What a Game!

I cannot believe that February, 2007, is practically behind us! Time flies when you're having fun. Many of our friends are beginning to clean up their things and pack them away for their trips home. On March 1, there will be a big departure from the park, so I'm told. February is the busiest month here, then January is second busiest. Much of March is also busy and April is an almost-vacant park. I hear that May is pretty deserted then June-October is a ghost town. The administration has made new rules for next year (they tend to make new ones every year for the next season and they make it more and more difficult to get a site). Now, if you don't stay 3 months, you cannot make a reservation for next year until after Feb 28. On March 1, the office will open at 7:00 AM and many will be in line by 5:00 AM so they can get their favorite sites for the upcoming season. The new rule is that if you stay less than 2 months, you cannot make a reservation until September 1! In case you haven't figured out what they are trying to do, they are doing all they can to get folks to stay 3 or more months. All of our crowd wanted their sites guaranteed for next season so they have already made their three-month reservations, all except for Don and me. I think we will make the 2 months reservation though. Many of our friends probably will not be able to return next season if they don't agree to stay the 2 months. What a game these folks play! Some of the parks north of us have already gone to this procedure; in fact, some have increased their required stays to 6 months! That won't happen to us. Don says if we are required to stay more than 60 days, we will just go somewhere else. I hope all our friends are able to return. We have such a grand old time in Sunny Florida!

Windy Sunday

Today was a very windy one, one that wouldn't allow me to ride my bike. Now, the guys didn't let the winds stop them, however. They tried to prove their strength by riding as hard as possible into the breezes. When it gets this windy, everyone is busy putting up their awnings before the wind puts them up for them. In fact, one guy didn't get to his in time and when it was found, it was blown across the top of his RV! Some of the newer, very expensive motor coaches have automatic awnings that will retract when the wind gets above a certain speed. Ours has an electric motor, so all we have to do is push a button and the awning will retract on its own (that takes about 10 seconds). We could have had the other but Don prefers this type. We always retract it when we go somewhere away from the park.

The end of the month is soon arriving and some of our friends will be departing. This is always a sad time because one never knows if we will ever meet again on this earth. We, too, only have a few days over a week and I am saddened thinking about leaving our friends. This morning, in church, Pastor Jon asked how many would be leaving this week and there were quite a few hands. After being together for weeks, close relationships are developed and departing is sad. But, looking on the bright side, we will soon see our dear family. I have truly missed my children, grandchildren, and other family members. It will be a joy seeing them soon.

Time Becomes Important if it's 5:00 PM!

Just 2 weeks and we will be returning home. It seems that we have just arrived! There are still several things I want to do before we leave and haven't had the time yet. Some places I have been once but want to return once more, such as to the big flea market. I had planned to go today but there are 7 of us planning to go to a special restaurant at the beach. It is great to make new friends from all over the United States. Our usual group represents the states of PA, NC, Ohio, WVa, Indiana, and sometimes Illinois and New York. You know, people are pretty much the same no matter where they are from. Yes, the accents are different; sometimes the eating habits are different (ie, grits or no grits); and, the dress may vary with some (Southerners tend to dress more warmly on cool days whereas Yankees will turn blue in shorts rather than wear a jacket!). One thing everyone tends to have in common here: going out to eat by 5:00 PM is a priority!

Fresh is Best

This has been a lucky day for my sister-in-law and me. Tonight was Bingo night in the park. I go just to have fun and it usually only costs me $10 for 3 hours of enjoyment. Tonight, however, it cost me nothing. They always give away $10 door prizes and I was fortunate enough to win one of those. Later on, I won a special game which paid $55.00! Now, that is winning, don't you agree? My sister-in-law won $50 on a special game too. The usual games only pay $20 so it's even nicer when one wins a special. I have now won a total of $111, better than some and nothing compared to some.
One of my friends from Pennsylvania and I went to one of the local big flea markets today. Usually, there are several of us but today it was nice to learn more about Polly. She is a retired elementary school teacher and her husband is also a retired teacher so we have a lot in common. I really enjoy wandering through the aisles and seeing all the merchandise these vendors can come up with. We spend our money on the fresh tomatoes, radishes, cabbages and delicious strawberries. You just cannot beat their produce. We really miss it when we go home. The oranges are not so plentiful this year due to the weather I suppose. Prices for the Honey Bells variety is higher than in the past but these are definitely the best; however, their season of availability is much shorter than the others. We may be unable to take any home to our friends this year due to the shortage. But I can assure you that fresh is best! (I'll enjoy it for you friends back home).

Life in the Park

Every day just at dusk, there are about 20 or more bicyclists, including two-wheeled and three-wheeled versions, who come riding through our park. They live in the adjacent park. Today, my friend, Rose and I were out riding when we saw them coming so we stopped and let them pass. When we looked at the cyclists bringing up the rear, there were our husbands, plus several more guys from our park following along harrassing them. They yelled for us to join in the fun and so here we go! Let me say, they were in much better shape than the two of us and we had a time trying to keep up with them, let alone harrassing them. It was fun just trying to keep up. Some residents of our park were standing outside watching and laughing. They knew all of us were from this park and just making fun of those other "old/older than us" folks! It was fun anyway.

Life in the parks is the same as everywhere else. One of our residents from Rhode Island lost his wife yesterday morning. The lady had just been released from the hospital Saturday. A gentleman in the adjacent park also lost his wife yesterday so, as you see, there has been sadness in the parks.

Our View Across the Trail

The Shell Factory is located across the street from the RV Park so I thought I would show you how beautiful the entrance is to the place. Notice the big shell below the sign. At night, the sign is lighted and so are many of the tree trunks. There is a water show done there at night and sometimes, although rarely, we are able to hear the classical music they use for that. There are paddle boats, a miniature golf course, a fish restaurant, and a huge store located there. Inside the store, there is an ice cream shop, a Subway, and a Post Office. You can buy shells, shirts, and all kinds of souvenirs there. Your children and grandchildren can even enjoy the "Build-a-Bear" shop inside. Sometimes there are special activities held such as arts and crafts show, Cajun Festival, Seafood Festival, etc. We do have a good location as you can see.

Being a Good Servant

I am not one who believes in working on Sundays, but I know that some people have to work and that's okay; however, Don was unable to attend our church service this morning due to our elderly (in thier 80's) neighbors who tried to leave the park yesterday (and Don is the first one ready for church here). The husband has macular degeneration and had to give up driving and his wife has to do all the driving now (She cannot drive at night). Don went out to help hook up the car for them and when they were ready to go the RV wouldn't start. The mechanic serving their insurance company didn't arrive until after 9 last night and he just put a hot wire on the starter so they could start it this morning (He was located on the Miami and said it would take him 3 hours to arrive). This morning, when Don went out to hot wire the RV, the lights wouldn't come on: no lights, no signal lights; no step, etc. He and our other neighbor worked on it for hours as good servants, located the problem, but were unable to fix it. I think they said some new fuses or something was needed and this would cost $3,000! Fortunately, the unit is still under warranty so there should not be such a tremendous cost for them. I truly feel sorry for this couple. They have at least pulled the unit out of the street and onto the grass parking lot in front of the office until something can be done tomorrow. I guess the time comes when we are just too old and have too many physical problems to handle big motorcoaches. I think they need to downsize now or maybe buy a condo. This is why Don says we should go and see the world while we are able.

Another View

I thought I would go ahead and try to post another photo while on line. I had faster success with this one. This photo was taken from the highway, Tamiami Trail. Sometimes, we come out and sit on this bench and enjoy visiting with other winter residents. Notice the building in the background. That includes the office to the park, the barber shop and the beauty shop. This is where I go on Thursdays. The park is directly behind the office; you can see a couple of the RV's just off to the side of the office. Behind where the white one is sitting is where we were last year but we lost it this year because we didn't agree to stay for 3 months. There is a small stream running behind the building and that RV that runs around the perimeter of half of the park. Later, I will take a photo of the street we are on. Sites are very close together because land is so valuable here; condos and other businesses are busy snatching up all available land and would love to get hold of this park. I wouldn't be surprised if it isn't gobbled up within 5 years.
Today is a bit cloudy and cool; a high of 65. In fact, all week, the temps are supposed to be in the sixties; however, next week, the 80's are being forecast.
Have a great day!! Hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day yesterday.

Playing in the Park

Yesterday, I rode my bike around the park and decided to take a photo of the entrance. It took me 4 times to get this posted on my blog so I hope you will enjoy the beauty of the entrance as much as I do. Don't you like the palm trees and their shadows, the beautiful sky, and just the serenity of the day? I'll try to post more later. Enjoy!

Don't Bother Things in my Buggy

Perhaps it was because today was Valentine's Day that my favorite store, Beall's, was having a great sale: 30-40% off many items plus an extr 15% for seniors. That made some pretty good buys, especially for a couple of toddlers. All of us ladies were able to find a few bargains. I was walking along looking at the sales when some lady came running up to me and said, "You can't take that buggy in the dressing area. You'll have to leave it out here with everything in it that you aren't going to try on. No one will bother the things in your buggy." I looked in the buggy, then back at her with a puzzled look on my face. Then I responded, "I wasn't going into the dressing room. I guess I'll just stay out here with my buggy and everything that's in it. I don't think I want to try on any of these things." The clerk said, "Okay. Sorry. Well, if you change your mind just leave the buggy and everything in it over there out of the way." This was the strangest thing I have ever heard because, you see, I didn't have any clothes to try on in my buggy yet! She must have seen something that I couldn't! Weird!

Later, we treated one of our friends to a special birthday luncheon at a favorite restaurant. They got a big kick out of my buggy story.

A Rainy Monday

It's been a rainy day in Florida (South of Georgia) today but a fun day nonetheless. A couple of friends and I went to the nearby outlet and spent a few dollars then we went out to eat. That's always fun when you are with good friends.
Tonight, however, I received sad news. First, I talked with my sister and she told me that one of her classmates passed away today. Then, when I began reading my emails, I learned that one of my high school classmates had also passed away. Our pastor preached on suffering and grief yesterday. Actually, he took his sermon from the third chapter of Daniel, a chapter that I have read and heard about many times. Jon emphasized punishment of the 3 men who were thrown into the fiery furnace for not bowing down and worshiping the idol the king had built. The fire was so hot that it killed the guards; however, the 3 men survived the fire. When the king looked into the furnace, he saw 4 men, one in the form of the son of God, proving that God was with the men in the midst of the fire. God didn't deliver the men from the fire but He went through the fire with them. And, that's what He does for us when we go through trials and tribulations. He may not deliver us from our sorrows and problems but He will be with us as we go through grief or pain. He will refine us and make us stronger as we face our new day. God is our constant Friend.

Celebrating Your State

Several hours were spent at the big flea market nearby yesterday. Actually, Don says it covers about 8 acres so you can imagine how huge it is and how long it would take to see everything there. Well, we didn't see but about 1/3 of it in 3 hours but we enjoyed every minute of it. At least some of us did. One lady decided to go off on her own and she had no phone to keep in touch. It was at least an hour later before we caught up with her and then only because she was brave enough to ask some lady to use her phone to call me. She left a message saying she would be waiting at the main entrance for us.

Today, there was a memorial service held for one of the seasonal residents from Pennsylvania who passed away back home. There was a military service held to honor Tom who had served in the armed forces. Whenever a veteran dies, they always put out a pair of boots at the memorial site in the park and lower the park flag that represents that person's branch of service (in Tom's case, it was the Army flag).

The snowbirds from the various states hold a day honoring their home state. Today was Wisconsin Day. They had a decorated golf cart parade around the park, played their fight song and waved their colorful flags. I didn't see them coming in time to get back to the RV to get my camera so there is no photo. Perhaps next time. Tomorrow, snowbirds are celebrating Ohio Day. They have a big picnic just for them, and I don't know what all they do but they make a full day of celebrating.

"Cotton-Head" Friends.

Last night several of us friends had a fish fry. They asked me to provide the slaw. Well, those of you who know me know that I'm not much of a chef but I tried my best. I did such a great job that they want me to always be the slaw maker! Ha! I was so afraid they wouldn't like mine that I went to the local restaurant where I know they love the slaw and bought some. Actually, mine was eaten first and enjoyed. (I knew that I would have trouble making enough for 14 people with one head of cabbage so I figured it would be safer to make a batch and buy a batch). Next time, I know that I can make my own!
My daughter saw this photo and laughingly called all of them my "cotton-head" friends. (That's true for everyone except Roy who would love to have any color hair).

Beware the "No-see'ums"

I'm really getting into the swing of things here in sunny Florida. Today I had to make slaw for a fish fry that 14 of us enjoyed. This meant that I had to go buy a chopper (I didn't have one in the RV and to make slaw for that many would be quite a task without one). We had lots of fish, hushpuppies, french fries, slaw, fruit salad, deviled eggs and brownies. No one left hungry. We invited a couples from Ontario, Canada, from Ohio, West Virginia (they were unable to join us), and a couple from upstate New York. As the sun set in the West, the air became quite chilly. Also, we sometimes have to contend with the little "no see-'ems." They are fierce little insects that will create little red dots that itch terribly! These little itchy places will also linger on your limbs for days and days, even weeks sometimes; therefore, I try to jump in jeans or sweatpants before dusk. With the variation of temperatures here, we usually start the day in long pants, switch to shorts by noon, then return to the long pants by 4:00 pm. Many don't like the cool weather here (they came south to get away from the cool they say) but I love some cool weather. It helps me not be quite so homesick for the cooler climate.

Sharing with Friends

Today has been a fun day in Florida, first with a trip to the flea market with a couple of friends then to Bingo with 4 more friends tonight. You know, we don't have to win to enjoy the game. The best part is being able to get out and enjoy being with your friends. Staying busy this way with friends makes you feel better, more energetic, happier, eager to get up and move. Everyone should have something they like to do with friends. Spouses are wonderful and being with them is the greatest; however, there is also something wonderful about having friends to share your thoughts and time. I think a weekly outing with a friend(s) is good for every couple. I highly recommend that everyone have this opportunity.

Going Dutch

Tonight is Bingo night in the RV park so we have to go down to the rec room and put our names on the tables where we wish to sit; otherwise, you may have to stand. The hall is not very large and everyone loves to play it seems. You know, these folks don't think of bingo as gambling but I guess it is, especially since we hope to win a few bucks. One of my friends has won about $150 so far. I think all my friends have won a little but most of us will spend more than we win. It's just a nice pasttime that we enjoy. The best part is the socializing. There are 8 of us ladies who go together and sit together. Tomorrow night we go to the adjacent park and play with them. Their jackpots are much bigger than ours since there are so many more of them and the building is twice as big as ours.

Today 5 of us ladies went to Wal-Mart together then went to the Steak n Shake for burgers. Who do you think came in and sat beside us: our husbands! They just can't stand being away from us too long I suppose. (They wouldn't pay for our food though since we didn't eat with them. Since we went separately, we paid separately but we really didn't mind going dutch.)

I'm a Keeper

Another cool and cloudy day in "sunny Florida" we are experiencing. That's okay though; I like cool weather and that's why I regretted leaving home. These snowbirds down here are not too happy about the weather though. Yesterday was rainy and cold, today just cool.

We heard a mighty fine sermon yesterday which I must share some of it with you. Jon preached from Numbers 6:22-27. He took the words that Aaron prayed to the people as he was told and explained the 6 things that God wanted to give the people then and as He wants to give you and me today: The Lord: 1. bless you; 2keep you; 3 make His face shine upon you; 4, be gracious to you; 5. lift up His countenance upon you, and 6, give you peace. I've heard these words many times, often as a benediction but it's wonderful hearing them again, knowing that I can cry out to the Lord during distress and that God will bring peace to our hearts. When he says "The Lord keep you," He means that we are like keepsakes to Him; we are valuable because of who we are in Christ. We all have little keepsakes but wouldn't we prefer to be one of God's keepsakes? I'm a keeper, I am!

Where is Everyone?

Where is everyone here in the park? Well, that is an easy question for me. Everyone is inside getting ready to watch the big super bowl. They are saying that everyone will over-eat during this game. In fact, media has been providing suggestions for all sorts for wonderful snacks! Many of us have been out riding our bikes this afternoon so that we could snack a little. Actually, I don't have any snacks available, other than apples, raisins, carrots. I really wish that I had a veggie tray fixed up but I didn't go to the store for the ingredients. Too late now.
Next question: Who are you pulling for? Peyton Manning and his Indianapolis Colts or Urlacher (Spelling) and his Chicago Bears? I must soon choose a team to support since my teams are not in the game. Personally I like Panthers, Saints, Falcons, and Packers. Can you convince me to pull for one over the other?

I have been fighting, but with no success, with the local server today trying to send e-mails. Perhaps tomorrow will be better on that. I tried to send some photos and may have messed something up. If I ever learn how, I will attach a photo to my blog. I am a slow learner I believe.

Have You Had Your Squirrel?

The question for today is, have you had your meal of squirrel today? Well, if you live in New Jersey, I'm told that you are limited to how much squirrel you are allowed to eat per week. That's right. You are only allowed to eat this fast little animal 3 times per week. Why, you may ask. It seems that the squirrels in NJ love to gnaw on telephone cables thereby absorbing a large amount of lead, at an unhealthy level for humans; therefore, please refrain from eating squirrel on 4 days of the week. Or, perhaps you could visit or move to another state if you just feel that you must have a larger diet of this meat (I don't know what the squirrels' diets consists of in other states, but it must be less phone cable because I haven't heard this restriction announced in any other state...yet). Personally, you can have all of mine. Don says that squirrel is very good but I have some difficulty "swallowing" this information. At any rate, beware, get the lead out of your pants by eating less squirrel. (heehee)

Have a great weekend. And before you enjoy the super bowl tomorrow night, plan a visit to the church of your choice.

Terrible Storms...We are Safe

We were certainly blessed recently in that we had left the area of destruction yesterday mid-morning and the horrific tornadoes came through last night. So far, there have been 14 reported deaths in that area. We camped a few miles south of Lady Lake and The Villages and never suspected the devastation that would follow in a few hours. The storm is still going on at this moment and the end of it is about 50 miles north of where we are staying now. We heard someone say that the fault lies entirely with President Bush and his causing global warming. Wow! What a terrible thing to place on the shoulders of one man! Pray for those folks in that area, their families and all facing these problems.

Wouldn't you Know It!

Wouldn't you know it? We waited until the next to the last day of January to leave for sunny Florida for 2 reasons: first, our granddaughter was celebrating her 4th birthday and we had missed all of her birthdays, thus decided we should stay around for this one; and, second, we wanted to enjoy some wintry weather and to see some snow. Did that happen? Not. We did feel some cold weather a few days but missed the beautiful snow. Thanks, Kendra for posting some photos of the children playing in the snow. At least I was able to enjoy it vicariously for a few moments. Someone said there was little snow in North Carolina, but it looked like we received a good bit. I know folks there enjoyed it too, except for some who don't like the white cover. I, personally love it!

As you can see, I am back on the air. We arrived at the RV park today around 2:00PM. There were 12 friends waiting for us at our site when we arrived! It was great seeing them all again. My brother and his wife went out to eat fish with us tonight. Now, I have lots of unpacking and setting up camp to do tomorrow. Weather was 83 degrees when we arrived; just doesn't feel right being so warm. Next year, I just may need to stay home and enjoy the entire winter. What do you think, Friends?