Go fast day

A return to my formative years ... the smell of burning rubber, ear shattering noise, screaming crowds. Oh yes, the drag strip. And now, after almost 50 years I discover that one of my old heroes, Don Garlits, the king of fuel dragsters has established a museum to the sport just east of the Villages in central Florida.

The museum is well maintained and the surrounding grounds are well kept and used for a variety of other activities.

This was a special weekend here at Don's place in that they were having an RV show here.  Probably about 50 coaches of various sizes plus 5'ers, trailers, and a pop-up or two.  We had a great time browsing around and seeing all there was to offer.

But the real treat for me was a gaggle (?) of Vipers staged in front of the museum.  It was the largest gathering of the snazzy, testesterone pumping, oozing with sex appeal, Dodge V10 Vipers I have ever seen.

Unique in appearance and powered by one powerful bad-ass motor that will haul to the grocery store just about as fast as any motorcar on the planet.  Their owners are an eclectic lot; young and old alike ... but all deeply attached to their thundering go-fast machines.

In addition to all that hutzpah, the cars owners like a bit of whimsey as well.  Check out these vanity plates.

 

Somehow this guy got into the show.  Not a Viper but a rare 427 Camaro 4 speed convertible. 

 

Scooping the air on a Viper

And one final look at the star of the show.

Just another day livin' the dream in the Florida sunshine.

Phil

The couple from Calgary

I've said it before and it's worth repeating.  We've met some of the finest people on the planet while enjoying the RV lifestyle.  And the couple below are a perfect example.  Dave and Ann from Calgary (that's in Canada for those of you who forgot).  We met them last November while in Alabama and quickly became friends.  Though they are much too young to be retired, they have taken a year out of their lives to give the rv life a try and have been touring the US.  They left Alabama before we did and, on their spot-on recommendation, followed them to Citrus Valley RV Resort near Orlando.  Lots of space, plenty of sight-seeing and lots of shopping and resturants; a great choice for the rest of the winter.

I took this photo just before they departed.  This time heading for Mrytle Beach then points west.  As you can see by their engaging smiles, they're people you just want to meet and hang out with.  We appreciated their friendship, wish them safe travels and hope to see them again soon.

Still livin' the dream

Phil

Not Busch Gardens

This is one RV park that has a lot more than 57 varities of dogs to look at.  This gentle giant (Sandhill Crane) paid us a visit the other day.  Clucking and yapping until someone offered up something to eat, he made a stop at our site and I offered up some crackers to his liking. He commenced to eat about six of them before ambling off.  Standing about 4 ft tall, this rather imposing creature dabbled around the ground thrusting his formidible beak again and again into the ground seeking unknown subterranian morsels.  I suspect he was loading up on food for the flight north.

Casting his image on the ground makes you appreciate even more the grace and beauty of this magnificent bird. 

Now this little critter (about 5 ft) decided to warm up along the shore of one of the ponds in camp.  Having to endure such a long spell of cold weather, this cold blooded American Alligator finally had a chance today to warm of the cockles of his little cold heart.  Approaching him (her?) with a little caution, I was able to get within a few feet but was ever mindful of which way to retreat if  'little toothy' got aggressive.  Actually I don't think he had warmed up all that much so I felt pretty confident he'd stay put.  However I was prepared to replace my underwear if he hadn't. 

I've often thought I'd like a pair of alligator shoes but after seeing this cuddily little reptile up close, I'm sticking with ostrich leather.

Directly in front of the semi-snoozing gator was this other little shore bird slowly padding his way amongst the reeds looking for an easy lunch.  If he's not careful he may be lunch for 'little toothy'.

This is our site here in frost damaged, drought stricken central Florida.  The only thing blooming down here are the onions at the Outback Steak House.  I'm sure it will all green up after we leave but in the mean time it looks pretty rough.  We have an empty lot to our southeast so are total corner lot is about 100' x 100'.

Hot air balloons continue to dot the sky in the early morning.  Yesterday the wind was pretty stiff and two balloons were flying over the camp.  One low, the other maybe a thousand feet higher.  The lower of the two was cruising at maybe at 10mph while the other was zipping along at probably 30mph or better.  I was thinking that the poor guy who was on the speedster was probably getting screwed as his flight would be over way too soon.

Another skyward treat was available later in the day as the wind subsided and the clouds mostly disapated.  Something that I hadn't seen in many years began materializing on the blue billboard above me.

A skywriter was at work spelling the phrase "U + God = (symbol of a ) 'Happy Face'.

Pretty neat I'd say.

Yesterday (Monday) we hosted sort of a picnic at our place. Cold and blustery but our friends Dave and Ann from Calgary Alberta Canada and Jim and Carol from Cedar Rapids Iowa joined us anyway for an outdoor get-together.  Dishes were brought to pass and great conversation followed us into the early evening.  Our time together as a group is fleeting as Dave and Ann are heading towards Myrtle Beach then to the far west this coming Thursday and Jim and Carol are heading home in about another week.  It's always kind of a bittersweet time as we all head off in different directions as our winter vacations come to an end.  But fond memories will prevail of our time together and will hopefully be the basis of lifetime friendships.

We wish them all a safe journey and look forward to seeing them again soon.

Still livin' the dream

Phil 

Up north friends

It's been a long time but the wait is over.  Our dear friends George and Paula from Michigan had been planning on visiting us and are finally here.  We've been close for many, many years and it is so nice that they took the time to come down.  The weather has remained cool and blustry; not the greatest for us but, I guess a nice change from the ravages of a Michigan winter for them.

They were here for about 10 days, staying in one of the rv resort rental units.  Not exactly the Ritz but close to us and reasonable. 

Before they arrived, Sharon and I were out exploring and I discovered a large array of ham radio antennas just north of us.  I squirreled away the location and when the four of us went on a little sightseeing trip we drove by the place.  Pulling into the driveway George immediately noticed a name on the mailbox and declared that he knew this guy from way back and headed for the door.  Well old Leo was indeed a character giving us a tour of the antenna 'farm' and he and George sharing stories of days gone by. 

Ham radio is a lot like rv'ing ... friends are made everywhere.

It goes without saying that we needed to take our lovely ladies out for a Valentines Day dinner so we chose 'The Vines' resturant on the south side of Orlando.  Not that any of us had been there before but it got good reviews on the internet and they offered live jazz.  A real treat for me in itself.  As it turned out the food was indeed good as was the music.  A very nice evening.

Valentines celebration at 'The Vines' in Orlando

Kicking back and enjoying each other's company is good therapy for all after a long winter.

Paula and Sharon go back to when they were about 10 years old so they have many great memories.  Paula stood up with Sharon and I when we were married in 1966.

George I and don't go back quite that far back but got to know each other after he married Paula.  I had the honor of photographing their wedding some 38 years ago and had a similar honor when I did the same for their daughter Kim in 2008.  Not sure I'll be up for the next generation ... but I'll give it a try.  While the girls went shopping, George and I attended a ham radio swap meet north of Orlando.  We wandered around all the good stuff and junk alike and enjoyed the outing.  George got me started many years ago in the ham radio hobby.  Something I'm forever grateful for as it has provided me a great deal of enjoyment and will for years to come.

We introduced them to Mimi's Resturant and dropped in for a mid-morning breakfast.  The resturant is a nation-wide change with great atmosphere and good food.  But in the whole scheme of things, the food is secondary to sharing the day with good friends.

The time seemed to melt away and they had to head back home.  We thank them for bringing a little hometown sunshine into our lives and will look forward to seeing them again when we return home.

With friends like this it's no wonder we're 'livin' the dream.

Phil

Poking around

As this winter twitters by (clever and trendy eh?) we’ve ramped up our exploration of the countryside and all the sights it has to offer. Accompanied with our new friends Jim and Carol, we head off in whatever direction a good time might be found. Yesterday was a short trip to the Tampa Bay Hard Rock Casino for our monthly offering to the Seminole Tribe. Again the gambling gods looked favorably upon us as we each gave them a generous donation. Nice casino but as my dear Mother-in-law might say “they just weren’t paying”.

Leaving the money lined tee-pee behind we headed back east towards Orlando … but wait! There’s Lakeland! This southern Mecca for baseball’s spring training and the beloved winter home of those often maligned Detroit Tigers. You know … that pro baseball team with a storied recent past of losing and more losing. But as hope springs eternal so this spring we thought we’d drop by the old Marchand Stadium to check them out. Following the little voice in my GPS, we meandered through, for the most part, the seedy side of town eventually arriving at the park. Maybe a bit unfair to this central Florida town but it was a little run-down and quite frankly didn’t feel all that safe. Nothing in particular but just an uneasy feeling. Anyway the day’s game was over by the time we got there but it was good to see the place I’d heard about most of my life. The park itself looked in great shape and if time permits we may return to see a game and root the old Bengals on.

Leaving Lakeland we continued east along I4 and noticed a fancy billboard extolling the virtues of a luxury RV park ahead so we thought we’d stop in and check it out. The entrance road was tucked behind a truck stop so it was a little difficult to find but we did and drove on in some ¼ mile down the road. Nice entrance with a fancy clubhouse to be seen in the distance. We quickly glanced around and soon discovered that this resort (?) was really still a work in progress. Apparently stopped in mid-development by the economic downturn, there was probably less than a dozen finished lots of the 150 started and of the dozen, only about 4 rigs were in camp. It was kind of sad to see a developer’s dreams shattered by the sagging economy but this could be what happened. Though on a nice piece of property with lake access, it was quite a ways from both Orlando and Tampa but if you were looking for a quiet, peaceful camp, this might be the ticket. I wish them well but I think it’s going to be tough to get established.

Tuesday was planned out to actually accomplish something useful. A trip to one of the local RV salvage yards was planned to seek out what we could find, and afford, that might fit our coach. You know these old girls don’t last forever so having a spare part or two never hurts. From there we were headed over to The Great Outdoors RV Resort near Titusville to show Jim and Carol what a neat place it was. From there we were going to see where the space shuttles are launched, then to the cities of Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach then home.

So with my trusty GPS awake and loaded with addresses we headed off before noon. Pretty early for us I might say. We drove and drove and after some 40 minutes we arrived (almost) at the destination I had plugged into the GPS. Not immediately seeing the place, we cruised around several blocks in the area then finally I pulled over to call the place again to re-check the address. A nice lady answered and I asked again where they were located and I even described the buildings around where I thought they were located. I had the street address correct but had the city wrong. Plugged in Orlando but should have used Kissimmee. So forget the salvage yard for the day we said and headed for the The Great Outdoors RV Park. Sharon and I had spent some time here a couple of years ago and were impressed then. Pulling into the park this year was no disappointment though the ravages of winter frost was very apparent. It was still well maintained and has grown to somewhere around 1500 sites on 3000 acres. We wandered around admiring the place, but did note quite a number of the lots that were either for sale or rentable. We stopped into the welcome center and spent a little time with a very helpful reservation lady and was about to leave when a smartly dressed lady appeared from the corner office and wanted to know if we had any questions that she might be able to answer for us. She introduced herself and gave us a brief history of the resort noting that the man who started the Eckerd Drugs chain was the original developer and that she had been on site since it began some 20 years ago taking care of the real estate side of the business. Now as president of that firm, she obviously had a deep affection for the resort and was a most gracious spokesperson. Upon leaving she gave us her business card and one free night’s stay if we would come back. Pretty nice I’d say.

Leaving the resort, we went on to Titusville only to find another town suffering deeply from a troubled economy. It was not the greatest place the last time we were here two years ago, but it had slipped even further since then. Now that the space shuttle program has been derailed by the current administration, the city will surely continue to fade. Though some missiles will continue to rise from the Kennedy Space Center, Phoenix will most likely not rise from these ashes for some time.

On to Cocoa Beach … A little more signs of economic life here. Not as many businesses shuttered and spring breakers are starting to show up on the streets. Though the spring migration of hormone charged teenagers had not peaked, the fast food places were busy and you could start to see beach towels hanging from hotel balconies and railings. Beers and bikinis are not far behind.

So another day of fun and adventure in the slow lane passes, we add another chapter to our travelogue. We had the good fortune to share our trip with good friends today and look forward to what tomorrow brings.

Still livin’ the dream in the sunshine state.

Phil

A surprise visit

We had a nice surprise.  Sharon's sister Linda came to Orlando to see her son Ryan and his family.  And ... since we were right around the corner, we thought what a better time to have a family get-together and get better aquainted with the newest baby in the family ... Noah. 

Andrea and Ryan have one handsome son.  Still a little shy but those big blue eyes will surely melt some young lady's heart one day.  The three of them came over for dinner the Sunday after Linda's visit and we enjoyed the time together.  For a change the weather cooperated and we enjoyed the warm Florida sun.

A little family portrait in front of Mimi's in Orlando.

We're certainly happy that our travels bring us in close contact with friends and relatives.  Since all the generations are far more mobile than ever before this should come as no surprise but none-the-less it nice to see family while we're out "livin'the dream".

Phil

Tips on being a man

Maybe it’s that itch that never got scratched … maybe it’s that childhood dream that never came to be … or let’s admit it boys … it that primal, man-thing that’s awakened when you see the power, you feel the throbbing … pulsating … guttural sound of a Harley.

That unshaven, raw, rough sawn rogue sits astride his powerful machine; unhelmeted with flowing hair beneath a sweat stained doo-rag, he looks beyond most of us. His all-knowing gaze, hidden behind his wrap-around shades, shows dominance and confidence. He’s power … he’s commands attention … he’s the junior accountant on the 2nd floor who got a few days off to attend Bike Week 2010 in Daytona Beach.

Oh how clothes make the man … or at least create a costume that can transforms the meek to the macho. Park the Corolla for weekend and fire up the Sportster. Don’t worry that it’s cold and 500 miles away. Make it to Bike Week and be whoever you want to be.

And so it was as we made the pilgrimage (my first) to Daytona Beach in March. Not exactly atop a throbbing two-wheeled chariot ... but an aging Trail Blazer it was, and a chance to see what some real guys do.  Not schlepping bags at the mall ... not Disney World ... just guy stuff.

Now this is what I mean!  No holds barred, get down, bad ass biker.  I can only imagine what I could do if I had a head of hair like that.

So they cruise around, look cool, eat a funnel cakes, chew on corn dogs, hammer down a few beers and plan for next years party... all in good fun and working on being a man.  It's not as easy as it looks.

So for all you road warriors out there ... happy trails and thanks for letting us keep livin' the dream.

Phil

Getting caught up

So did you miss me? Well I’ve been a little remiss in commenting on our travels but guess what? We haven’t been. Discounting the trans-Orlando restaurant expedition we’ve been on, we’ve been spending a bit of time futzing around shopping and checking out the local area. I decided to curtail my restaurant reviews as I think many of you thought that’s all we do. But for the most part, the restaurants have been okay but not spectacular. The Vines in Orlando was pretty good but for the prices they should have been. At least they had live jazz playing, which was a real treat. Shopping … now that’s another story. Wall-to-wall best describes it. Malls are everywhere. Since shopping is one of my least favorite pastimes, I could really care less … but Sharon thinks otherwise. From Dollar Stores to Neiman Marcus, you can find something for anyone.

We’ve been to a couple of RV shows in the area. The FMCA Rally a few weeks ago was marginal. Not many new rigs to dream about nor were there many accessory vendors there. Another show, labeled the ‘largest RV show in Central Florida’ was an even bigger flop. I suspect it’s a sign of the times but I did spend a bit of time with several of the RV vendors and they said they had a lot of folks interested but the banks were still too tight with the loan money.

Not that any of you are interested but we’re only about 10 miles from Tiger Woods’ home in Windermere. Sharon wants to drive over there to snoop around and maybe find a golf club lying in the ditch … we’ll let you know what we find.

The weather here has been a continuation of the miserable crap we had in Alabama. A little dryer, but still cold. Someone on the news today was saying it was the longest cold snap in 54 years. I know you all feel real sorry for us but it will hurt all of you just the same. You see the tomato crop is already down 75% in the area, the strawberry crops is reduced, and all the other stuff they grow around here will surely be more expensive when it hits that grocery story near you. Time to think about starting that ‘Victory Garden’.

We’re planning to make a couple of short trips in the next week or so. We want to run up the road about 50 miles to The Villages. A massive over-55 community that we’ve heard about for years. Small cities with stores and restaurants they say. Not that we’re at all interested in moving in with a bunch of old folks for our remaining years but it’s something to do. We’re also going over to the East coast to Daytona Beach. Bike Week just ended so, if the town is still standing, and rumble of those two stroke behemoths have subsided, we’ll see what going on over there. Maybe even pay a visit to the Speedway and the dog track.

With Easter soon approaching and another space shuttle launch, we will have some visitors to our humble abode. My sister Judy and brother-in-law Bob will be spending a few days here at the RV resort. Not actually in our coach (remember the old adage: 6 for a party, 4 for dinner, but only 2 can live here) but in one of the park model rental units. Not exactly the 4-Seasons, but not a tent either. It will be good to see them and Bob and I will be attending the space shuttle launch on the 4th. We’ve got causeway tickets this time and we’ll only be 6 miles away. Should be quite a show.

The Olympics ended this evening and we enjoyed the great two weeks of TV coverage. The US did a great job and our Canadian friends to the north sure know how to play hockey. A great victory for them and lots of other gold to boot.

So we’ve got another month or so here then on to Hilton Head for a bit. Stir crazy we’re not as we’ve keep busy with our friends Jim and Carol from Cedar Rapids Iowa and Dave and Ann from Calgary, Alberta Canada. Both couples are experienced travelers and are indeed a pleasure to be around. Friends like these are what make the RV life so special.

All of which keeps us … Livin’ the Dream.

Phil

Sky Gazing

Accused of occasional laziness, I needed to redeem myself and show the world I really do get up early in the morning and get some things accomplished. So this morning, a crisp and bright Valentines Day morning at that, I awoke early and prepared to take on the day. Brewing up a big pot of coffee, I raised the blinds to enjoyed the morning sun and heard the familiar sound of a hot air balloonists kicking on the propane burners. Poking a look out each window I quickly could see there was more than one balloon … there were eight of them. Grabbing my cameras I headed for the door … then realizing I was still on my pajamas, (I figured who’d be up at this hour of the morning)  I stepped out.

The sky overhead was filled with the brightly colored orbs, each drifting slowly across the sky in front of me. A whoosh here … a whoosh there as they fired their burners lifting them gently into the sky. As I stood there taking it all in, tripping the camera shutter occasionally, I then realized I wasn’t the only one enjoying the view. I was however the only one in pajamas. Not exactly the view my neighbors wanted to see so I suspect I may have slightly spoiled the moment for them. But oh well … I got a few images and proved beyond doubt, that I can do something useful in the early morning.

Speaking of things in the sky around here, the Space Shuttle Endeavour STS-130 lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center the other night and I got up around 4:00AM to see it. It was the last night launch of the Shuttle program and I didn't want to miss the show. My old friend George, visiting with his wife Paula from Battle Creek, joined me for this early morning opportunity and helped me locate the launch direction on the horizon some 60 miles away. It was spectacular even at this distance.

For you photo bugs out there the exposure was 288 seconds at f20 at an ISO of 50.

So on this Valentines Day, I hope you all are with loved ones … I am, and still livin’ the dream

Phil

Changing places

It's the life we chose ...  apparently.  We left our beautiful site at the Bella Terra Resort in Foley amidst rain, wind and cold weather.  We'd convinced ourselves it was just crummy luck having such rotten weather for such a long spell and thought if we headed somewhere else, we could leave that mess behind.  Thinking back I had the awning down only about 4 hours and grilled out only twice in 10 weeks.  So we gathered up our collection of mildewed garments, water-logged spirits and, along with our Iowa friends Jim and Carol and their coach, headed east to mid-state Florida.  We broke up the trip with an over-night in Lake City and arrived in Clermont at the Citrus Valley RV Resort.  Well guess what!  We sort of got a break on the weather this time.  No wind!  However rain is in the forecast but think the temperatures will be higher.  So far the place looks great and our Canadian friends Dave and Ann are to thank for us being here in the first place.  They left Bella Terra a few weeks ahead of us and gave a good review of the place.  It was great to see their smiling faces when we arrived. Sharon and I cannot get over what great friends we've met on this trip.  Making new friends is better that winning the lottery.  Well okay ... it's about the same.

We pulled into our spaceous corner lot; brick paved and very large.  After setting up, Jim, Carol, Sharon and I decided after a gruling 140 mile drive from Lake City, we'd check out the local resturants.  After about 20 minutes driving around I soon concluded this is not a good spot to be if you want to lose weight.  Way too many places to pull up a chair and chow down.  It will be a struggle here not to gain.  But try we will.
The venue change is quite marked as Foley and the Gulf Shores area was mostly a seasonal area with Spring thru Fall being the busy times.  Clermont is a totally different situation.  Only about 8 miles from the Disney complex, the entire area is thriving year-around.  Lots of shopping and things to do.

So we'll be here a month or so before heading elsewhere.  No big  plans ... just poking around looking for interesting places to see and hopefully, soak up some warm weather.

We do have especially good news to share as our son Steve and his wife Jenny are expecting their first child in September.  The entire family is elated and we know they'll make great parents.

Still livin' the dream.

Phil

After

Just to let you know we made a little more progress on the battery project on Jim's coach.  He still needs to attach the new hold-down brackets then it will be ready for the road.

Almost finished

and

Still livin' the dream

Phil

Good old days

We worked in a little trip to Pensacola today to meet with more friends from the north country. Jerry and Kathy, joined John and Linda, and Sharon and me at McGuires Irish Steak House for lunch. Yes I know you all think that’s all we do is eat out with friends but it’s simply not true. Take today for instance… actually this was not just a lunch but an in-service for four Intermediate School District retirees.

As if they were still on the payroll, they picked up old times as if they were yesterday. As an outsider it was plain to see they enjoyed the banter and hashing over the days gone by. With probably over 90 years of combined seniority they had many topics to jabber about. Thankfully Jerry and I didn’t have to sit idly by as we retired from the same outfit so we too could join in on the trip down memory lane. Another good day with friends. 

With friends around ... we’re still livin’ the dream.

Phil

Go figure

We purchased a webcam the other day with the thought that we could visit with our family and friends live, in person and in living color. I hooked up the MS LiveCam Cinema, loaded the software and, with the help of my neighbor Jim, attempted to get the little gadget working. After a few fits and starts we finally had a jerky audio and an equally jerking video. Not exactly HD quality with Dolby 6.1 sound, but I could see the possibilities … but still stumbled on the execution. The past two night we’ve tried linking up with my daughter and son-in-law but the results were the same. And it seems so easy on paper. Am I expecting too much?

Is anyone out there listening to my dilemma? Should I use MS Live, Skype or ManyCam or what? Help!

Still a little jerky but still livin’ the dream.

Phil

The Cake

I forgot to tell you the other day that when our good friends John and Linda paid us a visit they brought a local delicacies ..Mardi Gras King Cake. They joined us at the ‘loaded potato’ luncheon in the resort clubhouse and the cake was the crème de la crème to finish off a great time.

The traditional King Cake of the Mardi Gras season, and the way it’s made, makes it quite unique. The colorful cake is made with a light, rich Danish dough then frosted with toppings that represent the traditional Mardi Gras colors. Gold representing power, green representing faith, and purple presenting justice. The cake’s dough was swirled with a sweet strawberry filling on one half, the other with a pecan cinnamon nut filling.

The Mardi Gras King Cake has something else that is as special as it’s taste. Buried within the cake is a small plastic baby figurine that is a symbol of this holy time of the year. The person who finds the baby in their piece is crowned ‘King’ or ‘Queen’ for the day and is obligated to host the following year’s holiday party. I guess this a a pretty neat idea as long as you don’t choke of the little thing. As it turned out no one choked or even divulged they’d found the baby. Apparently they knew of the tradition and didn’t want a bunch of strangers over for lunch next year.

Just in case you didn’t know … Mardi Gras (a French word meaning ‘Fat Tuesday’ or the English version ‘Shrove Tuesday’ or the German ‘Fastnachtkuchen’) wasn’t invented in New Orleans but some say was celebrated as far back as the middle ages sometime around when the Romans accepted Christianity. Apparently the Mardi Gras celebration was of a carry-over from the more ‘paganesque’ times before that the church could now tolerate. Anyway its a great excuse for a party. One of many I’m sure.

Still livin’ the dream.

Phil

Mama said we'd have days like this ...

Oh yes … it’s been quite a day. Actual physical exertion too. Well not much, but some.

You see my new older, newly adopted brother Jim had a little battery problem so I fooled him into thinking I actually knew something about those sparking little boxes and volunteered to help replace them. (see before poto) His Winnebago batteries were shot so after a couple of days researching on the net, and a little advice from my old friend Corky in Michigan, he settled on three new Optima AGM’s (see after photo when I get around to taking it). First class units but do have a first class price to match. Anyway Jim and I got out our tools, thinking caps, and finished a normal 1 hour job in about two days. We again re-discovered a well known fact that any job worth doing will require at least 7 trips to various hardware and auto supply stores to really do the job right and get all the parts. We could have thought the installation out thoroughly and made only one trip, but we really like kicking around tools and stuff. At least the story we’re sticking to. Success was soon at hand as the engine fired and all the little gizmo lights lit up around his coach and … we could not smell any smoke. Always a good sign.

But all work and no play makes for loose trousers so to stop from buying all new clothes; we accepted an invitation to dinner at the clubhouse tonight. A small group had planned to gather and was kind enough to ask Jim and Carol and Sharon and I to join them. I was expecting steamed shrimp but they added in prime rib, potatoes, salad … the works. Bubba and Mary hosted (and cooked) the affair and several others kicked in side dishes. Carol (Dave’s wife) made a Tiramisu dessert that any restaurant would be proud to serve. No shortage of good cooks at this camp.

So as we wind down our stay at Bella Terra, we’re a little sad about leaving. With so many great people in one spot it has set the bar pretty high in our winter travels. Yes the resort is first class but it’s still the caliber of people we’ve met that made the difference.

We’ll depart this coming weekend headed east then south into Florida. Hopefully finding a little warmer, dryer, and calmer climate to finish out the winter.

But still livin’ the dream in Alabama.

Phil

Back to normal

It finally had to happen.  Everything fell into place.
 

Not a cloud in the sky... temperatures in the high 60's ... little wind.  A dozen Johsonville Cheese Brats, chips, drinks and good friends.  Time to Picnic.  We've been here since the middle of November and it was the first legitimate date we've had to grill out and enjoy the outdoors.  So with the chance of lobsterizing my smooth pate, I fired up the Coleman, set out the lawn chairs, and cooked my little heart out.  Our new friends from Iowa, Jim and Carol joined us and we managed to polish off most of the big tube steaks.  Ambrosia it was.  Nothing like grilling out with good friends on a beautiful day.  We're looking forward to many more as this kind of fun as winter rolls on.  My new friend and, adopted big brother Jim, and his wife, Carol.  They wave a lot in Iowa in case you wondered. 

Talk about a small world.  Our friends from Iowa ran across a couple down here who lives near them backhome. It's always seems good to connect with local folks when your away.  I think there are only three or four dozen families who actually live in Iowa so I thought this was a pretty big deal.  As we were finishing our cookout, another couple were walking their big Weineramer dogs.  Apparently headed over to the local 'drop zone', (if you get my drift) I commented on what a nice day it was to them.  We exchanged pleasantries and soon discovered they were from Michigan.  Not only from Michigan but from our home town ... and to top it off ... he retired from the same place I did.  I began having one of the Rod Serling moments.  As they parted I asked if the dogs would like the two remaining brats cooling on the grill.

At that very moment I knew dogs understood the English language.  Without hesitation or direction from their owners, those cool eyes were riveted on me like a shark on a California surfer as I walked over to the grill. Two 80- pound dogs straining at their leashes, as they were trying to get to me, does not make one comfortable.  I asked the owner if I should throw it to them or perhaps they would take the treat from my hand.  He mentioned something about I might need to count my fingers if I did, so I chose not to press my luck and tossed them.  The little brutes sort of met me half way in a semi lunge that was about waist high.  My whole life quickly passed before my eyes but I quickly re-focused as the brats disappeared instantly into their little white tooth lined mouths.  Nice dogs.

So good friends, frozen Margaritas, Johnsonville Brats, and a blue-sky day.  A perfect mix for 'livin the dream'.

Phil

p.s. ... We can thank Sharon for the photos this episode.  Nice job I'd say.

p.s.s ... On a purely political note ... as I write this there is a caliope of air horns blaring around the park as the results of the election results in Massachusetts are announced.

Gumbo and B-52's

We had a little gathering at the club house tonight.  Sharon and I commented to each other afterwards that one of the neat things about the RV community is meeting new people, trying new things, and seeing new places.  Tonight was no exception.

It was a wine and cheese party followed by a special dinner prepared by one of the lot owners and his friend (a cook) from Louisiana.  Not just any dinner ... but a Louisiana down home cookin, pot of Gumbo.  All kinds of stuff  wonderful  were simmering in this huge pot big enough to wash your Springer Spaniel in.  Sausages, chicken, vegetables, and whatever else from the bayou filled the room with the smell goodness.  The cook forewarned us that he had not spiced up the mix much but if you wanted, he brought along a big bottle of red hot witches brew that would help if you need more 'kick'.  After some wait to reach the caldron of goodness, I peered into the bubbling concoction as the cook scooped two large ladles of the goodness onto a bed of white rice.  The waiting was over and it was well worth waiting for.  Not too spicey but oh so good.  Didn't see one bowl that wasn't that wasn't figurativly licked empty.

When all guest bellies were filled, I noticed out the corner of my eye, the cook making himself up a bowl of the goodness.  Heaped high he showed his Louisiana colors by grabbing that big bottle of red hot witches brew and doused the goodness with the fire and heat percolating in that bottle.  I didn't see the flames but they must have been there. Surely the smoke alarms were on the verge of going off.  He polished off the bowl as if it were Wilford Brimley's oatmeal.  Michigan mortals would have sought medical assistance.  Gotta get that recipe for my South Haven friends.

Conversation after dinner was entertaining.  A perfect example of the variety of people you meet when travelling.  Sitting across from me was a man and his wife who have been married 52 years.  Quite an accomplishment in itself but they have been rv'ing for 50 of those years.  From tents, to pop-ups, to trailers, to 5th wheels, to a motor home ... they'd seen it all ... done it all.  They've camped in every state of the union (except Hawaii) and most of the Canadian provinces.  They'd been on river barge caravans. They been to Mexico.  Name a place and they'd probably been there.  Living enclyclopedias of travel.  He a former B-52 navigator who vividly remembers the ramp up to war during the Cuban missile crisis and she,  a former nurse.  I can only imagine what stories they could tell from living such a rich life.  This is what I wanna' be when I grow up.  Never content to sit and watch life pass by ...  but being a participating member.  I've got a feeling I'll meet more of these types along our path.  And looking forward to it.

So another day that started out cold and windy and ended with spending time with some very engaging people. 

This is what livin' the dream is all about for us. (unfortunately it's still cold and windy however)

Phil

Brrrrrrrrrrr

25 ... 21 ...  20... 32   HIKE. 

No I'm not a quarterback calling a football play on Sunday afternoon folks.  We're hiking up our long johns as these are the expected low temperatures here in Foley Alabama for the next several evenings.  Well- diggers and brass monkeys beware.  Protect what's precious.

It seems like the social director here likes to get everyone together now and again to do a little mingling which usually includes some eating and drinking.  Fortunately two skills we are both good at.  What's neat about these gatherings is that many bring a dish to pass.  Be it something purchased at the store or something from the family cookbook it's all good.  Yesterday's special was black-eyed peas with ham.  My first exposure to these little orbs was indeed a good one.  Seconds were required.  This morning was a pre-football game party beginning with Bloody Mary's, Mimosa's, and a ham, sausage, cabbage, corn, potato, and carrot soup that was very special.  All kinds of other goodies were present with Sharon adding a scrumptious frosted pumpkin bread.  Now that the holidays are over we're now looking another reason to gather and do it all over again.  I think the month of January is national oatmeal, national hot tea, national popcorn, national cheese, and national squirrel appreciation month ... so who knows what will be on the menu.  

Our plans for cooking out on the old barbee are scrapped as the wind keeps blowing out the flame.
I guess we'll have our steaks (tube) in the microwave.  I know our northern friends are having a rougher time of it so maybe I'd better shut up and at least enjoy the much needed sunshine down here.  Now if any of our western friends would like to release any of that heat they're hanging on to and send it east, we'd be oh sooo happy.

Shiverin' in the south but still livin' the dream.

Phil

19.56

Nineteen point fifty six.  Yup.. that's correct ... 19.56.  Do you suppose I'm referring to what it cost to eat at McDonalds the last time we were there?  Nope; no where near that.  Do you suppose that it got that cold here last night?  No: it actually was about 55.  Do you suppose that's the amount left in my checking account after Christmas?  Close, but no.  Do you suppose that's how much rain we've had since arriving here this winter?  Yup. 19.56 inches.  That's 19.56 of rain! 

The ark is full folks, everything and everybody  has sought out high ground, our complexions are mid-Michigan pale and we smell of mildew.  We're wrinking at an alarming rate.  When it will stop is anyone's guess.  We've been here for 6 weeks and we already had more rain than Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming get in an ENTIRE year!  Oh well.  We take life as we receive it.  Happy to wake up each morning and take a breath.

But in spite of all this H20, we're still livin' the dream ... and the thought of dealing with snow is still out of the question. 

Phil

Happy Holidays

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our friends and family.  May the New Year bring peace and prosperity to your lives and that you remain in good health, good spirits and light of heart.

 Thanks for livin' the dream with us.

 Phil & Sharon

One full day

Betcha' didn't know that the city of Pensacola was originally spelled Panzacola. Thought to be descriptive of the local Choctaw Indians; its a word for 'long-haired people' ... (I naturally felt a little uneasy here).  It was actually another field trip for us as our new friends from Maine (Bob and Joanne) and Iowa (Jim and Carol) invited us to join them on an excursion to visit Fort Barrancas.  Sharon whispered to me before we left "no lobster or corn jokes".  Tough assignment, but I agreed.  We need all the friends we can get.

Fort Barrancas guards the entrance to Pensacola Bay.  The 300 year old fortress orginally built by the Spanish, changed hands a number of times (British, Union and Confederate armies), and finally being manned by the National Parks Service today.  You history buffs will noticed how I quickly glossed over the intricate exchanges of ownership and strategic value of this historic place.  It's a truly facinating story but especially comes to life if you visit the fort.  So if you really want to know all that neat stuff you need to join me in reading park historian David P. Ogden's short, but concise book "The Fort Barrancas Story" and make a visit.

Anyway ... the six of us arrived at the visitors center and recieved our maps and guides and headed up the bluff to tour the facility.  Once atop, the view of Pensacola Bay was indeed commanding.  I know the thought of lobbing cannonballs from the various gun positions to the enemy ships below sounds fun but protecting this crucial peice of real estate was no laughing matter.  As years passed, and as Pensacola Bay became a key naval installation, the fort's value increased into the WWII era.  The narrow deep water entrance to the bay is but a 16 pound cannon ball away so the bad guys usually kept their distance.

Location A:

Bob and Jim are positioned looking seaward along the SSE wall of the fort.  You can see small arms shooting positions all along the wall face.

What I found most interesting about the camp was its construction and the logic the builders used when creating it.  As you can see by the drawing below it was sort of an irregular polygon (ask your local 9th grader if you've forgot what shape that may be).  It was then flanked on two sides by parallel walls that held additional firing positions.  Separating these two structures was a moat-like area designed to funnel any invading ground troops into a 'killing field'.  Inward facing small arms firing positions on each side of the moat assured that no one could breach the defenses.  Now why any fool would advance into that area in the first place is beyond me but we all know those silly British had their traditions in battle.

Location D:

Looking South over the 'killing field' between the inner and outer wall.  Note the small arms firing positions.

Once traversing the moat to the inner portion of the fort we headed down into the area below the canon implacements above.  A long, ornately bricked corridor almost fully restored to its original condition.  This four-sided stucture held the ammunition magazines and crew quarters for up to 150 men. The two longest sides of the inner fort was maybe 500 feet long and along each corridor were outward facing small arms positions.  The other two sides were approximately 300 feet long and had identical firing positions.  If you'll notice the image below labeled "C1",  you'll see the intricate interior brick work.  Quad-arched ceilings at the corners seemed to defy the laws of physics.  These 15 foot marvels were made of brick but the ceiling had no center support to the floor below.  The mortar apparently not only supports the bricks but the massive weight of the 5-10 feet of earth above it.  An explantion of how this all came to be is better describe in Ogden's book so if it's really killing you to know let me know and I'll send you the full scoop on it.

Location C: #1

Notice the intricately hand fitted brick.  This view begins about 5 ft off the floor and proceeds up into an arched ceiling.

I couldn't help myself and asked the park ranger if there were any ghosts on the property.  She kinda of hesitated, looked around and quitely told me that several had been sighted or heard by some visitors and staff alike over the years.  Once inside the long corridors I could see the possibilities.  Tortured souls living in these conditions surely must still be here to share their  plight with unsuspecting visitors.  I was armed with my own Canon ready for any encounter.  As luck would have it I got the draw on one of the wiley spirits of the past and  snapped off a lucky image.  What do you think?

Location C: #2

No telling what you'll encounter along these long, arched corridors. 

There was a large furnace in the fort that was used, not to make smores but to heat cannon balls.  They would heat the balls white hot then two strong armorers would pick them up with a large pincher-like tool and carry them to the firing positions.  Nice work on a cold day I guess, but don't drop one on your boot. Some weighed in excess of 200 pounds.  Apparently white-hot canon balls and wooden ships make for less wooden ships. 

In the center of this little known fort, and well below the canon batteries along the seaward walls was the parade field.  Now I'm not too schooled in these matters but if your going to have a parade, this is not the place I'd pick.  None-the-less that's what it's called.  I coralled our three majorettes (Joanne, Sharon and Carol) and tried to get some sort of a parade started but they had other ideas so I captured what they had in mind.  A well deserved rest from tramping around the ruins.

Location B: #1

Location B: #2

Take three majorettes, add in a couple of trumpets, a clarinet or three, two tubas, and couple of drums and now you'd have a real band to march on this parade field. (at least I found the three majorettes)

Not anxious to end this fine day, we made a stop at the Naval Air Museum (we were here in 2008) not a mile from Fort Barrancas.  Ever changing and always first class, the volunteers who run this place and the donors who support it have a real gem here.  Lots of planes (big surprise), great exhibits, a great gift shop, a bar, a restaurant, neat flight simulators, and an Imax theater make any visit, a great visit.

Made a stop on the way home to Lillians.  Jim and Carol had been there before and recommended we all try it.  Now these folks know their pizza.  I didn't even know they had pizza in Iowa, so wherever they got their expertise they got it right.  Lillians is located on Highway 180 heading east towards the Alabama border, not far from that famous, but really run-down watering hole, Floribama.

Another full day that we greatly enjoyed.  Fantastic new friends, a much needed infusion of new sites and sounds, and some very edible pizza.

Still livin' the dream ... one day at a time.

Phil

Grammy? Not!

This is dedicated to all those 'snowbirds' who have landed in this area to escape to the icy grasp of Mother Nature ...

'Oh the weather outside is Drippy'
   ' But our coach's inside are Spiffy'
'And since we aren't in any Pain'
   ' Let it Rain, Let it Rain, Let it Rain'

'It doesn't show signs of Slowin'
   'And the heater is just a Glowin'
'Our take-out meal tonight is Lo Mein'
   So  'Let it Rain, Let it Rain, Let it Rain'

Okay...Okay!  I've done enough damage to the old classic.  I guess I'd better leave song writing to the pros and stick to my day job (whatever that is) ...  anyway the sun was shining today and predicted to continue to brighten our lives for the next several days.  Too bad it's still a little chilly.

Our 'camp' is starting to fill up with more and more folks wandering in from around the country.  Christmas decorations are sprouting up and the holiday season is upon us.

Still livin' the dream.

Phil

Blub ... Blub ... Blub

That old joke about "it's raining so hard the animals are pairing up" pretty well sums it up here in southern Alabama. 6-14 inches have pounded this area into submission.  Boat and hip boot sales are rising as fast as the local rivers.  If you didn't own waterfront property ... you probably do now.  Thankfully the water knows enough to head towards the Caribbean ... I hope.  Sharon and I are trying to avoid becoming mildewed so we turn the fan on now and again to circulate the air around us.  The real surprise will be tomorrow ... when they claim the sun will appear.  But followed by another 3 or 4 days of cold rain.  We're hoping that pale and wrinkled will be in style this spring.  We're not sure this beats what our 'western snow bird' friends are dealing with but having a dailey coating of nature's 'shake and bake' coating of dust and sand probably has its shortcomings too.  Anyway you look at it ... sure beats shoveling snow. (apologies to our northern friends)

Puckered and pale but still livin' the dream.

Phil

Hodge-Podge

The girl at the resort office called me late yesterday and said, if we were interested, "bring a zip-lock bag with two eggs over to the clubhouse in the morning and have breakfast with us".  I thought about it briefly and relayed the call to Sharon.  She said "two eggs in a baggie?"  I said "yup".  "Raw eggs cracked in a baggie".  "No way .. you must be mixed up again ... you're not supposed to crack them!" she said.  Oh my is this what the aging process is doing to us? ... Arguing about to crack or not crack!  A short but vigorous discussion ensued; but each still sticking to our position ... we headed off to bed resolving to resolve the question in the morning.

Getting around at 9:00am is a little early for one of the inhabitants of this coach but that person managed and off we went with two baggies with two un-cracked eggs inside.  Arriving at the clubhouse we immidiately noticed about 20 people walking around with baggies in their hands ... and within those bags was the runny, gooey mass of semi-scrambled uncooked eggs.  Well that settled that question ... cracked it was...but what in the world were we to do with them?

As it turned out, we had to squash our little bags until they were sort of uniformly mixed.  We then opened up the bag and dumped in cheese, mushrooms,peppers,salsa, or onions ... or any combination presented on a serving tray, closed the bag again and squashed it up again.  We then took our little bag over to the 'Cook' who was in charge of a large pot of bubbling. boiling water.  He said "look at your watch and be back in 10 minutes" then dumped my little bag of goo into the pot with about 10 other little bags of goo.

So ten minutes elapsed and my little bag of goo was apparently completely cooked.  And so it was.  It slid easily onto my plate ready for a little salt and pepper.  No frying pan, no grease, no butter and still one of the best omellets I've had.  Absolutely no mess ... no fuss.  I later learned the Girl Scouts have been doing this for decades ... but since I was never a Girl Scout I think I should be forgiven for my ignorance.

And as you see ... it doesn't take much to please me anymore.

We did have the opportunity to meet some more new people including  Tom Eller, National Vice President Southeast Area of the Family MotorCoach Association. (Whew ... needs almost two business cards to get his title spelled out). Tom handed me a a couple of pieces of paper with about a dozen photos printed on them.  It was pictures his coach, or what was left of it.    Tom and his wife Lorna had just arrived in the area and while passing over one of the beautiful bridges when someone was trying to get his attention.  Getting over the bridge he pulled over and the gent from the car joined him.  They said something to the effect that he had been following Tom for sometime and noticed the rear of his coach was smoking.  Apparently by the time Tom got the coach stopped and he and Lorna got out, the rear of the diesel pusher was engulfed in flames and before it was over, completly destroyed.  A burnt out hulk with all their stuff lost.  Now Tom is one cool guy.  He and his wife are full-timers and not 24 hours earlier their home on wheels was destroyed.  Now here he is...  Sitting down with me eating food out of a baggie and not showing much emotion.  He had gotten a hold of his insurance company and they apparently quickly totaled it out and within a few hours Tom bought a Monaco sight-unseen over the phone with the proceeds and it's being delivered here Saturday.  Now this family is organized!  I guess putting on all those FMCA rallies teaches a guy about organizing things. 

The day wasn't over as there was a Christmas boat parade planned along part of the Intercoastal Waterway between Zekes Marina and LuLu's resturant.  A trip of 5 or 6 miles, the idea was for a bunch of big cruisers and large off-shore boats to decorate their boats with multi-colored lights and other festive things and parade along the waterway entertaining the onlookers.  Probably in good weather there would have been more boats.  Maybe a dozen or so made the parade (my guess about a tenth of the size of earlier years) but the crummy weather didn't stop the well-wishers parked and standing in the rain along the parade route.  There was even a blimp brought in to hover around and entertain everyone.

Damn cold and windy is not my idea of what a snow-bird whould have to endure but ... it's a whole lot better than shoveling snow and bundling up like an Alaskan Eskimow.

Scrambled, chilled but still livin' the dream.

Phil