Friday, July 31, 2020

The month of July is done and the first 6 weeks of summer haven’t been too bad, heat wise, here in Central Florida. We’ve been able to sit out several evenings and enjoy a breeze. 

Today Mark pulled down the rest of my wisteria and burned it. We’re going with easier to maintain jasmine and trumpets along the fence between Jim and Candy. 

I spy Wayne at the Chip Truck in Kenora! Oh, they’re so delicious! 

Mark found this online, and had a good laugh. Apparently mom was doing it right all those years ago ... but she put the tape up too high! Our bangs looked just like this poor little girl's! 

😳😳

Thursday, July 30, 2020

Good afternoon y’all ... we were up and away to Verizon in Lady Lake to buy iphones. As you know, my iPhone 7 had become overloaded and glitchy. So ... I got the iPhone 11 Pro Max (spiffy camera) and Mark got the iPhone 11. Yay! 

After we picked up the phones at VERIZON, we met Wayne and LaDonna, who had been having computer work done at Best Buy, at Longhorn steakhouse for lunch. It was fun! After our lunch, we carried on home so I could set up the new phones. They no longer do it in store, you take it home and transfer from one phone to another. I was able to do it, so I think anybody good. Wayne and LaDonna we’re going to pick up their granddaughter for a sleepover. 💕

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Good evening. Tonight we are having a few of the neighbors in, socially distanced, for some yakking and a few drinks. It just rained, so it should be cooled down nicely. 

Mark did a little work on Markymark‘s dock today, just extending it a bit so they could put their barbecue under shelter when needed. 

It was just a small project, but one that Markymark could not get around to with all the things they have going on inside the house.  They plan to be totally done and moved in before Christmas! 

Mark was watching the weather rolled in from the north and took this picture of the storm splitting to go around our lake. We can’t quite figure it out as it goes right over the other lakes.

That’s us, circled in the red. You can see where the storm has been eaten up by something in our area as it goes around us. 😇

The new phones that I ordered on Sunday, we’re supposed to be delivered today. I was going to exchange the 64 GB that I did order, for a 256 GB. However, the warehouse recalled the order and they were wrote it from Jacksonville back to Fort Worth Texas. If I had known they had canceled the order we could’ve gotten this phone situation done earlier in the week. As it is, we have to go to their corporate store in Lady Lake tomorrow to get everything handled.. The new phones that I ordered on Sunday, we’re supposed to be delivered today. I was going to exchange the 64 GB that I did order, for a 256 GB. However, the warehouse recalled the order and they were routed from Jacksonville back to Fort Worth Texas. If I had known they had canceled the order we could’ve gotten this phone situation done earlier in the week. As it is, we have to go to their corporate store in Lady Lake tomorrow to get everything handled. 🤷‍♀️

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Good morning. We were up fairly early and puttered around the house, no particular hurry today. Now Mark has taken a load of donations to Goodwill and I am paying bills. After that, it’s grocery shopping, storing it away and then I will have the afternoon to paint.

We have no plans today just puttering. 

Monday, July 27, 2020

Hello y’all. It’s been a fun day here at our house. Mark picked up the Caddy from Nobles this morning and it seems to be running very well, but with a whiney sound.  Well, we’re a bit whiny after the price tag. LOL. Once Mark brought it home and put the dog cage on the back, we took the kids for a nice ride. It is running very nicely, very smooth, but with a bit of a whine. 

Sue and Wayne had a good weekend with Darlene, Crystal, Avery and Brent. They certainly enjoyed the water and Avery was even jumping in just before they left for Winnipeg.

Chiki, Avery and Mimi at the cottage. 

One last dip ....

Sunday, July 26, 2020

Good afternoon. It’s a bright beautiful sunshiny day here around Lake Eustis. We think Randy & Dawn probably had heavy rain at their place, but it never made it here. They were out boating today with the granddaughters, and planned to stop by. Unfortunately, I did not get the text until after they would have been long here and gone. I was on the phone trying to order new iPhones.

With all the iPhone woes I have been having lately we have decided instead of getting an iPad, to upgrade our iPhones. With this COVID-19, staff is reduced everywhere and it took me all day to get an order done. I was put on hold so many times and then dropped twice on chat, anyway, new phones will be here Wednesday. Our techy friend Wayno suggests I need more storage than 64 gb so mine is going back right to Verizon. 🤷‍♀️ 

Sue and Wayne are having a fun time with family visiting.

Avery and Uncle Wayne are all smiles

Cruising in the Windsorcraft on the bay ... Darlene, Crystal, Brent and Avery in the foreground. 

Avery is a real water baby. 

Cowabunga! 


Fun times! Avery and Crystal. 

Good to see everyone having a fun holiday! 🥰

Saturday, July 25, 2020

Good morning sunshine! We’re up early, for a Saturday ... Marko and Wayno are going to check the cameras in the forest.  It’s 74 degrees right now ... not too shabby for a July morning. 

RanDawn are happy with their hot tub ... 

and it fits beautifully on their porch! It needed all new seals after I didn’t fill it last winter. I guess it’s much like a boat, use it or start replacing parts. Ha ha. Every boater knows that.

Mikey W. is delighted with The lighthouse painting I sent him. He had it framed and here he is happily displaying his newly shaven face beside the picture. Apparently, he’s not too happy about his newly shaven face. LOL. I did like the beard on him, but I guess it got itchy. Ha ha ha.

Susan & Wayne are having company arrive tomorrow to stay at Chippy’s Hollow. Darlene, Crystal, Brent and Avery will stay a few nights. I hope they have great weather and a lot of fun.

While Sue and Wayne were out last night the pups were home alone!

Apparently they self entertained. 😅

Our golf cart is ready for pickup on Monday ... $250 for new motor brushes. We can’t wait to get it home again! 

Friday, July 24, 2020

Good evening. It was a busy day, mostly puttering around the house getting things caught up. Mark moved the work barge so that Lynn‘s son Benn could work on her boat this weekend. Mark looked at Markymark‘s property at a project where he wants to expand the sitting area on his dock. 

At 4 o’clock, I got on zoom with a few of the Yaya girls. We talked for a few minutes and then play a game.  It’s the best we can do to stay connected during these crazy times. Tonight, we met Randy and Dawn, Karen and Pete at the Olive Garden for dinner and drinks.

We had a good time, and it was nice to catch up with everybody’s stories. Pete is working at Ace Hardwsre in Mount Dora, repairing small engines. Karen is now into real estate sales. 

Randy and Dawn have the granddaughters tomorrow for an overnight visit. That will keep them busy this weekend.

Tomorrow, Mark is going for a trek in the woods with Wayno and I am doing some painting. Our chores are caught up and we both have a little bit of free time.

Thursday, July 23, 2020

Good evening! It’s been a busy day here! Mark loaded up The Caddy and took it to Nobles for an estimate on fixing the chug-a-lug. Since there’s been no call from them, I’d say they’re stymied. 😂

Aroooooo from the Scotties at Rainbow Bridge 🐾💕

It was laundry day for me followed by some painting time! We had several rain storms that kept Mark from puttering outside. Tonight is a lovely 78 degrees ... we’re enjoying the front porch with the doggies while Mark has a cigar. 

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

It’s an early start to my day as my tooth hurts. Last night I popped the temporary crown off while flossing! Darn. It’ll be another trip to the dentist today. 

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Good evening. Said in Alfred Hitchcock style. We’ve had a very busy day. I was up at 5:45 ready for my 8 o’clock dentist appointment. Dr Pruett had to remove an old crown, a very thick stainless steel one from a back wisdom tooth molar. It was a grueling hour and 15 minutes to get it off and the impressions done. No problem, we got through that. Then, I went home and had a little nap, woke up and switched my mouth with water and spit the temporary out. 😢 I went back to see Samantha at noon, and she glued it back on.

This afternoon, as I relaxed and painted, while Mark hacked down the non-blooming wisteria and got rid of it.

Burn baby burn. 😂

This evening, we sat on the front porch, Mark had a cigar and we enjoyed some wine. Markymark and Lani went by with their two dogs. It was a beautiful night.

Just before we were going to watch Dexter, I flossed my teeth and pulled the temp crown off. WTF. I am going to flush this one so they have to make a new one tomorrow, hopefully one that fits.

I will call Karen & Pete tomorrow to see if we can meet them for dinner this weekend. That’s it for tonight. Tata. 🥰

Monday July 20, 2020

It’s evening now ... we had a fairly laid back day. Mark had errands to run, 6 stops and I handled the laundry and chores. Surprise surprise! TWO more paintings sold, $52.50 each. Not bad for a wee hobby. 

At 3 I went to Pat’s for a pool get together with Pat, Nancy, Rose, Deenna, Lynn and Carol. It was 90 today, low humidity and the pool was 88. We had a good time!

Mark cooked ribeyes and potatoes for our dinner ... very good. Afterward, we took the kids for a ride on The Caddy. It’s cleaned up and parked in the garage now!

Wayne had some expert help putting the mew recliners  together. 

Shorty, Mimi and Chiki are supervising. 🥰

Have you seen the Neowise comet yet? It’s visible over Central Florida the next couple of days. (We tried to see it tonight but couldn’t spot it.) 

That’s it for today!  

Sunday, July 19, 2020

Good morning. It’s a bright beautiful sunshiny day! Mark just went past singing ... 😂

Today would have been a 40th anniversary for Linda and Randy. I remember their ‘at home’ poolside wedding vividly. Diane couldn’t be there but sent a singing telegram fella. Time passes, but the good memories remain. 

LaDonna just sent a picture she took yesterday, during our painting day. We certainly had a lot of laughs, and finished our paintings.

Happy days. Instead of ‘ Painting with a twist‘ she calls us ‘Twisted Sisters.’ 😂

Mark wirked at some palm tree trimming today and puttered around putting a fancy handle on his shed door. I had a peeked in there the other day, and it’s all back to crazy disorder. I know, you can’t do projects and not make a muddle! I’m proof of that. 😜

Two of my painting sold today, one going to Miami Beach and the other, local. 

Sold for $48.75 ... to Miami Beach

and the other ...

$49.99 to a buyer from Tavares who wants to pick it up. Guess who? Yup, they surprised me ... granddaughter Makenna helped them ... RanDawn bought it. 🥰 That’s so sweet. (Hope they like it!) 

Sue posted this cute picture of the doggies relaxing at the cottage.

Those poor wee doggies have made themselves at home at the cottage. 🐾💕

So that’s it for today.

Saturday, July 18, 2020

This morning, Mark and his friend Wayne went to Randy‘s to work on the spa hook up. They were gone several hours, and found they needed some new seals for the pump. Meanwhile, LaDonna and I painted in the sunroom. It was great, we enjoyed it and both finished our pictures.

Markymark and Lani came over at 4 o’clock for happy hour, and by 630 we decided to order dinner from Stavros. It was delicious ... and we had such fun. 

LaDonna’s Arizona painting!

Meridyth popped over to pick up the painting I did for her and had drinks with us. They are going back to North Carolina next Friday. We plan to visit them in September. 

Friday, July 17, 2020

Good evening y’all. It’s been a warm one here in Central Florida. Mark, with the help of Wayno, delivered the hot tub to RanDawn’s in the morning. They got it into the screen room and ready for hookup tomorrow. The old spa had to be chopped up and taken to the dump. The guys were back here by 1:30ish, hot ‘n sweaty. 

While they were gone, I cleaned and mopped the floors; the weekly job. Otherwise, a quiet day til the 4 o’clock weekly Zoom, YaYa get together. We play a quiz game; winner hosts the next week’s game. 

Mikey Wills loves the paintings I sent ... his mom got two for her room and Michael got the lighthouse for his suite. 

A happy guy! Nice picture!

The painting sent to Raleigh, NC was well received by the Mrs. ... Schweeet. 

Thursday, July 16, 2020

Good morning. I had one of those sleepless nights, having eaten too much cheese yesterday. We had a delicious pepperoni pizza for dinner, and it was so good it kept me awake. Ha ha. Anyway, I was up at 5:30 and started painting. Mark slept until 730 when I woke him that a strange man was at our front porch.

Fortunately, the dogs barked before he ever got into the screened porch and the blink camera took his picture. I didn’t answer the door but went to get Mark who was sound asleep. Anyway, Mark jumped in the Mounty and took off after him! He found the guy at Bob & Kim’s, fishing, and eyeing up Bob’s boat. The guy became belligerent with Mark who then called police. 

In other news, Susan & Wayne got new carpeting for the living room and dining room at their cottage. It looks great.

Mark got the hot tub moved and ready for it’s trip to RanDawn’s tomorrow. That freed up space for my artsy fartsy area! 

Mark bought a $20 dolly for moving the beast. It worked so well that we rolled through the house and into the garage. Wayno is coming at 9 o’clock tomorrow for the he-man-fun. 

  

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Good morning. I was up early getting my chores done before the 90° that is forecast later today. Actually, it’ll be quite nice if we get the thunderstorms that are forecast. So far, we are down 11 inches in rainfall in our region. The East Coast has had tons of storms with the ocean breezes, but they never get as far inland as us. Well, not to Lake Eustis. There was a news caster in Winnipeg when I was growing up who always said “ Sunny St. James.” I guess you could say we have sunny Harbor Shores! 

This week we’ve been tidying up around the place. I’m moving my artsy-fartsy grouping to a corner of the Sunroom, as encouraged by my art buddy, LaDonna. 

My painting supplies are now in the two curios, and my drafting desk to the left. Soon, the spa will be at RanDawn’s and the art stuff will take its place in the corner of tge Sunroom. Exciting. 

We finally had a bit of rain ... sat on the front porch with 73 degrees. Nice. Mark smoked a big cigar that Randy & Dawn bought him for his birthday.

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

 Good afternoon. We are just on the way back from our eye doctor appointment in Summerfield Florida. Yesterday, I had a new floater come up in my left eye, quite a large one. Then last night I saw flashes of light, so it was time to get a quick check up. My vision is still 2020 and my pressures are low. All that was good news, and no tear to the retina. It was kind of frightening to have it come on so suddenly. Anyway, the eye doctor just said “well, your eyes are getting older.” I asked if there were any supplements or anything to take, he said there’s nothing you can do about it if it gets worse come back in.

Otherwise, it’s been a pretty normal day. Mark and Bob went to the woods this morning for a walk about and we’re home about 11 o’clock, before the heat of the day.

Monday, July 13, 2020

Well, good morning from steamy Central Florida. Mark was up and outside washing the truck before 7:30 to beat the heat! Now it’s covered and awaiting the next adventure, Maggie Valley in August. 

“Paradise Found” ... a cute tin-roofed pink cottage and Tiki bar. This was a fun one to paint. 😜

With Florida’s COVID-19 infected numbers rising, the most globally, we’ve canceled our Christmas 🎄 in July dinner partay. Too bad, we were all needing some fun but it’s too risky. Sad Santa 🎅🏼 face here. Wishing our governor would mandate mask wearing in the entire State! 

That’s what we’re dealing with in the USA ... 

and apparently we have some offspring of those fishing in the shallow end of the gene 🧬 pool. 

In other news, Sue was trying to cook at the cottage but ran into 3 dogs wanting to play. 🐾💕

They’re doing a bit of a remodel, new flooring and some new recliners. Tonight, a big thunderstorm is expected in their area.

Here, it’s been hot and dry. The storms tend to miss our area. Guess that’s it for tonight, we’re going to watch some TV with the doggos. 

Sunday, July 12, 2020

Good afternoon. Yesterday got away on us and I did not write a blog. I will try to do better today.

Yesterday, we traveled back from the Tampa Bay area to home. Traffic was light and it was an easy drive. When we got home, Mark wanted to wash the rig, and I washed five loads of laundry. (how do you create five loads of laundry in only five days?) 

Today, we got the RV parked, then puttered around this afternoon. Mark discovered a problem with our sunroof and had to do a quick repair. It was likely due to the hurricane 3 years ago!

 Later, Randy and Dawn stopped over with granddaughter Makenna for a quick visit. I had turned out my wreath making supplies and boxed them up. Dawn has the two granddaughters and was looking for crafting ideas! Perfect! Randy loaded up the box! That was the highlight of our day.

Saturday, July 11, 2020

Good morning. I was up early and got the shower cleaned and tidied up ready for traveling home.

Friday, July 10, 2020

Good morning. It’s a bright beautiful sunshiny morning here in the Tampa Bay area. It’s our friend LaDonna‘s birthday. We will celebrate with a dinner out this evening. Other plans for the day include a drive to home goods, a store we don’t have nearby at home.

Well, it was a fun day. After our morning shopping Mark and I puttered around the RV and relaxed until we went to dinner at 4:30. Well, actually 530 by the time we got going. We ate at Miller’s ale House, a very casual bar/restaurant with good food. I had the best ribeye I think I’ve ever had. I ate every morsel.

We sat outside last night, and it was nice and breezy.

Thursday, July 9, 2020

Good afternoon. We were up and away by 1030 for a big drive to Tarpon Springs and the sponge docks. We took the kids with us as we were going to be quite a distance from the RV. I think they enjoyed it, but got a little overheated walking around town.

We shopped, ate lunch and walked a mile about town. It’s one of the nicest towns ever! We’ll be back in September! 

LaDonna and Wayne cook dinner tonight, baked beans with Jack Daniels, brats, hoagie rolls, and macaroni salad. It was delicious. After dinner, we went to the beautiful pool for a couple of hours. There weren’t too many people there and we were able to social distance! 

Fun in the sun with the L’s. 

After swimming, we sat outside and had another drink till 1130. Tomorrow’s another day.

Sue and Wayne are having their fancy dinner party tonight. The table looks beautiful and they have all the food prepared by Darlene. It sounds like a terrific feast.

Enjoy!!! 

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Good afternoon. It’s a cloudy, rather dull day with 88° right now. About 10 o’clock we took a drive to Michael’s to pick up some paint brushes and just poke around the store. LaDonna had some paint brush ideas for me and I was able to buy three new brushes. She bought an easel for her granddaughter and a few small canvases for her. Mark found a Scottie dog door stopper that we just needed. All in all, it was a nice drive.

Our plans today are a little more painting, and enjoying the pool. Dinner tonight will be pizzas on the Pizzazz! The L’s have a Pizzazz too! .

We had a great dinner, and planned to play Mexican dominoes but, it was so nice in the evening, we sat outside until 1030. Maybe dominoes tomorrow.

Tuesday July 7, 2020

Good afternoon. We had a lazy start to the day and left about 1030 for shopping at Winn-Dixie. We’re sharing cooking with Wayne and LaDonna and decided on a menu and all of us went shopping. It was a nice store and absolutely every person was wearing a mask. It is required in Hillsboro county.

This afternoon, LaDonna and I are painting at our place and the guys are going to have a game of corn toss.

It was Mark‘s turn to cook tonight and he made sausages peppers and onions on hoagie rolls with potato salad and a Caesar salad. It was a real good dinner. Afterwards we walked up to the Lazydays recreation Center, and checked out the eatery in the pool area. Tomorrow will be a swimming day.

The entrance to the restaurant. 

The restaurant is made like the inside of an RV, with booths, room slides, etc. it’s really a cool place.

We sat outside a couple of hours, and then came in about 10 o’clock to cool down and get ready for bed. Mark is just going to walk the dogs as a thunderstorm is headed our way. Ta ta til tomorrow. 

Monday, July 6, 2020

Well, apparently yesterday was a very busy day. We were so busy we never got a blog done. We made the trip to Lazydays in Tampa and met up with LaDonna and Wayne. We have very good campsites here with a nice shade tree. It rained on and off, but we had the awning and sat out and enjoy the evening air until quite late.

The L’s brought Mark a bottle of crown and a very fancy cigar for his birthday. At 6:30 we went to the Olive Garden for dinner. It was a great feast ended with a birthday song and a chocolate lasagna cake. I know it sounds weird, but if you haven’t tried it, you must.

Happy Birthday dear Mark! 🥂🍾🎂❤️

Sunday, July 5, 2020

Good morning. It’s 820, and I’ve been up for two hours and accomplished absolutely nothing. Ha ha. That’s perfect for a Sunday morning. Mark is still sleeping and the dogs are laying on the livingroom rug relaxing. 

Plans for today include loading up the RV and meeting Randy & Dawn at Stavros for an early dinner.

Many Yacht Club members will remember Ray Senft. Here’s a stroll down memory lane for some ... and for others, an interesting story on some of Winnipeg‘s history.

We had a great evening with Randy & Dawn. We met at the Olive Garden at 4 o’clock for an early dinner, we thought to beat the crowd. When we left at 5:30, there was no crowd. I don’t know how these restaurants are going to survive. Anyway, back home Dawn open her birthday presents and then Mark opened his. It was lots of fun. We had a good visit and then Lani and Markymark popped over with some homemade ginger snaps and a summer sausage for Mark We had a great evening with Randy & Dawn. We met at the Olive Garden at 4 o’clock for an early dinner, we thought to beat the crowd. When we left at 5:30, there was no crowd. I don’t know how these restaurants are going to survive. Anyway, back home Dawn opened her birthday presents and then Mark opened his. It was lots of fun. We had a good visit ... then Lani and Markymark stopped over with some homemade ginger snaps and a summer sausage for Mark plus a birthday card. It turned out to be a little bit of a partay! Ha ha. What a fun evening.