New Year Eve

We cleaned the house, put in a little extra "elbow grease"  as this will be the last time before we leave.  I spent the afternoon packing, took two suitcases rather than the planned one suitcase.  Taking cruise cloths takes up more room.  Still have to rangler the odds and ends we want to have with us in Florida.

It started with freezing drizzle and turned to snow in the afternoon, makes me very glad we are celebrating New Year Eve at home.

Sunday

We went for breakfast at Denny's.  Then home to read the Sunday newspaper.  The sun is shining so even though it is cold outside at least it looks warm.  We did things around home in prep for leaving for Florida on Wednesday.  Ate dinner at home.

Mt. Rushmore in the snow:

Cold Saturday

Laundry again.  Continue to do things to get ready to head south.

It was 8 degrees when we got up today, light snow.  Daughter and family are headed to Caribbean!

Don went to the post office, our key will not open our mailbox - somehow jammed.  The mail deliver fixed it for us, don't know what was the problem.

We picked up a pizza for dinner.  So ends another exciting day.

Ice, Snow, Cold

We braved the snow over ice to go for a bagel at Panera this morning and the to the DMV to pay the trailer license and to Walmart.

The outside temperature got colder all day with some on and off snow.  We worked around home to get ready for the winter move to Florida.

Had French Toast for dinner.

Grandson is 22!

Early birthday for grandson

Today was the day I dread - taking down the Christmas decorations and tree.  It didn't take us too long, but the house looks so boring.  We have to get them down before we leave because coming back in April Christmas decor might look out of place!

It snowed some during the night and is raining today making the roads a slush slide.  No chance they might plow.

We joined the family to celebrate Josh's birthday a couple days early as they are going to be gone.  We went out to eat and back to our daughter's house for cake and ice cream.  Said so-long to everyone until April.

Christmas plus 1

Don was off to his doctor check-up and I stayed home and started washing slacks, sweaters, etc. that take special care.  And drinking coffee as I was a little tired yet.  I also spent some time getting things put together, a pre, pre packing for leaving next Wednesday.

We had lunch with daughter Brenda and Granddaughter Becca along with Brenda's "bonas" daughter Kazia and her Logan and Holland.  We had a great visit!

We stayed home for dinner having leftover ham from our son-in-law and leftover broccoli casserole.

Merry Christmas!

No sleeping in for us!  We got up and ready to go to daughter Sheila's home for brunch and gifts.  Daughter Brenda and family were also there so a fun morning.  We got great gifts which we will enjoy all year.  I love giving gifts and I love getting gifts!!!!

Then home to get the broccoli casserole in the oven and a quick nap.  Time to go to our son-in-law's brothers home for Christmas dinner.  They are good hosts and we always enjoy our time with them.  They had 35 people for dinner.  We also enjoy visiting with Rudi and Marie, people we have crusing in common. 

We were exhausted when we got home, relaxed for a bit and I reexamined the gifts I got.

Christmas Eve

Busy day.  I made the broccoli casserole that I'm taking for Christmas dinner tomorrow as there will only be time to cook it between events.  Then we cleaned the house, did some wash and delivered some gifts, etc.

I did get a nap as I planned, needed to get my infected leg elevated for awhile.

Then to church with daughter Sheila and family followed by fondue, chocolate fountain, creps, etc. at their home.  A fun family Christmas Eve!

Day before the day before

We went to breakfast at Perkins, our time is limited to have their good potato pancakes as the Perkins in Florida is about 45 minutes away.  Then home to read the newspapers.  In the afternoon I made cheese balls for Christmas Eve and cooked wild rice for a Christmas Day vegetable dish.

My cellulitis seems to be retreating, at least no worse.  Still burns.

Morning at the clinic

During the night I went from freezing to sweating so I knew I was coming down with something.  Turns out it was cellulitis - again.  So I spent time at the clinic this morning and got a prescription for antibiotics.  Hope I get over this very soon, it burns and is a bit painful.

We have a dark and drab day going, seemed like night all day long.  We went to Culvers for their fine Reuben Sandwich and had a coupon for a sundae. 

First day of winter and darkest day of the year

We went to Target and HyVee this morning.  Didn't buy much as Christmas Shopping is done and we will be leaving for Florida soon so don't need much for groceries.  The stores were very busy.  All the checkout areas were open and busy in both stores.

We got hamburgers from 5 Guys for dinner.

Unfruitful trip in the sleet.

Went to Best Buy this morning to look at computers, nothing I want.  Then we went to Sam's Club, there was one computer that might be OK but dubious about buying a computer from Sam's.  I had a prescription to pick up and then home for the day.

It was a surprise in the morning when we backed out of the garage, we were getting sleet on our window.

IKEA

We went to IKEA this morning, had their good $2 breakfast and free coffee and then walked the whole big store.  We only bought a few things.  By then it was time for lunch so stayed and had a salmon dinner.

On our way home we stopped at a charity and left some clothing.  Then home for a nap!


Zoo or IKEA???

Turn around day

Our day did a turn-around.  First Don was going to the doctor for a check-up and I was staring home.  Then I realized I had to use or lose my $60 "Kohl's Cash" (that they give for a bonus when you spend so much).  So I decided to go with Don and to the Kohl's store near his doctor.

We were getting ready and Don got a phone call from his clinic telling him it hadn't been 90 days from his last check so his insurance wouldn't pay.  So he rescheduled for next week, but I still needed to go to Kohl's.  So we went to Panera for a bagel as he hadn't eaten and we neither had coffee.  Then finally to Kohl's where I had no luck as I was looking for a dress shirt to wear on our upcoming cruise.  So came home and ordered it and a couple other things online just hoping it will arrive before we head to Florida.

House

Monday already???   Got the house cleaned, etc.  Don spent a lot of time on the computer in the afternoon and I read some magazines to get caught up on them.

We had leftovers from Saturday night's dinner at Chili's for dinner.

Busy Sunday

This morning we went for breakfast at Cracker Barrel, it was very busy by the time we left.  Then across the highway to Fleet Farm and down the road to Menards and Harbor Freight.  Finally home to start reading the newspaper.

Daughter Sheila came over for a visit with good mint bark candy.  We stayed home for dinner of ham and sweet potato fries.

Christmas is around the corner!

Well, as you can see, the computer is still working and I am still looking for a new one.  I finished wrapping Christmas gifts except for what I am expecting from Amazon.

Tonight we went to a restaurant for dinner near a busy shopping area.  There was so much traffic you would think they were evacuating the city.  Probably Christmas shoppers.

Busy day (for me)

Working on wrapping the Christmas gifts and getting about 90% done!  Got the Christmas cards mailed.  We went to Target and HyVee.  I don't know how the bill adds up so fast.  We picked up fish sandwiches at McDonalds for lunch.

Our computer decided to cause us problems today, somehow I got it working again, but slow.  (I seem to have a sixth sense when it comes to fixing computers,  I seem to know what to do but don't know how I know.)  Think a new computer is coming our way from Santa (or more likely Best Buy).

We went to Panera for soup and sandwich for dinner.

Ready, set ----

We got some things done at last at home.  We cleaned out the top of the coat closet - finding many gloves.  Guess I should have done that before I bought some new ones.  Also went through our clothing and got stuff ready to take to welfare.

We got the Christmas cards ready to mail and also set up the gift wrapping table.

Don't have a dog but know how it goes!

Potato pancakes and liquor

Today it was breakfast at Perkins, their good potato pancakes.  It was foggy/frosty out, a little warmer than it has been but still an eekie day.  In the afternoon I had a podiatrist appointment thinking I had cyst on my foot, turned out to be a bone had moved and pushing out.  Someday I will need some surgery, but not now.

We then went to the nearby liquor store and of course bought more than we had planned.  If it had not been illegal, I think I would have opened some wine on the way home after the "good" news at the doctor.  We had leftovers from two meals for dinner.

Bagels

We went to Panera for bagels this morning and then to Walmart.  Didn't need much at Walmart for a change.  Came home and got some things done.  I started working on getting Christmas Cards ready to mail.  Took all afternoon.

We stayed home the rest of the day.

Frosty

Cleaned house - again.  Not that durty just junk to pick up and put away.

It was frosty out this morning when we first looked outside.  I'm sure it made roads slick, makes me glad we don't have anywhere important to travel.

We picked up KFC for dinner, seems more cold than usual outside to me.

Congrats to Brenda and Scott!

News from daughter Brenda, she is engaged to her friend Scott!

We went for breakfast at Bakers Square, for once didn't need to make any stops so came right home and read the Sunday newspaper.  We didn't do much the rest of the day.

Baby, it's cold outside

Still cold outside, but we keep plenty warm inside!  Trouble is we have to go outside once in awhile.

We went for dinner at Fridays, I had ribs and salmon and Don had ribs and shrimp.  Good food, too much food.

Pearl Harbor Day

We went to the grocery store this morning.  It was very cold out so not to spend too much time outside!  Then again in the evening as we picked up Chinese food for dinner.

We need to remember that this is Pearl Harbor Day, the "day that will live in infamy".   1941 Japan attacked the US Navy at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and declared war on the US and the UK.

Up early

Up very early this morning to take daughter in for some minor surgery.  Then we brought her home with us to recuperate from the drugs.  Took her home mid afternoon as she seemed to be feeling good. 

We got a pizza for dinner and then I slept in front of the TV until it was bedtime.

Bagels, Honda and computer

We went to Panera this morning for a bagel and coffee, than to Walmart for a few things.  (A few things means less than $30 worth.)  In the afternoon Don took our Honda in for a recall of the instrument panel, needed to be recalibrated - it is all electronic.  I spent time on the computer.

My orders are slow in arriving, one or two items a day.  Hope they all arrive in time!

Taco Tuesday

My eye doctor appointment was this morning.  No changes in my eyes again this year!

We had tacos for dinner then daughter Brenda came for a visit in the evening.  Light snow in the air all day, not much accumulated on top of what we already have.

Monday

Darn old clean the house Monday.  It's done for another week!!!

We stayed home and did things that needed attention.  Had left-over roast for dinner.

Sunday

It still was snowing a bit this morning.  We decided to be brave and went out for breakfast anyway.  Came home and read the Sunday newspaper.  In the afternoon daughter Sheila came over for a visit.  (Daughter Brenda is out of town.)

I put a roast in the slow cooker for dinner.

RIP President Bush

Former President Bush Sr. passed away last night.  He was a honest president and a good person.

We stayed home all day.  It snowed most of the day, got about 4 inches.  It started out as big flakes, like a postcard!

No whole grain, no shot

We went to Panera for coffee and a bagel, today their coffee machine was working but they were having problems with the toaster.  Also out of my favorite bagel, whole grain.  Then we went to Target to finally get our flu shots but the pharmacist who gives the shots wasn't working.  Did some shopping and then went for groceries. 

Late afternoon we went back to Target and got our flu shots and then out for dinner.

Snow

The plows cleared driveway and sidewalk today, for some strange reason they didn't plow the street leaving it a mess.  Don had an eye doctor appointment, I stayed home to do computer stuff.

We went to Red Lobster for their dinner special - soup, salad, entree and desert.  By the time we got to the entree we could eat only half so took it home as well as the brownie sundae.

NO Coffee???

Bad morning.  We went to Panera's for coffee and a bagel.  Their coffee machine WASN'T WORKING.  No Coffee, none.  So we made a quick u-turn and went to Perkins for coffee and potato pancakes.

Then we went to Walmart for a few things, when we went back to our car we could feel moisture in the air.  By the time we got home the moisture had turned to snow.  We ended up with about 2 inches of snow.

Road reports were not good, slick roads - many accidents.  We had planned to go out to dinner but decided, wisely to stay home.  Had baked chicken breasts.

At least I don't feel so bad!

Cold old day!

We got hair cuts this morning.  Much needed as it had been a long time.  Feels extra cold out today at about 15 degrees.  Sun this morning for once.

We went to HyVee in the late afternoon for a few groceries and picked up sandwiches for dinner.  Cold out!

Cyber Monday

Cleaned the house and then spent a lot of time on the computer Christmas Shopping.  It's Cyber Monday after all.

See two birds and one squirrel?

Sunday

Breakfast at Bakers Square, then ----  gas, groceries, pick-up, Menards.

Finally home to read the Sunday Newspaper and take a Sunday nap.

Don got the outside lights  up, he puts some over the garage door and around the deck rail.

House is decorated!

We put up the Christmas Tree and other decorations.  It is a big job, but now we can sit back and enjoy.

We got Chinese food for dinner, that was our only trip out today!

Post Thanksgiving menu:

Black Firday

Black Friday - called that as it is the day businesses go into the black.  We went to Menards, it was packed, hard to find parking, hard to find a cart.  The had some good deals.  The to CVS, not packed, got a couple things.  I put in a order to Kohls.

Brenda invited us over to dinner.  It was good to see Becca again, had been awhile.  We also met Brenda's friend Scott.  Good food, ate to much again!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving!  We went to dinner at daughter Sheila's house.  There will be her family and some of her husband's family.  I took a cranberry salad, new recipe.  All the food was delicious.  We had a good time visiting after dinner.

Target today

Now we know what Don's weird flu was - pre-cellulitis.  He went to the clinic at Target today and got antibiotic so hopefully he will feel better soon.  At least he isn't contagious and we don't have to stay home tomorrow for Thanksgiving.

While he was at the clinic, I shopped around Target.  They have redone the store and it is nice, upscale.

I made vegetable soup for dinner, my favorite.

Slow day

Don is better today but not 100%.  We were going out shopping this morning but decided we can wait until tomorrow when Don will hopefully feel good.  As long as I don't get what he had.  I fixed his favorite dinner - tater tot casserole.


Haygoods, one of the shows we saw in Branson

Dry and Dirt

The house wasn't really dirty but just as easy to clean the whole thing as a bit here and there.  Done for the week!

We had way too much humidity in Florida and here it is way too dry.  So we ordered a humidifier today.  We both have itchy skin and dry noses!

Don started not feeling well in the afternoon, some sort of weird flu I guess.  He was stiff and sore all over.  Might be from driving the car so much in the last week.

Me, a lot of years ago:

Christmas Flamingo

Off to breakfast at Denny's.  It was 7 degrees, cold for us "Florida" people.  Then went to HyVee for more groceries.  The store was packed.

In the afternoon our daughters came over for a visit.  So good to see them again.

We had pork chops in the Crock pot for dinner.


Watch that daughter Brenda gave me today.

Road Recovery

Because we had no food in the house, we went out for breakfast and then to two grocery stores.  Got a lot of stuff, but still need to do another store.  The ground was covered with snow this morning and a few flakes in the air but it became bright sun!

We spent most of the rest of the day doing laundry and putting stuff away.  Took a much needed nap in the afternoon!  Good to be home.

Glass tree by Chihuly in Clinton Library - just 1/3 of the tree
displayed in the Clinton White House.

10 hours on the road

On the road.  We had planned to spend the night in Des Moines, Iowa but snow was forecast for Minnesota so we decided to get the job done and traveled a total of 10 hours to Minnesota.  It was good to get home but we were very tired.  The trip went well, lots of people on the roads..  We got into some snow just as we were approaching our house.

Doug Grabarial show from yesterday

Shows

Breakfast in the motel, they had Krispy Kreme Donuts.  Too good!  Then we went to the Doug Gabriel Show.  He had visited the place where we ate last night and given us a coupon for half price.  We had seen his show before and knew it would be good.  He did a great job on Malaguena and also did the Hallelujah Chorus on the guitar.

Then we ate lunch at our all time favorite buffett, which was the same as ever - good.  Also busy.  From there to Menards to get an ice scraper for the car.  We forgot to put one in the trunk.  Being too full for dinner we just went to The Haygoods show.  They NEVER disappoint. 

Snow, road construction, library and show

The day on the road started with snow and road construction.  There were some accidents.  We got to the William Clinton Presidential Library when it opened.  We got on a tour which gave us some more insight.  Well done library.

Then we were on the road to Branson, Missouri.  We were concerned with snow in the mountains that we had to cross but it was warmer so no problem.  Got to Branson and went to the tourist office to pick up our show tickets that we had ordered some time ago.  Then to our motel The Grand Victorian.  Moved our stuff in and went to dinner at a favorite place, Rib Crib.

The show, the Presleys was good as always.  It was packed, there is an incredible amount of bus tours in the Branson - like the 4th of July.

The not good combo of snow and road construction.



Clinton Library 
    

Pine Bluff

9 hours on the road to Pine Bluff Arkansas.  We decided to stay in Pine Bluff instead of going into Little Rock.  We will get up early tomorrow and head to the Bill Clinton Presidential Museum in the morning.  It was a long day on the road but all went well. 

It has turned cold, our sweaters are not enough so got our jackets out to wear tomorrow.

Foley Alabama

We got on the road at 8AM today.  Took 2 hours to get ready and close the trailer.  We got into Foley, Alabama about 2:30.  We drove through some very heavy rain, really frightening.  At times we couldn't see the people right in front of us.  Yes, we should have pulled off the road, but try to convince Don of that.

We ate dinner at the Shrimp Basket, a favorite place of ours.  It was good!

11/11

Veterans Day!

We went for breakfast at Cracker Barrow.  Saw our waiter friend Raymond.  He has a new Honda as well. 

Then home and got to work to get ready to leave tomorrow.  What am I forgetting????  Cleaned up the house as well as we could amongst all the stuff laying around...

Our home for the next few days!

Ready

99% humidity this morning.  A fog lingers above the trees.  It finally cleared about noon and got hot.

We have been working all afternoon to get ready to leave Monday.  A lot of work when we also have to take care of stuff in the trailer so it will be Ok while we are gone.  We went to Arby's for a sandwich for dinner.

Don got the car washed and waxed.  I looked for stuff, hate that job.

Hot/Humid again

Another hot day in Florida.  Snow in Minnesota!  10 AM coffee - I get so tired of talking about medical problems.  We stayed home all day.  We had French toast for dinner, trying to eat us stuff in the refrigator before we head north.


McDonalds has a new Christmas coffee cup!

Didn't find the Pot of Gold

Breakfast at McDonalds today before a quick trip to Walmart.  Of course we forgot something even with a list.  Made it back in time to go to 10 AM coffee.

We went back to Bushnell for dinner at the local Mexican Restaurant,  turns out it has changed hands and had a different menu.  The food was still good!  Then back to Walmart for what we forgot this morning!

Saw this rainbow on the way into town, it was a full arch with a partial second rainbow.  (Much brighter than it appears in this picture.) 

Dinner at Texas

Another hot and humid day in Florida.  Still doing post-mortem on the election on TV, some races not decided yet, some will need a runoff.  We were careful at clubhouse coffee NOT to talk politics.  Did talk campground politics...

In the evening we went to Brooksville for dinner at Texas Roadhouse, we had good steak and shrimp with salad and sweet potato and their good homemade rolls.  They have peanuts in shells on the table to start the eating.  Then a quick trip to Aldi's, Walmart and a stop for gas for the car.

Vote

We went over to 10AM coffee.  Didn't expect too many people but they just kept coming.  Still visiting when we left at 11.

Don power washed our concrete patio.  It was black with mold.  Probably have to do it again in the spring.  It sure looks good now!  It got to be a hot old day, had the AC on all day.

We watched the election results some.  Some people we voted for won, some didn't. 

Humidity City

Cleaned the trailer again, gets dirty fast - we drag in the sand from the ground.  This week will be eating up food, determining what to take north, packing, etc. for a departure date of next Monday.

It stayed hot and humid all night, had the fan and AC on.  Opened up awhile this morning but didn't take long to get the AC back on.  Stayed inside most of the day, just too humid outside. 

What time is it???

Breakfast at Steak N Shake in Wildwood today.  Stopped by Walmart for a newspaper and a couple other things.  We sat on the deck and read the paper, put out our awning as it was sprinkling on and off.  Kept up the sprinkling rain all day, on and off.

Time change again.  We have seen so many times changes lately - central to eastern to central to eastern and now back an hour.  We don't know what time it is, just hope we show up on time.  In the afternoon we went to the park's Ice Cream Social at the Clubhouse.  Good to see people that have recently arrived.  We managed to grill pork chops for dinner between rains.

All about eating out

We went to Brooksville this morning for bagels at Panera, a 30 minute trip for bagels.  Also stopped at Aldi's to pick up what we forgot a couple days ago.

Now that the storms have cleared we have a beautiful day, cool and not humid.  Dinner at Captain D's in Dade City.

Weather or not

Went to 10 AM coffee again today.  It is now in the clubhouse so there is room for the women to separate from the men and have their own conversation.  Had a good visit despite a couple people who can't leave out any detail when they tell their story.

It is hot and humid,  we had a storm pass through in the afternoon with rain, wind and a few small hailstones.  We got warnings on our phones about tornadoes being possible.  There was a least one tornado south of us, but we were fine.

We went to Bushnell to pick up a pizza for dinner.

November 1

Today we went to Clermont for our monthly Escapees luncheon where we have lunch with the people at the park.  It was fun to visit with everyone.  Ate too much as usual!

Then we went for a drive in Kissimmee where we always went when we camped in the area.  Lots of changes.  Stopped at Aldi's for a few georicies and got gas.  Then home.  We pick up a subway for dinner.

Unhappy Holloween

Halloween --- my least favorite "holiday".  I don't like to be frightened, don't like people in costumes so I can't tell who they are and other reasons.  Decorating for Fall is fine, just not the Halloween stuff.  It will all be over tomorrow for a year.

The 10 AM coffee crowd is getting bigger, louder.  The office crew decided it is time for us to move to the clubhouse.  Good plan.

Our friends, Mary and Rich, we saw at McDonalds yesterday have now moved behind us.  Small world!

Fall in Florida

Strap and Brush

We went into Bushnell today for breakfast at McDonalds and sitting there were friends that we see in unexpected places.  They are moving into our park today, maybe by us.

Then we went to Walmart.  The strap on my clutch purse broke all the sudden, so I bought a cheap purse with a similar, clip on strap to put on my purse.

Don power washed the trailer as well used a brush.  It was so dirty that he said the front window was fogged over, but just mildew and tree sap.

Nice day, clean house

Another nice day, what have we done right?  It got cool last night but we had our electric blanket to keep up warm.

Cleaned the house, mostly put stuff where it belongs.  I don't know how things move themselves to where I don't want them! 

Waffle House visit

We went to Waffle House for breakfast, good as usual.  It had been since last spring that we had been to a Waffle House.  We picked up a Sunday newspaper and spent the rest of the morning reading.  In the afternoon we tried to hook up our auxiliary speaker for the TV.  Couldn't get it to work.  I did manage to "bluetooth" it to my phone, now I can listen to my music on a nice speaker!

It is a beautiful day, cool and dry.  We got could during the night so we got our electric blanket ready to use.  Hate to heat up the whole house when we end up opening up the windows.

We grilled steak for dinner.  Talked to our daughters later.

Donuts and Chinese dinner

Nice day today, cool and low humidity.  We went to Dunkin Donuts this morning for coffee and a donut.  Then we did stuff around the place.

We picked up some Chinese food for dinner.  It really cooled down in the evening!

Humidity, shrimp and shopping

It started raining during the night and has been raining on and off.  We just stayed in the trailer and got some things done.  It didn't cool off last night, AC ran some, but then that was good to get the humidity down inside.

Later we went into Bushnell for dinner at Beef  O'Bradys, had their Friday special Surf and Turf - steak and shrimp.  Then we went to Walmart again, Winn Dixie and Tractor Supply.

Hot Florida day

I thought we had enough groceries but decided today to go to Brooksville Panera for breakfast bagels and to ALDI for a "few" groceries.  Ended up with about $50 worth of groceries and then we went to Walmart for a couple items, $40.  We should have enough groceries forever!

It was by then noon time by then and so we stopped at McDonalds to get bugers to bring home.  Grilled pork chops for dinner.

Hot and humid today, a good day for the AC!

Bug Juice

For the first time this season we went to 10 AM coffee.  It is currently in the campground office, until more people arrive.  That way they don't have to cool both areas.  Some friends just came in today and no doubt more each day now.

In the afternoon Don washed the car.  The front window was about covered with bug juice.  It was a hot old day, Florida Style.

Into Bushnell

Another trip to Walmart today.  Hopefully, now we have all the groceries we will need  for awhile.  First we went to McDonald's for breakfast of egg McMuffin.

Don did some work outside and I nursed a sore leg.  We grilled brats for dinner.

Settling in

We cleaned inside, getting the last of the dead bugs - I hope.  Also washed clothes, a weeks worth and got them put away.  The place looks nice and feels like home now.

We had to laugh.  We have such a challenge getting our newspaper delivered in up north but here in Florida we looked outside this morning and there was our paper.  No calls, etc.  The delivery person must have just seen our car and left a paper!

My dad and brother built this band shell in Belle Fourche, SD, in about 1958, saw the picture on Facebook!
(I scared them by climbing up a ladder to the roof in order to talk with them, I was about 12 years old)

Where should I put this?

Our trailer looked like a hurricane hit inside.  Don brought in the rest of the stuff from the car and I went to work putting things away.  Later Don sanitized our water system (after sitting for 6 months, a good idea).  It is cooler today, mid 80's but still seems hot to us!

It is very green around here but should be after all the rain they had last summer.  It's good not to be getting on the road after so many days of being on the road.  We stared home all day, went to bed early.

Into Florida

Just before we got into Florida we started seeing damage from the last hurricane.  Lots of trees down, some almost on the road way.  Some roofs covered in blue plastic, etc.  One whole motel was covered in blue plastic.  All this was some distance from the coast.

We made it to our park in Florida about 5 pm.  Unloaded some and put away enough that we could get to bed and get going in the morning.  We were really tired.  We got the Satellite TV connected, went easier than normal.

It was 95 degrees when we got here, so were anxious to start the air conditioners but first we had to open up and air out the trailer after the chemical we had left inside to control the mold and bugs.  We then went to eat and to get groceries.  When we got back we had the AC on full blast!

All looks well inside, no mold but dead bugs (at least they were dead).  The outside isn't too bad but will need a pressure wash.


Some of the hurricane damage:

Night at Prattville, Alabama

Now is the time when we head south.  We got to Prattville where we often stop.  Ate dinner at O'Charley's, a place we discovered last time we stopped in Prattville.  It was a long hard day on the road, there was a lot of construction and other unknown traffic slowdowns.

Was good to get to our hotel.


Inside Ford's library:

Ford's Library

We went to President Ford's Library.  We couldn't get into the files but there were displays around and a couple timelines.  It was interesting, didn't take long so we were on the road by noon.

We made it to south of Louisville for the night at a Super 8.  Again had trouble finding a motel that was not extremely expensive.  Super 8 was fine, redone.  First one I have seen with an elevator.  We had problems with the TV but finally got it fixed.  We had dinner at a new Panera across the street.  We were really tired and went to bed early.


Some gifts given to Mrs. Ford

President Ford's museum

After not sleeping too well we made it to Grand Rapids, Michigan where we visited former President Ford's museum.  It was well done and very interesting.  Lots of people there:  Kids, some young ones and some teenagers  They were also having a citizenship ceremony so to parking lot was packed.

From there we went east finally getting to Ann Arbor.  We checked into a Red Roof Inn, a place I would normally never stay but unless we wanted to pay $150 or more, that was our choice.  Turns out a good choice as the room was refurbished, clean, nice beds, etc.  My favorite, it has a "charging station" built into the bedside table.

We ate dinner at a very near Appleby's - good food.

Lake Michigan

Got to South Haven, Michigan

We had the car loaded and we were on the road about 7:30 AM headed toward Michigan.  And we made it to South Haven, MI eleven hours later.  We went through Chicago in their early evening rush hour and it still was hectic.  We made a total of 3 stops during the day, 2 for gas, 1 for lunch.  We went to dinner at Cracker Barrel for dinner before we pulled into the motel.  Our motel, Bayport Inn, was Ok, not great but clean.  We had noisy young kids next door who finally gave it up about 10 PM, about the time we went to bed.  Our TV didn't work well.  Wouldn't stay there again but then probably won't be in the area again.

Ready,set

We are earnestly getting ready for our trip, cleaning house, washing clothing, etc.  I have left packing to today so big job.  Have to take things for the trip and another suitcase for extra clothing for Florida.  What did I forget????


Brenda and Becca

Snow

No sunshine today, we had about an inch of snow.  It melted fast as the temps were around freezing.  Just too early for snow, makes we look forward to warmer weather.

We went to breakfast at Denny's and skipped a trip to Walmart.  We did stuff around the house in prep for our trip.  Sheila and Ken had us all over for pizza, their college son Josh was also there and Brenda.  We had a good visit and said "see you later'.


Snow on our tree:

Some Sun!

Most of the day we had sunshine!  It is still cold, I have been shivering all day even though the house is warm.  We have been pre- preparing to get ready for our trip east and then south.

It is Sheila and Ken's 28th wedding anniversary today!


Where we will be in 4 months, 4 days:

Freeze

Third morning in a row for breakfast out, we ate at HyVee.  They have a great California Omelet!  We didn't need much for groceries - just some pears.

Last night was the first freeze for the season.  Today we finally have sunshine!  Our freezer in empty so went to Culvers for dinner, had a Reuben Sandwich and raspberry frozen custard for dessert.

Cold color

It is down right cold out today, in the 30's with a wind.  We saw some snow in the air when we were outside, nothing accumulated.

We went out for breakfast at Panera and then mailed our absentee ballots, went to Walmart and then got gas in the car.  Wow we had a whole 1.5 gallons left in the tank!

Again, in the process of cleaning out the freezer, we ate dinner at home. 



Maple tree by our front window.

A Star and a hurricane

We went to Perkins for Potato Pancakes for breakfast.  Perkins is so far away from our Florida place that we don't go there.

In the afternoon we went to the show "A Star is Born".  It was very good - good music, good story, good actors.  Highly recommend. 

We stayed home for dinner, grilled some hot dogs.  Cleaning out our freezer!

Hurricane Michael has reached land as a cat 4.  Lots of destruction.

Hair, Hurricane and Tacos

We got hair cuts today, the shop was not busy so we both got in right away.  Mine might be a bit shorter than I like but thankfully it grows fast.

Another gloomy day,  but not like Florida is expecting.  Just hope the hurricane doesn't damage our place.  Feel sorry for those affected by it, especially those who will be hit the second time this season.

Being Taco Tuesday, we got Tacos for dinner.


Hurricane Michael is gaining strength.  +
Our place is pointed to by the red drop.

Weather

When will this camp, cold weather ever end.  Probably not until we head south.  Usually we have a nice Fall, but not this year.

Cleaned the house like usual and dealt with some hard to place stuff.  Had leftovers for dinner.

Long exposure shot.

Gloomy Sunday

We went to Denny's for breakfast and then to Menards for some sale things.  We went to the Manards a bit further away as it is a bigger store and more likely to be better stocked.  They had everything we wanted.

In the afternoon Sheila and Brenda came over for a visit.  We grilled steak for dinner.

Gettin stuff done

Decided I need to get some things done before we head south.  Hate to wait until the last minute unlike "someone I live with".  So I got dated food moved out to the garbage and stuff we are not going to eat ready for a food shelf.  Looked for some stuff I want to take along and made a list of what I need to buy.

We went to TGI Fridays for dinner, had their good whisky ribs.


Looks like another hurricane is going to invade Florida.

Eating out on another miserable day.

Breakfast at HyVee today.  I had a California omelet which was very good - came with guacamole,  sour cream and salsa to make it even better.  Didn't have much for groceries to buy.

It's another misty day, this is more than tiresome.  I continued to try to setup my security camera but would not connect to the internet so have ordered another brand from Amazon.

We went to Panera, this time for dinner as we had a coupon.  I had French Onion soup, very good.  Don liked his Clam Chowder.

Target

We actually had some sun for awhile today.  Good to see the sun is still in the sky.  We went to Panera for bagels today.  Then we went to Target, it has been recently renovated and looks very clean, modern and appealing  BUT can't find anything - will take awhile. 
I got my Amazon order with, among other things, a new security camera which I can't seem to get set up.  Will try again tomorrow.  My old one still works but wanted a second.

Hot and humid

Don went to the doctor today, he was having trouble hearing.  Now, after a second cleaning in a week, he is hearing well.  Hope it lasts.

It is a warm and humid day.  Had trouble keeping the humidity off our car windows - on the outside.  A weather front came thru in the afternoon, we didn't get bad weather but some places did.  Then it cooled off, a lot.

Survivor night!