Meet Sam - "the China Goose Swan"

This picture is a resident of Quail Run RV Park.... Sam, the goose! Had to share him with you before we leave here tomorrow, Wednesday. He is a character and lets you know he is around. Does he "rule the roost around here"? He thinks so!

It has been a wonderful stay here at Quail Run. The owners furnished a Valentine Day meal. No one went away hungry! We are saddened to leave but must move on to the FL Samboree which is approximately an hour's drive north. We have enjoyed the fellowship with the Huggins, who are staying here and from Murfreesboro, TN. We also had the Felkers over one day and we, three couples, enjoyed a luncheon and fellowship.

Oh, I know, you are wanting to know about Jenny. Well, she is doing fine and has had a ball while here.....there must be a dozen squirrels to each tree. So she has enjoyed squirrel hunting. Those little rascals are so tame that they allow her to get within 3' away and then scurry off!!

It looks like we will be cutting our stay in FL a few days short. As it looks right now, Mike may have an abscess tooth. We have scheduled a dental appmt back home next week. I knew there had to be something to motivate us to go back home! :-)

Until then......

Still in FL

We are definitely enjoying our stay at Quail Run RV Park. Perfect location for any direction and still find the park to be "the park" to consider next year. We are blessed to have another couple, the Huggins, staying here. They are from the Nashville area. In the one picture, this denotes one of the streets in the park. Isn't it beautiful!

We took a side trip yesterday to the gulf side to Tarpon Springs. This is where sponges are harvested from the waters, processed, and sold commercially as well as in the place of business. Then we ventured over to Dunedin to a RV Resort that we stayed at a few years ago. In the same area is an island called Honeymoon Island. That is exactly how it got its name.... The island received its name in 1939 when New York developer Clinton Washburn purchased the island and, together with LIFE magazine, held a contest for newly married couples. The winners would stay in thatched bungalows in sunny Florida for a two week "honeymoon" giving the island its name. The island is now owned by the state and is a State Park. Very neat island and enjoyed the visit and walking the beach.

Today has been just a lazy ole day! The breeze has been terrific all day. Jenny as you see in the picture is...well...pooped (!!) from her bath. A day of doing nothing and greatly enjoying it!

Until then.....

Moved to Wesley Chapel, FL

We arrived yesterday to another destination...Quail Run RV Park in Wesley Chapel. Location is 15 minutes north Tampa off I-75. We are staying in the newly developed section which is still under construction. All sites are concrete pads. A very lovely place and the people are the friendliest yet.

We are less than a mile from a newly developed shopping plaza (more businesses to come) which has a theatre and thus far a Cracker Barrel (naturally!) and an Outback (yeh!). Location is great to access any direction of travel to major POI.

For those of you who know Jenny, she is skiddish, BUT we bought her a buggy to attach to a bike. This was about a week ago. She know sits and walks beside it. :) Hopefully, next year when we are back she will be riding in it. Will post a pix later. There are so many biking trails and places to just bike, that the long trips would be too much on her pads to keep up on the hot pavement.

Until then....

SNOW in Tampa area--Go Figure

They always say "Proof is in the Pudding"! Do you believe these pictures taken this morning?

Until then......

Sweet Tomatoes

Does anyone out there like to eat and then eat some more? Go to Sweet Tomatoes (a chain) and loosen that belt men and ladies wear elastic waist pants or a moo-moo dress (isn't that what they were called?). That is where I just came from when I met up with two other couples (Felkers and Huggins). We must have sit there an extra 2 hours talking, discussing, and laughing!!

Mike will be back from Vegas tomorrow (Th). Hopefully, he got to the WOC Convention! tee-hee!

Jenny and I have held "the fort down" pretty well. Its been much cooler with the constant breeze blowing here in the Tampa area. Oh, boy, tonight will be in the upper 20's....burrrrr!!

Hey, I know some of you are reading this back home. Give me a comment or two and let me know that you are still alive. Otherwise, I may not need to come back home....just see you sometime later UP ABOVE IN OUR MANSIONS!

Until then.....

Last Birthday Gift - Hot Air Balloon Ride

Oh, boy, what a way to start the day with the NFL Super Bowl tonight in Tampa... than to get up early and take a Hot Air Balloon Ride! A gift from son, Chris, and grandkids, Paul & Katelyn. We awoke to the alarm at 4:00 a.m. to a brisk temp of 35. Burrrr!!! We launched at approx 7:45 a.m. and enjoyed the ride and view for about an hour. I am so ready to do it again!

I don't know if our children, Chris & Shannon, could top this BD again. Shannon, Gordon, Chad & Cara presented me with a most wonderful scrapbook album with personal writings that touched me so much.

Children and grandchildren are a blessing and gift from our Lord God above. Family!

Well, enough said. As I close this out, I know the Steelers and Cardinals "AINT HAD ANYTHING THIS GOOD!" I'm blessed!!!!

Until then....

It's my BIRTHDAY!!

It's my ___th Birthday! Jenny is grinning because she remembers 5 years ago she was my birthday present. Rescued her with a broken leg at approximately six months old.

It has been a wonderful day. Received a FedEx package from daughter, Shannon, and her family....a VERY SPECIAL MADE PHOTO ALBUM. A scrapbook album with writings from each of family members. My heart was touched and many tears of joy shed.

Son, Chris, and children have a SURPRISE gift that I will find out about come EARLY Sunday. Can't wait.

Until then....

Can You Guess Where We've Been and Are?

Have you guessed where we have been? Hint: City (Plant City) Yes, we had Strawberry Shortcake....AGAIN! Awesome shortcake loaded with sugared strawberries, topped with icecream and then whipped cream. Well, that was Tuesday and of course we had another couple with us, Mike's cousin and wife. Our first stop for the days outing was to Cobb Theatre where we watched "Frost/Nixon" then to Plant City.

Wednesday was moving day. We left Lakeland and drove back to Rally Park (just a 20 minutes drive) east of Tampa. We are parked here for nine days. Today, we took the RV Driving Class. Classroom instruction (2 Hrs) and then the driving time. Although we have been driving for several years, we sure did learn some very helpful tidbits.

Later today a storm front arrived and the downpour can only be sooo relaxing! Rain for 24 hours is the forecast. Maybe a little extra zzzz's for the morning!

Until then.....

Visit with Cousin

Today we drove 80 miles south to Avon Park (FL) and visited with Mike's cousin, Joann & Norman B for most of the day. They live in IN and we usually see each other once a year in FL. Of course, Mike was not only excited to visit with them, but Joann fixed a meal! Oh, my, you should have seen Mike dig into the Fried Chicken, home canned Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes w/Gravy, Slaw, homemade Yeast Rolls w/homemade Apple Butter. Dessert! Oh, yes...homemade Cherry Cheesecake! Well we just sort of "rolled" outside onto the patio and finished the day visiting with a nice gentle breeze blowing.

Did I make anyone hungary yet??!!

Until then.......

Sunday Worship

Today we visited Victory Church in Lakeland. Enjoyed the music and message. Pastor presented the Word that touched the soul. Quite a large church as you can see from the picture with a tremendous outreach ministry within the city and abroad.

Weather is much better. Temp was mid-70's as will be the rest of the week! Sorry that I have to share this with those of you in the north. But that's life!!

Until then.....

Downtown-Lakeland, FL

Here are some pictures of downtown Lakeland. Many lakes are in the area and this is Lake Parker. A beautiful lake sitting in the heart of downtown. A wedding was taking place across the lake when I took this. Also, in downtown are themed structures. The Swan was represented a few years ago. This is my favorite. Merchants purchased the swans and have them now located at their businesses. The swans have been replaced with wooden structures as you see in the next picture. Slabs of wood are used in building the themed structures. This picture is a man ready to climb a ladder. Each wooden structure is very unique.

Guess Where?....again!

If you guessed Plant City, you are RIGHT! Here you find the Andersons being introduced to the "FAMOUS STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE"! Doesn't the tray, showing our order, make your mouth water!! Ohhhh, so good!

John and Barbara are our neighbors as well as we being members of the Good Sam Chapter, TN Sunshine Travelers. It was a fun day, yesterday, with the Andersons. I believed we got them hooked on shortcake! They visited with us at our site in Lakeland and then we went to see Lazy Days/Rally Park. Of couse, we topped the evening with supper at Bob Evans.

Thanks Andersons for spending the day with us!

Until then......

Strawberry Shortcake Time

What else does one do on a beautiful, windy, low 70's day? You're right!! Head to Plant City where the action is.....Parksdale Farm-Famous Strawberry Shortcake, Sundae, or Milk Shake. Ohhhh, soooo delicious! The berries are sweet and fun to eat! If you have not been there, don't be fooled by the long line, it moves so quickly. Did you know that President Bush, Sr has eaten there?

Well, that's what TODAY IS ALL ABOUT!

Until then......

It's Sunday

Been a few days from last post...better do some catch up.

Been great staying at Tiki and having friends here. Friday night went to Auburndale to eat supper with the Felkers and Buchanans. The restaurant was inside of a golfing community and fish was the speciality...."all you can eat". Enjoyed the food and the fellowship. That night we gathered at the Buchanans and enjoyed more fellowship.

Saturday, Mike and I went to Wesley Chapel where we met up with Russ & Vivian at the Cobb Theatre. Watched Gran Torino starring Clint Eastwood. Enjoyed and laughed throughout movie. Ate supper at Outback and we departed ways and went home.

Today is Sunday. We attended church with the Felkers. Greatly enjoyed the music and what a sweet presence of the Lord.

Mike, more so, is settling into watching NFL. I will watch while doing some other things.

Until then....

Moved to Lakeland, FL

Here is a picture of the entrance to Tiki Village Campground in Lakeland. Our travel time was 25 minutes to Lakeland where we will spend the next two weeks. We have some friends staying here.

When we arrived, we were greeted by Cecil and he helped us set up. Came in for coffee and walking by our MH was the other friends, Charlie & Pat. They came in and soon Ruby came over. Here the six of us chatted for almost 2 hours. Or did we chat or laugh? I think both for my sides are hurting from laughter. Later in the afternoon, Mike and I helped Cecil get his converter box hooked up. Then Cecil and I got on the computer for awhile.

Today has been overcast....mid 50's. This morning was 37....burrrr!!

Until then.....

Tampa RV Show

If one enjoys walking, entertainment, walking, entertainment, looking at hundreds of RVs and checking out all the many booths with goodies to buy from $1.00 to thousands, then the RV Tampa Show is the place for you! Today was our day....to look!

As you see from the photos, we like entertainment. This you enjoy as you walk around the entire complex. Can you guess what I probably like the best? If you guessed the animals, you're RIGHT!! The poodle is driving the 4-wheeler and his other rescued buddies did tricks also. This cute bunny rides everywhere with Flakey the Clown. The other picture is the worlds largest RV Sand Sculpture. It was huge with the entire U.S. and what else but an RV traveling across the country with family. How cute! There were many other people to entertain you...they just walk around the complex also

Needless to say, we came home with very tired feet!

Until then......

Lazy day @ Lazy Days Rally Park

Today started out with sunshine, low 70's. By 12:30 the overcast got heavy and the clouds opened up. We were sitting inside "Sweet Tomatoes" having lunch. Now back home and getting ready to nestle into some John Grisham books.

The picture posted is the entrance to the Rally Park (campground). From L to R is the Rally Center, screen enclosed Pool, and Registration Office. Beside the office is the tennis court.

Jenny was sick yesterday. (She had the same thing that caused her to be hospitalized the week before Christmas.) We were concerned, but after 24 Hrs of cooked rice and eggs, she hopefully has recovered.

Tomorrow we go to the Tampa RV Show held at the Fairgrounds just about 2 miles from here. This show is large....outside one can see pop-ups to million dollar+ coaches...inside are many, many vendors.

Sunday and Monday night we tuned into the TV show "24". Anybody out there like this show? Tonight starts American Idol. Any takers on that show?

Thursday we leave for Lakeland.

Until then......

Fun Day!

It is now evening, and as you see from the picture, Jenny is tucked into bed. She is tired from our adventures today!

We headed 30 minutes north on I-75 to Wesley Chapel to look at an RV Resort. Liked it, so we booked a few days there for February. From there we headed east to Zephyrhills. When passing thru, there was a quaint restaurant, Country Kitchen on 301, that was packed with cars. Good sign!! So we stopped and had lunch. Parked the car in a shady spot for Jenny. Well, guess what? It wasn't that great, but very interesting to watch all the "goings" on.

From Z'hills we headed south toward I-4 to Plant City. Now those of you who have traveled to FL on I-4 probably know about WHAT is at Plant City...."Parksdale Strawberry sundaes". Ohhhh, so delicious!!! It doesn't matter if you just finished a 5-course dinner, you can still eat a strawberry sundae from there!! Honest!!

We arrived home mid-afternoon. Got new neighbors on both sides of us. Then we got on our bikes and rode for 45 minutes over at Lazy Days. Lazy Days is a large RV dealership with Camping World on one side and Cracker Barrel on the other. Behind Lazy Days is their campground, Rally Park. Actually, between Lazy Days and Rally Park is their used RV lot. This entire complex is BIG.

We looked at some high end '09 RV's...and....no, we're not trading!! This is a fun place. The daily rate includes breakfast and lunch with daily newspaper. Of course, there is the pool and tennis courts. All sites have concrete pads. Can't wait to post some pictures (I need to take them first!!).

Until then.....

Arrived at Rally Park

As you see from the pictures, we didn't need to ride the Trolleys from Williston nor will we need to use the fireplace for warmth for social gatherings.

The drive was 2 Hrs 15 Min to Seffner. We are set up and getting ready to watch the Titans....GO TITANS! We will stay here 5 nights.

Will post more pictures later taken of this Park.

Jenny made the trip just fine. She and I share the passenger seat...which she slept on the trip. Imagine that!

Have bacon in the oven soon to come out for our BLT sandwiches.

Until then......

Leaving Williston

Saying "Farewell" to Williston and RV Resort. It has been a great place, matter of fact, the "perfect" place to start our stay in FL. Looking forward to our next stop in Seffner (Tampa area)at the Rally Park at Lazy Days.

Until then.....

"Movie Day"

I dove into studying the Back-Up Monitor. It is also a GPS and computer/Internet. Never have stopped to figure both out. Hurray, I did it!!

At noon we ventured out to Gainesville to see the movie, Valkyrie. Very good movie! Made a stop at Office Depot and then ate supper at Texas Roadhouse.

Tomorrow is going to be quite a cool day...upper 60's. Get the longjohns out and start the fireplace....burrrr!!

Wednesday is clean RV day. Good day to clean since it will be cool.

Until then.....

Sunday Evening

We worshipped today in town at the First Baptist Church. Enjoyed the people, music, and sermon.

Yesterday, Saturday, we spent the day visiting Mike's cousin, Russ and Vivian. They have a beautiful site at an RV Resort in Webster. This is about 50 miles south of us.

On Hwy 27 heading to I-75 to Ocala, we passed many ranch estates. Absolutely beautiful homes, horse barns, and fenced pastures.

Tomorrow, I head to the Winn-Dixie (not the movie, either) and Walgreens. In other words....errands to run! Laundry is caught up. Finished my book tonight, "Rekindled" by Tamera Alexander. Great book to read! Recommend it. Mike is still in his John Grisham book, "The Runaway Jury", but is almost finished reading it. I think I'll get into some of my quilting this week before starting another book.

Write later. Until then......

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Did you accomplish bringing in the New Year by staying awake? We didn't! We determined we have seen the "ball" drop before. LOL We do wish everyone a Blessed 2009.

We have been enjoying our stay at Williston Crossings RV Resort. The town is small but has character....few fast foods, few restaurants, 2 grocery stores, hospital, schools, antiques shops, etc. People in resort are very nice, but what else would you expect when traveling in an rv?!

We have basically chilled for the past few days. Jenny has adjusted to biking with us and is enjoying it very much. The days have been nice and warm although today has been in the upper 60's.

There are more TNers here and most of them are from the Nashville area. Last night was a New Year's Eve Party. We did not attend due to some friends, Ruby & Cecil, arriving that afternoon for the night only. It was a joy to have them. For supper we had Beef Stew....oooh, so delicious even if I did fix it!! We went out for breakfast today before they left. We will meet up with them in a few weeks at their RV resort.

Have our reservations in for the February FL Samboree. It will be held in Dunnellon which is 20 miles south from here. Looking forward to it. Also, will be going to the FMCA Rally in February for a day.

We have really enjoyed the sofa taken out of RV before we left home...added another chair w/footstool. So much more spaciousness. We love it!

Until then.....