Fri - 17 Feb/17

Charlotte and I were on the road before 9 a.m. This would be a day with many stops.

Our first stop was at the office to pick up tickets for tomorrow nights show "One More Time" in the Rec Hall tomorrow night at 7 p.m. I also picked up a list of available lots for rental at OMS for next year. We will check them out being we were "Bumped" from our lot earlier this week.

The next stop was for an appointment at Sew What? in Umatilla, FL to use the Long Arm Quilting Machine. We arrived exactly on time at 9 a.m. (A new experience - grin)

Norlina was super helpful and soon Charlotte was set up to sew. Step One: The quilt bottom ends are pinned at both ends to rollers that tension the material.

Step Two: The batting is then place over the bottom of the quilt and pinned to it in only a few spots.

 

Step Three: The quilt top is then placed and aligned over both.

 

 

Step Four: Get the Long Arm Quilting Machine in position.

 

 

 

Step Five: Guide the Long Arm Quilter and Stitch - in Freeform - any pattern you wish!

 

 

Great Job on the Cat Quilt! It was completed in a little over an hour. I'm sure the cats will like it.

 

 

It will go on the bed in the Sewing Room.

 

 

Our next stop was Jo-Ann Fabrics in Tavares, FL to pick up "Heat N Bond". Charlotte wanted to replace a piece another crafter lent her yesterday. Charlotte's material was bondable only on one side and a two sided bond was needed. Mission Accomplished.

 

 

Then we were off on Hwy. US-441 to Home Depot in Leesburg, FL. I wanted to get a UHF/VHF Amplifier to see if I could improve TV reception. They didn't have the type I wanted; however I did save a planned trip to Radio Shack by picking up a UHF/Lightning connector for my iPhone. This will replace the one that has started to fail.(Caused problems last night trying to connect the computer to the iPhone).

 

 

Our next stop, still on Hwy. US-441 in Leesburg, was Rural King. 

 

 

This store was huge - even larger than a Walmart SuperCenter.

 

 

I picked up a reflective safety jacket.

 

A few more blocks down US-441 and we were at Harbor Freight.

 

 

There I bought a set of screwdrivers for the car and Charlotte got a plastic container box. Using coupons I received by email we each picked up a free 25' Tape Measure and 20% off our purchases.

 

Again, on US-441, (on the same side and across the road from Harbor Freight) we arrived at the Leesburg Walmart.

 

Like Home Depot, they did not have the TV signal amplifier I wanted. This item appeared as an online item for these stores; however it appears that it is not stocked in the stores. To ease the pain of the disappointment we walked the aisles (grin).

Charlotte found zippers, "Fats Quarters" and other items so she can make more of the really cute utility pouches she just finished yesterday. We also picked up other items we didn't think we needed.

At the checkout I spotted some PEZ collectibles and phoned (while in line) (daughter) Liz (the PEZ Collector) at her office.

I named items available. Some she already had (a big collector - eh!); however I was able to pick up:

 

 

Peanuts

 

 

Dory

 

and

 

 

WWE

 

Collectibles.

 

Then, still along US-44, we reversed direction and headed back towards OMS; however we were not done with our stops.

 

 

I pulled into Lowe's and was able to purchase a TV amp. It is not the one I wanted; but I can return it if it does not work to my satisfaction.

 

 

By now it was time for "Chow". Just a short distance, again on US-441, was lunch at Ichiban (Japanese/Chinese?) Buffet. This is our favourite Oriental buffet in this area. As usual, we left stuffed.

We arrived back at OMS by late afternoon. After unpacking everything we took the available lot list I picked up this morning and spent the next hour driving around and checking out the available rental sites for next year.

 

We made a tentative list of choices based on lot size, location, orientation and trees. We prefer being in the area with trees rather than in the complete open. The long term renters have made their choice. Those renting for 3 months will be able to make their choice starting at 8:30 a.m. on this coming Monday. Only 15% of the lots are available for rental. Rentals will be on a "First Come - First Served" basis. We heard that some folks lined up at 5:30 a.m. for the 6 month rentals last week.

We have picked (a few) lots we like from those available and put them in a priority arrangement. We probably will go over everything again tomorrow and finalize the choices. There are only a few of the 15% available that we really want. It will still be a "Crap Shoot" on Monday. If someone in line before us picks our choice we will be out of luck.

Since all the other lots available are equally undesirable for us we may not reserve for next year at all? We may take a chance on something becoming available next year. Every year there are a few that cannot return for various reasons. That decision is still to be made.

Again, just a TV evening. That's it for today.

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Thu - 16 Feb/17

Today is still cool and windy. Not so cloudy and a high of 70 F.

We took it easy this morning.

Lunch was the second half of the Spanish Rice. It always makes enough for 2 meals.

Charlotte went to the Craft Room after lunch and returned with a really cute zippered pouch. She plans on making a two more. We have gifts that will fit perfectly!

I continued working on my Sudoku Computer program - including spelling it correctly (grin).

Short blog tonight - I'm having trouble with both the iPhone. I'm having a connection cord problem.  It is failing. I finally got it working again; but it is low on power. It is too late to go to The Lodge or any other park hotspot.

Hope I will have better luck by tomorrow.

Wed - 15 Feb/17

Cooler, windier and completely cloudy today. Only 70 F temps today.

Wally, the OMS manager, arrived at the motorhome door promptly at 8:30 a.m. February is when present residents renew/reserve their lot for next year. It starts with the 6 month rentals. Today is the
4-5 month renters and next week the 3 month reservations are taken. Folks line up hours before the office opens to get the lot they want. Present renters with 3 month or longer terms have first "Dibs" on their lot. The 6 month renters can pick any unreserved lot and  "Bump" anyone with a lesser term length.

Today, Wally was here to check if we wanted to reserve for 6 months - otherwise we would be bumped from reserving this lot for next year. Over the past week several people have stopped in front of our lot and took notes. Today we got "Bumped" from our site (for next year) by someone who signed up for a longer term. We will be able to reserve for a 3 month term starting at 8:30 a.m. next Monday. We can pick up a list later this week of the available lots. We will make a decision at that time.

We had first chance at this lot if we would reserve for a 6 month term; however that is not possible for us. It is not Immigration; but the IRS that causes the problem. There is no problem staying up to 183 days in the USA; however the IRS calculates the days differently than immigration for taxation purposes. The total days for this year are (naturally) all the days you are in the country during the calendar year. Then the IRS math changes. The day totals for the present year also include 1/3 of the days you were in the country the previous year plus 1/6 of the days the year before that. This effectively totals around 120 days. By their formula the IRS can charge Income Tax on your income as if you are an American resident. (You can do paperwork to get around this; but is it worth the hassle?)

This law has not been actively enforced in the past; however new mechanisms are in place to make it possible. It takes 3 years for it to be applicable. In the past it was logistically quite difficult to calculate; but now Canada and the U.S. share computer entrance and exit records. Each border crossing counts as 1 day - even if you are just in the USA for a few minutes on that day. Both countries can now calculate how many days an individual was in that country.

Enforcing this regulation would be "Economical Suicide" as far as the "Snowbird States" are concerned. In the "Prime Months" (J/F/M) 20-30% of the tourists are from Canada. By doing so these states would lose a great deal of income if Canadians went to other countries.

Unfortunately, nobody knows what Trump will do in the future. This includes his folks. (He doesn't even know - grin). One minute his "Talking Heads" give you the "Absolute" information and an hour later the "Gospel Truth" has totally changed.

I'm not going to take the chance on Trump or on having to pay taxes to the IRS on our Canadian income; otherwise I would have locked in our current lot by taking a 6 month rental.

Wally's visit delayed our arrival at the Craft Room. We did not get there until 9 a.m. After carrying Charlotte's sewing machine in to the table she usually uses I went to The Lodge with the computer and proceeded to do "Internet" stuff.

I checked our Mailbox and had a "You've Got Mail" card. I then went to the office and picked up the package. It was my Car Squeegee.

I made Spanish Rice for dinner. Charlotte worked on knitting this afternoon while I continued working on my Computer Soduko Program.

The weather radio went off as did my iPhone. It was an advisory for a thunderstorm. The winds and rain were quite strong; however it moved through quickly. The main result was it became cooler.

We both used the "Rain on the Roof" as the catalyst for an afternoon nap.

Kat sent a few pictures of "The Kids". Naturally, we miss them!

We both woke up in time for Jeopardy and the usual TV evening.

That's it for today folks!

Tue - 14 Feb/17

Happy Valentine's Day Everybody!

A repeat of yesterday’s cloudy day again today.  No rain and temps only got up to the mid-70's F.

We were up at 7 a.m. and went to the Craft Room for 9 a.m. Most of the usual sewing folks were outside today doing a craft that would give them concrete results (grin - in advance). They were actually making garden decorations using sand/cement mixtures and molds.

Only Charlotte and Jean were sewing today so I did my internet stuff in the Craft Room rather than The Lodge.

Charlotte worked and almost finished another set (4) of Picnic Placemats. These are cute - all cupcakes. She will complete the job tomorrow.

We now have a small red headed woodpecker in the neighbourhood. He was tapping away at the oak tree just a few feet away from the RV window.

We did very little today. Charlotte did a some hand sewing and I designed a Soduko program for the computer. It can be used on a number of levels. If I'm really lazy one level automatically shows what numbers are available for each square and lets you know if you didn't pick the correct one. The auto feature can be shut off to make it more difficult. I entered 100 puzzles and made it so it can also be printed out (with a checklist sheet to aid in solving).

The blog is a little late today - it took about 12 hours to design the program so I didn't get around to doing the blog until after 3 a.m. Amazing how you can lose track of time when concentrating on a task.

Tuesdays is a good TV night. After Jeopardy and Family Feud it is an all CBS TV evening with NCIS, Bull and NCIS New Orleans.
.
That's it for today.

I am blaming doing little outside the RV on the dull weather - that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Mon - 13 Feb/17

Mid-70's F today; however mostly complete cloud cover with little wind and a 10% chance of a sprinkle.

The dull day inspired us to take it easy in the morning.

Around noon we went to Sew What? in Umatilla, FL to check with Norlina for an available time for using the Long Arm Quilting Machine. The rental rate to use it is quite reasonable and Norlina is beyond helpful. Charlotte has already done quilt stitching on a few of her creations last year. Charlotte took her "Cat Quilt" in case it was available for use today.

Another Canadian, from the London area, was quilting. Charlotte found some material and then made an appointment for first thing Friday morning.

We returned to the motorhome (Sew What:? is only about 2 miles away) then continued our relaxation watching TV. Must be the lack of sunshine.

I made Turkey Pot Pies w/baked potatoes for dinner. We finished the Key Lime Pie for dessert.

As usual we spent the evening watching our regular TV programs - starting with Jeopardy.

Just a relaxing day. Sometimes we remember we're retired and we can do this.

Sun - 12 Feb/17

Today's weather is a repeat of yesterday - Another clear blue dry 80F day.

This morning was a regular Sunday. We slept in then watched CBS Sunday Morning and Meet the Press in bed.

As a treat for Charlotte (and me too) we decided on going to Tillie's Tavern and Grill in downtown Eustis, FL for brunch. We had heard that their onion rings were excellent.

It was about half full until 5 minutes after we arrived - then suddenly it was packed. We thought it was the "After Church" rush?

We decided to share a Philly Cheese Steak w/Onion Rings and an order of Green Fried Tomatoes. We hadn't had Green Fried Tomatoes since we stayed for a month in the Gulf Shores area of Alabama. This was a treat for us today.

Next we headed to the Walmart in Mount Dora, FL for a few items. As always, the parking lot was packed. This was an "Odds and Ends" venture. I picked up a pack of Business Card sheets, RV Holding Tank Treatment (for the smell), Lithium Grease and Auto Degreaser Spray. Charlotte wanted to get a Amope Pedi-Perfect for each of our girls ( she liked hers enough) and a few other items.

On the way back to OMS we stopped at our regular Publix. Again, for just a few items. Charlotte waited in the Del Sol while I went in to shop. After checking out at the cash I refilled our water container that we used to refill the water in our Keurig Coffee Maker. I also checked out lottery tickets. We won $8 which went for pay for the next round.

We I returned to the car Charlotte was talking to a lady that was curious about the Del Sol. She couldn't believe it was 22 years old with 500,000 km on the odometer. This was the second time today someone inquired about the car. (It happens often)

We returned to the motorhome, unpacked and relaxed watching assorted TV.

I printed out a set of business cards that show the Del Sol and Motorhome on our lot here at Olde Mill Stream RV Resort. I gave out my last one yesterday at the Sweetheart Tea. The card lists our address here w/ cell phone (Winter and Summer numbers) and the resort phone number, as well as email and blog info. The reverse side has our pictures w/home address and phone as well as emergency contact info.

That's about it for today.




 

Sat – 11 Feb/17

Another clear blue dry 80F day.

We slept in and then stayed in bed while watching the usual TV programs.  I wish “Innovation Nation” was an hour and a half long like CBS Sunday Morning.

 

Lunch today was courtesy of the tickets for the "Sweetheart Tea" Charlotte won at the Canada Day event on Thursday. 

It was being held at (and as a fund raiser) for the Umatilla library less than a mile from OMS. It started at 11:30 a.m. We arrive on time which meant everyone else was already there. We had the pleasure of sitting with another couple who also won tickets at the Canada Day event.

The tea Charlotte chose was Bigelow. This was appropriate as this brand is grown on the only North American Tea Plantation (Bigelow) that we enjoyed visiting when we stayed (in a previous year) for a week at Charleston, SC.

Other than the piano player and the other (Canada Day) husband at our table all were women. Most where wearing hats, as appropriate, for such a (semi) formal event.

The table settings and teapots were also fittingly fancy. The many styles and flavours of croissant sandwiches, quiches, and desserts were all excellent. The offering of refills were plentiful.  There was just too much!

After the delightful Tea with my Sweetheart (grin) we returned to the motorhome (by 1 p.m.) to watch TV and relax until supper in the Rec Hall.

 

On the way Charlotte stopped to talk to Kathy Lee about a craft pattern. Nice Job.

Tonight we will be at the first (5-5:30 p.m.) sitting for the Umatilla Volunteer Fire Department Spaghetti Supper.

 

This annual event is extremely well attended and raises several thousands of dollars($5,830 last year) for the UVFD.

This was Stuffing #2 for today.  (Probably won’t have breakfast tomorrow either)

It was just a “Channel Surfing” TV evening (which is always more difficult on the weekend) to end the day.

 

Fri – 10 Feb/17

We are still taking it easy; however we are beginning to pick up.

We waited until it warmed up enough to drive with the top off – it is only getting up to 70 F today – despite being sunny and clear. This is actually the average temp for this time of year – we have been lucky being  10 F higher than normal most of the time since we arrived in mid-December.

Our destination today, taking the “Back Roads”, was the “Tiki Bar and Grill” at the historic Lake Minneola Inn in (Where else) Minneola, FL.  It is less than a 45 minute drive from OMS.

DETOUR! Due to the following conditions:

-          Our route went right by Jo-Anne Fabrics.

-           I printed good discount coupons this morning.

-          Charlotte was showing the preliminary symptoms of “LFS” (Low Fabric Supply)

-          Just because (the best reason of all – grin)

Fortunately, she was able to find enough “Cupcake” Material to make 3 more Picnic Placemats.

 

The Tiki Bar and Grill is on the waterfront - a good walk (behind) from the Inn.

 

I planned on arriving just after 4 p.m. to beat the Friday “Start of the Weekend” Rush. Luckily, we got the last table that was available on the patio.

 

Folks arrive here by driving or by floating in. They can tie up at the dock (as well as fuel up - gas only?). Some large families paddle in (just kidding – grin). Could they be the next Olympians?

 

They actually made a number of passes on the lake (in both directions).

 

Charlotte ordered the Wings (they were great!) and I, a Bacon Cheeseburger (Medium Rare). Unfortunately, we were too stuffed to order the homemade Key Lime Pie.

 

To make up for that we stopped at Publix to pick up one of their signature Key Lime Pies. Charlotte also checked our lottery tickets (no luck) and bought another set as well as two of her usual magazines.

 

I stopped ad Advanced Auto Parts across the road to pick up Lucas Injector Cleaner (the one on the left) that was on special this weekend. I need the size that treats 100 gallons of fuel (for the motorhome – the Del Sol only holds 10).

We each enjoyed a slice of the Key Lime Pie while watching Jeopardy!

Then it was the usual TV evening to round off a relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable day.

Thu – 9 Feb/17

There were a few showers throughout the night; however all was dry when we woke up. Low 80’s F today with less humidity.

We set the alarm for 7 a.m. as usual for a Craft Morning; but we decided not to go this morning. Canada Day, a regular event at OMS is being held today.  Because of this, craft time would have to be shortened significantly. We just decided to be lazy again today.

Unlike previous years, Canada Day will not be held at the Rec Hall. We will be going to Moss Gate, a B & B in Umatilla, FL. It is only a little more than a mile from the park.

The entrance to the location resembles a “Plantation”; however in this area of Florida, it is the home to a “Grove House.” This area was largely orange groves in the last century. Today, most of the groves have given way to housing developments. OMS (Olde Mill Stream RV Resort) itself is located on land that once was an orange grove.

Actually, Umatilla was the area first picked by Walt Disney for Disney World and Epcot. Unfortunately, even though the land purchases were done secretly (to avoid driving up prices on speculation) Disney could not accumulate enough local property for the project and, as they say, the rest is history. His appreciation for the area continued. Walt and his wife were buried locally.

 

Less than half of the “Canucks” staying at the OMS took part in the event this year. Over a hundred were present last year. I suspect that the increased cost and “out of park” location may have had some influence on the turnout.

 

We thoroughly enjoyed having Canada Day held at Moss Gate. Most of those attending were from Ontario with a few being from New Brunswick and Saskatchewan. Our table sat 6. One couple was from the Saskatoon, SK area and the other lived in the GTA (Great Toronto Area) in Ontario. Making new acquaintances at the park events is really what makes them so enjoyable.  Actually, a few years ago we had the pleasure of sharing a table with the couple from the GTA. It was nice reacquainting.

 

The food, catered by Moss Gate, was excellent. Laura, the proprietor, is not only an excellent chef; but a terrific hostess as well. We were not only treated to a history of the “Grove”; but given a tour of the wonderfully eclectic property.

Two of the Moss Gate felines were as friendly as their owner. Everyone enjoyed their wanderings during the festivities.

 

The organizers of the event are to be commended for their excellent effort. Everyone received a “Brain Teaser” sheet and all had fun trying to solve the puzzles. Their effort in obtaining "donated" prizes (from local businesses) for “The Draw” was appreciated.

 

Charlotte and I won three items: tickets for a (Valentine's) Sweetheart Tea;

 

an apron and a mug and a lovely Yule Log candle (3) holder.

 

The tour of the property was quite interesting. There is a "Labyrinth" that takes about 20 minutes to walk; 

 

 

a fountain in the yard;

 

a large, screened patio;

 

an even a small chapel.

 

A lovely area at the back of the house near the water is used for guest parking.

 

I parked in the shade.

Having "Canada Day" at an alternative venue was actually quite enjoyable. Kudos to the organizers for "a job well done."

 

 

 

Wed - 8 Feb/17

The storm came through as scheduled at around 1 p.m. Heavy rain and thunderstorms throughout the night. It finally cleared by early morning and it was dry why we resumed our usual mid-week morning routine. Temps will hit mid-80's F today with a 20% chance of showers.

We both needed the rest yesterday. Even though we are up at 7 a.m. we will probably run only at "half speed" today.

I drove Charlotte to the Craft Room as usual for a Wednesday morning. Before taking the computer to The Lodge I used my Wiper Blade Squeegee to clear off the raindrops that remained on the car from the night storms. The heavy continuous rain did an excellent job of washing the car. It only takes a few minutes to wipe the car dry with the squeegee - wouldn't be without it.

I ordered a new updated version through Amazon. It now has a small blade on the end for getting into tiny spaces.

I then spent the remainder of the morning working on updating my FileDrawer Database Program Design.

I updated all internet items early. I put the computer in the Del Sol then went into the Craft Room to tell Charlotte I was walking back to the motorhome and that I would check the mail on the way.

I made Turkey Pot Pie for lunch today and had it ready for Charlotte when she arrived after crafts.

The Picnic Placemats (2 of each style) are really neat. They hold a place setting and plates and fold to a quarter of their open size.

The afternoon would just be an odd-job day around the RV. We still need the rest.

A regular TV evening to end the day.

Tue - 7 Jan/17

We did nothing today. We may have a touch of a cold or allergy symptoms.

I had a few sneezing episodes throughout the day and Charlotte was really tired.

We didn't even get out of our P.J.s

We are expecting a Thunderstorm Alert around 1 p.m. - at least this is better than the Tornado Alerts north of us (or the one that hit New Orleans, LA.

That's it for today.