Fri - 24 Feb/17

A pretty decent day today with sunshine poking through spotty clouds and temps around 80 F.

Today the main item on the agenda was the Mount Dora Quilters Guild Show that is being held at Lake Receptions on 19A in Mount Dora, FL. This is less than 10 miles from OMS. We attended last year and once again it was crowded.

I took Charlotte before 11 a.m. and dropped her off at the entrance. Then I (luckily) got one of the few remaining spots (handicapped) in the several parking areas.

The first part of the wait went fairly quickly. A few minutes after parking a car from Maryland pulled in next to me. The gentleman, like me, had dropped his wife off at the entrance and was now waiting. I had the pleasure of joining him in conversation. We were still solving the world's problems a half hour later when his wife called and he returned to the entrance to pick her up.

When I park and wait for Charlotte (anywhere/anytime) I often watch for a better parking spot and continually move closer to where she will exit. I only made one move today. It actually wasn't any closer; however, unlike the previous parking spot I could see her exit the show.

The show is quite large with many lovely quilts for Charlotte to admire. She also bought a few items and returned about 2 hours after her entrance with materials for a few projects.

Now it was time for lunch. I said; "I know where you want to eat. It's just around the corner." She replied; "What's around the corner?" When I responded; "Golden Corral" her enthusiastic response was; "That's where I wanted to go!"

It was only about a mile away. Soon we were parked, inside, seated and she was off picking up a plate and utensils (and then - food!).

A High School Basketball Team entered just after us dressed in their black and gold uniforms. This might have been the first time some of them ate at a Golden Corral. When I was in the washroom I overheard one say; "I've never seen so many old people in one place at the same time."

Actually, this is "Par for the Course" at most Golden Corrals in the south. Many seniors eat here - especially before 4 p.m. - because of the good prices, good food and good variety. This is how they stretch their retirement income and maintain good nutrition.

After lunch we drove a mile or so down US-441 to Hobby Lobby. With the new material purchases made at the Quilt Show additional supplies for projects were now required.

On exit from a successful shopping mission we then headed back to the motorhome. Today I decided to try a different route. We usually turn left at this corner onto US-441 then turn onto SR-19 a short distance down the road. Then we follow SR-19 all the way back to the RV Resort. Today I went straight, turned left onto Old Mount Dora Road then right onto Grove St. This was a pleasant (slower; but little traffic) respite from the "Hustle and Bustle" on the 6 lane US-441 and the 4 lanes of SR-19 that we usually take for our return to the RV Resort.

Grove St. then merged with Bay St. (SR-19) which is our usual route. We then followed it back towards OMS with a stop at (our usual) Publix for milk, Charlotte's weekly magazine (Woman's World) and a redo on lottery tickets. (No luck this week).

Back at the motorhome, with temps now in the mid-80's F, we turned on the air and relaxed watching TV. (I also started today's blog.)

That's it for today's blog.

Thu - 23 Feb/17

As predicted today was dull for the most part with less rain than yesterday.

The weather will be clearing and the temps going up for the weekend.

We did our usual Craft Day thing making it there before the rain which continued off and on since yesterday.

When Charlotte finished she got a little wet coming to The Lodge to let me know. In the few minutes it took to shut down the computer and leave the sun was out. That's the way the weather pattern continued throughout the day.

Charlotte worked on a few projects including another "Duffle Bag."

No plans to go anywhere today because of the weather. Charlotte went back to the Craft Room for the afternoon to continue working on a few projects.

I spent the afternoon searching the internet. During the noon hour the printer coughed up an error message. "The printer's ink pads are at the end of their service life. - Contact Epson Support." and with that the printer stopped printing in the middle of a print job.

When I contacted Epson the "Blah-Blah-Blah" from the website advised that buying a new printer is economically more advisable than trying to get the printer repaired. They indicated that replacement part is quite expensive and when added to the labour cost it would become more costly than a new printer.

GIVE ME A BREAK!

The printer was working perfectly. The warning is a "Timed Function" designed to shut down the printer after a certain number of printouts. This is just a "Money Grab"!

They do offer a downloadable "Utility" that will erase the message (once) and thus allow for a limited number of printouts (They are so generous!).

The problem is that this "Small-in-One" printer has all the features anyone could want in a size compact enough to fit in the motorhome. It can copy/scan/fax/ 2-sided documents from it's automatic 30 page document feeder using it's 3.5 inch colour touchscreen (no computer required). It can also print on CD's and DVD's. It has an auto-extend output tray that auto selects from 2 storage trays. It wirelessly connects to iPads, iPhones, tablets and smartphones. It's 5 cartridge ink system allows replacement of individual ink cartridges. (No more throwing out a multi-ink cartridge when one colour runs out of ink) It prints hi-res smudge, scratch and water proof pictures that are fade resistant for up to 200 years. It can reduce images to 25% or enlarge to 400% as well as scan to a memory card, flash drive, computer or network. It can scan to a PDF and make 2-sided copies in various orientations.

They should not be able to shut it down after a specific number of printouts because the "Ink Pads" might be (but, probably not) at the end of their "Service Life".

A Printer Ink Maintenance Box basically catches and store ink overflow from the printhead. They used to make these "Maintenance Boxes" available to the public; but I can't find any for this printer anywhere on the internet or listed on the Epson site.

I hope the reset will allow enough printouts to last until I get home. Then I will take it apart and open up the "Maintenance Box" and replace the pads with anything I can find that is comparative (I'm thinking aquarium Bio-Filter Media, Auto Air Filter replaceable media or simple household sponge material will do the job).

I'm also sure that "Hacked" software to reset the counter is available on the internet.

Tomorrow I will check at an electronic shop (with a tech) to see if there is a fix this situation. If I was a resident American this would be a "Class Action Lawsuit" because they are arbitrarily denying me the use of my printer. It hasn't broken down - they stopped it from functioning.

OK! Rant over - just TV for the rest of the evening.

Wed - 22 Feb/17

We made it to the Craft Room (Charlotte) and The Lodge (Moi) before the rain (9 a.m.).

It rained for a bit while we were at our respective locations.

It rained for a bit while we were at our respective locations. It had let up by the time Charlotte arrived at The Lodge to let me know she was done.

Thankfully we made it to the car and back to the RV without getting wet.

It was dull, dreary and cool. We decided the weather needed soup (Habitant Vegetable) for lunch.

Then the heavy rains arrived. It poured heavily for the next 3  hours.

Charlotte worked on her Mini-Duffle Bags while I continued on designing my FileDrawer computer program.

I am almost finished with the "Audible" (Audio Books) portion so I began working on "Recipes" today.

Charlotte did the usual great job completing four more "Mini-Duffle Bags".

Just a "Popcorn and TV" evening while the "Off and "On" rainfall continued. Rainfall locally was between 1.5" and 2" which is a record for this date. It will help as Florida is a little low on rainfall so far this year.

More rain in store for tomorrow; however only about half of today's total is expected.

Tue - 21 Feb/17

Although it didn't rain it was mostly cloudy which moderated the temps keeping it from the 80's F.

This morning Charlotte added "Clothespins" to finish her "Clothesline Quilt" wall hanging. Lousy Picture - Great Wall Hanging!

Then she was off to the Craft Room for a "LuvALamp" session - returning in about an hour and a half with the finished product. The kits did not arrive with the wiring for the light (as in the past); but they have been ordered.

I just didn't feel like working on sorting out the outside compartments today. I didn't want to have everything out on the ground in case of a shower. Movement of the "Stuff" will be delayed - maybe in a few days? It depends on how much it rains. Random heavy downpours are predicted.

I just continued working on my computer for the rest of the morning while Charlotte was at Crafts. I keep "Fine Tuning" my "FileDrawer" datatbase program design.

Lunch was Spanish Rice that I made for yesterday's noon meal. We finished it off today.

In the early afternoon we headed out (top off on the Del Sol) to the closest Post Office. We were looking for a specially requested set of stamps for friends back home.

We started "Small" at the Altoona, FL Post Office (no luck) and worked our way up to larger and larger facilities. Ditto for Umatilla. Same result for Tavares and Mount Dora. Apparently, it was just released last week. Considering the speed of P.O. deliveries, who knows when (and if) it will become available (grin)?

While in Mount Dora we made a stop at the Walmart for more "Fat Quarters", Charlotte still wants to make a few more of the "Mini-Duffle/Cosmetic" bags. (They are really neat!)

Tonight it will be "Snacks" (Pepperoni/Cheeses/Pickles on a Sesame Seed (Ooops - wrong jingle - grin) Ritz Cracker while watching (mostly NCIS) TV this evening.

Mon - 20 Feb/17

Another nice day weather wise! - C.C. of yesterday with less clouds.

Today was just a mess!

Literally!

Today we decided to re-arrange, re-sort and re-pack the "Stuff" that stuffed the RV compartments. this took from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. That is when we decided to call it "Quits" for today.


Now the compartments above the bed are now totally "Stuffed" and will not need to be opened until we arrive back home. Much in there will then be removed as they are items that we bought or Charlotte made for gifts. There is also a decent supply of K-cups in a variety of types and flavours for home use.

 



Charlotte packed the 8 Picnic Placemats into a box. It will have to go outside as it is too large for the upper interior RV compartments.

Then she reorganized her "Sewing Stuff" which freed up 6 containers which will return home when we get back. They are also now in the compartments to above the bed.

The four upper compartments on the Driver's side were also re-arranged. Games have moved from the bedroom to the first pair of cupboards above the kitchen table. Breakfast cereal is also above the table as are Charlotte's PrismaColour Pencil Crayons and Colouring Books. This puts them close to where they will be used.

In the second pair of cupboards above the Sofa (Bed) we placed the materials for Charlotte's Swedish Weaving and Hardcover Books. This is where they will be used. The Pyrex bowl sets (and lids), vegetable steamer and Corning Ware (Bowl w/lid) are also there as the cupboards above the kitchen counter are already full with the everyday cups, glasses and plates. This at least puts the bowls close (across the aisle) to the kitchen workspace. The remaining portion of this pair holds cookies, popcorn, nuts and other treats.

The larger bags of Potato Chips, Ripples, Fritos and Nachos are on the top ledge above the refrigerator and pantry. This area will also hold the fresh bread and bakery items when they arrive.

At 3 p.m. we called it quits for the arranging session even though there is an equal amount still to be done. The remainder of the work (tomorrow?) will involve the bathroom, bedroom, kitchen and outside compartments.

Charlotte then began working on making a pair of the little cosmetic type bags similar (except for colour) to the neat pink one she made a few days ago.

While working we watched random TV. Of note was the TMZ coverage of comments of Donald Trump made during a campaign-style rally held in Melbourne, FL last Saturday. With thousands of supporters gathered in an aircraft hangar, Trump used his speech to talk about migration in Europe and linked it to terror attacks in Brussels, Nice and Paris. He then added Sweden to the list, incorrectly stating that an attack had happened there on Friday.

Trump told supporters: “We’ve got to keep our country safe. You look at what’s happening in Germany, you look at what’s happening last night in Sweden?"

Trump continued; “Sweden, who would believe this? Sweden. They took in large numbers. They’re having problems like they never thought possible. You look at what’s happening in Brussels. You look at what’s happening all over the world. Take a look at Nice. Take a look at Paris.”

In response (since there was no attack) the former Swedish prime minister Carl Bildt tweeted: “Sweden? Terror attack? What has he been smoking? Questions abound.”

Again on Monday (today) morning, Bildt tweeted again: “Last year there were app 50% more murders only in Orlando/Orange in Florida, where Trump spoke the other day, than in all of Sweden. Bad,”

This is right up there with comments made by Kellyanne Conway, one of his senior advisers, who,
at the start of February cited the fictitious “Bowling Green massacre” in an interview backing the "Travel Ban" imposed on visitors from seven Muslim-majority countries.

Will Trump call his own comments (when covered on TV or in the papers) "Fake News" by the "Enemy of the American People" (meaning the Press)?

OK - Rant Over!

(I'm sorry - I just couldn't resist)

Just the regular Monday Night TV to end the day.

Sun - 19 Feb/17

The sun will be breaking through the clouds today. It will probably actually get above 80 F today as promised (yesterday - same promise - different result).

We finally made our decision about next year! We will not be reserving an RV site. That doesn't mean we will not be coming - it just means we will not be reserving ahead of time. The rules changed last year. A 3 month (or more) reservation requires a 1 month deposit (non-refundable without a doctor's note) and the remaining 2 months had to be paid on arrival. We are at the stage of life whereby we no longer make long range (more than a day away) plans and "cast them in stone". We are no longer invincible!

There is a waiting list at OMS for sites in Jan/Feb/Mar; however we probably will come next year (anytime) from November onward. There is a good chance sites will be available for Nov/Dec. At least we won't have to worry about a reservation next year. We will come when we can (if we can). We will be "Playing it by Ear".

We will go home in a month when our reservation (here) is up. Instead of returning in a week or so and staying until May we will remain at home.  We will probably go somewhere in the summer (maybe get to the 6 contiguous U.S. states or the one province (NL) we haven't been to yet?). Next year we may come in early (Nov) and return for Christmas (while leaving the RV in storage at OMS). After Christmas we then would return and then go to LA/TX/CA/AZ/NV (any or all)? for the last 3 months.

Our road trip for today was to The Villages. This is the last day for the Craft Festival at Lake Sumter Landing. There were over 200 Artisans assembled on the roads around the main square. Several thousand folks were there to shop the festival booths. I tend to think many were from The Villages as almost all the parking spots around the square were occupied by Golf Carts Cars (That's what they call them here).

It streets were totally packed!

Charlotte had a hard time deciding on the cat pictures at this booth. She finally went for the one with the glasses.

There were plenty of opportunities to snack. There were dips ... (food – not people – grin)

...Balsamic Infusions

...Cream Cheese mixes, etc., etc.

Then we came upon the Jon Jahraus booth. Jon has created numerous (and humourous) black and white cartoons depicting events that make up the human condition.

Our first step was to pick a cartoon. This was not an easy decision - it's like choosing wallpaper - there were so many great cartoons to choose from!

Jon then personalized our cartoon choice. He recorded our answers on his basic questionnaire form.

Next he masterfully (and quickly) colourizes the cartoon. He then  cleverly incorporated the information we provided onto the cartoon.

The cartoon quickly proceeded towards completion as we watched! Soon it was done! Then it was matted and framed.

...and "Voila!" We were now in possession of a unique, one of a kind creation that will become a "Forever" memory.

Jon made the whole procedure such a pleasure. It was a memorable and fun experience!

Moving on to the Lake Sumter Landing Dock we purchased tickets and within a few minutes were on a cruise of the lake. We have done this previously. I thought it would give us some relief after all the walking (a few hours) in the mid-afternoon heat (mid-80's F and sunny).

The trip lasted less than 30 minutes. It was informative (Lake Sumter History) as well as being quite humourous. (courtesy of the 1st. Mate and Tour Narrator).

After being rejuvenated by the cruise we continued along the "Dock Walk" (it rhymes - grin) to Cody's "Original" Roadhouse for lunch.

This was our first time at Cody's. It is huge and always "packed" and now we know why! Great Food and Great Prices will do it every time!

We enjoyed the weather by returning to the motorhome on the "Back Roads" (with the top off the Del Sol). An extra treat was getting a whiff of Orange Blossoms in the air - that has to be the world's greatest olfactory experience!

I thought I'd end today's blog with a linguistic flourish (grin).

Sat - 18 Feb/17

Back to dull weather. It was supposed to get into the mid-80's F today; however lucky if it got above 70 F because of the cloud cover.

This morning I removed the compartment door and installed the TV amp. It was a spider's web of about a dozen cables. It took a bit to sort them out and route the wiring. There appeared to be an improvement in the picture although the signal still fluctuates. I think the signal disruption is the caused by the airport directly behind the RV park (on other side of Lake Pearl).

Tomorrow I will have to find room in the outside storage compartments for "Stuff" both acquired for gifts or no longer needed inside the motorhome. That'll be fun!

There were 2 car shows on today; however we decided to pass because of the cloudy and cool weather and occasional light rainfall.

Our road trip today had the Ocala Camping World (which is actually in Summerfield, FL) as our first destination. I don't know if it was the weather; but I have never seen so many folks shopping at any Camping World (anywhere, anytime). Camping World had an overflow of RV's of every type available on display.

The primary purpose of our visit was to buy "Cafeteria" trays to be used when we attend "Pot Luck" dinners. The compartments make it easier to "Load" several selections. (There are always so many tempting choices to make - grin) onto the plate. We bought 5 - one of each colour available.

Note: "Colour" is the correct Canadian spelling (like harbour, etc., - please do me a "favour" and enjoy the "humour". Canadians try to personalize these words by putting "u" into the spelling even if it is a little "off center".

While cruising the aisles in case there happened to be something ..."We didn't know we needed", I noticed a couple (from Jacksonville, FL) checking out the sewage "Dump" hoses. As usual, I offered my unsolicited opinion (grin). I suggested they consider "The Sewer Solution" instead of the usual sewer hoses and kits. This is what I have used for our RV from "Day One" (in 2004). In my biased opinion this is the best solution available.

I explained the finer points:

     - easier to use and store
     - breaks up sewage with a water jet
     - self-cleaning (and doesn't stink)

etc., etc. (ad nauseam)

Actually, their approach to RVing, was very intelligent and quite refreshing. They are planning on buying a 5th Wheel Camper; however they are really "Doing their Homework" first. They are actually camping at a KOA in a tent. There they are seeking advice from RVers on every facet of RVing, such as:

     - what they like or dislike about their RV
     - what accessories to buy

etc., etc.

(REALLY SMART!, EH!) (The "Eh! is Canadian for - RIGHT ...and you must nod agreement!) (another grin)

I then rejoined Charlotte and found a few of mt own "didn't know we needed" items to add to her likewise items.

Now it was "Morris Time". You know, as in "Din-Din Morris" - OK - that comment was a bit "Catty!" (groan). (Did you remember that commercial?)

On leaving Camping World Charlotte thought I was taking a different road back to the RV park; however I was headed to the "Eaton's Beach Sandbar and Grill " on Lake Weir in Weirsdale, FL.

There are actually several choices (checkout the sign) in the same establishment.

We decide on staying upstairs on the large indoor deck for the "Louisiana-Style" cooking.

We were able to get a "Window Seat" (for the view).

Charlotte's Bloody Mary was a meal in itself. It had the usual celery stalk as well as an olive, a lime slice, a lemon slice and a pepperoni stick.

 We ordered two items to share:

     - Bayou Fondeuax (Menu spelling - not mine)...smoked crayfish and catfish in warm goat cheese dip w/tortilla chips.
     - Andouille Po-Boy...Andouille (sausage) w/peppers and onions on a French Roll w/lettuce, tomato and house remoulade served w/shoestring fries and cole slaw.

We know enough to share and although we hoped to have room for dessert - no such luck!

After the great meal we left to return to the RV Park (OMS = Olde Mill Stream RV Resort). On the way out the popularity of this restaurant was evident. The 3 parking areas at the restaurant were full and so was the "Overflow" lot a block away!

Our last stop was at the Family Dollar in the shopping plaza across from OMS. I wanted a short TV cable. Then it happened again. Another case of TWDKWN struck without warning. (TWDKWN = Things We Didn't Know We Needed!").

Charlotte picked up 3 more of the large mugs she likes using for her coffee. She also picked up 4 cutlery place settings for the Picnic Placemats she recently made as gifts. I also picked up a bag of Mini-Snickers in case I have of a "Chocolate Fit".

A few minutes later we were back at the RV and unpacked. We watched TV for about an hour before walking to tonight's show, “One More Time”,  in the Rec Hall.

We had the pleasure of sitting with a lovely couple from Erie, PA. They have been coming to OMS twice as long as we have. We = 4 years...you do the math (grin).

One More Time, Larry and Melissa Beahm, are a Musical/Comedy Duo who have been travelling the RV park and 55+ communities entertaining boomers and seniors with upbeat, happy and funny show tunes, standards, novelty songs and top pop hits from the ‘20s through the ‘70's.

Tonight, their several costume changes ranged from depicting Groucho Marx to Sonny and Cher.

Larry sings and plays keyboard with the best of them.  He has performed for and with people ranging from Johnny Cash to .38 Special. Tonight all the drums, bass, and other orchestrations we heard accompanying their performance were recorded by Larry (not store-bought karaoke!)

Melissa, on the other hand, attended the music program at Mansfield University in Mansfield, PA, graduating with the coveted Janice Baker Award for Outstanding Vocalist and a bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy. This excellence was evident in her vocals.

The show was most enjoyable and entertaining.

It rained (at some time) during the show as made evident by the puddles on the road; although it was now dry on our walk back to the motorhome.

"On and Off" light rainfall later occurred throughout the evening.

Rain on the roof is always a good way to "Nod Off" and end a busy day.

TTFN! (Ta-Ta For Now)