Fri - 7 Feb/14

True to my word - we slept in this morning.

After lunch we headed for the craft fair at Holiday Travel Resort in Leesburg, FL. We didn't buy any crafts, per se, but we did purchase 2 pies. One was a Cherry Cheesecake and the other a "Kentucky Derby".

DERBY-PIE  was born nearly a half century ago as the specialty pastry of the Melrose Inn, at Prospect, Ky. Derby-Pie ® has become the signature Kentucky Derby dessert.

By 1968 DERBY-PIE® had become so successful that the name was registered with the U.S. Patent Office and the Commonwealth of Kentucky (that's the reason for the ® ). Since then it has been baked and distributed solely by Kern's Kitchen, a small family operation in Louisville. Made from a secret family recipe, Derby-Pie ® combines rich semi-sweet chocolate with English walnuts for a truly decadent experience. This was a clone.

Often Pecans are substituted in variations of the recipe - which really does contain Kentucky Bourbon.

As I was placing the pies in the car we met Tom and Chris who were just leaving the craft fair. Funny how you have to travel somewhere to meet folks you know (neighbours of ours on Suwannee St. at the Olde Mill Stream RV Resort) . 

Our next destination was the Barnstorm Theatre in The Villages, FL. This was the theatre we wanted to go to yesterday before having to change plans. We bought tickets for the 7:05 p.m. showing of Captain Phillips starring Tom Hanks then went into the square to pick a restaurant.

Our choice: Ricciardi's Italian Table. This is a new restaurant on the scene. It has only been open for a few weeks. It was crowded and we were quickly seated at one of the few remaining tables.

Charlotte ordered Shrimp & Scallop Juliana and I, the Baked Rigatoni Rustica. Both were excellent. As we left the waiting area was packed. Charlotte overheard that the wait time was now over an hour. 

The "Brownwood Paddock Square" is the latest of the 3 "Town Squares" in The Villages, FL. It's design reflects the ranching history of this area of Florida. Each square features live music nightly. The stage in this square resembles a log cabin.

The design execution in each of The Villages town squares could easily be mistaken for a street straight out of Disney. The "Cowboy Theme" of Brownwood is reflected in the new "over 100 year old" buildings.

After window shopping we eventually made our way back to the theatre for the show. Here the lobby and the theatre main aisles are lined with nostalgic items from a bygone era. Nicest theater setting we have seen - anywhere!

About the Movie: Captain Phillips is the true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama, the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in two hundred years. It was easy to see why it was nominated for 6 Academy Awards. The 134 minute film felt much shorter due to the pace and continuous tension. We both gave it a "Thumbs Up".

It was an easy drive back to the RV Park despite the light rain. That was the weather story for the day. Overcast, cool (low 60's F) and many light showers. Got home just before the extreme fog set in. More of the same tomorrow.

Naturally, we sampled both pies on returning to the RV. The Cherry Cheesecake was both light and tasty and the "Kentucky Derby" was a decadent, chocolate and nut bit of heaven topped off with the kick of bourbon.

We are not sure if we will make the 8 a.m. Pancake Breakfast tomorrow.

Thu - 6 Feb/14

Charlotte went to quilting armed with her (lost) quilt pieces that we managed to find. I did some more storage compartment arranging while she was at classes.

On her return we immediately left for Blount Honda in Leesburg - stopping on the way at Wendy's for lunch.

I noticed a small spot of rust on the Del Sol and brought it to their auto body shop a few weeks ago. The rear wheel well becoming rusted is common in civics of this vintage. It was just beginning to bubble the paint in a few places. Not bad for being 19 years old. I thought it was best to take care of it immediately. I was now returning to the shop for a buffing and polishing. It needed a few weeks to let the paint harden. Looks good!

Then, it became a "Murphy's Law" Day (i.e Whatever could go wrong - would go wrong!)

Our next mission was to hurry to Bev Neal's "Painting Outside the Lines" Gallery in Mt. Dora, FL. We had obtained a Mt. Dora Bicycle Festival Poster when we were at the Mt. Dora Chamber of Commerce. We were told that Bev would gladly autograph it so we dropped it off at the gallery a few days ago. Bev replied to my phone call and we were now on our way to pick it up.

Murphy's Law: The paint polishing took a lot longer than planned. We only had 20 minutes to get to the gallery before closing!

Murphy's Law: It was rush hour. The extra traffic meant we hit a lot of red lights!

Murphy's Law: We hit a detour! There were no instructions - just a detour sign. Bad enough for locals - disaster for strangers. I took a guess at which way to turn. Eventually, I got to a road I recognized and arrived in historic downtown Mt. Dora.

Murphy's Law: The delay meant we arrived at the gallery a few minutes after 5 p.m. Rushing upstairs to the gallery we found it was closed!

Bev Neal, being forever thoughtful, had provided an opportunity for visitors ( who missed her) to leave a note. I started to write a note when I heard a voice.

Our Murphy's Law Day was suddenly reversed!

We were in luck! It was Bev. She had returned - she had forgotten her iPad! She graciously re-opened the gallery and I was able to get a photo of Bev with Charlotte holding the autographed poster.

Bev Neal specializes in Acrylic and Watercolour Art. Bev studied art at the Maryland Art Institute. Influenced by water colour techniques, Bev adds bold colour and strokes to the fluid washes yielding a unique style. Her paintings show the influence of travel to France and the Carribean. They literally bring you along on the journey. (Check out her website: paintoutsidethelines.com/‎ )

Sharing space with the One Flight Up Cafe, her studio is a must visit when in Mt. Dora.

Then Murphy's Law took hold again!

I planned on taking Charlotte (as a surprise) to the Movies at the Barnstorm Theater in Brownwood Paddock Square in The Villages. Murphy's Law: the GPS would not take the address. What is happening often these days is that necessity requires that business use what the USPS (U.S. Postal Service) decides is there address. This often is the result of the USPS opening up a new postal (ZIP) code as an area becomes more developed. This does not always equal the mapping address. Tomorrow I will see if the GPS will take the address with the city as Wildwood rather than The Villages.

I had a good idea how to get to that part of The Villages.

Murphy's Law: I could not turn onto the road to Wildwood, FL. This area was under construction and the usual turning lane could not be accessed as no turns were allowed. The combination of rush hour traffic, heavy rain and darkness influenced my decision to head to another "The Villages Theatre" - the Old Mill Playhouse in Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

Murphy's Law: The movie we planned on seeing was not showing at this cinema.

We then went to the Square to enjoy the live music.

Murphy's Law: The rain picked up and the temperature dropped off. It was too uncomfortable to enjoy the great music.

Reverse Murphy's Law: We then ventured over to Johnny Rockets just across from the bandstand. Charlotte enjoyed an old fashioned Root Beer Float and I had a Strawberry Milk Shake w/real ice cream and strawberries. We shared a Philly Cheese Steak that was really tasty. Sharing means you don't have to take home a doggy bag.

Murphy's Law: Suddenly the light went dim. Was it a power failure?

Reverse Murphy's Law: It was the staff (and patrons) who were clapping and dancing to "Rockin' Robin" (My first 45 rpm record purchase - WOW! - That dates me!). Chris, Our waiter, was really "Groovin' ".

Reverse Murphy's Law: Chris was a lot of fun. He added to our evening. We had thought of having him arrested for stealing (his wife - from Toronto, Canada - grin). Canada's loss is Florida's gain - if we could only convince them to keep Justin Bieber!

Reverse Murphy's Law: After supper Charlotte did a little shopping in the Market Square. Found a nice navy blue slacks and top set.

(N.B.   Canada       vs      USA
            Dinner        =      Lunch
            Supper       =      Dinner )

We stopped at Publix on the way back to the RV. We need milk and I checked my lottery tickets.

Murphy's Law:  Shucks! I didn't win the PowerBall lottery - What are the odds?

(Actually: 1 in 175,223,510 - meaning you are 251 times more likely to be hit by lightning.) Is this what they mean by..."Luck of the Irish"?

OK! With those odds I can't really blame that one on Murphy!

Again, we had a busy, but fun, day!

Charlotte hit the sack at the start of the last Tonight Show hosted by Jay Leno! It was great! I made it to the end because I was doing the blog.

I think we will sleep in tomorrow morning!

Wed - 5 Feb/14

Up with the alarm at 7:20 a.m. Another above average day with temps in the mid-80's and a mix of sun and cloud once the fog burnt off.

The hot water heated up in just a few minutes for our morning shower.

Then a crisis! Charlotte could not find her quilt squares that she prepared for this morning. We looked everywhere - no luck! She brought material for another craft to keep busy for this session.

I spent time while she was at quilting straightening up the overhead storage compartment above the coat rack. There were enough accumulated items to fill the lounge chair.

I made Tuna Salad for lunch so it was ready when Charlotte returned from quilting.

At quilting Charlotte discovered that the Zip-Lock bag of quilting pieces was not forgotten in the craft room. We did another check of the RV and car. Suddenly, Charlotte remembered! It was in the basket she had purchased at the Mt. Dora Craft Fair. Talk about hiding in plain sight right there on the "Steering Wheel Table"! One thing is for sure - you always find missing things in the last place you look!

I continued on organizing the compartment while Charlotte was at the afternoon craft session.

Charlotte returned with her necklace completed. Looks Great!

We made Pizza for supper. We start with the individual Red Baron French Bread Supreme. Charlotte adds Hormel Pepperoni and stuffed green olive slices while I grate extra Mozzarella. Just 3 minutes in the microwave and it's go to go.

Charlotte took out her knitting needles and started a baby hat. She donates a few dozen each year to worthy causes.

No park events for us this evening. The usual TV before bed.

Tue - Feb 4/14

Another Foggy start to the day. News was showing The Villages down to Zero visibility. The high still hit the mid-80's.

No activities (that we do) today until Fast Bingo at 5:30 p.m. Needless to say - we slept in.

Breakfast was the usual Cheerios + Banana slices.

Charlotte put the 2nd coat of Modge-Podge on the beads for her upcoming project. Then it was for a coffee and morning TV.

Mid-morning the sun started to peek through as it burnt off the fog layers. By noon it was full sunshine.

After the Coffee Break Charlotte required a 2nd pair of hands with another project. I helped with fastening the purse grommets and magnetic snap. Charlotte then went on to sew the purse straps.

We then went out to enjoy a ride in the sunshine and do a little shopping.

First stop was the USPS to buy some stamps for a letter to Canada.

Next stop, next door, was Jo-Ann Fabrics - I think we will be getting our own parking spot soon?

Then we were on our way to the Mt. Dora Chamber of Commerce. It resides in the old Mount Dora Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Station (circa 1915) that is on the National Registry of Historic Places. There are a number of other places in Mt. Dora on the registry, which when coupled with the many shops and restaurants, makes this a great walking town.

The sign on the door says; "Tourists Treated Same As Home Folks". The aren't kidding! I dropped in to pick up tickets for the upcoming "Chad & Jeremy" and "Micky Dolenz" (Lead Singer for the Monkees) concerts.

The fast and friendly service by Muriel (L) and Patty (R)  meant I had my tickets and a lot of bonus local information in a snap. Armed with a bundle of brochures and a Bev Neal Poster we left for a late lunch.

We just had to cross the road to arrive at The Pine Island Grill & Lounge. It was a great day to enjoy lunch on the patio.

We ordered Fried Green Tomatoes and the Shrimp & Scallop Creole Dip (to share). The Fried Green Tomatoes were as good as any we have ever enjoyed, if not the best! The Shrimp & Creole Dip was equally as great - right to the end (often not the case). A bonus: Michael, our server, had a good sense of humour which added to the enjoyment of the meal.

There was also a view of Lake Dora in the distance. We could see the Premier Lake Dora Cruise coming in - something we still have on our "To Do" list.

Our next stop was just a few streets over at the One Flight Up Cafe. This is also the location of Bev Neal's studio. The good folks at the Chamber of Commerce told us she would gladly autograph the poster. Unfortunately, Charlotte returned empty-handed. Bev was not in. Charlotte left the poster and was given a phone number to call to check if the poster has been signed.

P.S. The One Flight Up Cafe has a ton of atmosphere and a great menu! We will come for a meal when the poster is ready to be picked up.

We decided to skip the Fast Bingo this evening. Charlotte was anxious to complete her letter for back home. She brought it to the mailbox at the RV Park Office as soon as it was completed. Charlotte also worked on different bead combinations for her project - plenty of combinations later, she is still thinking about it.

Tuesday is my TV evening. NCIS (both shows) and Person of Interest make this a straight through TV evening - then bed.

Tomorrow is a full craft day for Charlotte.

Mon - 3 Feb/14

Mixed sun and clouds with a few 5 minute showers today and up to mid-80's F (Tied an 1894 record high). At home the high is about 2 pm - here it is at 4 pm meaning it keeps warmer longer into the night.

The natives were doing their morning exercises strutting down the road.

Charlotte worked on her purse project. It is partially complete and looks great!

While Charlotte was at Quilting I returned all the groceries to the overhead storage. We discovered ants last night so we emptied the shelves and sprayed. All clear this morning so I re-arranged the RV pantry shelves.

Lunch was Tuna Fish Salad made with Romaine Lettuce instead of Iceburg Lettuce for a change.

I drove Charlotte to Crafts this afternoon and checked on the mail. I ordered an RV part (Main Burner for the Water Heater) as it would not start on the first try and was now significantly louder when burning. The pressure overflow occasionally dripped on the Burner and after 9 years the Main Burner was too rusted to adjust. Really quick service by USPS Priority Mail. It left Portland, OR at 4:15 p.m. on Feb 1 and arrived in Umatilla, FL this morning. (Feb 3).

Being an older burner the hook-up was not identical. If I connected the new Burner Tube as is the Regulator portion would have no support.

I exchanged parts combining the two then installed the hybrid.

Once installed the regulator had it's original support and I was able to adjust the flame properly. Now I have a nice Blue Flame. A properly adjusted flame also runs much quieter.

Finished just in time to pick Charlotte up at 3 pm. Charlotte was chatting while she worked with Tina who is also from Ontario.

I turned on the Hot Water (Gas) and it heated up really quickly. I then took a shower and then checked it after and all was working perfectly.

Supper was leftovers. I had the Panda Express and Charlotte had the Mason Jar Restaurant take home. Still as good as the first time around.

Off to Regular Bingo at 6:15 p.m. Another full house this evening. They were lined to the door.

BINGO!

On the second last Bingo of the Evening Charlotte won! ($68.00). That just about breaks us even for the previous Bingo evenings. The main thing is that it is fun.

After the Bingo Charlotte spent some time coating the paper beads for her next project with Modge-Podge while I completed the blog.

The A/C is on to allow for a good sleep this evening. The weather is not as extreme as back at home; however, it has gone from record lows to record highs over the past week. At least the heavy, dreary rain has passed for how.

A little TV, as usual, before bed.

Sun - 2 Feb/14

A foggy and overcast morning so we relaxed after all our exercise yesterday.

After lunch it turned into a lovely day. No fog on Lake Pearl (borders the RV Park) Low 80's F with light clouds. After so many dull days we decided to take the top off and head to Lady Lake, FL. Charlotte needed a few items from Jo-Ann Fabrics for tomorrow's classes.

We decided to add to our repertoire of roads. Instead of going our usual route North on SR-19 to CR-42 we headed South on SR-19 to CR-19A then to CR-44  (all for only a few miles each). We then connected to CR-542 North. This is just a different way to connect with CR-42. It was another enjoyable road. We turned Left onto CR-42 and another left onto SR-25. Taking SR-25 is not only quicker and faster (saves 5 mi.) it is a much more enjoyable ride without stoplights and heavy traffic like US-27.

Then, it was "Parking Lot Cruising" - a term coined by our daughter Liz many years ago when we came to see Mickey (Mouse et al). Our first stop was Panda Express for lunch. We needed a change from all the "Regular" meals. As usual, too much, so we placed the remainder in a carryout then into our cooler bag in the trunk.

We then "Cruised" from that parking lot to Home Depot. I needed a specialty light bulb for the light bars in the RV that would not be found at anything other than a store with specialty lighting. I was in luck. I bought 2 so I would have a spare.

Next we "Cruised" into Sam's Club to fill up with gas. Sam's Club fuel is usually saves up to $0.15 a gallon compared to other stations in the area.

Our final "Cruise" required we cross the road to Jo-Ann Fabrics parking lot. Charlotte found what was needed and a few other items, as well.

The trip back was a reversal of the route taken from CR-42. Instead of turning back onto CR-542 we continued on to CR-450. The was a less busy route than CR-452 and it took us back to a familiar corner in Umatilla, FL. It was then only a half mile from there back to the RV. We now have 2 additional routes to take either to or from Lady Lake, FL. Each of which is much more pleasant than the traffic jams encountered by going through Leesburg, FL.

Tonight it will be Super Bowl and snacks. I'm just hoping for a good game!

Sat - 1 Feb/24

Still foggy and raining this morning. Warmed up a lot; however, still foggy.

Charlotte made Brunch! Sausage - Eggs - Hash Brown and Toast - Mmmm!

Waited decided to wait until noon to head out to the 39th Annual Mt. Dora Arts Festival.

We parked in our usual spot - just $5 and as close as you can get. The Festival starts just across the road - literally! Charlotte made her first purchase, a hand-woven basket, at her first stop across the road from the parking area. I took it back to the car rather than carry it around for a few hours.

This is a huge event with artists and vendors from all over the southern USA. The range of unique and unusual items is astounding - as is their creativity. This is why rich people have huge houses - just to decorate. There were so many items we wished we had room for - unfortunately; both our home and motorhome have no more room for more items (We have boxes full of stuff in the basement with no room to hang them).

Charlotte bought tickets for 2 different fund raising quilt raffles. Both were totally different; but, equally beautiful.

We stopped twice in our travels to refresh. Once for ice cream and another time for fresh squeezed lemonade. Charlotte also stopped to smell the rose(s)...grin.

Charlotte did make a purchase - ironically, not from a booth. She found a really nicely embroidered T-shirt in this craft shop.

Mt. Dora is a unique piece of "Old Florida". We will visit again and give a more detailed description. In fact, in choosing our current RV park, it was more important that it be close to Mt. Dora than The Villages.

Finally, after over 3 hours of steady walking, we completed viewing all the booths. The Festival was even larger than last year. We were glad the it was overcast. The sun would have made it really uncomfortable with the current humidity level.

We stopped and shopped for food at the Publix (Grocery Store) on the way back to the RV. After unpacking we rested for a bit. I concluded we were too exhausted to cook this evening (as if I needed an excuse) so, we headed out to the Mason Jar Restaurant about 5 miles down the road.

No matter what time of day we passed the Mason Jar in our travels - the parking lot was always packed. Now we know why.

Reasonable prices, huge portions and nothing out of a can. An hour before closing the place was still packed. People like Home Cooking!

Charlotte's Ham Steak was not only thick - it filled the large dinner plate all by itself. My 3/4 lb. Hamburger Steak was cooked (Medium Rare) to perfection and was literally smothered in onions (1/4 thick) and gravy. We checked - next time we will share a plate ($1 more). That way we won't have to take half of our order home. (I hear the Home Style Baked Chicken is really good!)

Thick fog on the way back to the RV. Thankfully, very little traffic.

We had a busy day with lots of fresh air and exercise. Charlotte headed off to bed even before I finished the blog. (She's my proofreader). I will watch CSI Miami on timer - bet I fall asleep before the end.