Tuesday - 8 Mar/16

We are still not well; but we are better and determined to get out and enjoy the wonderful weather. We slept in a bit; but were still up and out by 10:30 a.m.

The first tasks today were "In-Park" stuff. We went to the mail to get the "You've Got Mail" card needed to redeem a package delivery. An Amazon order for 2 "Rachel Ray Silicone Suction Lids Sets" was delivered yesterday afternoon to the park office. We also did our "Garbage Run" at the same time then headed for Old Town in Kissimmee, FL.

We took the "Back Roads" to avoid the heavy traffic on US-441 (Orange Blossom Trail) to our next stop, the Harbor Freight Store in Apopka. I picked up a few items that were on sale.

From there it was a quick connect to Daniel Webster Western Beltway aka FL 429 (toll).

It took us all the way to the US-192 (Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway) exit at Kissimmee.

Along the way we had to pull off to pay tolls (cash) a number of times. The total cost was less than $5 (in each direction) which was easily worth it. Avoiding all the traffic and stoplights - priceless.

After being on US-192 for several miles we finally got to pull in to Old Town. We mostly stayed in the middle of the 3 lanes of traffic and although there are several traffic lights along the way we only stopped once due to the excellent light timing.

Gosh! This brought back memories of "Parking Lot Cruising" (a family joke). We started coming to Disney World every March School Break since it opened (for 20 years). The first several years we stayed at Old Town (Days Inn Lodge) which was then in the middle of nowhere. We would marvel each year when we returned on how many new motels, attraction and restaurants had sprung up. Now it is wall-to-wall businesses for a dozen miles up and down US-192.

Once parked our first vision was of "Thing 1" and "Thing 2" (another family joke).

Hunger took over and we went into Jimmy John's for lunch. They bill themselves as making the "World's Greatest Gourmet Sandwiches". I wouldn't go that far; however it was good.

We ordered the #2 Big John: medium rare choice roast beef, mayo, lettuce and tomato in a 8" sub bun. As I said - good; but not gourmet.

Replenished, we headed out to re-discover Old Town. We explored several stores on our way along the Main Street.

Finally, we arrived at our primary destination "Black Market Minerals". Kat (daughter) has sent us on a mission to find "Polished Stones". She had provided a list.

Once in the store I realized the were just rocks to me. Thanks to Cliff, we eventually acquired about half of the list of minerals provided by Kat.

Note: In the dictionary, under "Customer Service" is Cliff's picture! He was fantastic! He checked our list, noted the minerals they did not have and located, bagged and labelled each of the ones found. I hope they put "a little something extra in his pay packet" at the end of the week. (grin).

We also wanted some unpolished stones for Charlotte and Marty's rock tumblers. We decided the best way was to buy two bags to "Pan in the Sluice" and keep our "Found Treasures" to polish in the tumblers back home.

Our final "Memory" stop was "The Pearl Factory". We (and others in the family) have been "finding" (a dozen or more) pearls here since our first visit.

Charlotte found a beauty - 8mm and perfectly round. She had it placed in an "Angel Fish" cage with a 20" chain - it's a beauty!

We were now officially wiped out (our colds have taken over). We reversed our route and headed back to the RV. The Del Sol did it's "I'm Overheating" trick at one of the stoplights - then it was back to normal. We will just have to wait until whatever is causing the problem quits for good so we can fix it. With a number of possible causes a "Hit or Miss" solution could be costly. At least our route back was easy driving and took only a little over an hour (including toll stops).

We made a quick stop at Publix for liquids: milk, soft drink, juice, wine and saki. We then crossed the parking lot to Burger King for the 5 for $4 meal for supper.

Back at the motorhome we unpacked our booty and collapsed. (Charlotte had a nap while I did the blog). We sure hope the activity today will help us beat "the bug".

Jeopardy, Family Feud and a pair of NCIS on TV will end the day (If we make it that far).

It was a busy day; but it felt good to get out.

Monday - 7 Mar/16

We are missing another beautiful day!

Charlotte at least slept better during the night. It appears that we are both on the slow uphill. I am a day or two ahead and my coughing has greatly lessened. We are both still very tired and will just rest.

Nothing else to report for today.

Sunday - 6 Mar/16

At least Charlotte slept more last night and her throat is not sore this morning. Her voice is still hoarse and the cough is still there; but at least there is improvement. My coughing has lessened and my ribs and stomach muscles are no longer sore. There is hope for us yet!

I just realized that we live on a "Trailer Trashy" street. No! The park is as neat as a pin; however being on the "Main Drag", we get to watch folks take their garbage to the collection area near the front entrance. There is no garbage pick-up at OMS like many parks. They do have a large compactor and recycling bins with a parking area near the park exit.

Many carry only one garbage bag at a time to the dumpster when it gets full. A few also carry their recycling bin (as seen) at the same time. Many make the walk (some as couples) part of their morning ritual. Others "bike the bag" while many take it there on their golf cart.

Many, like us, deliver the goods, or bads (grin) using their car, pick-up or motorcycle as they are on their way out of the park on a day trip. I haven't seen any "Hoodie Goodies" here yet. That is when the bag of garbage is driven to the dumpster on the hood of the vehicle. I presume this is so they won't forget to deliver it (we have) on the way out of the park.

We will start the day watching movies as we continue to rest. We will start with "The Third Man" with Orson Welles as Harry Lime. This movie is no lemon (grin) - often considered by many one of the best movies ever made. Of course, the ploy is for Charlotte to sleep.

Well that didn't work! Charlotte was coughing enough to keep awake.

Next up was "Beetlejuice" - the funniest ghost movie ever! A couple of recently deceased ghosts contract the services of a "bio-exorcist" in order to remove the obnoxious new owners of their house. Watching this meant we will skip the "Ice Cream Social". Although it would have felt good on the throat we were too tired to go.

Another movie did the trick and Charlotte had another nap.

Both in bed again early. We do not wish this cold bug on anyone.

Saturday - 5 Mar/16

My cold is at the "Nuisance" level; however Charlotte's is "Totally Miserable"! Between coughing and nose blowing she got very little sleep through the night. Today we will rest as much as possible.

There is a Craft/Garage Sale in the Rec Hall today from 8 am-2 pm. Now that we are on the "Main Drag" I got to watch the steady procession of folks walking to and from the event - many returning with purchases.

After The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation on CBS we turned to our bank of movies to entertain us throughout the day, starting with Alfred Hitchcock's "Vertigo".

Charlotte slept from the middle of that movie and on through the next three that I put on. It was my hope that the general movie background would keep her sleeping. Thankfully it did - she needed the rest.

We were both to tired to go to the dance in the Rec Hall this evening.

She awoke for a short period and we both finished the day with "Angels and Demons" (Movie). Charlotte was off to sleep just before the end. I made it through, did the blog and joined her shortly thereafter.

We were both in bed before the dance had finished at 10 p.m.

Let's hope that tomorrow we start improving. It would be nice to be able to enjoy the great week of weather coming up.

Friday - 4 Mar/16

We both slept in this morning. This cold bug is miserable. Just when you think things are getting better it stages a new attack. Charlotte went through a small box of Kleenex during the night. Her latest version of the cold is a running nose and coughing while mine is just the coughing.

Despite the misery we tried to enjoy the great weather (a second week of nothing but sunshine coming up) and went out this afternoon to Mt. Dora for the "Fan"tastic Quilt Show.

There were almost 200 unique quilts on display along with many vendors. Everything from Quilt Appraisal to Scissor Sharpening were available. Technique Demonstrations along with a Silent Auction, Craft Auctions, Quilt Sales and a Fashion Show occurred throughout the day.

I dropped Charlotte off at the main door and located a parking spot. Three moves later I was parked in a position from which I could watch the front entrance. This would allow me to pick Charlotte up on her exit.

While waiting I noticed a procession of autos with purple door top flags arriving at the entrance. They would leave and then return again and again. I could see initials on the flags which I assumed to mean the Lake County Quilters Guild (Sponsors of the show) When a driver parked next to me in the parking lot I inquired.  They were a volunteer shuttle service for the show. We joked about knowing where every Quilt and Fabric shop was located within hundreds of miles.

I had the pleasure of having a conversation with one of the drivers - a real live Liverpudlian (native of Liverpool, UK). We talked for several minutes while he waited for "his spot" to come up in the shuttle line. FYI: We talked cars - not quilts.

Charlotte bought tickets for the Silent Auction and also found a few "Tea Towel Kits". She enjoyed every minute of her 2.5 hours of "Quilt Browsing". Charlotte was also looking for "Wine Themed" material; but was not successful in her quest.

A stop after the show at Hobby Lobby did not yield any "Wine Themed" material; however she did find other material. As I often say; "If you see it and like it - get it! It's cheaper than gas!" (Compared to going back later; finding it is no longer available and searching several other locations without any luck).

Our next stop was Chili's for an early supper. Charlotte was still talking about the beautiful quilts and the terrific Silent Auction Baskets an hour after the show.

We then headed back to the motorhome in time for the early evening news followed by Jeopardy and the remainder of our regular TV evening.

Endnote:

This is "Bike Week" in Daytona. A half million bikers are expected for the event's 75th Anniversary. Guess where we aren't going for the next 10 days?

Thursday - 3 Mar/16

We went to sleep more exhausted than feeling sick. The symptoms had lessened significantly. Then we were both up in the night (different times) because of our colds. All of a sudden I was stuffed, coughing and my nose and eyes were dripping. It took a while to get back to sleep. This morning both of us awoke with our eyes and nose all "crudded" up; however we were feeling much better than we did in the middle of the night. We hope the virus was in it's "Death Throes" and we are now on our way to recovery.

Charlotte headed to crafts for 9 a.m. as usual. I then started my RV step project.

The site we are currently on has a full slab. The problem is that it has slanted significantly. The RV has Auto-Levelling Jacks meaning the front is now raised several inches to keep the interior floor level. This also means the bottom entry step is now twice the height off the ground it should be! This morning I am working on the solution that I devised.

Tools: Drill(s); Drill bit, "Bramble" RV (Stacking) Levelling Blocks, Plywood (Pressure Treated), Screws, Welcome Mat.

Step #1:

Using a drill bit slightly smaller than the screws I drilled 4 holes  (red circles) in each of 4 RV leveling blocks. Drilling lessens the chances of the blocks splitting.

Step #2:

I placed the 3/4" pressure treated plywood I purchased last night at Home Depot on the table. I had it cut at the store to the exact dimensions of our Welcome Mat. Being pressure treated it should last for years. I lined up the 4 (drilled) blocks up (slightly in from the edges) and the screwed them to the plywood.

I used GRK 8 x 1" cabinet screws. They are approved for treated lumber. They have a washer head giving more support and lessening the chances of pulling through the plastic blocks. The have a "Star" drive head lessening the chances of "stripping". Each box comes with a Star Bit for your drill. The "W" cut thread requires less installation torque and they also have "Easy Start" engineered "Zip Tips". They went in like "Butter".

Step #3:

Add the number of stackable leveller blocks required for the desired step height.

Step #4:

Place the unit (upside down) and tip it into place. The blocks should stay in place if you do it slowly.

Step #5:

Place the Welcome Mat on top.

Bonus: Using the blocks makes the steps totally adjustable. The main unit (3/4" Plywood + 1 layer of blocks) is about 1.5" high. Each block layer adds 3/4". Main Unit + 4 layers = 6.5". The main unit can be stored in a compartment and the remainder of the blocks can be stored in their "Bramble" bag.

The step is now "Charlotte Approved". (Whew! - grin)

We now have a strong, durable step in place making entry and exit much easier and safer. The cost was less than $15 (I had the Bramble blocks). The construction time was less than 15 minutes. Not falling on exit ... Priceless. (another grin)

Charlotte arrived back from Crafts almost an hour early. She was just too tired due to her cold.

Had the pleasure of meeting John, our neighbour on the passenger side of the RV, this morning. I recognized his name from generous donations he has made to park events. They were on our current site for 3 years before moving next door where they have resided for the last 7 years. Like Don, our neighbour on the other side, their lot is immaculate.

At OMS they do not do lawn maintenance like most parks. Here they will loan you a rake, if needed; however normally grass cutting and leaf raking is up to the residents. Staff continuously patrols picking up the piles of leaves left by residents. The "Live Oaks" are continuously dropping leaves so this can be a daily task.

While Charlotte was sleeping I slipped over to Jean's site on our old street (Suwannee) a half block away. Charlotte asked me to bring them a map on how to get to Beasley Mfg. in Center Hill, FL. Jean wants to pick up some nylon mesh fabric like that that Charlotte uses in making her large purses. Crafter's are always helping each other out with "good finds".

Charlotte was still asleep on my return so I made l lunch (Tuna Fish Salad) and place it in the Norcold (refrigerator). It will be ready when she wakes.

After lunch my cold caught up with me and I fell asleep. When I awoke (just in time for Jeopardy) Charlotte was finishing the binding on our "Route 66 T-Shirt Quilt". Another great job!

Hey, Liz sent a pic of Nick's new Dodge Ram Diesel Crew Cab. It was taken halfway to the North Pole. (That's where we live - within a few hundred yards).

My response - Nice Truck!

Charlotte's response - not much snow!

Somehow we didn't see the same thing? (grin).

A pretty sky this evening meaning moisture is coming. We may get a touch of rain during the night.

I have a feeling it will be early to bed this evening. I don't know how we can tear ourselves away from the Republican Presidential Candidate's Debate. We will do it for the good of our health. (grin)

Canadians aren't overly enthusiastic over elections. Federal Elections have to be a minimum of 36 days in length. Many elections only run that long. The longest in modern times being 78 days. Outside of that it is only the last few weeks that really garner much media time. The maximum spending by each party is dictated by law. In most areas any Election Signs, Posters or Ads cannot appear before the official start date of the election and they all are required to be removed immediately after (mostly within 48 hours). Thanks God!

A few locals I have talked to no longer watch regular TV and stick to cable channels because they are sick of being bombarded with political ads and news. In the US campaigning starts literally (covertly) right after the election and increasing exponentially the closer it gets to the election date. Last year and this (to me) have been unbearable with the ads. Only car dealers and lawyers run more TV ads down here. Only murders, robberies, accidents and the weather demand more news time!

Can you imagine how much good the estimate $6 Billion spent for ads would do for a charity?

Rant Over!

As indicated previously, it will be early to bed. So much for the GOP Debate. We need the rest!

Wednesday - 2 Mar/16

We were up at 7:30 a.m. today.

I drove Charlotte to the Craft Hall a little after 8:30 a.m. and then headed to Wally's garage. Wally is my go-to-guy for auto care needs here in Florida. I was so fortunate to discover his garage when we first came to OMS (Olde Mill Stream RV Resort). His honesty, integrity and auto skills are all top notch.

The overheating issue resolved itself sometime in the last few days. It may have been a stuck relay that overheated after several continuous hours of 70+ mph driving on the Interstate on our return to Florida.

The A/C issue was low refrigerant level. A safety feature causes the unit to not function if refrigerant drops below a certain level. It was less than half what it should have been. Wally detected a leaking Schrader Valve which he removed, cleaned and re-tested. It was great to be "Cool" again.

I returned to the Craft Hall to drop off the car for Charlotte so she wouldn't have to wheel the sewing machine back to the RV.

Jean was giving her advice on the latest project: A small purse.

I checked our Post Office Box (no mail) and walked back to the motorhome which is about 4 "RV Blocks" away, I got to meet our new (to us) neighbour Don, from Michigan. The largest group here are from that state. I believe Canadians are the second (or third) largest contingent. Don has been coming to OMS for 10 years. The details and setup of his lot testify to the fact that he has been "doing it right" for quite a while.

I made my special Mushroom Soup for lunch, finishing just in time before Charlotte's arrival from Crafts.

Her new purse looks great! Another job well done  (as usual).

After lunch we both decided to take a nap. Our colds are starting to clear up; however we "wipe out" easily.

We were both awakened later in the afternoon by a phone call from Nick (Liz's Hubby and Marty's Dad). Good News and a Mission.

The Good News: Nick now has a Brand New Dodge Ram Diesel - Great! A good decision. What he will save in fuel using it for business (Nick's Mobile RV Service) will make the payments for the truck. I can't wait to see it!

The Mission: Pick up a Harbour Freight Welding Helmet that is currently on sale. The helmet I bought Nick a few years ago had the strap let go! (This was the only complaint in reviews about this excellent helmet).

We made it a 3 for 1 Mission with stops at Harbor Freight, Home Depot and JoAnn Fabrics.

The first Mission Stop was the most distant point which was Harbor Freight in Leesburg, FL. Mission #1 was successful. I picked up a pair of the Welding Helmets each with a 2 year warranty for replacement for any problem. I checked with the manager. Helmet strap and Faceplate replacements are not available for this model; but a warranty was. Anything goes wrong it just has to be returned to any Harbor Freight and they give a new one in exchange.

The next stop (Mission #2) was Home Depot on the way back to OMS on Hwy 441 also in Leesburg. I needed a piece of plywood for the RV step I am going to construct tomorrow while Charlotte is at her Craft session. On a previous project I received excellent service at this Home Depot when I needed wood cut so I returned to the same store for this project.

Frank did not let me down. He quickly found exactly what I needed, answered all my questions about the wood and made exacting cuts quickly. Fast and friendly service - you can't beat that!

Now we were off on Mission #3. Destination: JoAnn Fabrics also on the way back to OMS on Hwy 441 in Tavares. FL. Wednesday is Senior's Day (Hey - that's us) which equals a 20% discount. Charlotte was looking for a "Wine Themed" fabric to make another large (not today's small) purse like the one she just finished. It is for our daughter Kat who manages a Wine Store.

We continued on Hwy 441 to US-19 in Eustis, FL. This was our route all the way back to OMS; but with a few more stops.

At Publix we picked up a few groceries and a PowerBall Ticket. We haven't won anything yet; but we also know you can't win without a ticket.

Our last stop was the BK (Burger King) across the parking lot from Publix for a 5 for $4 Combo Deal.

This includes a (small) Bacon Cheeseburger, 4 Crispy Chicken Nuggets, a Small Fry, a Small Drink and a Cookie. A little taste of everything that is  just the perfect size for us.

We made it back  to OMS, unloaded and unpacked just in time for Criminal Minds and CSI Cyber.

It ended up being a busier day than planned. Even with the afternoon naps we are wiped because of our colds. We won't have to be rocked to sleep tonight.

Tuesday - 1 Mar/16

The weather is still great; but we aren't!

I was hoping things would be getting better with our colds. Last night was even worse. Today will be just rest and liquids.

Charlotte felt well enough to finish the bag/purse she started on Monday at crafts. I am still coughing; however the sneezing fits appear to have stopped.

We both slept after lunch until just before Jeopardy.

Hopefully we will start to get the upper hand by tomorrow.