DAY 141: BUFFALO KIDS ARRIVE TODAY

Gym with Judy followed by breakfast with Judy and Michael. Last minute party prep was done before Leo and Stella arrived. 

FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS MADE

ARRIVAL WAS FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY BY BIKE RIDES

Thank you, Gerry and Carol for the perfect sized bikes. They were thoroughly enjoyed!







THEN IT WAS SUPPERTIME AND WHAT DID THEY WANT: MINNIE AND MICKEY PANCAKES, OF COURSE 


BUT, THEY MADE THE BATTER

Lots of books were read. Legos, robotics, and match box cars played with. Tomorrow a new day to spend with family and friends, but for the kids, especially Muriel, Morgan, and Maddy!

DAYS 139/140: THURSDAY AND FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28/29

So, the quick version.

We arrived home in Bristol at 3:00 and the race was on: make candies, created floral designs, finish centerpieces, bake GF cookies fir favors, grocery shop, and take mom and dad to dinner Thursday night.

CANDY TRAYS MADE


CENTERPIECES DONE

MOMS FIRST 90 TH BIRTHDAY DINNER


LOOKS LIKE 90 CANDLES

GF COOKIES MADE



BOWS FOR FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS 

SPECIAL FROM A FRIEND

GOOD NIGHT 

DAY 138: THURSDAY, FEB 27, 2020: MOM'S 90th BIRTHDAY: NEPHEW MIKE'S BIRTHDAY

No running today. Hope my mood doesn't show it. We have no fitness center in this huge hotel.  

DAY 137: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2020: ASH WEDNESDAY

Very hard day... leaving here. Very easy day... heading home for moms birthday. We are so fortunate to be between two worlds. We enjoy life here but look forward to being with family and friends. I just want to be everywhere, all the time.

My last run around the park was today. Jan was running in the opposite direction. We are hoping to run together next season. She is working at completing a 5 K. I would love for her to run the Key West 5 K with me next year. No one else around here runs, but , nearly every person walks in the Pavement Pounders. People are healthy, happy, and no one  acts their age. Tom and I are among the youngest, yet these people never stop moving-exercise classes, every kind of dance class you can imagine. Sylvia wants Tom and me to teach Shag next year. I doubt that will happen. 

After the run, it was Zumba time! A great high energy class today! Sylvia told everyone it was my last day. Everyone came to say goodbye. Took me 20 minutes to get out of the rec hall. Catherine told me she would muss me standing in front of her. My energy motivates her. Karen said she likes that I do high impact for every song. 

It was hard to say bye to Cairne and Blanche. We spend a lot of time together as couples. 

Don and Joanne, Carl and Linda will be missed. We wish them all improved health and continued healing. They are true inspirations. They never stop in spite of issues.  

At 11 I went to San Pablo's for Ash Wednesday mass. Father was very good. He is truly genuine and easy to listen to. 

It is hard to write much about today. We were traveling from The Keys to Fort Lauderdale. On the was we stopped for fuel and the best Reeses Peanut Butter Cup//Chocolate Cappacino ever. Soooo good. Toooo good.

I texted with Joan and Geri. Whew, when we see them next. Hopefully we can make it  happen in May. Our good times are memorable. 

Debra and John, Guy and Kathy will be with us in Alaska. We look forward to introducing them all to Jann and Bill. I cant even imagine all the memories we will make in 62 Alaskan Days. 

Sharon and I texted during our ride to Lauderdale. We are so so happy for her and Paul. She is visiting marinas to winter in next season. How exciting is that!! incredible. I wish we had been able to see her while we were in Lauderdale.  Such fun! I love marinas!!

OUR NIGHT AT A KCB CONCERT

CAIR AND JOHS FLOAT...SHOULD HAVE WON FIRST PLACE


JOHN AND TOM AT THE MARDI GRAS PARTY 

SHAGGING AT MARDI GRAS

CAIRN AND JOHNS MARDI GRAS CREATION

RUTH'S BIKE


CELEBRATE THE PATRIOTS 

JOE LEADS THE BAND

RHONDA, SYLVIA SND LINDA WAITING TO PARADE


KAREN, ME AND LINDA

FUN NEVER ENDS AT OUTDOOR RESORTS

DAY 136: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020: MARDI GRAS PANCAKE DINNER AND DANCE

The alarm went off at 6:30. I got up, dressed, and was unlocking the door, and rains came down .  Ha, I hate running in the rain, So , I made the coffee, turned on the TV,  and  watched and relaxed for the hour before it was time to go to Step Aerobics. Tom went to Stretch and relax at 9. 

At 10:30 we went into Marathon to UPS to Faxall our paperwork from the broken dryer. We sent it to Corner Stone RV , and now we wait. We wait for an answer that our dryer will be replaced. That is not pleasant.

At 11 we met Joan, Gordon and his brother, Tom at the Stuffed Pig and enjoyed a leisurely, delicious breakfast. We were  there until nearly 1:00. It was perfect! We didn't want to leave knowing we wont see them again until the spring.  Our thanks to Joan for putting this together. It was so much needed.

A PERFECT BREAKFAST AT THE STUFFED PIG

We returned to the Rv and prepared gor the Mardi Gras Parade and dinner/dance.

RUTHS BIKE MARDI GRAS DECORATED 

NOTICE THE PATRIOTS SYMBOL: SHE LIVES ON THE CAPE

CAIRN LOOKING GREAT


LOVE THE FLOAT OF CAIRN AND JOHN

It was a great night. Outfits were colorful. pancakes dinner delicious (thank you, Belle ans Tom), and the dancing music was great.  

Oh,  what a day!  So hard to leave our friends!

Oh,   what a night!

KAREN, ME AND LINDA

DAY 135: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2020: LUNCH WITH THE ALASKA CREW

An early morning run was followed by Zumba and Toning. At 11:30 , Ibwent tobthe Chiro with Tom. we were meeting John Debra Kath and Guy to talk about Alaska. Together we made a list of questions we need answered before the trip. We are all nearly paid up to date and bought travel insurance. 

The chatting and everyone getting to know each other was great. The food at the Island Fish Company was just okay. Debra said it wasnt as good as usual. Well, that is too bad. 

We returned to Outdoor being followed by John and Debra who wanted to look around. As we were approaching the gate, the RV Wash Guys were waiting at the gate, the wrong gate, the residence gate. Fortunately, the security guard was there and let them in. Then they followed Tom in and Debra and John followed them. It looked like a circus parade. But, our Rv glistens as does the car.  For $30 extra, the boys did the car. Now it also shines. 

PROTECTED NOW FROM THIS INTENSE FLORIDA SUN

I spent the rest of the afternoon packing. We hope to see Joan and Gordon tomorrow. Plans are in the making. Our remaining hours here are going too quickly. Never enough time! Always need one more day. 

i had  a great candy mold. Rashel and Evelyn gave us a beautiful heart container of Dove candies. I was able to use it to make candies. Perfect!, Pink and Green. I will freeze them for now. 

 Tom has limited outdoor space now. Lol. Our furniture is mostly packed  for our Thursday departure. Yet, he finds a spot to read and have a cigar. He didn't even know I took this photo!

Reliable Bill brought our broken dryer back. We slipped it in the spot. Ugh. Now, i deal with insurance. Tomorrow I fax info. Wish me luck!!

DAY 134: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2020: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MM.

Another cool but windy morning for running. 

BEAUTIFUL VIEW

Quite a busy day. Lots of chats with Joan. So happy their boat window is fixed. Brothers working together can fix anything. 

At 10 we met Bill, Jaime, and Peter for a delicious breakfast at Castaways.  We saw Charlotte. Miss seeing her at Myc. 

Our chatting and eating lasted 2 hours. We heard from Geri in Viet Nam, Christians wedding. All is well with her. We all worried about her going with the Corona Virus running rampant in the Middle East and China.

Chris and Nu

After breakfast, I took Bandit for a walk to the beach . The beach was packed . It was a great Sunday to be at the beach. Bandit was quite the attraction being petted by many. He put on a few shows as he rolled around in the rough grass or flipped and turned rubbing his belly. He knows how to attract attention. 

We returned to Tingler and Bandit got Tom to play coconut with him. It was hysterical!

BANDIT WAS WINNING

Todd sent a photo of the kids skiing. What fun they are having. In Buffalo winter fun keeps people in shape and having fun.

GO, LEO

After doing laundry and grocery shopping, we returned to the Rv to put things away.

At 4, we met Cath and Mike at Happy Hour, Sparkies. We talked for3 hours. We have not seen them in 3years. So many things to catch up on. 

HERE WE ARE THE FIRST YEAR WE MET: TOMFOOLERY ON THE LEFT, RHYTHM ON THE RIGHT

CATH AND MIKE


GUESS WHO

I chatted with mom about our visit home. Debra wants to meet together about our Alaskan trip. We will introduce Debra and John to Kathy and Guy. We are going on the same journey together. That will be tomorrow. 

Another great day in paradise. Trying to see Joan and Gordon before we leave. 

DAY 132: SATURDAY , FEB 22, 2020: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CLIFF

It was great to hear from Sharon. She is searching Fort Lauderdale for a marina to spend next season at. We are so happy for her and Paul. So many amazing places there. There is so much to do. 

Running this morning was like running into a wind tunnel. The wind resistance was incredible. It was at least 30+gusts. We could hear it all night on the protective coating to the two bumpouts. The whistling and flapping kept me awake. I was so afraid they would be damaged in the wind. I checked them out in the morning p, and they seem okay. Whew!

After the run, I felt like I had been through a micro burst. It was that strong.

Our dryer was returned, broken. We put it in the slot where it belongs just to carry it to wherever. We need to buy a new one when we get to Palmetto. No time to buy one here or have one delivered. We leave next week.

At 2:15 I needed a bike ride. I decided to ride the 3 1/2 miles to the post office. What a ride! I was heading North East. The strong winds from this morning had increased and had me on the nose. I felt like I was sailing into the wind. There was no way I could glide or stop peddling. I would have been pushed backwards. 

The way back was easier, downwind, with the wind at my back. 

We only had one piece of junk mail but that wasn't the purpose of my ride anyway. It was just to ride. 3 Miles is usually a piece of cake, but not today. 

The whole ride and stopping only took an hour, but it felt much longer.

PHOTOS FROM OUR RIDE YESTERDAY WERE POSTED ON THE MM66 FB PAGE

At 4:15, I left for San Pablos.

After mass i found Todd had sent some great photos. Todd brought his Legos home with him the last time he was in Bristol. The kids will love these.

STELLA, MARGOT, CHARLIE AND LEO: BEST BUDDIES AT THE AQUARIUM 


WHAT A GREAT AGE! SO FOCUSED.

DAY 131: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020: PAVEMENT POUNDERS LUNCHEON

Today was a good run probably because i knew my miles count in Pavement Pounders. All our  miles now add up to us being in Alaska. We have done well. I prepared my spicy sausage in salsa for the Hydration Station luncheon and Chip Challenge. 

LUNCHEON 

OUR SUCCESS PINS COMPLETING OUR JOURNEY 

The next journey began January 3- to Alaska.

It was my job to set up the snack table and organize the foods according to lunch and dessert. It was an easy job and I guess I did an okay job because I was asked to do it again. Well, not this year. We leave before the next one. 

Now before all this happened, the park had a Ride Your Bike For Cancer. I rode with  Linda (going through it now) and friends who have survived: Joan, my parents, Bill, Kathy, and many more who beat it. 

We rode all around the park with the park security guiding us through intersections. The happiness in the group was overwhelming . A group photo was taken. The group of riders was amazing 50 Strong. 

Back to the Chip Challenge. After lunch, we were given clip boards with clues as to where to find baggies witn different colored chips in them. We were not told the number value assigned to each chip until we returned tothe Upper Rec 45 minutes later. Teams were made by assigning a captain with a 4 seater golf cart 3 other team members by randomly choosing from a collection of water bottles with our names on them . Our team found 5/10 chips for a score of 80. The highest achieved was 110 and they only found 6 chips. It was extremely windy 30+ knot gusts. We think the wind blew away some of the bags with the chips so we couldn't find them even though we were in the correct hiding places. It was different and fun. We must have looked absolutely crazy riding around, stopping, and running around looking for these things.   Upon returning, Brenda provided Rum Punch and Chips, because it was a chip challenge (colored plastic chips). 

By 2 we were done. Tom and I began putting away our chairs, bikes, rug, etc, since they were dry. We need to start packing for next Thursday. Ugh!

For those of you who may be wondering....no dryer yet. I think a dryer with a bunch of new parts is going to be returned to us in a baggie or suitcase! Ugh!

At 4:30 we met Lou and Bunny at Sparky'a for Happy Hour-great fun . Wings and peel and eat shrimp - perfect. 

They have coming here for 15 years. This is the first time we've seen them, 

Time passes!

Hopefully it won't be another 15.

AS AN ASIDE, MUST MAKE THESE