Mon - Jan 1/18

Happy New Year!

Update on yesterday.

The weather turned out beautiful and sunny in the afternoon after I published the blog. It was so nice, in consideration of the cold and rain that was coming for most of the next week, we decided to take the top off and go for a ride.

On the way Charlotte remembered she needed thread so we turned along Lakeshore Drive and made our first stop JoAnn Fabrics.

As we pulled into the parking lot Charlotte noticed "In a Nutshell Miniatures" was right next door to JoAnn. This was where I offered to take her for this outing; however we didn't know it had moved from Mt. Dora. What a fortunate sighting. If she didn't need thread and we hadn't come to JoAnn first we would have been disappointed when we went looking for this store in Mt. Dora.

Naturally, after picking up thread (and a few other items she didn't know she needed) we went next door. We always make a few trips to "In a Nutshell Miniatures" during our visit south. Charlotte usually finds a few "Boyds Bears" (the ceramic, not plush kind) or furniture for her dollhouses here.

Today was no exception and more Bearstones were added to her collection.

My next (secret) destination was the Yalaha Bakery in Yalaha, FL. This is always a favourite stop. They advertise themselves as "A Bakery Like No Other" and this is true. Here one kind by German Bread, Old World Tortes and Pastries of the highest quality. Family owned since 1955, they use nothing but organic flours and spices and the highest quality ingredients imported from around the world.

The average price for each pastry is $4.50-$5.00; but they are large enough for two to share - which we do.

We also had lunch here. The Bread Soup is "To Die For" and the Bratwurst in Pretzel Bread is equally as good.

We left with a few loaves of bread and several pastries. Needless to say, giving up sweets isn't one of our New Year's Resolutions.

We still had enough afternoon left to enjoy the trip back to OMS in the sunshine.

Back at the RVbit was time to shower for New Year's Eve festivities in the park. We watched TV until it was time to leave. All the time we could hear and see occasional "Fireworks" that started as soon as it got dark. 

We called our daughter Liz heading to the dance. They were staying in Malone, NY for a skiing and snowboarding trip at "Titus". Unfortunately for them, it was so cold the skiing and fireworks were cancelled.

Our other daughter (Kat) was working until 7 p.m. so we would call her on New Year's Day.

Events in the park usually start at 7 p.m. and end by 10. Tonight it began would begin at 9 p.m. and (of course) go on until after midnight.

We did the "Countdown" and watched the "Ball" drop on TV (like millions of others). Glad we where here and not in Times Square (Brrr!).

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Today we slept in. Not use to the late hours. (grin)

Raisin Bread and Cranberry Bread toast for breakfast with a "Mille Feuille" (Thousand Leaves) for dessert. In the USA they are called a "Napoleon" from the mistaken notion that they were originally created for Bonaparte. The name Mille Feuille refers to the many layers of old-school French pastry that are airy, crispy, flaky and Oh! So Good! Then add what's between the layers: thick delicious custard. Next:  top with a decorated icing. The chocolate pattern on top, again, is suggestive of leaves. Probably our favourite treat of all time!

We spent two enjoyable hours watching the Rose Parade. In our "Younger Days" it was a time for a family gathering and KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken). Today it was just TV as was the rest of the dull, dreary and rainy day.

Went to the MPR to do the blog in the early evening after Jeopardy.

The wind is quite strong and the temps are dropping. The next week will be the coldest in Central Florida in 10 years. In a few days the nights will touch freezing.

All in all, it made for a relaxing day to start off the new year.

Ooop! The MPS is being cleaned and I will be kicked out at 10 p.m.

Problem:  I can't get the photos from my iPhone to the computer so I will publish tonight and add the photos when I can.

Note: Got the iPhone working and added the photos on to this blog on Tuesday morning.