Fri – 30 Dec/16

This morning was the coldest since we arrived. We did not have the heat on last night. We like to be cool at night; however this morning heat was needed to take the chill out of the air.

No park activities that we are involved in are scheduled for Friday mornings so we slept in until 9 a.m. We had breakfast while watching morning TV. Charlotte requested a printout of a “Baby Bonnet” pattern so she could keep her fingers busy. I updated a few of my computer programs and checked my email.

The email contained a Harbor Freight sale item that I was on the lookout for. Over the winter Nick will build a custom trailer capable of hauling his tractor, ATV’s, vehicles and other items. His “Wish List” included a 12,000 lb electric winch and I just spotted it on sale at the best price of the year.

We finished watching “The Price is Right” then headed out for Harbor Freight. There are a few stores in the area. All are located within an hour’s drive; however my favourite is at Apopka, FL. It is not the largest; but the ride there can be achieved on “Back Roads” making it a more enjoyable drive compared to the other choices. The staff here is also very friendly and always helpful.

We were in luck. There were plenty of winches in the smaller sizes; however there was what appeared to be a display model (or one that had been returned) and one still boxed and sealed with plastic straps. This is a large and heavy winch and the staff did not hesitate to help get it into the trunk of the Del Sol.

Our next stop; being we were now within 15 minutes of Altamonte Springs, FL, was Costco. My Costco Card was accepted at the gas pump; however my credit card was rejected. The pump computer requested I enter the ZIP Code associated with the credit card. Canadian Postal Codes are composed of a combination of 3 letters and 3 numbers, in a letter/number/l/n/l/n pattern. These are so accurate, in most cases, they indicate the block and side of the street which an address is located. The U.S. Zip Codes are composed of 5 initial digits that indicate a postal (station) in an area.

Usually when I would enter the 3 numbers of my postal code (in order), followed by 00 – it would work. No luck today. I double checked at Customer Service. The card was valid and they issued me a new one just to be sure. For now, as a Canadian, I can no longer access the U.S. fuel pumps directly. They did offer a “Work Around” - I could purchase a Costco Gift Card at the cash and then use it at the pumps.

While I waited in the customer service line I suggested Charlotte go to the “Costco Café” area to sit and rest. To my surprise, she returned shortly to say there is no café. In conversation with a customer behind me (in the service line) we were told there was a café; but it was outside.

As usual, we found items we didn’t know we needed. I drooled over a few items in electronics that I could have easily needed. We also drooled over the meat and seafood selections which were huge and beyond excellent (maybe next time we will bring a cooler filled with ice-packs).

On exit, we found the “Café”. Counter windows were on the outside wall of the building with a large number of tables located outdoors; but under a roof. We ordered our usual – a hot dog w/drink. What was unusual was our dessert – Churros!

Although I offered a stop at a large Fabric Shop that was nearby, Charlotte passed. It was now after 4 p.m. and she thought it was best to avoid being caught in the afternoon rush.  I had followed the “Back Roads” to Harbor Freight but; from there on in, it was 6 lanes of bumper-to-bumper traffic from stop light to stop light.

I had also thought of a visit to the “Orlando Eye” which is a huge observation wheel similar to the London Eye. With Downtown Orlando hosting two “Bowl Games” (Football) this weekend, that was also passed because of the prospect of traffic chaos.

We arrived back at the RV just before sunset. This gave us time to unload the car before dark. The winch is now packed away in the outside storage until we head home.

Charlotte continued knitting (Baby Hat) and I worked on the blog as we watched/listened to Jeopardy. As usual, it was followed by Family Feud and then an evening of channel surfing.

Today will “Wrap Up” with an extra blanket! (Brrr – grin)