This And That or Whatever

OLD POST From 2002

2011-03-23T19:38:00.000-07:00

I foundd this the other day, so as I don't lost it, I'll post it here.

All who wander are not necessary lost

Busniest continures ( Is that a word?)

2011-03-23T19:25:00.000-07:00

Still busy here in Florida. This month is the last harah for the season. Bob and I were asked again this year to run for King aand Queen. It is an honor to be invited, but it is just not out thing.

Shawn sent me down a early birthday gift, a Toyota convertable. WOW! Every women in the park wants to adopt him. LOL

Last Thursay, St. Paddy's Day, the park had a corned beef and cabbage lunch. Bob and I made 12 loafs of Irish bread. Lots of raves about the bread.

We are still running cribbage on Monday night for a few more weeks. The last dance of the year was last weekend. The next big event is Marla & Don's retirement party this coming Friday.

Fun Day

2011-03-01T06:56:00.000-08:00

This Saturday the park will be hosting a Fun Day. I will be the sheriff and Bob will be running a game. Along with games there will be a cake walk, a silent auction and lunch. I have been sell tickets all week for Keep out of jail. If you are at the fair without wearing a card, you are put into a jail for all to see.

Yesterday we went to a local flea market in Webster, a waste of time didn't see one thing that I cound not live without. At night we went to cribbage that Mary and I run. We had eighr table last night. Pretty good!

More about Febuary

2011-02-23T19:46:00.000-08:00

I thought I post a entry but deleted it by mistake and was to tired to rewrite it.
I guess most of it was around our part in the park Follies, a variety show. We had so many laghs just practicing.

Art & Ginny will be leaving next week for home. the last two months have just flown by. Art's mon passed earlier this month, Arin has a new boyfriend, has moved in with him. Life is changing for them as well.

Ferris wheels, cotton candy games of chance and a whole lot more. Yesterday we went to the Pasco Country Fair, bargain day, $3 to get in and free parking.
One of the first things we saw was an elaborately costumed Living Statue. She looked very real I don't know how they do it for so long. Bob stopped for a strawberry short cake, it was so large that he got two spoons. I really didn'y want any but it really looked good and like any good wife I had to help Bob with it. LOL We also took in a show with a singer Dennis Lee. He had a young man playing the piano for him and played a Jerry Lee Lewis song "Great Balls of Fire" and sounded justlike him. Such talent.
After a while we had seen enough cows, crafts, plants trucks and rabbits and went home.

Still running at high speed

2011-02-15T10:53:00.000-08:00

Back again. We are still very busy as Feb. is one of the busiest months here in Florida. Yesterday we volunteered to help with the monthly breakfast, 167 hungrey people came in. Doors opened at 7:30 and it didn't stop until 9. We got back home at 10 and had to be at play practice at 11:30. At night I run a cribbage group, got home at 9 and was in bed at 10.

Today we did a bunch of errands and Bob will have his stitches out this afternoon. Temp. today inear 70. Lisa called me, she is coming to Florida March 15, she stays further up north from us. Sunday night we were invited to April and Larry's for supper, along with Art and Ginny.

Shawn called be yesterday and wished me a Happy Valentines Day and like he always has told me "I was his one true valentine". He knows I get a kick out of
hearing , but don't believe him. He likes to make his mama happy! Later.

Busy Times

2011-02-09T17:06:00.000-08:00

Last week Tampa was invaded by pirates! It was the yearly Gasparilla Pirate Fest and Street Festival. This a big deal with thousands coming to see the pirates invasion sailing into Hillsborough Bay, followed by a huge parade lasting three and half hours. Reserve seating was available for $30 for the parade.

A couple of days later a group of 190 of us from the park went to The Show Palace and Dinner Theatre to see "How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying". It was a great show with a lavash buffet. The cast were the servers before the show began. Well done. Great time. The next day 170 of us were signed up to go again next year.

Yesterday we went to The Barn Antiques located in Lake Alfred, FL. The barn is divided into 4 sections, The Stable, The Seasons, The Back Porch and the Back Yard.
The Stable is a unique home decor and gift shop filled with wonderful accessories to suit a variety of tastes. The Stable is like sneaking a peak at a designer home.
The Season is virtually overflowing with holiday and seasonal decorations designed to give any home a special touch. When we were there the Season was welcoming Spring with Valentine's, St. Patrick's and Easter decorations.
The Back porch offers a delicious break for hungry shoppers. The main dining room features large stained glass windows framing a stunning view of natural
Florida and table tops hand painted with wild flowers. If it is just a refreshing drink or an ice cream you crave, this is the place to stop and rest on the shady deck.
The Back Yard Garden Shop is an outdoor shopping experience under a canopy of native shade trees. Every nook is filled with seasonal blossoms and blooms as well as decorative garden accessories including birdhouses, fountains, arbors, statues, and all sorts of goodies.
We enjoyed our Barn experence and will go back again.

Bob had surgery on his face for a removal of Baisel cell cancer Monday . Doing well. He will have the stitches out next Tuesday.

We have been having rehursals for a skit that we are doing for the years Follies.
All I can say we are getting old and silly, but having fun doing it.

2011-01-28T17:18:00.000-08:00

Busy day today starting off with a trip to Lakeland, FL., whick took most of the day. We went for a late luch at 3 and had to be at the church Bingo at 4:30 to sell tickets at 5.

Yesterday we attended the park weekly meeting and then went to another meeting to plan a retirement party for the parks managers. They will be retiring the end of June. Lots of good ideas were put forth and will be followed up with next Thursday. At three Bob ran a table tennis group and I went to volleyball. April and Larry sent us over a pot of homemade vegtable soup. Very good. In the evening we went to a hypnotist show, pretty funny. The guy was good. Lots of laughs. Art McPhee mom passed away yesterday, she was over 100.

Happy 75th Birthday Bob

2011-01-23T07:51:00.000-08:00

Wow, 75 years old! Holy crap and I haver been with him since we met in 1954, thats 57 years I have know and loved Bob. He was 18 and I was one day short of being 16 when we met.
Last night we went out to dinner with Art & Ginny then went to April and Larry's to have cake and ice cream with them and Marla & Don and Oney and Marion. Today Bob is golfing and we are going to dinner at Marla's tonight with a few more friends. We are blessed . Shawn sent Bob a great gift, one that he had wanted for a while, a golf buddy. He is so happy with it. Shawn gave him a card saying he was trying every day to be the father that Bob had ben to him, what a high honor this is to Bob, I think a son coul pay to his father.
Marianne called him as well as Reannan, Brandi, Shawn's x and a friend of Amy's, Lindsay texted him. Of course nothing from Amy. She can be very hurtful. Bob has always treated her well and we have accepted her daughterRe as our own. I guess this dows not matter to her. Enough of this talk!
We have a lot of things going on in the next few weeks, going to a couple of shows locally to see a hypnotist, and a dinner threatre. Got to go now and get something done before Bob gets home. LOL

This and That Truly

2011-01-16T15:02:00.000-08:00

Thursday 1- 13-2011

Up early this morning and went to our weekly meeting at the club house, where we learn of all the folling weeks activities.

After the meeting we did a few errands and in the afternoon I went to chair volleyball, which is very funny even to watch or play and Bob went Table Tennis which he is chairman. Had a quite night at home and watch my favorite tv shows at night. Friday we went to a Sale at a large RV resort in our town. Walked a lot and worked up a appitite, so we went to lunch and had breakfast. Yum!

In the evening went to Bingo at St. Rita's as we volunteer to sell tickets every other Friday night. Saturday morning Bob went golfing before I am even out of bed, love it! Went to church at 4:30, then went to dinner , where we met up with some friends Joan & Hank. From there we hurried home as we had Art & Ginny andd April & Larry coming over to play cards. Sunday, again Bob went golfing, the weather is warmer today than it has been for over a week. I have trouble believing in Global Warming. A laid back kind of day. Watched the Pats game now. They are not doing well. We need Dunkin Donuts to get through this!! So long for now.

Kenz's Birthday Today

2011-01-12T17:22:00.000-08:00

In case some of you may have forgotten, but we had our first grandchild born two years ago today, after 51 years off marrigae You can just imagine our joy. She is just perfect, really, I know you think I am just saying that, but hell, we waited a long time! We don't get to see her very often as they live in another state. I've tried to get my son to add Skype to his computyer so we can see how she is growing and she could become to know us. In case you are not familar with Skype, it is a free service for video calling on your computer between users. Ioften see friends in MA. and LA. using Skype. It is a great tool for families that are apart.

We sent our birthday girl a package for her birthday, but doubt that her mother will let us know it was delivered, as she has no manners. Do I sound annoyed?
Our son will let us know. Since Kenz was born we have been collecting $1.00 's that have a large K on them . It is a easy way to save and she now has over $1000 which she will be given when. she turns 18.

This has been a busy week for us. It seems we are always coming and going from the house. Monday we had volunteered to help with the monthly breakfast at the clubhouse, in the afternoon we went to a movie with friends, and out to dinner afterwards. At night I run a cribbage night every Monday night.
Tuesday didn't get much better. We pick up a few prescriptions ,ran to the Post Office and Bob had a doctor's appointment in the afternoon. He has a Basal Cell Carcinoma on his cheek and will have surgery Feb. 7th to remove it. At night we had two couples in to play cards. Let's see, today is Wednesday. This moring Steven called us on Skype to show us all the snow they are getting. Good luck to them and the Redc Soxs. A real noreaster! I used to like them years ago, no work, no school, most business close, everyone home. Put a log in the fireplace, make some hot chocolate and call it a snow day. Fun for all. After hearing about the snow in Ma., we thought about have a sympathy snow day for them. Kick back in our jammies, sip coffee, fun for a while, last about 5 hours.
Felt housebound, haha. Hugs

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T07:09:00.000-08:00

Haven't been around here much this year. We recently took a trip to Indy to see the children and Shawn. We got a new car and Bob wanted to give it a run. Sorry we did, spent a lot of money. Kenz, our grand daughter will be two years on Jan. 12, doesn't seem possible. We got her a dress for her birthday as we have never seen her in a dress. I'll ask Shawn to send us a picture. Shawn sent us a bunch of gifts and a few gifts certificates, we like these a lot.

It has been cold in Florida so far and the weather man has promised us a change soon. Bob is golfing this morning leaving me with some play time. LOL

Friends of ours, Art & Ginny arrived yesterday and will be here for two months.

Last month friends Carol & Tony visited us for a few days. It was good seeing them and we enjoyed the time with them.

Bob played Santa at the club house last week. I don't know who had the most fun, Bob or the ladies. The other picture is Kenz, our grand-daughter on Haloween.

Happy New Year to all. Hope all your dreams come true in 2011

Yellowstone National Park

2010-06-01T07:42:00.000-07:00

Yellowstone......I'll start by telling you it's very cold here. Home townies are still wearing their winter coats and warn knit hats. When we left Florida it was in the 90's. We now have four blankets, one being a quilt, to keep warm at night. Daytime weather is not much better, cloudy, some rain, 40's and some sun. Breathing is more difficult here.

Yellowstone itself is still beautiful. It is the world's first national park and one of the largest in the U.S..Yellowstone contains more than 2 million acres of steaming geysers, crystalline lakes thundering waterfalls and incredible views. Its highest elevation is 11,358 feet at Eagle Peak's summit. There is so much more to see than just the ever popular Old Faithful, my personal sight is the Upper and Lower Falls. I also enjoy seeing the fisherman in this beautiful setting with perhaps a buffalo almost next to him on the shore busy eating. Yesterday we saw many young people hiking on the back country trail.

RT. 191 Road to Yellowstone, MT.

2010-05-30T18:55:00.000-07:00

These pictures were taken from inside the RV as we traveled along RT. 191 in Montana. This entry is rather short as I am just tired tonight. Enjoy. If it doesn't snow or rain tomorrow , we will go in the park.
Have a good night.

Happy Anniversary To Us

2010-05-25T15:28:00.000-07:00

Today Bob and I will be celebrating our 52nd wedding anniversary. It's hard to believe it has been this long. We still are best friends, sharing all our joys and sorrows. We have a lasting love ,caring deeply for each other...come what may.

Mount Rushmore

2010-05-23T11:27:00.001-07:00

As you most all know that Mount Rushmore is a massive granite carving which stands as a timeless symbol of freedom and independence. Each of the presidents commemorated on the mountain contributed to the essence of democracy. George Washington was selected to represent the struggle for independence,
Thomas Jefferson for the idea of government by the people, Abraham Lincoln for his ideas on equality and the permanent union of the states and Teddy Roosevelt for the 20th century role of the U.S. in world affairs.

The carving began Aug 10, 1927 and was finished 14 years later. Only about six and a half years were spent actually carving the mountain, the rest were weather delays and lack of funds. The total coast was $900,000. Money well spent, I would say.

We chose to drive the Iron Mountain Road to get to Mt. Rushmore, which might not have been the best idea Bob has ever had, he who hates height and narrow roads with no railings. Anyway that's the way we went. Three one way little tunnels having sighs telling you to blow your horn before entering to make sure no car is coming the opposite way. Other than that it was such a long, narrow road through the woods with many hair-pin turns and curvy turns. I'll tell you Bob breathed easier when we reached the end. Have a happy day.

Thursday May 20, 2010

2010-05-20T21:03:00.000-07:00

Last night we had TV and some spacy Internet time.

Today we are going to Michell S.D. only a couple of hours away. We stopped for some diesel, 48 gallons, $3.07 a gallon, total $148. We also rolled over on our milage in the motorhome to 100,000 miles, I guess that means it's just now broken in!

Arfter getting settled in we went to see the Corn Palace here in Michell. It's a sight to see. Every year a new theme is chosen. In the early summer, all of the grasses and grains are removed from the building and replaced. The murals themselves have to wait for the corn crop. Then in the end of summer, using nail guns over a half million ears of corn are sawed in half and nailed flat side to the building. The yearly cost for this is $130, 000. There is no fee charged to see this building inside . This was started in 1892

Tonight we are in a campground behind and part of a Super 8 motel. Has ever thing, full hook-ups,cable and WiFi.

Wednesday May 19, 2010

2010-05-20T19:50:00.000-07:00

These first photos were take when our friend's RV was stuck in the rain soaked grass. This is the monster tractor that pulled him out of the mud.

Tonight we are in the Westwick RV Pk in Sioux Fall. S.D. It fells good to have cable and Internet tonight.

When we passed through Adair we came across a hundred or more wind towers up on a long ridge on each side of the highway. Being from New England, there is no room for such an undertaking. There were quite a sight and very large.

Moving along we began to see signs advertising Wall Drug Store, which is about 200 miles away.

This And That or Whatever: Sunday May 16, 2010

2010-05-19T17:44:00.000-07:00

This And That or Whatever: Saturday, May 16, 2010

Sunday-Tuesday

2010-05-19T14:35:00.000-07:00

Sunday 5/16/2010

Today we are leaving a Passport Pk, The Timber Campground in illinois. Won't come here again. Only $15 but not sewage, no cable, and no WiFi. It was so nice to have April and Larry around to play Pegs and Jokers with. They won three games straight!

I made mac and cheese for supper, tasted good. Today we are off to Iowa where we will spend a couple of days as there are things to see in the area.

BUT, before we were able to leave Larry's motorhome sunk in the ground, as the ground was soaked from the previous rains. So the campground sent a tractor down to pull him out. That didn't work so they brought another one down, , not big enough to do the job. Don't worry they say, "we have one that will do it for you.", yea right, famous last words. No dice. Next down the road comes a monster tractor and made short work of pulling him out. No strain, no pain. A round of applause followed.

Monday May 17, 2010 10:30 AM

We are off to Cutty's Des Moines Campground .No cable, but they have WiFi, yea. I need an Internet fix.
The landscape is pleasing to the eye as we drive along. Each side of the road a large farmlands, a few having some crops in already. I love the sights of old barns, new barns close by, and the gentle hills we are traveling on. We pass over the Mississippi River, I believe that means we are out West now.
We have a CB in the motorhome and find it both informative and entertainment. We often chat with the truckers as we go along. Today there were 2 trucker traveling together and asked Bob if he wanted to trade our motorhome for his trick. But told him"not in this lifetime". Next the trucker said "how about two trucks for the motorhome". A little later a flatbed passed us with a stack of metal plates on it. We asked the driver how much weight he was carrying, 45 thousand pounds. These plates and 3 more loads the same as this one were going to be used to build a wind tower. Interesting.

Bought diesel today 35 gallons equals $106.30

Arrived 3;20 Pm $27.50 for two nights with Passport America.

Tuesday May 18, 2010

Still at Cutty's today. Nice looking park and very clean, still no TV or Internet, very sad. Went to Wally world this morning to stock up on supplies. Bought some bright placemat to liven up the place. The weather is in the eighty's and sunny. I made some mac salad for tomorrow. Nothing exciting going on .

Sunday May 16, 2010

2010-05-16T04:36:00.000-07:00

We had a short but nice visit in Indianapolis seeing the kids. It is surprosing how much they grow in six months.

Yesterday we meet up with April and Larry in Crawfordsville, IN.($23.73 with a Good Sam discount) . Larry made soup for supper, and I made some sweet corn bread. Nice supper and then we got down to playing cards, Hand and Foot. We plan on leaving here this morning about ten. Catch up with you later..

Monday May 10, 2010

2010-05-10T18:03:00.000-07:00

Today we are still on I-75 traveling to Kentucky . This will be a short day only four hours. Fine with me, I have ironing piling up.

Soon after we left this morning we drove by the 'stinking creek road. How would you like that for an address?

We travel with a CB on , it's handy to know where construction is and and delays ahead of us. Well this morning We heard two truckes talking, one said to the other "Put your lips over your head, and swallow."

Soon we were in the foot hills of KY, with lush green grass and horses grazing contently. I must tell you sometime how my son had horses and his horses were rustled. We'll save that story for another day.

We also saw an 18 wheeler today accident. Don't know how it happened, but at least it didn't roll over.

Tonight we are staying at the Elkhorn Campground. Cost $27.30 with a Good Sam discount. Tomorrow we will be in Indiana, yea.

Sunday 5/9/2010

2010-05-09T19:17:00.000-07:00

Latest picture of our grand-daughter Kenz

Tonight we are in the foothills of the Great Smokie Mountains in the town of Heiskell, TN.

The overnight camping fee was $19.12 for a full hook-up, Wi-Fi and cable. We belong to a RV club called Passport America and all sponsoring campgrounds offer 50% off on fees to members. I'm so glad they had cable here, I got to watch Desperate Housewives tonight.

Today was perfect weather for traveling. Yesterday was so hot you could hardly breath, today was in the 60's, a open the windows kind of day.

We needed to stop for diesel and probane today at the Flying J. Diesel was $3.04 a gallon andewe carry 100 gallons. Propae was $3 a gallon, $57.22. Yikes!

As it is Sunday, we thought it would be a good day to drive straight through Atlanta, miles and miles of construction, at least 25 miles. Not such a hot idea.

Long day today Arrived at 4PM. No cooking tonight, out to dinner.

On The Road Again

2010-05-08T17:16:00.000-07:00

Geez, it felt good writing the title "On The Road Again". Well, hear's the scoup.

In all out travel all around this beautiful country , we have yet to see Washinton State and Oregon or the Redwoods in California.

Today we left Florida and it's intense heat and humidity. Tonight we are in Arabi, GA. Cost for the site was $25, which includes full hook up, cable and WiFi. Tomorrow we will be stopping for diesel, I'll let you know the price later. Tonight we have our windows open for the first time in three weeks, feels good.

Our plans this summer are varied, We plan on re-visiting place we have been before leading to areas we have never seen. This year we will be traveling with another couple, which should be fun. We are planning on meeting up with them on the 15th of this month in Indiana. But, BIG But, before we meet up with they we are going to see our grandbaby, she is seventeen months now, and we haven't seen her for 6 months.

I guess that's enough for a new entry. We are traveling faster than normal as time is short for our meeting. Hope you all have a nice day tomorrow.

Odds And Ends

2010-03-27T11:40:00.000-07:00

Well here I am again, Can't believe two weeks have been gone by again. This will be a this and that entry.

We are still in Florida, and Spring is finally here. Some people are leaving wanting to be home for Easter.
The weather is awesome, as it should have been two months ago. We are staying until the end of April sometime. Our young friend Carolyn, is like a grand-daughter to us, will be coming to see us on April 12 for her school break. She is twelve and we are making plans to where to take. Of course Disney is first on the list, as she has never been there. We will enjoy her visit.

It has been a cold winter here this year. Orange and strawberry crops have weathered badly. Sea mammals like the manatee needed rescuing, along with sea turtles. The fishermen have also had a rough season. The water is still at 60 degrees, they are hoping now that the temp has warmed up to the 80's, the water will also.. The unemployed is still a major problem here in Florida. There was a ad in the paper last week looking for 200 construction workers, over 5000 applied. Pretty sad ,now that we snowbirds
are leaving, there will be more layoffs.

Sunday and Monday

2010-03-08T19:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had a warm and sunny day for a park sponsored pool party. It was a lot of fun, especially playing volleyball in the pool.

Today was another great weather day. We even took out the golf cart for a ride around the park. It was good to see more people out in their yards or just taking a walk. tonight we went to play cribbage. I run this every Monday night. Good group of faithful players, none taking the game to serious. Gosh it feels good to be back blogging. Love to all.

Fun Day

2010-03-06T19:09:00.000-08:00

Today was Fun Day at the park. It started of with a golf cart parade and then a pet parade. Then after these we had all sorts of games to play and win a prize. I was the Sheriff and had three deputes, who arrested any one who was not wearing a "Get Out of Jail" card. ( This earned $292.00 for activities.) Inside the club house there was bidding on a silent auction, a cake walk, raffles on a 50-50, and lunch. The total raised for the day is estimated to be around $2,000 profit. Bob volunteered
to work in the kitchen for lunch. We got home just in time to go to church, so Bob can go golfing in the morning with the guys. After church several of us went for pizza. I don't mind telling you, we were glad to be home tonight. Hope you all have a good week-end.

Thursday March 4, 2010

2010-03-05T05:27:00.000-08:00

Thursday

So sorry for not making a entry for such a long time. This has not been our best winter as far as being sick. When I was sick, Bob was fine and then vice versa. All is well now. Yesterday we had our last doctors visit until the Fall. We are now making our summer travel plans. It should be fun. This summer we will not be traveling alone. Two other couples will be joining us to visit out west, including Washington State and Oregon, the last two states that we haven't visited before. Ginny and Art and April and Larry, are our friends that will be coming along. More on this later.

My grand-daughter Ken recently celebrated her 1st birthday. She is just a darling.

Now a little news about what we have been doing here in the park. We have both been involved in the annual Follies show , Bob golfs two days a week, I have been sewing after years of not touching a machine and this Saturday it is Fun Day here in the park. I will be the Sherriff and be arresting anyone who is not wearing a Get Out Of Jail Free card. I have three deputies working with me, April, Bunny, and Lorna. It is a day of fun and a way to raise money for activities. There will be plenty of games to play, pet parade, luncheon, a silent action and a cake walk.

This morning we went to the weekly coffee hour. This as where we all can volunteer to help with different projects, share ideas, have coffee and a donuts and just generally here about what's going on, which is always a lot. Today's schedules include :
8 AM Polar Bear Water
9AM Coffee Hour
10 AM Activity Meeting
10:30 Water Aerobics
11 AM Bible Study
1 PM Shuffle Board
1 PM Horseshoes
3 PM Chair Volleyball
3 PM Table Tennis
7 PM Games and Cards Night

Forth of July Card

2009-07-03T13:20:00.000-07:00

http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=1897331846244&source=jl999

Happy 4th

2009-07-02T07:13:00.000-07:00

http://www.bornagainamerican.org/index.html

Remembering The Past

2009-06-16T21:09:00.000-07:00

Remembering The Past

This is my entry for "A Cowboy's Wife" photography contest. The theme is "Faces". Join in the fun.

Holy Cow, It's been a while!

2009-04-23T19:08:00.000-07:00

Holy cow, it's been a while. Winter over and we are packing to leave here after church this Sunay, Easter Sunday. We are going to our friend's retirement from the Navy in New Orleans. His family from Mass. will all be flying in and it is sure to be a great time. Dan, is a son of my forever friend Carol, this being her third son to retire from the Armed Services.

We will be traveling I-10 which is flooded in some area, so we are not sure how long we will be able to stay on this route. Time will tell.

It's been another fun year at Baker Acres. It is a very friendly park with a lot of people volunteering for a wide variety of activities. Park events included Fun Day, in which I was the sheriff and had 5 deputes. We raised over $400 for more activities. We played bocce, talent contests. built a float for the city parade and won first prize, many pot lucks, we ran a baby shower this year for needy families in Zephyrhills, once a month we had paid entertainments come into the park for a small fee, one being a Elvis impersonator, Jimmy Smith, the ladies just love him and he feeds right into them. Good show. We had some line dancing lessons this year that went over big, we had a sox hop, another fun night was a Murder at Deadwood party, which was held in our clubhouse. It's hard to think of all the fun things going on here. Another unusual activity was chair volleyball, so many laughs here. It is played with a beach ball and 8 players on each side. You must keep your butt on the chair, which is harder than you think. That's about all that I can think of now. I'll save time now and not go into all the things we did outside of the park. LOL

This year we were pleased to have old friends Art and Ginny stay at the park two months with us, right across the street, and also friend Pat an Ken came down for a month.

Our managers, Marla and Don are two of the nicest people I've met and she is a great cook as well. She personal baked over 600 cookies for an activity we were having. We have good neighbors and hopefully we will get to know them a little better next season. I guess that's enough for now. Hugs.

2009-02-23T18:55:00.000-08:00

Last week Bob and I and four other friends of ours went to the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park here in Florida.

This 210 acre park is home to native Florida wildlife and one of the only place you can see a West Indian manatee up close 365 days a year. These manatees reside in the freshwater spring while re-acclimating to the natural environment before being returned to the wild, as most of them were brought here injured or orphaned.

This is a self tour park starting with a scenic and nature ride on a pontoon boat to the entrance of the park.

The park seems to be a haven for bird watchers. While walking along the paved trails and boardwalks we observed a black bear, Key dear, bobcats, alligators, a Gray fox, and cougars.

After hiking around the park we were all ready to search out a place to have dinner and we found a very nice restaurant right on the river and we were lucky enough to get a table by the large picture window across from
Monkey Island. Monkey Island has a lighthouse on it trees, a monkey house, rope swings and lots of other playthings. During the 60's there were many monkeys along the canal and this inspired a resort owner to bring a few to the island to attract tourism.

Today there five spider monkeys on the island: there is Ralph, the alpha male, Sassy, the matriarch, Ebony their offspring and the two newest female adoptions, Eve and Emily. The monkeys are fed twice a day from a menu designed specifically for them consisting of : green leafy vegetables, bananas, sweet potatoes, raw peanuts and monkey chow. They stay on the island because they prefer not to swim and the river acts as a natural barrier. They delighted us all through dinner with their playful antics.

End of the month

2009-01-31T17:15:00.000-08:00

Wow, It's been a busy month. We just recently got back from seeing our granddaughter, and as you can imagine, she is just perfect. I guess all grandmothers believe that, well count me in.

It's a big weekend here in Florida, with the Super Bowl game being played here. The Cardinals and the Steelers. Most off our friends down here are from Penn and are big Steeler fans. Seeing that the Pats didn't make the play offs, I will side with the Steelers, and wave my terrible towel.

Along with the football fans, Tampa Bay is filling up with Hollywood celebrates, many which are hosting super bowl parties. No I wasn't invited to any, I fear that they didn't know that we were back in town. Perhaps the next time we leave town on an important weekend coming up, we should put a small ad in the papers. I hate to miss a good party

When home, we have continued to enjoy our Wii game. Bowling has become our favorite. A couple of days ago we bought a Wii Balance board. This fit program will take you through a set of exercise games working balance,and yoga poses.The program keeps track of your progress and offers more difficult challenges as you master the old ones. The program also will calculate your fitness age.

Last night, we and 78 of our closest friends went to the Show Palace Dinner Theatre went to see "The Producers." It is located in Hudson, FL., about one hour from us. This is a Mel Brooks musical. The men in particular seem to like Mel Brooks shows.

Dinner Theatre, Dinner Theater, The Show Palace Dinner Theatre We all enjoyed the show and the food hand both rand's and raves. All in all we had a good time, but stayed up long after our bedtime. LOL

Goodnight for now. I hope you all have a great weekend.

Makenzie Dawn

2009-01-20T02:24:00.000-08:00

Today we are in Georgia on the way to see our first grandchild in Indiana. She was born last Monday, weighing in at 7lb 11oz and her name is Makenzie Dawn. Don't you just love that name, well I do anyway. LOL Bob and I had given up the idea of a grandchild long ago. Most people our age have grown grandchildren. Well, we say better late than never.

We traveled I-75 all day to north Georgia and is it cold here. Snow flurries when we went out to dinner tonight. We should have brought some long Johns.

While traveling we saw an 18 wheeler turned upside down in Georgia. Not a pretty sight. We don't know anything about the health of the driver. Better get to bed, we have an early start in the morning.

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T20:22:00.000-08:00

We had a grand Christmas and got lotsof gifts, but I'm glad it's over. Next comes the chore of taking down and putting away all those lights and decorations. Lordy, Lordy, where to start. We even put lights all around the top of our golf cart, we were very festive indeed. We had Christmas dinner here with several friends all bring a dish.

After dinner we played with a Wii game that our son had sent us. We played a bowling game and it is awesome! Lots of fun. Three couples including us will be forming a bowling league, now all we need are some shirts.

Today is a really lovely day here, in the 80's with sun and a slight breeze. Tomorrow, friends of ours, Art & Ginny, from long ago will be coming in their RV and will spend the winter here in the park. We are both looking forward to seeing them . Ginny is a very talented craft person.

Well it took me so long to finish this, it is now New Years Day. Here's wishing you all a happy and health New Year. I will try to enter more often. Till we chat again, take care, Dawn

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T05:28:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS FAIRY

I am a little fairy

On tap o' the Christmas Tree

It's no' a job I fancy

Well how would you like tae be me

A tarted up wi' tinselI

t's enough to mak ye boak

An a couple o' jaggy branches

Rammed up the back o' your frock

An' these wee lights a'roon me

I canna get my sleep

An' there's the yearly visit

Fae Santa - Big fat creep!

On Christmas Day I'm stuck up here

While you're a' wirin' in

An' naebody says "Hey you up there

Could you go a slug o' gin?

It's nae joke bein' a fairy

The job's beyond belief

You've got to go roon' the wean's beds

An' lift their rotten teeth

But o' a' the joabs a fairy gets

An' I've mentioned only some

The very worst is sitting up a tree

Wi' pine needles up yir bum

When a' the fairies meet again

By the light of' the silvery moon

Ye can tell the Christmas fairies

They're the wans that canna sit doon

The Christmas tree's a bonny sight

As the firelight softly flickers

But think o' me I'm stuck up here

Wi' needles in my knickers

So soon as Christmas time's right by

An' I stop bein' sae full o' cheer

I'll get awa back tae Fairyland

An' I'll see yous a' next year.

Hugs, Dawn

Merry Christmas to All

2008-12-22T14:57:00.000-08:00

http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=1672015336244&source=jl999

Antiques

2008-12-05T19:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we went on a day trip to Lake Alfred here in Florida to find a antique shop that we have heard from others that was very nice. It was so much better than nice, it was wonderful. The Antique Barn was full of beautiful displayed quality antiques. It seems that the family takes frequent trips abroad every year to find these treasures. This is just one large building.

The next building on the property is The Stable.. Here we found every nook and cranny filled with a array of designer wreaths, flower arrangements, swags and baskets. We were overwhelmed by the wide range of items both quaint and sophisticated, including brass, prints, lamps, potpourri and many other accessories for ones home.

Next we visited The Back Porch Tearoom. This too, is a rather unusual lunch stop. We hungry shoppers made our selection from the menu and then found us a table handpainted with wild flowers. I meant to take a picture of the table but forgot when they delivered our lunch in a wooden picnic basket! If you have children in your party, you may select to have a "Teddy Bear Picnic", whatever that may be.

They also have a smaller building with hundreds of English stained glass windows, and last but not least they have a Back Yard Garden Shop, selling garden and lawn accessories.
It was such a lovely ending for our visit there. Have a good weekend.

2008-12-01T05:26:00.001-08:00

This and That

2008-11-29T20:28:00.000-08:00

Well now that we have all eaten ourselves silly, there is a lot to be done to get ready for Santa's visit.

We had a great Thanksgiving and our progressive dinner was a huge success and we are already planning the same for Christmas.

Today I picked a large amount of oranges and tomorrow we will squeeze them to make juice. I will freeze a few quarts for friends.

Tonight a bunch of us went to a new Ci Ci Pizza. Very tasty and the best sticky rolls.

Tomorrow we are hosting our annual N. E . Pats vs the Steelers football game. We are Pats fans, but the group we hang with are all from PA. It's always a fun day with lots of laughs. Good food, good friends, can't beat that.

Did you know there is a site that you can go to and send a free card to our military personnel overseas?

Let's Say Thanks

Did anyone get a great buy on Black Friday? Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

This and That

2008-11-29T20:24:00.000-08:00

Well now that we have all eaten ourselves silly, there is a lot to be done to get ready for Santa's visit.

We had a great Thanksgiving and our progressive dinner was a huge success and we are already planning the same for Christmas.

Today I picked a large amount of oranges and tomorrow we will squeeze them to make juice. I will freeze a few quarts for friends.

Tonight a bunch of us went to a new Ci Ci Pizza. Very tasty and the best sticky rolls. Then a game of cards, ladies won. To bad guys! LOL

Tomorrow we are hosting our annual N. E . Pats vs the Steelers football game. We are Pats fans, but the group we hang with are all from PA. It's always a fun day with lots of laughs. Good food, good friends, can't beat that.

Did you know there is a site that you can go to and send a free card to our military personnel overseas?

Let's Say Thanks

Did anyone get a great buy on Black Friday? Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T06:22:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving

Have a happy, healthy thanksgiving to u and your families.

Thanksgiving Day Prayer

Heavenly Father, We bow our hearts to You in prayer,
We give You thanks for all You've done,
Especially for the gift of Your Son,
For beauty in nature, For joy and health, for friends and family, and for our daily provision, for your mercy and care. These are the blessings that You so graciously share.
Let us remember the true meaning of Thanksgiving. As we see the beauty of Autumn, let us acknowledge the many blessings which are ours... let us think of our families and friends.. and let us give thanks in our hearts. In Jesus¢ name we pray.

Amen

Thw web is so slow today, I can't get a picture on here. Have a wonderful day.

A Trip to Indianapolis

2008-11-23T15:44:00.000-08:00

My friend Mary and I just got back from Indiana, where we attended a baby shower for my first ever, soon to be a grandchild. How exciting this is. The expected date is January 7th. It is just sinking in now that after being married over 50 years, we will become grandparents.

The weather here in Florida is chilly, running in the 60's.till the weekend. When we left Florida last week to go to Indiana, it was a warm 86, more to my liking. When we left Indy, we were surrounded by snow flurries, but at least they didn't have to deice the plane. While there we noticed that gas was only $1.72, seems to be getting better, hope it keeps going down all the way to Florida.

I gave up looking for a old curved oak curio cabinet and bought another style. I really needed to find a home for my collection and get them off the floor.

Stay warm everyone and have a great weekend.

This And That

2008-11-05T05:26:00.000-08:00

What perfect weather we are having the past few days and it is expected to be like this all week, 80'ish and sunny I guess that's why so many people come here for the winter. Yesterday
I had to get my hair cut. When it gets to long , Bob says it looks like I am wearing a hat, funny guy, although I do have thick hair. Anyway we also went looking for a curio cabinet. All the new ones a shaped so squarely, and they just don't appeal to me.. I am looking for a oak cabinet with curved doors. I know, I'm picky.

Now that the election is over all thoughts will be of the coming holidays. The park here has a Thanksgiving
dinner at the club house for all. A group of us are going to try something a little different this year. We are going to have a progressive dinner and if it comes off fun, we will do the same for Christmas. Each family will offer a different course. I'll let you know how it goes. Have a great day.

VOTE TODAY

2008-11-04T06:09:00.001-08:00

Click here: someecards.com ecards for when you care enough to hit send home

This and That

2008-10-25T15:31:00.000-07:00

We bought a golf cart to use in the park. How do you like it? I was able to pick the color I wanted on the body and seat and awning. Each night we have been going on a ride around the park to check who came in that day and greet old friends as they return. It also has side curtain for rain lights and back up lights and a awesome horn. This is as close to a two-seater sports car, I'm getting. LOL

The park is beginning to fill up. Old friends returning for the winter. We will be in full swing before long.

We have lots of orange trees here in the park, soon we will have fresh orange juice every morning. The trees are full. I'll try to take a picture of one of them.

Carl and Mary are coming over here tonight for a game of cards. So I'd better get going. Everyone say Hi to Carl and Mary !

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

I'm depressed

2008-10-20T06:38:00.000-07:00

I need counseling! I'm upset and depressed. The Boston Red Sox came up just short of reaching a goal of going to the World Series. I'm just not going to dwell on it! They beat us fair and square , so I will go to all the celebrations here in Tampa, raise my glass to them for a job well done.

The weather here is just perfect after all that humidity, it's get outside weathers so yesterday we went to a flea market, called the Wagon Wheel. It's shaped like a wheel with spokes, thus wagon wheel. I picked up some custard cups for 25 cents apiece, what a bargain and Bob bought some hedge clippers. The exercise we got was an added bonus.

Lots of errands to do today. I'd better get a move on. Happy Monday guys.

Go Sox

2008-10-19T17:05:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here waiting for the seven game of the series between the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays. They used to be the Devil Rays, but they dropped the devil, seemed like a good idea to me! It's going to be a tense game for the Rays as they have never been this close to the World Series before. Hopefully the Sox will pull this out as they have been there before. Second batter up for the Sox , we have a run, Yea.

Being a part time Nomad leaves me wondering if I should now change the title of this journal. What do you think?

I found this site a few weeks ago from the Animal Rescue Site. Did you know that you can click once a day, every day at this site and it recieves free food and care for
the animals. I have made it a daily habit to do this every day. It only takes one minute. Check it out.
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

This and That

2008-10-15T13:38:00.000-07:00

I still haven't had time to figure out how to bring my archives from AOL to this blog yet. I did bring them over to Blogger, but it went to another blog.

It is still very warm here in Florida. It is beginning to cool down at night but not enough to shut off the air conditioner. We have just purchased a golf cart to cruise around the park in. It is the color of the old MG green. Last night I had a few people in and our driveway was full of golf carts.

Everyday now people will be coming in for the winter. This pattern will continue until January. Friends of ours from Georgia will be coming in January and March and will be parked right on our street, in the only RV site on our street. So happy that they reserved early.

We are getting settled inside the park model. The next thing we need to find is some type of curio cabinet
to put my doll collection in. They are still in boxes lined up in the Florida room.

Tonight a bunch of us are going to a new Cici Pizza that open this past weekend and Friday night 19 of us are going to a 50 anniversary dinner in a local restaurant. Yea, tomorrow night we can stay home ! Gray's Anatomy is on. Till later, stay well. Dawn

WOOPS !

2008-10-05T09:02:00.000-07:00

Looks like I screwed up my very first entry here. Hang in there with me. I'll get it straight yet.

I've been thrown out of better places than AOL !

2008-10-05T08:50:00.000-07:00

This is like walking into a room of strangers, looking around for a familiar face. Gee, I hate starting over, but glad that Blogger is welcoming us from AOL. A new beginning. We can do this. Love to all. This is like walking into a room of strangers, looking around for a familiar face. Gee, I hate starting over, but glad that Blogger is welcoming us from AOL. A new beginning. We can do this. Love to all.