Tue - 6 Jan/15

A cold front is arriving. I will need to bring in the electric heater for the bedroom tomorrow as the freezing weather arrives in northern Florida. Today it will be in the low 70's F. Very pleasant.

Tuesday is a day to relax. No Tuesday park activities that we participate in. Watched a few of our regular morning and afternoon TV programs. We put on an old George Carlin from our collection - just for laughs (grin).

Charlotte did a little embroidery in the RV.

Then she sat outside for a bit to enjoy the sunshine after making a trip to the office to buy tickets for an upcoming show in the main clubhouse. More on that when it happens mid-month.

We teamed up for lunch. Nothing fancy and ready in a jiffy - just hot dogs with the last of the berry pie for dessert.

After lunch we settled in to relax and watch another movie from our collection: Flight starring Denzel Washington.

Writer John Gatins based the scene loosely on Alaska Airlines Flight 261, which crashed into the Pacific Ocean en route to San Francisco in 2000. As in the film, pilot Ted Thompson amazingly rolled the stricken craft upside down to try and slow its descent.

According to black box recordings cited in the official report of the accident, one crew member says: “at least upside down we're flyin’”. A similar version of this line is used in the film.

Sadly, the heroic efforts of Thompson and co-pilot First Officer Bill Tansky weren’t enough to stop the plane crashing into the Pacific and killing all 88 people aboard. As in the film, the cause of the crash was fatigue of a jackscrew due to overuse and poor maintenance. Unlike ‘Flight’ though, the heroism of the pilots was not in doubt. They were posthumously awarded the Airline Pilots Association Gold Medal for Heroism.

As the crew explains in our exclusive making-of video, the intense effect was created by building the entire plane cabin - which weighed 30,000 pounds - and strapping it to a giant rotating gimbal (a piece of kit that pivots and rotates around an object, in this case, the fake cabin). It means the passengers and crew of the plane were actually hanging upside down – those panicked looks aren’t 100 per cent acting.

I used the movie time to update the computers. A much slower process on park Wi-Fi compared to at home using Ultra High Speed Cable.

Evening also meant Jeopardy. On Tuesday, TV also means CBS - starting with NCIS.

Charlotte did so more embroidery in the evening as I did the blog.

Mon - 5 Jan/15

Ooops! I had to update a few of the blogs. I was still putting /14 for the year.

Wow it's cold! Thin blood will do that to you when there is more than 20 degree drop in temp. After being 85 F yesterday it is only up to 62 F today. It has gone from sunny to overcast. Everyone is wearing jackets or sweaters when outside.

Drove Charlotte to crafts and then checked the mail (none).

I am trying to get the computer #2 to default to the headphone jack for audio so I can use the 3 cable connection (R/W/Y) for playback. The Yellow (Video) works fine; but no Audio (Red & White) unless I can get the computer to default to the headphone for sound. If I can I can hook it through the Video Controller and play through any of the 3 TVs.

Charlotte returned with 3 nice cards she made at today's craft lesson which was conducted by a guest instructor (Sandra Lewis Designs) from Eustis, FL.

Card 1 caption: It's Hard to be nostalgic when you can't remember anything!

Card 2 caption: Remember when "Hippie" meant a group of people....

Card 3 caption: It's Your Birthday and I must say "You Look Marvelous!". Charlotte did a great job; however, the birthday card reminded me of our friend Helene. Charlotte and I always look forward to her handcrafted cards that we receive from her and Ron on special occasions. Their creativity, uniqueness and intricacy go beyond great!

Bingo! At least I get to say it before we go. Based on past experience we probably won't win; but we have fun playing.

We met some wonderful folks from the Lower Peninsula. That means Michigan. Folks there are either "Uppers" or "Lowers", in reference to where they live on the peninsula that is the state of Michigan. (Factoid: If you are travelling from Windsor, ON to Detroit, MI you actually travel North).

As predicted - no luck! Ditto for the "Lowers".

We got back to the RV in time to finish the evening by watching the last half of Scorpion and then NCIS: Los Angeles. Charlotte had a treat in store: Popcorn with lots of real butter. Sinful - but good!

Sun - 4 Jan/15

First thing this morning I phoned Nick (son-in-law) to wish him a Happy Birthday and to talk about the weekend hockey tournament. He is an assistant coach of the Stormont Selects (Atom C House team) that won Gold in their division of the Bell Capital Cup. The Capital Cup is one of the largest hockey tournaments in the world. Hockey is a family affair. Liz manages the team. Marty (our grandson) was the #1 Goalie for their category level. Marty also won two Goalie Skills Trophies. Way to go guys!

TV, as usual, was CBS Sunday Morning. After the week of local newscasts with murders, cops shooting criminals and plenty of car accidents, a little good news is welcomed. A twist this week was that a house was hit by a bus, not a car.

I set up the second computer using the portable hard drive and a special hook up link so we can watch movies on the RV TV screens.

Next up was to clean the A/C filters. Needless to say they were dusty.

Lunch was finishing the few yummy egg salad sandwiches that were left from the huge batch Charlotte made for yesterday's Pot Luck in the main clubhouse.

The afternoon was spent relaxing as we watched movies on the new setup. We started with a few Alfred Hitchcock classics which included Dial M for Murder, The Man Who Knew Too Much and Topaz.

Sunday is Trivia Night in the main clubhouse (7 pm). Most folks come as a team. We hoped there would be room for us to join a group. Once again, we met two interesting folks. They were from Pennsylvania and Iowa. Both couples were new to the park so we called our team "The Newcomers". We didn't do too bad at all, one more point and we would have tied for third out of more than a dozen teams. We agreed to team up again next Sunday if we had no other plans for the evening.

TV tonight was dictated by what seemed the most interesting as we skipped through the channels.

Record highs again today. With night time humidity above 90% we will leave the A/C on to make sleeping more comfortable.

Sat - 3 Jam/15

I tried the Radio Shack TV amplifiers first thing this morning - no luck. I believe they are mislabelled and are really pre-amplifiers not distribution amplifiers. Pre-amps are only for use when connected directly to an antenna. I need a distribution amp which is used to boost signals on long cable runs.

Charlotte started the day by hard boiling eggs for the egg salad sandwiches she will make for today's Bean Soup Pot Luck. Taking the shells off is the hardest part. I took the pimentos out of the olives which Charlotte chopped. All went in the refrigerator until sandwich assembly just before the meal.

Mid-morning I returned the Radio Shack items. We continued on to a Home Depot in Lady Lake where I purchased a 4 port distribution amp. Tomorrow I will see if it helps the TV reception.

From there it was just a few blocks to Spanish Springs Town Square in The Villages. Today (and tomorrow) the featured event is the Villages (January) Arts and Crafts show. The whole square and the first block of each entry street is closed off. Hundreds of vendors set up their tents on both sides of the streets and around the main square. We finally found a spot to park in the 4th lot we tried and joined the crowd.

At the fair I purchase Corian Oven Rack Pullers at Don's Crafts. They are better than similar wooden ones as they do not conduct heat, will not burn in normal use and are easier to clean.

We didn't make too many stops (except for food samples - grin) and it still took over 2 hours to make the complete tour.

Another booth purchase was a Solar Light Jar. A solar cell on top of the Mason Jar lid charges a battery that powers a light beneath the lid. At night the light comes on and gently illuminates the scene inside the jar.

Our choice was a sand and seashell base with grass, flowers and a butterfly.

We did stop once about half way through for a rest on the benches that surround the Town Square Fountain. The near record temps (mid-80's F), humidity and sunshine required we take a break. Thankfully, there was a good breeze.

After completing the last half of the fair we ducked into Kilwins for an Ice Cream. Beware! This is a great candy shop. Charlotte had a classic A and W Root Beer Float while I enjoyed a Strawberry Milkshake (4 scoops of Strawberry Ice Cream) that was topped with Real Whipped Cream and a Maraschino Cherry,

A nice relaxing ride back to the RV on the "Back Roads".

Quick showers after being in the heat. I re-installed the Lysol Shower Cleaner. A press of either button sprays the interior (Light or Heavy Duty) cleaning it up and avoiding any mildew associated with the high humidity. After the shower we turned on the A/C. This was more to removed the high humidity than to lower the interior temp.

The egg salad sandwiches went through final assembly and then we were off to the Pea Soup Pot Luck.

Charlotte placed both platters across from each other on the table. That way there was one on each side. There is nothing worse than seeing something you would like to try; but it is just out of reach on the other side of the table.

As usual, we met some nice folks that came to the park from Illinois, New York State and North Carolina. Hey! 6 must be our lucky number. Table 6 was picked first for the second pot luck in a row. There were just too many good things to try, although we made an effort to get a little sample of each. The Bean Soup, made with the leftover Christmas Dinner Ham was just a delicious as we remembered. (last year's meal).

Everyone must have liked Charlotte's sandwiches as much as I do. At the end of the meal there were only a few sandwich quarters left on each platter. Unofficially, old folks at RV parks eat healthy, based on the fact that there where fewer whole wheat than white bread quarters remaining.

Back at the RV we sure enjoyed having the A/C on. Rule 43: You can't win! It's either so hot you need the A/C on or so cold you need heat. Both ways you have to pay!

Guess we will just "Be Cool!" (grin) and "Chill In" (another grin) as we relax watching TV.

Fri - 2 Jan/15

We couldn't watch Marty's  Gold Medal Hockey Game at 8 a.m. as the park Wi-Fi is not good enough. We were; however watching the iPhone intently for a text message.

Yahoo! The South Stormont Atom Select House C Team Won 3-2. They are "GOLDEN"! They will have another banner to add to their "Barn". Hockey arenas are often referred to by locals as "Our Barn" due to it's structural resemblance to a huge barn.

Marty is the top goalie with no losses, 4 shutouts and only 3 goals against in 6 games. The Selects scored 39 times in the tournament. Cullen tied for first in scoring and Owen tied for the second top scoring spot. Seven of their players were in the top 21 scorers for the tournament. It was truly a team effort!

Hockey in Canada is like Baseball and Football in the USA and Soccer in the rest of the world. It is both a team sport and a family event. The skills taught for the sport become life skills as the players mature. Teamwork, practice, persistence, sportsmanship ... the list goes on and on. All become the building blocks for a better life.

A special thanks to the hundreds of volunteers that make these teams (and tournaments) possible. Thanks to the local sponsors that support the teams with contributions ranging from uniforms and equipment to ice time. Thanks to the major tournament sponsors as well as each and every parent, relative and coach. A contribution supporting sports is a contribution to a better world.

Another foggy, overcast start to the day. It did burn off as the temp headed into the mid 70's F. This is when I miss Arizona. There it was sunny every day' except 6, over the 4 months we were there. Even at 100 F we didn't turn on the A/C because it wasn't uncomfortable (4% humidity).

Around the noon hour we headed for Lowes in Mt. Dora. The plastic latch that holds the screen door to the main RV door had broken again. The plastic gives out every few years. I bought 2 the last time I could locate a replacement. The final one just broke. The problem with many unique RV parts is that after the initial run they are no longer available. I found a white metal sliding window latch that I thought might do the job.

On the way back to the park we made a quick stop at "Sew What?" in Umatilla. Charlotte was on a scouting mission to see what was offered should she need materials once she starts quilting. She now has a place where she can rent a "Long Arm" Quilting Machine. These are specialized sewing machines with arms from 6 to 12 feet long allowing them to stitch intricate patterns on a whole quilt with ease.

Back at the RV Charlotte made toasted tomato sandwiches while I took out the tools for the project and placed them on the patio table. We then had lunch. Tasty!

Soon I had the old parts removed and the new solution in place. To attach both doors the latch handle, is moved up to holds both doors together. The single screw head in the main door depresses the screen door button. This is so it will not "latch". This is necessary when both doors are closed together. If the screen door became latched while fastened together the doors could not be opened.

It may not be elegant; but it works perfectly. Bonus: the likelihood of this latch breaking is slim and a replacement, if needed, can easily be found at any hardware store.

We went to Walmart in search of a TV amp to boost the signal. They had none, so I crossed the road and picked up a pair at Radio Shack. I will check to see if it improves reception tomorrow morning. If not I can return the units.

The sun has now set. What is that light in the distance? It's a Chili's sign! I think we can make it safely across the road in our famished state (we haven't eaten since lunch). Time to eat out - It's Friday!

We ordered the dinner for 2 for $20 special which includes 2 regular entrees and a shared appetizer. We shared a half order of Texas Fries. Charlotte ordered the Chicken Fajita as her entree and I, the Classic Bacon Burger. Both were excellent and like most everyone else we packed a doggy bag to take home.

Back too late to watch Jeopardy! Time to do the blog, watch TV and sign out.

Thu - 1 Jan/15

Wow! Where did 2014 go?

TEMPUS FUGIT! No - this is not an expression of contempt for the cold temperature which would seem fitting since the Rose Parade will be held in record low's temperatures and snow (no, not drugs; but real, natural, falling snow) was seen on the Las Vegas Strip for New Year's Eve!

Tempus Fugit comes to us from the "Dead Language";  Latin. It means "Time Flies". This past year has certainly flown by. 2014 is now "Dead as a Doornail". This is a saying much older than the Bard himself.

Shakespeare did; however popularize it in (Henry VI - Part 2). Later, Charles Dickens, In "A Christmas Carol" wrote:

Old Marley was as dead as a door-nail.
Mind! I don’t mean to say that I know, of my own knowledge, what there is particularly dead about a door-nail. I might have been inclined, myself, to regard a coffin-nail as the deadest piece of ironmongery in the trade.

Thus, the sayings origin, whereby tradesmen strengthen doors by hammering large nails all the way through then “clenching.” the nail by bending it flat on the other side. This not only rendered the nail difficult to remove, it made it difficult to use again if removed. The bent nail was commonly called “dead”. This expression came to mean anything that couldn't be used again.

2014, like time itself, cannot be used again. But; I digress. Back to the "Present".

Yesterday is the Past; Tomorrow is the Future. Today, as long as we can bear witness to it, is truly a "Present" (from God).

The first "Present" present (grin) for the New Year was Charlotte preparing a tasty breakfast. She has truly mastered the art of multitasking as she fried eggs, cooked bacon, heated up "Hash Browns", made both white and whole wheat toast and poured juice all while I completed yesterday's blog.

Yummy! What a great way to start the New Year.

Next up was watching the Rose Parade - a New Year's Day tradition. My vote was for the Zappos Pink Hippo float by Paradiso Parade Floats which won two major awards, The Grand Marshal's Trophy for the Singpoli float, and the Animation Award for the Zappos.com float. Dozens of helium balloons floated into the air each time the Pink Hippo opened it's mouth - really a cute idea.

Charlotte always enjoyed the song: "I want a hippopotamus for Christmas" - seeing this "Float" is as close as it will get for this year. Last year we were even closer (physically). A photographer was discourage waiting to get an "Action" picture of "Lu" the Homosassa Springs hippo. I did my best "Wild Hippo Call" and sure enough he opened up wide. Unfortunately, there were no helium balloons that flew into the sky. (grin)
 

Next on the TV agenda was the NHL Winter Classic (Outdoor Hockey Game) featuring the Chicago Black Hawks vs the Washington Capitols. The rink was set up in the Nationals (Baseball) Park in Washington, DC. We thought we had nose-bleed seats when we went to the Ottawa Senators hockey games, I doubt if even the closest seats could see the puck as the "dots" moved around the ice surface. It was a great game with Washington winning 3-2. They scored the game winning goal with only 12 seconds left on the clock.

This great game helped pass the time as we anxiously waited for news of Marty's semi-final hockey game. WOW! Another shutout for Marty!. They will "Go for Gold" at 8 am tomorrow at the CTC (Canadian Tire Center - Home of the Ottawa Senators). Update tomorrow!

The weather is a repeat of yesterday. Overcast, low 70's F with little chance of rain despite the high humidity. We will just relax in the RV today. It will be an "RV 2 TV" day. Charlotte "channel surfed" on one as I watched the Winter Classic Hockey game on the other.

This was followed by my trying to choose between the five "Bowl Games". (Citrus, Cotton, Outback, Rose and Sugar Bowls) as I "Chip and Dipped" my way through the evening.

Wed - 31 Dec/14

WISHING ALL HEALTH and HAPPINESS in the NEW YEAR!

Another overcast day with temps in the high 60's F. The high humidity usually makes it feel hotter; however when it gets below a certain temperature (probably depends on what you are used to) it makes it feel colder. Being quite windy today makes it feel downright cold!

My apologies. Tonight 70% of the USA will be below freezing. Being in the 60's F isn't so bad.

Lunch was my 5 minute version of Cream of Mushroom soup. The trick is to make it much more substantial and tasty by frying up plenty of fresh mushrooms - in butter (of course). I then add a can of Campbell's C of M and a can of whole milk - not cream (I'm trying to be good).

We each add salt and pepper to flavour to our preference. Then we enjoy.

Had to go out to do a little shopping before Publix closed. We only needed milk; but somehow we managed to fill the conveyor. At least we won't have to shop until next year (grin).

We stopped for a McD's on the way back.

The New Year's Dance started a 9 p.m. Most of the time this is when park activities end. Because this was a Special Event Rule #23 is superseded (and doubled) by Rule #24: At an RV Park Major Event; being there an hour early means you are already a half hour late. We were there a half hour before the band (Homer Stiles) began playing and the place was packed (guestimate = 350-400). Luckily, there were still a few places left.

Again we had the good fortune of meeting some new folks. Si, his lovely wife and great friends added to our enjoyment of the evening. Si, like many, phoned family to wish them a Happy New Year.

We phoned our girls (Kat & Liz) earlier in the evening as we knew they would be asleep by the midnight hour. Each needed to be up early the next day.

Liz, Nick and Marty would be in Ottawa. They usually travelled south with us in their RV on Boxing Day. Now that Marty (our Grandson) is older (9) and a hockey goalie they will not be able to come south until hockey season is over. (Nick helps coach and Liz is team manager).

Christmas, in Canada, means "Hockey Tournament". This year they are playing in the Bell Capital Cup in Ottawa. This is more than just a hockey tournament. It is a festival celebrating the game of hockey in Canada's Capital. Joining PeeWee and Atom teams from across Canada and the US are teams from Austria, China, Finland, Germany and Japan.

There will be over 1,000 hours of hockey in 18 Division Levels, including the Scotiabank-Canadian Tire All Star Games, the Scotiabank-Canadian Tire Skills Competitions, Esso pre-tournament friendly games on December 28th, a featured Ottawa Senators game during the tournament, and the Esso Gameday Experience (Senators open practice), the Bell Capital Cup is truly an experience of a lifetime for all who participate.

Marty's team; The South Stormont Selects (Atom House C) will play in the quarter finals in their division on New Year's Day afternoon. If they win they will "Go for the Gold". They have won their first 4 games.

Marty has only allowed 1 goal in 4 games. He has the best GAA (Goals Against Average) at 0.25. He has already won 2 trophies in this tournament's Goalie Skills Competition at his group level. Way to go Marty!

As we returned to the RV, large and colourful fireworks were going off on the other side of the lake, as well as "bangs" from various locations within the RV Park. I tried to catch the displays without much luck. The red lights in the distance are actually from the Umatilla Airport. Earlier in the evening, for about an hour, we could see fireworks going off over the lake right from the RV living room window. Someone sure had a large supply!

Happy New Year All!