Sun - Mar 11/18

We were up and on the road at 6:00 a.m. We are really happy that the Daylight Savings Time kicked in last night. Despite losing an hour of sleep time we will appreciate the extra hour of daylight travelling home.

The weather was once again perfect. We left I-95 at Fredericksburg, VA to use US-17 to Warrenton, VA then to I-66 (not to be confused with Route 66) to I-81. There was hardly any traffic all the way to our next Flying J at Clearbrook, VA (about 10 miles north of Winchester, VA on I-81).

Again, all was good to our last Flying J at New Milford, PA. They didn't clear the snow properly from the outside RV lane which caused a problem. As I had to make an extremely sharp turn to exit the snow bank caught the Del Sol's front tires and turned them sideways. A customer at the gas pumps could hear the tires squealing from rubbing sideways instead or rolling straight ahead. Thankfully it was only a few feet or it would have worn the tires down to the belts and they would have blown out. Charlotte went in to tell the manager. He couldn't care less. He said "How do you expect us to remove the snow". Well, I said, "The same way you did it everywhere else".(All the other pumps and sidewalks were perfectly clear). He also said (as if it was my fault) that I should have noticed and used the other lane. I told him it was impossible to see until I was in that lane and I can't back up when "Flat Towing" like trucks can do with a trailer. He walked away. I was just trying to have him give better customer service and avoid a possible lawsuit. Another Class "A" motorhome towing an SUV pulled in so I went over to warn him to check if his when he leaves to see if his tires had turned. He agreed that it was impossible to see the end of the lane wasn't cleared until you were in the lane which was too late. I will report this to Pilot (owner of Flying J's). They seem to be responsible as Flying J's have improved a lot since they bought them after they went bankrupt. (I did report this (Live Chat) and it will be passed on to the RM (Regional Manager).

Again, clear roads and light traffic on I-81 N to I-481 at DeWitt, NY. I always take this bypass around Syracuse when going north/south on I-81. It is a bit longer; but with the higher (65 vs 55) speed it isn't any longer time-wise. It isn't often in winter that we get through this area without (lake effect) snow.

I-81 would take us back to the Canadian Border crossing at the Thousand Islands (Ivy Lea) Bridge. I decided to continue without a fuel stop at Watertown, NY.  I pulled into a "Text Stop" (Rest Area) just past Watertown to call Liz and let her know our ETA (7:30 p.m.). We were anxious to get home in time for our traditional "Welcome Home Supper".

A quick stop at the "Duty Free" and then at the Canadian Customs. I had all our purchased totaled and itemized. It only took a few minutes to pass into Canada as there was very little traffic. (I wouldn't want to be here in a week when the "March Break" is over and everyone is coming back to Canada).

We were now on Hwy 401 which would take us to the Ingleside, ON exit. We arrived right on schedule at Liz's and parked on the road in front of her house. By the time we were out of the RV Liz was arriving with "Olympia Pizza" for our "Welcome Home Supper". So Good! (This is why we rarely have Pizza in the USA). A few minutes later our other daughter (Kat) arrived and we all sat down to ear.

We then distributed a few of the gifts we brought home. Liz got "Florence the Flamingo" for "Albert" (her indoor Christmas Tree). Albert is decorated with "Old Fashioned Teardrop RV Trailers". He just needed a "Flamingo".

After supper Kat helped Charlotte put a few of our necessities in her CR-V.  They left for our house in Long Sault (10 minutes down the road) while Liz, Marty (Grandson) and Nick helped unhook the Del Sol which I then drove home. Nick parked the motorhome in their driveway for the night. Tomorrow it would go to "The Lot" (Nick's RV Storage area).

Glad to be home! The first order of business was a nice warm "Tubbie". After 3 months of showers the Whirlpool Bath sure felt good! Then it was "Beddie-Bye".

This will end this session of blogs. Thanks for following. So long until our next trip.

Sat - Mar 10/18

We were up at 7:30 a.m. and went to the motel's breakfast room. Complimentary breakfast was "self-served" from 6-9 a.m. I had two toasted bagels w/cream cheese and strawberry jam and an O.J. Charlotte had yogurt and coffee.

After breakfast I called "Willie's" to check on the status. Frankie advised us to remain in the motel until checkout and then come over to the shop. The repairs would take a while. They would take the reservoir off and braze the holes then reinstall it. Waiting to get a replacement part from the original chassis manufacturer would take much longer if it was even available. The manufacture no longer exists and the part may not be available. Best case scenario, if a match could be found, meant Monday would be the earliest it could be obtained.

We then returned to the room and remained until checkout at 11 a.m. when we returned to "Willie's" to check on the RV status.

Motorhomes are made on a constructed chassis that arrives from a truck manufacturer. This makes any repairs labor intensive as the "Shell" is added around the frame. Any work in the motor area is notoriously difficult to access. On the RV all the "Fluid Reservoirs" are plastic except for the power steering. It had developed a few holes in the bottom where the extension pipes (where the fluid hoses attach) where welded on. The weld may have not had the "Prep" done properly and holes eventually rusted through the steel. The only way to get at the reservoir was to remove the front wheel and come in from underneath using that opening.

I was lucky to get it repaired on a Saturday. Simon (the mechanic - green shirt) came in and stayed past his usual "quitting time" to complete the work. Once the reservoir was removed it was cleaned and the holes were brazed not welded. The most significant difference between the two is that the base metals are never melted. Since the base metals are not melted, they can typically retain most of their physical properties retaining the “integrity” of the base metals. Also, the lower heat minimizes any danger of metal distortion or warping.

Everyone involved (Frankie, Robert, Simon and Gina (Frankie's wife/in office) were super nice and helpful. Frankie even wrote out directions on how to bypass the I-95 backup. 

By 1 p.m. the RV was ready to go. By 1:30 I had the Del Sol hooked back up and we were on our way (following Frankie's directions) back to I-95. The weather was still perfect. At least that was a bonus.

Once we bypassed the bridge slow-down and got back on I-95 it was good travelling until our next fuel stop at the Flying J in Kenly, NC. These are all familiar stops that we have been using for years. This makes the travelling a little easier.

I took our usual I-295 loop around Richmond, VA and made it into the Flying J at Ruther Glen, VA by 10 p.m. This at least got us past Richmond with light traffic and we could leave in similar conditions on I-95 in the morning. We were lucky and got the last available spot for parking. This Flying J does not have a big RV parking lot. Many of the spaces are "Back In" which I can't do while "Flat Towing". We actually parked in the Wendy's right next door (all part of the same Flying J).

This is one of the few Flying J's with a "Golden Corral" restaurant. They mostly have "Denny's". Charlotte went into the store to check. The Golden Corral closed at 10:30 p.m. and it was already 10:15. No way could we eat a "Buffet" in 15 minutes. We also weren't that hungry. 

We thought the Wendy's was closed because all the chairs were up on the tables. I asked at the Flying J if the Wendy's Drive-Thru was open (so I could "Walk-Thru"). They said it was open inside until midnight. They were just cleaning. So it was next door to the Wendy's that we were parked in front of.

That ended "Day 2". We didn't make it to our usual Winchester, VA Walmart stop; but considering the time and distance lost yesterday we did quite well.

Fri - Mar 9/18

We are departing a few days earlier than we have to in order to "beat the weather." The 3rd "Nor'easter" in a week is going to be hitting in a few days and we want to be home before it arrives.

I also added 3 days to the ROAM Mobility and left that SIM Card in the phone until we get home.

                    

As we prepared yesterday I found that the Backup Camera didn’t work (again). I checked it every few days after having to replace it when we arrived here (it quite on the 3^rd day coming down). It worked every time except when we got ready to leave. It appears as if there is moisture on the inside of the camera? I have not been lucky. This will be the 4^th replacement (in a few months) since I bought a new unit to replace the one that lasted for 14 years.

We were up at 6 a.m. and unhooked the power (all the other hook-ups were disconnected yesterday), checked all and pulled out of OMS. Once again we enjoyed our stay at Olde Mill Stream RV Resort in Umatilla, FL (simply the best Lake County RV park).

Our route home has already been entered into "Mabel" (we named our GPS so I can personalized my frustration if it goofs up - grin). I avoid the heavy traffic and don't get on I-95 until Exit 298. Traffic was light and travel weather was excellent.

I also prefer to take the I-95 Exit to "Jax Beaches". This is a new exit that connects to I-295 going to the east around Jacksonville. I prefer this way as it has a lot less traffic than going on the west loop of I-295 and is a few miles shorter.

I also like the view of the Jax Harbor from the bridge.

I pulled into the Flying J  (Brunswick, GA) to top up the gas tank. I must note that after years of complaining (as has everyone else) that they have replaced the "high speed" gas pumps with regular speed pumps. I was able to fill up at all the Flying J stops in less than the 30 minutes it used to take. The slower pumps don't build up the "Back Pressure" and continually shut off while filling. It now fills continuously until the last few gallons. No more having to "Click, Click" the gas pump every few seconds after it shuts off because of the back pressure from filling too fast. What a difference.

On the route I programmed into the GPS I mark all the possible stops (Walmarts -Flying J's, etc.) and I just eliminate it if not needed. I did this for the Walterboro, SC Walmart that we stay at (often) as a night stop if needed. There were no delays or problems so far and being it was only after the noon hour we continued on to the next Flying J.

Bridge construction over the Pee Dee River (both directions) had traffic on I-95 down to one lane. It was backed up for almost 5 miles. I took Exit 170 off to take an alternate way around rather than be in an "Interstate Parking Lot" for a few hours.

It was a good thing I made that "Spur-of-the-Moment" decision. As I was pulling off on the Exit Ramp the RV's Power Steering failed. I spotted a Pilot Truck Stop on the left hand side and made an exit at the next light as there is no turning lane into the Pilot from the eastbound lane. The entrance road to the Pilot is actually a service road about 1/4 mile after turning at the light. I made it into the truck parking area and placed it in the only straight through spot available between several trucks.

I walked into the Pilot to check to see if they had any mechanical services available. They did not.

I bought the last 2 Power Steering Fluid containers they had and returned to the RV. I called my "Good Sam Roadside Assistance" phone number (Platinum+ Member for 14 Years). They located a towing company and sent them to my location. One of the "Good Things" about "Good Sam" is they also locate not only the towing; but also a site that will guarantee they can fix the problem. They then will tow to that site. The company they sent, "Willie's Frame and Body", was only a few exits away and they (Frankie and Robert) arrived in about 20 minutes.

In the 20 minutes I had time to disconnect the "Del Sol" from the motorhome. They could tow both; but we would need the car as there was not enough room in the truck for all of us.

Frankie is the owner. His name is Willie; but (I think his father is also a Willie) so he goes by his middle name (Frankie) rather than being a "Junior". These guys were "Good" (with a capital "G").

In less than a half hour they had it hooked up. I was impressed! They had to remove the driveshaft.

They also used "Bungee Cords" to keep the rear full width mud flap from dragging. They also bungeed the wireless "Safety Light Bar" onto the rear ladder. We followed in the car with our "4-Ways".

We arrived at their facility in about 15 minutes. I made sure they had all the keys they needed for the motorhome (ignition, doors, hood, etc.) and we then headed back to the last I-95 Exit to find a motel for the night. They would begin work in the morning.

We found a motel, booked in and called home to update Kat and Liz. Then we called it a night.

Thu - Mar 8/18

Cooler again; but clear and sunny.

It will be a busy day getting ready for leaving tomorrow. Our reservation isn't up until Sunday; however Friday is the best day to depart for a chance of getting home between the big storms.

We will be spending today getting the RV prepared for departure so I will publish the blog this morning.

Our phone's snowbird plan expires tomorrow. I will put my Koodo chip back in the phone so we can use it in an emergency.

Thanks to those who followed the blog this season.

I will update the trip home after we get back.

Bye Now

Charlotte and Bill

Wed - Mar 7/18

The rain through the night has passed on by 9 a.m. this morning.

Sunny today; but a little cooler with temps just above 70 F.

Stu sent a warning - most interstates up north, especially PA, are closed because of snow. We are currently planning to leave Friday. This looks to be the best "Travel Window". We will keep checking the weather.

I use a NOAA (Graphical Forecasts - CONUS Area) site to check national forecasts for the next several days. Clicking on the different days/times/temp/pop gives the map for that combination which gives a good idea what we will be up against and where when traveling. Using this info we are planning to depart on Friday.

Martha also sent a note - she has a few Cat Toys for Charlotte. I sent an e-Mail reply saying Charlotte was going to drop by later. Charlotte had a few of her embroidered hand towels for Martha as a "Thank You". Before we could go Martha's husband dropped by with the "Catnip" toys. Charlotte passed on the towels to him for Martha.

Today was a day for more packing organization.

I also put "Freezer Packs" (8) in the freezer to get them cold for the trip home. We have to keep a few items cold (medicine); but won't need to run the refrigerator. The packs should keep in cool enough until we get home.

Then we took our last trip to "The Villages" for the season in the early afternoon. We utilized all the "Slow Back Roads" to get to Lake Sumter Landing. Our only time on US-441 was when we crossed it at an intersection. We were happy to stay out of the traffic. It was a nice "Top Off" ride in the sunshine, as well.

We made a stop at IZOD/Van Heusen to use our $$ bonus before they expire. The only factory store close to home is in Lake Placid, NY and we wouldn't be going there anytime soon. I was able to use all  my bonuses ($30) on top of the 70% discount. It was worth the trip.

We walked the streets; but only bought a few items (Pyrex Dishes and Cooking Temp Probe) at the Kitchen Collection.

We took the same route we used to get here to return to OMS. We still had the top off (after 5 p.m.). It was starting to cool down. Tonight it might drop to below 40 F.

We made it back to the RV in time for the 6 p.m. news. We also managed to use the last of the Marie Callender Turkey Pot Pies from the freezer. The refrigerator is now almost empty in prep for the trip home.

We had to put on the Fireplace w/heat to take the chill off  as we proceeded to watch our usual TV programs to the evening.

Tue - Mar 6/18

Repeat of yesterday's weather, clear and sunny with an increase to 80 F.

The next few days will mostly be tying up loose ends for packing and organizing for travel home. Charlotte did a "Spotless" job of the bathroom and organized it for departure. We made a run to the dumpster and may need a few more in the days to come.

I called Nick (in Canada) this morning. He didn't realize the item he wanted from Harbor Freight was over 300 pounds. There is no way we could get it into the motorhome or car. I will check out another item and see if it is small enough to fit somewhere/anywhere.

Martha (Quilter Extraordinaire) stopped in to check with Charlotte about an upcoming project (next year). She will keep Charlotte up to date on pre-project requirements. She left with "Gertrude", a nice green "bundle of leaves", that resided on our table while we were here in Florida. We can't take plants home to Canada. Martha updated us on the plant she adopted last year. It was thriving and had to be re-potted twice... We are glad "Gertrude" will have a good home.

We would be going back to Harbor Freight to pick up a "Tubing Roller" and few other items around 4 p.m. I had to find a spot for the oil and filters I bought at Advance Auto Parts yesterday and took them out of the trunk. I needed the room for our new purchases.

On the way to Harbor Freight I made a repeat stop at Advance Auto Parts (SR-19 @ CR-44) with the AC Delco number (PF932F) for the 2 Quart Oil Filter for the 8.1 (496 Cu. In.) V-8 motor in the RV. They couldn't find a reference for the 2 Qt. filter yesterday. I also gave them a WIX (57398) number to cross-reference for the oil filter on the ONAN Quiet 5500 Generator on the RV. They found both; but they were at another store. They would have them shipped in from the Leesburg store for pickup later today.

The next stop, at Harbor Freight, resulted in picking up the Tubing Roller and other items from my list.

Then it was back on US-441 to Chili's for our last fix of Tex-Mex. My parking spot awaited. It was my last chance for Chilis "Texas Cheese Fries" this Snowbird Season. Charlotte decided on the Caribbean Salad. We both enjoyed our choices immensely.

Meanwhile, back at Advance Auto Parts, I was able to pick up the filters. Note: The 1 tiny filter (for the ONAN) which was 1/3 the size of the other two filters, cost more than the 2 large filters combined.

Once again, we made it back to the RV in time for the Evening News and Jeopardy and our NCIS (2 shows) and Bull.

Finally, after checking the weather, we think we will be leaving early (Friday) for our trip home.

Mon - Mar 5/18

A slow day today. Clear blue and cool in the morning. Mid-70's F by mid-afternoon. No A/C required today.

We slept in a bit after watching the Oscars and remained in bed watching the flurry of Oscar comments until 9 a.m.

We spent much of the morning trying to organize the packing of the motorhome for our trip home. Today we are mostly organizing our "Duty Claims" for the Border Agents when we get home to Canada.

Jean stopped at the RV mid-morning to say "Good-bye". They will also be departing in a week or so.

We finished the last "Blue Bayou Farm" pie for lunch. Sinfully Good!

I spent most of the day writing a new computer program, "Duty Claims", to keep track of our items for Customs when we get back to Canada. A list w/receipts makes it a much easier and quicker process to get through the border. This was also part of our "Packing and Prep" for departure later this week.

We will be closely checking the weather to know when it is best to depart. We don't need to leave until Sunday; however, we will leave anytime mid-week when the best "Weather Window" appears.

As I was searching for the latest regulations for what and how much we could bring back to Canada I came across a US Gov site where we can get a printout of our border entries into the USA. I printed out mine and Charlotte's. I will use it for the "USA Days" program I am also writing to calculate the number of days we can stay under the IRS rules. (Past blogs: Wed - 15 Feb/17 / Friday - 8 Jan/16 ).

Kat (daughter) made her usual weekly phone call a little after 4 p.m. Not much snow left at home. The cats "meowed" a hello! We warned her we would have to borrow her CR-V to unload the RV when we get home.

Catherine (Charlotte's sister) called just after Kat at about 4:30 p.m. Her news was that she had been chosen as a juror for a trial that should last a month or more. (She will miss her cats when she is sequestered). It cost her $17.00 for parking + lunch. Now I know why they call so many people to interview for the jury pool. They make thousands on parking (grin).

Charlotte continued knitting her quilt while I worked on the computer.

At 5:30 p.m. we went to Harbor Freight to see if they had a few items for Nick's "Wish List". I used to go to the Harbor Freight in Apopka, FL. This store only came into existence this spring. It saves 14 miles (if the sign is correct). There was both "Good News" and "Bad News". The "Good News" was they had the items. The "Bad News" was that there was no one working that was qualified to run the fork lift. The one piece weighed in at over 300 pounds.

I had the supervisor phone Watertown, NY to see if they had the items. They do (at the moment). I tried to call Nick; but he was at a show and his phone was off. There is no way we can load the item into the motorhome. Perhaps Nick can meet me with the truck at Watertown on our way home and transport it to Canada?

Then it was back on US-441 to Perkins located in front of Walmart. Charlotte usually orders the Butterball Turkey Dinner and I the Country Fried Steak. Even the senior portions are so large that we always have some to take back to the RV.

Today we both decided on the Eggs Benedict. |It was excellent and we had nothing left to have to take back to the RV. Being it wasn't so filling we had room for our "Free Piece of Pie."

Monday is when all the Seniors go to Perkins for "Monday's Free Pie" special. They almost always seem to run out of the most popular choices. They ran out of Cherry so Charlotte ordered the Wildberry. They had my choice which was the Reese's Peanut Butter Pie. They were both very good.

We didn't make it back in time for Jeopardy; but arrived for the usual TV evening to round of the day.

Sun - Mar 4/18

As usual CBS Sunday Morning watched in bed. This was good because the temps dropped to the 40's F last night. The clear blue skies warmed up the RV by the time we got up. In the time we remained under covers the RV temp increased from 50 F to the mid-60's F.

No big pre-planned day. We are just going to get a "Last Kick at the Can" before we return home by taking in a Flea Market just in case there is something we didn't know we need.

Our choice was at the Market of Marion. The back-up on US-27 (thankfully, the 4 lane section) was a few miles long. It took us at least 10 minutes before we reached the entrance turn. Needless to say, the place was packed. We found a place to park at the end of the parking area. At least it was shaded.

The "Beyond the Regular Stalls" area was open. Piles of junk upon junk.

This is Florida and guns were for sale.

Charlotte's favourite part: "As Seen On TV".

We found another "PEZ". This was a giant "Snoopy".

Revisited the "Decorated T's" and picked up a few more.

The "Gem" for the day was a "Chakra Set". The 7 Chakras are the energy centers in our body in which energy flows through. The word 'chakra' is derived from the sanskrit word meaning 'wheel'. Literally translated from the Hindi it means 'Wheel of spinning Energy'. A chakra is like a whirling, vortex-like, powerhouse of energy.

(pre-grin) We couldn't "Bear" to end the day...or could we? Charlotte found a "Short Dozen" (11) of Boyds (Resin) Bears at a both right at the end of our visit.

We took almost as long to leave the market as was needed to get in. I thought Charlotte would like Japanese for Dinner. I offered "Kiku" and Ichiban and Charlotte was "Itchin' for Ichiban (Buffet)". It would be her last chance for a Sushi Fix before we head home.

After our meal I took "Radio Rd." from the parking lot. It connects directly to CR-44 and avoids the heavy 6 lanes of traffic on US-441. 

We stopped at Publix for our usual lottery tickets. Then it was on SR-19 to OMS and the motorhome. Our site is at the back of the park. Next door is an Orange Grove which was giving off the fantastic fragrance from the orange blossoms. In addition to the several "Orange Blossom" fixes we would receive on our "topless" drives over the last few days we got a bonus of being downwind in today's breeze. It was delightful.

I suspect that tonight will be devoted to "Oscar" on the TV. We have been fortunate enough to have seen a number (4) of the current "Best Picture" nominations including the projected front runners: "The Shape of Water" and "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri"...and the winner is...(grin).

Sat - Mar 3/18

The "Cold Spell" has arrived! It dropped to the 40's F last night and it is only going up to the 70 F during the day for the remainder of the week. The weather forecasts are billing this as a "Sunny, Clear and Cool" and time for a light jacket.

The A/C is off and the curtains are open to allow the RV to heat up.

Today OMS was having an "Open House and Yard and Craft Sale" for the public from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Normally, because this is a "Gated" RV park, folks can't just enter the park to wander around. Anyone wishing to "See the Park" has to book a tour at the office. Today, the park is open to the Public. They may enter, park at the entrance and go to the sale. If they wish to see the park they will be taken on a guided tour in a multi-person golf cart. This event also coincides with Umatilla's Community-Wide "Garage Sale" being held this weekend.

We made a trip to the dumpster. The temporary overnight parking area for late arrivals at the park entrance was in use for the Yard and Craft Sale. 

It was right across from the dumpster and we had to check it out. 

Charlotte found a few items at Martha's table and an item at another table near the end of the show. I made a purchase as well and "thought" about a few others. Sometimes it is hard to resist a good deal for something you may not ever use. It's like keeping junk just in case you need it someday.

Then it was back to the motorhome to relax until our afternoon show at the Orange Blossom Opry. Charlotte watched TV and continued knitting her quilt. It is about 75% complete. She may have to finish it at home?

I worked on the computer trying to plan our trip home. The Nor' Easter hitting the upper east coast with almost Category 2 Hurricane force wind gusts will pass; but another is expected in a few days. We may have to leave early to travel in between the best of the bad weather.

Lunch was just a piece of pie Blueberry Pie we purchased from Blue Bayou Farms. Mmmm...Great!

We left for the show at 1:30 p.m. It was a beautiful drive under a clear blue sky. The sunshine felt great on the face as we traveled on SR-450 at a slower than speed limit rate as there was no traffic behind us. We had to increase to the speed limit once we hit CR-42 that took us right to the Opry.

Our usual treat here was popcorn and water (Charlotte) and Diet Coke (Moi) while we sat in our seats waiting for the start of the show. Today Charlotte just had a "Sprite".

Our show (2:30 p.m.) today was "Ricky Nelson Remembered" featuring Gunnar and Matthew Nelson.

Matthew and Gunnar Nelson are the identical twin sons of Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Famer Ricky Nelson and grandsons of ‘50s TV icons Ozzie and Harriet Nelson.

“Ricky Nelson Remembered” is a unique multi-media entertainment event featuring the live music of Ricky Nelson’s hit songs (including “Hello Mary Lou”, “Travelin’ Man”, “Garden Party”) performed by Ricky’s own twin sons and included video footage of the Nelson family.

Rick Nelson’s passing in a tragic New Year’s Eve plane crash 33 years ago ended the life of perhaps the most televised rock star in history. Ricky Nelson emerged from the TV series’ popularity to establish himself as one of the most important rock artists of the ‘50s and ‘60s with over 200 million career record sales. Rick Nelson is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame credited with founding the country rock music genre.

The bookings for this show all over America are testament to the memory of Rick Nelson and the excellence of Gunnar and Matthew in this ultimate "Tribute" show. If you grew up in the 50's and 60's this show is a must. It was full of great clips and surprising facts. It lasted almost until 5:30 p.m. It was a great way to end our season of attending shows at the Orange Blossom Opry.

After the show we decide to have Supper at OakWood Smokehouse. There are 4 locations. The closest to the Opry was in Lady Lake, FL. We arrived about 10 minutes after leaving the show. It was an almost "Straight Shot" along SR-25 to US-27 then a right turn to the restaurant just off the main road. 

I sent Charlotte in for a "Beeper" as I parked the car. There were at least 50 folks waiting for a table by the time I got inside. The "Quick -In" saved us quite a few spots. We were seated in about 20 minutes as many of those folks arrived just after us.

To say the "Full Rack of Ribs" was excellent wouldn't do them justice. 'Nuff said!

After supper we took our "Well Lit" route (US-27/441/SR-19) back to OMS. We were in time to catch Jeopardy as the start of our TV evening.

It was a fun and busy day.

Fri - Mar 2/18

We were up early (for a Friday) and departed after 9 a.m. (to avoid early morning traffic).

Our first destination(s) for today was Yalaha, FL. The Yalaha Bootlegging Co. and the Blue Bayou Farms are at the same location next door to the Yalaha Bakery.

We wanted to arrive for the 10 a.m. opening to be sure that we could purchase pies. Our previous visits were later in the day and the pies had sold out. We were the first to arrive and had our choice from the full racks.

We bought a Blueberry and an ABC (Apple/Blueberry/Cranberry). If they taste half as good as they look they will be terrific. I am sure they will be and that is the reason they "Sell Out" almost immediately.

Charlotte also found 4 jars of various jams and preserves while I checked out the "Still Life" (grin).

David was measuring the latest batch. It checked out at 170 proof. There are free samples of their various products. We sampled and made a purchase on our previous visit. Check out previous blog @

http://arizonabill.blogspot.com/2018/02/thu-feb-118-its-beginning-to-warm-up.html

A "Shine Fest" coming up. It should be fun!

Our next stop was only a few miles down the road. Our destination was "The Howey Mansion" in Howey-in-the-Hills, FL for the 11 a.m. Guided Tour. After almost 10 years of abandonment, this nearly 100 year old Mediterranean Revival-style mansion, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, that was built by William J. Howey in 1925, is now open for tours (Since Jan/18). The citrus grower purchased 60,000 acres in 1916 in Lake County, founding the town of Howey-in-the-Hills. The mansion was built in 1925. It has 20 rooms compromising almost 7200 Sq. Ft. 

In 2017, the house was listed for sale at $480,000. It reportedly attracted widespread attention, with prospective buyers traveling hundreds of miles to see the home. More than 10 offers were made on the home after just 9 days on the market. It probably sold for somewhere north of a half-million dollars and the in progress renovations will probably cost nearly 4 times as much as the purchase price. The new owner is committed to restoring the mansion to its former glory. Besides tours it will become a venue for weddings and events with possible B and B options.

Alexis, our tour guide, met us at the entrance. She was excellent. She was informative and allowed everyone the time needed to "enjoy the mansion" making it the most "comfortable" tour we have ever been on (and we have been on many).

When the house was young, former President Calvin Coolidge was among Howey’s prominent guests. Howey, an innovator in the citrus industry, was mayor from 1925 to 1936 and ran unsuccessfully for Florida governor in 1928 and 1932.

The house was built during Prohibition and it was prepared for that fact. There was a "Secret Room" in the basement. A hidden stairwell door was opened through an access "Key" behind a bookcase panel in the Library. 

Unlocked, the door accessed a spiral staircase. Then through a bank vault style door was both the "Wine Cellar".

In the wine cellar another hidden passageway led underground to exit away from the house. Presumably this was for an escape, if necessary, and allowed "Product" to be brought secretly into the house.

The "Main Ballroom", with its portrait of William John Howey, reminded me of the "Rosecliff Mansion" in Providence, RI (on a smaller scale). 

Needless to say, Charlotte and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour.

On the way back to the motorhome at OMS we made a quick stop at our usual Eustis, FL Publix for lottery tickets and Charlotte's weekly "Woman's World" magazine.

Lunch, as we did on the last few Fridays, was at the "Gator Grill" in Umatilla, FL for their Friday AYCE (All You Can Eat) Haddock special. We can only eat 2 pieces. Charlotte likes the "Crispy Grilled" and I go for the "(Deep) Fried". We aren't there for the AYCE, we are there because the Haddock is excellent. 

We left the top on the Del Sol and enjoyed the beautiful day on our travels; however with only a few miles left to go from the restaurant to the motorhome we left the top on and put the A/C on high. It was now above 80 F. The last stop before OMS was to fill up the Del Sol with gas a block from the restaurant. The car was on E(mpty) and we would need fuel for tomorrow's trip. 

A few minutes later we were relaxing in the RV.

We were still full from lunch so supper was just a slice of pie.

You guessed it! 

I knew you would! (grin) 

Just a Jeopardy TV evening to end the day.