Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Good afternoon. We’ve been busy around here getting ready for our South Florida visit. It’s really easy traveling when we take the RV … just put some food in the fridge and go; the basics are all there. This time, we really have to think about what the basics are and pack them to go. Ha ha. 

It’s cloudy today and a bit muggy so I was happy to have things to do in the A/C. Mark took a ride to the Home Depot and Winn-Dixie and came home looking pretty hot. The Mounty does not have air-conditioning. I think he should’ve taken the Kia. 💦

Rick M talked to us on FaceTime today and set up his new blog. He hasn’t been doing a blog for awhile but has now downloaded the app onto his iPhone and will start again. We’ve missed reading it and keeping up with what he’s been doing. Ruth, has been working at a food kitchen as well as a thrift store. We know this would be right up her alley, keeping her busy and doing some good. They are looking for a place for this coming winter, perhaps in Florida. 🥰

 Nice crib Rick 👍🏻

Mark and I and the kids sat on the front porch for an hour and enjoy the evening rain, cigars and scotch. It was a good evening and now we are watching Beyond Oak island. Life is good.

Monday, June 28, 2021

Good morning. Can you believe it is nearly the end of June? It is less than six months to Christmas! Heeheehee … I best get working on my Christmas card art work. 🤔 Perhaps a boating theme this year. 

We talked with Randy and Dawn for a half hour last night and heard all about their Key West trip. It was Dawn’s first time in the keys and she loved it. Next time, says Randy, they will take the car and do more shopping. They enjoyed staying at the Ibis which had shuttle service to downtown. They also got to see Scott, plus Greg and Sue, in Pompano. They had terrific chicken wings at “legends” on Cypress. Maybe we will try it when we are in South Florida. 

This evening we are going to Wayne and LaDonna‘s for ribs. Of course the kids are invited and we are going to play marbles afterwards. it’ll be a fun night.

We’re back home at 10:30 having had a fantastic fun evening with Wayne and LaDonna. The ribs were terrific, Mark made a Caesar salad and Waynoe cooked green beans. Afterwords, we played a few games of chasing marbles and then sat on their front porch and enjoyed cigars. It was a beautiful evening.

That’s it for this evening. I hope you all had a wonderful Monday.

Saturday, June 26, 2021

Good afternoon! 

Wishing you safe travels home! Dawn and Randy had a big motorcycle trip to Key West to celebrate! 

Looking great and living your best life! 

AND … 

Wishing you a wonderful day with family and friends! 

It was a bit of a laid-back day around here, sunny this morning but then showers moving in for the afternoon. Mark did some grocery shopping, I finished the painting, and then we both took a little siesta.

The cottage is not quite as purple as this photo makes it look, but it is purple. I did this one for our RV bathroom.

Friday, June 25, 2021

Good afternoon y’all … I miss doing yesterday‘s blog so I will fill you in. Mark and Waynoe went to the woods yesterday to check their game cameras and have a hike a boat. I had a doctor appointment, just results on my bloodwork which all came back excellent, and my cholesterol even down to 211. The doctor was very happy to see that as my good cholesterol is 80, so the ratios are very good. I guess this low carbohydrate diet is working wonders. And, I managed to lose another 6 pounds. Yahoo. 

Pat hosted game day with about a dozen of the girls. I played Mexican dominoes for a while and then let Cheri take my seat and watched another table play 5 crowns. It was a fun afternoon, always lots of laughs. It’s so nice to be able to get back together again, safely. All of the girls have had their vaccinations.

We had a quiet evening just catching up on a couple of TV shows.

This morning, Friday the 25th, we had a bath remodeling company give us an estimate on redoing just the guest room shower stall. It’s a one day demo and replacement and we were expecting a bid somewhere around $3000. Ha, apparently they are putting in gold everything as the price was $17,000 for a basic kit done in 1 day! Yeah, that’s not going to happen. It was an hour and a half talk on how wonderful the company is and what great acrylic products they use. Pardon me, but acrylic is plastic. 🙄 So, we will take our time, think about what we want to do and eventually tackle it ourselves when we’re in the mood. I know we will get the whole thing done for much much less and choose things we really like.

It’s a bit of a overcast day as we are into the June rainy season. It does keep it nice and cool so there’s no complaints there. But, it’s just not boating weather. 

This afternoon we took a box of goodies to the humane society store … and bought a cute green parrot for the Sunroom decor. I have just the place for it. After that we went to Beall’s where I bought a long necklace and note set. On the way home we got into torrential rain … but a mile further on, we turned into our ‘hood and it was dry. 🤷‍♀️

If you can find it on the history channel season 15 of ancient aliens is amazing. No, it’s not all about aliens, but it sure deals into ancient history going back tens of thousands of years. Lotta good scientific information there. I recommend pouring a drink and sitting down open your mind and enjoy it. 

Speaking of drinking, Mark and I are on the front porch having a drink, there’s light rain, the dogs are in their chairs snoozing and he’s having a cigar. Life is good.

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Hi y’all from cloudy Central Florida where there’s thunder in the distance. We’re just home from a Wally World Walkabout … and are worn out (and broke.) 😂 OMG, that place was busy! We needed a lot of odds ‘n emds so Walmart was THE place to go!

One thing on the list was noodles to construct an ark … but more about that later. The store was very busy … and it was a challenge to find things such as a comb. 😁 I swear,  not 1 comb at Walmart! 🤷‍♀️ Mark wanted flyswatters … none to be found! Pool noodles … sold out. 🙄 What the heck. So, it was off to Dollar General to finish up. 

Are ya ready to see the creation for our South Florida trip?

Here

        It

           Is …

Mark’s Ark! Hahaha … they’re going to love it!!! 🐾💕

LaDonna & Wayno are meeting us for supper tonight … date night!  

Well that was an interesting evening. When Mark and I walked in one of the waitresses was washing the floor so we couldn’t sit in our usual booth. She showed us to another one at the opposite end  of the restaurant. Once we were all seated, LaDonna noticed the table was wet in one area. We dried it, thinking the table had been washed before we sat down. We ordered drinks and food and then the dripping started again. Every once in a while LaDonna would get a drop on her . 😂 What the heck?  Although our food was all good, it was a strange evening. So we continued our evening at our front porch. 

In the northern climes, Sue and Wayne went to “the log cabin“ for an outdoor dinner. Due to Covid, only outside dining is available at the moment. 

That’s it for today. Tomorrow morning Mark is going to the woods with Wayne to set up some cameras.

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Good afternoon all y’all … it’s a bright, beautiful blue sky afternoon here ahead of thunderstorms. It’s lawn service day with the hum of equipment. (Mom n Dad hated it at Nobel Point as they usually had their 2nd floor big doors open to the water.) 

Well, as usual, we did not get any heavy rain. We enjoyed our front porch with a light rain and Lani and Markymark came over for drinks. It was just a lovely evening.

Monday, June 21, 2021

Good evening. Happy summer solstice! We started with a busy morning taking Robbie to Dr. Wilson about a little lump, wart or a cyst that had come up. We were lucky they fit us in for 10 o’clock. Dr. Wilson examined it, thought it was nothing to worry about but did a histology on it so we wouldn’t worry. The result of benign give us a good day right there. Of course BeeZee came along with us as she loves seeing everyone at the vets office. Robbie is a little more reluctant after the big surgery he had earlier this year.

The crazy forecast was for 100° today in areas of Central Florida. We never got over 88, so I’m not sure what that forecast was all about. Anyway, tonight we sat on the front porch after dinner and it was comfortable. Then, the rain came through and dropped to 75° and we came back inside to watch TV.

We recently just bought a new backseat liner for the kids. When we drive south we will need it to keep them safe and comfortable. Usually, they’re in the truck and they have their beds and routine there. This “Lassie“ seat protector installed easily and is well-made. It was quite a bargain on Amazon at less than $30. 

This afternoon Mark took his load of scrap aluminum and copper to the local scrapper and for his effort got $65. I suggested he wear work boots there as it could be nails etc. When he got back, he showed me this picture  … 

Notice the bare feet? WTH? 😂

Sue & Wayne took the dogs for a ride to Walmart on a rainy afternoon. They’ve had some nice weather but it was cool last night and rain today.

That’s it for today. 

Sunday, June 20, 2021

Happy Father’s Day to the kind, generous men out there. We’ve lost our dads along the years … two good ones they were.

My thought first thing today was to make breakfast for Mark … but he already had cheese sausages started. 🤷‍♀️ He’s become adapt in the kitchen in his retirement years. 😋 Maybe too good as we have now switched to a low carbohydrate lifestyle … and feel better. 

Father’s Day in the bird world. 🥰

Friday, June 18, 2021

Good afternoon. Mark has been in the kitchen most of the morning prepping a meal for tonight‘s birthday celebration for Dawn and Wayno! Me? I’ve been vacuuming, we had a lot of blind mosquitoes get into the sunroom! Yuck. 

Well, apparently that was a pretty busy evening. It’s now Saturday afternoon and we have just finished lunch. The birthday parties were fun, and no one left for home until 11 o’clock. That’s usually a good sign that everybody is enjoying themselves.

It’s a bit of a goofy picture, but that’s what you get when you wait too long to take one. Ha ha ha. Everything looks a muddle. 

This evening Bob and Kim came over at 7 o’clock. We sat on the front porch and had some drinks. It was a bit warm in the beginning but a breeze came up and it was lovely. 

Thursday, June 17, 2021

Good morning. It’s been running around this morning taking the Kia in for an oil change, but refused the $2000 worth of “necessary“ repairs that the service department recommends. We don’t have 40,000 miles on the vehicle yet! I’m sure they’re ploy is to get you to go into the show room and buy a new one rather than spend money repairing. Ha, we’re onto them!

We finally got an address for aunt Jane and sent her a card with a picture of her little dog Beau who now belongs to Diane and  Kris. He’s just the cutest (most stubborn) wee guy. (Diane says she has met her match in stubbornness.) 😂

Beau has settled in nicely … and has a dog friend in Belle. 

Well, she’s not always sweet. 🙄

Sue and Wayne took a trip to town today to pick up flowers for their deck.

The witches’ pots have been utilized again. Nice! 

Gorgeous! Happy summer! 

This evening, Mark took the dogs for a golf cart ride while I tidied up and we sat on the front porch for a couple of hours enjoying the evening. Now we found an interesting show on TV called “what in the world” 

That’s it for tonight. Ta ta til the morrow. 

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Good morning. Yesterday got away on us and I did not get a chance to post a blog. One of the slide mechanisms on the RV was damaged, probably by us hitting something on the RV park at some point, and then eventually it broke. Anyway, rather than take it in for service which would be days and days, Mark manufactured a part and fixed it. I swear, that man can fix anything. 🥰

That’s a loaded spring inside the awning coiler … yikes! It’s a wonder we didn’t lose more parts on the highway! Anyway, as you can see, after a trip to Home Depot, some grinding and filing and cutting a rubber wheel it in half, Mark fixed it. 😅

It rained on and off most of yesterday so we weren’t able to park the rig until after supper. It slipped into its port perfectly. After all that, we poured a drink and sat on the front porch and invited Markymark to join us. Lani is away until Sunday and he has been working diligently on the pool bathroom. He wants to have a swim party once Lani gets back home. She is visiting her daughters in Chicago. We were concerned with her being there with the huge chemical fire that happened on Monday.

We talked with Randy and Dawn last night and they had Makenna and Charlotte for two nights. We will see RanDawn Friday night to celebrate her Birthday. 

So today has started out to be quite lovely, with a high predicted in the 80s. That probably means more rain later, but that’s OK. We hung a new flag for summer! I love how lively and bright it looks.

I wish we could buy the correct size which is a 3‘ x 5‘, but it’s almost impossible to find a decorative one in that size.

Suwan Way and are off quarantine and able to drive around shopping etc. They had a boat ride last night … sorry, but no pictures.

I started getting ready today for Dawn‘s birthday get together on Friday, and Wayno’s too. Now it’s time to watch some TV and we are looking for something good. It looks like will be watching Unearthed. 

Monday, June 14, 2021

Good afternoon. We got home just after noon today from Sarasota. It rained half the way home and we saw one nasty accident involving a FedEx double trailer semi. It was in the median ditch jackknifed. I hope there were no injuries.

Coming along State Route 44 just a mile or so from our turn off home, a crazy guy in a jacked up truck with giant tires went off the road and had to swerve back on it. It’s a wonder he didn’t roll it right in front of us. Anyway, we are home safe and parked in the driveway already. 

It was pretty muggy when we got home, and rained on and off all afternoon. We manage to unload the rig but drying things out will take some time.

Sunday, June 13, 2021

Good morning. Mark and I started with a short walk down to Mika and Jim’s rig to say goodbye to those gathering and having coffee and donuts. We are staying another night along with Wayne and LaDonna. It should be a little quieter day around the pool with many families heading home ‘n back to work.

The L’s have gone to the pool … we’ll go later; I have major aches today. 

Pool bathers enjoying a drinkie. 

We came back home about 3:30, showered and took the dogs for a golf cart ride. Now LaDonna is making taco salad for dinner and we are going there at 5:30. It’s fun for the kids because they get to come too.

Tomorrow is back home! We have a few eBay sales waiting to be shipped.

Saturday, June 12, 2021

Good afternoon y’all … it’s day 3 of our campout at Sun ‘n Fun and we’re hiding from both this afternoon. 😂

Mark and Waynoe went to Lowe’s for a few things that we wanted for the rake, and LaDonna and I painted for a couple of hours.

It’s 91ish now .. we’re happy to be inside! The guys took the Scotties for a golf cart ride way down the park (it’s huge) and saw many new homes going in. 

Last night with Dick & Lil 

Fun times … lots of laughs! It’s good to see so many familiar faces back camping. 

Friday, June 11, 2021

Good afternoon. We were up and out by 10 o’clock to drive around Sarasota, St. Armands Key, Lido Key and Longboat. It was a beautiful drive, Wayne and LaDonna came with us plus we brought Robbie and BeeZee It would’ve been too long away from the RV to leave them alone on a hot summer day.

No puppers allowed, but a nice park for fishing. 

LaDonna sat in the truck with the dogs while we ran into Publix for a couple of lunch items. Apparently we were missed.  🐾💕

This afternoon will take the kids for a golf cart ride and then at 5 o’clock I go for drinks and hors d’oeuvres with the group at the camp out.

Thursday, June 10, 2021

Good morning. It’s 1122 and we are sitting at a rest area just outside of Sarasota Florida. We cannot arrive at sun and fun resort until noon or there is a $25 charge. So, we are burning fuel and sitting in the cab passing a few minutes. The traffic has been light, and good roads. When we left home it was 83° and sunny … it’s now 87° and cloudy. Wayne and LaDonna are about half an hour behind us. 

Sun ‘n Fun is a great resort. The L’s have rented a golf cart for getting around as it’s huge! Most VIPers arrive Friday as many still work. We’ll go exploring as it cools down a bit. Fortunately, there is still low humidity.

Tonight we are doing pizza at our rig, tomorrow night Giant puts on a load of appetizers and drinks … then Saturday night a dinner … Sunday is coffee and pastries for breakfast (which I will avoid.) Blah. 

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

Good afternoon. Today is ‘load the RV’ for our five nights in Sarasota. It’s a Giant Recreation World VIP camp out, the first we have been to in 16 months. We are looking forward to it. At home here it is 90° according to the weather station and 87 according to ours. However, it’s hot and it is buggy as we have an outbreak of blind mosquitoes. I phoned the county this morning and we are on the list to be sprayed. They’ve been pretty good about it, but with the recent rain the darn things hatch again. No, they don’t bite but they are annoying! 

eBay sales slowed down yesterday and today, so far. The packages have all gone in the mail and we are going to have a few days away from it. Of course I will be taking my paints with me as I know LaDonna will. 🎨 I sold a few more paintings on eBay, so that helps with the motivation.

Diane sent me a link to our old old family home in the West End of Winnipeg which is now on the market for 299,000. I am guessing that it is not a great area now with that particular price tag. However, it looks darn nice in the pictures for a 1916 home. Diane remembers living there until the last quarter of grade 3. It must’ve been a traumatic move for her and for Linda who would’ve been a teenager at that time.

508 Sherburn Street … the Andruskos lived next door; Ronnie and Linda? 

I loved the smell of the veranda screens in summer!

The wall to your left held a coat tree and a grandfather clock that ticked loudly and chimed. I can’t see the old newell post and stair curve at the bottom. 🤨 Modernization occured. 

It was grass out back in our family’s time. 

I remember the picture that hung on the wall by the kitchen door … and the livingroom looks familiar. But where’s the fireplace? 

It was in this living room I was zapped by the old Electrolux vacuum at age 6 months. ⚡️ It was an oldie with a female plug into the actual vacuum. I was crawling a bit, grabbed the cord after it pulled out of the vacuum and put it in my mouth!!! Older sister Linda recalled my hair standing on end! A few years later I was sent to elocution lessons at Mrs. Dill’s house on Hazeldell. I thought mum said “electrocution “ and started hollering. 🤪



I remember the dining room as small so we must have had the huge dining set we took to Kildonan Drive on move to the river. 

Only the kitchen layout is familar. I want MULK! 😂

The claw foot tub is long gone. Diane hollered for mom to get out of the tub after I pooped in it. Heeheehee … I was a baby. 🤷‍♀️ 

Mom n Dad’s room

Grandpa Tawns had the top floor 

I remember looking down to the street when the black limousine took us to grandpa’s funeral from that window dormer. I was 3 when we moved away. 

Wasn’t that fun walking down memory lane with a 3 year old’s perspective. 

That’s it while we load the RV 

Tuesday, June 8, 2021

Good evening. Yes, I’ve been slacking. Jim G emailed me to check why there was no blog yesterday. Actually, it’s been very busy around here with eBay sales. Anyway, yesterday we did manage a two hour boat ride with the dogs around Lake Eustis.

Robs and me … it was beautiful, cloudy with a good breeze. Later in the day it got into the high 80’s. 

Mz BeeZee had a seat to herself. 

Between all the eBay wrapping and shipping, Mark has been trimming the queen palm trees for hurricane season. Last week he did the IV in the front yard and this week four in the backyard. Two of the trees have gotten absolutely huge; the ones we started from seed at our home in Boca Raton 20 years ago. 

As you can see from his gesture, it’s not Mark’s favorite job. 😂

No complaints here on our weather but OMG the weather map for the US is very active. California has the summertime fire risks.

Yikes, eh? Sue has let us know that there have been fires up around the lake area and that it has been pretty hot and dry. Of course they are still in quarantine but able to sit on the dock on their own property tonight.

Shorty Hotpants and Cheeky Monkey are lucky pups! The weather looks great. 

This afternoon while Mark was at the post office, UPS returning an item and fueling up I was at game day with a dozen of the local girls. It was a fun afternoon at Trina’s … Pat, Sharon, Patricia, Anita and I played Phase 10, a card game like Crazy Rummy. It was a few hands before we got everyone onto the rules again. Cheri opened champagne and we toasted being able to get together again! Fun times. 

So that’s it for today. At the moment it’s still 90° and we are waiting for it to cool down before going for a walk with the kids. (It was beautiful for our walk.)