Tuesday - 8 Dec/15

It was cool last night. Some areas north of us were into the 40's F. Today is clear and sunny with a high of almost 80 F expected. The morning temp is in the high 50's. The warmest part of the day is usually between 3 and 4 p.m.

Today is a "Whatever" day. Nothing specific in the plans followed by a "Residents Meeting" at 10 a.m. This is a "Town Hall" information session where the OMS plans and concerns are outlined and feedback is welcomed.

Now that the pantry has unloaded the 4 overhead compartments above the dinette and sofa Charlotte will be able to place some of her craft items into this storage area. This task will take a while!

We are gradually getting our "Land Yacht" ship shape. (grin)

I checked the UPS Tracking this morning. It indicated that my GPS that was sent for repairs should arrive today. I will check my mailbox later for the "You Have Mail" card that indicates there is a package in the office.

Mid-afternoon the company that I used to arrange the RV windshield replacement phoned to check on my satisfaction with the repair. They will process and forward the necessary paperwork for my claim with the insurance company.

Charlotte continued working on her Christmas Snowmen created using terra cotta pots of various sizes.. They are really cute.

Checked the Post Office for the "You Got Mail" notice. No luck so I went to the office. The UPS delivery had just arrived a few minutes earlier. Soon my box was on the counter. I can't say enough about the friendly service at the park; but I will try.

Of all the parks we have been to over the years this one has managers (Wally and Linda) who actually listen and act on suggestions. We have only been here for 3 seasons and every time we return we find improvements. Often the improvements are made to areas that we thought were already better than most parks.  Wally and Linda are always striving to make things better. Kudos to them both.

My Rand McNally GPS was one of the first few dozen of that model made (by serial #). I am more than pleased with the quick thorough service received. Bonus: the GPS has never worked so well! We will have to test it out.

ROADTRIP!

We decided to venture over to The Villages.

REFRESHER: In a nutshell The Villages, FL is an actual place name which also includes 3 town centers in a real estate development that has been expanding since the 60's. Today it is the fastest growing residential area in America. Current population is beyond 115,000. It is comprised of a cluster of gated communities that surround 3 town centers and residency is limited to 55+ community rules. Fees paid by residents cover taxes and services. The services include numerous perks.

Scenario: As a resident, if you are a golfer you go on-line, book a tee time at any one of the 60+ golf courses, hop in your golf car (they don't call them carts, as most look nothing like an ordinary golf cart) and travel on some portion of the 90+ miles of dedicated paved golf car paths. These paths go under or over the major roads to ease getting around the area. Here the second car is a golf cart.

If you are not a golfer you may go to one of the many tennis courts, swimming pools or educational activities in a like manner. Any service or shopping venue desired is within a short driving distance.

The town centers are open to the public. There is plenty of parking (often filled by golf cars). Live music is featured in each square every night of the year The town squares also host many events ranging from car shows to craft vendors or farmer's markets.

Tonight we went to Lake Sumter Landing Town Square. Vendors were selling their wares around the square.

Folks were dancing or listened to the live music eminating from the band shell. We were half way around the square when the band played "The Tennessee Waltz" which is one of Charlotte's favourites. We danced  after which Charlotte said; "OK - Now back to shopping". When then continued around the square.

I had planned on having Charlotte shop at the Izod Store; however it was closed (as are all Izod's). In a twisted I ended up being the clothes shopper buying 3 new shirts at Van Heusen.

Leaving the store when ran into a herd of "Reinhounds" or were they "Greydeer"? (grin) - antlers and all. The Villages is the only place where seniors push strollers in which their miniature mutts, not grandkids, are coddled.

Next up was supper at Johnny Rockets. We often eat here when in Lake Sumter Landing Town Square.

Every 15 or 20 minutes or so, they dim the lights and all the staff "Rocks" to an oldie. It is a fun place to eat. The food is not bad either.

I usually get an old-fashioned strawberry milkshake....mmm good! Tonight it helped wash down a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. Charlotte had twin mini-burgers. (Nostalgia: for those that grew up in Cornwall, ON in the 60's - they were the size of a "Ma Lalonde's" burger. - grin)

"Mabel" (we named our GPS so I can make #%&# comments directly - grin) performed flawlessly. Actually, it performed better than ever. It was brighter, faster and louder than previously! Good work Rand McNally!

We did not get back to the RV in time for Jeopardy; but I did make it in time for most of NCIS.

I guess we had another busy day!