Mon - 6 Feb/17

A foggy morning until the sun burnt it off around 10 a.m. It then will be sunny and hit 80 F. today.

Today is a lazy day. Although I was up at 7 a.m. and did a few tasks around the motorhome I returned to bed and joined Charlotte. We both slept in.

After 1 pm I left for The Lodge to use the Wi-Fi.

Today, the conjecture is that 1 Billion Dollars worth of productivity is lost on the day following the Super Bowl. Probably also best to not buy a product made today (grin).

Kraft Heinz is giving 42,000 of their employees today - Smunday (Super Bowl Monday) - off rather than spends millions making an ad for the game.

There is a move (more a publicity stunt) to have Congress make it a Federal Holiday in the USA.

Kraft Heinz are sponsoring the petition to Congress. Only 100,000 signatures are required for presentation. They are already half way there.

Rant of the Day: Being Canadian - I naturally prefer the CFL and Grey Cup over the NFL and Super Bowl. 4 downs and "Fair Catch" is only the tip of the iceberg. I also find the NFL overtime rules highly unfair. They do not play the overtime under the same rules as the game. A coin flip gave the New England Patriots first chance to score and because they scored a touchdown - the game ended. Under CFL rules the other team would also get an equal chance to score. If they tie - it continues - until the tie is broken after each has had an equal number of opportunities. Not so in the NFL. (Note: If the game followed the same logic as the overtime rules the Atlanta Falcons would have won the game which would have ended after their first touchdown.) The NFL somehow thinks this rule is fair for all. (Something like their presidential election process - grin).

I will make baked potatoes and Salisbury steak w/Lima Beans for supper and we will continue to take it easy watching TV for the evening.

It did us good to relax today.

Sun - 5 Feb/17

Today was another typical Sunday. We watched CBS Sunday morning in bed. Charlotte made McC’s Egg Muffins for breakfast. Mmmm – as always.

We just relaxed watching a smattering of TV programs until 2 p.m. when we decided to venture out.

The first stop wasn’t too far. Charlotte went into the Rec Hall to pick up the pattern for the next craft project. Then we were off to Jo-Anne Fabrics in Tavares, FL, taking the scenic route along Lake Eustis, to buy the necessary yardage of materials required.

Before we departed I printed out the coupons good for today. Charlotte saved  about 70% by applying all the discounts. We returned by the same route; however it was getting a little cool so we had to put up the side windows even though we left the top off.

Our next stop was at our usual Publix at the intersection of SR-19 and CR-44 to top up our grocery supply. We only had 1 full shopping cart load to put into the trunk so we were able to leave the top off for the trip back to OMS.

In a few minutes all was unloaded and packed away.

I made my favourite dip: Cream Cheese, Albacore Tuna, Green Relish, Horseradish and Lemon Juice – all whipped together. The amounts are “to taste”. This will be our treat while we watch Super Bowl LI (51).

I’m pulling for Atlanta (Falcons). I usually always pick for the “Underdog”. If they lose – it was expected and if they win – Bonus! I figure there is not so much to lose that way (grin).

I won’t wait to recap the game (170 million will be watching) this will end the blog for today.

Sat – 4 Feb/17

After a busy day yesterday we, as usual on Saturday, slept in until 9 a.m. and remained in bed watching TV. We always enjoy watching “Innovation Nation”. It is our Saturday version of CBS Sunday Morning. It always has highly interesting and informative items.

Today we are heading to Mount Dora for the 42^nd annual (juried) Arts Festival. Hundreds of tents fill the streets in downtown with displays of all types of creative art. The temps are in the mid-70’s F today with a mostly cloudy sky. This will make walking throughout the whole downtown a little less exhausting.

We have a routine for this event. We always park in the same bank parking lot. The parking fee goes to support a different charity each year. It is right at the beginning of the blocked off streets providing a beginning and ending to our “Loop”.

Also, as per tradition, our first stop is across the street and we always buy a basket from the same booth every year.  

 

While most of the artists are from locations throughout the USA, Patsy is a Mount Dora resident. This year Charlotte decided on a “Cat’s Head” basket.  If you look closely at the basket when it is turned upside down you can visualize the cat’s face and ears. Cute!

 

Most of the booths are for “Art”; however a few do advertising. One called “Roadie Friendshipping” is like Uber for packages.

 

We picked up a backpack at their booth which made it easy for Charlotte to carry her “Booty”

 

As usual, a mile or so of streets were packed. Art of all types with item prices ranging from a few dollars to thousands competed for attention.

 

 

Charlotte found a few items for our girls that they can add to what we bought them last year from the same booth.

Some items were as large as they were unique.

 

Charlotte didn’t buy a ticket for the quilt. She will do that when she attends the Mount Dora Quilt Show in a few weeks.

We also stopped at a few stores as we made our tour. Charlotte went into the KaDee Kay Gourmet Kitchen Products store to look for a pair (actually like 4 pair in one) of scissors used to cut herbs.

 

At another one of our regular stops Charlotte bought a Hamburger. No, not food! It is another First Edition Boyd’s Bearstone for her collection.

There were musicians performing at a few locations throughout the festival. All were quite good.

 

A sad note! The Orange Blossom Cannonball that travelled between Mount Dora and Tavares is no longer running. This steam engine, also known as the “Hollywood Train” because of the number of famous movies and TV shows it appeared in, offered a neat trip. It was not because of lack of interest (we have taken it a number of times) – the lost their “Right of Way” for the railroad track. Go Figure?

 

The main street intersections all had a wide variety of food offerings. Like last year, the “Arepa’s Booth” reminded me of our travels in Mexico with our good friends Diane and Alberto.

 

If you get a chance – try it - You'll like it!

Lunch, again as per tradition, was at PizzAmore, just a few blocks from downtown. They were previously on the “Main Drag” close to the beginning of the festival booths; however they moved last year. My guess is they needed a larger facility because of their popularity. This is the only area “Pizza Joint” that rivals the excellent pizzas we have back home. We ordered a large Crisp Thin Crust Veggie Pizza and added Pepperoni and Anchovies. It is great when you can taste each of the individual ingredients – Yum!

 

They don’t offer a medium size and the small is too small. We ordered a large and took half home. It will be our snack tonight.

The Valentine’s Dance at OMS tonight (7-10 p.m.) features “Feels So Right”. The park’s Valentine’s Day Dance is more than a week ahead of the day itself. This is because it was hard to get a band closer to that (Feb 14^th) date – even when they book a year in advance!

Every few weeks during the “Prime Season” the park (OMS) sponsors a dance for the residents. We bring the munchies and they supply the pitchers of beer and soft drinks.  A great time is always had by all.

As usual, we mostly danced the slow ones. Then it was only a short walk back to our site.

With such a busy day we won’t have to count too many sheep tonight.

Fri - 3 Feb/17

Today, being a non-craft day, meant we were free to do anything, so we slept in then stayed in bed listening to local news until 9 a.m. It was also another great day, weather wise, with the temps approaching 80 F.

After breakfast we jumped in the Del Sol and set out for Deland, FL. We were going to the Quilt Shop of Deland. We go there every few weeks to check out new items. We were lucky and got our "usual" parking spot.

We have been to hundreds of Quilt Shops all over Canada and the USA. Many have lovely fabrics and a few have an unbelievably huge selection; however, in my "not-so-humble" opinion (grin) - this is the Best of the Best! Even though they may not have the largest selection - they are tops in everything that matters.

Judy, the owner, (Charlotte is the one with the purse - another grin) goes beyond helpful and friendly (like all the staff do). They know what they are talking about! The store is full of quilts and various projects they have made from the patterns they sell. They not only deal in the highest quality items; they also make "Kits" that have everything you need for a number of the patterns that are in stock. This means they not only can help you find what you need - they freely dispense "Suggestions" and "Pointers".

Finding fabric you like - Great!

Getting the "Notions" you need - Super!

Buying a kit here - Fantastic!

Getting advice you understand - PRICELESS! (MasterCard - eat your heart out!).

Check them out online.(they ship!)

http://www.quiltshopofdeland.com/about-us.htm

Our next stop, also in Deland, was at the Kermit's Key West Key Lime Factory Outlet. This is another regular visit when in the area. Rather than call out their "Key Lime Emergency Response Unit" we arrived in person to pick up multiple bags of their "Sugar Free Key Lime Candy". We often pop (many of) these in our mouth while at a "Show". Last night, at the Kingston Trio Concert, we discovered we only had a few left. This, like the quilt shop, is a regular stop when in the area.

This is not the Famous Kermit's Original Key West Key Lime Shoppe (bet you figured this out already) - it's in Key West, FL. This is the production facility in Deland where all the "non-pie" items are made. This location lets them keep internet order (and production) costs lower as shipping to and from Key West are much more expensice.

They also ship!

http://www.keylimeshop.com/locations

Soon we were back on the road and heading "North to Alaska Palatka" (FL). We had 2 destinations in mind.

First, being it was time to eat, was Corky Bell's in East Palatka. They have a great menu with reasonable prices. It is worth the (little more than an hour) drive (each way) from OMS (Olde Mill Stream RV Resort) - especially on such a nice "Convertible" day!

They are always very busy; however we found a parking spot that was open near the entrance. This is rare as there are hundreds there at any given time.

Charlotte went in to get on the seating list while I put the top on the Del Sol and locked it up. I joined her shortly after. We could have sat on their huge and lovely deck by the water; but it was beginning to get hot and humid outside. We were also still a little "warm and winded " from the hour long drive with the top off.

While waiting for our order I had the opportunity to sit with an old friend - "Gator Joe"!

Charlotte ordered the Mahi-Mahi and I decided on the Half-Rack of Ribs w\Shrimp. Their Hushpuppies were great as was their "Crunchy" Coleslaw. Both meals were excellent (as usual).

After eating we headed to the second stop (in Palatka) on our agenda. It was Ravine Gardens State Park.

https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Ravine-Gardens

The entrance (any time we have come) is (usually?) not manned. There is an "Honour System" whereby you put the fee ($5.00 for each vehicle w\up to 8 passengers) in an envelope, tear off the receipt\pass (that hangs on your vehicle's rear view mirror) and then deposit the envelope in a box.

The park has two ravines up to 120 feet deep with steep banks at 45 degree angles. Unlike common gullies, trenches or sinkholes caused by temporary flooding, the steephead ravine is a permanent feature with a spring-fed creek that never dries up, called Whitewater Branch. The underground water bubbling up cuts into the bank and carries the sand and soil downstream to the St. Johns River. Over thousands of years the ravine has widened and deepened to what you see today.

In 1933, this ravine was transformed into a dramatic garden by the federal WPA (Works Progress Administration). Much of the original landscaping still exists as formal gardens and an extensive trail system. The paved loop, we suspect, may have originally been all brick as a number of the hillside areas and road edges are still lined with bricks today.

A 1.8-mile paved road winds around the ravine, offering motorists, bicyclists, runners and walkers (and their dogs) a view of the gardens. One runner kept ahead of us for half of the loop ( 5 mph Speed Limit) before we passed her on an uphill. The Ravine Loop is closed to vehicle traffic one hour before sunset, but remains open for pedestrians, bicycles, and wheelchairs.

The garden's peak flowering period is azalea season, late January to April. Numerous picnic sites, equipped with tables and grills, are available to visitors. There are also areas for kids to play (Jungle Gym stuff) and an "Eco" exercise park for fitness buffs.

They do not allow swimming because of the "Gators".

We have always enjoyed the beauty and peacefulness of the ride through this park. The exit has an "Automatic Gate"; however since you have the receipt you can return back through the entrance and "do-it-again". (That's my story and I'm sticking to it). We did previously.

On departure it is just a few blocks to SR-19. After a few miles on the 4-lane section it reverts to being 2 lanes and the traffic soon disappears. SR-19 takes us right to OMS. It was still warm enough to leave the top off. We enjoyed the ride back and arrive just at sunset (6:06 p.m.).

I dropped Charlotte off at the motorhome, picked up the computer and went to The Lodge to use the Wi-Fi to do the blog. I made it back to the RV a little before 9 p.m.

It was just TV surfing for the rest of the night. Needless to say, with 7 hours of fresh air and sunshine, we won't need to be rocked to sleep tonight.

Thu - 2 Feb/17

The weather is great here in Florida continues.

Elsewhere in the USA may not be so good as Punxsutawney(PA) Phil has predicted another 6 weeks of winter after seeing his shadow. This prediction is based on an old German legend connected with Candlemas: If a furry rodent casts a shadow on this day winter continues; if not - spring comes early.

Canada's Wiarton (ON) Willlie and Shubenacadie Sam (NS) both didn't see their shadow predicting an early spring. Good news for our return home to Canada, Eh!

Craft day saw us do the usual routine. Charlotte went to the Craft Room. Always nice work being done there.  I went to The Lodge.

Today it is set up for round two of the photo session for the park directory. Regular residents of OMS (Olde Mill Stream RV Resort) may include their picture and contact information in a directory if they so desire. It will be available for a reasonable fee and includes OMS Lot # as well as summer address, email and phone numbers folks wish to include. We got our pictures done in the first session.

I finished updating virus definitions and fixed another non-working program. I left the car (and keys) for Charlotte and walked back to the motorhome to prepare lunch. Today it will be Marie Callender's Turkey Pot pie - a favourite of ours.

Charlotte returned a little after noon. Like a "Good Hubby" - lunch was ready. OUCH! (I hurt my arm patting myself on the back - grin)

Charlotte returned to the Craft Room after lunch for a special session. She returned about 3 p.m. with an almost finished a "Casserole Holder" that will come in handy for Potluck Suppers at the park. Really neat!

We left for The Villages a little before 4 p.m. It was a perfect afternoon for a "Topless " ride in the Del Sol.  Our event today was "The Kingston Trio" at  Savannah Center.

No, this isn't a ticket line - it is for the bar. Many get drinks for the show.

Once again we had decent seats for the show. This is why I bought all show tickets for our time at OMS when we first arrived. Good thing - both shows for this event were sold out (as usual).

The show opened with Nicholas Marks (appeared on America's Got Talent - 3 seasons). We were treated to a half hour of fantastic "Rumba Gypsy Flamenco Guitar"! No wonder they call him the "Jimi Hendrix of Flamenco Guitar". There were shades of classical guitar sound worthy of virtuoso Andres Segovia; however I don't think Andres played with the guitar over his head, sideways, backwards, single-handed and other indescribable positions. Simply unbelievable - check him out on You Tube.

The Kingston Trio began in 1957 in San Francisco. Their first big hit was "Tom Dooley" (1958)which helped fuel the "Folk Song" era. We haven't seen them perform for a dozen years (also in Florida). It brought back memories of the 60's. If you are old enough you know about a "Hootenanny" (for those who don't - it is when a large group got together - usually sit on the floor = and to listen to folk music). If you don't remember Folk Music - you missed the '60's completely! (grin).

Their songs that I like best are "Where Have All The Flowers Gone"; "500 Miles Away From Home", "Leaving on a Jet Plane",  "Tom Dooley", "Raspberries, Strawberries" and "Scotch and Soda". Charlotte's favourite is "M.T.A.". It was a "protest" song that told the story of a man named "Charlie" who got trapped on the Boston Subway by an (unfair) fare increase. (Subconsciously, I think Charlotte likes it because here nickname is "Charlie" - grin). It was actually first used as a mayoral campaign song in 1949 for Walter O'Brien. (Not TV's Walter O'Brien on Scorpion). We both like "Sloop John B." which became a big hit for The Beach Boys. Other top hits were  "Tijuana Jail", "Greenback Dollar" and "A Worried Man"; but they didn't sing these at this show. They might be saving these for the next tour. They come every year or two to The Villages and they wouldn't want it to be the same show (repeated).

Ah! Memories of youth.

Today's Digression: TV's Scorpion is fictional; however, a real Walter O'Brien (Irish, not Scottish) is the CEO and founder of Scorpion Computer Services that promotes itself as a genius based think tank. This O'Brien claims an exceptional IQ and that the NSA (through Interpol) arrived after he hacked into NASA at age 13 (Hacker ID: Scorpion). He also makes other claims, such as developing the video-recognition software that aided the FBI in catching the "Boston Marathon Bombers". These facts are all unverified. He claims that being bound by non-disclosure agreements hinders his proof of these claims ( Right!); however we all can see the similarities with the TV program.

Supper was at our usual Steak and Burger on the way back to OMS. Back at the park about 9 p.m. I went to The Lodge to do today's blog and got back to the motorhome by 10 p.m.

It was another busy day.

Wed - 1 Feb/17

A fog warning until 10 p.m. The car was completely coated with a layer of moisture; however the heavier fog is north of us and over by The Villages. Should be another total sunshine day after the fog burns off. Temps into the mid-70's F.

The usual craft morning routine. After parking at the Craft Room I went to The Lodge. Ooops! I forgot the power pack for the computer. It should last the few hours until Charlotte is finished (usually at noon). It will do the battery good to be discharged/recharged (at least that is the common advice).

Did the emails and banking. I update Mabel (our GPS) and programmed and added some specific maps. Windows is still up-to-date. One program, a different one, wouldn't update this morning.

After dropping the sewing machine and computer at the motorhome and having lunch (Spanish Rice from yesterday) we were off with the top off on the Del Sol to Altamonte Springs again. We took the "Back Roads" and enjoy the lovely sunshine.

We did a quick "once around" at Costco. I wanted to pick up a few more of the "collapsible crates". (Great for storage in the RV). Unfortunately, like many special items (non-regular), that often disappear after the initial display palette load is sold, there were none to be had. The only item we purchased was a pair of pillows to be used in a new "Baseball" pillowcase Charlotte just completed for Marty.

On the "Back Roads" again on the way back; however, we detoured off to the Hobby Lobby in Mount Dora, FL. Charlotte needed some glass beads for an upcoming project.

I noticed the same Del Sol in the parking lot as the other day. I decided to check the Strip Mall stores to see if I could find the owner. No Luck at the Radio Shack or Hobby Lobby. I got lucky at China 8.

The owner was very nice. He came out and we chatted about our cars for several minutes. I was hoping he knew of sources for Del Sol parts. My plan actually worked in reverse. He knew of no sources; however I was able to provide him with the one source I knew about in this area of Florida.

I went into the Radio Shack. My USB cord, purchased there last year, needed replacement. I had a warranty and Allen was super helpful. He manage to multi-task to perfection as he help me and 3 other customers all at the same time. That's the reason this is my "Go To" Radio Shack when down here for the winter.

Charlotte next went to the Family General at the end of the strip mall to get some "Grape Leaves" that she also needed for the upcoming project.

Then it was time to find food. We went to our usual spot two lights down on UU-441 - Chili's. Once again we ordered our usual items from the menu.

Charlotte got the "Made Fresh at Your Table" Guacamole and an Arnold Palmer. Mine was the Texas Cheese Fries w/Dr. Pepper. Both were without the Jalapenos (we don't do hot). These are appetizers - we never order a meal to go with them and we always take some "To Go".

We made it back to the motorhome just in time for Jeopardy w/"Long Johns" for dessert. (Check previous blog for a description).

I went to The Lodge to finish today's blog. It was a "Crunch" to complete before it closed for the night. Paul and his work partner was tidying up tonight. They do an excellent job keeping everything "Ship RV Shape". Their good work shows as this park is the highest rated in the Good Sam Survey in the area for cleanliness.

Made it with a minute to spare before closing. Then it was back to the RV.

That wraps up another busy day at OMS.