More adventures

I'm sitting here in the coach looking out at a bright blue sky and thinking is this weather going to be a repeat of last year?  It was in the mid-30's last night and thoughts of another cold winter gets us thinking about heading further south.  I wonder if this thing floats?

Speaking of weather ... our friend Susanne, who lives in Finland should get a little of our sympathy.  Weather reports for her part of the world are indicating temperatures this winter as low as they've been in 100 years. Stockholm Sweden, just west of Susanne's home in Helsinki (Finland capital) is already expecting a minus 15 C this week.  Brrrrrrrr.

We visited an old haunt the other day.  McGuire's Irish Pub in Pensacola was introduced to us by our Grand Blanc friends John and Linda in 2008 so we thought we should extend our good fortune to our Iowa friends Jim and Carol.  With ceilings and walls covered with thousands of autographed dollar bills, this unique eatery has not only visually interesting surroundings but outstanding food.  I had a combination pastrami and corn beef sandwich on rye. Large enough for two so I had half to take home. Just as good on day two I might add.  By the look on everyones face I think the food and service was more than good.  I can usually tell how good a restaurant is by the amount spilled on the front of my shirt.  I was a mess. We'll surely return ... as long as my laundry lady can get the stains out. http://www.mcguiresirishpub.com

Carol and Jim ... Iowa's finest

The oil spill in this part of the gulf has no doubt had a detrimental effect on  the local economy.  Many condos for sale .. many businesses closed.  Sad to see but I suspect they'll recover in time.  It's far too nice a destination not to. We'll continue to poke around the region absorbing the local culture for another month or so then head further west ... unless the weather is crummy there.  Then who knows?

For those out there you have not used the internet service Skype I can only say you're missing out.  The free (like in no charge) version has brought our friends and family right into our coach.  We've even tried three-way video conferencing and it's great.  All you need is the free software downloaded from the net, a laptop or  desktop computer (PC or MAC) and a net camera.  Many laptops already have them (camera) built in or you can purchase an inexpensive USB one ($30-$60).  Set up is simple and it allows face to face conversation.  Ya gotta try it!

Still livin' the dream

Phil