DAY 212: FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2020: A LAY DAY AT JACKSONVILLE NORTH

At 7, I went the the fitness center. Not bad. The first two treadmills I tried were not great. Too much noise. The third one, like Goldilocks, was the best one. At least I got to do 4 miles. Then I went back for a coffee that was calling mine name. Ahh. 

I went to pick up breakfast at the general store. We ate it after mass and my Sherry workout. 

THESE WERE ON ST MARY OF THE BAY WEBSITE: TOO FUNNY BUT MIGHT BE TRUE. 


YES, FOR SURE. WE CAN NOT GIVE UP. 

SHERRY had quite a few today.

GREAT JOB, SHERRY! YOU HAVE BEEN AMAZING!

Many friends have been connecting. Sharon texted thanks 😊 for her Mothers' Day card. Her little adorable puppy , Ginger, is her baby. We have had some wonderful evenings with cocktails on their boat.

BREAKFAST PANCAKES DRESSED UP BY ME

Rick and Carolyn continue to send us great jokes! Hysterical, as do Gerry and Carol. You make us chuckle-much needed. Rick sent a weather report of awful weather on the way north and perhaps we would like to stay south longer. 

RAIN? SNOW?

MM checks in to our progress home. The 426 Crew also checked in to see if we left and warned us of possible snow in VA. How can that happen in May? Well, it may!!! Ugh! 😩 

My teacher friends held a Zoom meeting this week. Seeing everyone was great!

Going home has mixed feelings. We will have to quarantine 14 days unless the Gov lifts that order before Tuesday- Doubt it. And the State police is at the border for people coming from out of state. 

Michael, once again, is keeping us updated on RI news.

LOL, RICK AND CAROLYN

Linda and I had a long chat about school situations, and of course, her little cutie, Paddy! Feels great to be able to talk to friends and family. 

                CUTIE PIE

Waiting to hear about Betty's new grandbaby. Hoping for a very healthy 👶!,

A business at home is selling cloth masks. I may call for 2 today! 

CLOTH MASKS FOR SALE

Waiting to hear that Joan and Gordon are hone safely! We are thankful  they are nearly home, and prayers for safe travels!

Tom and I went to CVS, then played mini golf. We were awful! But, we laughed a lot. The greens were pretty best but who cared! 

OF COURSE, GOLF AND CIGAR GO IN PAIRS, UGH

UPHILL SO IT KEPT ROLLING BACK UNTIL I HIT IT OFF  OF THE GREEN

ONE OBSTRUCTION


ANOTHER OBSTRUCTION

WHO KNES THE OCHEECHOBEE IS ACKNOWLEDGED HERE

MY MOTHERS' DAY FLOWERS. LOVE THE BOTTLE, NO VASES ON BOARD LOL

Jann and Bill called. We were so happy to hear that all is well, and they are busy with home projects. This is a great time to get all the work done. When we were at Home Depot 3 weeks ago, so many  people were there to buy supplies for all kind of home improvement projects. Spending so much time at home has its benefits. What a  great time to catch up! Always plenty of conversation. We are happy they are reading the 'boring' blog.It does keep me busy. 

Kath and Norm texted. They wished us safe travels home, as did Jann. Those are the best two words as we head north!

Te rest of the night was spent planning our trip home. Tomorrow, Saturday, Orangeburg SC, Home Stay RV Park. 

Watching the weather, We may slow down a bit. It may snow at home. Lol, it is May?? So, is NE going to get the snow and cold temp now that didn't happen in February. 😱!  Yikes!

DAY 211: THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020: DEPARTING THE TIDES: HEADING TO ST MARYS GEORGIA. JACKSONVILLE NORTH

SUNRISE AN DEPARTURE DAY

TOM WITH LAST MINUTE UNPLUGGING

LAST VIEW FROM OUR SITE

LAST PHOTO OF US CONNECTED

No run today. This might be a grumpy day. 

 Forgot to tune in to Father Grant at 9. No Sherry at 9:30- My day is going to be weird!!

I took a bunch if photos so I wouldn't forget this idyllic place.

RON AND SANDY 

DAN AND VALERIE

We departed The Tides at 7:28 am.

We stopped at Loves for fuel at 9:30- 

A truck filled with cantaloupe and watermelons passed us! lol 😂 🍉 watermelons!!

Not for anything but we did see a few escapees smushed on the side of the road!!

We arrived at the KOA around 1:00.Very nice place just iff the highway off Exit 1 95 North in GA. The-ambassador met us as we drove in, gave us the necessary paperwork and led us to our site#8.

Tom put together our hitchups. I got  things back in order inside. 

Then Tom dumped the black and Gray water since we had added water and sew clean to clear it out. Finally the gray water is on 0. However, we thought we would be"smart" and nit unhitch the car. Things are never that easy, never. Because the dump station went up instead of down, Everyone knows "Sh--" runs down hill. We had to disconnect the car, lift up the stability jacks, unhook the electricity, etc etc, then back up the coach to reconnect everything with the waste hoses closer to the pump out hole and minimum uphill. Taking the short cuts never works for us. Actually, the park should have made allowance for this to run downhill into thedumpstation. Asi walked aroun, I noted most of them were like ours. A worker came by and we asked him. He said the are the same.So, we are here now and settled for two nights.

I chatted with Joan , Todd, Michael, and Mom. We are getting closer. They dont seem so far away. yeah! 

A call to Carol and Gerry found them home in quarantine. With them being across the street, we will probably see them first.  Can't wait to get together with family and friends. 

WATERMELON TRUCK LOL. WHAT A MESS ON THE ROADSIDE

FUNNY

TEEPEE FOR RENTACROSS FROM OUR CAMPSITE 

A DOUBLE AND SINGLE BED

WHAT A GREAT PLACE FOR THE KIDS

BUFFALO MOTIF: COOL OUTSIDE SIMPLE INSIDE

OUR CAMPSITE # 8

We ordered dinner from the Camp kitchen: An Everything Pizza and 12 boneless chicken wings, and... a chicken waffle sandwich (inedible). Lol but I had  to get one ☝️ because I had never had or seen one. They sound better than they taste after 1 bite. Maybe it would be better with maple syrup, well, maybe, it is a waffle after all.

After dinner, one I finally didn't have to make,   we took a walk through the park and played corn hole. Fitness Center tomorrow morning, then class with Sherry!!

We texted with Carol and Jeff, and Linda and Carl.

We heard from Karl and Linda who wished us safe travels. We had many texts with my sisters snd friends. It made the day fly!

DAY 210: Wednesday, May 6, 2020: TIME TO SHOP ONE MORE TIME BEFORE HEADING HOME

6:30 run...done

9:00 was mass with Father Grant. Very sad ending. Father is being transferred to Jamestown, St. Marks Church. He will be missed. Hopefully there will be something for him but how can anyone gather?...ugh!

9:30 was Sherry's incredible Pilates class. 

10:30 Time for Zumba with Melissa. I am going to miss all this. I finally have a schedule. 

Long chat with Joan. Fair winds, safe travels, dear friends.

Long chat with Geri. We won't see them until the end of June. ugh!

Breakfast was late, more brunch at 11:30. After laundry and cleanup, we went to Detwilers to shop. Inam going to miss this great market. Fresh everything! We stocked up for travel and home quarantine. 

Next, we went to the shooting range. Here was my target. This is the second time I did target practice. Not bad, Tom and Michael said. I seem to like rüthe left quadrants. Must be pulling...

After dinner , Indid Sherry s class 7—7:30 then went to sit by the fire pit with Dan, Val, Sandy, and Ron. 

BEAUTIFUL MOON LIT NIGHT


HERE WE ARE...NOW WE HAVE FRIENDS HERE AND ARE LEAVING TOMORROW 

   A FUN GROUP AT TIDES RV LUXURY RESORT

DAY 209: TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2020 : CINCO DE MAYO

As always, a 6:30. alarm blasted. Glad I ran.  68 degrees and warming up.  

9:00 mass with St Mary of the Bay. At Peace. 

9:30 a with Sherry workout.

            CLASS WITH SHERRY 

Joan called and we talked gor a while. She is still packing and closing up the boat. So much work! It will be worth it though to  get home. 

John S called. He is a high school friend who came to our  reunion and sat with Tom and I. I am so happy 😊 our reunion was last year! This year it would not happen. I feel so badly for high school and college seniors waiting to graduate. These kids , all kids, have been through so much.

I am happy he called. Friends need to stay connected for sanity's sake. 

I returned a phone call from Susan who is also in Florida.Yet, we can't see her. Ida is an hour away and can't see her either. Sharon D texted our whereabouts. Hope to see them when we return home 🏠 where the bots can have their cigar and scotch.

I checked in with mom and dad. So blessed that they are fine. I am sure dad is getting cabin 🥵 fever.

Before dinner we spoke with Joan again. They will be heading home possibly a day earlier. We truly hope they will stay with us as they travel, and relax.

Lord knows , they need a break. Traveling home 🏡 for us all will be long enough. 

We need to check in with Jann and Bill tomorrow. 

Tonight we are doing a Zoom Cinco de Maio with Michael, Judy, Jane, Joey, Matt, Marissa, Jane , and Larry.

Seeing them all will be great. Nachos and chilli are on the menu with margueritas. 

Tom washed my car. Jeep looks great! 

Here are our Nachos and margueritas :

FUN CINCO DE MAIO ZOOM DINNER WITH THE CREW: DELICIOUS 


By 9:00, I think we had had too many ritas. Time to sleep.

Rick and Carolyn called about our route to RI. They had some good thoughts for us to consider. 

 

DAY 208: MONDAY, MAY 4, 2020: WHAT WILL TODAY BRING

Yes, an early morning run before mass. and Sherry's Zoom class. Cool morning . It felt great to be out in the fresh air. 

I texted with Linda on her way to her treatment. Thinking of her and praying that it be successful. She sent this beautiful photo:

ENCORE RESORT MIAMI FROM LINDA

ST. MARY OF THE BAY, WARREN

Thank you Fathers Grant and Hawkins for keeping us in your prayers and hope in our minds and hearts.Praying for friends who need support and help from above.

BIKE RIDES KEEP US MOVING

Texted with Joan. Wishing a peaceful day. Put one foot front of the other and lean on your friends. We are hear for you. We spoke to Grace and Bonnie. Catching up with Marathon friends before we leave is a must.

We made reservations at Jacksonville North in St Marys Resorts in Georgia. We told Joan and Gordon they are welcome to stay with us there. We hope they will consider it. 

 MORNING RUN

ZUMBA WITH MELISSA IN TEXAS


LOVE THIS

I had a long conversation with Shirley as I headed to the dock to read my 📚 book. She sounds great.

LOVE WHERE ARE ARE! SO RELAXING.

TODD SHOWED LEO AND STELLA PHOTOS FROM LAST SUMMER. HERE WE WERE AT THE BEARS IN LINCOLN, NH. HAVING THEM ON THE RV WAS SUCH FUN!!

 7 it was Zoom time with Linda, Betty, Susan, Sharon, Carolyn, Jane, Barbara, Ida, Karen. Great to see everyone and plan our summer get together!

Everyone looks great in spite of Covid. Everyone is healthy.

ZOOM WITH FRIENDS

TONIGHT : 🌇 

DAY 207: SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2020: THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN MRS. JOSEPH'S 99 Today

At 6:30, of course, I was awake and ready to go.  i had time to watch some news, ugh, after the run. A fun story for a chsnge. A meteorologist, Paul Delgatta, in Tampa was airing his forecast when his dog, looked like a golden retriever jumped in his lap. It was hysterical.

I GUESS HE WANTED SOME ATTENTION THEN AND THERE

We received a very sad call from Joan about a family member passing unexpectedly. So awful. With all that is going on on, life is difficult enough.Trying to have a celebration of a loved one's life has been limited to 5 people, by our Governor. We feel awful for them and her family. Such a terrible thing , so young, to happen anytime, but not being there makes things seem worse. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. We hope their many wonderful memories will help them through this.  

Not that it bears in comparison, but our neighbors here do not have children but had a cute Cairn Terrior named Wally. We had lots of chats because of Judy amd Michael's cairn terrior, Jameson. Wally passed on Monday which leaves them feeling empty. I just dropped off a card and little dish about dogs being part of our families leaving paw prints on our hearts. 

A day truly to be grateful of the lives we have.   

I must be lare to the party, but our friends told us about this fun tging to do  with kids.

TACOS IN A BAG TACOS 🌮 🌮 



Cut open an individual Taco, Dorito, Frietos, or corn chip bag on its side and open up. Everyone adds his/ her favorite toppings and each with a fork .

Genius!! Easy! Little cleanup🧽!

All this and it was barely 9:00. I wish everyone a better, positive , peaceful day. 

AT 9, I JOINED JUDY AND OTHER GIRLS TO DO SHERRY'S Cardio Circuit Class


BREAKFAST: FRENCH TOAST, SAUSAGE PATTIES, BLUEBERRIES, BANANA SLICES AND SLIVERED ALMONDS

Guess I needed sugar. Could not help finishing a bag of Jelly Beans. And, that is why I don't buy them oftrn.

  EMPTY, OF COURSE

I spoke to Jane as she was taking mom out for a ride. I texted with Sharon. This would have been her mom's 99th birthday.  Cant wait to get home to see my parents and family. 

Debbie emailed that she likes reading the blog. I am happy because it keeps me connected with her and other friends who read it. 

Keeping connected keeps me sane. 

Tom is using today to repack everything under the RV. Good sign!!! Means we are getting ready to head home.

I washed the floor and dusted the walls,  Then, I took my book, rode my bike , sat by the lake, and read. It was a relaxing hour. 

Chan Facetimed and we chatted with the kids. Love that they are working hard and Jess was invited to the Junior National Honor Society. Congratulations, Jess!

Family is precious. 

We texted with Morgan. I can't wait to take the kids shopping again.  So much fun.

I texted again with Joan and pray she can breathe and relax. 

We had a long catch up conversation with Geri. Can't believe we wont see them until July. 

At bedtime, we read with Leo and Stella.  They are so funny. By the time we read with them, they are exhausted 😴. Eyes are drooping and they are truly relaxing and ready to sleep.  Favorite  tonight was: THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR.

We sat out by the fire pit at 8:00 with Sandy and Ron. 

We were back by 9:30. Very tired today.