It's Time to Say Goodbye

Friday, March 17, 2017
The time has literally zoomed by since Anders arrived last Sunday.  It feels like he just arrived and now he leaves.  We're not ready for that to happen.  And making it tougher is he slept in till 9:30 giving us even fewer remaining hours with him.  But I'm glad he was comfortable enough to do just that especially since we've had such a busy week.  At least we'll be sending him home well rested.

Eggs and toaster pastries with some good cold milk was his breakfast this morning.  He raced through that because he wanted to go shopping again at the Dollar Tree.  He decided he needed to give Karsten a cup too and therefore had to find one other thing for Dagny.  Course grandma is buying again so knew he also wanted more Pokemon cards for himself.  But that is ok - it was just fun going out with him on this mission.  He finally settled on some glittery nail polish for his sister.

We returned and stopped at Ken's cousins place to see if John would give him a short lesson in playing Shuffleboard.  John is on the team here at Hillcrest and a pretty good player.  He was delighted to spend time with Anders and show him some of the fine points.  And it didn't take long for Anders to catch on to the rhythm of the game.  He scored in every round which is certainly far better than I've been able to do.  Anders definitely has a gift for games - physical and mental.

We couldn't stay long as the clock was ticking and I wanted to get back to pack the items that had been in the dryer as well as make a pan of chocolate chip cookies to put in his backpack for nibbling on the trip home in the plane.  By the time that was done we had to load the car and go. And take one last picture of him in front of the house with his Grandpa.

I'd made sure he had his packet of ticketing info around his neck before heading to the car and sending him for a trip to the bathroom before we started the drive.  Well, that proved disastrous as he took off the packet to go to the bathroom and left it in the chair so 20 minutes into the trip he noticed it wasn't around his neck (what can I say, I didn't notice).  We had to turn around and go back to get it then really felt under the gun to make it in time.  But we lucked out.  Ken dropped us off and we were able to get to an agent without waiting more than a minute or so.  Then she informed us the plane was delayed so we had lots of extra time.

I figured the best places for something to eat would be on in the terminal after we went through security.  Besides we then would be through and not wondering if there was a long wait to get through.  Well, I was wrong.  There was precious little choice but we did find a stand where they made 4 piece pizzas so ordered one and a drink.  He ended up only eating 2 pieces, so I had the other two.  He followed that up with a fresh cooked cookie from his back pack.  Then we played a couple of games of King's Corners before heading to the gate.

After reporting in we found a seat where we could watch the plane come in and started a game of Fish.  Before we were done, they called his name and he was escorted on the plane.  He was so focused on the destination he really wasn't even in to giving a hug.  But then that made me feel good because he was so determined to be the "big" boy and look confident and ready to take on the world. But it sure was hard to see him go!!!

I hung around till the plane left and gave it time to take off talking with Janet for a short time to let her know he was on his way.  Then I set off to find Ken who was waiting down in the baggage area. By then, Bette Foulke was wondering why I hadn't been in touch with her as we were meeting for dinner.  The delayed plane and extra time needed to see it take off really put us behind the time schedule.  But we could GPS the time and distance, let them know and arrange to meet there.

So 45 minutes later we were sitting at a table with them at the Red Lobster on Bruce B Downs and having a delightful time.  Ken is starting to come down with this same crud I have so once we were home he was good for watching a couple of taped Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune games and then was off to bed feeling rather miserable.  I will crawl in shortly and hope not to cough my head off like last night.  This is where I get very envious of him because he seems to be able to sleep no matter what- sure wish I could.  Oh well, not much on the calendar for the next couple of days so maybe on can get the photos added to these blogs tomorrow and still get lots of extra rest.

Brrrr! Another Day of Winter with Anders

Thursday, March 16, 2017
It is 7:30 am and we are up with the heat turned on high to warm us up cause it is 32 degrees outside with a wind chill temp of 29 degrees.  But the skies are clear and the sun is rising so hopefully it will be much warmer soon.  In fact, the weatherman says we should reach a high of 62.  That is a sign it will slowly start warming back up to more normal weather.  Unfortunately it won't happen before Anders has to get back on a plane tomorrow and head for home.  Where has the time gone??  This is going way too fast!!!

But we look forward to another exciting day together before we have to think about packing and going.  As I was writing this, he came out of his room anxious for his clean clothes to come out of the dryer and getting on with the day including visiting Busch Gardens.

After our scrambled eggs, strawberries, hot chocolate and Toast Pastries, Grandpa was off for choir practice, and Anders and I had time for another game. Then while he played on his phone, I got dressed in my jeans that were finally out of the dryer and put the other things away plus washed the dishes.  By then Ken was back and we were off for another day of fun.

We climbed into the car for the half hour ride to Busch Gardens.  While riding Anders and I had a bit of competition both playing the solitare game I taught him - each with our own deck of cards.  Two rounds and both times he won big - first with only 2 cards left and the second with 4 left.  Meanwhile I had 12 and 14 left.  He definitely has the magic touch!!!!!!!

Even with all our gear on, we were chilly because of the stiff winds as well as the temperature.  I couldn't help but fell sorry not only for him but so many others who were there who were enjoying their long planned vacation in the "warm, sunny south" only to have it be the coldest it has been all season.  This is crazy!!!

These statues made of car parts were outside one of the theaters.

During the day we attended several shows: Iceploration (as ice show with fabulous animal costumes and a story of a grandpa taking his grandson who seldom goes outside and lives with his electronics to see the Great Barrier Reef, North Pole, Africa, and the rain forest.  There they see all the creatures of the area); Opening Night Critters (essentially a show with all kinds of animals doing a variety of tricks many of which happen with noone else on the stage but them.  It really is quite cute and certainly shows off all the skills that have been learned while telling a bit of a story); and a Rock A Doo Wop music show while we ate our lunch (that was filled with music from our high school days - not especially Anders type of music but he really seemed to enjoy it)

Anders had a chance to "drive" both a boat

and a truck using a steering wheel on a panel

to guide the remote control vehicles.  We watched the bumper cars for a bit but he decided he didn't want to do that but he did see kids on zip lines and did do that.

While standing in line we could look down on the orangutans that were playing below.

I got a picture of him by one of them that was resting by the window.

 And then we went and checked out the tigers - white ones.  There was a spot where he could go underground and then come up in a glass booth and look right down on the tiger that had laid down by it.

We road the train all around the park and through the plains so we got to see all the animals that were out wandering that area including zebras, gazelles, giraffes, hippos, and many others.

 The guide on the train would not only point them out but tell a bit about them as we wound around through the area.  We also saw all of the roller coaster rides the place is so well known for since we rode by or under most of them on the trip.  Anders agreed with us that people are crazy to get on those things and do 90 degree drops, flip over to hang upside down, etc.  Still it was fun to watch them from a distance and just see what all they did.

At the end of the day when we were walking toward the exit, we stopped to see all of the alligators that were simply resting alongside the water so very close to the fence so we could get a real good look at them.  This was a great follow up to all the ones we saw when out on the swamp boat yesterday.  Most of the biggies we hidden so now we could see ones that were the typical 7-8 feet long.

We came home exhausted and all just sat for a bit playing with our phones and just zoning out.

 Then we got the computer set up again and watched Dolphin Tale 2 with the continuing story of Winter and her "playmate".  The original one died and for a long time she had no one and had major depression problems but eventually a new one arrived and they finally connected.  Her name is Hope.  That is the one we saw at the aquarium when we went on Sunday.  It really was fun learning lots more about the story of that aquarium, its focus of rescuing, getting them better and then releasing back into the wild if at all possible.

Anders had time to chat with his mom, dad, Dagny and Karsten for a bit following the movie but they were getting ready for bed so had to say good night.  Besides it was time for him to do the same.

Ken read him a bit more out of his Percy Jackson book

before we had our hugs and all settled down for our last night together.  How could the time be up???  It is hard to think he'll go home tomorrow. There is so much more we'd like to do but just no time left.  And he never even got to go swimming or run around in shorts.

I forgot to mention that the latest edition of the Senior News came out today (the Zephyrhills based paper) and my newest article about happenings at Hillcrest had made the front page.  Kind of neat to see my name in the byline and also photos I'd taken.  This one was about the breakfasts served here every Monday. Ken's picture was included since his job is taking the orders and collecting the money. He and Paul make a great team and really enjoy working together.

Winter is Back!!

Wednesday, March 15, 2017
We slept in a bit today enjoying being under warm covers as we listened to the winds whistling around the house.  I didn't think to look at the temperature until after 9:00 when the sun had already been shining for a while and warming things up but at that time it was 42 degrees.  Not sure what the wind chill temp was but I'm sure it was lower than 42 cause it was really moving and it felt bitter outside.  Tonight it is suppose to fall to 32 so I'll be covering up plants.  Totally unfair for Anders for sure!!!!

I had told Janet we have had a very warm winter so she only needed to send one pair of pants and a light jacket.  WRONG!!! His one "warm" outfit went through the washer and dryer early this morning so he could wear it today and I'm sure it will be back in tonight so it is ready for tomorrow. Meanwhile we hunted around for a sweatshirt with a hood that he could wear over his light jacket to help keep him warmer when we were outside.

Hot cocoa was on the menu this morning along with hot tea for us.  And while I was getting breakfast ready, Anders was already sitting at the table playing the new solitare I taught him while we were riding in the car on Monday.  I think he is addicted to it :-)

Once breakfast was cleaned up, Anders and I played another round of King's Corners while waiting for his clothes to finish drying.  Then once he could dress in the nice warm pants and long sleeve shirt, he slipped into his jacket and we covered that with a hooded sweatshirt so I could take him for a quick trip. I thought he'd enjoy seeing where I get all my fresh goods - less than 2 miles from here.

So we were off to JRs Fam Market with the huge strawberry field behind it.  And yes, they were out picking strawberries when we arrived so we knew we'd be buying some real fresh ones.  He helped me pick out 2 quarts of huge red ones, and then we walked around so he could see all the choices of food along with the plants including orange and grapefruit trees.  We even took this picture so he could show his family how they plant the fields here with strawberry onions growing at the end of each row.  When you ask why, the typical answer is "to keep the elephants out."

We returned to the house driving at our 11 mile speed limit down the street so he could continue to read license plates and see where people are from.  He has concluded that there are loads of Canadians here cause it was Ontario, Nova Scotia, Ontario, New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec, Ontario, oh New York, Ontario, Michigan, Ontario, Prince Edward Island etc etc etc.

When we returned, I washed one of the quarts of strawberries and we settled down to playing somemore cards.

But soon I realized I'd never gotten the chocolate syrup we needed for chocolate milk so we set off again first going back in the yard to see all the cows up close by our place and check out the babies most of which were lying down in the field.  And we got this picture.

We drove over to the storage area just a short distance down to go into the motorhome and get all the rest of the games I had stored in there.  He helped hold the flashlight so we could see while I crawled over the bed to get at the closet back there.

Then we were off the other direction out of our park going about a half mile to the shopping area at the end to see if we could find the syrup at the Dollar Tree.  He said he'd never been in one of those stores and couldn't believe it when I told him everything was one dollar (plus tax of course)  So we took the time just to wander and see all the things that can be bought there.  One of the first things that caught his eye was a drinking cup he wanted to take a picture of to show his sister - I suggested he just buy it and take it to her.  So then we looked around for a present for his little brother.  And he looked for Pokeman cards.  I took a very happy boy to the cash register with all the items, paid the bill and we walked out with stuff he wanted but no syrup. Darn!!!  We ended up having to drive to Winn Dixie for the syrup while he told me about a book called Winn Dixie.  I'd never heard of it.

By the time we got back, it was time to get in the car and head to Lake Panasoffkee which was about an hour away and the place where we would ride on an airboat.  While we road, we played Go Fish along with some more solitare.  I also showed him how to do a Sudoko puzzle.  He ended up solving it beautifully.

When we arrived a whole group was gathered on the lawn taking an opportunity to hold a small alligator.  We tried to convince Anders to do it but he wouldn't but I did.  It was so smooth on the bottom - almost silky feeling.  But we did get this picture of him with me.

Then we were off for an hour and a half ride first going very fast out into the lake.  Man was it ever cold with that wind flying into our faces.  We sure were glad for all the warm gear we had on and the pockets for our hands.  We were wearing ear protection too and that helped keep the hats on our heads.  

Every time we'd stop we could take our ear protection off so as to hear Captain Ron share stories with us about the area and what we were seeing which included loads of blue heron,

beautiful white egrets,

a variety of ducks and a few other birds I didn't catch he name of.  But the best part was going in and out of the weeds

in the swamp areas and seeing the "clutches" of alligators.  In several spots a momma had set up housekeeping and pretty much called that her home where she raised her young.  At one there were over 80 alligators from babies to 3 year olds along with mom.  Of course, the camera wouldn't pick it up because of all the weeds, but we could see them crawling around and over the top of each other.  But here is an attempt at a picture.

He told us stories of things he had observed over the past few years while doing these tours including of a dominant male trying to chase his boat away getting quite aggressive in the process.  We looked for snakes but it was just too cold for them to be out.  And there were no river otter, turtles, or other animals about either.  It would be so very quiet when we'd stop except for the sounds of the birds calling to each other including owls.

He also showed us a couple of the fresh water spring sources where you could see the water bubbling up.  The water was very very clear so we could also see the fish including lots of wide mouth bass which is the typical catch for fishermen on the lake.  

What a great trip!!!

We have friends who wanted to meet Anders so we arranged to meet them at our favorite pizza place, Sergios, as soon as we were back in town from the boat trip.  So he has now met some of our closer friends: the Foulkes, Wilsons, and Beers.  Plus he has enjoyed a Sergio pizza - the very best.  We ordered a medium for the three of us and his eyes got huge when he saw the size of it and the size of the pieces.  It is large with very large sized pieces - he only made it through 2 slices and that was a struggle!!!

On our way back to Hillcrest we stopped for ice cream at Winn Dixies and he regaled us with a story about a book he likes with a dog in it called Winn Dixie.  I'd never heard of the book and didn't realize that store was also in Texas.  

Anyway, when we got home, we played another round of King's Corners (he won) and then I taught him a new game called Tri-Ominos.  It is a bit challenging but it didn't take him long to catch on and true to his beginner's luck.  He won!!!  In fact, he was at one point leading by over 200 points till I finally got a great play and picked up lots of points.  Our final score was 413-459.  

By this time he begged to watch the DVD that we got at the Aquarium on Sunday - Dolphin Tale.  I struggled to get it to play on my computer but apparently this is another problem with Windows 10, you can no longer do that.  So we got out Ken's computer with Windows 7 and played it on that while he enjoyed a chocolate sundae.  (we don't have a DVD player)  While we were waiting for Ken to set up the computer, he helped me get the outdoor plants bedded down with sheets over all of them to protect them from the 32 degree temps we were predicted to have tonight.  And we brought in the potted plants. He got quite a kick out of my having to put sheets over the plants.

Before crawling into bed after watching the movie, Ken read to him from the book that he's now reading (actually he's been reading at least a chapter a night) - a Percy Jackson story.  I think Ken is enjoying it as much as Anders is.

Kennedy Space Center with Anders

Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Brrrr  It is very windy today and much colder.  Not sure what the temperature got too but a jacket sure felt good today!!!  There are terrible snow storms up north and we get this as a result.  Such a shame since the whole week is now supposedly going to be cold and this is when Anders is here.  Oh well, we certainly found plenty to do today to keep us busy.

After breakfast at the Quality Inn where we stayed last night (Anders had 2 whole waffles, sausage and scrambled eggs plus 2 glasses of juice-you would think we'd been starving him), we drove over to the Kennedy Space Center.  It sure has expanded its offerings since the last time we were here with our kids when they were young - course that is probably 40 years ago.

We wondered through the Rocket Garden where we could get up close and check out 8 different rockets that have been used in the space program.

There were also a couple of spots where Anders could crawl into capsules and see how he fit.  Ken joined him one of those times.

Then we went to the IMAX theater to watch the Beautiful Planet 3D film.  It was probably the best 3D film I've ever seen and certainly gave us a new appreciation of earth.  There were many many views of the planet from a space ship as well as great documentation of life in the International Space Station.  It really was informative.

After that we walked over to the huge store just to see what kinds of thing they offered.  Anders was enthralled with all of the Lego sets and the dune buggy outside as well.

 We found a shirt for him that we hoped Jack Lousma would autograph when we saw him at lunch.  While shopping, Anders ran into a good friend of his from his neighborhood!!!!!!  Now that was certainly a surprise.  They too had been at Epcot yesterday and were heading to Universal tomorrow.

Then we were off to a buffet lunch with Jack Lousma, an astronaut dating back to the 1970 and 80s.  He was in space for 59 days in 1973 for the Skylab 3 mission conducting over 300 experiments, doing space walks, and performing lots of other tasks.  Then in 1982 he was the commander of a Columbia launch.  He shared pictures of some of his activities in space and told stories about his adventures

then answered a variety of questions from the audience. Afterwards we got this picture taken with him

We then headed over to the buses for our trip to the Apollo/Saturn Center.  It was a long long wait but finally we got aboard one and enjoyed the commentary from our driver on our trip over.  We passed many significant buildings used for building various parts of the missiles and rockets including one very very tall building with a door on the side that opened so the huge booster could be brought out after it was built and rolled to the launch site.  

The huge moving platform that carries it was also outside the building so we could see it too.

Besides all the neat space stuff, she pointed out wildlife along the way as all of this center is built on the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.  She said there are at least 600 alligator living in the refuge and at least 6 bald eagle nests are in the area including one that we went by close enough we could even see one eagle sitting on a branch nearby the nest.  We also saw wild pigs running along the side of the road and several alligator out sunning near the ditches filled with water.

At the Apollo/Saturn Center, we saw a huge rocket hanging from the ceiling that filled the area from one end to the other because it was so immense.  

It was just amazing to see and think of the astronauts being brave enough to crawl into a tiny spot at the very top of all those fuel tanks and take off.  A huge model on the floor gave you a sense of the massiveness to the size of the humans riding on top.

Among other things there were a capsule with 3 "men" dressed for flight inside giving an idea of just how tight the set up was (and Jack had already told us how hot it got).  Then we watched the news reel of the moon landing including all the pauses because of being out of communication, the problems with the landing vehicle and the tension felt by everyone.  It sure brought back memories of that fateful day.  I still laugh because Ken had insisted we had to get a new TV and that it had to a color TV for watching this event.  When it happened it was in black and white.  :-)

We also stepped out side and went over to the bleachers where observers of take offs can sit.  We could look across the water and see the launch site with a rocket in place.  It was suppose to have gone off early this morning but all of this strong wind kept it from happening.

When we returned, we picked up our pictures taken with Jack Lousma and went to the space shop where he was autographing things.  Again we faced a long line but eventually we got to him and he not only signed the pictures but Anders new space shirt too.  While we waiting in line, Anders happened to look down on the first floor and saw his friend again but he was just leaving so he couldn't run see him again.

We then had time to visit the Heroes and Legends Hall of Fame and see the short 3 D film about flying honoring the past and looking forward to the future.  On the first floor they had a hall with all kinds of pictures of past astronauts.  It was amazing to see how many there have been.

Sadly it was time for the place to close and we hadn't gotten to everything that was available but we had seen alot and were ready to head for home - a good two hour trip.  We could play games for a short time but then it got dark so we just chatted and relaxed in the back seat while Ken drove.  We did finally make a stop at a Bob Evans Restaurant and had a big breakfast meal for dinner.  Anders managed to eat 2 huge pancakes, scrambled eggs and sausage!  

He enjoyed a chat with his family on the phone as we completed the trip.  I played one game of King's Corners with him and then it was time to settle down for the night.  So while Ken read to him I through everything in the washer so we'd have our warm clothes to wear again tomorrow.  Then we were off to bed too.

Monday - Breakfast and Epcot

Monday, March 13, 2017
Well so much for Plan A.  Anders finally woke up when Ken called at 8:45 wondering if we were going to make it to breakfast since they close down at 9:00 am.  But Anders was still bleary eyed and in no hurry to dress so I asked him to bring home some pancakes with him.

Now in all fairness, in Dallas it was only 7:45 and his body is probably still saying it is 6:45 despite the time change but he is usually a very early riser so we were amazed he slept so well especially since we were up and about at 6:30 this morning so making a little noise.

Anders and I had time for a couple of games after he ate his breakfast as Ken had to work on the sign board.  Then we were off for Epcot arriving in plenty of time to park, get through the long security lines, take a couple of pictures after getting in

and then walk to the GM Test Track to use our fast pass for a ride.

While we were waiting, they were making announcements that they might have to shut down because of the coming storm so we hoped that would not affect us.  And it didn't, although it was spitting rain when we were going through the final fast run outside around the building.

From that point on we were ducking rain drops that came and went and came and went.  Luckily we had an umbrella and it was still fairly warm so it wasn't feeling cold and damp.  After leaving the test track, we headed for the international area of the park (passing some of the gorgeous flower displays)

stopping at Mexico for the boat ride there first.

We then worked our way around to Germany making an occasional stop for a quick look here and there cause we had a set time for lunch. The band was already playing when we went in but really was just getting started so we got to enjoy the whole show while getting our food at the buffet and enjoying eating it and watching.

They really do a great job of presenting a variety of instruments

and making it all alot of fun including encouraging people to come down and dance to things like the polka.

 I don't remember the name of the horns that are very long but those are fun to see and hear along with the xylophone type instruments and bells.

 We sat with a couple from Oklahoma and there 3 little girls.

Once that was over we decided to go to Italy to try and catch the mime act that was due to happen shortly.  We've seen it several times and knew it involved juggling and balls and figured it would be fun for Anders to watch.  I encouraged him to sit right down in front hoping he might even get a ball thrown to him that he had to throw into the net. (note his blond head at the bottom of this picture)

Well he did, twice, and then he was selected to be the helper for the rest of the act!!!!!!  What fun it was watching them interact and his face as different

things happened.

That was a SUPER experience and hopefully one he will remember for a long time.

He asked to return to Norway to take a few pictures of some hieroglyphic type writing that he had seen in a Nowegian book and thought he could take back and figure out what it said.  He apparently is really enjoying learning a bit about his heritage which is neat.  While we were there, we went into the stave church to look at the displays and then went into the bakery where he got a Troll Horn.

 Since it was drizzling, we decided to take advantage of the covered area with tables to sit and let him enjoy his treat.

This put us near China so we suggested going in to see the movie about China (it is in the round but does show some neat stuff in China including the Great Wall).  Once we were in and sitting down waiting for the next show, we discovered that the acrobats were doing their presentation right there after people went into the movie theater, so we decided to just move to the front and watch that first. They did some amazing things in the show as they always do.  Then we went in to see the movie.

In Japan we were able to see the Taiko drummers perform - a very athletic presentation by three women on a variety of drums.  Very dramatic!

We'd hoped to see the French sidewalk show but it was drizzling steadily so it was cancelled or held somewhere else so just wandered on.

Somewhere in all this we had to make the long walk back over to Spaceship Earth to do that ride using a fast pass.  It was still a bit of a long line and wait but nothing like the standbys were doing. That line went back and forth a huge number of times.  When we got there, he got his own car and screen to watch and interact with.

We had fun not only doing the ride but playing with some of the stuff inside afterwards.  Anders sent his "story about his future" home to his mom's email with the hope of seeing it again when he gets back.  He "wrote" a commercial that was then run,

drove a simulated car around a track,

and then drove a car at top speeds in a simulated game doing very well.

We talked about getting in the standby line for Soarin but at that point it was a two hour wait and we just didn't want to devote that much time to a single thing.  Instead we returned to the international area ultimately ending up in England where he had fish and chips and a drink for supper.

Ken and I also shared a similar meal with an umbrella over our heads and damp rears from sitting in wet chairs.

The temperatures were beginning to drop, it was dark and the rain was light but steady so we decided we'd had enough and headed for the car and the hour drive to our motel in Titusville near the Space Center where we were going in the morning.

By the time we got there and into the room it was time for bed.  Luckily Ken still had enough energy to read to Anders cause I totally collapsed.  This bug I've gotten had me coughing and blowing my nose all day and I was wiped out.  But all in all, it was a great day with lots of memory making.