DAY 19: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2019 HAPPY HALLOWEEN! HEADING TO NAPLES

Up at 6:30 to use some weights! Last night identified to the fitness center to use the treadmill. I’m kind of liking that. I return to the Rv, take a shower then, wow! Tired!!

At 8:30 am we were on our way to General. Robert put in a new Wally box for the Satellite TV. Now we have two new Wally boxes, the probable cause of our inability to use  the service. We are hoping this solves the problem. 

We left at 10:25 am and headed to Naples Garden and RV Resort. It is part of the Sun Resort Family— very nice. Tampa East was also part of this group. We registered and was assigned site number 5, a pull through. We set up and I did a bit of Halloween decorating to entice some Trick or Treaters. We have plenty of treats but not the 800 the Royals get in Siesta Key. Yikes. I’d be happy to see 20. Even at home we only get about 20 kids (and College kids). 

MY EXERCISE ROWING CREW—MISS THEM

Today we heard from GERI, Michael, Debbie, Debra, Jann, Linda, Em and my exercise crew. 

I‘m waiting for photos. 

LINDA SENT PHOTO OF PATRICK IN THE OUTFIT WE SENT

SISTER JANE AT WORK

OUR FIRST SCALE EXPERIENCE:INTERESTING AND QUICK 

CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURES ON OUR NIFTY GADGET

STELLA IN CHOCOLATE 

We arrived in Naples at 2:30 after traveling 174.3 miles using 18.6 gallons of diesel. 

The area is very nice but we won’t be here long, just passing through. Marathon tomorrow.i had candy and Mini Chip and Chex bags. 

Only 3 kids came to trick or treat. We did decorate:

MY DANCING WITCH I MADE WITH ELIN AND THE GIRLS

MY FAVORITE GHOST PIRATE THAT HAS ACTUALLY SCARED ME WHEN I OPENED  A CLOSET

 Its been a good day!

We have been so many places as I have been saying. We visited the Great Arch, the Illinois Zoo, the Cahokia Indian reservation, The Camp of Louis and Clark and my favorite, The Fantastic Caves.  These caves in Missouri were 100 feet underground where we rode in a Jeep touch and saw amazing stalactites and stalagmites.  This was all in 2018 and we visited more wonderful places: a maple syrup farm in New York, a campsite by the Erie Csnal System, and more.

ALONG THE ERIE CANAL

A BREWERY IN INDIANA

LOUIS

CLARK 

AN AMAZING CLIMB TOMTHE TOP OF THEIR CEREMONIAL SITE

FANTASTIC CAVES

MORE FROM THE CAVES

VIEW FROM THE JEEP


OUR EXIT

My year in review will continue tomorrow!

Happy Halloween.

DAY 18 : WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019: ANOTHER DAY AT GENERAL RV

Up at 6:30 to use some weights. Way to got to run outside. I knew because the air conditioner did not stop all night. I’m certainly glad I ran inside last night even though the fitness center was hot. But, the shower water was cold. Just can’t win!

We arrived at General at 8:45 where they took the coach in. Bye bye for the day. Robert asked of the Satellite Tv worked last night. Of course, it didn’t! Hopefully all the parts for other things came in and we can be on our way tomorrow. Right! I ca hope can‘t I.

We took a ride to Palmetto near the new Tides Resort where we will be in March. It’s still being built but looks amazing. We tried to see Anna and Gregg, Jolly Mon, but they weren’t home. Just thought we would try since we were in the area.

We chatted with Jann, Michael and Mom, and texted with the girls and Debbie. Jann and Bill have been a big help with us getting everything aboard working properly and ideas for improvement. We hate to think of them so close to forest fires in CA. 

MEMORIES FROM YEARS BACK! 

She probably forgot about this photo from the Boot Key Harbor Boat Parade. Lots of unspeakable memories that night. We still laugh about all our times together.

Back to catching up on the past year:

Let us start with April 2018. we drove to North Lake (where there was no lake) Village in Roanoke, Tx. We stayed for a month and had a great time visiting the Texas crew. Soccer and volleyball games were fun to watch and cheer. Easter egg hunt and bike ride with the Ostiguys was outstanding. Leaving was difficult. 

Tulip picking was something we had never done. Lots of great memories as we saw the kids growing before our eyes.

May first with left lakeless North Lake for Tulsa RV Park. We picked it because it was supposed to be a ranch (by the photos) and turned outete be a Pick and Pull Used Auto Parts Center. The fitness center had old, 1970 vintage,

Equipment that barely worked. The treadmill has no magnet so wouldn’t work. Umrandung outdoors everyday, even muddy days. Needless to say, we weren’t happy and didn’t stay the week. We did find The Gathering Place, a wonderful park where we rode bikes along the Arkansas River and wished our grandkids were there to enjoy the climbing, rowing, science STEM activities available for kids. As a teacher, I did some. Lol. 

We visited a brewery and a winery. Tonda gave us a tip on a great steakhouse in Oklahoma, which we went to. All of these activities, though, were done in between heavy rains and threats of constant tornadoes, one were were too close to for comfort. We Hartl seek shelter in a convenience store until it passed, 5 miles north of us. Why do people live here? At least we know when a Hurricane is coming, not so much with tornadoes. We seemed to follow the tornado alley route: Texas—Oklahoma— Illinois— Indiana— Missouri. 

While we were in Missouri, we had a huge tornado pass through 1/2 miles from my niece’s house: 22 houses destroyed and nearly 100 damaged. More to follow tomorrow.

We returned to Tampa RV at 7:30 with Robert with US to check on the Dish. It worked. When he left, I ran inside. It was still 90 degrees. Long day, but things are getting done on the RV!

Until tomorrow...

DAY 17: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2019: HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, TODD AND EMILY

What a great day! Todd and Emily‘s 8th Anniversary. We wish them a great day and a year filled with good health and exciting new experiences. 

                WITH GRANDPA ON HIS 90th BIRTHDAY

We are still sitting at General RV. The flashers on the Jeep now work. Robert is painstakingly Talking to dish to work on the TVs. Hard to have that much Patience! 

I wanted to note some of the places we have been that were not documented since Blogspot was giving me trouble. I am going  to try to put them in Chronological order.

 Last year we purchased the Navigator on October 4, 3 days after selling the boat. Lol! I thought we were nuts then now I know we are. 

After purchasing we flew home to pick up the Jeep , filled  it, and drove back to General to have the Airforce 1/ Combination  Blue Ox tow package put on the Jeep and Rv. Off we went to Tampa East to leave the coach, then drove to Marathon for a relaxing Thanksgiving with GERI and Bill. GERI and I did the Turkey 

Trot on Duck Key Thanksgiving morning. When we returned from Marathon,  we moved the Coach to Port St Lucy where we stayed until we returned from Christmas.  We saw many friends and enjoyed many restaurants there as well as a friendly Planet Fitness. CATHIE, Jared, Carol, Gerry, JOAN, Gordon, John, and Fran all spent time with US while there. It was great to see everyone.

FRIENDS TOGETHER AGAIN

TOM AND I PASSED THE TEST TO DRIVE THE COACH



WE ATTENDED BETSY AND DAVE‘S WEDDING ON FIRST BEACH

JANE AND I RODE THE MERRY GO ROUND

We celebrated Christmas at home with or family. A visit to Buffalo was followed by Christmas Eve brunch with the Sullivans and Christmas Eve and Day with mom and dad, etc. 

OKAY, SO THEY ARE NOT IN ORDER: APPLE PICKING WITH THE KIDS



DINNER AFTER LETTING THEM PICK OUT CHRISTMAS GIFTS AT KOLHS, MARSHALLS, ETC.

    CHRISTMAS DAY:ANNUAL PHOTO

:



GIRLS CHRISTMAS GATHERING AT BRIX

We returned New Years Eve Day and went to a park in Boca to spend the Eve with Claudia, Burt, and their friends. It was a beautiful night. 

New Years Day we arrived in Big Pine Key, Sunshine Key Resort where we remained until the beginning of February. We celebrated out Girls True Lies Weekend at The Weirs. While at Sunshine, we had many friends for burgers: Grace, Werner, Webb, Emmie, Brandy, Loyal. Bonnie. We met some great people: Linda and Gary who introduced us to Outdoor Resorts. 

When we left Sunshine Key, we stayed with Bonnie and Loyal in their yard until Grace and Werner’s ANNUAL DINNER  Party was over. We cruised aboard Mermaid to the Everglades. What a great time! When we returned to Marathon we then drove the Coach to Everglades City RV Resort! The same marina we were at on Mermaid. Great to see Bill at Everglades City again. We had dinner with him and Goldy. 

I have photos for all of these experiences and they didn’t load up. Frustrating?????

WE SAW MADDY IN THE MARCHING BAND

                                              MORGAN IN HER VIOLIN CONCERT

      JESSIE RECEIVE HER ACADEMIC AWARDS

   CHARLOTTE DID TOO


  JOSEPH HELPED ME COOK: GREAT GUACAMOLE MAKER


THEY STAYED ON THE COACH WITH US IN TEXAS

I hated leaving MARATHON , but we had to move on. Our next destination was Tropical Gardens in Bradenton where we visited with KEVIN, SHIRLEY, Karl, Linda, Mary, Dennis, Jim and Diane. We had lots of Burgers in Paradise everywhere went.

DINNER AT SHIRLEY AND KEVINS WITH JANET AND ROLAND 

       BRUNCH WITH KARL AND LINDA AT TROPICAL GARDENS 

I‘m getting ahead of myself with photos but want to share these with everyone. The photos are not in order. For this, the photo gallery won’t cooperate. But, we had lots of fun with so many family and friends and infant to document it somehow for when I’m old.

More to follow tomorrow!

Now, we were in March, 2019. we left the coach at Tropical and flew to Buffalo for Nate and Anna’s wedding.  It was beautiful! 

THE  BUFFALO WEDDING

THE EVER SO READY RINGBEARER

When we returned to Tropical, we departed for Tallahassee RV Park, then Pensacola RV Park, followed by the French Quarter Resort in New Orleans. That was a great place to visit but I wouldn’t want to live there. We visited the WWII museum, had Benets, and muffulettas, not to mention the breweries, the shrimp, and cajon delicacies at Mothers Restaurant. 

LOTS MORE TO COME IN MY MIXED UP YEAR IN REVIEW. THIS YEAR WILL BE MUCH EASIER TO ORGANIZE.

DAY 16: MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2019: GENERAL RV APPOINTMENT DAY

I was up at 7:00 am. It was still dark but I was determined to run before  we headed to General to see the Service Manager , Michelle. Tampa East is flat so the run was easy. I was just restricted by time. I was unable to find the fitness center so l will look for that later. The rest rooms here have been totally remodeled and look great. As usual, it did take a while for the hot water to flow. But, because it was soooo hot out, the cool water felt good. 

I made French Toast  for breakfast before we headed to the General.

         YUMMY

Today is the funeral mass for Gail. We had many good times.

      MAY YOU REST IN PEACE

When we arrived at General and checked in with Michelle, we sat with Monique, our salesperson, for a while. She  also lost a friend.  Another reason to enjoy life as full as  you can and not wait  another day to see a friend. We don’t know about tomorrow’s. We are hoping to go to dinner with her. 

Now, we wait as the Coach is driven awaits have the little things repaired and the satellite possibly reinstalled. Time will tell.

We heard from Todd and he and the kids are now home.  What a great day with them yesterday!

We put in a full Day  at General RV and returned  to Tampa East at 6:30. The satellite still needs work. The little things are done but the Sat and the one screw on the roof need to be completed. You would think it would be easy, but nothing is! We are hoping to get it done tomorrow but I’m not banking on it. 

We had hoped to see more of Monique but we all had a crazy day. There is always tomorrow.

At this point we want to get to the Keys. 

We will be here another night!

TEXAS MEMORIES 

DAY 15: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2019: ON OUR WAY TO TAMPA BY COACH THEN SIESTA KEY

We left Flamingo Lake at 7:45 am for Tampa. We stopped for fuel in Bucknell. The weather was cloudy but no rain.  Yet, rain son the way. We are hoping to watch the Pats play today. Not in Siesta, of course, they will all be watching Buffalo. Every one else here wants the Jax. jaguars to beat the Jets. The Pats won over them 33—0 so shouldn’t be that hard. We actually felt badly for the Jets quarterback. The game went on too long for him. But, that could happen to anyone! 

Today‘s trip was pretty easy. It being a Sunday, there was little traffic. I texted with JUDY, chatted with Joan, and emailed with Rene. That certainly makes the time go by. 

REMEMBERING BILLS PARTY


WHAT A GREAT WEEKEND 

HEADING BACK TO THE KEYS

TOGETHER AGAIN SOON

JAMESON LOOKING PATRIOTIC 

We chatted with Michael prior to us leaving for Siesta Key. I totally appreciate being able to connect with home when we are away!

We texted with Maddy and Morgan about Homecoming. Sounds like everyone had a great time. Today was also Maddy’s family birthday dinner. Hate missing that. 

A PAST BIRTHDAY MEMORY

When we arrived in Tampa/ Dover, we drove to Siesta Key to visit with the Royals, Todd, Em, Leo, and Stella.

It was great to see everyone. Jasmine made a delicious dinner of beef skewers. We could tell she put a lot of work into this. It happened to be Ana‘s birthday so we had cake. Ana‘s family tradition is the birthday person makes the first cut in the cake and makes a wish then the person whose birthday is next takes the knife out. That was Tom.

ANA AND NATE

WISHING AND REMOVING THE KNIFE

We had fun watching the kids having fun in the pool. 

POOL TIME



OUR LITTLE CUTIE


LEO AND PAPA TOM TIME MAKING 

It was a long day and we hated leaving but our ride back to Tampa East was 90 minutes. It’s been a great day connecting with family then dinner with the Buffalo crew. Feeling blessed.