Here it is the second or third week of Florida. Not sure. Time just has a way of getting away from you.
Yesterday we went to church at the camp. Wonderful worship service and message. We then took a drive through Naples and down to Collier-Seminole State Park where we couldn't get reservations because we wanted to check it out. We took a nature walk there but Jim is really glad we couldn't get in. It probably is the worst park we would have stayed in and we would have been there two weeks. Yikes.
We have such a lovely spot here up North of Naples. Seems North of Naples though it might me East.
Jim also drove me to a beach nearby and dropped me off. He had no desire to look for shells or as they say down here, shelling. Anyway I walked barefoot for a half an hour or so and it was fun. Lots of people were out and some were walnut in color they were so tan.
He said we could go early today but he would have to get up.
We will see. I know we are going to go over to Frank and Helen's for lunch at noon.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
SUNDAY - SWEET SUNDAY - WITH NOTHING TO DOOOOO
It is early today - it seems early anyway. It's 6am, I have been up for awhile. Coffee is good today.
We had a very nice day yesterday. We went to the showers and then took the dogs for our 2 mile walk around the lake. It is fun to see what individuals have done to their lots to make them unique. We are going to church today at the main hall here at 9am then out to a beach. There is a wildlife preserve I want to go see with a 2 mile boardwalk.
Crystal Lake itself used to be two quarries. They are about 55 feet deep. One smaller lake and one larger one. We sure see lots of wildlife here right next to our shore.
We went over to Ron and Polly Maki's yesterday. He is the fellow that got me the interview at CH. We had such a nice time and Polly put herself out with lunch. Lunch indeed, we had salad, steak, baked and fresh warm homemade lemon pie for dessert. They live in a huge complex in their own 3 bedroom home about 9 miles from here. They said there were 14 tennis courts in their complex. They are huge into tennis. Haven't seen them for years so it was fun. He was saying Carrie yelled Hello at him last summer and he was so disappointed they were sitting down to dinner He wants her back so she needs to call him next summer and they will put on some steaks and would love to have her family stop by and visit by boat. He was really excited she would stop and say hello.
We left there and went to a pet store for the dogs. Got them some new chews and I talked to a sales clerk about "Greenies". Otto's teeth could use some work. She said she just watched a movie on usage of them and they should have one every day to get the stuff out of their teeth. I will have to look into that.
We drove out to "Barefoot Beach" we didn't go in. You need to pay for parking and they don't allow dogs, even to leave in cars. She said they had one incident last year where they lost a dog. Who would leave a dog in a hot car. We wouldn't, we will probably go back but leave the dog in the camper. This is their home and they will be fine for a few hours. We couldn't believe the homes along the drive to the beach. Millions, and millions of dollars there. Where does it come from. It's funny I feel so rich because I can take a vacation and in comparison, I probably am not. I don't care because I am rich enough for me and so very happy.
We have had bacon and waffles for the past two days, it's bacon from home from a restaurant in Deer River. We bought 7 pounds of it when we were there for breakfast one day. It's so funny, at home, you go in a cafe, if you like the bacon you can buy it in bulk and take it home. I can't imagine doing that here.
We came home and sat by the lake reading. What a pleasant day. It was over 60 degrees, maybe even more. Sun was warm and Jim loves it when it's not too hot. He is already looking forward to being at home. I miss home but love being able to not be cold. I could have worded that better - I wish my kids would read my blog but I don't think Ali and Skye do. Or Carrie or John. I think Mac does and maybe River. I do it more for me anyway. Helps me remember the funny stories. Jim and I are having such a nice time and haven't gone nuts over the small space. I think it's because we can be outside so much. I think my brother Mark looks at my blog but Heidi doesn't. Not her thing and face it, we talk every day. Too fun. I just love cell phones but we went over 100 minutes last month. Whoops! Why can't everywone be Verizon? I still need to learn how to put pictures on my blog. Sho much to learn, so dumb about computers. Boy kids have it all over the older generation.
We had a very nice day yesterday. We went to the showers and then took the dogs for our 2 mile walk around the lake. It is fun to see what individuals have done to their lots to make them unique. We are going to church today at the main hall here at 9am then out to a beach. There is a wildlife preserve I want to go see with a 2 mile boardwalk.
Crystal Lake itself used to be two quarries. They are about 55 feet deep. One smaller lake and one larger one. We sure see lots of wildlife here right next to our shore.
We went over to Ron and Polly Maki's yesterday. He is the fellow that got me the interview at CH. We had such a nice time and Polly put herself out with lunch. Lunch indeed, we had salad, steak, baked and fresh warm homemade lemon pie for dessert. They live in a huge complex in their own 3 bedroom home about 9 miles from here. They said there were 14 tennis courts in their complex. They are huge into tennis. Haven't seen them for years so it was fun. He was saying Carrie yelled Hello at him last summer and he was so disappointed they were sitting down to dinner He wants her back so she needs to call him next summer and they will put on some steaks and would love to have her family stop by and visit by boat. He was really excited she would stop and say hello.
We left there and went to a pet store for the dogs. Got them some new chews and I talked to a sales clerk about "Greenies". Otto's teeth could use some work. She said she just watched a movie on usage of them and they should have one every day to get the stuff out of their teeth. I will have to look into that.
We drove out to "Barefoot Beach" we didn't go in. You need to pay for parking and they don't allow dogs, even to leave in cars. She said they had one incident last year where they lost a dog. Who would leave a dog in a hot car. We wouldn't, we will probably go back but leave the dog in the camper. This is their home and they will be fine for a few hours. We couldn't believe the homes along the drive to the beach. Millions, and millions of dollars there. Where does it come from. It's funny I feel so rich because I can take a vacation and in comparison, I probably am not. I don't care because I am rich enough for me and so very happy.
We have had bacon and waffles for the past two days, it's bacon from home from a restaurant in Deer River. We bought 7 pounds of it when we were there for breakfast one day. It's so funny, at home, you go in a cafe, if you like the bacon you can buy it in bulk and take it home. I can't imagine doing that here.
We came home and sat by the lake reading. What a pleasant day. It was over 60 degrees, maybe even more. Sun was warm and Jim loves it when it's not too hot. He is already looking forward to being at home. I miss home but love being able to not be cold. I could have worded that better - I wish my kids would read my blog but I don't think Ali and Skye do. Or Carrie or John. I think Mac does and maybe River. I do it more for me anyway. Helps me remember the funny stories. Jim and I are having such a nice time and haven't gone nuts over the small space. I think it's because we can be outside so much. I think my brother Mark looks at my blog but Heidi doesn't. Not her thing and face it, we talk every day. Too fun. I just love cell phones but we went over 100 minutes last month. Whoops! Why can't everywone be Verizon? I still need to learn how to put pictures on my blog. Sho much to learn, so dumb about computers. Boy kids have it all over the older generation.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
I HEARD A ALLIGATOR - IN THE DARK - YIKES
Well it's true, It was 4:30 am and the dogs wanted out and I of course planned on taking them to the closest grassy area and that of course is the grass in front of the camper by the lake and I had no flashlight, and walla - a huge splash in the water, too big to be a fish, Jim has seen a small alligator yesterday but I hadn't. I then took the little guys to the grassy area across the street where there are only Lions, Tigers and Bears. Oh My!
What next, Burmese pythons? On the news at some local preserve in Naples, they found one on a path that was over 11 feet long and could easily kill an adult. They took it to a place to put it to sleep. I couldn't live here. Too many things that can kill you. I love the weather and Palm trees.
Jim and I went over our minutes on the phone - probably my fault, I just don't get the whole phone thing, one shouldn't be limited to minutes. They are lucky we choose to use their service. Sure PJ you tell em.
Here it is Sat. already. I have no idea where the week went. I honestly don't remember if we arrived on a Sun. or Mon. I know I just sat around two days and it was wonderful. Jim went fishing and to lunch with a high school friend, Frank Yates, they fished here at Lake Crystal at a dock, Frank's son Johnathon was with also, he is down for 2 weeks to see his parents.
The next day Jim had to get the oil changed on the truck and then go to Tires Plus and get the tires rotated. Here in Naples with all the traffic, it took most of the day, but it was important to get that stuff done.
We decided yesterday on Fri. to go to the Edison/Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers. We enjoyed it very much, especially the trees and plants. Edison really did experiment with all of it for filament for his lights. Grew so many different trees and now they are 80 some years old. Just a beautiful place right next to Henry Ford's winter place. Herbert Hoover even stayed there and he was good friends with Firestone. So funny to see so many familiar names. It's on the Caloosahatchee River, and is it ever wide at tat pot. More like a bay than a river. It was a fun 3 - 4 hours. We parked in a lovely spot in the shade and the dogs were fine. We even leave bowls of water for them but they never seem to touch it. I think they just sleep and bark at passing cars that park.
When we got home Jim had to research where he could exchange a tank, I don't know if I ever mentioned when we were in Rockport TX we went to an estate sale. Jim purchased and old Bar-B-Q grill for $20 and removed the tank. That's all he wanted, I found an old oval tin barrel and stand that had been used for holding beverages, the stand is really rusty but I thought it would make an interesting plant holder. Only $10. Anyway it was fun. The gas tank was almost full and ours on our grill was almost empty so we felt lucky to get a tank so cheep. The funny part is somehow that tank became loose and all the gas leaked out yesterday so Jim had to get it refilled. He did that when we got back from our tour Too fun.
I don't know what today brings but I think we have dinner plans at 2pm with Ron and Polly Maki. An Army buddy of Jim's and he is the headhunter that used to work for Ray at CH. He gave me the lead for a job there and 16 years later, I retire. And a wonderful 16 years it was. Loved the job, have many a good friend there still.
What next, Burmese pythons? On the news at some local preserve in Naples, they found one on a path that was over 11 feet long and could easily kill an adult. They took it to a place to put it to sleep. I couldn't live here. Too many things that can kill you. I love the weather and Palm trees.
Jim and I went over our minutes on the phone - probably my fault, I just don't get the whole phone thing, one shouldn't be limited to minutes. They are lucky we choose to use their service. Sure PJ you tell em.
Here it is Sat. already. I have no idea where the week went. I honestly don't remember if we arrived on a Sun. or Mon. I know I just sat around two days and it was wonderful. Jim went fishing and to lunch with a high school friend, Frank Yates, they fished here at Lake Crystal at a dock, Frank's son Johnathon was with also, he is down for 2 weeks to see his parents.
The next day Jim had to get the oil changed on the truck and then go to Tires Plus and get the tires rotated. Here in Naples with all the traffic, it took most of the day, but it was important to get that stuff done.
We decided yesterday on Fri. to go to the Edison/Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers. We enjoyed it very much, especially the trees and plants. Edison really did experiment with all of it for filament for his lights. Grew so many different trees and now they are 80 some years old. Just a beautiful place right next to Henry Ford's winter place. Herbert Hoover even stayed there and he was good friends with Firestone. So funny to see so many familiar names. It's on the Caloosahatchee River, and is it ever wide at tat pot. More like a bay than a river. It was a fun 3 - 4 hours. We parked in a lovely spot in the shade and the dogs were fine. We even leave bowls of water for them but they never seem to touch it. I think they just sleep and bark at passing cars that park.
When we got home Jim had to research where he could exchange a tank, I don't know if I ever mentioned when we were in Rockport TX we went to an estate sale. Jim purchased and old Bar-B-Q grill for $20 and removed the tank. That's all he wanted, I found an old oval tin barrel and stand that had been used for holding beverages, the stand is really rusty but I thought it would make an interesting plant holder. Only $10. Anyway it was fun. The gas tank was almost full and ours on our grill was almost empty so we felt lucky to get a tank so cheep. The funny part is somehow that tank became loose and all the gas leaked out yesterday so Jim had to get it refilled. He did that when we got back from our tour Too fun.
I don't know what today brings but I think we have dinner plans at 2pm with Ron and Polly Maki. An Army buddy of Jim's and he is the headhunter that used to work for Ray at CH. He gave me the lead for a job there and 16 years later, I retire. And a wonderful 16 years it was. Loved the job, have many a good friend there still.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
NAPLES - WE MADE IT
I am having so much fun!
I was so excited I didn't sleep well our last night at Stephen Foster State Park - we heard rain was in the forecast so I woke Jim up at 3am. I could hear heavy thunder and thought I would rather have him drive without heavy rain.
Guess what - when we left at 4am it started to rain, I didn't want him driving in the dark, now I not only have him driving in the dark, I have him driving in the rain. It just keeps getting better and better.
It was funny when we left the park.
You are locked in, need a code to get out, we finally figured out how to open the padlock that opens the gate, in the rain, Jim drives through and I am outside closing the gate when I see that the camper has caught a branch on a tree, guess what, the TV antennae is still up, he has to go in the camper and crank that down.
We are a pair. We do have a check list but don't look at it.
It is a huge branch and I have to drag it off the road, in the rain.
We leave and have 336 miles ahead of us to get to Naples, we do so, in the rain, in the dark.
What a hoot, we drive for 3 hours in the rain, in the dark with all the trucks, we have to admit the roads here in FL are wonderful, we have 3 lanes at least for the first 3 hours that are in wonderful shape, everyone is whizzing by us, must be because of the good roads.
Our rig is working beautifully, we only had the one incident with the blown out window and it worked out just fine. Of course we don't open that window now because the frame got bent and it's just too hard.
We finally stopped for breakfast at McDonald's when daylight came, in the rain.
Got to Naples around 11:30am, certainly far sooner that we thought, in the rain.
Clouds broke and sun came out when we arrived. So beautiful, 74 degrees, I did remember seeing the Ringling Brothers Museum Sharon told me about. Would like to see it but I have no idea what we will be doing for the next two weeks. Maybe just sitting on my chair reading and walking the dogs.
We took them on a long walk in the afternoon and used the shower facilities.
Lovely is all I can say. Two huge swimming pools and 3 hot tubs. Jim is not interested and the thought of me in a swimsuit kind of makes me sick.
Fatty Patty is just too hard to take.
I have given up eating in between meals and snacks. I don't see any progress yet.
Oh pounds - find someone else to hang out with.
Later!
I was so excited I didn't sleep well our last night at Stephen Foster State Park - we heard rain was in the forecast so I woke Jim up at 3am. I could hear heavy thunder and thought I would rather have him drive without heavy rain.
Guess what - when we left at 4am it started to rain, I didn't want him driving in the dark, now I not only have him driving in the dark, I have him driving in the rain. It just keeps getting better and better.
It was funny when we left the park.
You are locked in, need a code to get out, we finally figured out how to open the padlock that opens the gate, in the rain, Jim drives through and I am outside closing the gate when I see that the camper has caught a branch on a tree, guess what, the TV antennae is still up, he has to go in the camper and crank that down.
We are a pair. We do have a check list but don't look at it.
It is a huge branch and I have to drag it off the road, in the rain.
We leave and have 336 miles ahead of us to get to Naples, we do so, in the rain, in the dark.
What a hoot, we drive for 3 hours in the rain, in the dark with all the trucks, we have to admit the roads here in FL are wonderful, we have 3 lanes at least for the first 3 hours that are in wonderful shape, everyone is whizzing by us, must be because of the good roads.
Our rig is working beautifully, we only had the one incident with the blown out window and it worked out just fine. Of course we don't open that window now because the frame got bent and it's just too hard.
We finally stopped for breakfast at McDonald's when daylight came, in the rain.
Got to Naples around 11:30am, certainly far sooner that we thought, in the rain.
Clouds broke and sun came out when we arrived. So beautiful, 74 degrees, I did remember seeing the Ringling Brothers Museum Sharon told me about. Would like to see it but I have no idea what we will be doing for the next two weeks. Maybe just sitting on my chair reading and walking the dogs.
We took them on a long walk in the afternoon and used the shower facilities.
Lovely is all I can say. Two huge swimming pools and 3 hot tubs. Jim is not interested and the thought of me in a swimsuit kind of makes me sick.
Fatty Patty is just too hard to take.
I have given up eating in between meals and snacks. I don't see any progress yet.
Oh pounds - find someone else to hang out with.
Later!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
LEAVING STEPHEN FOSTER STATE PARK
It seems we are always on the go but I want you to know we really enjoyed Stephen Foster S. P. - it's lush and lovely. So much Spanish moss hanging around. It's 3am and I couldn't sleep, can't be because I went to bed at 8pm.
I so wanted to watch the Dolley Madison special on Public TV. I lasted 10-15 min. We got here on Sunday and spent the afternoon on a walking tour of town. Stephen Foster wrote so many southern spirituals.
Old Black Joe, Suwanee River, Oh Suzanna, Beautiful Dreamer and hundreds more. They have a million dollar bell tower in the park that peels out his music. A museum and shops with tradesmen in them.
We had fun walking around the park yesterday and just sitting relaxing and reading. I am on my 5h book I think.
I can hear big thunder outside.
It's supposed to downpour during the night but hasn't hit yet.
I feel like waking Jim up so we can head South before it rains.
Easier driving without rain I say.
I will learn to attach pictures soon.
I so wanted to watch the Dolley Madison special on Public TV. I lasted 10-15 min. We got here on Sunday and spent the afternoon on a walking tour of town. Stephen Foster wrote so many southern spirituals.
Old Black Joe, Suwanee River, Oh Suzanna, Beautiful Dreamer and hundreds more. They have a million dollar bell tower in the park that peels out his music. A museum and shops with tradesmen in them.
We had fun walking around the park yesterday and just sitting relaxing and reading. I am on my 5h book I think.
I can hear big thunder outside.
It's supposed to downpour during the night but hasn't hit yet.
I feel like waking Jim up so we can head South before it rains.
Easier driving without rain I say.
I will learn to attach pictures soon.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
PENSACOLA
Well, here we are at Big Lagoon State Park for 3 nights.
We leave Sunday morning.
Of all the parks we have been to this is our 2nd least favorite.
The facilities are very nice, but just too much brush - no grass and just not pretty.
We had a wonderful time driving over from LA - the gulf views were outstanding when we got off I-10 and took 90 thru Pass Christian ect.
We stopped at Bellingrath Home and Gardens, so outstanding, huge gardens, like being at the MN arboretum and I toured the house. Like stepping back in time and walking through a new 10,000 foot house with all new furnishings from 1935. I didn't see one computer or TV.
People actually had to read books. By the way I am on my 4th book for the trip. Having so much fun relaxing. The only time it isn't relaxing is when we take a wrong turn when Jim is driving - other than that we laff a lot and eat quite a bit in our camper. Our meals are sometimes better than what we get out.
We had fun last night walking the beaches, you should have seen poor old Makons, so sore from running on the beach she was limping last night. Is she getting old? She will be 4 on June 4th. That makes her only 28 in dog years. Tell me Mac, you are closest to her in age. How does it feel.
I got a bunch of shells for the ice cream pail.
We went thru the National Museum of Naval Aviation yesterday morning, We did the first floor and took a trolley ride. Today we will go back and do the 2nd floor. We just play it by ear and end up with a full day and by gum it's always fun.
I just don't know if this traveling thing is for Jim and I. Time will tell. I can say I almost have as much fun camping in the North Woods of MN. Now is that sick or what.
We had to purchase Front Line for the dogs. Otto already had two wood ticks stick and I brush him every day. He loves being brushed. NOT!
Fill you in on today later.
We leave Sunday morning.
Of all the parks we have been to this is our 2nd least favorite.
The facilities are very nice, but just too much brush - no grass and just not pretty.
We had a wonderful time driving over from LA - the gulf views were outstanding when we got off I-10 and took 90 thru Pass Christian ect.
We stopped at Bellingrath Home and Gardens, so outstanding, huge gardens, like being at the MN arboretum and I toured the house. Like stepping back in time and walking through a new 10,000 foot house with all new furnishings from 1935. I didn't see one computer or TV.
People actually had to read books. By the way I am on my 4th book for the trip. Having so much fun relaxing. The only time it isn't relaxing is when we take a wrong turn when Jim is driving - other than that we laff a lot and eat quite a bit in our camper. Our meals are sometimes better than what we get out.
We had fun last night walking the beaches, you should have seen poor old Makons, so sore from running on the beach she was limping last night. Is she getting old? She will be 4 on June 4th. That makes her only 28 in dog years. Tell me Mac, you are closest to her in age. How does it feel.
I got a bunch of shells for the ice cream pail.
We went thru the National Museum of Naval Aviation yesterday morning, We did the first floor and took a trolley ride. Today we will go back and do the 2nd floor. We just play it by ear and end up with a full day and by gum it's always fun.
I just don't know if this traveling thing is for Jim and I. Time will tell. I can say I almost have as much fun camping in the North Woods of MN. Now is that sick or what.
We had to purchase Front Line for the dogs. Otto already had two wood ticks stick and I brush him every day. He loves being brushed. NOT!
Fill you in on today later.
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