Tue - 14 Jan/14

The TV alarm work this morning. We woke up on time to have breakfast and be on time for the meeting.

We headed for the "Newbies" meeting in the Rec Hall's Florida Room at 9 am. We took the car as we were in the middle of a downpour.

This RV Park prides itself in customer service. The owner, Carl (on the left), along with the husband and wife park manage team, meet once a month with all the guests. Newcomers to the park meet an hour prior to the regular meeting so they can be filled in on many of the parks features. This included detailed information on emergency procedures from the location of park defibrillators to how to give 911 your site location if  you need to be called them in an Emergency. Being an over 55 park - all the park staff are trained in using the Defibrillator and CPR. Now that's caring.

Carl touched on the history of the area (including Disney anecdotes) and the park which was very interesting. In the mid-80's, after a devastating deep freeze destroyed the citrus grove, it was decided to convert the property to an RV park.

I have always contended that "Really Smart People" don't know everything; but they know who does and are not afraid to take their advice. Carl, not being an RVer, sought out great advice and wasn't afraid to follow it.

When OMS (Olde Mill Stream) began in the mid-80's it was so far ahead of the curve that even the newest parks today still do not match their standards. They had the foresight to start out with 30/50 amp full service 40' x 60' sites with large poured concrete patios, all set on an angle for easier RV setup.

I decided on coming to OMS after a great deal of research on the Internet. This even included consulting Google Earth to get the "Lay of the Land" (Park Layout). I had hoped I had made a good decision; however, once I stepped into the office, I was sure. It was late Sunday afternoon and they office was closed, yet by the time I exited the RV someone was there with a friendly greeting. In fact, although the office has normal hours; at this park someone is just a phone call away - 24/7. At last winter's park (in AZ) we had to "Dry Camp" in the parking lot until Monday morning so we could check-in. What a difference!

On our arrival, as a long term (month or more) guests, we received over 100 pages of information that included 2 coil-bound books: "A Resident's Guide to the OMS Activities and Events 2013-2014" and "Adventures and Thing to Do in Lake and Surrounding Counties". Wow!

The regular meeting, in the Rec Hall's main room, started at 10 am. During the procedures, all the "Newbies" got to stand and introduce themselves and tell where they were from to the group. The park has numerous daily activities (too many to mention); however, at this meeting it is the mainly upcoming events on the monthly calendar that are covered. Several community events that are not on the OMS calendar; but might be of interest; are also explained.

As Carl mentioned, most of the RVers in the park come from rural areas, (Not too many folks living in Manhattan (NYC) are RVers). The small town ambience of Umatilla (FL) makes everyone feel "right at home"; yet anything that one might need is just a short, easy drive from the park.

By the end of the meeting the rain was down to a mist. Charlotte walked home while I picked up information from information from the reps from Nichols RV Service Center who were introduced and spoke briefly about their services at the meeting.

I inquired about their Mobile Service coming and doing a OBD II check on the RV's computer. The check engine light came on during the second day on our trip south. I suspect that the engine may have "blown" another oxygen sensor. The GM 8.1 gas engine has one sensor for each bank of cylinders. I had to replace one a few years ago and I am guessing it is the same problem.

If the check confirms this I will be able to get the part ordered and then replaced without even having to leave the park.

Being a cooler, rainy day lunch will be comfort food. Hey! I have advanced degrees in microwave "Quick Minute" techniques and can opening - so it will be Mini-Ravioli for lunch.

A good afternoon to relax and do a whole lot of nothing.

We went to Fast Bingo at 5:30 pm and were back at the RV in time for Jeopardy. We're getting better -each won once.

Tuesday is my favourite TV night - so that's it for today.

Mon - 13 Jan/14

Charlotte's first job today was to put the tablecloth on the picnic table and fasten it down with the clips we found yesterday (after 3 days and several stops searching).

I noticed a neighbour getting his lot sprayed for ants by a commercial company. The RV park did spread ant killer on the ant hills and we bought ant traps for inside the RV; however, I was concerned that nothing was done about the area under the RV. I ask the nice young man (Cory) if he could squeeze me into his schedule;. He did and this extra effort was greatly appreciated. I have the company information so I can call when another spray is required.

I made lunch using the induction cooktop. I really like cooking with it. It cooks quickly with little residual heat both in the cookware and the surrounding air.

Charlotte decided to walk to today's craft class as it was another comfortable, low humidity day. Today they would be working on necklaces using Russet Potatoes. Today, the task was to cut the potato into tiny squares and string them on a wire to dry.

While Charlotte was at crafts I replace a burnt out bulb over the entrance door. The task itself was not difficult. The 2 minute job took half an hour because I had to dig the folding ladder out of the storage compartments. (Now I know why many folks just tie them to their RV ladder). I re-arranged the compartments so the ladder is now to the front rather than at the back. Next time I will not have to unload everything to get it out.

Charlotte made BLT's for supper. Really great with the super fresh tomatoes that we picked up at Renniger's Twin Markets yesterday.

We rounded up a few extra markers for the regular Bingo in the Rec Hall at 7 pm. Someone was headed over at 5:30. We should be able to mark our cards and be ready if we get there by 6:15. Those who play several cards at once probably do need to be there at 5:30 to get them all marked.

Charlotte decided on Decaf rather than regular coffee - didn't want to be wide awake after the Bingo when it is time for bed.

Neither of us had a Bingo. I was just 1 number away once. We were surprised after the first bingo to receive the good neighbour prize. We think it goes to the folks closest to the winner of the Bingo.

Although we did not win a Bingo - my "Horse" came in. Before the Bingo it is possible to "Play the Horses". Each envelope has a line for 15 names. You pay $1 and sign your name after any of the available numbers. The sooner you sign up the more choices you have. When I went there were only 3 choices left: 1,3,and 4. Each number corresponds to the numbers (from 1 to 15) that are under the "B". The "Horse Race" Bingo runs simultaneously with the last regular "Fill the Card" Bingo The first line of numbers (Down) completed on the board is the winning line. #3 won because the called numbers: B-3; I-18; N-33, G-48 and O-63 made the line under the #3 the first to be completed. The winners names (on the sign-in line #3 on the envelopes) are called out and they are paid, then the game that was in progress continues. Tonight's race had 6 winners.

During any game you are likely to be entertained by a wide range of sounds from bells to a menagerie of "Barnyard" sounds, as specific numbers are called. e.g. When the number 22 is called there a falsetto chorus of "Too-Too" immediately follows.

As we went to bed I set the TV alarm to wake us up early enough to make the "New Residents" meeting tomorrow. I had to be careful not to make the same mistake as last week by setting it for the wrong day.

Sun - 12 Jan/14

For a day of rest today will be very busy.

This morning we ventured out to our first Flea Market - Renniger's Twin Markets in Mt. Dora (This year). This is a huge Antique and Flea market about  half hour away from the RV Park. There is everything and anything at this market.

Charlotte even (she's so brave) put her hand in the jaws of an alligator (grin).

We spent about 2 hours walking through the many buildings and outside stalls.

As usual, we found some items we didn't know we needed. Charlotte found a huge white wicker basket that she will use for flowers on our front porch at home. It now resides under out kitchen table in the motorhome and will remain there until we get home.

We indulged in a favourite Flea Market treat - a dozen freshly made mini-donuts. Mmmm....

A fresh produce booth yield 3 large tomatoes and we sampled boiled peanuts.

We also purchased "Tupelo" honey from nice folks (Sweet Oasis Honey) that we first met at the New Year's Eve party at the RV Park. We purchased excellent sandwiches from their food cart that they had set up at the event. I picked up their card and knew where they would be selling their honey.

"Tupelo Honey" is the gold standard by which all other honeys are measured. Two weeks every spring, White (Ogeche) Tupelo Trees bloom in the Southeastern swamps with fine sunburst-shaped flowers that glisten with nectar. This rare, seasonal, and utterly unique honey is the only honey that will not crystallize?Because of the specific ratio of different sugars, it's is said that Tupelo Honey is beneficial for diabetics due to the fact that it raises blood sugar levels slower than most other forms of homey. This is an ongoing debate - remember - all things in moderation. No matter' we are diabetic and manage Tupelo quite well.

The production of Tupelo honey is not easy. Beekeepers truck their hives right into the thick of it to get the best honey.They move to the groves of Tupelo trees, which grow along four rivers in northwest Florida and southern Georgia. Biologists estimate it takes two million Tupelo tree flowers to produce one pound of honey. George Watkins, a beekeeper in the Florida panhandle, loads his hives onto a barge and moves them up the river so that his bees can work deep in the tupelo groves. Watkins was a consultant on the film Ulee's Gold, with Peter Fonda, which is all about harvesting Tupelo honey.
 

We returned to the RV park for "Tacos-in-a Bag" at 2 pm. Tickets for this event are purchased a few days ahead of time to ensure enough supplies are purchased for the required servings. The Rec Hall was packed by 1:30 (probably  close to 200) when we arrived. Remember, at an RV park, arriving a half hour early means you.re 15 minutes late. Until it is time to serve everyone joins in conversations with those seated nearby. We joined the food line when our table was called. 

The Doritos Taco bags are pre-crushed and cut open. Then a scoop of cooked ground beef is poured on top. As you proceed down the line you can choose which other items to add to the bag: lettuce, tomatoes, grated cheese (2 kinds), diced onions, a spicy salsa and sour cream. At the end of the table you pick up a plate, fork and napkins before returning to your seat to enjoy.

"Tacos-in-a Bag" is similar to "Frito Pie", a treat we first enjoyed at the World Famous "Five & Dime General Store in Santa Fe, NM. The exact origins of the Frito pie are unknown though there are several stories as to its beginnings. One of the stories says that the Frito pie originated with Frito-Lay's founder Elmer Doolin's mother. It claims that Daisy Dean Doolin came up with the Frito pie sometime after creating the first Frito chip. Mentions of the Frito pie are nearly as old as the company itself which was founded in 1932.

Another story claims that true Frito pie originated only in the 1960s with Teresa Hernández, who worked at the F.W. Woolworth's  lunch counter in Santa Fe, NM.

In the 1950s, Nell Morris joined Frito-Lay where she helped develop an official cookbook which included the Frito pie. I have no idea who first substituted Doritos Tacos for Fritos. No matter what - it is a treat!

As soon as we finished eating we headed out in the car. Again, we really enjoyed today's perfect weather as we drove the half-hour to "Camping World" in Summerfield, FL. Finally, we found the clips required to hold the tablecloth onto the picnic table. We also found a few other needed items from light bulbs (for the outside lamp over the RV entrance door) to quick-links (holds the RV chains to the brackets).

We also picked up a mattress cover and a pair of folding fabric tables with their own carrying case. They are similar to the folding camp chairs (in a bag). The folding tables we have are good except for one problem - a bump usually spills the drink . These tables have 2 holders and are less likely to tip or spill.

We made it back to the RV park in time for "Trivia" session at 7 pm. Charlotte and I (Bill) joined Dave, Earl and Carol (not shown) to form one of the more than a dozen teams for tonight's contest. Again, we came close; but did not win.

One of the questions that stumped us was "What did the makers of  the famous "Daisy Air Rifle (BB gun) make before the BB gun?" The answer: Windmill. (Actually, a vane-less windmill ).

Legend has it that the board of the Windmill Company decided to build the gun and offer it as a premium item to every farmer who purchased a windmill. By 1895 the sales and popularity of the gun had grown to the point that the company ceased the manufacture of windmills, began producing airguns exclusively and changed its name to Daisy Manufacturing Company.

My guess was a "Sling Shot". I was close. Daisy did make a sling shot - but; not until after the air rifle.

Most of all, we had a fun time, and decided to meet and compete as a team next week.

On returning to the RV we watched a bit of the Golden Globe Awards. Now we know home many programs and stars we didn't know won for programs we haven't watched!

We "cut our loses" and switched to "The Mentalist" when it came on.

Another cold front is on it's way - we may need a few more covers on the bed tonight.

Sat - 11 Jan/14

Ooops! We missed the pancake breakfast. I thought I had the alarm (on the TV)  set to come on DAILY. When I was checking to see if it was set I must have took it off daily - it was set to SUN(day). We did wake up on time; however, it would have been a bit of a rush and neither of us was really hungry. Today will be a brunch day,

It will be in the low 80's F today; however, most of the time the humidex makes it feel 15 F higher, This morning 72F feels like 88F. I miss the "Dry Heat" of AZ. It is no wonder the Disney Half Marathon started at 5:30 am with heat warnings for the runners.

Okay - we made it 13 days without eating out. We just couldn't get by "Golden Corral". We get a 10% discount with our RV park card. We can't "Fill Up The Tank" like we used to and usually don't go to buffets. Golden Corral has a great variety for a reasonable price; so we don't mind eating here. I promised Charlotte I would document the 12 times she returned (grin - just kidding).

We went to Walmart to try and find the "odds and ends" on our shopping list in just one stop. Many of the items needed were for Charlotte's upcoming craft projects. Charlotte went to get her hair cut while I went looking for the items on the list.

The craft items we didn't find at Walmart Charlotte picked up at Jo-Ann Fabrics.

I went to Dollar General to look to look for the non-craft items. I only found the Ant Traps.

We tried to find the last few items on our list at the ACE Hardware right near the RV park. I bought a checkerboard table cloth for the picnic table on our RV site - still no clips to hold the table cloth onto the table or no butter dish. Perhaps we will go to one of the area Flea Markets tomorrow?

Wow! Our first "Top Off" day in the Del Sol. It has been rainy or cloudy since we arrive (also a cold spell).  There will be thunderstorms later in the evening; but, for now, it feels great driving with the top off.

On arriving back at the park we decided to take a tour to see what was new. Only a few empty sites left in the park. The park borders Lake Pearl and often the wild life come to feed. 

The "Regulars" put a lot of effort into their sites. Same for the short term guests.

The Thunderstorm rolled in just as Jeopardy started on TV. Now we know why there was a Thunderstorm Warning. The strong winds "Wiggled" the motorhome and a "Super Crack" that was very close shut of the power for a second.

That's All Folks. Sending the Blog and shutting down the computer - just to be safe.

Fri - 10 Jan/14

As promised in yesterday's blog - we slept in, then watched TV in bed.

Egg Muffins for brunch.

A few glimpses of the sun today as it got up to the low 80'sF (Humidex = feels like 95F). Charlotte went over to the office to pick up tickets for events that we wished to attend during the month.

She also went to the Club House to sign up for other activities of interest. On her return she decided to sit out and enjoy the heat since it wasn't raining today.

A neighbour stopped in for a chat as he was passing by on his bike. Being a regular here for the past few years he filled us in on interesting places to eat and things to do. He also let us know that the park would come and spread "Red Ant Killer" on the ant hills on our property. It is folks like this that make RVing such a pleasure.

Charlotte made her second trip of the day to the office to place a request to have the ant hills treated. A short time later a park worker came and treated the ant hills. Ants may be cute in a child's Ant Farm display; however, these tiny devils like to bite. We will have to buy "Ant Traps" at the local hardware store to deal with those visiting us inside the RV.

Charlotte made a chicken stir-fry for supper which was really tasty.

Thanks to the computer club, I realized that there was a Wi-Fi tower closer to the RV than the Rec Hall Tower. This tower is 3 times closer than the previous tower I had connected to. Once I made this my default connection the signal and speed improved.

Being informed that the regular Bingo was always packed we decide to arrive a half hour early to get a spot. Good thing we did as the hall was full when we arrived with only a dozen or so seats left at the tables and it took a half hour just to mark the cards for the bingo. This was not like regular Bingo. Thankfully, we met a nice couple from Akron, OH who guided us through the process.

After purchasing a set of cards you pick up a 2 sheets. One shows images of bingo cards with titles. The other paper shows the colour (there are several coloured bingo sheets for the evening) and the title for the bingo on that card. (e.g. Blue card bingo = "W"). You must finding the matching image (in this case, titled "W") and you mark the Blue card (pen or highlighter) to match the outline shown.

During each round you mark only the called bingo numbers that are on the marked line drawn for that titled (e.g. "W") bingo. If I-30 is called; even though you have it, you do not mark it, as it is not on the "outline" for that particular bingo. If B-2 is called it would be marked as it is on the outline for the "W" Blue Bingo card. As usual, filling the outline means you yell "Bingo" and raise your hand immediately.

We were not lucky tonight; however, we had fun. Charlotte came close a few times - needing just 1 number. Close, as they say, only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.

We will have to set the alarm - the Pancake Breakfast starts at 8 am tomorrow.

Thu - 9 Jan/14

Overcast and back to Mid-70's F with rain off and on throughout the day. There were brighter periods during the day; but, no direct sunshine.

Charlotte decided to skip the quilting class due to the morning rain. Instead, she cut materials for the quilting project in the RV. She also folded and then cut up Walmart shopping bags (about 60 required) into sized pieces needed for the next Craft class. They will crochet the pieces into a Beach Bag that will be both waterproof and virtually indestructible (remember the environmentalists complaints)..

Even though I don't drink coffee - I love the smell. It was time for me to grind up coffee beans for our coffee maker. We used to use a Keurig ( and K-Cups) which worked fine; but, we got tired looking for the same brand. Every time we needed to re-new the supply the special was always a different brand and the prices always varied.

To solve this problem I surprised Charlotte with a 3 part gift.

Part 1: A Hamilton Beach "The Scoop" (Stainless Steel) Single-Cup Coffee Maker. "The Scoop" brews hotter, faster and better-tasting coffee than most gourmet machines and it does it quickly:: an 8 oz. cup in less than 90 seconds or a 14 oz. travel mug in under two-and-a-half minutes.

It uses freshly ground coffee in 3 easy steps: 1) Scoop 2) Place 3) Brew. It comes with a steel mesh scoop (2 included) for filtering the ground coffee. A built-in, adjustable stand flips to accommodate a standard-size cup or a taller Stainless Steel Travel Mug (provided).

Charlotte loves it.

Part 2: A Melitta Coffee Grinder. (This is my job). I grind the beans (stored in the freezer) when required. The grinder is really neat. It grinds fine, medium or course in a 4, 8, 12 or 14 cup settings. The cord has a hidden storage area at the bottom which is great in an RV where space is at a premium. Fill it and press the button - it stops when done. Bonus: It smells great!

Although the cover and grinding chamber are removable and submersible - I just blast it clean using the same can of compressed air I use to clean the computer.Spotless in seconds.

Part 3: A Stainless Steel/Glass container to keep the ground coffee FRESH! My job here is done - at least for another week or so.

Lunch was round 2 of the Spanish Rice meal Charlotte prepared yesterday. Just as good the second time around! I'm really good at re-heating in the microwave!

Charlotte worked on "Shortening" my second pair (Blue) of jeans that I received for Christmas while I went to see what was happening at the computer group in the Rec Hall.

There was a group discussion on how to format the sessions. Due to the number of different operating systems, computers, laptops, tablets and smart phones it is impossible to do a formal lesson on almost anything that would interest all at the same time. I think it may continue using an informal style and let the topics emerge as they are brought into the discussion. No matter - it is a group full of friendly folks - all with something interesting to contribute to the group.

We were off to Fast Bingo at 5 pm. We did a little better at playing even though we still haven't been very lucky at winning. No matter - it is a fun time with nice folks that do not take it too seriously. Soon we had "Daubed" all our cards and it was time to head back to the RV - arriving just after 7 pm - on time for the last half of Jeopardy.. I guess folks eat later than we do when at home. Supper again was Hot Dogs which are always a treat. Gourmet - I Ain't!

Only thing on the agenda for tomorrow is regular bingo - perhaps we will give it a try. Might be a good day just to relax!

Wed - 8 Jan/14

Up at 7 am this morning. Charlotte had a Quilting session at 9 am.

It was still quite cool; however, the cold front is moving out and it will be in the low 60's F and overcast today. I would return at 11 pm to pick Charlotte up.

It took the whole 2 hours Charlotte was at Quilting for me to do our medications for the next 3 weeks. 2 Hours seems like a lot of time; however, between the 2 of us we take 3 dozen pills daily - multiply that by 21 days = a lot of counting and sorting.

When I returned to pick Charlotte up at 11 am she was just completing a list of items she would need for the next project. 

As I had a few more pills to sort; Charlotte made lunch. It was Spanish Rice w/hamburger and canned tomatoes. That made for a quick, easy meal that was really tasty. Frozen Lima Beans, as today's veggie, was a treat. They are a favourite of mine and somewhat hard to find in the stores at home for some reason.

I delivered Charlotte back to the Multi-purpose Building for 1 pm for the Craft Session. This time she brought her knitting and crocheting materials. Again, I will return in 2 hours to pick her up. It really is a Multi-purpose building. The room within the building also serves as the Hurricane Shelter for the park.

As I was leaving I stopped at the RV Park Post Office right next door to the Multi-purpose building to check our mail. Along with a flyer there was a  "You've Got Mail" card. When this happens it means there is a package too large for the box and it must be picked up at the main office. There was nothing at the Main Office when I checked - this was a false alarm - it must have been put in our mail box by mistake.

Once back at the RV I continued searching and found a few more Quilt Shops to add to my list of places to visit. We have been so busy at the park we have not gone for an excursion yet; just necessary shopping. Perhaps' by this weekend, with the weather reaching into the 80's F, we may head out to a few area farmers/flea markets?

After picking up Charlotte in the car at Crafts I dropped her off at the RV. I then packed up my computer and walked over to the Rec Hall to see what the Computer session was all about. There were about a dozen folks there with their laptops. It was very informal and friendly group. At times the group would be in a discussion about some point raised by a member; then things would gravitate to smaller groups with folks trying to solve a problem or question raised by someone regarding their own computer.  

Like all things computer - times disappears and it was soon 6 pm.

Charlotte made "Beans & Weenies" for supper which was just right for this cooler temperature day, 

We spent the evening, as usual, relaxing as we watched TV. Tomorrow should be almost a carbon copy of today as the activity schedule is similar. This is a very relaxing park. We are glad we made the decision to come to OMS (Olde Mill Stream RV Resort - Umatilla, FL) this year.