this evening. They play with hard cards & markers rather than flimsies & daubers. It is a whole new experience - in fact I missed a bingo on the first early game as I couldn’t keep up with 9 cards! So Terry & I both went down to 6 cards and I won the third early game. Bingo is much less expensive here than at the last park but we are not loving playing with markers. Luckily the early games paid more than the regular games so we actually came out a few dollars ahead.
Terry went for a walk and a bike ride around the park while I was in the water exercise class. Then lunch and a bike ride around a park across the road and down the road a ways to see what was there - nothing much!
Our down comforter badly needed washing so we went to a laundromat next to WalMart for a large washer and dryer. Picked up a couple of items at WalMart while we waited and then a quick stop at the nearby Publix (grocery store) for some shish kabob ingredients for the barbeque.
I also had to wash sheets but didn’t take them to the laundromat as I thought it would be more expensive than the park laundry which is $1.00 per load. I was wrong (same price) and we still had to go to the park laundry when we got back. Terry fell in the pool while I passed the time with a book.
Billy & Lauri were outside playing cards when we passed by and invited us to join them. So we learned how to play 31 (often played in RV parks) which was fun. After dinner, Terry talked to Don (step-Dad) to see how they were coping with all the snow. Spokane has had 77 inches of snow this season but it was raining today so some was disappearing.
Jan 7th - Wed - Thonotosassa
The water exercise class completed just before a rain storm hit today. Florida needs rain desperately so it was a good thing. It didn’t last very long which meant I didn’t get through organizing and putting captions on my pictures - but I did get a start on it!
Later in the afternoon Billy & Lauri went with us to find Costco and a Super WalMart in Brandon which is just south of here. Easy access off a freeway which is great for these two important stores.
After we all put purchases away, we played 31 again and swapped quarters around to end up with each couple back to even. Into the rig for dinner and to close up all windows against the cooler weather.
Jan 8th - Thurs - Thonotosassa
Still cool enough to keep some people from the pool exercises - but not us hardy north-westerners. We finally got out the ladder to clean windows today. Outside is easy with Terry moving the ladder and me washing the windows. I bought some cloths for window washing at a flea market. You use only water and they work great. They are also absolutely wonderful to clean my black stove top with no streaks. Cleaning the windows inside is another story as screens have to be removed and cleaned and the tracks have to be washed. Good thing no one else was around as I would have been embarrassed by how dirty some tracks were.
Billy & Lauri and we went to play bingo this evening. They play with hard cards & markers rather than flimsies & daubers. It is a whole new experience - in fact I missed a bingo on the first early game as I couldn’t keep up with 9 cards! So Terry & I both went down to 6 cards and I won the third early game. Bingo is much less expensive here than at the last park but we are not loving playing with markers. Luckily the early games paid more than the regular games so we actually came out a few dollars ahead.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Jan 2nd to 5th - Thonotosassa FL
Jan 2nd - Fri - Thonotosassa
I joined the aquatic exercise class this morning and really enjoyed it. It is held weekday mornings at 10 (weather permitting) and I hope to participate each morning that we do not have any other plans. Billy & Lauri also go but when I suggested that Terry come along to keep Billy company, he thought maybe he could walk over and sit in the hot tub.
About noon we joined Billy & Lauri for some more exploring. We went to Tampa, found a parking spot on the street and went to a mall right on the water. Unfortunately, it was a secured area so we had to look out through a fence. The mall was quite interesting with mostly bars & restaurants and a large, multi-screen theater. We were fascinated by a bar that had a row of about 20 rotating drums with “slushy” iced drinks. This was a bar so they were alcoholic slushies. We were taking pictures when the bartender asked if we wanted a sample. She put banana something and strawberry something side by side in a little tasting cup for me - very cold and very good. Lauri had a couple samples with coffee something and chocolate something mixed in one. Prices were $7, $8 and $9 for about 6 oz and up and you could drink while wandering around the area. We passed since it was a little early for happy hour.
Lauri’s back was bothering her with the walking so we headed for the Hard Rock Casino. Billy & Lauri received $20 credit each when they got a players’ club card but were not able to turn it into take home cash. I managed to break even with one lucky machine and Terry spent his allowance. We had a late lunch/early dinner in the small food court in the casino and headed home. On the way we checked out a large flea market near the RV park - only open Sat & Sun - we will be back.
Fairly cool with the sun down so we went our own way for the evening rather than sitting out. Our rig is aligned east/west with the door facing north so our “sitting out” side is in shade all the time. We also have trees on the south side. Great when it is hot. Billy & Lauri are beside us on the north and the sites are large so we can move chairs out close to them in the afternoon.
Jan 3rd - Sat - Thonotosassa
We drove today for a trip to the large Oldsmar flea market which is about a ½ hour drive away. It has an aisle down the center and 10 or 11 covered aisles branching off both sides. All of the flea markets here include lots of fresh produce at good prices. We spent quite a bit of time looking at some smaller chairs to replace our recliners that are not comfortable for Terry. Stopped at a shopping center on the way back to pick up a prescription for Billy and grab a couple of grocery items.
Carie & Gary were here when we returned. They are just staying one night. We were sitting out with a buddy burner when a helicopter started flying repeatedly over our area. We found out from the office that there was an escaped convict and they were looking for him. Then a park employee came by in his golf cart and stopped to check out our “fire”. Someone in the sheriff’s helicopter had contacted them to say there was an illegal open fire in the park! Once he looked at it, he did not make us put it out. We did lock the doors when we went to bed.
After dinner, Gary & Carie joined us for a swim. The hot tub was not hot and the water was cloudy so the pool was more appealing.
Jan 4th - Sun - Thonotosassa
Gary & Carie did not unhook since they were leaving today so at 9 we took them with us to a nearby flea market. Again, it is a large market. Not all stalls were open and some were empty but there was plenty to see. We returned about 11:30, made lunches and ate together and then Gary & Carie left.
I phoned Marg (sister) to wish her a Happy Birthday and had a nice long chat. We didn’t have time to go through the whole flea market in the morning so Terry & I returned for a short time. Didn’t have as much to finish as we thought. Next a stop at Camping World to try to find a cover for the TV input on the outside of the 5th wheel - no luck.
Back to the rig to putter & relax. Billy & Lauri were gone all day so we chatted with them briefly when they returned and then it was time for dinner.
Jan 5th - Mon - Thonotosassa
Water exercise class started a little late today due to a park resident meeting so I got to chat with another camper for a bit. Someone turned the pool temperature up last night so it was way too warm, especially for exercising. While I was gone, Terry cleaned the truck. I made a nice breakfast/lunch and we went for a bicycle ride around all the roads in the park. Then we gathered up dirty clothes and headed to the laundry which is right beside the pool. Very sunny & warm so it was nice to swim and take in some sun while waiting for the washing. After we returned and I put away the clothes and got out of my swim suit, Terry asked if I wanted to go for a bike ride! I said I really just wanted to sit and read - I had done enough for the day. So we lazed around until it was time to barbeque hamburgers for dinner.
Lauri had a sore neck and jaw today which she thought was possibly due to an infected tooth. So after Billy went to the water exercise class he took her to a dentist. All OK with her teeth so they went to a doctor. They spent from 11:30 to 6 waiting for the dentist, doctor and getting a prescription to treat the inflammation in a gland in her neck.
I joined the aquatic exercise class this morning and really enjoyed it. It is held weekday mornings at 10 (weather permitting) and I hope to participate each morning that we do not have any other plans. Billy & Lauri also go but when I suggested that Terry come along to keep Billy company, he thought maybe he could walk over and sit in the hot tub.
About noon we joined Billy & Lauri for some more exploring. We went to Tampa, found a parking spot on the street and went to a mall right on the water. Unfortunately, it was a secured area so we had to look out through a fence. The mall was quite interesting with mostly bars & restaurants and a large, multi-screen theater. We were fascinated by a bar that had a row of about 20 rotating drums with “slushy” iced drinks. This was a bar so they were alcoholic slushies. We were taking pictures when the bartender asked if we wanted a sample. She put banana something and strawberry something side by side in a little tasting cup for me - very cold and very good. Lauri had a couple samples with coffee something and chocolate something mixed in one. Prices were $7, $8 and $9 for about 6 oz and up and you could drink while wandering around the area. We passed since it was a little early for happy hour.
Lauri’s back was bothering her with the walking so we headed for the Hard Rock Casino. Billy & Lauri received $20 credit each when they got a players’ club card but were not able to turn it into take home cash. I managed to break even with one lucky machine and Terry spent his allowance. We had a late lunch/early dinner in the small food court in the casino and headed home. On the way we checked out a large flea market near the RV park - only open Sat & Sun - we will be back.
Fairly cool with the sun down so we went our own way for the evening rather than sitting out. Our rig is aligned east/west with the door facing north so our “sitting out” side is in shade all the time. We also have trees on the south side. Great when it is hot. Billy & Lauri are beside us on the north and the sites are large so we can move chairs out close to them in the afternoon.
Jan 3rd - Sat - Thonotosassa
We drove today for a trip to the large Oldsmar flea market which is about a ½ hour drive away. It has an aisle down the center and 10 or 11 covered aisles branching off both sides. All of the flea markets here include lots of fresh produce at good prices. We spent quite a bit of time looking at some smaller chairs to replace our recliners that are not comfortable for Terry. Stopped at a shopping center on the way back to pick up a prescription for Billy and grab a couple of grocery items.
Carie & Gary were here when we returned. They are just staying one night. We were sitting out with a buddy burner when a helicopter started flying repeatedly over our area. We found out from the office that there was an escaped convict and they were looking for him. Then a park employee came by in his golf cart and stopped to check out our “fire”. Someone in the sheriff’s helicopter had contacted them to say there was an illegal open fire in the park! Once he looked at it, he did not make us put it out. We did lock the doors when we went to bed.
After dinner, Gary & Carie joined us for a swim. The hot tub was not hot and the water was cloudy so the pool was more appealing.
Jan 4th - Sun - Thonotosassa
Gary & Carie did not unhook since they were leaving today so at 9 we took them with us to a nearby flea market. Again, it is a large market. Not all stalls were open and some were empty but there was plenty to see. We returned about 11:30, made lunches and ate together and then Gary & Carie left.
I phoned Marg (sister) to wish her a Happy Birthday and had a nice long chat. We didn’t have time to go through the whole flea market in the morning so Terry & I returned for a short time. Didn’t have as much to finish as we thought. Next a stop at Camping World to try to find a cover for the TV input on the outside of the 5th wheel - no luck.
Back to the rig to putter & relax. Billy & Lauri were gone all day so we chatted with them briefly when they returned and then it was time for dinner.
Jan 5th - Mon - Thonotosassa
Water exercise class started a little late today due to a park resident meeting so I got to chat with another camper for a bit. Someone turned the pool temperature up last night so it was way too warm, especially for exercising. While I was gone, Terry cleaned the truck. I made a nice breakfast/lunch and we went for a bicycle ride around all the roads in the park. Then we gathered up dirty clothes and headed to the laundry which is right beside the pool. Very sunny & warm so it was nice to swim and take in some sun while waiting for the washing. After we returned and I put away the clothes and got out of my swim suit, Terry asked if I wanted to go for a bike ride! I said I really just wanted to sit and read - I had done enough for the day. So we lazed around until it was time to barbeque hamburgers for dinner.
Lauri had a sore neck and jaw today which she thought was possibly due to an infected tooth. So after Billy went to the water exercise class he took her to a dentist. All OK with her teeth so they went to a doctor. They spent from 11:30 to 6 waiting for the dentist, doctor and getting a prescription to treat the inflammation in a gland in her neck.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Dec 25th to Jan 1st - Florida
Dec 25th - Thurs - MERRY CHRISTMAS
Another sunny, hot day - not Christmas at all!
In between phone calls this morning, I updated the blog and put a sweet potato casserole together for later.
We attended the Christmas dinner at the park at 3:00. The park provided turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing and gravy. The hostess of each 16 person table organized everyone to bring all the rest - appetizers, salad, baked corn, sweet potatoes, the mandatory green bean casserole and desserts. They also beautifully and differently decorated their table and provided a small gift for each person. At out table, we each received a small glass ornament - quite delicate so not sure what we will do with ours. We did not know anyone at our table but sat across from a friendly couple from Pennsylvania so had someone to chat with during dinner.
Our neighbors Paul & Lorraine (and Lorraine’s sister Bev) were sitting out when we returned. I gave them the leftover sweet potatoes for their dinner and we joined them for a drink while they ate. We pulled out a buddy burner and ended up visiting until nearly 9.
Dec 26th - Fri - Naples
Terry decided to wash the truck today and discovered that the new ends that he put on our 50 foot hose were not very good - they just blew off when he attached the nozzle. So out on a shopping expedition. When Terry & I both got shoes a few days ago, we received a $10 certificate to be used on 12/26 thru 12/28 so I had to stop in at Bealls for a pair of sandals as a couple of pairs of OLD, CHEAP slips ons bit the dust. When we returned, Terry washed the truck with our new hose.
We went for a bike ride in the late afternoon and stopped to see the couple (George & Vicki) that we met at the Christmas dinner. They had an incredible amount of shells that they collected on nearby beaches during the 2 months that they have been here - including sand dollars, starfish, sea urchins and a sea horse. We were not impressed with the shells that we saw on the beaches but found out that you have to go early in the morning (6:30 - 7!!!) before the shells are picked over. Vicki makes “crafty” items with the shells but was looking for more ideas to use the amount of shells that they had picked up this time.
Dec 27th - Sat - Naples
We picked up Gary & Carie for a trip to Costco today - they don’t have a Costco card so we said we would take them with us. We had to stock up on the thin buns that we have not been able to find in the US and that Billy & Lori found for us in Costco. Of course we had to have a hot dog there for lunch. We dropped off perishable items at Gary & Carie’s rig and went on to a large shopping center where Carie & I looked for some shoes for her while the guys enjoyed a beer. Then we had to stop for ice cream as Gary & Carie said it was really good - and it was.
When we went to pick up Gary & Carie, we saw a familiar motor home in their park. Paul & Vicki that we stayed with in Ft. Lauderdale had returned from the keys and had just arrived in Ft Meyers. They weren’t home so I left a note on their door. While we were still out the Gary & Carie, Vicki called to say that they were near our RV park and wanted to come see us. They had not returned to their rig yet to see my note so where amazed when I told them about it. After returning Gary & Carie to their place, we stopped for a chat with Paul & Vicki. It is so incredible how we keep meeting up with people.
We had to hustle home and grab a bite to eat as George & Vicki were going to drop by to see our rig and discuss truck tow ratings. Ray (next door) had consumed a large amount of wine with some friends and joined us to provide a lot of laughs with his witty, honest comments.
Dec 28th - Sun - Naples
We met Billy & Lori at 10 this morning to go on a canoe trip. We rented 2 person canoes and put them into the Estero River right from a dock at the rental place. The river is tidal and had very little current while we were on it but there was a slight breeze behind us as we headed out so we kept that in mind when deciding how far to go. You can go about 4 miles to the Gulf of Mexico but we turned around after about 1 ½ hours and found a place to beach the canoes and have lunch. A steady paddle back and we made it in our allotted 3 hour time frame. There was not a lot of wildlife but it was very pretty with trees hanging over the water.
We decided to make laundry more enjoyable by using the laundry room right by the pool and swimming while the machines were running. Works quite well.
Dec 29th - Mon - Naples
Busy day today. We are allowed to wash vehicles in this park so planned to clean up the 5th wheel today. Scrubbed both sides of the awning, the roof section that wraps down the side, wheels and of course the entire body. Also wiped it down to prevent water spots. It was sunny and hot so the occasional over spray of water felt great. We were just about done at about 11:30 when Carie called to see if we wanted to join them at Bonita Beach. A swim sounded wonderful so we said we would finish up, pick up a sandwich for lunch and call them when we got to the beach so we could find them. Before we could even get our suits on and leave, Carie called back to say that there were no parking spots available so, Plan B, they were going to Barefoot Beach. Just as we were parking at Subway, she called again to say the parking & distance to the beach was even worse so, Plan C, how about meeting us back at our park and driving together to Delnor-Wiggins State Park and only paying one entrance fee. By the short time later that we were both at the park, we had each decided the Plan D sounded better - eat our lunch and then go to the park pool! There were few people in the pool when we got there, the water temperature was perfect, the sun was hot when you got out and we had a great couple of hours.
Paul & Vicki had invited us for dinner so Terry & I had quick showers and were walking out the door when Colin & Linda from down the street showed up. Linda had been reading an entry in our blog about our barbeque light and they wondered what it was and where we got it. Terry showed it to them and told them if they wanted one we could pick one up as the store is just past the park where Paul & Vicki are staying. It is about 16 miles away and they are leaving on Wed so we figured they probably wouldn’t want to drive there just for the light. So, a quick stop to buy the light before collapsing on Paul & Vicki’s patio.
Nice dinner and nice company. We left quite early as we were both fading fast.
Dec 30th - Tues - to Sarasota FL
Finished packing up this morning, went to deliver the light to Colin & Linda and chatted with them a bit before saying goodbye to Ray & Claire and heading north. Just a short 2 hour drive to Sun N Fun RV park just east of Sarasota where we are staying for 2 nights. Set up, had lunch and hopped on the bikes to find Doug & Louise who we met in Shediac, New Brunswick. We hoped to meet up somewhere and have been keeping in touch by email. Finally worked out to get together if only for a short time.
We sat and chatted with them over a few cocktails and were joined by their friends Ed & Diane. Louise started bringing out snacks and then made tacos for all of us for dinner. How nice!!
This park has a restaurant and is having 2 sittings for New Years Eve dinner which Doug & Louise are attending. They tried to get us tickets for dinner and a dance to follow but their table was filled up, Doug & Louise went to Canada for Christmas and Diane didn’t know if we wanted to go so didn’t get tickets for us. Oh well, it was great visiting with them even if Terry rode right in front of me on his bike and caused me to run into him!
Dec 31st - Wed - Sarasota
Relaxed a bit this morning and then took a bike ride around the park. Put on 5 miles and didn’t even ride half of the roads. Then we went for a drive to see the area a bit - west to Sarasota, north along Hwy 41 near the coast and ending up at the Red Barn flea market. Shopped, had lunch and bought a couple of little items. On the drive back we stopped for diesel at $2.29. We needed propane to cook ribs tonight so Terry went in search of it since the park propane service closed at noon.
We joined Doug & Louise and 3 other couples for a drink before they went to the New Years’ dinner here at the park. We came back for our rib dinner and then went to the dance which was sold out but our new friends were given 2 extra wrist bands which got us in.
Had a great time dancing to a good band until 1 and then Doug & Louise and Ed & Diane came to our place for a nightcap that no one really needed. Can’t remember the last time that we went to bed at 2 am!
Jan 1st - Thurs - to Thonotosassa (Tampa) FL
I cannot believe that I let the blog get so far behind! I swore the last time that it happened that it would not happen again - who knew how busy we would be.
We left shortly after 10 for the hour drive to the Southern Aire RV park. Got all set up and were just finishing lunch when Billy & Lori showed up. We are both staying here for the month of January since the weather further north looks too cold. It is cooler and breezy today.
Terry & I went for a bike ride around the park which has about 400 spots with quite a few vacancies. Then I worked on the blog and Terry took a nap - all that dancing wore him out. Billy asked us to join them on a ride so we went exploring. Stopped at a grocery store and checked out a Bealls outlet next door where I found a pair of shorts. Back to the rig for dinner, blog & more napping.
Another sunny, hot day - not Christmas at all!
In between phone calls this morning, I updated the blog and put a sweet potato casserole together for later.
We attended the Christmas dinner at the park at 3:00. The park provided turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing and gravy. The hostess of each 16 person table organized everyone to bring all the rest - appetizers, salad, baked corn, sweet potatoes, the mandatory green bean casserole and desserts. They also beautifully and differently decorated their table and provided a small gift for each person. At out table, we each received a small glass ornament - quite delicate so not sure what we will do with ours. We did not know anyone at our table but sat across from a friendly couple from Pennsylvania so had someone to chat with during dinner.
Our neighbors Paul & Lorraine (and Lorraine’s sister Bev) were sitting out when we returned. I gave them the leftover sweet potatoes for their dinner and we joined them for a drink while they ate. We pulled out a buddy burner and ended up visiting until nearly 9.
Dec 26th - Fri - Naples
Terry decided to wash the truck today and discovered that the new ends that he put on our 50 foot hose were not very good - they just blew off when he attached the nozzle. So out on a shopping expedition. When Terry & I both got shoes a few days ago, we received a $10 certificate to be used on 12/26 thru 12/28 so I had to stop in at Bealls for a pair of sandals as a couple of pairs of OLD, CHEAP slips ons bit the dust. When we returned, Terry washed the truck with our new hose.
We went for a bike ride in the late afternoon and stopped to see the couple (George & Vicki) that we met at the Christmas dinner. They had an incredible amount of shells that they collected on nearby beaches during the 2 months that they have been here - including sand dollars, starfish, sea urchins and a sea horse. We were not impressed with the shells that we saw on the beaches but found out that you have to go early in the morning (6:30 - 7!!!) before the shells are picked over. Vicki makes “crafty” items with the shells but was looking for more ideas to use the amount of shells that they had picked up this time.
Dec 27th - Sat - Naples
We picked up Gary & Carie for a trip to Costco today - they don’t have a Costco card so we said we would take them with us. We had to stock up on the thin buns that we have not been able to find in the US and that Billy & Lori found for us in Costco. Of course we had to have a hot dog there for lunch. We dropped off perishable items at Gary & Carie’s rig and went on to a large shopping center where Carie & I looked for some shoes for her while the guys enjoyed a beer. Then we had to stop for ice cream as Gary & Carie said it was really good - and it was.
When we went to pick up Gary & Carie, we saw a familiar motor home in their park. Paul & Vicki that we stayed with in Ft. Lauderdale had returned from the keys and had just arrived in Ft Meyers. They weren’t home so I left a note on their door. While we were still out the Gary & Carie, Vicki called to say that they were near our RV park and wanted to come see us. They had not returned to their rig yet to see my note so where amazed when I told them about it. After returning Gary & Carie to their place, we stopped for a chat with Paul & Vicki. It is so incredible how we keep meeting up with people.
We had to hustle home and grab a bite to eat as George & Vicki were going to drop by to see our rig and discuss truck tow ratings. Ray (next door) had consumed a large amount of wine with some friends and joined us to provide a lot of laughs with his witty, honest comments.
Dec 28th - Sun - Naples
We met Billy & Lori at 10 this morning to go on a canoe trip. We rented 2 person canoes and put them into the Estero River right from a dock at the rental place. The river is tidal and had very little current while we were on it but there was a slight breeze behind us as we headed out so we kept that in mind when deciding how far to go. You can go about 4 miles to the Gulf of Mexico but we turned around after about 1 ½ hours and found a place to beach the canoes and have lunch. A steady paddle back and we made it in our allotted 3 hour time frame. There was not a lot of wildlife but it was very pretty with trees hanging over the water.
We decided to make laundry more enjoyable by using the laundry room right by the pool and swimming while the machines were running. Works quite well.
Dec 29th - Mon - Naples
Busy day today. We are allowed to wash vehicles in this park so planned to clean up the 5th wheel today. Scrubbed both sides of the awning, the roof section that wraps down the side, wheels and of course the entire body. Also wiped it down to prevent water spots. It was sunny and hot so the occasional over spray of water felt great. We were just about done at about 11:30 when Carie called to see if we wanted to join them at Bonita Beach. A swim sounded wonderful so we said we would finish up, pick up a sandwich for lunch and call them when we got to the beach so we could find them. Before we could even get our suits on and leave, Carie called back to say that there were no parking spots available so, Plan B, they were going to Barefoot Beach. Just as we were parking at Subway, she called again to say the parking & distance to the beach was even worse so, Plan C, how about meeting us back at our park and driving together to Delnor-Wiggins State Park and only paying one entrance fee. By the short time later that we were both at the park, we had each decided the Plan D sounded better - eat our lunch and then go to the park pool! There were few people in the pool when we got there, the water temperature was perfect, the sun was hot when you got out and we had a great couple of hours.
Paul & Vicki had invited us for dinner so Terry & I had quick showers and were walking out the door when Colin & Linda from down the street showed up. Linda had been reading an entry in our blog about our barbeque light and they wondered what it was and where we got it. Terry showed it to them and told them if they wanted one we could pick one up as the store is just past the park where Paul & Vicki are staying. It is about 16 miles away and they are leaving on Wed so we figured they probably wouldn’t want to drive there just for the light. So, a quick stop to buy the light before collapsing on Paul & Vicki’s patio.
Nice dinner and nice company. We left quite early as we were both fading fast.
Dec 30th - Tues - to Sarasota FL
Finished packing up this morning, went to deliver the light to Colin & Linda and chatted with them a bit before saying goodbye to Ray & Claire and heading north. Just a short 2 hour drive to Sun N Fun RV park just east of Sarasota where we are staying for 2 nights. Set up, had lunch and hopped on the bikes to find Doug & Louise who we met in Shediac, New Brunswick. We hoped to meet up somewhere and have been keeping in touch by email. Finally worked out to get together if only for a short time.
We sat and chatted with them over a few cocktails and were joined by their friends Ed & Diane. Louise started bringing out snacks and then made tacos for all of us for dinner. How nice!!
This park has a restaurant and is having 2 sittings for New Years Eve dinner which Doug & Louise are attending. They tried to get us tickets for dinner and a dance to follow but their table was filled up, Doug & Louise went to Canada for Christmas and Diane didn’t know if we wanted to go so didn’t get tickets for us. Oh well, it was great visiting with them even if Terry rode right in front of me on his bike and caused me to run into him!
Dec 31st - Wed - Sarasota
Relaxed a bit this morning and then took a bike ride around the park. Put on 5 miles and didn’t even ride half of the roads. Then we went for a drive to see the area a bit - west to Sarasota, north along Hwy 41 near the coast and ending up at the Red Barn flea market. Shopped, had lunch and bought a couple of little items. On the drive back we stopped for diesel at $2.29. We needed propane to cook ribs tonight so Terry went in search of it since the park propane service closed at noon.
We joined Doug & Louise and 3 other couples for a drink before they went to the New Years’ dinner here at the park. We came back for our rib dinner and then went to the dance which was sold out but our new friends were given 2 extra wrist bands which got us in.
Had a great time dancing to a good band until 1 and then Doug & Louise and Ed & Diane came to our place for a nightcap that no one really needed. Can’t remember the last time that we went to bed at 2 am!
Jan 1st - Thurs - to Thonotosassa (Tampa) FL
I cannot believe that I let the blog get so far behind! I swore the last time that it happened that it would not happen again - who knew how busy we would be.
We left shortly after 10 for the hour drive to the Southern Aire RV park. Got all set up and were just finishing lunch when Billy & Lori showed up. We are both staying here for the month of January since the weather further north looks too cold. It is cooler and breezy today.
Terry & I went for a bike ride around the park which has about 400 spots with quite a few vacancies. Then I worked on the blog and Terry took a nap - all that dancing wore him out. Billy asked us to join them on a ride so we went exploring. Stopped at a grocery store and checked out a Bealls outlet next door where I found a pair of shorts. Back to the rig for dinner, blog & more napping.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Dec 22nd to 24th - Naples FL
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!
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!
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!
Friday, November 28, 2008
Nov 25th to 27th - Ft Lauderdale FL
Nov 25th - Tues - Ft Lauderdale FL
We were going to leave here tomorrow but decided to stay and rest to try to get rid of our colds before we move to Naples on Dec 1st. We finally decided to buy an air card for internet access for our computer. We found a new Verizon store with nice owners and signed up for a couple of years. Had some trouble setting it up but a very apologetic and helpful tech support guy was able to get us going. I think we are really going to enjoy having internet access any time that we have a cell signal as that is most of the time. We won’t have to pick an RV park based on wifi availability or get a park with wifi and then not be able to receive a signal at our site.
We got some “drugs” for Terry’s drippy nose, got out the lounge chairs and enjoyed the sun.
Nov 26th - Wed - Ft Lauderdale FL
Vicki wanted to check out the harness racing track and casino - didn’t take much to get us to go. But the racing didn’t start until 7:25 so we decided to go to the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood (just south of here) first. It is more than just a casino with a large hotel and a shopping mall as well. The outside mall is beautifully done with landscaping and fountains. When Paul & Vicki signed up for a player card, they received $20 in slot play. We did not get the $20 as we had signed up for the card previously at a Hard Rock Casino on our way to the keys. I introduced Paul to a couple of machines that ate up his money while Vicki walked away with a few dollars. Terry & I continued our casino losing streak!
The traffic was very heavy on the way back. The opposite side of the freeway was crawling. We exited just before our side came to a crawl. We stopped at a grocery store to get some items for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow and returned to the RV park to drop off the groceries and have something to eat.
Just after 5 we headed for the race track which is in Pompano Beach - a short distance north. We all signed up for a player card and received $25 in slot play. We swiped our cards for a drawing entry and Vicki and I received $5 & $10 respectively in additional credit. But it didn’t do me any good!! Vicki managed again to nurse hers into $25 to take home (you can tell who the gamblers are!) and I actually found a couple of machines for Paul that allowed him to take some money home. We watched the horses warming up for a race, watched the race and decided that it was too slow and unexciting to stay longer.
I spoke briefly with Marg (sister) and found out that my Dad’s second cataract surgery went very well.
Nov 27th - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
We had a lovely Thanksgiving day. I made most of a turkey dinner for us and Paul & Vicki. The weather was wonderful and we had dinner early enough that we could eat outside. Terry, Paul & Vicki put on their suits to take a swim and then we discovered that the park thanksgiving dinner was being held in the pool area and it was closed. Later we lit a buddy burner and enjoyed a fire.
Before dinner, Terry & Paul wired up a light to illuminate our outside steps. Our porch light is cleverly located behind the door so the steps are dark when you open the door to enter or exit.
We were going to leave here tomorrow but decided to stay and rest to try to get rid of our colds before we move to Naples on Dec 1st. We finally decided to buy an air card for internet access for our computer. We found a new Verizon store with nice owners and signed up for a couple of years. Had some trouble setting it up but a very apologetic and helpful tech support guy was able to get us going. I think we are really going to enjoy having internet access any time that we have a cell signal as that is most of the time. We won’t have to pick an RV park based on wifi availability or get a park with wifi and then not be able to receive a signal at our site.
We got some “drugs” for Terry’s drippy nose, got out the lounge chairs and enjoyed the sun.
Nov 26th - Wed - Ft Lauderdale FL
Vicki wanted to check out the harness racing track and casino - didn’t take much to get us to go. But the racing didn’t start until 7:25 so we decided to go to the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood (just south of here) first. It is more than just a casino with a large hotel and a shopping mall as well. The outside mall is beautifully done with landscaping and fountains. When Paul & Vicki signed up for a player card, they received $20 in slot play. We did not get the $20 as we had signed up for the card previously at a Hard Rock Casino on our way to the keys. I introduced Paul to a couple of machines that ate up his money while Vicki walked away with a few dollars. Terry & I continued our casino losing streak!
The traffic was very heavy on the way back. The opposite side of the freeway was crawling. We exited just before our side came to a crawl. We stopped at a grocery store to get some items for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow and returned to the RV park to drop off the groceries and have something to eat.
Just after 5 we headed for the race track which is in Pompano Beach - a short distance north. We all signed up for a player card and received $25 in slot play. We swiped our cards for a drawing entry and Vicki and I received $5 & $10 respectively in additional credit. But it didn’t do me any good!! Vicki managed again to nurse hers into $25 to take home (you can tell who the gamblers are!) and I actually found a couple of machines for Paul that allowed him to take some money home. We watched the horses warming up for a race, watched the race and decided that it was too slow and unexciting to stay longer.
I spoke briefly with Marg (sister) and found out that my Dad’s second cataract surgery went very well.
Nov 27th - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
We had a lovely Thanksgiving day. I made most of a turkey dinner for us and Paul & Vicki. The weather was wonderful and we had dinner early enough that we could eat outside. Terry, Paul & Vicki put on their suits to take a swim and then we discovered that the park thanksgiving dinner was being held in the pool area and it was closed. Later we lit a buddy burner and enjoyed a fire.
Before dinner, Terry & Paul wired up a light to illuminate our outside steps. Our porch light is cleverly located behind the door so the steps are dark when you open the door to enter or exit.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Nov 21st to 24th - Ft Lauderdale FL
Nov 21st - Fri - Ft Lauderdale FL
The guys spent time today working on the satellite TV systems. We are having a problem with our receiver so they swapped cables & receivers and hooked up to each dish trying to isolate the problem. Then we all took a drive to the Sawgrass Mill shopping center. It is a monstrous site with a circle road all around it. You have to drive from one section to another unless you are ready for a long walk. We were looking for Sam’s Club which we found across the road. Then we went back to BrandsMart USA in the shopping center. It is a store crammed with every appliance and electronic device in every brand that you can imagine.
We sat out and then enjoyed a shared baby back rib dinner.
Nov 22nd - Sat - Ft Lauderdale FL
The park allows vehicle washing on Wed & Sat so Terry took advantage of it to get the salt spray off both rigs while I puttered around inside. Next on the list was laundry and even though the washers were small I was lucky enough to get 5 and get everything done.
Now Terry is getting sick - and we all know it hits him harder than it does me
The park has wifi that you have to pay for but we cannot get a good enough signal at our site to even get signed up. Vicki has an air card on her computer and is nice enough to let us check email and update the blog on her computer.
Nov 23rd - Sun - Ft Lauderdale FL
Paul & Vicki spent the day with some friends so Terry & I coughed ourselves awake and decided an outing of some kind might help us feel better. We had seen a ad on TV for a swap meet and found it without any problem. Cars were lined up to get into parking lots and we had to drive around to find a spot when someone left. The place is huge - it’s a 14 screen drive-in movie site when the vendors clear out. There were indoor spots, tented spots and “throw it on the ground” spots. The weather was nice for walking around - not too hot with a nice breeze. But we both faded and headed back without buying anything. Walked to Kentucky Fried Chicken for some lunch which neither of us finished! Spent the rest of the afternoon & evening watching TV and conserving our energy.
Nov 24th - Mon - Ft Lauderdale FL
Got a slow start again this morning and then had to take Paul & Vicki to the swap meet. It was very different today as a lot of the open area was parking rather than “throw it on the ground” vendors. We stopped at a grocery store on the way back. We have some new neighbors so the guys had to relocate the satellite dishes and I downloaded a new program to correct a “scramble” problem.
Vicki provided most of the ingredients for a shared hamburger dinner. Terry is really stuffed up and coughing so he headed back to our rig right after dinner and I followed not too long after.
The guys spent time today working on the satellite TV systems. We are having a problem with our receiver so they swapped cables & receivers and hooked up to each dish trying to isolate the problem. Then we all took a drive to the Sawgrass Mill shopping center. It is a monstrous site with a circle road all around it. You have to drive from one section to another unless you are ready for a long walk. We were looking for Sam’s Club which we found across the road. Then we went back to BrandsMart USA in the shopping center. It is a store crammed with every appliance and electronic device in every brand that you can imagine.
We sat out and then enjoyed a shared baby back rib dinner.
Nov 22nd - Sat - Ft Lauderdale FL
The park allows vehicle washing on Wed & Sat so Terry took advantage of it to get the salt spray off both rigs while I puttered around inside. Next on the list was laundry and even though the washers were small I was lucky enough to get 5 and get everything done.
Now Terry is getting sick - and we all know it hits him harder than it does me
The park has wifi that you have to pay for but we cannot get a good enough signal at our site to even get signed up. Vicki has an air card on her computer and is nice enough to let us check email and update the blog on her computer.
Nov 23rd - Sun - Ft Lauderdale FL
Paul & Vicki spent the day with some friends so Terry & I coughed ourselves awake and decided an outing of some kind might help us feel better. We had seen a ad on TV for a swap meet and found it without any problem. Cars were lined up to get into parking lots and we had to drive around to find a spot when someone left. The place is huge - it’s a 14 screen drive-in movie site when the vendors clear out. There were indoor spots, tented spots and “throw it on the ground” spots. The weather was nice for walking around - not too hot with a nice breeze. But we both faded and headed back without buying anything. Walked to Kentucky Fried Chicken for some lunch which neither of us finished! Spent the rest of the afternoon & evening watching TV and conserving our energy.
Nov 24th - Mon - Ft Lauderdale FL
Got a slow start again this morning and then had to take Paul & Vicki to the swap meet. It was very different today as a lot of the open area was parking rather than “throw it on the ground” vendors. We stopped at a grocery store on the way back. We have some new neighbors so the guys had to relocate the satellite dishes and I downloaded a new program to correct a “scramble” problem.
Vicki provided most of the ingredients for a shared hamburger dinner. Terry is really stuffed up and coughing so he headed back to our rig right after dinner and I followed not too long after.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Nov 17th to 20th - Florida
Nov 17th - Mon - Marathon FL
We finally got together with the neighbor that we met briefly at the office when checking email. Lori & Dave are from Saskatchewan and had been to Newfoundland this summer so we had a lot to talk about.
Next we drove to Islamadora (about 25 miles back up the keys) where we had lunch and browsed through some stores.
The wind never quit last night and all day today. Good thing we have TV channels as you sure cannot sit outside.
Nov 18th - Tues - Marathon FL
We made another trip to Key West today. First took pictures at the southernmost point in the US and then had lunch at Sloppy Joe’s which is supposedly a must-do while in Key West. Walked around Mallory Square which has a sunset party each night (we didn’t stay for it) and wandered through many streets & stores that we hadn’t seen on our first visit. A lot of restaurants have live entertainment all afternoon & evening.
Shortly after we got back to the RV park, Lori showed up to ask us over for margaritas. They had been parked on a waterfront site but moved to a site a few rows back to get away from the wind and from the spray hitting their rig. Lori was going to make us all some dinner when Dave said he had seen a sign down the road for “all you can eat shrimp” which sounded OK to all of us. So we walked to the restaurant (a little further than Dave thought) and had dinner. The waitress asked if we were ready for more shrimp (peel and eat) but we were all full. So she brought another bowl for each of us and a couple of to-go boxes. I have a cold and achy muscles so we headed home.
Nov 19th - Wed - to Ft Lauderdale FL
Another restless night with the wind blowing. We took a few minutes to say goodbye to Dave & Lori before leaving shortly after 9. The wind was really tossing us around on the highway for a while but finally let up. We let Wanda lead us on & off toll highways and were happy to have her guiding us with “keep right, keep left and exit right” in quick succession. Arrived at Paradise Island RV park just before 1, got a spot right next to Paul & Vicki and got set up before they returned from the beach. We sat & chatted with them for a couple of hours and then came back to fix dinner. Paul had figured out how to get the new program on his Coolsat receiver so we didn’t have to do any computer stuff today.
I am still feeling very much under the weather so went to bed early.
Nov 20th - Thurs - Ft Lauderdale FL
I thought I would get a good night’s sleep without the wind but I tossed & turned & coughed all night and kept Terry awake as well. We enjoyed the sun and sat chatting with Paul & Vicki for quite a while this morning. Terry explored the park on his bike and joined Paul & Vicki for a swim while I tried to nap and ended up reading. Terry & I walked a short distance to a Walgreens for some “drugs” for me.
Paul needed a pizza fix so we went to dinner with them at CiCi’s Pizza which is a buffet/all you can eat chain. I downed some Nyquil-type medication and went to be early again.
We finally got together with the neighbor that we met briefly at the office when checking email. Lori & Dave are from Saskatchewan and had been to Newfoundland this summer so we had a lot to talk about.
Next we drove to Islamadora (about 25 miles back up the keys) where we had lunch and browsed through some stores.
The wind never quit last night and all day today. Good thing we have TV channels as you sure cannot sit outside.
Nov 18th - Tues - Marathon FL
We made another trip to Key West today. First took pictures at the southernmost point in the US and then had lunch at Sloppy Joe’s which is supposedly a must-do while in Key West. Walked around Mallory Square which has a sunset party each night (we didn’t stay for it) and wandered through many streets & stores that we hadn’t seen on our first visit. A lot of restaurants have live entertainment all afternoon & evening.
Shortly after we got back to the RV park, Lori showed up to ask us over for margaritas. They had been parked on a waterfront site but moved to a site a few rows back to get away from the wind and from the spray hitting their rig. Lori was going to make us all some dinner when Dave said he had seen a sign down the road for “all you can eat shrimp” which sounded OK to all of us. So we walked to the restaurant (a little further than Dave thought) and had dinner. The waitress asked if we were ready for more shrimp (peel and eat) but we were all full. So she brought another bowl for each of us and a couple of to-go boxes. I have a cold and achy muscles so we headed home.
Nov 19th - Wed - to Ft Lauderdale FL
Another restless night with the wind blowing. We took a few minutes to say goodbye to Dave & Lori before leaving shortly after 9. The wind was really tossing us around on the highway for a while but finally let up. We let Wanda lead us on & off toll highways and were happy to have her guiding us with “keep right, keep left and exit right” in quick succession. Arrived at Paradise Island RV park just before 1, got a spot right next to Paul & Vicki and got set up before they returned from the beach. We sat & chatted with them for a couple of hours and then came back to fix dinner. Paul had figured out how to get the new program on his Coolsat receiver so we didn’t have to do any computer stuff today.
I am still feeling very much under the weather so went to bed early.
Nov 20th - Thurs - Ft Lauderdale FL
I thought I would get a good night’s sleep without the wind but I tossed & turned & coughed all night and kept Terry awake as well. We enjoyed the sun and sat chatting with Paul & Vicki for quite a while this morning. Terry explored the park on his bike and joined Paul & Vicki for a swim while I tried to nap and ended up reading. Terry & I walked a short distance to a Walgreens for some “drugs” for me.
Paul needed a pizza fix so we went to dinner with them at CiCi’s Pizza which is a buffet/all you can eat chain. I downed some Nyquil-type medication and went to be early again.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Nov 15th & 16th - Marathon FL
Nov 15th - Marathon FL
Went to the office to post the blog and check email before heading to Key West, the furthest city on the keys. On the way we had to stop at a flea market where Terry found a part to repair the satellite dish and I got a pair of shorts. The bicycle riders must have stayed the night somewhere as we had to pass a lot of them again. We detoured through Bahia Honda State Park looking for our friends Gary & Carie but we didn’t find them so we must have gotten mixed up on the dates or location.
Once we figured out where we wanted to be, it was a little tough to find a parking spot in Key West. By the time we found some spots they were all metered but most occupied meters were expired so we decided to live dangerously and not feed the meter - besides, we didn’t have change!
It was very hot - high 80’s, low 90’s - and extremely humid so we ducked into stores that we weren’t all that interested in just to cool off in the air conditioning for a while. Stopped for a beer and discovered that we could walk around town with a drink so continued on. While we were walking, a police car led the entire group of bicyclists through town. They filled a whole lane for a couple of blocks at least.
By the time we decided to look for somewhere to have lunch, we didn’t go past anywhere that looked interesting so decided to head for home and cook an early dinner. It takes over an hour to drive so dinner turned out to be not all that early.
Paul (met in Clewiston) called to say that he had purchased a Coolsat satellite receiver and was having a problem with a scrambled signal. We started setting up our satellite so we could figure out if we could help him but, with dinner in the meantime, it got too dark so we decided to continue in the morning.
Nov 16th - Marathon FL
It got very windy last night. At 12:30, Terry heard the lawn chairs blow over so he was out putting everything away as it was also raining a bit then. After going to the office for internet to get a new Coolsat program, we set up the satellite. It was a huge challenge with the wind still blowing and the ground too soft to secure the tripod. We did eventually get it set up, got the new program loaded and had more channels than we could surf through in half an hour! I decided to email the uncompressed program to Paul, so another trip to the office where we briefly met a neighbor also checking email.
I needed a few groceries so we drove the 8 miles to Marathon. Again, no lunch so I put dinner on when we got back. Paul called to say that he did not receive my email - oops, wrong address. So another walk to the office - one way to get a little much needed exercise. Even when Paul received the file, we could not figure out how to get it on the flash drive to load the receiver. Their computer has the Vista operating system which I have not used very much and they also use Firefox instead of Internet Explorer so I couldn’t figure out the problem. We are going to the park they are in when we leave here on Wed so they are going to keep messing with it while they wait for us.
It remained windy and much cooler all day. The wind has blown mounds of sea grass onto the shore. The Gulf of Mexico is very shallow in some spots near the keys so I guess that is the source.
Went to the office to post the blog and check email before heading to Key West, the furthest city on the keys. On the way we had to stop at a flea market where Terry found a part to repair the satellite dish and I got a pair of shorts. The bicycle riders must have stayed the night somewhere as we had to pass a lot of them again. We detoured through Bahia Honda State Park looking for our friends Gary & Carie but we didn’t find them so we must have gotten mixed up on the dates or location.
Once we figured out where we wanted to be, it was a little tough to find a parking spot in Key West. By the time we found some spots they were all metered but most occupied meters were expired so we decided to live dangerously and not feed the meter - besides, we didn’t have change!
It was very hot - high 80’s, low 90’s - and extremely humid so we ducked into stores that we weren’t all that interested in just to cool off in the air conditioning for a while. Stopped for a beer and discovered that we could walk around town with a drink so continued on. While we were walking, a police car led the entire group of bicyclists through town. They filled a whole lane for a couple of blocks at least.
By the time we decided to look for somewhere to have lunch, we didn’t go past anywhere that looked interesting so decided to head for home and cook an early dinner. It takes over an hour to drive so dinner turned out to be not all that early.
Paul (met in Clewiston) called to say that he had purchased a Coolsat satellite receiver and was having a problem with a scrambled signal. We started setting up our satellite so we could figure out if we could help him but, with dinner in the meantime, it got too dark so we decided to continue in the morning.
Nov 16th - Marathon FL
It got very windy last night. At 12:30, Terry heard the lawn chairs blow over so he was out putting everything away as it was also raining a bit then. After going to the office for internet to get a new Coolsat program, we set up the satellite. It was a huge challenge with the wind still blowing and the ground too soft to secure the tripod. We did eventually get it set up, got the new program loaded and had more channels than we could surf through in half an hour! I decided to email the uncompressed program to Paul, so another trip to the office where we briefly met a neighbor also checking email.
I needed a few groceries so we drove the 8 miles to Marathon. Again, no lunch so I put dinner on when we got back. Paul called to say that he did not receive my email - oops, wrong address. So another walk to the office - one way to get a little much needed exercise. Even when Paul received the file, we could not figure out how to get it on the flash drive to load the receiver. Their computer has the Vista operating system which I have not used very much and they also use Firefox instead of Internet Explorer so I couldn’t figure out the problem. We are going to the park they are in when we leave here on Wed so they are going to keep messing with it while they wait for us.
It remained windy and much cooler all day. The wind has blown mounds of sea grass onto the shore. The Gulf of Mexico is very shallow in some spots near the keys so I guess that is the source.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Nov 12th to 14th - FL, Florida Keys
Nov 12th - Wed - to Clewiston FL
Didn’t get many pictures on the internet last night as the signal was just too low. Tried again this morning but not much better luck.
Said farewell to Frank & Marion and left about 10 for a short drive to Okeechobee RV Park in Clewiston which is on Lake Okeechobee. We were surprised to see what we identified as sugar cane fields as we neared Clewiston. Set up, had lunch and set out for a little exploring. Lake Okeechobee is very different. It is the second largest freshwater lake wholly in the United States, has an average depth of 10 feet, is entirely surrounded by a 104 mile long dike that averages 34 feet above the water level of the lake and is one of the best bass fishing lakes in the world. Stopped by WalMart for a couple of steaks for the barbeque and headed back to the campground. We also found some large, cheap candles to use in buddy burners.
We unloaded the bikes to ride around the park - couldn’t see any alligators in the park lake. The pool felt good and the weather was very warm (80’s) so a swim sounded like a great idea. When we got back to the pool, another couple (Paul & Vicki) was there and we had a great time talking to them. They asked if we wanted to join them for dinner at a local barbeque restaurant so we put the steaks back in the fridge and tagged along.
It was still early when we got back so they went to make a phone call and then came back to our site. Terry had a buddy burner set up which really intrigued them. Paul knew about, and had considered buying, the free-to-air satellite system that we have so we tried to give him as much information about it as we could.
We sat out until mosquitoes got too bad and the burner ran out of wax.
Nov 13th - Thurs - Clewiston FL
I had to use up some over ripe bananas in muffins this morning and decided to do a couple loads of laundry. We were just finishing the laundry when Paul & Vicki came by. They were going to WalMart for a prescription and for candles so they could make buddy burners and asked if we wanted to ride along. After WalMart, we stopped at Goodwill for some tins and scrounged some cardboard boxes from dumpsters. They also wanted to make some “business” cards and needed computer help to do so.
Back to the park and over to their place where the guys got the cardboard in the tins and Vicki & I worked on the computer. She has an air card so we had internet access but it seemed slow and would not download a program from Avery to create business cards. I could not figure out how to use MS Works Word Processing to get a picture on the card so Terry made several trips back to our rig to get our computer & CDs so I could get creative and move files from our XP computer to Vicki’s Vista machine. Kind of frustrating but got it done.
They had already thawed steaks for dinner yesterday so we got together to barbeque at our place for dinner. Again, the mosquitoes drove us inside - this time just as we started to eat dinner outside. They arrive very suddenly when it cools down just a bit.
Nov 14th - Fri - to Marathon FL
Left about 9 for a 3 ½ hour drive to the Florida keys. The keys are a string of islands (connected by causeways & bridges) stretching in a curve from the southern point of Florida.
We drove past miles & miles of huge sugar cane fields on the trip today. Then acres of swamp, part of which is Everglades National Park. A sign directed us to a different road than Wanda wanted us to take so we followed the sign which led us right past a casino. We were ready for a pit stop and something to eat so had to check it out. Signing up for a player card got us $20 each that we could only use on certain slot machines. I ended up with just under $10 in “winnings” that I could then use on any machine and Terry had somewhat less. Terry lost his and another $20 while I cashed in $40 to cover his losses and give us $20. We did not like the casino so were ready to go back to the rig where I made a sandwich and we carried on.
There was some type of organized bicycle ride going on so we had to travel many miles passing bike riders on a narrow shoulder with brave (ignorant?) riders right on the white line of a narrow road with a lot of traffic.
We are in the Jolly Roger RV park. We had booked 5 days with PA at $30 a night. There were very few campers when we got here with most of them on the water. The park had a $40 a night special for any site so we went on a tour and decided to “upgrade” from the PA site near the road (and with no neighbors) to a site closer to the water. After we decided to make the change and the paperwork was done, we discovered that if we had stayed near the road we would have received wifi at our site. Now we have to go near the office to connect.
It was after 3 by the time we were set up so we relaxed in the shade, walked around and chatted with a couple from Vermont, checked out the lobsters living by the docks and were then ready for dinner. I updated the blog but was too lazy to walk to the office to post it.
Didn’t get many pictures on the internet last night as the signal was just too low. Tried again this morning but not much better luck.
Said farewell to Frank & Marion and left about 10 for a short drive to Okeechobee RV Park in Clewiston which is on Lake Okeechobee. We were surprised to see what we identified as sugar cane fields as we neared Clewiston. Set up, had lunch and set out for a little exploring. Lake Okeechobee is very different. It is the second largest freshwater lake wholly in the United States, has an average depth of 10 feet, is entirely surrounded by a 104 mile long dike that averages 34 feet above the water level of the lake and is one of the best bass fishing lakes in the world. Stopped by WalMart for a couple of steaks for the barbeque and headed back to the campground. We also found some large, cheap candles to use in buddy burners.
We unloaded the bikes to ride around the park - couldn’t see any alligators in the park lake. The pool felt good and the weather was very warm (80’s) so a swim sounded like a great idea. When we got back to the pool, another couple (Paul & Vicki) was there and we had a great time talking to them. They asked if we wanted to join them for dinner at a local barbeque restaurant so we put the steaks back in the fridge and tagged along.
It was still early when we got back so they went to make a phone call and then came back to our site. Terry had a buddy burner set up which really intrigued them. Paul knew about, and had considered buying, the free-to-air satellite system that we have so we tried to give him as much information about it as we could.
We sat out until mosquitoes got too bad and the burner ran out of wax.
Nov 13th - Thurs - Clewiston FL
I had to use up some over ripe bananas in muffins this morning and decided to do a couple loads of laundry. We were just finishing the laundry when Paul & Vicki came by. They were going to WalMart for a prescription and for candles so they could make buddy burners and asked if we wanted to ride along. After WalMart, we stopped at Goodwill for some tins and scrounged some cardboard boxes from dumpsters. They also wanted to make some “business” cards and needed computer help to do so.
Back to the park and over to their place where the guys got the cardboard in the tins and Vicki & I worked on the computer. She has an air card so we had internet access but it seemed slow and would not download a program from Avery to create business cards. I could not figure out how to use MS Works Word Processing to get a picture on the card so Terry made several trips back to our rig to get our computer & CDs so I could get creative and move files from our XP computer to Vicki’s Vista machine. Kind of frustrating but got it done.
They had already thawed steaks for dinner yesterday so we got together to barbeque at our place for dinner. Again, the mosquitoes drove us inside - this time just as we started to eat dinner outside. They arrive very suddenly when it cools down just a bit.
Nov 14th - Fri - to Marathon FL
Left about 9 for a 3 ½ hour drive to the Florida keys. The keys are a string of islands (connected by causeways & bridges) stretching in a curve from the southern point of Florida.
We drove past miles & miles of huge sugar cane fields on the trip today. Then acres of swamp, part of which is Everglades National Park. A sign directed us to a different road than Wanda wanted us to take so we followed the sign which led us right past a casino. We were ready for a pit stop and something to eat so had to check it out. Signing up for a player card got us $20 each that we could only use on certain slot machines. I ended up with just under $10 in “winnings” that I could then use on any machine and Terry had somewhat less. Terry lost his and another $20 while I cashed in $40 to cover his losses and give us $20. We did not like the casino so were ready to go back to the rig where I made a sandwich and we carried on.
There was some type of organized bicycle ride going on so we had to travel many miles passing bike riders on a narrow shoulder with brave (ignorant?) riders right on the white line of a narrow road with a lot of traffic.
We are in the Jolly Roger RV park. We had booked 5 days with PA at $30 a night. There were very few campers when we got here with most of them on the water. The park had a $40 a night special for any site so we went on a tour and decided to “upgrade” from the PA site near the road (and with no neighbors) to a site closer to the water. After we decided to make the change and the paperwork was done, we discovered that if we had stayed near the road we would have received wifi at our site. Now we have to go near the office to connect.
It was after 3 by the time we were set up so we relaxed in the shade, walked around and chatted with a couple from Vermont, checked out the lobsters living by the docks and were then ready for dinner. I updated the blog but was too lazy to walk to the office to post it.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Nov 9th to 11th - Florida
Nov 9th - Sun - Davenport FL
The weather was so lovely this morning that I sat outside to read and have coffee. Terry suggested that I move the computer to the dining table to see if we could get wifi at our site and it worked since it gave us a clear line of sight to the antenna on the bath house. So we spent quite a bit of time catching up on email and researching campgrounds but were unable to reach anyone to make reservations.
After lunch, Terry & I went driving and made a big loop first south, then northeast through Kissimmee and back west & south to return to the park. Fueled up on diesel - $2.99.
Nov 10th - Mon - Davenport FL
I spent some time on the computer, made some campground reservations and prepared a bean casserole for the crock pot while Terry visited with Frank & Barry. Then Terry & I went to a few flea markets and got quite a bit of exercise to buy one Tshirt for Terry. We had a nice lunch, came back to the park and visited with neighbors for a while.
There was a pot luck dinner (hence the beans in the crock pot) in the park tonight followed by a musician who played the guitar and harmonica (sometimes at the same time) and sang very well. We chatted with a nice couple for a bit and were back before 8.
Nov 11th - Tues - Davenport FL
Did some maintenance and chores this morning and then had a late breakfast. About noon we took off with Frank & Marion for some exploring south on hwy 27. We went to a candy factory which promised viewing of the candy making process but nothing seemed to be under way. But we did take advantage of the candy tasting and we each bought some sweets. Then we stopped at a visitor center right beside a large orange juice processing plant where we watched an interesting film on orange juice and did more sampling - juice this time. We drove through nearby historic Lake Wales and checked out a couple of local stores.
On the way back we stopped at a WalMart for a few grocery items and ended up getting a pair of shorts and 2 pairs of jeans for Terry as well.
I applied myself to putting captions on pictures when we got back rather than going for a swim so I will be able to put them on the internet tonight.
The weather was so lovely this morning that I sat outside to read and have coffee. Terry suggested that I move the computer to the dining table to see if we could get wifi at our site and it worked since it gave us a clear line of sight to the antenna on the bath house. So we spent quite a bit of time catching up on email and researching campgrounds but were unable to reach anyone to make reservations.
After lunch, Terry & I went driving and made a big loop first south, then northeast through Kissimmee and back west & south to return to the park. Fueled up on diesel - $2.99.
Nov 10th - Mon - Davenport FL
I spent some time on the computer, made some campground reservations and prepared a bean casserole for the crock pot while Terry visited with Frank & Barry. Then Terry & I went to a few flea markets and got quite a bit of exercise to buy one Tshirt for Terry. We had a nice lunch, came back to the park and visited with neighbors for a while.
There was a pot luck dinner (hence the beans in the crock pot) in the park tonight followed by a musician who played the guitar and harmonica (sometimes at the same time) and sang very well. We chatted with a nice couple for a bit and were back before 8.
Nov 11th - Tues - Davenport FL
Did some maintenance and chores this morning and then had a late breakfast. About noon we took off with Frank & Marion for some exploring south on hwy 27. We went to a candy factory which promised viewing of the candy making process but nothing seemed to be under way. But we did take advantage of the candy tasting and we each bought some sweets. Then we stopped at a visitor center right beside a large orange juice processing plant where we watched an interesting film on orange juice and did more sampling - juice this time. We drove through nearby historic Lake Wales and checked out a couple of local stores.
On the way back we stopped at a WalMart for a few grocery items and ended up getting a pair of shorts and 2 pairs of jeans for Terry as well.
I applied myself to putting captions on pictures when we got back rather than going for a swim so I will be able to put them on the internet tonight.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Nov 6th to 8th - Florida
Nov 6th - Thurs - Orlando/Davenport FL
Got laundry washed and in the dryer before my haircut. It took a while for the haircut as the stylist did not want to get it too short and had to shorten it a couple of times. Terry was supposed to be finishing the laundry but he ended up BSing with neighbors and forgetting to check and add more quarters to the dryers.
We continued the chat fest with 2 other couples (Frank & Marion from Nfld, Barry & Cathy from PA) and all took a turn exclaiming about the wonderful weather that allowed us to sit in the shade and be comfortable with new friends. Hunger interrupted and we all went our own way to make lunches.
Marion, Terry & I went for a swim and a soak in the hot tub before Terry & I made another trip to a grocery store for some forgotten items (or menu change?). By the time I put groceries away, had dinner under way and joined Terry outside, mosquitoes had showed up and sent us back inside. After dinner we had a buddy burner out so our neighbors came over to check it out and visited again until mosquitoes and cooler weather said it was time for bed.
Nov 7th - Fri - Orlando/Davenport FL
We and Frank & Marion headed for a flea market today. Terry had picked up a brochure at the info center that advertised 1700 vendor stalls. Unfortunately, it seemed like there were less than half of them open. We were told that more are open on Sat & Sun and I think it is still early in the tourist season here. It still took us a couple of hours to wander around, buy a few things and have a sandwich for lunch.
We had passed a Big Lots store on the way and Marion had never been in one. So we had to stop there on the way back. There was a Texas Hold’em poker game in the park starting at 5 so the guys went to that and Marion, Cathy & I got together and did what women do best - talk - & had a couple of drinks with slightly more healthy snacks than the men ate.
Nov 8th - Sat - Davenport/Tampa FL
Frank took over driving duties today for a trip to Tampa (about 60 miles) to take in an RV show. It was not as large as we hoped but we went up & down enough steps for a while. Still didn’t see anything to make us say - yes! our new home!
Frank missed an exit when we were going to the RV show and we happened to turn around in the parking lot of a casino. So when we were ready for lunch we decided to check out the casino and have some lunch there. Then we each took $20 for the slot machines which quickly disappeared except for Terry who had a little run of luck which covered our $40 plus most of lunch.
Frank made a couple of detours to a garage sale, a large produce stand and a winery for some tasting so we had a full, fun day. The weather is wonderful - sunny & very warm.
After dinner, we went and had a nice visit with Gary & Carie from Victoria, BC who we met briefly in Savannah.
Got laundry washed and in the dryer before my haircut. It took a while for the haircut as the stylist did not want to get it too short and had to shorten it a couple of times. Terry was supposed to be finishing the laundry but he ended up BSing with neighbors and forgetting to check and add more quarters to the dryers.
We continued the chat fest with 2 other couples (Frank & Marion from Nfld, Barry & Cathy from PA) and all took a turn exclaiming about the wonderful weather that allowed us to sit in the shade and be comfortable with new friends. Hunger interrupted and we all went our own way to make lunches.
Marion, Terry & I went for a swim and a soak in the hot tub before Terry & I made another trip to a grocery store for some forgotten items (or menu change?). By the time I put groceries away, had dinner under way and joined Terry outside, mosquitoes had showed up and sent us back inside. After dinner we had a buddy burner out so our neighbors came over to check it out and visited again until mosquitoes and cooler weather said it was time for bed.
Nov 7th - Fri - Orlando/Davenport FL
We and Frank & Marion headed for a flea market today. Terry had picked up a brochure at the info center that advertised 1700 vendor stalls. Unfortunately, it seemed like there were less than half of them open. We were told that more are open on Sat & Sun and I think it is still early in the tourist season here. It still took us a couple of hours to wander around, buy a few things and have a sandwich for lunch.
We had passed a Big Lots store on the way and Marion had never been in one. So we had to stop there on the way back. There was a Texas Hold’em poker game in the park starting at 5 so the guys went to that and Marion, Cathy & I got together and did what women do best - talk - & had a couple of drinks with slightly more healthy snacks than the men ate.
Nov 8th - Sat - Davenport/Tampa FL
Frank took over driving duties today for a trip to Tampa (about 60 miles) to take in an RV show. It was not as large as we hoped but we went up & down enough steps for a while. Still didn’t see anything to make us say - yes! our new home!
Frank missed an exit when we were going to the RV show and we happened to turn around in the parking lot of a casino. So when we were ready for lunch we decided to check out the casino and have some lunch there. Then we each took $20 for the slot machines which quickly disappeared except for Terry who had a little run of luck which covered our $40 plus most of lunch.
Frank made a couple of detours to a garage sale, a large produce stand and a winery for some tasting so we had a full, fun day. The weather is wonderful - sunny & very warm.
After dinner, we went and had a nice visit with Gary & Carie from Victoria, BC who we met briefly in Savannah.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Nov 2nd to 5th - Florida
Nov 2nd - Sun - to St. Augustine, Florida
We had picked an RV park for today until Terry started reading some reviews and we decided not to go there. So we scrambled to find another park this morning and ended up here. We stopped at a large visitor info center as we entered Florida and stocked up on reading material. Arrived at 1:20, set up, grabbed a quick sandwich and headed for the large flea market that is right beside the RV park. This is a true flea market with mostly used goods plus the usual new T-shirts, socks and dollar items. There was also a snack bar area with beer and karaoke - BAD karaoke.
We all made a trip to a grocery store, then back to the rig for happy hour and sorting through all the brochures that we picked up earlier. Cable TV here so we have lots of channels that we don’t want to watch! It started to rain just as we were walking back from the flea market but quit about 10.
Nov 3rd - Mon - St. Augustine, FL
The name of this town is pronounced like the month. It is the town that has been continuously occupied for the longest time in the U.S. - founded in 1565.
We had a great day today with Billy & Lauri. Relaxed start which gave me time to bake some poppy seed muffins for breakfast. Then we headed for the historic town and the beaches which are about 9 miles away. We stopped in town to take pictures of the incredible Flagler Memorial Presbyterian Church and then walked a block for a few shots of picturesque Flagler College which used to be a large hotel. On the way to the beach, we stopped at the St. Augustine Lighthouse. I did not have any takers to join me on the 219 steps to the top so we carried on to a long pier where we were charged 50 cents each for the privilege of walking on it. But the waves were really crashing in so Terry, Billy & I made the walk. Quite a few people were fishing from the pier.
Next a stop for lunch at the “world famous” Oasis Deck & Restaurant followed by a drive along a hard packed section of beach. Back into town, stopping first to explore the fort Castillo de San Marcos. Very interesting and beautifully restored. It took us longer than we expected and we returned to an expired parking meter. Luckily, the “meter maid” was just going down the opposite side of the row! We had noticed some shops around a big square so we paid for an hour of parking and set out. Then we saw a whole street of shops opening off the square so we got another hour of parking and continued - including a restorative stop for beer or ice cream.
A stop for diesel ($3.28) and we were back in time for a short happy hour before a light rain sent us in for dinner.
Nov 4th - Tues - St. Augustine, FL
Billy took over driving duties today as we continued to explore St. Augustine. But first we had to hit a Big Lots store (Lauri & my favorite!). We went to the Mission of Nombre de Dios - wonderfully manicured grounds with a huge cross on the edge of the river, trees planted in honor of loved ones, monuments, information plaques and huge numbers of squirrels. Checked out the Lightner Museum but decided we did not want to spend the money to view such things as china, old hotel rooms and replicas of old store window displays.
Next we crossed a bridge to Vilano Beach which is on a peninsula that starts not too far south of Jacksonville - as we found out. We stopped at a restaurant with an ocean view for a nice lunch and then continued driving north. There are huge, gated estates along the beach and also on the other side of the road which fronts on the Intercoastal Waterway. Hit I95 freeway for the trip back to the RV park.
I had tried to do a load of laundry before we left this morning but the park water was being shut off so I did it when we returned. Also helped Lauri on her computer.
Nov 5th - Wed - to Orlando, FL area
We are actually in Davenport which is a little southwest of Orlando - staying at the ThemeWorld RV park (CCUSA). The I4 highway is close by but we are a few rows back in the park so the noise is not nearly as bad as Savannah. It was only about 2 ½ hours to drive. We said goodbye to Billy & Lauri as they had decided to slow down a bit and stay for a week in St. Augustine. We hope to meet up with them later this winter.
As we were trying to get into our spot here, the guy across the road moved his truck to make room for Terry to maneuver. Then we decided that the spot would just not work as we had to back up really far for our awning to clear a tree. This put us on a hill which meant the front jacks would have been really high. So we thanked our neighbor for moving his truck, walked to the office to get a new spot and ended up parking right beside our thoughtful neighbor. Turns out they are from Newfoundland so even before we completed setting up we had met them and never quit talking! We have already made plans to do some things with them! Gotta love this lifestyle!
I am in desperate need of a haircut so we stopped at the office to get a recommendation. There is a lady in the park who cuts hair so I made an appointment for tomorrow. Then we found a grocery store - and I finally found my Yoshida sauce that I have been looking for for months.
Back at the park, Terry was heating up the barbeque when another neighbor (from Pennsylvania) came over to introduce himself. I am glad that we are staying a week since we have such nice neighbors.
We had picked an RV park for today until Terry started reading some reviews and we decided not to go there. So we scrambled to find another park this morning and ended up here. We stopped at a large visitor info center as we entered Florida and stocked up on reading material. Arrived at 1:20, set up, grabbed a quick sandwich and headed for the large flea market that is right beside the RV park. This is a true flea market with mostly used goods plus the usual new T-shirts, socks and dollar items. There was also a snack bar area with beer and karaoke - BAD karaoke.
We all made a trip to a grocery store, then back to the rig for happy hour and sorting through all the brochures that we picked up earlier. Cable TV here so we have lots of channels that we don’t want to watch! It started to rain just as we were walking back from the flea market but quit about 10.
Nov 3rd - Mon - St. Augustine, FL
The name of this town is pronounced like the month. It is the town that has been continuously occupied for the longest time in the U.S. - founded in 1565.
We had a great day today with Billy & Lauri. Relaxed start which gave me time to bake some poppy seed muffins for breakfast. Then we headed for the historic town and the beaches which are about 9 miles away. We stopped in town to take pictures of the incredible Flagler Memorial Presbyterian Church and then walked a block for a few shots of picturesque Flagler College which used to be a large hotel. On the way to the beach, we stopped at the St. Augustine Lighthouse. I did not have any takers to join me on the 219 steps to the top so we carried on to a long pier where we were charged 50 cents each for the privilege of walking on it. But the waves were really crashing in so Terry, Billy & I made the walk. Quite a few people were fishing from the pier.
Next a stop for lunch at the “world famous” Oasis Deck & Restaurant followed by a drive along a hard packed section of beach. Back into town, stopping first to explore the fort Castillo de San Marcos. Very interesting and beautifully restored. It took us longer than we expected and we returned to an expired parking meter. Luckily, the “meter maid” was just going down the opposite side of the row! We had noticed some shops around a big square so we paid for an hour of parking and set out. Then we saw a whole street of shops opening off the square so we got another hour of parking and continued - including a restorative stop for beer or ice cream.
A stop for diesel ($3.28) and we were back in time for a short happy hour before a light rain sent us in for dinner.
Nov 4th - Tues - St. Augustine, FL
Billy took over driving duties today as we continued to explore St. Augustine. But first we had to hit a Big Lots store (Lauri & my favorite!). We went to the Mission of Nombre de Dios - wonderfully manicured grounds with a huge cross on the edge of the river, trees planted in honor of loved ones, monuments, information plaques and huge numbers of squirrels. Checked out the Lightner Museum but decided we did not want to spend the money to view such things as china, old hotel rooms and replicas of old store window displays.
Next we crossed a bridge to Vilano Beach which is on a peninsula that starts not too far south of Jacksonville - as we found out. We stopped at a restaurant with an ocean view for a nice lunch and then continued driving north. There are huge, gated estates along the beach and also on the other side of the road which fronts on the Intercoastal Waterway. Hit I95 freeway for the trip back to the RV park.
I had tried to do a load of laundry before we left this morning but the park water was being shut off so I did it when we returned. Also helped Lauri on her computer.
Nov 5th - Wed - to Orlando, FL area
We are actually in Davenport which is a little southwest of Orlando - staying at the ThemeWorld RV park (CCUSA). The I4 highway is close by but we are a few rows back in the park so the noise is not nearly as bad as Savannah. It was only about 2 ½ hours to drive. We said goodbye to Billy & Lauri as they had decided to slow down a bit and stay for a week in St. Augustine. We hope to meet up with them later this winter.
As we were trying to get into our spot here, the guy across the road moved his truck to make room for Terry to maneuver. Then we decided that the spot would just not work as we had to back up really far for our awning to clear a tree. This put us on a hill which meant the front jacks would have been really high. So we thanked our neighbor for moving his truck, walked to the office to get a new spot and ended up parking right beside our thoughtful neighbor. Turns out they are from Newfoundland so even before we completed setting up we had met them and never quit talking! We have already made plans to do some things with them! Gotta love this lifestyle!
I am in desperate need of a haircut so we stopped at the office to get a recommendation. There is a lady in the park who cuts hair so I made an appointment for tomorrow. Then we found a grocery store - and I finally found my Yoshida sauce that I have been looking for for months.
Back at the park, Terry was heating up the barbeque when another neighbor (from Pennsylvania) came over to introduce himself. I am glad that we are staying a week since we have such nice neighbors.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Oct 29th to Nov 1st - SC to Georgia
Oct 29th - Wed - St George, SC
Lovely sunny day for doing chores. We are lucky enough to be in an RV park that allows vehicle washing so Terry washed the truck yesterday and the 5th wheel today while I did laundry and worked on the computer. After lunch we drove into town to mail a birthday card to grandson Cameron and to find some diesel. In St. George the diesel was $4.69 so we went back up the highway a bit and got it for $3.09! Then we found out that the station in St. George was closed with an old price posted!
We took advantage of the sunshine to sit out and to wander around the park and talk to people. Several of the permanent looking rigs here are tied down to anchors or trees. We finally asked someone about it and she said that in August a hurricane was heading this way so everyone took precautions. The storm went by with only ½ inch of rain and some wind. So they have left their rigs tied down. Scared us for a bit!
Oct 30th - Thurs - to Savannah, Georgia
Short 1 hr & 40 minute drive today so we didn’t have to get going early. Billy was sick yesterday but was feeling a little better this morning so he got going and washed his motor home and tow car before we left. Nice & sunny again - love it! We stopped at a large rest area/visitor information just into Georgia and there were lots of RVs in the parking lot.
We are at the Biltmore Gardens RV park (PA) and it is right on Hwy 17 so is pretty noisy. After we both got set up we decided to go exploring and get some lunch. We drove to Tybee Island and found the Crab Shack which was advertised in a brochure. It was a quirky place with a pond surrounded by lots of small alligators. Unfortunately, the food left a lot to be desired. It was OK but very small portions. We went from there to an Arby’s where we had some more lunch!
Then we found a beach access and walked out on a long fishing pier. The island has lots of condos and apartments for summer residents or vacationers. On the way back we stopped at Fort Pulaski National Monument. We only had time to watch a film on the history of the fort before it closed.
Billy was still feeling puny so we said goodnight when we got back.
Oct 31st - Fri - Savannah, GA
Lauri wanted to see Hilton Head so we headed back to South Carolina today (barely). It was about an hour drive in sunshine again. Hilton Head Island is very different from any other area we have seen. It is very clean & manicured - all of it. The stores along the main road are hidden behind trees with discreet signs on the side of the road. The McDonalds arches were the largest and only about 10 feet tall. There were wide, paved, level bike paths along all the main roads with many bicyclists. The island is only 12 miles long and from ½ to 4 miles wide. We drove to a beach access which had a wide fabric “walkway” about 50 yards out on the sand. People were riding bicycles on the hard sand. I was happy to have a light jean jacket over my T-shirt but people were enjoying the beach in shorts. We wandered through a group of touristy stores.
Lauri spotted a large alligator on the bank of a small lake so we had to make a U-turn to take pictures. There were many small lakes surrounded by lovely houses. The south end of the island is called Sea Pine Plantation and you have to pay $5 to enter. We went there and to Harbor Town for lunch where we sat outside to eat next to a marina with huge boats. Even though the island is small, there are many beautiful golf courses. We stopped at another spot with stores and strolled around some more before heading back.
We stopped for gas and asked for directions to a liquor store. Don’t want to go there after dark! We sat in the quickly setting sun when we got back and then moved to Billy & Lauri’s for a while before dinner.
Nov 1st - Sat - Savannah, GA
Today we took a sightseeing tour of old Savannah. A small trolley picked us up at the RV park at 9 and took us to the downtown visitor center where our tour started. There was a parade in town for college homecoming so our tour kind of got rerouted. The tour guide had a very southern accent and was a kick. She gave us lots of information but kept us laughing with stories that you weren’t too sure if they were true or not. Lots of lovely restored old buildings, many “squares” (small parks), monuments & statues, cobblestone streets and huge old trees with Spanish moss. We got off partway through and walked to the waterfront. A Seafood Festival was going on and there were rows of vendors - goods & food - lining a wide walkway along the water. We watched a group of young girls dancing and then a waterskiing show. Huge cargo ships were going up & down the Savannah River with tug escorts. Lots of activity and lots of fun.
After stopping for lunch, we wanted to go see the Catholic cathedral that was highly recommended. The tour trolleys take a circular route so we would have had to get on & off a couple of times with short walks in between to get there. So we decided to hop on and go around half the tour again and then start over to get to the cathedral. When we got to the “depot”, we realized that we did not have enough time to get to the cathedral and back before 4:30 when we would be taken back to the RV park. We spoke to an employee and she said to go anyhow and when we finished viewing the cathedral to call a number on the pamphlet and someone would come get us. Sure enough, we “toured” to the stop, finished at the cathedral which was awesome, made the phone call (a couple actually as Billy kept getting dropped) and a small trolley showed up in a few minutes just to take us back to the depot again.
When we got back to the RV park, we had new neighbors from Victoria, B.C. (Carie & Gary). We all sat outside and chatted until mosquitoes drove us in.
Lovely sunny day for doing chores. We are lucky enough to be in an RV park that allows vehicle washing so Terry washed the truck yesterday and the 5th wheel today while I did laundry and worked on the computer. After lunch we drove into town to mail a birthday card to grandson Cameron and to find some diesel. In St. George the diesel was $4.69 so we went back up the highway a bit and got it for $3.09! Then we found out that the station in St. George was closed with an old price posted!
We took advantage of the sunshine to sit out and to wander around the park and talk to people. Several of the permanent looking rigs here are tied down to anchors or trees. We finally asked someone about it and she said that in August a hurricane was heading this way so everyone took precautions. The storm went by with only ½ inch of rain and some wind. So they have left their rigs tied down. Scared us for a bit!
Oct 30th - Thurs - to Savannah, Georgia
Short 1 hr & 40 minute drive today so we didn’t have to get going early. Billy was sick yesterday but was feeling a little better this morning so he got going and washed his motor home and tow car before we left. Nice & sunny again - love it! We stopped at a large rest area/visitor information just into Georgia and there were lots of RVs in the parking lot.
We are at the Biltmore Gardens RV park (PA) and it is right on Hwy 17 so is pretty noisy. After we both got set up we decided to go exploring and get some lunch. We drove to Tybee Island and found the Crab Shack which was advertised in a brochure. It was a quirky place with a pond surrounded by lots of small alligators. Unfortunately, the food left a lot to be desired. It was OK but very small portions. We went from there to an Arby’s where we had some more lunch!
Then we found a beach access and walked out on a long fishing pier. The island has lots of condos and apartments for summer residents or vacationers. On the way back we stopped at Fort Pulaski National Monument. We only had time to watch a film on the history of the fort before it closed.
Billy was still feeling puny so we said goodnight when we got back.
Oct 31st - Fri - Savannah, GA
Lauri wanted to see Hilton Head so we headed back to South Carolina today (barely). It was about an hour drive in sunshine again. Hilton Head Island is very different from any other area we have seen. It is very clean & manicured - all of it. The stores along the main road are hidden behind trees with discreet signs on the side of the road. The McDonalds arches were the largest and only about 10 feet tall. There were wide, paved, level bike paths along all the main roads with many bicyclists. The island is only 12 miles long and from ½ to 4 miles wide. We drove to a beach access which had a wide fabric “walkway” about 50 yards out on the sand. People were riding bicycles on the hard sand. I was happy to have a light jean jacket over my T-shirt but people were enjoying the beach in shorts. We wandered through a group of touristy stores.
Lauri spotted a large alligator on the bank of a small lake so we had to make a U-turn to take pictures. There were many small lakes surrounded by lovely houses. The south end of the island is called Sea Pine Plantation and you have to pay $5 to enter. We went there and to Harbor Town for lunch where we sat outside to eat next to a marina with huge boats. Even though the island is small, there are many beautiful golf courses. We stopped at another spot with stores and strolled around some more before heading back.
We stopped for gas and asked for directions to a liquor store. Don’t want to go there after dark! We sat in the quickly setting sun when we got back and then moved to Billy & Lauri’s for a while before dinner.
Nov 1st - Sat - Savannah, GA
Today we took a sightseeing tour of old Savannah. A small trolley picked us up at the RV park at 9 and took us to the downtown visitor center where our tour started. There was a parade in town for college homecoming so our tour kind of got rerouted. The tour guide had a very southern accent and was a kick. She gave us lots of information but kept us laughing with stories that you weren’t too sure if they were true or not. Lots of lovely restored old buildings, many “squares” (small parks), monuments & statues, cobblestone streets and huge old trees with Spanish moss. We got off partway through and walked to the waterfront. A Seafood Festival was going on and there were rows of vendors - goods & food - lining a wide walkway along the water. We watched a group of young girls dancing and then a waterskiing show. Huge cargo ships were going up & down the Savannah River with tug escorts. Lots of activity and lots of fun.
After stopping for lunch, we wanted to go see the Catholic cathedral that was highly recommended. The tour trolleys take a circular route so we would have had to get on & off a couple of times with short walks in between to get there. So we decided to hop on and go around half the tour again and then start over to get to the cathedral. When we got to the “depot”, we realized that we did not have enough time to get to the cathedral and back before 4:30 when we would be taken back to the RV park. We spoke to an employee and she said to go anyhow and when we finished viewing the cathedral to call a number on the pamphlet and someone would come get us. Sure enough, we “toured” to the stop, finished at the cathedral which was awesome, made the phone call (a couple actually as Billy kept getting dropped) and a small trolley showed up in a few minutes just to take us back to the depot again.
When we got back to the RV park, we had new neighbors from Victoria, B.C. (Carie & Gary). We all sat outside and chatted until mosquitoes drove us in.
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