Last Night in the Park This Year

We have spent much of today getting things ready to head North tomorrow. I really haven't had a chance to enjoy the day since we have been so busy otherwise. We did stop and go to breakfast this morning and then we went out to eat with our 4 friends who are still here. One couple won't be leaving until the end of April while the other will be leaving April 9. We didn't even get to count the vacant sites today and that's something we enjoy doing. Last night we counted 69 empties. With the weather such as it is, we expected many folks to detain their trips for a few days. We discussed doing that but I have to get back for baby showers.

Many of the guys who have motorcycles left the park this weekend but I still hear a few as they rumble by our site. I know they have enjoyed their winter here, at least they have sounded like it.

I will be off the air at least until Monday, probably Tuesday. Hope all you people have a great weekend! I would bring you tomatoes and/or oranges, but their crops here this year haven't been the best so I won't take a chance of bringing bad fruit.

Another Exodus

We arose this morning early to see some of our friends off. My brother and his wife left as well, regretfully I might add. He really didn't want to head North into the severe weather. I have been keeping a close check on the weather station this morning; unless things change, it seems like Sunday and Monday will be the best days for us to travel, except for the winds that will be speeding at 15 to 25 MPH so they say. In a motorcoach, that isn't too much fun driving. If it gets too bad, however, I will stop at the closest RV park; it wouldn't be the first time that we've had to do that when leaving the sunshine state.

I'm thinking about going after some tomatoes to take home to friends and family. WE don't eat them much but they are usually quite good. So are the oranges usually; however, this year, the crop has been a bit scant.

Gotta run now and do some important packing. I will blog again tonight.

A Great Time

Last night turned out to be a fun time for everyone. The 12 of us went to Mel's Diner for a fun evening of fellowship. One was celebrating a birthday and the rest just went along. I think the waitresses enjoyed us too, especially since one of the guys is such a cut-up. I guess that will be our last time as a big group this year enjoying a meal together since so many are leaving early in the morning. I think we will wait until Sunday morning to leave; the weather forecast doesn't look too promising for tomorrow. Actually, it doesn't look too promising anywhere that we will be having to travel, Saturday or Sunday. We may have to pack up in the rain on Sunday since they are calling for 40% showers here. We will be getting everything ready tomorrow except hooking up the car. We just don't have enough room on our site to hook up ahead of time so we'll do what we have to do.

If I have time and the weather is fitting, I'll try to get a photo of the park after the big exodus tomorrow. We counted 61 vacant sites last night and I've seen a couple leave this morning. I think the park has about 200 sites so you see, we are about half full. My ability to blog will end tomorrow night until I can get home and set up again. I will try to post again tonight and tomorrow.

Decision Time

We have been listening to the weather report here and it seems that rain may arrive Saturday night or Sunday morning. Since we don't care to hook up and leave in the rain, we are debating leaving on Saturday instead. Many of the crowd are leaving that day. I t may depend on how much we can get packed up although there really isn't a lot of that to do, mainly the outdoor carpet, our lightpost, loading our bicycles, and putting away various items inside. I like to change the bedsheets so that we will be ready to ride again; I also like to wash as much as possible so that I don't have to go home with a lot to wash. It takes a lot of time to get things out when we get home: clothes, food, etc. I always dread that part. Hubby will wash the RV and put it away before I can get out to do my thing inside because I will have to put that chore on hold as I do my part to get ready for a baby shower.

I heard that all of us will be going out to dinner tonight...again. This crowd loves to go out together. I think many of them are ready to forgo this trip but we have to dine somewhere so we'll go.

Burrowing Owls in the Backyards

We rode out with another couple to view the burrowing owls. There's a neighborhood just a few miles away that the little ground owls love, so they have their burrowing holes all over the place. Someone has put posts around their areas to protect them. They have also put a little cross up that they can sit upon. I've taken a few photos of the little owls which I hope you will enjoy; a few noisy motorcycles came by and scared them away so I didn't get very many.

Preparing for the Great Departure

Yesterday turned out to be a pretty day; the clouds became thinner and the sun popped through. More rain was needed but at least an inch was received I guess. There may be more later on in the week. Temperatures will be hovering around 83 today and the rest of the week with the weekend getting up to 85 the forecasters say.

Five of us ladies made a trip to the southern part of the city looking for a birthday gift for one of our friends who is so kind to everyone. In fact, this evening, she and her husband will be cooking quail and chicken for about 14 of us. We will be a bit rushed to eat and get to Bingo but we will make a special effort to get to both.

Since this is the last week for most of our crowd, we are having to cram a lot of activities into the days, mornings and evenings. With the cookout tonight, we will begin many of the farewell parties. Hubby and I are beginning at lunchtime today, however, when we will be going out to lunch with a couple who are special friends of ours but the others don't really know them very much. Tonight the cookout before Bingo; tomorrow night, the OB-GYN will be eating with us prior to Bingo in the other village; Thursday, 12 of us will be going to Mel's Diner for a group farewell eat-out. We really haven't gotten past that yet. On Saturday, 6 of the crowd will be departing for home or other places. We will be leaving on Sunday, leaving behind only 6 of our special friends and two ladies whom I think a lot of: Helen from PA and Sandra from Indiana. I will really miss the people and the great times we have had over the course of the winter. But, I must admit that I've missed my family and friends at home and am so looking forward to seeing them soon. I'm sure that the grands have grown so much. The little boy has a birthday in 2 days. I hate missing that but I did leave him a special gift there and My daughter will add some money to his college fund for me. I know he's excited about his special day; he is such a sweetie!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SWEET BOY!

Rainy Monday

For a change, we awakened to the pitter pat of rain on the roof, not much but enough to at least settle some of the dust here. Because they are excavating the lot next door, there has been a lot of dust swirling around, especially on the other side of our park. I know they are happy to see the raindrops. It makes for a very quiet and somewhat deserted-looking park. Funny, but that's exactly what it is here: deserted. I can sit in our RV and see 7 vacant RV sites compared to 6 occupied sites. Like so many of the other snowbirds, I'm about ready to head North, too. There are many things I will miss when we leave and many friends; however, most of my friends who are still here will be leaving by April 15. I think Hubby is also about ready to go since only two of his friends are still here to ride bikes with him. The rest don't ride bikes, motorcycles maybe but not bikes.

This will be a great day to hit the many malls and other shops that I haven't been to. Perhaps I will spend part of the day on my preferences.

Yes, He Did!

Happy Sunday, everyone. I hope that you all are enjoying a day of rest after a morning shared with the Lord and Christian friends. Once again, we had a very appropriate sermon: "The Exchanged Life". Jon used Galatians 2:20 as his text and he made many comments and provided many illustrations that were needed by all. The main theme was that we Christians should be dead to self and should strive to be more like the One who gave His life for us. The songs we sang this morning were old Negro Spirituals (no offense meant, just that they were actually called this in days of yore). We sang "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands","We are Climbing Jacob's Ladder", and "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot". Everyone enjoyed this time of the service. Then Jon always adds at least one song that no one seems to know; today, it was"Yes, He Did". Listening to the words as we sang preached a sermon on its own. FYI, I am including the words:

1. He took my feet from the miry clay, Yes, He did! Yes, He did!
And placed them on the rock to stay, Yes, He did! Yes, He did!

Refrain: "I can tell the world about this, I can tell the nations I'm blest,
Tell them that Jesus made me whole,
And He brought Joyt, joy to my soul!

2. O my Lord did just what He said, Yes, He did, Yes, He did!
He healed the sick and He raised the dead, Yes, He did, Yes, He did!

3. O Jesus washed my sins away, Yes He did, Yes He did!
And made me happy all the day, Yes, He did. Yes, He did!

4. He died on the cross to save my soul, Yes, He did. Yes, He did!
He ransomed me and made me whole, Yes, He did. Yes, He did!


What a song...What a sermon!

My Favorite Things

The park is really emptying out now. We counted 52 vacancies tonight when we returned from dinner. I understand that next week will be the big exodus. Some of our friends left on Friday due to illness. We are down to our last few days too so we are trying to get as much of the things done that we hoped to do. Because we had so much time here, we tended to put off some of our trips thinking we would get them in later; now, we will just hold some of them until next year. I think we will go to Pine Island one day this week and perhaps to Fisherman's Village on another day; the rest will just keep. We have done most of them in years past anyway.

Some of the favorite things we have done this year probably would include the following: Everglades City and Everglades National Park; watching the Manatees; Corkscrew Swamp Park; Marco Island; Ave Maria Village; and, one of our every-year favorites, Boca Grande. We didn't get to Tarpon Springs, another favorite, but it is farther to travel. One of my nephews and his wife is here visiting their parents for a few days; I'm hoping that my daughter can bring the little grandkids down next year. It's always great to see family and friends from home.

Meeting with Staff

We will be going down to the meeting with the staff in a few minutes. They always hold a meeting with the renters in late March, usually after we have gone (I think they do this intentionally just to avoid listening to any gripes and concerns about the management, etc). Hubby's main concern is the lack of owners to control their dogs. First, they are to be kept on 6 foot leases and off other folks' site (that doesn't happen here; owners let their pets rule I'm afraid). They are to pick up any debris left by their pets and that doesn't always happen either, especially after dark when it's left for others to step in). The management is supposed to enforce the rules but they don't and when the renters try to control it, hard feelings result among them. There are also too many noisy motorcycles in the park this year and I don't know what they can do about this. It's just that the owners removed baffles from the mufflers to make them louder, then they come in and rev up their engines at all hours of the day and night, sometimes as late as midnight. One of the workers drives a golf cart wide open through the park and never stops at stop signs; I'm afraid he's going to hit a pedestrian, especially since we have so many elderly and many who cannot hear very well. I must say there are some nice things about the park but these are a couple of the problems I hear.

49 Vacancies

People are really beginning to move out of the area now. The snowbirds will start North at a very slow speed and meander homeward for the next 2 or more weeks. We will move out in less than 2 weeks and take 2 nights to get home I expect. I have a lot to do when I arrived home: baby showers, scrapbooking party, church, Easter Cantata, trip to the surgeon with hubby, and unloading and cleaning the RV. We will be getting it ready to roll again in late May I suppose, depending on Hubby's medical report.

It is very cloudy here now and everyone is hoping for rain. It is so dry here that the grass is almost dead. We have Bingo tonight but I don't mind riding down in the rain since it is so badly needed here. Hubby and I have made our 5-mile bike ride already today. I hope to take another ride soon because it does make me feel so much better; however, if we get the rain, I will forfeit the ride.

We are trying to find a day that we ride down to Pine Island ande observe the burrowing owls. If I see any I will add their photos to my blog. We will probably make another sightseeing trip next week before pulling out; we'll start packing up some things such as our street light, flag, etc. soon, just so we will have less to do on our departure date. With 49 vacancies now, there will be at least 55 or more by the time we leave.

Space Shuttle, March 15, 2009

Tonight, at 7:43 PM, most of us in the RV park brought out our lawn chairs and prepared to watch the space shuttle as it left Cape Canaveral. We were able to get a great view of it here even though trees and/or Rv's were also in the pictures. I was basically pleased with the results. For some reason, the photos were placed in the blog in the opposite order that they were taken; so, you will need to start at the bottom and work up.

Saying Goodby to Friends

The time has arrived that many snowbirds are heading North tomorrow. Some of our friends from Ohio are leaving in the morning; then, some other friends from North Carolina are leaving the next day. Because it is tax-paying time, some are leaving to get home in time to get their taxes done and mailed before the deadline. Others have sickness in their families; some have been here 3 months which was the length of their stay. There will probably be a mass exit next weekend and the next one as well. We now have more than 30 vacant sites in the RV park and that will increase this week. I imagine there will be a lot less at church in the morning due to the exit.

Tonight 9 of us went out to dinner together to bid our farewells to the ones leaving. I hate to see them go because we never know what each year will bring, whether some will be able to return. I pray that all will stay healthy and be able to make the trip South with all the other Snowbirds.

Photos Have Been Added

If you will go back several days, you can see that I finally got the equipment that I needed to add some photos to my blogs. I cannot take the beautiful pictures that my daughter can, but I do enjoy trying to take some. My hand is not the steadiest and the camera is slightly heavy. Sometimes my photos are not straight as you can tell but they are good enough for me to enjoy. I hope you will too. I will try to add more in the few days that we have left here in the Sunshine State.

Speaking of sunshine, Florida is in so much need of rain as is much of the country I understand. We have probably only seen an inch of rain since we have been here and that's probably stretching it. The grass is beginning to look burned and the firemen are working overtime to prevent fires. Today, I saw someone throw out a burning cigarette and I just hoped that he didn't start a fire somewhere. People need to be very cautious with their flames.

More Pictures of the Osprey

Observing the Osprey

While on Boca Grande Island, we observed these 2 ospreys as they alternated sitting on the big nest. One kept circling looking for twigs, etc., to use in their nest. There must have been babies or eggs in the nest because only one of them would desert the nest at the same time. Some of the photos are pretty good; others are just okay but I wanted to share them all with you.

Boca Grande, a grand Island Town

Here are a few photos of the banyan trees on the island and other shots.

Manatees Seeking the Warmth

These photos were taken a few weeks ago when it was so cool here. I couldn't get any closer to the manatees than this.

City of Ave Maria

Boca Grande, Florida

Everglades Forever Enjoyable

We spent much of yesterday traveling to Everglades City and enjoying a very nice lunch there. Their hotel there is well-known for its Key lime Pie. Personally, I like other pies better than Key Lime but that is very good. We then went into the Everglades National Park where you can take several different cruises out to see the various islands and wildlife. Since we have been there/done that, we just enjoyed sitting around watching everything and everyone. We also spent time in the Cypress Preserves. There many alligators are visible but I don't like to get very near them; they are very dangerous.

We left that area and traveled to San Marcos Island. This is definitely a planned community and very beautiful too! I imagine it is a very expensive place to live as is Naples which is right down the road. All-in-all, it was a very enjoyable day.

This morning, a friend and I went to the big flea market across the street; what I was looking for, however, I couldn't find. I'll try again later. Then we went to Walmart where I had a few things to purchase. Absent-minded me forgot one of my bags and had to go back for it. Fortunately, it was right there waiting for me. I was impressed with the store's manner of holding packages for people like me. Tonight was Bingo and a couple of friends did win a bit tonight, not me though and that's fine because I did have fun.

Off Broadway Can be Entertaining

Several of us ladies have just returned from the Off-Broadway show, "Church Basement Ladies". There were only about 10 men present in the show but they seemed to enjoy it. We thought it was very funny and worth seeing. The luncheon provided was just okay as can be expected I suppose.

I would say that the show isn't for children, however, but it really isn't dirty, just full of ladies' humor. We enjoyed many laughs together because there were several things with which we could easily identify. The talents of the 3 ladies and the one man were outstanding. Their voices harmonized very well. I thought it was interesting to see that many of the actors/staff were from North Carolina and I understand that the show will be playing in Greensboro, NC in the near future.

Church was good again this morning; the pastor preached on "Belief in the Resurrection of the Dead" with the scriptures being taken from I Corinthians 15:51-58. The songs we sang of course were along those lines as well ("When the Roll is Called Up Yonder" and "Hallelujah! We Shall Rise", both very good songs.)

The weather has finally become quite warm and is to remain warm through this week. I have a feeling that we may wish for some cooler weather before we leave for the North.

Daylight Savings Time

I must say once again that I do NOT like Daylignt Savings Time, never have liked it. I believe if people want to get up early and go to work early, then do so without messing with the clock. That way, everyone should be happy, at least happier. I'm sitting in the dark now trying to express my opinion while Hubby, who is usually up before 6:00 AM, sleeps on peacefully. And, why did they move the change up so early in the year? This is so unnecessary. I couldn't half sleep wondering if the alarm would go off. Sunday is the only morning that I have to get up by the clock in order to get to our early services on time.

Today is the special outing with the ladies too so I need to get a move on. I hope you have a great day.

Is It Time to Leave Yet?

Is it time to leave yet? I think I'm about ready to go home now. I miss my family and friends that I left at home. My little grands will be grown before we return! I miss their humor, their eager-learning brains, their coming over often. Weather is great; in fact, it's getting quite warm here this weekend and next week but it's so dry with no rain in the forecast. Grass is turning black in many areas now and our shoes and socks get so very dirty. I have washed them every few days to keep them from looking too grungy.

Today has been a laid-back day to say the least. Yesterday, however, several of us girls went to see the broadway show that's currently playing. That was an enjoyable day. We arrived there at 11:00 AM and awaited the lunch buffet which was quite good. The show actually began at 1:15 and ended around 4:00PM. I enjoyed spending the time with my friends. Sunday is when we go see the "off broadway" show, The Basement Church Ladies, the one I am really looking forward to seeing. That, too, is a lunch buffet followed by the musical comedy.

Tomorrow, Hubby and I may do a little sightseeing. We need to do our traveling before it's time to head out in a few weeks.

Picnic at the Park

This is the day for the big picnic in the park. They provide a free catered lunch for everyone in front of the fellowship hall (too many of us to get inside). We will be fed fried chicken, beans, chips, potatoes, drinks and desserts. Afterwards, a combo will entertain us for a couple of hours or so. I think the temperature might be just about right to sit in the SW Florida sun; it's supposed to be a high of 75 today. Some years they have had cloggers here and a young family of entertainers.

No one in our crowd won at Bingo last night but we will have another shot at it tonight in the adjacent village. I have only won over there once: last week I won one game with someone else and then I won a door prize. I don't go to win though, I go to have a night of entertainment with friends. We only spend less than $10 each night and one can't go to a movie for that or eat out at most restaurants for that either.

Perhaps I will have time to blog again later tonight. Hope your day is filled with fun and sunshine too.

Correction

Last week I included some words that we sang at church to the tune of "A Mighty Fortress is our God". When re-reading some of my blogs I noted that I had omitted a line of the song so I'm re-entering it here for those who are interested:

"God's Word is our great heritage and shall be ours forever.
To spread its light from age to age shall be our chief endeavor.
In life it lights our way, in death it is our stay.
Lord, grant while worlds endure we keep its teachings pure
Throughout all generations."

This makes more sense, doesn't it? I did edit the previous blog entitled "Why Your Life is Significant."

Better Weather

The southern weather is improving and so am I...finally! I hope that will be my last bout with the stomach bug. I think this was the worst I have ever had; in fact, I know this was the worst that I've ever had. I have been so blessed, however, that neighbors have been concerned but most of all I felt the presence of God during my ordeal. I really deserved a lot worse than He let me endure and I thank Him for that.

Tonight is bingo night so the girls and I have something special to do. Tomorrow night, also, as you probably know by now, is an even bigger bingo night. Then, Thursday, several of us girls are going to see a show that's playing for Broadway, a show tht includes mostly music of the 50's. That's the music of our era though so that's what we enjoy most (now Hubby's era is the 40's so he little appreciation of the 50's music. I also enjoy the big band music and we will be going to see a big band soon.

Next Sunday, the girls and I will be going to see another Broadway show which I am especially looking forward to; it's called "The Church Basement Choir Ladies" and has been held over until May because of its popularity. We have been trying to get tickets for weeks but they were booked! I was beginning to worry about being able to see it before we left for home. The ticket includes a luncheon at 11:30 before the show which begins at 1:45. (This won't interfere with church here because most of the churches have services beginning at 8:30, ours at 9:00). I'll have to share some of that information with you later.

Not Again!! A bad Weekend

No church for me yesterday because I had another bad weekend: stomach flu! At least it was very short-lived but I am so sore today from all the nausea and diarrhea with fever. I guess this time was only a 24 hour illness, I hope. One of our friends had a picnic but I was unable to go to that and Hubby wouldn't go without me (I'm afraid I would have left him alone for an hour but he is just that way; I really didn't need him here because there was nothing that he could do for me but sympathize which is very good at when I'm sick). He did go hunt for ginger ale for me which he had difficulty finding. He's a good nurse. I did hate to miss the picnic since Joyce had invited us and had to cancel the last time planned due to weather. Maybe next time we will be able to make it. There were 18 of our friends there I understand.

Yesterday, the park had a three-wheel bicycle race around the grounds. That was really cute (at least what I could see from the RV). One of our neighbors has a chow that is very feeble and they push her around in a 3-wheel stroller. In the race, this other dog pushed her in her stroller; needless to say, they didn't win, they only had fun.

It's a sunny day in Florida today but I understand the weather is quite different up north. I would love to see some of that white stuff but guess we will miss it again. I know a lot of people have had enough of it but I really love to see if fall.