Tue - 17 Jan/17

Another day above 80 F. There have been several in a row; however before you start claiming the Earth is Warming the record is 17 for a January back in the 1930’s.

We are both on our last pair of underwear. It can no longer be avoided. Laundry will have to be done. We loaded the car with 4 full laundry baskets. If I'm going to do laundry I may as well do full loads - it doesn't take any longer.

I drove Charlotte to crafts for 9 a.m. They are making a wreath today so the sewing machine was not needed.

Then I headed to the laundry room and unloaded the 4 full baskets from the trunk. Folks come early as the outside clothes lines were full. I arrived at a good time as three washers together were available.

Inside I loaded 3 washing machine that were together. They do a load in about 30 minutes.

I placed my "Ladybugs" on the lids. They help me remember which machines I am using. Their use is not that critical here at OMS. I made these when we were in AZ where there were 48 machines in the laundry room and often the ones we were using were scattered all over the place.

I returned in half an hour to transfer the clothes to dryers. The dryers run for 45 minutes.

Between loads I went to the Rec Hall Activity Room as they do not allow chairs in the laundry room. Staying in the laundry room while your load is being done is frowned upon by OMS. I brought the computer and did some Internet tasks using the park Wi-Fi Rec Hall connection while I waited.

I returned in about 30 minutes to take out the clothes that were dry allowing the remaining clothes to dry faster. Now the laundry was packed. Several of the ladies liked my "Ladybugs" and said they would buy some if I made them for sale. I mentioned it was easy - go to Hobby Lobby, buy the item you like and glue a magnet to the back.

Charlotte had just returned to the motorhome from crafts as I arrived.  The "Wreath" she completed was really nice. I like the colour.

We unloaded the laundry and put everything away.

Charlotte made our "Old El Paso" dinner using the ingredients we bought the other day. It was really tasty. The Sour Cream we purchased was "Daisy" brand. It is in a squeezable plastic tube that makes it is easy to use and keep in the refrigerator.

Charlotte did the dishes after lunch and then we just "took it easy" for the afternoon. Charlotte watched "Dr. Phil" and other programs.

I listened to my Audible audio book, "The Bourne Sanction", that I played on my computer. I listened to it using "Bluetooth" that played into my new Hearing Aids so as not to disturb Charlotte.
One of my old units failed just before we came south. They were 10 years old. It was time for a new set. The new units are really neat.

They are Siemens units with an EasyTek Smart Hearing Aid System which is an ultra-discreet, simple way to intuitively and completely control my units with a variety of programming choices that allows me to adjust volume levels, noise cancellation or listening to HD music. I wear it around my neck under my shirt.

The hearing aid earbuds are small, clear and almost invisible as they hang over each ear from the hearing aid. The Receiver-in-Canal hearing earbud goes directly into the ear. A lot of the smarts are actually in the disc that hangs around my neck. There’s a built-in microphone, a multifunction button, a port for audio devices (I can connect it to TV audio), a volume up/down button, a micro-USB slot, and a reset button. If I want to turn off the hearing aid, I can override the manual controls on the earbuds and just hold down the on-off button on the disc. A green indicator light fades to tell you the device is powering down.

It even has a "Spatial Feature" that allows me to control the directionality of my hearing with multiple combination choices. I can also listen to my iPhone through Bluetooth making it easier to hear phone calls directly. It will also connect to my new Kenwood radio in the Del Sol to listen to music or phone calls. Charlotte appreciates that the radio or TV are not as loud as I previously needed with my old aids. I can even listen to my computer outside without disturbing any neighbours.

We continued TV with the Local News. The massive manhunt for the "Cop Killer" continues and the reward has been raised, for the third time, to $125,000. TV is also showing an altered picture with a shaved head and beard. The police think he may have changed his appearance.

There is a "Catch" to the reward offer. To get the reward the "Crimeline" must be called first. This allows complete anonymity.  If 911 is called first with a tip, the caller may not remain anonymous and the reward does not apply.

After the news it will once again be our usual TV evening.
 

Mon - 16 Jan/17

 

Today is another excellent day, weather wise, with temps hitting 80 F. A high pressure area  is keeping the Jet Stream flowing north of here. We are not getting the nasty weather that is almost everywhere north of us. It should remain 10 degrees above normal for the next week.  A modest breeze will keep it comfortable.

Today is MLK Day. Down here they celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with numerous events and parades (especially in the larger cities). It is an official holiday for many so we have no plans to be anywhere (in crowds) today. Government and educational facilities as well as most financial institutions are closed. Most not working in the above institutions will have a regular work day in store for them. For us, it will actually be a day of rest.

In Canada we have Loonies ($1.00 coin – since 1987) …and Toonies ($2.00 coin – since 1996). (We no longer use pennies either – we just round off – up or down)

 I think the Toonie should have been called a “Moonie” because it has an engraving of the Queen (on one side) with a “Bear” behind. (grin)

Here (USA) they still use paper $1.00 bills that have the picture of George Washington on the face. In our change we discovered a dollar bill that had “WheresGeorge.com” stamped on one end. Naturally, I checked it out.

This site registers the serial number of a U.S. Dollar Bill and tracks all registered reports. This specific bill was first registered in Texas. It since has travelled to Vancouver, BC (Canada), Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Orange City, FL and Daytona Beach, FL. This is probably where I got it (in change at the Daytona Beach Flea Market). It is now registered as being at Umatilla, FL (we are staying at Olde Mill Stream RV Resort) there.

To date, in 2 years, 109 days, 22 hours and 43 minutes , the bill we registered has travelled 2,662 miles (as the crow flies?). We will receive email updates whenever future registrations are made.

 After lunch Charlotte walked to the office to get tickets for the UVFD Spaghetti Supper. OMS sponsors this event as annual fundraiser for the local Umatilla Volunteer Fire Department. With our site situated on a main street with a good view of the entrance we have often seen their vehicles coming in on emergency calls to the park. Their lights are on; but they mute the sirens on entry so as not to alarm the residents.

Charlotte then sat outside for a bit – just to relax and enjoy the great weather.

Mid-afternoon we headed to The Lodge (Last Entrance) to get our pictures taken for the Park Directory. The directory will have the park and home addresses and phone numbers of those who volunteered to have their picture taken. Usually most folks go early to everything in the park so we decided to wait a bit to avoid standing in line for a long time. It was quick – in and out.

We then went for a ride to Publix with the top off. We parked in front of the store then walked over to order at the Burger King Drive-Thru (NOT) (another grin). Actually, this was the shortest distance to the entrance.

We each ordered the $3.99 Meal Deal that included a Jr. Whopper, 4 Chicken Tenders, Fries and a Drink. It was just our size being not too big. The Fast Food market down here is very competitive so "Deals" can be had at all the "Big Names".

Back at Publix Charlotte checked our Lottery tickets while I was deciding on what vitamins to buy. Hey! We won $10 which purchased another round plus 2 scratch tickets.  Then we were off shopping for a few needed items.

We had a craving for an “Old El Paso “ style meal. We picked up nachos, ground meat, sour cream, salsa, tomatoes, etc.  to make our version of the meal.

We enjoyed the short drive (5 miles) back to OMS, again with the top off.  

We quickly unloaded and put all away. I cooked all of the “Ground Chuck” which was then put into plastic containers. One stayed in the refrigerator to be used in tomorrow’s meal while the rest were put in the freezer.

The late lunch meant we were not too hungry. Supper was “Long John’s” which purchased at Publix (just in case – Yeh! Right). Long John’s are like a Chocolate Éclair with a custard filling instead of whipped cream. Not bad, at all!

 Tonight was once again a usual TV evening - starting with Jeopardy. That's it for another (not so busy) day.

Sun - 15 Jan/17

We watched CBS Sunday Morning in bed as usual.

Then it was time to replace the burnt out signal light bulb. I removed the front signal light housing. Replaced the bulb then checked to see if it was working.

I replace the unit. Then I checked all the fluid levels and topped up the windshield washer fluid. I also poured a little additive into the engine oil. The purpose of this additive is to condition the engine seals. After 22 years and 500,000 km chances are they could use a little TLC. Hopefully, this additive will work as advertised and keep the seals supple and prevent oil leakage.

Kathy Lee stopped by on her way to the Craft Room. She exchanged "Craft Talk" with Charlotte for a bit.

We then headed out to purchase our "Canada Day" tickets. This year the event will be held outside the park at the Moss Gate B & B in Umatilla, FL (just a few minutes down the road). There were three sites in the park listed as possible places to pick up the tickets. At the first site there was nobody home.

We had better luck at the second site listed. We chatted for a bit after purchasing the tickets. Unfortunately we had to cut the conversation short. We need to leave for the 2:30 p.m. show at the Orange Blossom Opry.

The show today is the "Bird Dogs - Everly Brothers Experience". The Zmed brothers, Zachary and Dylan, although not identical brothers, do sound that way. Close your eyes during the concert and you are hearing Phil and Don Everly.

The Everlys bridged country and rock with countless classics and they inspired The Beatles, Kinks, Buddy Holly, Simon & Garfunkel and many others since they came on the scene in 1957. They played all the classics during the show like "Wake Up Little Susie," "All I Have To Do Is Dream," "Bye Bye Love", "Cathy's Clown," 'When Will I Be Loved" and "Bird Dog," (which is the origin of their band's name), to name a few.

The high energy show, sprinkled with humour, was excellent and recommend to all who remember the hits of "The Everly Brothers".

After the show we headed to the Lady Lake, FL "Texas Roadhouse". It was packed, as usual. The wait; however was less than a half hour.

We both enjoyed our usual. Dallas Filet (8 oz.). Mine was Medium Rare w/Cesar Salad and a Loaded Baked Potato. Charlotte's was Medium w/Cesar and a Baked Sweet Potato. We would rather pay a little more for a smaller weight filet than less for larger other type steak. The filet is all tender meat. Other cuts often include over half the weight in fat and bone and the meat is not as tender. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

While we ate I had one eye on the Green Bay Packers / Dallas Cowboys playoff game displayed on several of the "Big Screens". We finished our meal and left by half time. We arrived back at OMS in time to catch the end of the game. The game was tied with a little over a minute remaining. The teams exchanged field goals, then the Packers kicked a game winning field goal with 3 seconds left.

We made phone calls to our girls back home after the game for an update in life in the "Great White North". Then we each "Surfed" on different TV sets to end the evening.

Sat - 14 Jan/17

Well, we survived Friday the 13th! The only misfortune was that it was cloudy with a few light scattered showers throughout the day. Today is nearly perfect with almost 80's F under clear blue skies with no wind and little humidity.

We took it easy this morning. As usual (unless we are on a road trip), on most non-craft days, we stayed in bed watching the local news until 9 a.m.

 

Sadly, a funeral for one of two fallen officers, Master Sergeant Debra Clayton, will be held today. She died while trying to apprehend the suspect at a Walmart. The accused was wanted for killing his pregnant girlfriend and seriously wounding her brother. Reports are the accused was wearing a bulletproof vest. These can easily be purchased down here at Flea Markets along with all types of guns. Once down, the officer was shot multiple times as the killer stood over her.

 

A second (motorcycle) officer, Deputy First Class Norman Lewis, died while responding to the manhunt. He crashed when a vehicle turned in front of him. The officer, with lights and siren on, had the green light. Charges are pending for the driver.

The reward, funded by donations to Crimeline, is now up to $100,000. Hundreds of tips have come in and numerous SWAT searches have been conducted. Three persons, to date, have been arrested for aiding the accused. The massive manhunt continues.

Both officers were exceptionally well liked and highly involved in the community.

Sad to say, homicides are a daily occurrence down here. We are no longer shocked as they are often the "Lead" story on the local news.

Breakfast today were McD's. Charlotte has making the McMuffin type sandwiches down to perfection. We enjoyed them while watching "Innovation Nation" on CBS.

Later, it was America's Test Kitchen which is always informative and interesting. (We have their cookbook - which is excellent.) There product reviews are also exceptionally well done.

Our outing today was at the Orange Blossom Opry in Wiersdale, FL. This is an intimate venue that features great entertainment (mostly country) for a reasonable price. The capacity is a little over 600 meaning there is not a bad seat in the house. We have already purchased tickets for several shows from now into March.

 

Today we attended the 2:30 p.m. show featuring "The Association". If there are two shows by a group we prefer the early offering so we can drive back in daylight.

Wow! This is the 50th.(+) Anniversary of the group. The started in 1965. The above album is one of my favourites. I originally had it on 8-track that I played continuously whenever I was in my Corvair Monza. Since I didn't have an 8-track in the house I would often just sit in the car so I could listen.

There were only 13 songs on the album and I enjoyed them all. My favourites were "Cherish", "Never My Love", "Windy", "Along Comes Mary" and "Six Man Band". I was surprised to learn at the concert that "Never My Love" is #2 in the top 100 song (plays) of the last 100 years. The Righteous Bros "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' " is #1. We are fortunate enough to have heard both sung live by the artists.

"Along Comes Mary" was controversial at the time thanks to the fact that "Mary" was street slang for "Marijuana". Needless to say I didn't know that at the time. Boy, were we "Innocent" back then!

Neither did I realize that "Six Man Band" was autobiographical.

They played all their hits. They also played a medley of songs from the movie soundtrack of "The Big Chill" that was exceptional. Humour and anecdotes were sprinkled throughout the show.

The harmony was fantastic. The memories sublime!

The reason given for choosing the afternoon show was irrelevant today. Instead of heading back to the motorhome we ventured off to the "Market Square" at "Lake Sumter Landing" in "The Villages".

The Villages is a 55+ complex of gated communities (pop. 120,000) with three "Town Squares". That each feature live music every day of the year. Golf Cars (they don't call them carts) are the "second vehicle" in most households here. There are over 100,00 of all types.Over 90 miles of dedicated paved roads just for golf cars folks can go anywhere in the area (including shopping in Lady Lake), as there are golf car overpasses and underpasses to facilitate safe passage.

If you look carefully, they may "Wink" at you. (Love those Eyelashes).

Mid-afternoon hundreds of chairs are set up in the square in preparation for the residents (and public) that will arrive a little later to listen and/or dance to the live music emanating from the band shell.

Today we decide on having Nachos at our usual table at "City Fire" on the corner across from the square.

We shared a large Nacho while listening to the music from across the street.

Our next destination was the "Van Heusen" store. My intentions were to have Charlotte find something new she might like. It didn't work - nothing caught here interest; but I ended up with 3 new shirts (I tried).

We then decided to stay and listen to the music for a bit. This line is not for the music; but for "Happy Hour" drinks. There is a "Shack" at each of the corners of the square where folks can purchase "Specials". When only 1 or 2 of the "Shacks" are open the line can be quite long.

Finding a seat after the music starts can be difficult as hundreds of folks turn out - especially when the weather is so nice. We managed to find two chairs that were available (in different spots) and placed them together to sit and listen.

We stayed for a full session. Even though it was now dark it was still shirt sleeve warm. Depending on the song folks are up and either line-dancing, waltzing or rock 'n rolling to the music.

Charlotte made a new friend while at the square (grin).

Everything in "The Villages" is "Top Notch". A Public washroom near the square looks like somebodies "Beach House". As you walk along the sidewalk speakers on the light posts play music from "The Villages" own radio station.

On the way back to the motorhome I stopped at an Advanced Auto Parts store (open until 9 pm) to pick up a signal light bulb. I noticed the turn signal flasher was blinking at a faster rate than normal. This usually indicated a bulb is burnt out. Charlotte checked and the driver's side front signal light was not working. I picked up a pair and will replace it tomorrow.

It was a quiet, busy day. As usual, TV surfing finished the day.

 

Fri - 13 Jan/17

BE CAREFUL!

TODAY is FRIDAY the 13th.

We will just stay in bed today (but, only until 9 a.m. - grin).

Around noon we headed out to Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe. No - not in Key West. That is where the original shop is located. We went to the factory outlet/warehouse/shipping facility in Deland, FL. Shipping from Key West is too expensive which is why they set up at this location.

We stop here often. Once again we picked up a few of our favourites.

Next we were off to the Daytona Beach Flea and Farmers Market. This is a huge F/Sa/Su Flea Market just off I-95. Friday is the least busy of the three days which is why we went today.

Charlotte found a nice Denim Shirt and Sweater Set.

My mission was complete when I picked up a half dozen Honda caps to replace the one I lost on the Cat Boat Ride. All were black "H" hats. The six hats here at the flea market were less than one from a Honda dealer.

It took about 2 hours to walk all the booths. Then we returned to Deland, FL.

First stop (actually the second in Deland today) was at the Quilt Shop of Deland. Charlotte picked up some special quilted material that is heat proof. She also found a pretty (complicated) pattern for a centerpiece.

We then walked around the corner to "The Brickhouse" restaurant. The wind was a little too cool to eat outside on the patio. We chose a booth inside instead. We have eaten here a number of times over the past few years.

I always order the "Pan Seared Pepper Encrusted Ahi Tuna" w/two sides. Today Charlotte ordered the same. Needless to say it was excellent!

After eating we wanted to pick up dessert (for later tonight) at the "Perfectly Named Bakery" (grin). Unfortunately, It was after 5 p.m. and almost everything in this section of downtown closes at 5.

Deland is like Mount Dora (and most small towns down here). They encourage shopping by providing ample free parking. As we returned to the parking area near the quilt shop (our usual parking spot) we noticed the best crosswalk solution anywhere. Added to the usual signage were flashing amber LEDs that were activated by pushbuttons like a crosswalk light.  Now if they would only put the button about six steps from the road to give a few seconds of flashing time before they enter the crosswalk it would be perfect. I wish they had these for all crosswalks.

We then returned to OMS. The drive took about a half hour and we arrived before sunset.

Jeopardy will start our TV evening. Then we will just relax and channel surf.