HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Here comes 2016!
We had a potluck and then crazy gift exchange. Duf got a poinsettia blanket and I got Christmas ornaments and snow flakes! Great friends and tons of laughs!!!

Today, December 30, 2015, I rode with a group of friends on Sanibel from tip to tip or 40 miles! I never thought I would be able to ride that far but today I was able to do this long ride!!!! I am excited and sure I will sleep well tonight!!!!

Today is December 28, 2015 and around 11 AM when we left Sanibel Island to go shopping the line to get on the Island was over 6 miles long and moving very slowly. We spent 3 hours shopping for food and flowers and just walking around the stores to let the line disperse. When we returned to the Island there was still a line but we were able to get past most of the line because we have the LeePass and that lane was not busy.

We spent the remainder of the afternoon potting flowers, fixing our porch light and relaxing. At 5:00 we went over to the deck to talk to all the newcomers and Duffey helped a couple fix their steps. 

After deck we went for a ride with Ralph and Pat and found a home that had an amazing display of Florida style Christmas lights. The house was on a dead end street and we drove on their circular driveway looking at their light display. 

We ended the day with Duf cooking dinner and watching TV. We will not be attending the movie tomorrow morning because it will be a second showing of Star Wars and we attended the first showing.

Today I hit the 130 mile mark on my bicycle! Many miles of riding on my new bicycle. After our 12 mile ride today we went to the beach to relax with Joan and Pete. We came home and Duf showered while I went to Pat and Ralph’s RV and cut Pats hair. She trusted me and said it looked great when I was finished. They are historically funny and we had some great laughs after the haircut.

Christmas in Perish, FL with friends from grade school was on the docket for this year and we had a great time! We arrived at their beautiful new home around eleven on the 24th to pick them up and head to Ybor City. While in Ybor we had a drink and appetizer at the Columbian and then Carmines before heading to the Tampa Bay Brewing Company for a drink and then a delicious dinner. Duffey is hooked on their meatloaf that Guy Fieri ate on his show. Gerald tried to meatloaf and said it was not the type he was used to, this is made with steak and we usually use hamburger! The sidewalks in Ybor are getting in bad shape with areas that have unleveled cement areas and Gerald caught his toe in one of these and took a very graceful fall. He did a drop and roll that looked like a gymnast and except for a few scratches that broke the skin he did not break any bones. We have seen the results of two ladies on Sanibel that fell and they were not as lucky as Gerald.

On December 25, we opened gifts and that was a fun time of giving and receiving. It was great to watch Anne open presents from her son Justin that he had wrapped in boxes that led her to believe she was receiving racks for the top of her car or used towels when it was really something she wanted, the look on her face was priceless. We had breakfast and then took our time getting ready to head to the beach on Anna Marie Island.

This beach has sand very different from the sand on Sanibel, there were very few shells but we did see people swimming out to a sand bar and picking up Sand Dollars. We sat under of the shade of our umbrella for a couple of hours watching the people, the beach was packed with vacationers. Around 3 we decided to eat at an outdoor restaurant serving a full dinner of turkey and ham and all the fixings. Our plates were running over and we ate at tables on the beach, it was a great way to spend Christmas day and have a delicious Christmas dinner.

December 26 arrived and it was time for us to return to Sanibel. We wanted to leave before the real traffic began on the 27th. Traffic was heavy near Tampa and Sarasota but once past this area the traffic thinned. It is an hour drive on the highway and then another 40 minutes drive through Ft. Meyers to get to Sanibel, not really that bad to get to see friends!

Once at home on Sanibel we rested for about an hour and then took an  11 mile bicycle ride around the island in hopes of wearing off some of the delicious cookies Anne had made and we ate with delight. After the ride we showered and spent the remainder of the night watching TV.

When you can have an all around profitable day! While we were in Canada, U.S. Cellular made a mistake and turned off my cell phone. It could not be turned on until I was in their area and since we are traveling I would not be in their area or two months. When we arrived in Phoenix we turned off  our U.S. Cellular service, after being their customer for over 12 years, and switched to Verizon. Our last bill from U.S. Cellular was  $500.00 more than we thought it should have been. When Duf called them today they finally figured out that they had made a mistake worth over $500.00 in our favor!

Duf's next call was to our RV extended warrantee provider and they realized they had shorted us over $800.00! Great calls!!!

We took a bike ride and then spent the afternoon on the beach watching the dolphins play in the surf. A group of boys made a sand sculpture of an alligator that was 15 feet long.

At 8:29 PM we saw a rocket being launched from Cape Canaveral. We watched the sky and saw the fire exiting the rear of the rocket and then it was a bright light traveling high into the sky. We saw the separation of the rocket fuel launcher and continued to watch the bright light go high into the sky and out of sight into the clouds. Amazing!

Great Day!

Today I got a new and amazing bicycle that has power assist! It gives me a boost as I pedal so that I am able to keep up with the speedy crowd I hang out with. It is really fun to ride! The draw back is that now I must wear a helmet when I ride!

We rode to a garage sale and found the perfect basket to hold our deck plant! We also found a pot for the ‘dancing lady’ orchid but we will need to get some orchid dirt before it is replanted. We also found disposable margarita glasses for Jerry and Carole to use with their Margarita making machine!!! Duf was also happy to find a knife sharpener so his fishing knives are sharp!

I have had my new bike for a week and I have ridden 85 miles already! Today we rode 24 miles and the worst part was the strong wind! We rode through Ding Darling and saw 5 alligators sunning on the shore right by the road. Some people were way to close to the gators, I don’t think they know how fast a gator moves! Our day was spent with a long bike ride, a long shower, and a short nap! Joan and Pete woke us up to go over to the deck and talk with everyone.

Busy exercise day today! At 8:15 we began our day with a three hour kayak paddle through Ding Darling. We had to fight the wind and waves but it was a beautiful trip. On the return trip home we stopped at Sips for lunch. It was my first meal of Grouper Cheeks and they were delicious. Duffey, Carole and Jerry had the delectable  pulled pork sandwich.

After arriving home Duffey and I decided to take a bicycle ride through the newly remodeled Bailey’s house. The grounds are decorated with native plants and there is a covered area for parties. We continued on around the long 7 mile block! The way back was hard because we had to fight the wind. 

Just as we arrived home Carole came over to ask me to take a walk on the beach! We walked our 10,000 steps and returned home. I took a shower, put in a load of laundry and hit the sofa for a nap! From 5 - 6 everyone gathers on the deck to discuss their day but I slept through this event until Bob knocked on the door to see why we weren’t at the deck. We got a real laugh about me sleeping through the party!

The first Friday in December is always a big night on the Island because it is luminary night. The entire bicycle path is lined with luminaries and the trees are full of twinkling lights. Most of the shops are decorated for  Christmas, open, and serving drinks and snacks that range from pizza to sandwiches to cookies and on and on. We are introduced to the new businesses and reintroduced to the ones that have been here for years. There are only 3 chain businesses on the island that I can think of; CVS, Subway and Dairy Queen. The remainder of the businesses are local. Jerry and I posed with the Hot Dog!

Jerry, Carole, Pete, Joan, Duffey, and I rode our bicycles two miles to Baileys where we began our journey back stopping at all the open shops. Along the way we see people we know and meet new people. Tonight it rained off and on but there were still hordes of people out enjoying the evening.

Today was also a good day for the group because Pete went and had a talk with the owners and they decided to give us back the fire pit and provide wood as needed! Now we need to work on the net! I guess if they did not do stupid things we would get bored.

We have arrived on Sanibel Island! On the way here we stopped and purchased a LeePass for the bridge and other tolls. After much figuring it was decided we have to use it to cross the bridge 13 times to recoup our money and then additional uses are discounted.

We are in the usual spot at Periwinkle Park but others have been moved so that we have a new neighbor. We were disappointed that the management did not inform us that they had turned off the internet and also removed it from their ads. It seems like they have taken a step back about 15 years and feel justified because this is an amazing location and the only RV resort on the island. Today we noticed that they have also removed the fire pit. Guess they are afraid we might just have to much fun. Sad.

It’s Thursday now and it has rained all day. Although we did not get to go to the beach it was nice to have a day to get the interior of the RV all organized. 

Ft. Desoto is about an hour away from us and our next destination. We have decided to drive over and inquire about getting a spot a day early. Unfortunately we can’t get a spot in the park but the ranger told us to stay at the boat launch down the street. After talking to the ranger we headed back to get the RVs and move them to the boat launch for the night and avoid all the holiday traffic. On the way we decided we should stop at Tampa Bay Brewing in Ybor City and have their delicious meatloaf.  After meatloaf we drove to Plant City and went to Parksdale to have a strawberry malt. 

The motorhomes awaited our return and we hooked up the Jeeps and headed for the Boat Launch by Ft. Desoto. Jerry and I walked our 10,000 steps while Duffey purchased a plane ticket for Natalie to come in January to celebrate her birthday.

At 11:30 Jerry was awaken by the ranger knocking on his door. She had not been told by the other ranger that we were going to be in the Boat Launch for the night. Jerry explained that we would move to the park in the morning and then she remembered a mention of us in her meeting and was kind enough to not wake us up. 

Check out time at Fort Desoto is 11 and check in is 1. Around 11 we got ready to move the RVs to our spots that were already vacant. It was an easy and quick move. Later in the day Joan and Pete arrived in the park and we went to help them get parked. After they got settled we headed to Mario’s for pizza.   After pizza for dinner we all retired for the night.

Today was a day for company! Patty and Bev came to visit us on their way back to Iowa. They stayed until after 1 and then decided to leave and not have lunch with us. We were all disappointed that they left. 

Gerald and Anne also came for a visit. Gerald said this is about 40 minutes from their house. The guys went fishing and we took a walk to the gift shop so Anne could purchase a pink hat she had been thinking about for almost a year!

We had brats and beans that we took to Joan’s to add to her salad for a delicious dinner. Pete and Joan are on a site that has the sunset visible and that is why we had dinner in their beautiful new fifth wheel.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I spent quite some time today with the boys walking around Bass Pro Shop where they purchased fishing gear, fishing shirts and shoes. After our shopping we decided to dine at Cracker Barrel and had a delicious turkey dinner with all the fixings and pie for under $12.00! Not many restaurants were open today and Cracker Barrel was the perfect choice. We returned to the RV and walked our 10,000 steps through the vineyard to take off all the calories we just consumed.

We are now preparing to watch Big Bang Theory and then the Bear/Packer game. Our son will be at the game and we hope they show him on TV!

When you can……visit friends you have known since grade school! Gerald and Anne now live in FL and we were able to go spend the day with them at their charming new home. Gerald and Anne are the type of friends that we might not see for a year, but when we do see them it is like we have been together everyday. Duffey was also excited to introduce Jerry to Gerald since they are both car guys he thought they would hit it off. After a day of catching up we headed to Woody’s River Roo for dinner. It was my first grouper since we left FL in March and it was delicious.

Woody’s is on the river and a bridge on I75 crosses within sight of the restaurant. Gerald told us that last summer a semi came over the railing of the bridge and fell a long distance into the river landing right side up, where luckily for the driver the tide was out. The driver ended up with minor injuries and they were able to salvage the semi.

A man had an owl with him, he said it was his friend but did not like others.

When you can……..Go to the Tampa Coopers Hawk  to collect our wine club wine that has been held for the last 8 months! The Tampa location, is only a couple years old, makes it convenient for us to get our wine on the way to Sanibel.

The food at Coopers Hawk is 5 star! We said it is the difference between a cook and a chef and of course the wine does help!

 The BEST crab/lobster bisque ever!!!

Bass Pro Shop, the next item on the daily list, where the boys totally enjoyed themselves. They both purchased fishing items and fishing shirts.

Publix came next so Carole could purchase a card and we got white and chocolate milk and a few additional items that fell into the carts.

We saved the best for the last stop, Parkland, home of the Parkland strawberries and ice cream!!! Parkland closed at 6 and we arrived at 5:45, just in time for each of us to get a strawberry malt!

When you can…... cross the Historical Suwannee River near Fanning Springs, FL. Stephen Foster first sang the song,’ Old Folks At Home’ and later Al Jolson and George Gershwin made the song and the Suwannee River more famous. ‘Old Folks at Home’  is the Florida state song!

We are spending time in Plant City using our Harvest Host membership at the  Keel & Curley Winery. Harvest Host is a great deal for motorhome travelers, we belong to the club and stay free at member vineyards. We parked and headed for Parkside Strawberry Restaurant for strawberry malts! After the malts we returned and the guys had a beer at Keel & Curley. Carole and I just could not mix wine with the ice cream.

It was a long day of driving, or in my case riding, so we decided to make it an early night and just watch TV.

New Orleans, LA is now visible in our rear window and we are headed for FL. This was a drive day and we passed through four states. We left Louisiana and entered Mississippi where the roads were much better. After Mississippi we  found ourselves in Alabama where we saw the USS Alabama docked near the bridge we crossed.  Florida was our fourth state of the day and our destination for the night. We stopped just inside the Florida state line so Duffey could watch NASCAR but they had a rain delay and we moved on. We are spending the night about 50 miles north of Tallahassee where it is a bit chilly outside, 48 degrees, is this really Florida!!

When you can…..try a different restaurant’s World Famous Beignets and coffee for breakfast! These Beignets had less powdered sugar and seemed lighter, we voted them #1 BUT the coffee was not as tasty as Cafe De Monde’s coffee. Today was also a much quieter atmosphere, which we enjoyed.

 A short rainy walk around Jackson Square.

The plan was to walk off all the Beignets but it started to rain so we opted to take the St. Charles Streetcar. This was an hour ride through the  Garden District with views of many mansions. We saw the Columns mansion that we stayed in 29 years ago! At the end of the trolly line we switched cars and rode back, viewing the other side of the street! 

The street car ride was over two hours so when it was over, combined with the cool temperature and rain, we needed to find a restroom. Law here is that you order food or you do not use the restroom! We knew where the National Parks Department office was located and walked about 6 blocks to get there and use their restrooms. After this stop we decided to find a restaurant with good food and music. We agreed upon New Orleans Creole Cookery and the food was astonishingly delicious. Duffey, Jerry and Carole had Creole Jambalaya and I had  three appetizers: crab stuffed mushroom, shrimp in a thick Creole sauce and crab salad. MMMMMMMMM 

We finished our meal with 10 minutes to spare, the shuttle picked us up at 4:00 and if we missed this one the next shuttle was at 8:00! We stayed in the French Quarter until 8:00 last night and decided with the rain that would be to late tonight and there is entertainment right where we are staying.

When you can make your first stop of the day Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans - French Quarter to dine on Chicory Coffee and Beignets covered in astronomic amounts of powdered sugar. After all this sugar walking around the French Quarter the remainder of the day is in order. (My pedometer registered 14,336 steps today!!)

We walked around Jackson Square an area full of artists’ displaying their crafts and hoping for a sale. After a walk around the square we headed down to the river and walked along watching Tug Boats, Tankers, and Barges head down the mighty Mississippi.

After walking along the river we walked to Bourbon Street to watch the people.  On St. Peter Street we saw Pat O’Brien’s and headed in for a World Famous Hurricane made with copious amounts of Rum! We spent the remainder of the afternoon walking around the French Quarter looking at the crazy people and beautiful architecture with the wrought iron railings.  

We decided to have our lunch/dinner at Cornet on their balcony over the street so we could watch all the happenings below us. The guys had Huge Ass Beer and we drank water, the Hurricanes were still with us! We dinned on mouthwatering red beans and rice, gumbo, corn and crab soup with hot French bread. So much was happening on the Bourbon Street below we stayed on the balcony until the Cornet got so busy we felt we should leave.

 Strike a pose and let tourists take pictures and then give you a tip!

 Is that man kidnapping the Minion?

 Which person is dressed differently? Or would it be - which person forgot her shirt????