Moving Time

Saturday-Monday, October 29-31, 2016
Jan and Lucy Visscher left here on Thursday while we were in Orlando leaving the house cleaned up and ready for us to move in and get settled for the season.  So we began the process on Saturday going through all the closets, drawers, and cupboards deciding what needed to go and what could stay and not be bothered if left in place even though it would not be air conditioned or heated.  Since we will be using the motor home once a month for our Mid Florida Winnie campouts, we do need to leave as much as possible so it will be easy to move back in for those few days without having to truck alot of stuff back into it.  Now that is a challenge since we are trying not to duplicate items as much as possible.

All of the food, of course, needs to be removed and cupboards thoroughly cleaned so as not to attract bugs and mice that seem to be able to find the tiniest of opening to sneak in and set up "housekeeping."

It is also a great time to reevaluate all the contents and ask ourselves if we need things anymore.  Our park will be having its first missions yard sale early in December so boxes have been started in our shed for those items no longer needed.  So it is, we are doing a real "spring cleaning" in October.

Disney Days

Tuesday-Friday, October 25-28, 2016
We spent 3 nights in Orlando and took advantage of our annual pass for the Disney parks visiting three of the parks and Disney Springs.  After getting settled at the Rosen Inn, we drove over to the new parking garage in "downtown Disney" and wandered the entire area much of which is new or refurbished.  Some is still under construction including the huge "showboat" in the lake where we have eaten in the past.  We had a great time watching an energetic fellow leading lots of "dancing" at the center stage.  The primary participants were dozens of kids of all ages trying all the things he suggested.  He had quiet a repetoire of the music of the day had them going through all kinds of girations.  We had sandwich at one of the restaurants and enjoyed some ice cream at Ghirardelli's along with the one small piece of chocolate they give each customer visiting the shop.  But mostly it was just fun watching the people and taking in the decorations and lighting around the area including all the trees with their flickering lights.

A new addition is rides in these cars starting at the Boat House restaurant.  It is rather expensive but a unique experience that this family obviously was enjoying as the sun was setting.

Wednesday afternoon, we arrived at the Magic Kingdom just in time to see this parade coming down the street toward the train station at the front entrance of the park.  We quickly climbed up on the train platform so we could get above the crowds and get a good view of the parade, park, fall decorations and of course the people.

We enjoyed several of the rides and activities at the park, much of which has changed since the last time we were there.  In fact, to start with we had to park at the transportation center and take a ferry across the lake to the park.  We enjoyed a musical performance in front of the castle that include a few fireworks.  But the best part was being right down by the shops looking back at the castle to see the big fireworks and laser show at 10:00.  After many many trips there we even got to see Tinker Bell flying from the castle to the shops area (that has to be quite a ride for the performer)

On Thursday morning we first went to Animal Kingdom where we enjoyed the Lion King show

We then spent a good deal of time wandering through the Africa "zoo" area that includes Tigers supposedly in a abandoned palace among other things.  I love the way they make you feel like you are in the country itself and wandering jungle paths.

Afterwards we enjoyed a wonderful lunch buffet at the Tusker House.  Several of the Disney characters were there visiting tables, signing autographs and posing for pictures.  Goofy was a great one for giving lots of big hugs.

Daisy posed with Ken and even gave him a kiss.

Donald Duck came by too.

And of course Mickey was there

We had Fast Pass tickets for Soarin over at Epcot so we hurried out to the parking lot, jumped in the car and drove over to Epcot arriving just before the alloted hour was up on the passes.  What a great new adventure that is now.  The "flight" takes you around the world to see the Opera House and harbor in Sydney, Fiji Island and the gorgeous waters around it, the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, the Eiffel Tower, among other places.  

We followed that with a ride at the GM Test Track and then visits to several of the pavilions in the World Showcase including China where we watched the film and then came out just as the gymnasts were starting their performance.  By the time we got to Germany, it was near time for the evening show so we found a spot by one of the fences at the edge of the water and got a wonderful front view of the fireworks, laser lights, dancing fountains and globe with its moving pictures.  What a delightful way to end the day there.

Friday morning we drove back to Animal Kingdom so we could do the Jungle Ride.  There was a nice breeze and the temperatures were in the low 80s so we were lucky enough to see most of the animals up and moving about though most of the hippos chose to be in the water with just their noses jutting out.  Afterwards we were off to see the animal conservation area via the train.  Then on to the 4D experience under the tree of life - Its a Bugs Life which ends with the sensation of maggots crawling under you on the bench that you are sitting on.  There was lots of screeching and reactions to the nasty smells emitted by the stink bugs, spit from other bugs, and buzzing in faces and ears by others.

From there we headed over to Dinoland where we had a quick hamburger while waiting for the Finding Nemo Musical, a clever production with the sea life held by humans dressed to "hide" them and doing the speaking and singing.  There was a huge crowd in the theater all enjoying it along with us.

Once that was over we headed for the car and drove to Davenport to visit with our friends Dave and Donna Rumrill.  They took us on a tour of their park including a visit to the pool and hot tub, a peak into the windows of the clubhouse which is in the midst of a makeover, and stops at several different homes to see what they were like.  The Ercolanis who use to be in our Mid Florida Winnies group gave us a tour of their place and then took us across the street to visit a neighbors home that was smaller and up for sale.  We then joined Kathy Black, the Ercolanis, Rumrills, and Clems for dinner at a local Irish place for fish and chips.

From there we headed back to our place arriving back after 9:00 ready to unpack and crawl into bed!

Winnie Gators October Meeting

Friday - Sunday, October 21-23, 2016
Forty-seven degrees??!! Yep, that was the temperature when we got up for breakfast over at the hall this morning.  The weather has broken.  Fall has come to Florida.  Of course, by the afternoon it was 77 degrees so that cool didn't last long but it has now happened after a long run of hot and humid day and night.

But how good it was to come when it did.  Here at the state campout we are using a huge hall with no air conditioning.  It could be miserable without this change.  Instead, it was great.  This is a beautiful campground here in Dade City.  It was created over 20 years ago by Airstream owners.  In fact it was required that you own an Airstream to live here.  That has changed but there are still alot of trailers and motorhomes with the Airstream name on them.  Except for, of course, all of us Winnebago owners gathered for the October meeting.

Decorations have set the theme of Halloween with lots of activities pointing to that theme as well. Each state club was asked to create a pumpkin with judging to take place on Saturday afternoon at the Happy Hour by a few residents of this park.  The Mid-Florida Winnies created a Mark Twain who was spouting the following quote: "“…nothing so liberalizes a man and expands the kindly instincts that nature puts in him as travel and contact with many kinds of people.” (fitting since we all travel)

But the other clubs really outdid us with their entries.  This one won

Though most of us thought this one should

These were the rest of the entries

During that same Happy Hour we had a costume contest.  I didn't have my camera so wasn't able to get alot of pictures but did catch this one of BJ and Sue Scott who are in our club

And this headless horseman

We enjoyed a couple of wonderful dinners, a great pancake breakfast and a couple of happy hours while we chatted with our friends who were attending.  Tom Zopff led our Mid Florida meeting that followed the state meeting and we welcomed a couple of who has been active in Winnebago for many many years as both hosts on caravans and adventures as well as president of the Florida State board years ago.  They are interested in now being members of our club - John and Marilyn Fischer.  They were our hosts back when we did the Smokies trip.

I turned in the square I had made for the quilt that will be created by a couple of our members to be raffled at the State Rally in February.  All of the squares will be judged based on several different categories and I assume the winners will be named at the State Rally.  

One of the couples who are VPs on the state board live here at Travelers Rest RV Park.  Ken and I had a good chat with them them at breakfast and then when everything came to an end we toured the whole park just to check it out.  We are in the throes of trying to decide where we should settle for the long term as we spend more and more time in Florida as we get older.  This place looks like a possibility.  It is divided into several different areas with manufactured homes that include a cement pad for storing your RV

, an area with cabanas and sheds and along for the spot for your RV

, and then a grassy area for just parking your RV which is where we were for the rally.  The grounds are beautiful and include several small lakes, a golf course,

a screened pool

and spa, shuffleboard, bocce ball, pickleball and tennis courts.

 There are several halls and even a fire department with immediate emergency care.  The rest rooms in the hall were amazing.  This is the ladies room

After returning home Sunday afternoon, we visited with Frank and Bette at their park taking a card to Frank signed by all our members.  He came home Saturday and is doing very well.  While we were there Jim and Jackie Wilson also came for a visit.  They had just arrived earlier in the day.  We ended up all going out for a meal at Chilies.  

On our return we stopped at the house to get my bike out of the shed.  John and Nelly Drost were just driving down the street to the house so they could visit with Jan and Lucy since they had just arrived in the early afternoon so we also got to see them for a little bit.

Its been a full weekend!!!!

Fun Day with Friends

Thursday, October 20, 2016
This morning I worked on a Christmas tree made with small squares of Christmas fabric pinned to a foam cone.  Then just before 10:00 I headed to the pool on my bike for water aerobics - an activity I've been truly enjoying every day since I arrived here.  There are just a few of us who go giving us lots of space and time to chat as well.  Harriett and I got to talking about going out for lunch and we made a decision on the spot to go out today.  Lucy stopped by so we asked her to join us - a time to enjoy sharing memories of the days when we worked on the Hillcrest board together for three years.

So we were off as soon as we could clean up and get ready.  I drove us up to Dade City where we went to Lunch on Limoges a favorite spot where we went back in the days when we worked together.  The restaurant is in a shop filled with women's specialty clothing, unusual lamps, clocks and other home items, as well as some unusual books and toys.  The tables are covered with two cloths one turquoise and one purple with pink cloth napkins and real flowers in small vases.  The waitresses wear very nice white uniforms what have lace on them giving just a wonderful welcoming ambiance.  Shortly after we sat down I noticed one of our long time friends, Mary Christof looking at some of the merchandise.  I went over and spoke with her and then saw her husband John at their table.  It was great to see them.  They are already at the Florida State October gathering with their RV so I told them we'd be there tomorrow and spend more time with them then.

Lucy, Harriett and I really enjoyed a couple of hours just sharing memories and talking about what we've been doing over the last summer.  Jean, our vice chair when we worked together, has just found out she has metastized cancer and Harriett had visited her so we shared memories of her as well.  She is the person who created our beautiful glass barrier between the kitchen and living area in our motorhome.  We think of her often.

After lunch we we made a stop at the hospice resale shop that we passed on our return to Zephyrhills just to see if a pan was still there that Lucy and Emma Jean had seen when they were there a couple of days ago when they picked up a couple of other casseroles I could use with the casserole carriers I've made for the baskets that will be given out at the State Rally in February.  Unfortunately it wasn't there but Lucy spotted another blue juice glass that matched four others she had bought for our house so she got that.  They are beautiful and will be a nice addition to our dishes at the place.

I worked some more on the Christmas tree in the afternoon with the hope of finishing it so I could show it to Lucy and Emma Jean in the evening when we were going to be back together in the evening but I ran out of fabric.  I'll have to go and pick up a bit more so I can complete it as soon as possible.

This evening we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Dale and Emma Jeans with Jan and Lucy joining us. What fun it was to spend time together around the table.  There were many stories to share.








Crafting a Christmas tree
Dinner at Cooks

A Day at the Tampa Florida Hospital

Tuesday, October 18, 2016
This morning I rode into the Florida Hospital with Frank and Bette carting along a bag of things to do.  Frank's day was to include surgery on three different aneurysms.  Bette was facing a long difficult waiting period and I came along to help make that pass more quickly and pleasantly.   We left at 9:15 am and finally returned around 8:45 pm.  A long but successful day as we left Frank in the cardiac care unit awake and doing well after the successful completion of that surgery.

The waiting area was really quite quiet as there were only a few of us in the waiting room so we really could relax and just enjoy time chatting.  Bette, of course, was constantly receiving and then sending out notes to people who wanted to know how things were going.  But we did find time to play Cribbage and Quiddler as well as go for a long walk around the outside of all the connected buildings here at the hospital.  And of course we enjoyed a lunch and light dinner in the cafeteria sitting outside in the court yard in the fresh air.

Bette was finally able to go in and see Frank just for a short time around 5:00 and then again around 8:00 before we left.  He came through the surgery beautifully and was in good spirits. when we left.

More Quilting Fun

Monday, October 17, 2016
After water aerobics this morning I returned to Emma Jean's with my sewing machine and we spent about 5 hours together creating more things and discussing other possibilities with our fabrics - both scraps and some we had purchased at a sale on Saturday.

I was able to complete a casserole carrier as did she - one specially made for me with trailers on it.

 I too, was making one with pictures of campsites on it that I had found at the fabric store.

It was just delightful working together, sharing stories while we worked.  And best of all for me, was lots of guidance when it was needed.  It is amazing what all I've learned over the past week.

Finished: One Quilt Square for Competition

Friday, October 14, 2016
For the past three days, I have been working with Emma Jean Cook on creating a quilt square for a competition that is being held by our Winnebago State organization - Florida Winniegators.  A challenge was put out to all members to create a 10 1/2" quilt square that would be judged based on a best use of material, creativity, best use of color, etc.  The theme has to be recreation of some form.  I decided I wanted to try creating an applique picture but didn't know how.  Emma Jean taught me how to do the machine stitching and methods for applying the appliques to a backing.  She had a huge collection of scrap pieces of material that she loaned me to search through and come up with what I would need.  It has taken a good part of the last three days, but I finished it this afternoon.  What a challenge, but what fun too.  And to think this is made strictly from scrap material.

The week has included a trip to JoAnn's to pick up some varigated threads for stitching around each of the various pieces.  Of course we also had to make other stops so it turned into just a shopping and lunch out day.  What fun we had doing that.  Lucy Visscher joined us and we all found things we wanted including from the Salvation Army Thrift Store in Brandon.  

Then there was a day for coming up with a picture idea and finding the scraps of materials that would best represent the various parts like reds and golds for flames and material that looked like stones to shape a circle for the fire.  I looked at loads of blues and then found what I thought was a perfect piece of with ripples in it.  I loved the piece of black material I found for the sky with loads of white dots that could be stars and the camoflage material was perfect for a tent.  

Arranging all of the pieces and figuring out sizes and proportions was the next challenge.  I'm no good at making people so came up with the idea of just putting in two arms holding sticks with marshmellows on them that just into the picture giving the feel that people are just out of range of view.

It took me two days to cut pieces after putting on fusion paper with an iron and then attaching the pieces using the machine and a variety of threads to fit each of the colors and pieces.  While I was doing this, Emma Jean was busy making several casserole carriers and helping me create a pattern for a potluck carry all bag to put dishes, silverware, napkins and cups into.  While shopping I picked up fabric to make my own matching casserole carrier

and potluck bag to be put in one of the rally baskets for the February State Rally in Florida.  So when frustration would set in I'd take a break and do some cutting and stitching of those items too. Tomorrow I hope to complete the potluck bag but the casserole carrier is already done.  NOTE: Here is a picture of both of then once they were completed.

Ken and I drove over to Frank and Bette's so I could show them the completed square and afterward enjoyed a pizza at our favorite pizza place - Sergios.  From there we headed back home stopping at Dollar Tree to pick up some blue paper plates, napkins and cups to put in the potluck bag when I finish it for the rally basket.  I already have some silverware for it.  I'm hoping to take it to our gathering next weekend to show our club and get some feed back from them on whether I should make more for those baskets.  Meanwhile I'll be turning in the quilt square for the judging that will take place over the weekend.  Then all the pieces that are contributed will be pieced into a quilt that will be raffled off to raise funds for the organization.

It has been a real successful and fun week thanks to all the guidance I got from Emma Jean and the fun of sewing together at the table in her kitchen.

Back "Home" Again!

Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Before we climbed aboard our plane last night, I got a text message from Emma Jean Cook asking me to join her and Lucy Visscher on a trip to Brandon, Florida and a bit of shopping today.  Naturally I agreed!!!!!

I have to admit it was tough to get up this morning in order to be able to join them since we got to bed so late last night but by 10:30 we were on the road and chatting up a storm.  Our first stop was at the Salvation Army in Brandon - a big store and beautifully cared for one besides.  What fun we had checking out everything they had to offer.  By the time we left, each of us had some treasures.  One of mine was a set of eight Pfaltzgraff mugs for the house.

Since we had worked up a good appetite we decided to drive the couple of blocks to Sweet Tomatoes - a favorite spot to eat here in Florida.  Between their fabulous salad bar, variety of homemade soups, and variety of muffins you can't beat the meal you can create.  And of course, sitting with friends makes for a wonderful hour plus.

Then we were off for JoAnn's which was our original goal.  Emma Jean has just completed 5 "throw" quilts and was eager to get batting for a queen bed size quilt she is making for herself.  Lucy was looking for batting and flannel to make some little crib blankets for her first grandchild due in December.  I needed varigated thread for making the quilt square I'm trying to create for the Winnegators quilt square contest this month.  No batting was purchased but we did end up with the other items.  I had hoped to find some material I might use for this special square but there wasn't anything special so I'm going to make what I have work.

Lucy proposed getting a Starbucks coffee before setting off for home and after driving the long way around we were able to pull into the lot but by then Emma Jean wanted to just stay in the van.  So we went in to get the drinks and bring them out.  But disaster struck.  Lucy didn't lift her foot high enough for the very tall curb and next thing we knew she was lying down on the side walk. She hit her forehead on the cement cutting herself.  That of course bled heavily. No doubt the side of her face will be black and blue by tomorrow and she'll have a super headache.  But she was determined to still get the coffees so in she went to order them.  We carried out Emma Jean's ice coffee and Lucys hot cup and crawled back in the car for the ride home.

By the time we got back, Emma Jean needed to race to clean up so she and Dale could head off to Santiago's home for dinner with the family taking the completed quilts for each of the girls.

I needed to fix dinner for Ken and get some wash done and then hit the sack.  It has been a tiring but fun day.

Cousin Fun

Friday-Monday, October 7-10, 2016 Columbus Day Weekend

Ken and I flew north to the Akron/Canton Airport and then drove a rental car to Mitiwanga in Huron, Ohio for some weekend fun with my first cousins at the Lake House on a bluff overlooking Lake Erie.

Manuel and Laurie hosted us at their now rental home (formerly home to Laurie's mom, my aunt, and of course her home when she was growing up).

We arrived just in time to see the sunset

and then dinner with those who had already arrived - Matt, Laurie (and Manuel), Tom (and April plus their son Phil) and Sarah (and Len).

Bonnie (and Dan plus their kids Daniel and Katie plus boyfriend David) arrived very late that night so we didn't see them until Saturday.  Unfortunately Peggy (and Lee) were not able to make it as Lee was having a rough time after his infusion today and Matthew was threatening to hit their area hard over the weekend.  Bobbie couldn't get time off from work and David (my brother) had to attend a board meeting in Oregon.  Steve also was not able to make it.  BUT the rest of us had a wonderful time sharing stories, remembering our parents and grandparents and generally just getting to know each other better.

Saturday morning we awoke to a total change in the weather from temperatures in the 80s and calm water to high winds off the lake, huge waves, and temperatures in the 50s.  But we still did enjoy a few walks around the park and down by the beach each of the days we were there.  

On Saturday, more of the Hannon branch of the family also came including Seanna, one of her girls and a girlfriend, plus Justin, his wife Esther and their two children Orion and Luna.  Laurie grilled huge quantities of tri cut beef that had sat over night in a dry rub she created,

and others brought salads, vegetables, desserts, and snacks.  We certainly didn't starve and there was loads of time to converse.  Truly a great day.

We did go out in the stiff breeze to get a picture of all the first cousins who were there in front of the house.  Hopefully by next year when we do this again even more of us will be there.

Sunday morning, Sarah served an egg/sausage casserole for breakfast that also included a huge bowl of cut up fruit, juice, and cinnamon coffee cake all of which Ken and I had picked up at COSTCO on our way in from the airport.   Football, a rousing game of Mexican Train, and conversation filled the rest of the day.  Tom and April fixed faitas for all of us for dinner and brought a delicious lemon mereinge pie for dessert.

Monday we were back to Laurie, Manuel, Sarah, Len and Ken and I just enjoying more time together till we had to leave for the airport around 4:00.  Peggy and I did a bit of texting so we could keep up with what was happening to them in Washington, NC.  The storm was a wild one for them but other than losing their electricity they were not personally affected.  Their daughter Biz was in Greenville but on high enough ground that she wasn't part of the mandatory evacuation there -- mostly required because of the river flooding that took place after the hurricane and into the days that followed.  Lee's church faired pretty good too though all the playground equipment will need to be checked out and put back up as it was in a tangle on the grounds.

We had a Subway dinner at the airport and were in the air by about 9:00 pm headed for Florida.  It had been quite cold in Ohio so we were still in jeans and jackets but when we arrived in Florida we were blessed with temperatures in the high 60s and a breeze so we weren't overly warm.  It was 1:00 am before we could climb into bed and settle for the night but oh what wonderful memories we had to lull us to sleep.

Hurricane Matthew

October 6, 2016
As I write this, the television continues to give us updates and text messages keep flying back and forth with a variety of people.  Hurricane Matthew will hit Florida shortly and is already causing lots of havoc.  Peoples' plans have gone awry and everyone is busy doing last minute stuff to ride out this powerful hurricane - the first in many years to make landfall in Florida.  This is the strongest hurricane for this area since 1898!!!!!! Yes, that is the 1800s

It has been upgraded to a Category 4 storm with winds of up to 140 miles an hour and will cause much anguish along the east coast before it is done.  Already Haiti and Jamaica have suffered and the Bahamas are looking forward to it leaving so they can assess the damage and start recovery.  Many many deaths have been reported in Haiti and so many people are displaced.  The Governors of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina are working on evacuations - roads have been converted to outgoing only just to get people away from the coast and danger that is expected.

We had friends who were in Myrtle Beach who were told they would have to leave on Wednesday. Bob and Harriett are now back here at home after a 13 hour drive to get away from it.  Frank and Bette Foulke are on their way back home from Pennsylvania on the auto train and have had to stop in Tennessee for a couple of nights as it was not safe to come into the Sanford region.  Ken's cousin, George, and his wife and a couple of grandkids are at Disney and really losing out.  It is pouring rain there and it will close at 5 tonight and remain closed tomorrow.  We've seen FB postings about people who have been busy putting up shutters, off shopping for water and necessary food, batteries etc. Dave and Donna Rumrill made the decision last night to get up early this morning and head for northern Georgia in their motorhome taking along food from their refrigerator and freezer in anticipation of electricity going out.  We're put away everything that wind could blow around - outdoor chairs, tables, flower pots, etc. and done the same for our friends - the Foulkes. And we are keeping an eye on the St. Petersburg Airport status as we're supposed to fly out around 1:00 tomorrow to Ohio for our annual cousins gathering in Mitiwanga, Ohio.  Already the Orlando airport is shut down and we're on tropical storm warning status which means within the next 36 hours this region could see sustained winds of 39-73 mile an hour winds.

So now we wait and watch

Friends Have Arrived

October 4, 2016
This afternoon, our friends Jan and Lucy Visscher arrived at Hillcrest pulling their tiny loaded trailer and parked in front of our little park model.  Just as they arrived the skies opened up and the rains came in buckets full so we simply enjoyed chat time in the house while waiting for it to slow down so we could move their stuff in and help them get settled for about 3 weeks.  They will stay in the house and we'll be in our motor home.

We look forward to spending a fair amount of time with them though we will be in and out ourselves during that time.  Lucy is looking forward to spending time with her quilting buddy Denise over at the quilt shop as well.  Since not many people are here as of yet they will be able to do lots of quality time with the few who are.  How wonderful that will be!!!!

Once they were settled in and the trailer was moved to storage, they took us out for dinner at Ruby Tuesdays where we had lots more time to chat before calling it a night.  But already there are arrangements to meet at the pool at 10:00 for water aerobics and at our mutual friend, Emma Jean, place at 1:00 tomorrow to enjoy some time together.

What a wonderful October we have to look forward to!!!