Ken and I had a great night's sleep, only waking at 6:45. We must have been tired. Ken went to the LR to watch about 15 minutes of the news and then we both read and relaxed.
I worked on the blog since I was too tired to do it last night! We had a delicious breakfast and then enjoyed having some tea and chia while sitting and chatting. Ken decided he needed a haircut so that was next on the schedule. I am not bragging, but I think I did a great job! Ken decided to tape the windshield wipers and wait until we get to Lazydays to have them replaced. We don't want to spend any money on new ones, since we feel Lazydays should be responsible. Ken spent time rinsing the sharks teeth and shells we had found at Manasota Beach yesterday. We got a couple hundred teeth - a good day on the beach! Ken dumped the tanks while I vacuumed and cleaned up inside.
I also had a nice phone conversation with my dad. His cellulitis is greatly improved and the IV antibiotics has helped not only that, but he has more energy. He is so happy we are enjoying our traveling adventures and encouraged me to continue. He says the aging process happens quickly and you need to do things while you are able. Thanks Dad for your support.
At 10:45 we left to make a few stops looking for the needed lug nut on the wheel cover on Waldo, but we were not successful. Then on to Wal-Mart to get a few needed items. Chuck and Melissa had driven to Costco and then to Wal-Mart, and were back at their site when we returned around 1:15. We had a short visit with them so we could pick-up 2 items that they purchased for us at Costco.
We put things away and then at 2:15 the 4 of us headed to the pickleball court for a fun filled afternoon of some great pickleball matches. It was a sunny, warm day with a slight breeze, a perfect day for playing. We had some great points and volleys and switching partners makes it a lot of fun.
We were back to Waldo by 4:15 and made salads for tonight and tomorrow. Then we both showered. Ken did some work on the computer and then grilled a salmon and turkey burger. It was a delicious dinner.
Ken left at 6:15 for his Celebrate Recovery meeting at Edgewater Church about 25 minutes from here. I worked on jewelry and watched The Voice - love that show! Ken returned at 9:30, and we called it a day. Looking forward to a beach day tomorrow.
Monday, February 29, 2016
Sunday, February 28, 2016
A Beautiful Day in the Venice Area!
Ken went to LR to do some reading at 6:30. I read in bed and spent too much time on Facebook before getting ready for Church and a trip to the beach. As soon as we got up, we started having trouble with our electric - it kept shutting down. It had to do with the voltage at the outside hook-up. Our surge protector kept shutting us down because the voltage was too low. We had this trouble several other times in recent days, but we have tried to work with it. This morning it would not come back on and we had to run our generator, so it was time to contact the office.
Within 15 minutes there was a maintenance man at our site working hard to improve the situation. He replaced everything that could be replaced. Electricity problems at CG's still seem to be the number 1 concern. A lot of CG's really need to upgrade their systems, especially going from 30 AMP to 50 AMP to accomodate all the larger motorhomes. It appears the gentleman did make the necessary repairs, for when we returned from the beach late afternoon, all was working well. Time will tell!
We had flax pancakes, cleaned up, got everything together for the beach, including our lunches, and left with Chuck and Melissa at 9 for Edgewater Church near Port Charlotte, the church Ken and I always attend when in this area. It was another great service and message!
From there we drove to Ernie and Noela's to change clothes, since their CG was on the way to Manasota Beach. The 6 of us arrived at the beach by noon and we all went for a walk and some shark's tooth hunting. The men went for a long walk, which I wanted to do, but I just can't help walking slowly and stopping lots of time to pick up shell pieces and any shark's teeth I happen to come upon.
By 1:45 we were all back to our chairs to enjoy our packed lunches and some fellowship. Then the men went off for another walk, Melissa did the same, and I continued looking for "teeth". Then the 6 of us sat for about 1/2 hour and did some reading. It was a perfect beach day with only a mild breeze, partial sunshine, and temperatures around 75.
We said our good-byes until Tuesday to Ernie and Noela and were back to our CG by 5:30. Chuck and Ken checked the windshield wipers on Waldo. One had gotten loose the other day and now it appears that both of them are not connected properly. We are thinking they are not the right ones for Waldo. We will have Lazydays checked them, for they just put them on in Dec.
We put everything that we had taken to the beach in its proper place, showered, and then it was time for a light dinner. We did the dishes and by 7:15 we were at Chuck and Melissa's to play games. It was a victorious night for the men. They won Skip-Bo by a huge margin and did the same with the 2 games of Sequence Dice. They showed us how to play Texas Holdem which Melissa and I won. We ended the night with a shortened game of Pinochle and the gals won. Maybe the game night should not be awarded to the men. I think it was a "draw".
We were back to Waldo by 10:15 and went right to bed. Both of us were very tired. Looking forward to a relaxing day tomorrow with nothing planned until a 2:00 court time for Pickleball.
Within 15 minutes there was a maintenance man at our site working hard to improve the situation. He replaced everything that could be replaced. Electricity problems at CG's still seem to be the number 1 concern. A lot of CG's really need to upgrade their systems, especially going from 30 AMP to 50 AMP to accomodate all the larger motorhomes. It appears the gentleman did make the necessary repairs, for when we returned from the beach late afternoon, all was working well. Time will tell!
We had flax pancakes, cleaned up, got everything together for the beach, including our lunches, and left with Chuck and Melissa at 9 for Edgewater Church near Port Charlotte, the church Ken and I always attend when in this area. It was another great service and message!
From there we drove to Ernie and Noela's to change clothes, since their CG was on the way to Manasota Beach. The 6 of us arrived at the beach by noon and we all went for a walk and some shark's tooth hunting. The men went for a long walk, which I wanted to do, but I just can't help walking slowly and stopping lots of time to pick up shell pieces and any shark's teeth I happen to come upon.
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| An overview of the beach from the boardwalk that leads to the bathrooms! |
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| Not as crowded as we thought it would be considering it was a weekend! |
By 1:45 we were all back to our chairs to enjoy our packed lunches and some fellowship. Then the men went off for another walk, Melissa did the same, and I continued looking for "teeth". Then the 6 of us sat for about 1/2 hour and did some reading. It was a perfect beach day with only a mild breeze, partial sunshine, and temperatures around 75.
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| This is the walkway going back to the beach from the restrooms. Nice!!! |
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| If you walk up or down the beach from the main area it becomes rather deserted. The men walked to an area where they found lots of shark's teeth. |
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| Rather peaceful, don't you think????? |
We said our good-byes until Tuesday to Ernie and Noela and were back to our CG by 5:30. Chuck and Ken checked the windshield wipers on Waldo. One had gotten loose the other day and now it appears that both of them are not connected properly. We are thinking they are not the right ones for Waldo. We will have Lazydays checked them, for they just put them on in Dec.
We put everything that we had taken to the beach in its proper place, showered, and then it was time for a light dinner. We did the dishes and by 7:15 we were at Chuck and Melissa's to play games. It was a victorious night for the men. They won Skip-Bo by a huge margin and did the same with the 2 games of Sequence Dice. They showed us how to play Texas Holdem which Melissa and I won. We ended the night with a shortened game of Pinochle and the gals won. Maybe the game night should not be awarded to the men. I think it was a "draw".
We were back to Waldo by 10:15 and went right to bed. Both of us were very tired. Looking forward to a relaxing day tomorrow with nothing planned until a 2:00 court time for Pickleball.
Saturday, February 27, 2016
A Trip to Gasparilla and Boca Grande!
Ken went to LR around 6:15 to read and do some meditating. I woke at 7:15 and did some reading before getting up. We worked together packing our lunches and prepping for breakfast.
Ken cooked breakfast while I got ready. We ate and I cleaned-up while Ken loaded our bikes and packed the car for today's adventure. Chuck brought their bikes down to be loaded. The 4 of us left the CG at 9:45 and drove about 40 minutes to Gasparilla Island and Boca Grande to meet Ernie and Noela. It was a cool morning with temperatures in the low 50's when we arrived and quite windy.
The men unloaded the bikes and then the 6 of us took a walk along the beach where the search for shark's teeth and special shells began. The best place to find shark's teeth was right along the water's edge, but the surf was choppy and came far onto shore. You had to run from the water so you wouldn't get your shoes wet. (It was too cool to be barefooted or in sandals!) Unfortunately, this gal challenged the waves and the waves won. My shoes and socks got soaked. After about 45 minutes on the beach, we returned to our bikes and I needed to change to sandals. My socks and shoes were "squishy".
It was a bit cold on the "piggies" when riding bike. We rode to Boca Grande at the end of the island, parked our bikes, and more shark's tooth and shell hunting began again. I actually found 2 of my favorite shells, tulips, and about 15 or more beautiful olive shells. I had a "ball"! Of course now my sandals and feet were soaked. What's a girl to do????
We got back on our bikes and returned to our vehicles after riding about 7 miles. The men loaded the bikes and we drove to a park area on Gasparilla where we ate our lunch on a picnic table on the beach. By now the wind had really gotten stronger as well as the gusts. All of us were rather cold, but had such a fun time together!
We got in our vehicles after finishing lunch and headed to the downtown area for some ice cream (as if we weren't cold enough!). We said our good-byes to Ernie and Noela (we will see them again tomorrow) and got back to the CG at 4:00. We unloaded the car and the bikes and then Ken took a nap while I downloaded photos and worked on the blog.
Ken grilled salmon and chicken and I sauteed lots of fresh veggies in olive oil, including broccoli, green beans, onions, peppers, squash, zucchini, and brussel sprouts - Yum!!!! After cleaning up and doing the dishes, we got somethings ready for tomorrow's trip to Manasota Beach after we leave church. We will stop by Ernie and Noela's to change.
Chuck and Melissa were here from 7 to 9:45 and the women won Spades, but the men won 5 Crowns and Skip-Bo easily.
I finished this blog and then it was off to bed. What a great day! Ken and I are so blessed to have such special friends!
Ken cooked breakfast while I got ready. We ate and I cleaned-up while Ken loaded our bikes and packed the car for today's adventure. Chuck brought their bikes down to be loaded. The 4 of us left the CG at 9:45 and drove about 40 minutes to Gasparilla Island and Boca Grande to meet Ernie and Noela. It was a cool morning with temperatures in the low 50's when we arrived and quite windy.
The men unloaded the bikes and then the 6 of us took a walk along the beach where the search for shark's teeth and special shells began. The best place to find shark's teeth was right along the water's edge, but the surf was choppy and came far onto shore. You had to run from the water so you wouldn't get your shoes wet. (It was too cool to be barefooted or in sandals!) Unfortunately, this gal challenged the waves and the waves won. My shoes and socks got soaked. After about 45 minutes on the beach, we returned to our bikes and I needed to change to sandals. My socks and shoes were "squishy".
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| What a beautiful area! |
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| The hunt has begun! |
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| Better back up, Chuck, the water is getting too close to your shoes!!! |
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| This private home covers an entire block. It actually looks like a fortress! |
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| Another large home right at the edge of the beach! |
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| Melissa was the only one to find a piece of seaglass on our 1st beach stop! |
It was a bit cold on the "piggies" when riding bike. We rode to Boca Grande at the end of the island, parked our bikes, and more shark's tooth and shell hunting began again. I actually found 2 of my favorite shells, tulips, and about 15 or more beautiful olive shells. I had a "ball"! Of course now my sandals and feet were soaked. What's a girl to do????
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| Such a nice bike path on the island! |
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| Don't know the history of this lighthouse, but it is a very old one! |
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| This is the beach at Boca Grande, the very end of the island! You can look across to Bokeelia at the end of Pine Island! |
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| This is a very pretty area! |
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| We are such "treasure seekers" on the beach! |
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| Love how the water glistens. Would have been a windy day with a rough surf for sailing! |
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| No wonder I got my feet and shoes wet. I can't stay away from the water! |
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| These pelicans liked posing for Ken! |
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| A more modern day lighthouse! |
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| Yes, it was chilly! |
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| Our view from the picnic table. Not bad, huh????? |
We got in our vehicles after finishing lunch and headed to the downtown area for some ice cream (as if we weren't cold enough!). We said our good-byes to Ernie and Noela (we will see them again tomorrow) and got back to the CG at 4:00. We unloaded the car and the bikes and then Ken took a nap while I downloaded photos and worked on the blog.
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| Downtown Gasparilla! |
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| This is the ice cream shop! |
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| In this little enclosed area, we were protected from the wind, but it was still cool. Of course, the ice cream probably didn't help! |
Chuck and Melissa were here from 7 to 9:45 and the women won Spades, but the men won 5 Crowns and Skip-Bo easily.
I finished this blog and then it was off to bed. What a great day! Ken and I are so blessed to have such special friends!
Friday, February 26, 2016
A Cool, but Beautiful Day!
Ken and I were awake and reading by 6:00. It was sunny, but only 47 degrees. What is going on with the cool temperatures? After all, we are in Florida!!!!
We made flax pancakes with plenty of fruit, cleaning up and were out the door by 7:20 and headed to Estero for my dermatology appointment. This was my 2nd follow-up visit since the Mo's procedure on my lip. We were at the office by 8:40 and all is well. The surgeon did a great job. They commended me on the job I did taking care of the area, and they were pleased with how nicely it had healed. I joking told the nurse not to touch my lip because I didn't need another bleeder like what happened at the last check-up. (Ken decided to not go in with me today) I was given the "all clear", but need to see my dermatologist back home to treat some scattered abnormal cells on my lip. That will require some cream that needs to be applied 2X daily for about 2 weeks, the same thing I did on my chest before coming to Florida. No big deal!
We made a few stops on the way back to the CG in search of a lug nut that we lost while driving Waldo. So far we have had no luck in finding the right replacement.
We were back to the CG by 11:15. By now it was very sunny and around 66 degrees with a bit of a cool breeze and lovely! I worked on the blog and then we had lunch. Chuck and Melissa were running errands and stopped by when they returned.
We discussed possible plans and adventures for our week including spending time with Noela and Ernie. We also did just a little talking about our trip outwest. She left around 12:30 and we decided we would meet to play pickleball at 2 here in the CG.
We had so much fun on the pickleball court. It was around 65 degrees, about perfect for playing, but a bit windy. Fortunately the court had wind screens and that really helped. We played till 4 and had so many good volleys and close games. This is one of my favorite ways to get exercise and steps.
Back to our RV's to shower and get ready to go to Rib City for dinner. The 4 of left the CG at 5:15 stopping at Detwilers Produce to stock up on fruits and veggies. Then on to Rib City to met Ray and Barb for dinner at 6:00. Barb claims that their food is superior to Sonny's, but I am not buying into that. I am a loyal Sonny's Barbeque fan! The 6 of us had a fun time together and I must admit that the ribs, baked beans, and homemade coleslaw were delicious, but have only had pulled pork sandwiches at Sonny's, not ribs. So I can't really make a comparison. After all, you can't compare "apples to oranges". I guess I will just have to make a return trip to both of them having ribs at Sonny's and a pulled pork sandwich at Rib City. What a sacrifice!!!!!
The 4 of us returned to Rambler's Rest around 8:15 and got together to play games, or I should say "a game". Our game of Pinochle lasted about 1 1/2 hours with the men being the victors in a very close game.
We were very tired and went right to bed when we called it a night at 10:15. Looking forward to a bike ride tomorrow.
We made flax pancakes with plenty of fruit, cleaning up and were out the door by 7:20 and headed to Estero for my dermatology appointment. This was my 2nd follow-up visit since the Mo's procedure on my lip. We were at the office by 8:40 and all is well. The surgeon did a great job. They commended me on the job I did taking care of the area, and they were pleased with how nicely it had healed. I joking told the nurse not to touch my lip because I didn't need another bleeder like what happened at the last check-up. (Ken decided to not go in with me today) I was given the "all clear", but need to see my dermatologist back home to treat some scattered abnormal cells on my lip. That will require some cream that needs to be applied 2X daily for about 2 weeks, the same thing I did on my chest before coming to Florida. No big deal!
We made a few stops on the way back to the CG in search of a lug nut that we lost while driving Waldo. So far we have had no luck in finding the right replacement.
We were back to the CG by 11:15. By now it was very sunny and around 66 degrees with a bit of a cool breeze and lovely! I worked on the blog and then we had lunch. Chuck and Melissa were running errands and stopped by when they returned.
We discussed possible plans and adventures for our week including spending time with Noela and Ernie. We also did just a little talking about our trip outwest. She left around 12:30 and we decided we would meet to play pickleball at 2 here in the CG.
We had so much fun on the pickleball court. It was around 65 degrees, about perfect for playing, but a bit windy. Fortunately the court had wind screens and that really helped. We played till 4 and had so many good volleys and close games. This is one of my favorite ways to get exercise and steps.
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| Everyone of us was a winner on the Pickleball Court! |
Back to our RV's to shower and get ready to go to Rib City for dinner. The 4 of left the CG at 5:15 stopping at Detwilers Produce to stock up on fruits and veggies. Then on to Rib City to met Ray and Barb for dinner at 6:00. Barb claims that their food is superior to Sonny's, but I am not buying into that. I am a loyal Sonny's Barbeque fan! The 6 of us had a fun time together and I must admit that the ribs, baked beans, and homemade coleslaw were delicious, but have only had pulled pork sandwiches at Sonny's, not ribs. So I can't really make a comparison. After all, you can't compare "apples to oranges". I guess I will just have to make a return trip to both of them having ribs at Sonny's and a pulled pork sandwich at Rib City. What a sacrifice!!!!!
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| Looks like a lot of empty plates. We must have been very hungry! |
We were very tired and went right to bed when we called it a night at 10:15. Looking forward to a bike ride tomorrow.
Thursday, February 25, 2016
1st Day at Rambler's Rest!
Ken and I were not early risers enjoying a little time to unwind. We showered, cooked breakfast, and did a little reading! We left the CG around 9:45 and Ken drove me to a nearby Michael's to get some necessary items for my upcoming craft show. They had a 40% off coupon for the jewelry supplies I needed plus an additional 20% on your total bill - WOW!!!! While I was there Ken went for gas and a soda.
Next stop was Hobby Lobby for a return and just to look around. Ken went to Wal-Mart to get a coiled hose for Waldo. I also "popped" into Beall's Outlet and found a nice black tank top to wear to the beach. We got back to Rambler's Rest around 1:00.
Chuck and Melissa had texted us earlier that they would probably arrive at the CG at 11:15, but we knew there was a problem when we pulled in and Chuck was in his motorhome in the front parking lot. When they went to pull onto their site, it was too wet to get into it without making huge ruts on the neighboring annual sites. The neighbors were not happy. So they went back to the office and asked if there were any other sites available. Of course, there was one across from the sewer plant. They checked out that one and it was very "squishy". Ramblers Rest personnel tried their best to be helpful, but because of all the rain on Wednesday, they were between a "rock and a hard place". They offered to put stones on the entrance to the site. In the meantime, Melissa had checked out the availability of a CG nearby (Ramblers Rest said they would gladly refund their money if they wanted to go somewhere else), but they were full. Long story short, after much discussion and the 4 of us checking out the site, Chuck was able to get into it without much difficulty. Not a perfect site, but we are very close to each other. We are looking forward to a fun-filled week with Ernie and Noela joining us for many adventures. The 6 of us always have so much fun together!
By the time they were set-up, we were all starving, since none of us had lunch. Chuck needed to pick-up a prescription at the Sarasota Costco, so we all headed there stopping at Sweet Tomato for "lupper". Hey, we couldn't help that it was within 4 miles of Costco!!!!!! As per usual, the food was delicious and the price was right! After a quick stop at Costco, we got back to the CG around 7:00.
By 8:00 we were all in Waldo chatting and then watching Idol while we played a game of Pinochle and Skip-Bo. The women won both! It was a fun evening. So nice to be back with Chuck and Melissa. We sure miss them when we are apart!
They left at 10:30 and we headed right to bed. We have to be on our way to the dermatology office in Estero by 7:20 tomorrow morning for my 8:45 appointment. It should be my last one here in Florida. Hallelujah!
Next stop was Hobby Lobby for a return and just to look around. Ken went to Wal-Mart to get a coiled hose for Waldo. I also "popped" into Beall's Outlet and found a nice black tank top to wear to the beach. We got back to Rambler's Rest around 1:00.
Chuck and Melissa had texted us earlier that they would probably arrive at the CG at 11:15, but we knew there was a problem when we pulled in and Chuck was in his motorhome in the front parking lot. When they went to pull onto their site, it was too wet to get into it without making huge ruts on the neighboring annual sites. The neighbors were not happy. So they went back to the office and asked if there were any other sites available. Of course, there was one across from the sewer plant. They checked out that one and it was very "squishy". Ramblers Rest personnel tried their best to be helpful, but because of all the rain on Wednesday, they were between a "rock and a hard place". They offered to put stones on the entrance to the site. In the meantime, Melissa had checked out the availability of a CG nearby (Ramblers Rest said they would gladly refund their money if they wanted to go somewhere else), but they were full. Long story short, after much discussion and the 4 of us checking out the site, Chuck was able to get into it without much difficulty. Not a perfect site, but we are very close to each other. We are looking forward to a fun-filled week with Ernie and Noela joining us for many adventures. The 6 of us always have so much fun together!
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| This is our campsite at Rambler's Rest! |
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| Chuck and Melissa are about 6 sites down the road from us. |
By the time they were set-up, we were all starving, since none of us had lunch. Chuck needed to pick-up a prescription at the Sarasota Costco, so we all headed there stopping at Sweet Tomato for "lupper". Hey, we couldn't help that it was within 4 miles of Costco!!!!!! As per usual, the food was delicious and the price was right! After a quick stop at Costco, we got back to the CG around 7:00.
By 8:00 we were all in Waldo chatting and then watching Idol while we played a game of Pinochle and Skip-Bo. The women won both! It was a fun evening. So nice to be back with Chuck and Melissa. We sure miss them when we are apart!
They left at 10:30 and we headed right to bed. We have to be on our way to the dermatology office in Estero by 7:20 tomorrow morning for my 8:45 appointment. It should be my last one here in Florida. Hallelujah!
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Good-Bye Pine Island and Hello to Rambler's Rest Again!
I only got to bed around 11:45 after spending time putting things away inside Waldo for our trip to Rambler's Rest. Ken was awake at 5:00 and got up to listen to weather reports and do his devotions. They were predicting heavy rain and severe storms for today and Ken was trying to decide when we wanted to begin the trip back to Venice, about a 1 1/2 hour drive.
We were getting ready by 6:30, cooked eggs, and were hooked-up and on our way to Venice by 8:15. When we got to within a 1/2 hour of the CG there was a tornado warning for that area until 10, so we stopped at a Wal-Mart to delay our arrival in the Venice. I talked to Jamie, and Cali is still sick and home from school. She had a Dr. appointment yesterday and has strep throat and scarlet fever. Both Jamie and I thought that was not an illness that was still around. Apparently it is a result of the strep. She is feeling better today and her fever is gone. She hopes to return to school tomorrow!
We pulled into the CG at 10:15, having driven the last 1/2 hour in rain and a broken windshield wiper. Ken had to peek through the raindrops, but it wasn't that bad! We are fortunate this time to get a very nice site that is covered with pine needles and not water!!!! It was raining very steadily when Ken was hooking up the water and electric. I had the "dry job" of getting organized inside. He will connect the sewer when it isn't raining!
We decided to leave all the slides in until after the severe thunderstorms left the area. At 1:30 our phone alarms went off saying we should seek shelter due to a tornado that would be passing through or near our area. So after checking the news and radar, we got in the car and drove north towards downtown Venice, south of the area that was to be in the "line of fire"! Well, why not make use of the time??? We stopped at Sonny's for lunch. When we left there around 2:45 the rain had stopped and the tornado warning had passed---there was damage within about 10 miles of the campground.
Cindy had called when we were driving to make sure we were safe. We assured her that we were fine and just waiting out the storm. When we returned to Waldo, Ken unloaded the car, including the bikes, and we put out the slides. We could have additional rain, but not severe storms. I recorded our expenses, did some reading, and then we played cards. Ken won the 1st game of Pinochle - he should have, he had 3 double knuckles. I won the 2nd game!
We decided to go for a walk around the CG and there is water everywhere! It must have really rained while we were gone. Fortunately our site sets a little high and is covered with pine needles. We felt fortunate to have a rather dry site, considering!!!
Ken had a salad for dinner and I was still "full" from Sonny's. He left at 6:40 to go to Celebrate Recovery at a local church. I spent the evening making jewelry and watching American Idol.
I did talk to my mother today and it appears that the IV antibiotic is helping my dad's cellulitis to improve. It is a slow process, but it seems to be heading in the right direction. I also talked with Noela and they weathered the storm well today also. Both of us were not very far from some tornado destruction, so we are thankful that none of us experienced any damage!
Chuck and Melissa were supposed to check into Ramblers Rest today, but they decided to stay in their current CG until tomorrow due to the weather forecast for today. We are so anxious to see them and spend the next 4 weeks camping together. Ernie and Noela will join us for numerous activities too!
Ken returned at 9:15 and we enjoyed a cup of tea together.
We were getting ready by 6:30, cooked eggs, and were hooked-up and on our way to Venice by 8:15. When we got to within a 1/2 hour of the CG there was a tornado warning for that area until 10, so we stopped at a Wal-Mart to delay our arrival in the Venice. I talked to Jamie, and Cali is still sick and home from school. She had a Dr. appointment yesterday and has strep throat and scarlet fever. Both Jamie and I thought that was not an illness that was still around. Apparently it is a result of the strep. She is feeling better today and her fever is gone. She hopes to return to school tomorrow!
We pulled into the CG at 10:15, having driven the last 1/2 hour in rain and a broken windshield wiper. Ken had to peek through the raindrops, but it wasn't that bad! We are fortunate this time to get a very nice site that is covered with pine needles and not water!!!! It was raining very steadily when Ken was hooking up the water and electric. I had the "dry job" of getting organized inside. He will connect the sewer when it isn't raining!
We decided to leave all the slides in until after the severe thunderstorms left the area. At 1:30 our phone alarms went off saying we should seek shelter due to a tornado that would be passing through or near our area. So after checking the news and radar, we got in the car and drove north towards downtown Venice, south of the area that was to be in the "line of fire"! Well, why not make use of the time??? We stopped at Sonny's for lunch. When we left there around 2:45 the rain had stopped and the tornado warning had passed---there was damage within about 10 miles of the campground.
Cindy had called when we were driving to make sure we were safe. We assured her that we were fine and just waiting out the storm. When we returned to Waldo, Ken unloaded the car, including the bikes, and we put out the slides. We could have additional rain, but not severe storms. I recorded our expenses, did some reading, and then we played cards. Ken won the 1st game of Pinochle - he should have, he had 3 double knuckles. I won the 2nd game!
We decided to go for a walk around the CG and there is water everywhere! It must have really rained while we were gone. Fortunately our site sets a little high and is covered with pine needles. We felt fortunate to have a rather dry site, considering!!!
Ken had a salad for dinner and I was still "full" from Sonny's. He left at 6:40 to go to Celebrate Recovery at a local church. I spent the evening making jewelry and watching American Idol.
I did talk to my mother today and it appears that the IV antibiotic is helping my dad's cellulitis to improve. It is a slow process, but it seems to be heading in the right direction. I also talked with Noela and they weathered the storm well today also. Both of us were not very far from some tornado destruction, so we are thankful that none of us experienced any damage!
Chuck and Melissa were supposed to check into Ramblers Rest today, but they decided to stay in their current CG until tomorrow due to the weather forecast for today. We are so anxious to see them and spend the next 4 weeks camping together. Ernie and Noela will join us for numerous activities too!
Ken returned at 9:15 and we enjoyed a cup of tea together.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
A Day on Pine Island with a Visit with Ray and Barb!
I actually got up before Ken today and was in the LR doing some reading when Ken got up at 7:40. He did his reading in bed. We did some clean-up and then had flax pancakes for breakfast.
Ken continued doing more clean-up while I got ready. He also did some more cleaning of our shells and sharks teeth and then set them out to dry. We did have a few showers early, so we were not able to put anything away outside in preparation for our move tomorrow.
I vacuumed Waldo while Ken dumped our tanks and then disconnected the sewer line. Ray and Barb, folks who camped beside us in Royal Coachman about 4 years ago, arrived at our campsite at 11. In 2007 they had camped on Pine Island and were excited to come back and have lunch at Captain Con's at the end of the island in Bokeelia. We had seen them in November when we had stayed at Royal Coachman for 2 weeks with Chuck and Melissa, so we were so happy to see them again. They toured Waldo and then at 11:45 we headed to Captain Con's. Barb loves coconut shrimp and says they have the absolute best she has ever eaten and she has had them at many different restaurants. She was not disappointed! She had me try one with their special sauce and it was positively delicious. After lunch, they left to go back to Venice. We sure had a good time with them! We have plans to go to Rib City on Friday with them and Chuck and Melissa when we are camping in the Venice area.
We were back to Waldo by 2:15 and we got the laundry together and I went to the CG laundromat. Ken worked outside getting everything put away for tomorrow's trip back to Rambler's Rest CG in Venice for one more week. He had a lot of the work done when I returned at 4:15. We worked together putting the laundry away and a few things outside.
Then we decided to take a little time to sit outside to enjoy the beautiful day and the pond view. It was around 80 degrees with lots of sunshine and a nice breeze. Another gorgeous day!
We took a 1/2 hour walk around the park stopping to chat with numerous campers we know. We actually saw Bill and Donna going thru the CG and we knew they are staying at Rambler's Rest. They were just driving through showing to the couple that are camped beside them Pine Island and the CG. So good to see them again. Back by 6 to have dinner and watch the local and national news.
It was a beautiful evening so we decided to take another walk, stopping to say our good-byes to several of the couples we have seen here and spent time with over the last several years - Ed and Sandy, Coy and Betsy, and Paul and Reggie. We had a nice visit with all of them.
Back to Waldo by 10:15 and I had a chat with my mother. Dad has a bad case of cellulitis and so far they haven't found an antibiotic that helps stop the infection. Today they inserted a port and he will receive an antibiotic via an IV for 1 hour per day for 7 days. We are hoping and praying that it will be effective.
Did a little preparation inside for tomorrow's trip to Venice, a 1 3/4 hour drive from here. We hope to beat the thunderstorms that are predicted.
Ken continued doing more clean-up while I got ready. He also did some more cleaning of our shells and sharks teeth and then set them out to dry. We did have a few showers early, so we were not able to put anything away outside in preparation for our move tomorrow.
I vacuumed Waldo while Ken dumped our tanks and then disconnected the sewer line. Ray and Barb, folks who camped beside us in Royal Coachman about 4 years ago, arrived at our campsite at 11. In 2007 they had camped on Pine Island and were excited to come back and have lunch at Captain Con's at the end of the island in Bokeelia. We had seen them in November when we had stayed at Royal Coachman for 2 weeks with Chuck and Melissa, so we were so happy to see them again. They toured Waldo and then at 11:45 we headed to Captain Con's. Barb loves coconut shrimp and says they have the absolute best she has ever eaten and she has had them at many different restaurants. She was not disappointed! She had me try one with their special sauce and it was positively delicious. After lunch, they left to go back to Venice. We sure had a good time with them! We have plans to go to Rib City on Friday with them and Chuck and Melissa when we are camping in the Venice area.
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| A great little restaurant overlooking the water! |
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| Our friends, Ray and Barb. Don't the coconut shrimp look delicious???? |
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| The view across from the restaurant. This is a public fishing pier that had damage in January doing some violent storms. Several other private piers in the area also had parts washed away! |
We were back to Waldo by 2:15 and we got the laundry together and I went to the CG laundromat. Ken worked outside getting everything put away for tomorrow's trip back to Rambler's Rest CG in Venice for one more week. He had a lot of the work done when I returned at 4:15. We worked together putting the laundry away and a few things outside.
Then we decided to take a little time to sit outside to enjoy the beautiful day and the pond view. It was around 80 degrees with lots of sunshine and a nice breeze. Another gorgeous day!
We took a 1/2 hour walk around the park stopping to chat with numerous campers we know. We actually saw Bill and Donna going thru the CG and we knew they are staying at Rambler's Rest. They were just driving through showing to the couple that are camped beside them Pine Island and the CG. So good to see them again. Back by 6 to have dinner and watch the local and national news.
It was a beautiful evening so we decided to take another walk, stopping to say our good-byes to several of the couples we have seen here and spent time with over the last several years - Ed and Sandy, Coy and Betsy, and Paul and Reggie. We had a nice visit with all of them.
Back to Waldo by 10:15 and I had a chat with my mother. Dad has a bad case of cellulitis and so far they haven't found an antibiotic that helps stop the infection. Today they inserted a port and he will receive an antibiotic via an IV for 1 hour per day for 7 days. We are hoping and praying that it will be effective.
Did a little preparation inside for tomorrow's trip to Venice, a 1 3/4 hour drive from here. We hope to beat the thunderstorms that are predicted.
Monday, February 22, 2016
Gorgeous Beach Day and Then Dinner With Our Small Church Group From PA!
Ken and I were up by 7, did some reading, showered, and we had eggs for breakfast. We cleaned up, packed some snacks and things for the beach, some clothes for changing, loaded the car and were on our way to Manasota Beach by 10. We did make a stop at the bank and hardware store here on Pine Island.
We decided to take Route 41 instead of Interstate 75 to Manasota Beach because we thought it would be more "scenic". Well, that may be somewhat true, but all the lights and the traffic made us realize that was a mistake. We only arrived there at 12:30 and we were very fortunate to find a place to park. It was definitely the best beach day we have had since arriving in Florida this season - total sunshine and 78 degrees - a perfect day!
I got right to the "task" of sharks tooth hunting and hardly moved the entire time from a spot that proved to be very shark tooth friendly! What fun! Ken took a long walk looking for shark's teeth, shells, and seaglass along the way. He may not be too good at multi-tasking, but somehow he is great at it on the beach. I have to focus on one thing at a time when I am on the beach. Around 2:45 we sat on our chairs and had some snacks and water. Before we knew it, it was 3:15 and time to leave the beach. We loaded up our "stuff" and were on our way to Lloyd and Deb's home in Venice, about 20 minutes from Manasota Beach.
Ken and I changed clothes at their house to get ready to go to dinner with the folks in our Life Group back home. There were 5 couples who got together and 3 of us are spending time here in Florida in our motorhomes and Deb and Lloyd bought their house last fall. Rick and Joyce spent 2 weeks in the Keys through their time share and will be spending a few days with Lloyd and Deb. It is amazing to me that we were all able to get together in the Venice area to have dinner together. Ken and I traveled the most mi les, but we were about 1 1/2 hours away - not bad!
After having some time to fellowship, we took two cars and the 10 of us went to Farlow's on the Water, a favorite eating place of Ken and I. None of the group had ever been there, but they all loved the setting and the delicious food. Definitely a great place! We had such a fun time together and truly appreciate their friendship and support.
After dinner, we all returned to the Eberly's where we enjoyed a delicious chocolate cake with peanut butter icing that Deb had made in celebration of Lori's birthday. All of all sat in the screened in porch where we ate and had a fun time sharing, laughing, and just having a good time. We all left about 8:15.
We were back to Waldo by 9:45, got everything out of the car and put in its place before heading to bed. These last 2 days have been wonderful, but they have certainly been long ones. We have not been in the CG very much this last week. We are busy campers spending lots of time with special people who bless us whenever we are together. A special thanks to all of you!
We decided to take Route 41 instead of Interstate 75 to Manasota Beach because we thought it would be more "scenic". Well, that may be somewhat true, but all the lights and the traffic made us realize that was a mistake. We only arrived there at 12:30 and we were very fortunate to find a place to park. It was definitely the best beach day we have had since arriving in Florida this season - total sunshine and 78 degrees - a perfect day!
I got right to the "task" of sharks tooth hunting and hardly moved the entire time from a spot that proved to be very shark tooth friendly! What fun! Ken took a long walk looking for shark's teeth, shells, and seaglass along the way. He may not be too good at multi-tasking, but somehow he is great at it on the beach. I have to focus on one thing at a time when I am on the beach. Around 2:45 we sat on our chairs and had some snacks and water. Before we knew it, it was 3:15 and time to leave the beach. We loaded up our "stuff" and were on our way to Lloyd and Deb's home in Venice, about 20 minutes from Manasota Beach.
Ken and I changed clothes at their house to get ready to go to dinner with the folks in our Life Group back home. There were 5 couples who got together and 3 of us are spending time here in Florida in our motorhomes and Deb and Lloyd bought their house last fall. Rick and Joyce spent 2 weeks in the Keys through their time share and will be spending a few days with Lloyd and Deb. It is amazing to me that we were all able to get together in the Venice area to have dinner together. Ken and I traveled the most mi les, but we were about 1 1/2 hours away - not bad!
After having some time to fellowship, we took two cars and the 10 of us went to Farlow's on the Water, a favorite eating place of Ken and I. None of the group had ever been there, but they all loved the setting and the delicious food. Definitely a great place! We had such a fun time together and truly appreciate their friendship and support.
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| Entrance to Farlow's on the Water restaurant near Englewood! |
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| Lloyd and Deb Eberly |
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| Alton and Jane Good |
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| Eddie and Lori Paparo |
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| Rick and Joyce Zapf |
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| Guess Who??? |
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| A Happy Group from PA! |
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| This is part of Farlow's property. What a location and setting! |
After dinner, we all returned to the Eberly's where we enjoyed a delicious chocolate cake with peanut butter icing that Deb had made in celebration of Lori's birthday. All of all sat in the screened in porch where we ate and had a fun time sharing, laughing, and just having a good time. We all left about 8:15.
We were back to Waldo by 9:45, got everything out of the car and put in its place before heading to bed. These last 2 days have been wonderful, but they have certainly been long ones. We have not been in the CG very much this last week. We are busy campers spending lots of time with special people who bless us whenever we are together. A special thanks to all of you!
Sunday, February 21, 2016
A Fun Day with Dave and Sharon Horst Near Marco Island!
Ken and I were up by 6:30, had some flax pancakes, loaded up the CRV, and were on our way to the Horsts in "downtown" Goodland by 8. We stopped by Paul and Regina's to deliver the 2 sets of jewelry she had purchased to take home as gifts.
Then we stopped to get drinks at the K Gas and from then on it was a non stop trip to Dave and Sharon. We arrived at their "new" home at 10 and how exciting to see them again. They are friends from back in PA who used to have a meat stand (Dave is a butcher) at the same Farmer's Markets where we sold candy. Also, they had worked with Ken several times in the Real Estate business. We appreciate their friendship.
Within the last year, they sold their very nice property in a community near Naples to buy the home of an older couple whose property was on the water and where Dave and Sharon docked their boat. Because of health problems, the couple had not come to Florida the last 2 years and needed to sell the property. They really wanted the Horsts to buy it and they loved the setting (location, location, location!) and that they could dock their boat in back of the property and have quick access to the Gulf. So, they bought it and have they ever done an incredible job of remodeling it, doing a lot of the work themselves.
We can only imagine how much work it was just to "clean-out" all of the other folks belongings, including food in cabinets and the refrigerator. When that was completed, they had new vinyl siding put on as well as new windows and a roof. Then Dave and Sharon upgraded most of the electrical and plumbing, removed the old flooring and installed wood floors, repainted, put in an entirely new kitchen including removing a wall so the living room, dining area and kitchen could be totally open and overlooking the water, and had a new lanai added. They also redid the outside decking. It was a major overhaul, but they did a great job. Oh, I forgot to mention that they put sliding doors in their bedroom so they could have a water view from there, too!
We spent time just chatting in their lanai, since we hadn't seen them last year and we had a lot of "catching up" to do. Sharon's mother lives with them in PA for the last several years and her alzheimers continues to worsen. We admire the sacrifices and great job they do helping her daily. It is definitely a labor of love!
Around 1:30 the 4 of us went for a boat ride to The Lump, an island about 8 miles from their property that is a great place to collect beautiful shells. Ken and I are always thrilled to have the opportunity to go there with the Horsts. Sharon is a shell expert and has such an "eagle eye" for spotting special ones among the piles of shells. Sea urchins were everywhere today and I found about 6 of my favorite shells - tulips!
We were back to their property by 4:30 and they insisted that we stay for dinner. Sharon is a wonderful cook and Dave loves to fish, so it was a seafood feast for Ken. Dave grilled some sheepshead fish he had caught and they also had cajun shrimp and stone crabs. It was a gourmet feast for Ken and I did enjoy the shrimp and had some of the stone crabs. We also enjoyed a variety of oven roasted veggies and some homemade coleslaw. We had taken a tray of fruit that we had for dessert. Good eating!!!!!
We left there around 7:30 after a phenomenal day with special folks. We only got back to Waldo around 9:30, and we were very tired. No reading or blogging but off to bed.
Boy, we are truly Celebrating Life Daily!
Then we stopped to get drinks at the K Gas and from then on it was a non stop trip to Dave and Sharon. We arrived at their "new" home at 10 and how exciting to see them again. They are friends from back in PA who used to have a meat stand (Dave is a butcher) at the same Farmer's Markets where we sold candy. Also, they had worked with Ken several times in the Real Estate business. We appreciate their friendship.
Within the last year, they sold their very nice property in a community near Naples to buy the home of an older couple whose property was on the water and where Dave and Sharon docked their boat. Because of health problems, the couple had not come to Florida the last 2 years and needed to sell the property. They really wanted the Horsts to buy it and they loved the setting (location, location, location!) and that they could dock their boat in back of the property and have quick access to the Gulf. So, they bought it and have they ever done an incredible job of remodeling it, doing a lot of the work themselves.
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| This is the setting looking at the back of their property from their boat. |
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| Not a bad place to seat and relax or read a book! |
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| Love the reflection of the palm tree in the water. This is taken from their lanai! |
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| Dave's boat has the green roof. He has room to dock two of his friend's boats! |
We can only imagine how much work it was just to "clean-out" all of the other folks belongings, including food in cabinets and the refrigerator. When that was completed, they had new vinyl siding put on as well as new windows and a roof. Then Dave and Sharon upgraded most of the electrical and plumbing, removed the old flooring and installed wood floors, repainted, put in an entirely new kitchen including removing a wall so the living room, dining area and kitchen could be totally open and overlooking the water, and had a new lanai added. They also redid the outside decking. It was a major overhaul, but they did a great job. Oh, I forgot to mention that they put sliding doors in their bedroom so they could have a water view from there, too!
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| This is the front of their "new" Florida home! |
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| A brand new kitchen! |
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| Sharon kept the antique desk of the former owners and made it into an island for her kitchen. |
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| They removed the wall that separated the dining area and kitchen from the LR so they could see the water from that entire area! |
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| They removed all the old flooring and put new flooring throughout the entire house! |
We spent time just chatting in their lanai, since we hadn't seen them last year and we had a lot of "catching up" to do. Sharon's mother lives with them in PA for the last several years and her alzheimers continues to worsen. We admire the sacrifices and great job they do helping her daily. It is definitely a labor of love!
Around 1:30 the 4 of us went for a boat ride to The Lump, an island about 8 miles from their property that is a great place to collect beautiful shells. Ken and I are always thrilled to have the opportunity to go there with the Horsts. Sharon is a shell expert and has such an "eagle eye" for spotting special ones among the piles of shells. Sea urchins were everywhere today and I found about 6 of my favorite shells - tulips!
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| Heading out the channel to the Gulf! |
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| Some gorgeous homes and palms along the way! |
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| Leaving the No Wake area and entering the Gulf! |
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| That's The Lump in the distance! |
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| We have arrived! |
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| Shells everywhere! |
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| And I mean everywhere! |
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| Built in 1981 on the southern tip of Marco Island, the Dome House is an igloo-like concrete complex made up of white dome chambers, now decaying and in the ocean. After completion in 1982, Lee and his family sold it just 2 years later in 1984. The new owners got into financial trouble and the original family repossessed the home and lived in it until 1993. By that time the island was already changing and had washed away other homes in the area. |
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| 6 years ago, Ken and I walked around this home as it was still on the island. Since that time it is now out in the water about a couple hundred feet from land! |
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| Anchored at The Lump! |
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| So many shells to pick from! |
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| Part of the island! |
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| Dave and Daisy enjoyed sitting on the beach while we were shell hunting! |
We were back to their property by 4:30 and they insisted that we stay for dinner. Sharon is a wonderful cook and Dave loves to fish, so it was a seafood feast for Ken. Dave grilled some sheepshead fish he had caught and they also had cajun shrimp and stone crabs. It was a gourmet feast for Ken and I did enjoy the shrimp and had some of the stone crabs. We also enjoyed a variety of oven roasted veggies and some homemade coleslaw. We had taken a tray of fruit that we had for dessert. Good eating!!!!!
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| Cajun shrimp! |
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| Sheepshead grilled fish caught by Dave! |
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| Stone Crabs |
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| Ken was in all his glory! |
We left there around 7:30 after a phenomenal day with special folks. We only got back to Waldo around 9:30, and we were very tired. No reading or blogging but off to bed.
Boy, we are truly Celebrating Life Daily!
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