Sat - 31 Jan/15
Took close to 2 hours to get enough of a Wi-Fi connection to get this far this morning.
First duty today: phone to wish Liz, our youngest, "Happy Birthday!"
Clear, sunny and beginning a week of 70 F or higher today.
I will add to this should I be able to get back on later today!
It's midnight and I was able to update my iphone after 3 days of trying.
Spent an hour trying to send Liz an e-mail Birthday Card. I think it may have finally got through?
Nothing more to add for today.
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Friday, January 30, 2015
Fri - 30 Jan/15
Still cannot update my iPhone; but I can get online for small data demand situations.
Picture downloads are taking forever; both for the blog and any emails I receive.
I took me nearly a half hour to get an email picture to download showing our grandson Marty learning to snowboard.
Monitoring the speed shows the normal high (72 Mbps) often fluctuating down to as low as 1 Mbps. Sometimes it recovers and sometimes the Internet Service is lost for varying amounts of time. At times source of the failure is the ISP (Internet Service Provider).
The RV Park has invested a great deal in the Wi-Fi system. They have top notch equipment in place that normally would suffice. They have the best RV Park Wi-Fi internet service I have experienced anywhere except for a park in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas that included cable modem (not Wi-Fi) with cable TV at all sites ( I wish!). Most of the "Permanent" residents here have done this for themselves through a local cable service. The rest of the "Permanents" have satellite TV.
The current demands are more that the system can currently handle. For this reason I will avoid adding a lot of pictures (if any) until after the SuperBowl.
When everyone finishes their daytime activities I am sure the Wi-Fi will slow down even more. This is why I am doing the blog earlier than usual. Saving the blog usually is as quick as a click. Now it often will "Time Out" before completing a save and it takes several tries to succeed.
The weather is starting to get back to normal here although it is still cool and breezy. Temps should remain close to normal for the next week.
We have no plans to do anything until after the SuperBowl. The rest is doing us good!
That's it for today.
Still cannot update my iPhone; but I can get online for small data demand situations.
Picture downloads are taking forever; both for the blog and any emails I receive.
I took me nearly a half hour to get an email picture to download showing our grandson Marty learning to snowboard.
Monitoring the speed shows the normal high (72 Mbps) often fluctuating down to as low as 1 Mbps. Sometimes it recovers and sometimes the Internet Service is lost for varying amounts of time. At times source of the failure is the ISP (Internet Service Provider).
The RV Park has invested a great deal in the Wi-Fi system. They have top notch equipment in place that normally would suffice. They have the best RV Park Wi-Fi internet service I have experienced anywhere except for a park in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas that included cable modem (not Wi-Fi) with cable TV at all sites ( I wish!). Most of the "Permanent" residents here have done this for themselves through a local cable service. The rest of the "Permanents" have satellite TV.
The current demands are more that the system can currently handle. For this reason I will avoid adding a lot of pictures (if any) until after the SuperBowl.
When everyone finishes their daytime activities I am sure the Wi-Fi will slow down even more. This is why I am doing the blog earlier than usual. Saving the blog usually is as quick as a click. Now it often will "Time Out" before completing a save and it takes several tries to succeed.
The weather is starting to get back to normal here although it is still cool and breezy. Temps should remain close to normal for the next week.
We have no plans to do anything until after the SuperBowl. The rest is doing us good!
That's it for today.
Thu - 29 Jan/15
Please note: There may or may not be a blog until after the SuperBowl. I believe a large RV group has arrived for the weekend. They started coming in today. I think this may have overloaded the Wi-Fi. Getting on this evening is nearly impossible.
The RV park is doing all it can; however, the demands are tremendous. Most RVers have a portable computer with some having more than one. When these devices are on they are sending out a signal to the Wi-Fi router. At this park I estimate 400 computers occupying the routers resources. This would be a lot less if folks turned off the Wi-Fi (switch on keyboard) or shutting off the computer.
Add to this other Wi-Fi devices. Many cells phones (smart phones) also can operate on Wi-Fi. These are usually always on and always demanding a piece of the Wi-Fi resources. Many RV sites = 2 phones = 600 phones?
Add to this Smart Devices from Ipads and tablets to Smart TV's. Coupled with the other sources there could be over 1000 devices taxing the Wi-Fi system at any one time.
Include to this the RV Rally this weekend = Slow Wi-Fi.
For the last 3 days I have been trying to update my iPhone. Even leaving the computer on overnight did not help. The download keeps "Timing Out" because the download is so slow. Something that would normally take only a few minutes at home.
I will probably be able to get back to normal by Monday.
I will try to do short blogs until then.
Please note: There may or may not be a blog until after the SuperBowl. I believe a large RV group has arrived for the weekend. They started coming in today. I think this may have overloaded the Wi-Fi. Getting on this evening is nearly impossible.
The RV park is doing all it can; however, the demands are tremendous. Most RVers have a portable computer with some having more than one. When these devices are on they are sending out a signal to the Wi-Fi router. At this park I estimate 400 computers occupying the routers resources. This would be a lot less if folks turned off the Wi-Fi (switch on keyboard) or shutting off the computer.
Add to this other Wi-Fi devices. Many cells phones (smart phones) also can operate on Wi-Fi. These are usually always on and always demanding a piece of the Wi-Fi resources. Many RV sites = 2 phones = 600 phones?
Add to this Smart Devices from Ipads and tablets to Smart TV's. Coupled with the other sources there could be over 1000 devices taxing the Wi-Fi system at any one time.
Include to this the RV Rally this weekend = Slow Wi-Fi.
For the last 3 days I have been trying to update my iPhone. Even leaving the computer on overnight did not help. The download keeps "Timing Out" because the download is so slow. Something that would normally take only a few minutes at home.
I will probably be able to get back to normal by Monday.
I will try to do short blogs until then.
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Wed - 28 Jan/15
Coldest day so far - only creeping above 50 F by late afternoon. It will feel like the 40's F with the strong wind; but a beautifully clear sunny day! Chance of frost tonight in the Marion County (a few miles north of here). It will be another day of rest.
The folks walking this morning had on their winter coats and hats. The late afternoon walkers were down to spring coats. This would be a hot spell anywhere else. Isn't it amazing how all things are relative.
Today is the 29th. anniversary of the Challenger Disaster (1986). Personal knowledge makes this tragedy a touch more poignant.
Years ago, on top of Mt Washington, NH, I was parking the car while the family went into the Visitor's Center. I parked next to a pickup w/camper. The owner was admiring the view as I was and we struck up a conversation based on his Alaska licence plate. He was here with his granddaughter, sightseeing for a few weeks.
Somehow the conversation got around to the movie Apollo 13. I can't remember why? (Probably something to do with the Movie just being released). To my surprise the stranger said; "Let me tell you the truth about that!". He said he was retired from NASA and worked as an engineer on that flight. He said that he had sent a report in to delay because of a faulty battery pack that should be swapped out. He said it was ignored and all the paperwork "mysteriously" disappeared. He believes it was because NASA was having trouble with Congressional Hearings (funding) and needed "Good Press" to help persuade those that controlled the purse strings.
Fast Forward >> many years to Canyon Vistas RV Resort in Gold Canyon, AZ where we were staying for the winter. Incidentally finding out that a neighbour worked as an engineer for NASA at Hunstville, AL I told him the "Apollo 13" story to see if he thought it might be true.
He said, "Absolutely! And let me tell you a story."
He indicated that he had warned NASA repeatedly. It was not a matter of "IF; BUT WHEN" there would be a Challenger Disaster. He said he was repeatedly ignored; then coerced into remaining quiet. He knew if he didn't stop he would lose his job. He had a family to support and could not afford that happening. He rationalized that it would all be covered up and they would hire a co-operative replacement. Not that government would do that, eh? (grin).
He said he still agonizes over his decision, especially on the anniversary. My thoughts are with him and the Challenger Astronauts today. It would be a good night to watch "The Challenger Disaster" from our movie collection (I just have to work up to it).
Ironically, the commission; appointed by Ronald Reagan; revealed that the O-ring seal on the Challenger's solid rocket booster, which had become brittle in the cold temperatures, failed. Flames then broke out of the booster and damaged the external fuel tank, causing the spacecraft to disintegrate. The commission also found that Morton Thiokol, the company that designed the solid rocket boosters, had ignored warnings about potential problems. They also found that NASA managers were aware of these design issues and ignored the warnings. (How often do disasters happen because they make it a "Crap Shoot" because of money?)
P. S. I think the CCCP version of "Crap Shoot" is "Russian Roulette"; either way, if you keep playing you eventually lose! (grin).
P.S.S. Amazingly, 10 years after the disaster 2 large pieces washed ashore.
Coldest day so far - only creeping above 50 F by late afternoon. It will feel like the 40's F with the strong wind; but a beautifully clear sunny day! Chance of frost tonight in the Marion County (a few miles north of here). It will be another day of rest.
The folks walking this morning had on their winter coats and hats. The late afternoon walkers were down to spring coats. This would be a hot spell anywhere else. Isn't it amazing how all things are relative.
Today is the 29th. anniversary of the Challenger Disaster (1986). Personal knowledge makes this tragedy a touch more poignant.
Years ago, on top of Mt Washington, NH, I was parking the car while the family went into the Visitor's Center. I parked next to a pickup w/camper. The owner was admiring the view as I was and we struck up a conversation based on his Alaska licence plate. He was here with his granddaughter, sightseeing for a few weeks.
Somehow the conversation got around to the movie Apollo 13. I can't remember why? (Probably something to do with the Movie just being released). To my surprise the stranger said; "Let me tell you the truth about that!". He said he was retired from NASA and worked as an engineer on that flight. He said that he had sent a report in to delay because of a faulty battery pack that should be swapped out. He said it was ignored and all the paperwork "mysteriously" disappeared. He believes it was because NASA was having trouble with Congressional Hearings (funding) and needed "Good Press" to help persuade those that controlled the purse strings.
Fast Forward >> many years to Canyon Vistas RV Resort in Gold Canyon, AZ where we were staying for the winter. Incidentally finding out that a neighbour worked as an engineer for NASA at Hunstville, AL I told him the "Apollo 13" story to see if he thought it might be true.
He said, "Absolutely! And let me tell you a story."
He indicated that he had warned NASA repeatedly. It was not a matter of "IF; BUT WHEN" there would be a Challenger Disaster. He said he was repeatedly ignored; then coerced into remaining quiet. He knew if he didn't stop he would lose his job. He had a family to support and could not afford that happening. He rationalized that it would all be covered up and they would hire a co-operative replacement. Not that government would do that, eh? (grin).
He said he still agonizes over his decision, especially on the anniversary. My thoughts are with him and the Challenger Astronauts today. It would be a good night to watch "The Challenger Disaster" from our movie collection (I just have to work up to it).
Ironically, the commission; appointed by Ronald Reagan; revealed that the O-ring seal on the Challenger's solid rocket booster, which had become brittle in the cold temperatures, failed. Flames then broke out of the booster and damaged the external fuel tank, causing the spacecraft to disintegrate. The commission also found that Morton Thiokol, the company that designed the solid rocket boosters, had ignored warnings about potential problems. They also found that NASA managers were aware of these design issues and ignored the warnings. (How often do disasters happen because they make it a "Crap Shoot" because of money?)
P. S. I think the CCCP version of "Crap Shoot" is "Russian Roulette"; either way, if you keep playing you eventually lose! (grin).
P.S.S. Amazingly, 10 years after the disaster 2 large pieces washed ashore.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Tue - 27 Jan/15
We are currently under the influence of the cold air backspin of the Nor'Easter that is causing havoc in the Northeast.
The clear blue sunny skies belie the fact that is working up to the coldest day of the longest cold spell so far this year (tomorrow). Virtually all flights (160) to and from the Northeast through Orlando International Airport for today were cancelled. Blizzard conditions up north will do that.
Snow amounts in New York have ranged from 8 inches at Central Park in New York City to more than 28 inches in eastern Long Island. La Guardia airport in New York City has seen 11 inches.
In Massachusetts, up to 30 inches of snow has been measured in Framingham, while Boston has seen up to 18 inches. Wind gusts in eastern Massachusetts have topped 70 mph and coastal flooding has closed numerous roads. Then there are the numerous power outages to add to the misery.
Just another day in the "Great White North".
Really, I am not complaining about the breezy and sunny 60F weather here. Since there are no park activities that we participate in available today and it is too cool to have the top off the Del Sol for a ride, It will be just a TV and Movie day.
For lunch I made my Cream of Mushroom Soup again. The mushrooms were purchased at the farmer's market not the grocery store. This time I fried the mushrooms in extra butter until seared. I then brought them to a boil in the cream of mushroom soup/milk. covered and simmered. I believe this not only kept the mushrooms plumper and juicier; but made them tastier. We each seasoned to taste. Yum!
Otherwise, it was just a regular Tuesday evening starting with Jeopardy and finishing with the CBS Prime Time Trilogy of NCIS; NCIS NOLA; and CSI LV. (Jeeze - for a minute I thought I was writing a bunch of secret Roman Numerals - grin).
We are currently under the influence of the cold air backspin of the Nor'Easter that is causing havoc in the Northeast.
The clear blue sunny skies belie the fact that is working up to the coldest day of the longest cold spell so far this year (tomorrow). Virtually all flights (160) to and from the Northeast through Orlando International Airport for today were cancelled. Blizzard conditions up north will do that.
Snow amounts in New York have ranged from 8 inches at Central Park in New York City to more than 28 inches in eastern Long Island. La Guardia airport in New York City has seen 11 inches.
In Massachusetts, up to 30 inches of snow has been measured in Framingham, while Boston has seen up to 18 inches. Wind gusts in eastern Massachusetts have topped 70 mph and coastal flooding has closed numerous roads. Then there are the numerous power outages to add to the misery.
Just another day in the "Great White North".
Really, I am not complaining about the breezy and sunny 60F weather here. Since there are no park activities that we participate in available today and it is too cool to have the top off the Del Sol for a ride, It will be just a TV and Movie day.
For lunch I made my Cream of Mushroom Soup again. The mushrooms were purchased at the farmer's market not the grocery store. This time I fried the mushrooms in extra butter until seared. I then brought them to a boil in the cream of mushroom soup/milk. covered and simmered. I believe this not only kept the mushrooms plumper and juicier; but made them tastier. We each seasoned to taste. Yum!
Otherwise, it was just a regular Tuesday evening starting with Jeopardy and finishing with the CBS Prime Time Trilogy of NCIS; NCIS NOLA; and CSI LV. (Jeeze - for a minute I thought I was writing a bunch of secret Roman Numerals - grin).
Monday, January 26, 2015
Mon - 26 Jan/15
Good news from the "Great White North" which is about to get a lot whiter with the upcoming blizzard. Marty's team won another hockey tournament on the weekend.
They had a few tough games but managed to pull through again. Once again they got to line up to congratulate the second place team for a good game.
A special treat at this tournament was a visit by the Hockey Canada Century Tour. As part of Hockey Canada's celebration of it's 100th anniversary a tractor trailer crammed with items from the past 100 years of hockey in Canada.
Ice Hockey is a Canadian game. Ice Hockey was not invented, nor did it start on a certain day of a particular year. It originated around 1800, in Windsor, where the boys of Canada’s first college, King's College School. established in 1788, adapted the exciting field game of Hurley to the ice of their favorite skating ponds and originated a new winter game, Ice Hurley. Over a period of decades, Ice Hurley gradually developed into Ice Hockey.
Soon after the boys of King’s College School adapted Hurley to the ice, the soldiers at Fort Edward, in Windsor, took up the new game. They carried the game to Halifax, where it gained impetus as it was played on the many and beautiful Dartmouth Lakes, and frozen inlets of Halifax Harbour.
When the soldiers were transferred to military posts along the Saint Lawrence and Great Lakes, they took the game with them. This gave rise to claims for Montreal, QC (1875) and Kingston, ON (1886) as the birthplace of hockey. Not only did the Montreal players use Nova Scotia “hockey”skates, wooden pucks, “hockey” sticks, and Halifax "Hockey Club" rules they learned how to play the game by being taught by a “hockey” coach from Halifax. In Montreal the "Halifax Rules" evolved into the "McGill Rules".
In 1943 when the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association accepted the report of a research committee charged with determining the origin of Ice Hockey, and named Kingston(1886) as the Birthplace of Hockey, an error was made, inasmuch as the committee members had not looked back to Montreal (1875) where the game was played eleven years earlier, let alone further east to Nova Scotia (1800) where it began eight decades before.
Charlotte headed over to the main clubhouse to check for new activities. She signed up for crafts for next week (card making). She decided to pass on today's craft (a handbag) since she did that previously.
WARNING: Olive Garden Alert: Do you wonder why everyone leaves Olive Garden with a take-out bag? It's because of the huge portions. We took home the remains of our entree orders which provided two meals each in the RV. So, unless you plan on eating the same thing 3 days in a row - don't go to Olive Garden (grin). (It was just as good on the last day as the first).
The perfectly sunny day looked great; however the wind gusts were near tropical storm strength making it feel a lot cooler than 60F. The overnight temps will be in the 30's F.
The usual evening of Jeopardy and TV.
Good news from the "Great White North" which is about to get a lot whiter with the upcoming blizzard. Marty's team won another hockey tournament on the weekend.
They had a few tough games but managed to pull through again. Once again they got to line up to congratulate the second place team for a good game.
A special treat at this tournament was a visit by the Hockey Canada Century Tour. As part of Hockey Canada's celebration of it's 100th anniversary a tractor trailer crammed with items from the past 100 years of hockey in Canada.
Ice Hockey is a Canadian game. Ice Hockey was not invented, nor did it start on a certain day of a particular year. It originated around 1800, in Windsor, where the boys of Canada’s first college, King's College School. established in 1788, adapted the exciting field game of Hurley to the ice of their favorite skating ponds and originated a new winter game, Ice Hurley. Over a period of decades, Ice Hurley gradually developed into Ice Hockey.
Soon after the boys of King’s College School adapted Hurley to the ice, the soldiers at Fort Edward, in Windsor, took up the new game. They carried the game to Halifax, where it gained impetus as it was played on the many and beautiful Dartmouth Lakes, and frozen inlets of Halifax Harbour.
When the soldiers were transferred to military posts along the Saint Lawrence and Great Lakes, they took the game with them. This gave rise to claims for Montreal, QC (1875) and Kingston, ON (1886) as the birthplace of hockey. Not only did the Montreal players use Nova Scotia “hockey”skates, wooden pucks, “hockey” sticks, and Halifax "Hockey Club" rules they learned how to play the game by being taught by a “hockey” coach from Halifax. In Montreal the "Halifax Rules" evolved into the "McGill Rules".
In 1943 when the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association accepted the report of a research committee charged with determining the origin of Ice Hockey, and named Kingston(1886) as the Birthplace of Hockey, an error was made, inasmuch as the committee members had not looked back to Montreal (1875) where the game was played eleven years earlier, let alone further east to Nova Scotia (1800) where it began eight decades before.
Charlotte headed over to the main clubhouse to check for new activities. She signed up for crafts for next week (card making). She decided to pass on today's craft (a handbag) since she did that previously.
WARNING: Olive Garden Alert: Do you wonder why everyone leaves Olive Garden with a take-out bag? It's because of the huge portions. We took home the remains of our entree orders which provided two meals each in the RV. So, unless you plan on eating the same thing 3 days in a row - don't go to Olive Garden (grin). (It was just as good on the last day as the first).
The perfectly sunny day looked great; however the wind gusts were near tropical storm strength making it feel a lot cooler than 60F. The overnight temps will be in the 30's F.
The usual evening of Jeopardy and TV.
Sun - 25 Jan/15
The temp is going to be hovering around 60 F until the end of the week. Too cold to walk through flea markets.
We have been spoiled by the string of weather near 80F. Today will be a repeat of yesterday. TV and movies. It will gives us a chance to recharge our batteries.
Nothing else to report for today.
The temp is going to be hovering around 60 F until the end of the week. Too cold to walk through flea markets.
We have been spoiled by the string of weather near 80F. Today will be a repeat of yesterday. TV and movies. It will gives us a chance to recharge our batteries.
Nothing else to report for today.
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Sat - 24 Jan/15
Just a miserably cold day! It has gone from 10 degrees above normal to 10 below and it will remain that way for the week.The temp in the 50's felt like the 40's because of the strong wind.
We only went to pick up a few items just down the road and returned to the RV.
Just TV and Movies. We didn't even go to the dance in the main clubhouse tonight. That was it for today.
Just a miserably cold day! It has gone from 10 degrees above normal to 10 below and it will remain that way for the week.The temp in the 50's felt like the 40's because of the strong wind.
We only went to pick up a few items just down the road and returned to the RV.
Just TV and Movies. We didn't even go to the dance in the main clubhouse tonight. That was it for today.
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Fri - 23 Jan/15
The usual TV morning and lunch in the RV.
We left at 1 p.m. to go to the Savannah Center in The Villages for their Quilt Show.
The show is so popular they even arrived by the bus load.
The huge display took up all of the available rooms and hallways.
The was even an area for quilting supply vendors.
There were so many quilts of every style, size and description it took Charlotte almost 2 hours to see everything.
After the show we went to the Rialto Theater in Spanish Springs to watch "The Imitation Game". Based on the real life story of legendary cryptanalyst Alan Turing, the film portrays the nail-biting race against time by Turing and his brilliant team of code-breakers at Britain's top-secret Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park, during the darkest days of World War II. This is an excellent film!
Our final stop was Olive Garden. Like the theatre it was also packed to capacity. Charlotte had a craving for Spaghetti and I ordered the Tour of Italy. Excellent as always.
The ride back was slower than usual. The promised storm arrived with a vengeance. The sky was filled with lightning. At least it was heat not chain lightning. We were tired after a busy day and went straight to bed to let the rain on the roof lull us to sleep.
The usual TV morning and lunch in the RV.
We left at 1 p.m. to go to the Savannah Center in The Villages for their Quilt Show.
The show is so popular they even arrived by the bus load.
The huge display took up all of the available rooms and hallways.
The was even an area for quilting supply vendors.
There were so many quilts of every style, size and description it took Charlotte almost 2 hours to see everything.
After the show we went to the Rialto Theater in Spanish Springs to watch "The Imitation Game". Based on the real life story of legendary cryptanalyst Alan Turing, the film portrays the nail-biting race against time by Turing and his brilliant team of code-breakers at Britain's top-secret Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park, during the darkest days of World War II. This is an excellent film!
Our final stop was Olive Garden. Like the theatre it was also packed to capacity. Charlotte had a craving for Spaghetti and I ordered the Tour of Italy. Excellent as always.
The ride back was slower than usual. The promised storm arrived with a vengeance. The sky was filled with lightning. At least it was heat not chain lightning. We were tired after a busy day and went straight to bed to let the rain on the roof lull us to sleep.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Thu - 22 Jan/15
Another lovely day before the rain arrives tomorrow. a little cloudy; but warm (almost 80F).
This morning we were off to the Lake County Farmer's/Flea Market in Eustis, FL. It is just a short drive (about 10 minutes) away. What a difference nice weather makes. Last visit it was quite cool with few merchants or customers. Today the huge parking area was packed to capacity and there were twice as many vendors as previously were present.
Olde Mill Stream RV Resort had a very nice display in the main building. Park staff had an excellent video as well as a great picture display set up. Both park staff members were kept busy by folks inquiring about lot availability and resort features. This is the premium park in the area. I suggest they make another expansion this summer to match the one just completed as the park is currently often full to capacity.
Our mission today was to get fresh strawberries. Often strawberries this large are white in the middle and dry. Charlotte sampled and these were red and juicy. We bought a half-flat. We also bought a few other fruits and veggies.
I felt like a "Bag Person" by the time I got to the car.
Charlotte says that our new welcome mat "Home is Where We Park It!" officially makes us "Rednecks"! At least it is not up on blocks and still has it's wheels on the ground. Hopefully, we will have some friends from the "Great White North" come down and help break it in.
Ooops! We needed whipped cream for the strawberries so we set off to get a few cans. Unfortunately, we got waylaid by some construction on the way (grin) and had to stop at Beef "O" Brady's for supper. Umatilla will soon have another stoplight at the corner of Beef's. Charlotte had a Reuben w/Ceasar Salad and Tea. I had the Fish (Cod) and Chips with a Diet Dr. P(epper). Both were excellent for a reasonable price.
Eventually we managed to somehow find our way past the construction to arrive at Publix. It only took Charlotte a few moments to get the Whipped Cream with a side order of Chobani Greek Yogurt as all were in the first aisle inside the door.
We made it back past the construction (another grin) on time for Jeopardy and an evening of TV to wrap up the day.
Another lovely day before the rain arrives tomorrow. a little cloudy; but warm (almost 80F).
This morning we were off to the Lake County Farmer's/Flea Market in Eustis, FL. It is just a short drive (about 10 minutes) away. What a difference nice weather makes. Last visit it was quite cool with few merchants or customers. Today the huge parking area was packed to capacity and there were twice as many vendors as previously were present.
Olde Mill Stream RV Resort had a very nice display in the main building. Park staff had an excellent video as well as a great picture display set up. Both park staff members were kept busy by folks inquiring about lot availability and resort features. This is the premium park in the area. I suggest they make another expansion this summer to match the one just completed as the park is currently often full to capacity.
Our mission today was to get fresh strawberries. Often strawberries this large are white in the middle and dry. Charlotte sampled and these were red and juicy. We bought a half-flat. We also bought a few other fruits and veggies.
I felt like a "Bag Person" by the time I got to the car.
Charlotte says that our new welcome mat "Home is Where We Park It!" officially makes us "Rednecks"! At least it is not up on blocks and still has it's wheels on the ground. Hopefully, we will have some friends from the "Great White North" come down and help break it in.
Ooops! We needed whipped cream for the strawberries so we set off to get a few cans. Unfortunately, we got waylaid by some construction on the way (grin) and had to stop at Beef "O" Brady's for supper. Umatilla will soon have another stoplight at the corner of Beef's. Charlotte had a Reuben w/Ceasar Salad and Tea. I had the Fish (Cod) and Chips with a Diet Dr. P(epper). Both were excellent for a reasonable price.
Eventually we managed to somehow find our way past the construction to arrive at Publix. It only took Charlotte a few moments to get the Whipped Cream with a side order of Chobani Greek Yogurt as all were in the first aisle inside the door.
We made it back past the construction (another grin) on time for Jeopardy and an evening of TV to wrap up the day.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Wed - 21 Jan/15
Lovely day today with a lot of sunshine.
Charlotte was off at 9 a.m. to crafts. It was so nice she walked to the Utility (Craft) Room. She laid out and cut material for an upcoming project this morning and returned by 11 a.m. A few minutes after her arrival a knock came at the RV door. It was Jean, a neighbour and fellow crafter, who arrived with a piece of material Charlotte somehow forgot at crafts. The RV park is full of nice folks that do nice things.
My little tasks while she was away were to assemble items we purchased yesterday at IKEA: JANSJÖ (LED lights) and then attach the FRACK (mirror) in the bathroom.
After lunch Charlotte began sewing (Note: The new JANSJÖ light). She began assembling items she had cut out this morning in the craft room.
Our neighbour has been working for the past few days planting items around his "Park Model" trailer. A lot of the "Permanent" residents do extra on their lot. A few are really quite impressive.
Today is a "Slow News Day". A "Slow News Day", in the business, is when nothing is happening. "To fill" the news people drag out something from their files. Today we will be just relaxing and watching movies from our collection so the only "report" will be Florida Items - "To Fill".
We thought the traffic and few accidents we saw yesterday on our trip to Orlando were bad enough. Today, on the news, the areas we had been through were now in pure havoc. Welcome to Florida!
The usual daily homicide was up to several yesterday. Shootings happen everywhere: McD's, Shopping Malls, pizza places, restaurants, drive-by's or just going down the road. It's not always in the "Big City". A few miles from the RV Park a woman driving a car was shot and killed. The police have 3 witness from the car and cannot determine if this was deliberate or an accident.
Outside of the massive loss of life on 9/11 at the Twin Towers in NY by terrorists, the havoc created daily by locals (not terrorists) is astronomically higher.
There were also several police shootings at suspects who threatened their safety including ramming them with a car. Police undercover vehicles (on stakeouts?) were shot at in two separate incidents. The criminals probably thought they were a rival gang.
There is always something happening at a school. Often it is a shooting or stabbing; however this week it was a gang rape of a student in the bushes near the school by several members of the school football team.
Unfortunately, a few children were hit going to and from school. (1 dead,1 critical, 1 with minor injuries). One was a hit and run (amongst the several a day) that occur. Witnesses followed the driver on foot and detained the suspect until police arrived. The main reasons for so many "hit and runs" are: DUI (booze or drugs); wanted felons, driving while suspended, the vehicle is stolen or having no insurance.
The "Good News" is that only one building was hit by a vehicle. The "Bad News" is you might not even be safe in your own home. If bullets don't get you, a vehicle might. (Several children in a Day Care were killed last year when hit by a car.)
It is sad to say that all of the above are typical for the large urban areas where we have stayed in the RV in the USA. This type of "Daily News" will only be relieved when we return home.
That's the "Slow News Day" rant for today.
Lovely day today with a lot of sunshine.
Charlotte was off at 9 a.m. to crafts. It was so nice she walked to the Utility (Craft) Room. She laid out and cut material for an upcoming project this morning and returned by 11 a.m. A few minutes after her arrival a knock came at the RV door. It was Jean, a neighbour and fellow crafter, who arrived with a piece of material Charlotte somehow forgot at crafts. The RV park is full of nice folks that do nice things.
My little tasks while she was away were to assemble items we purchased yesterday at IKEA: JANSJÖ (LED lights) and then attach the FRACK (mirror) in the bathroom.
After lunch Charlotte began sewing (Note: The new JANSJÖ light). She began assembling items she had cut out this morning in the craft room.
Our neighbour has been working for the past few days planting items around his "Park Model" trailer. A lot of the "Permanent" residents do extra on their lot. A few are really quite impressive.
Today is a "Slow News Day". A "Slow News Day", in the business, is when nothing is happening. "To fill" the news people drag out something from their files. Today we will be just relaxing and watching movies from our collection so the only "report" will be Florida Items - "To Fill".
We thought the traffic and few accidents we saw yesterday on our trip to Orlando were bad enough. Today, on the news, the areas we had been through were now in pure havoc. Welcome to Florida!
The usual daily homicide was up to several yesterday. Shootings happen everywhere: McD's, Shopping Malls, pizza places, restaurants, drive-by's or just going down the road. It's not always in the "Big City". A few miles from the RV Park a woman driving a car was shot and killed. The police have 3 witness from the car and cannot determine if this was deliberate or an accident.
Outside of the massive loss of life on 9/11 at the Twin Towers in NY by terrorists, the havoc created daily by locals (not terrorists) is astronomically higher.
There were also several police shootings at suspects who threatened their safety including ramming them with a car. Police undercover vehicles (on stakeouts?) were shot at in two separate incidents. The criminals probably thought they were a rival gang.
There is always something happening at a school. Often it is a shooting or stabbing; however this week it was a gang rape of a student in the bushes near the school by several members of the school football team.
Unfortunately, a few children were hit going to and from school. (1 dead,1 critical, 1 with minor injuries). One was a hit and run (amongst the several a day) that occur. Witnesses followed the driver on foot and detained the suspect until police arrived. The main reasons for so many "hit and runs" are: DUI (booze or drugs); wanted felons, driving while suspended, the vehicle is stolen or having no insurance.
The "Good News" is that only one building was hit by a vehicle. The "Bad News" is you might not even be safe in your own home. If bullets don't get you, a vehicle might. (Several children in a Day Care were killed last year when hit by a car.)
It is sad to say that all of the above are typical for the large urban areas where we have stayed in the RV in the USA. This type of "Daily News" will only be relieved when we return home.
That's the "Slow News Day" rant for today.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
A relaxing morning watching TV.
Then, we were off to Orlando. Our main destination was IKEA; however since it is part of the Mall of Millenia complex we stopped at The Cheesecake Factory for lunch.
As we arrived the Valet Service was just parking a Lamborghini. Gee, I wonder why it got to straddle 2 parking spaces?
Hint: Since the mall has so many parking spots with so few being for the handicapped they allow those with a handicapped permit to park in the valet parking area free of charge. We did.
The Cheesecake Factory is one of our favourite restaurants, whether we are in Arizona or Florida (or anywhere they are located). People who have never been to this restaurant may be thrown off track by their name.
They do have a huge array of excellent cheesecake choices; however, their daily menu has 250 items that are prepared from scratch. Every one we have tried has been excellent.
The interior is quite striking as well.
Today, Charlotte ordered the Thai Chicken Wrap and I the Steak Diane. Both were fantastic.
Yes, we had a piece of Cheesecake for dessert. Unfortunately, we had to share as we were so stuffed. The White Chocolate Caramel Macadamia Cheesecake was delicious. White Chocolate Chunk Cheesecake Swirled with Macadamia Nuts and Caramel on a Blond Brownie Crust = Yummy!
No, we did not see Penny. (grin)
Since the early days of the Big Bang Theory, Penny's character (and later Bernadette for a time) has worked at The Cheesecake Factory. However, their "Cheesecake Factory" looks nothing like the interior of any of their restaurants. According to the company, it "does not have any sort of arrangements with the show. The Cheesecake Factory is really pleased to be featured in such a funny and wildly popular show".
After the meal we went to IKEA which is also in the Millenia Mall complex.
Our mission was to purchase a JANSJÖ. The LED light source consumes up to 85% less energy and lasts 20 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
Charlotte also found a FRACK. This is an extension mirror that she will use in the RV. I will have to find a way to mount it. We also bought 10 pant hangers for the RV. Somehow we were short in the RV. A few extras won't hurt.
Next stop was Jo-Ann to purchase fabric for an upcoming project. This is the first Jo-Ann sign that I have seen with an "etc" in the "O". Charlotte found a really nice match to use with the fabric she already had.
Traffic in the Greater Orlando Area is always horrendous. Today was no except. There are often accidents, always slowdowns and sometimes the road turns into a parking lot during rush hour. Things improved once we got on the toll road.
A quick stop at Publix. I didn't want to put the top on the Del Sol as it was still nice (after dusk) so Charlotte went in alone. We only needed a few items. While I was waiting a shopper noticed the top off and said; "You Canadians don't mind it cool." I replied; "To us, this is summer weather". He drives truck to Ohio/Michigan. He said he was glad to be back here this week. It was really cold up north. He's not the only one glad to be down south.
Made it back to the RV in time for Jeopardy followed by NCIS and channel surfing until bedtime due to Obama's "State of the Union" address being carried on several channels.
Monday, January 19, 2015
Mon - 19 Jan/15
We relaxed this morning with the regular TV shows.
I drove Charlotte to crafts then went to do the laundry.I only needed 3 "Ladybugs" to mark the machines I was using. We did not have a lot of laundry to do today.
I usually try to go to do the laundry around the noon hour. By that time most are done or at least advanced to the dryer stage leaving washers available.
I met some nice folks from Minnesota who have previously stayed in Gold Canyon, AZ where we often stayed. It's a small world. In Arizona we stayed at the RV park (Canyon Vistas) right next to where they stayed. Doing laundry isn't so bad because there are always interesting folks to talk to as you wait for the machines to finish.
I completed the laundry and Charlotte was not back to the RV so I drove over to the Craft room. She was just leaving as I arrived. (good timing) She had made a really neat bracelet today. The picture doesn't do it justice.
Charlotte made pizza in the microwave; however this time she used it as a convection oven. This makes the frozen pizza a little crispier. Yummy! Bonus: Got to wear our new bibs that she just completed..
After supper we were off to Bingo in the main clubhouse. This is what Rule #23: "At an RV Park Event; being there a half hour early means you are already 15 minutes late" looks like. Full house a half hour before the start.
Again, we had the pleasure of sitting with Nicky and Bill. All of us had the same luck - None!
At half time everyone is lined up for the complimentary cookies.
We were back to the RV after Bingo in time to watch most of "Scorpion" and the "NCIS Los Angeles "as I worked on the blog while Charlotte watched different shows on the bedroom TV to end the evening.
We relaxed this morning with the regular TV shows.
I drove Charlotte to crafts then went to do the laundry.I only needed 3 "Ladybugs" to mark the machines I was using. We did not have a lot of laundry to do today.
I usually try to go to do the laundry around the noon hour. By that time most are done or at least advanced to the dryer stage leaving washers available.
I met some nice folks from Minnesota who have previously stayed in Gold Canyon, AZ where we often stayed. It's a small world. In Arizona we stayed at the RV park (Canyon Vistas) right next to where they stayed. Doing laundry isn't so bad because there are always interesting folks to talk to as you wait for the machines to finish.
I completed the laundry and Charlotte was not back to the RV so I drove over to the Craft room. She was just leaving as I arrived. (good timing) She had made a really neat bracelet today. The picture doesn't do it justice.
Charlotte made pizza in the microwave; however this time she used it as a convection oven. This makes the frozen pizza a little crispier. Yummy! Bonus: Got to wear our new bibs that she just completed..
After supper we were off to Bingo in the main clubhouse. This is what Rule #23: "At an RV Park Event; being there a half hour early means you are already 15 minutes late" looks like. Full house a half hour before the start.
Again, we had the pleasure of sitting with Nicky and Bill. All of us had the same luck - None!
At half time everyone is lined up for the complimentary cookies.
We were back to the RV after Bingo in time to watch most of "Scorpion" and the "NCIS Los Angeles "as I worked on the blog while Charlotte watched different shows on the bedroom TV to end the evening.
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Sun - 18 Jan/14
The usual start to a Sunday with CBS Sunday Morning on TV. We will be having a relaxing day before going to the Bobby Goldsboro concert tonight.
CBS was followed by a movie from our collection: The China Syndrome. "China Syndrome" is defined as a nuclear plant meltdown where the nuclear core melts right through the bottom of building, theoretically all the way to China. In reality, it would cause an explosion as it hits groundwater releasing a destructive radioactive cloud into the atmosphere.
While doing a series of reports on alternative energy sources, an opportunistic reporter Kimberly Wells witnesses an accident at a nuclear power plant. Wells is determined to publicise the incident but soon finds herself entangled in a sinister conspiracy to keep the full impact of the incident a secret.
Charlotte enjoyed reading on the patio while I got my "Hockey Fix" on NBC: NY Rangers v Pittsburgh Penguins.
Filled up with gas at Sam's Club in Lady Lake before going to Chili's for supper before the show.
Arrived at the Savannah Center in The Villages about 6:30 p.m. in time to get a good parking spot and have time to relax before the show.
This is a lovely venue for a concert as it is more personal than a large theatre. I would guess that it seats about 1000 - give or take 100. I decided to choose balcony seats which are tiered compared to being on the floor which are not.
Bobby Goldsboro sounds as good today as he did when he started in the '60's. After three years playing guitar for Roy Orbison, he set out on a solo career in 1964. He soon had a Top Ten hit with his own composition “See the Funny Little Clown.” which he played along with "Honey", Watching Scotty Grow", "Little Green Apples", "Little Things", "Broomstick Cowboy" to name a few.
Today was Bobby's 74th birthday. To his surprise friends from Nashville joined him on stage to celebrate with a cake (1 candle) as the audience stood and sang "Happy Birthday".
A single candle is usually good, especially when you are 74 years old; however that is not always the case. It reminded me of when we celebrated Catherine's Birthday (Charlotte's sister) at her office. Even a single candle was too much for the fire alarm system resulting in the City Hall being evacuated.
A half hour later we were back at the RV wrapping up an enjoyable evening.
The usual start to a Sunday with CBS Sunday Morning on TV. We will be having a relaxing day before going to the Bobby Goldsboro concert tonight.
CBS was followed by a movie from our collection: The China Syndrome. "China Syndrome" is defined as a nuclear plant meltdown where the nuclear core melts right through the bottom of building, theoretically all the way to China. In reality, it would cause an explosion as it hits groundwater releasing a destructive radioactive cloud into the atmosphere.
While doing a series of reports on alternative energy sources, an opportunistic reporter Kimberly Wells witnesses an accident at a nuclear power plant. Wells is determined to publicise the incident but soon finds herself entangled in a sinister conspiracy to keep the full impact of the incident a secret.
Charlotte enjoyed reading on the patio while I got my "Hockey Fix" on NBC: NY Rangers v Pittsburgh Penguins.
Filled up with gas at Sam's Club in Lady Lake before going to Chili's for supper before the show.
Arrived at the Savannah Center in The Villages about 6:30 p.m. in time to get a good parking spot and have time to relax before the show.
This is a lovely venue for a concert as it is more personal than a large theatre. I would guess that it seats about 1000 - give or take 100. I decided to choose balcony seats which are tiered compared to being on the floor which are not.
Bobby Goldsboro sounds as good today as he did when he started in the '60's. After three years playing guitar for Roy Orbison, he set out on a solo career in 1964. He soon had a Top Ten hit with his own composition “See the Funny Little Clown.” which he played along with "Honey", Watching Scotty Grow", "Little Green Apples", "Little Things", "Broomstick Cowboy" to name a few.
Today was Bobby's 74th birthday. To his surprise friends from Nashville joined him on stage to celebrate with a cake (1 candle) as the audience stood and sang "Happy Birthday".
A single candle is usually good, especially when you are 74 years old; however that is not always the case. It reminded me of when we celebrated Catherine's Birthday (Charlotte's sister) at her office. Even a single candle was too much for the fire alarm system resulting in the City Hall being evacuated.
A half hour later we were back at the RV wrapping up an enjoyable evening.
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