Florida Visits

Thursday we had great day.  After a couple of Rudy walks, we got cleaned up and headed down to Lazy Days RV Park.   Buddy and Theresa, friends we met at the IRV-2 Rally are there for a Fleetwood Rally, so we decided to meet and head out to lunch.  We got there and talked for about an hour, then headed over to Plant City to check out a Pizza shop that we found on the internet.  Not bad, and it was nice to get out for the day.  We were glad they were in no hurry for the table, since we were there about 1.5-2 hours.  It was a nice visit and sad to say good-bye as we headed home.  

 

Sitting by the side of the road.

Friday we decided to hit a small RV show then head over to Brooksville to find the Withlacoochee State Park office. Well we got to the RV show with no problem, but when we left it was almost 4:00, so we decided it was time to head home and tend to Rudy.  I don't know how we do that, but a small RV lot should take us about half the time to go through, but not us, I think we spend too much time scrutinizing things.  We got home tended to Rudy then headed out to the Mexican restaurant for dinner.  There ended up being a line of about 30 people, so out we go and settle on Howie's.  Not bad, it is home cooking, but I am still hungry for Mexican.  Back home, watch Bones and off to be a little after 10:00, I want to get up tomorrow by 7:00 (ha ha).

 

Kumquat Festival

Well today I was awake by 7:00, but still didn't get out of bed until almost 8:00 (it is nice having that first cup of coffee in bed).  We got showered and headed out to the Kumquat Festival in Dade City, about 30 min. away.  Now I must admit, up until today I had no idea what a Kumquat was, but oh the memories it brought back.  When I was a kid, my mom had an orange tree that she had in the house and it grew mini oranges.  Today I find out it was really a Kumquat tree, not a mini orange tree, although that it what they looked like, they don't taste anything like a real orange.  I did brave trying a Kumquat (you even eat the rind), but ugh....I did like the ice cream, it reminded me of a creamsicle.  We spent a couple hours there, checking out all the crafts and junk stands and food stands.  It was a beautiful day for the festival.  Back for dinner from the crock pot and a lazy night at the CG. 

Diane and Brad

Visiting the kids

Friday we headed over to the O'Donnell's to get the instructions on animal care (goats, sheep, donkey, pigs, the cat and dog).  They are headed to West Palm Beach for a soccer tournament and we (Brad) gets to take care of the animals.  We visited for just a short time, they were very busy packing and getting ready for their trip.  We headed up to camping world for a towel rack (an excuse) and to look at the RV's .  Lucky for me we didn't find anything that really caught Brad's eye.  :-)  Back home, I made dinner at home, while Brad ran back and forth to the O'Donnell's tending to all the animals.

Saturday, back to the O'Donnell's, then home for me.  I packed up a load of our heavy sweat shirts and things and headed back to the O'Donnell's.  We spent about 2-3 hours there, letting Lu (the dog) and Kita (the house pig) get some time to run and play out side.  It was about 2:30 and we decided on pie and ice cream for a snack, no luck all the restaurants in town close early on Saturday.  OK, let's hit the ice cream shop for a hot fudge sundae, yum.  Back home, laundry put away, a short chat with Len, then back to the O'Donnell's for Brad.  I made dinner, some sliced cheese, crackers and pretzels.  Not much, but after the ice cream we weren't all that hungry....it worked.  One more trip to the O'Donnell's for Brad and then settle in for the night. 

 

Sunday was another take care of the animals day.  Brad got back in from the first animal run, breakfast, sheets gathered and another trip for both of us to the O'Donnell's.  I threw in the laundry while Brad fed all the animals, then off to the 4-H horse rink to see if we can catch Ashley compete.  We were there about 1.5 hours, and she said she had at least another hour before she was up, so off we go.  We went back to the O'Donnell's to put the laundry in the dryer, stopped at the store for wine and coffee creamer, then back to the horse park.  Inka was still in his stall, so we found Len and talked with him for a while then off to find Ashley.  We managed to find her, but she thought it might be another hour or more until she competed, unfortunately we had to go.  It was already 4:30 and we have Rudy and the O'Donnell animals to tend to, as well as feeding ourselves.  As it ended up, she didn't compete until about 6:00, sorry we missed it, but we did have things we were committed to do.  We got a package ready to ship, did some emails that needed done and paid some bills, tended to all the animals, all in all a good day. 

 

Monday, no animals to tend to, so we got ready and headed over to Leesburg to the FedEx office.  After that into Old Town Leesburg for a stroll through town, a couple of antique shops and lunch.  What a disappointment, a lot of the town has closed up, but lucky for me, the candle shop was just going out of business and was 50% off, so we did some shopping.  It was  a beautiful day for a ride to Leesburg and for a stroll through town.  Back home, left overs for dinner and a lazy night. 

Tuesday was a hang at  home day, sunny and warm, so Brad decided to finish the water hook ups and getting all that back together.  While he worked on that I did laundry and cleaning around the RV.  It was a beautiful day, so we managed a few strolls around the park in between work and when we were done we headed out to the local CU.  After that we stopped at Wal-Mart to pick up a few things, went for a little drive then headed home. We had an early dinner, then about 6:30 I headed up to play bingo, with Brad and Rudy walking me up to the game house.  Bingo is normally over about 9:00, but they did things differently so we didn't get done until about 10:00.  What a long night, but much to my surprise as I headed home, here comes Brad and Rudy to meet me and walk we back, what a treat.

Fort Cooper Picnic area

Today 1-22, is a chilly day.  The propane ran out last night (in the middle of the night) so Brad changed tanks and today had to head out to get the 30lb tank refilled.  We got cleaned up, then headed out for a drive around Panasoffkee Lake.  We were surprised by the amount of lots that have been cleaned off, checked out some of the CG that we know of, no change at them, then headed into Inverness for a quick lunch  and to find Fort Cooper State Park.  It wasn't hard to find, so we did a little drive through and stopped at the beach/picnic area.  We walked around and read the signs and checked out some of the trails, finally deciding to head out to the Fort Site Area.  It was a pretty good walk, but I made it with no problems and even managed to make it back to the car.  It is now 4:20 and we are going  to go to Shari and Matt's for dinner, so a quick drive home, grab Rudy and off we go.  Dinner was very good and the house was bustling as usual, Gabe joined us for dinner and Morgan was getting ready to go to dance lessons.  We hung out until about 8:30/9:00, then headed home, oh how quiet it is in the  Motor Home.  But is was a great day and a nice visit.

Diane and Brad

 

 

 

Sumterville FL

Saturday was a 'get settled day'.  We went to Wal-Mart in the AM to get some things we needed, then headed home.  Brad headed over to the Lucero's to pick up the part we ordered for the RV.  Back home, put that in (propane tank gauge), then we put away some of our very heavy clothes (under the RV storage), and Brad washed the car.   We were going to go out for dinner, but decided to stay in and have pork chops instead.  Not a bad day, we had a dis-organized departure leaving the cold, and are  slowly getting things organized.

 

Sunday morning we headed over to the O'Donnells for breakfast.  We visited there for about 3 hours, then had to let them get running off to their soccer games.  We went back home and did some more things around the RV, getting the awning out and staked down, getting out the lawn chairs and acting like we actually like being here.  We met the Lucero's about 5:00 at Coyote Rojo for dinner.  Gabe didn't make it, but Ashley was there (what a nice treat for Nana and Pappy) and she had her new car, a 2012 Camaro, what a nice car.

 

Monday was a day to work on the to-do list.  Brad worked on the water leak, a drip in the outside water compartment, while I actually got to go to the grocery store alone (yea).  He got the pipe connection apart, by the time I got home, then headed over to the RV store here in Bushnell to see if they had a part, no luck.  He came back home, picked me up and off to Alliance RV in Wildwood, no part, but it would be in later today or tomorrow morning.  It ended up coming in in the afternoon, but we settled on having dinner here at home and picking it up in the morning.  Brad had put the old pipe connection back in the RV so at least we have water.  Salad, steaks and garlic bread for dinner, nice ending to the day. 


Tuesday we headed out about 10:00, first stop Alliance RV to pick up our part, then off to Kohl's to return a Christmas gift, not the best experience at a Kohl's but it got done.  We stopped for lunch then decided to look for a camp ground that Tom and Bev had told us about.  We pulled out but I had us going the wrong direction, turn around heading the right way, then Brad pulls into a wine shop (very few of them in Florida).  We walked around there for a while, bought 2 bottles of wine, then on the road again.  We finally find the CG, not bad, and it just so happened to be beside a Camp World, so we had to stop in.  We made a small purchase, but I managed to keep Brad from buying a new RV.  Back home, Brad fixed the water supply, chicken on the grill and no bingo for me, I watched NCIS instead.


Wednesday we headed over to visit the O'Donnell's and introduce Rudy to their dog Lou.  Not bad, but poor Lou needs to get around more dogs, he just isn't sure how to play nicely.  We were there until Shari had to leave to start picking up kids, they are heading to the soccer play off game this afternoon.   We stopped at home, walked Rudy, then put him in his house.  We went out for lunch, stopped at the drug store, then headed over to Mt. Dora to find the soccer game.  It was a great game, a loss for the grand kids, but with a 1-0 final score, nobody should feel bad (although they all were).  We headed home, left overs for dinner and a lazy night, Brad's not feeling the greatest. 


Today 1-16, Len stopped over to check on Rudy and give him his bordetella shot, then him and Brad headed out to check on a horse Len had operated on earlier in the week.  They were gone about 2 hours, so I managed to get laundry done, rearranged some dishes and ran the sweeper through the RV, the sand just sticks to your shoes.  After Brad got back, we had some lunch, then a nap for Brad and Rudy, while I headed off to the grocery store, one more time.  I got back, put things away and Brad decided we were heading out to dinner (so much for grocery shopping).  Not a bad choice, just headed over to the little dinner down the road 'Howie's', nice meals and an early evening home.  Brad needs to take a hot shower and head to bed. 


Diane and Brad

We made it to Florida

Monday 1/6/14 we got up, cleaned up, packed up and hit the road about 9:30 with a light but steady rain.  We traveled about 330 miles and made it to Joint Base Charleston in SC.  We didn't get there until a little after 5:00, but got hooked up, and settled in for another cold night.  We were ready to be on the road about 45 min earlier, but the "check engine" light came on, and then then 'shift Inhibitor' light flashed on for a moment.  Phone call to 1-800-ftl-help, I talk with them, while Brad is outside in the rain, checking relays and anything else this guy suggests, but then 'poof' we are back on the road.....no worries (as I bite my nails).  We are finally headed down the road feeling OK, decided to stop about an hour down the road at a Pilot for fuel and fill the propane tank, (looking at another cold night).  We get diesel and Brad heads inside to ask about getting the propane tank filled, but when he gets in there they have no propane, oh well.  I decided to head inside and grab some breakfast sandwiches and it just so happens as we are sitting in the RV eating, the propane truck is there to fill up their tank.  So we managed to get fuel and propane and hit the road, yea. Check engine light still coming on/off as we drive.   We finished our trip, with out any excitement and are happy just to be parked and safe.

 

Tuesday morning it's hit the shower house, ugh 65 degrees is what the heat is set at, and there in no privacy in the shower area, what the heck, but we survived.  After that, out to breakfast, then camping world for the water  pump and back to home.  Brad fixed the water pump (yea), while I ordered a new gauge for the propane tank, then off to the club for dinner.  The best thing was knowing in the morning I would be able to shower in my own place, and actually have heat. 

Wednesday we get up and just decided to stay one more night, so Brad headed up to the Freight liner garage/shop to see if they could look at the coach and let us know what the check engine light is erring for, no luck.....$150.00 just to read the code and no appointment, first in, first out, so at least 2 days to have it sit there and wait until they can get around to it.  Let's rethink this....Freight liner class, we got this 'password', we use it, get the code, call freight liner and find out the error code is for the 'grid heater' (the air intake heater), no problem, we can travel as long as the (stop engine light) doesn't come on, so we can hit the road.  We do some shopping and get ready to pack up in the morning, hoping to get into Mayport Military CG. 

Thursday 1/9/14 we hit the road about 10:30, nothing exciting happening, just an uneventful ride.  I did call Mayport, no room for us, so we check out a few more CG and ended up at Pecan RV Park, right off 95 and we are sure we are at the end of the runway of the airport.  We have stayed here before and knew what to expect, except for the 20 kids camped next to us, the kids even came over to tell me we couldn't park in our assigned site, it was their play ground.....I knew we were in trouble.  All in all, not a bad night, we hit a Carrabba's for dinner and then off to bed fairly early.  Off to Sumterville in the morning. 

Paradise Oaks Camp site

Friday we got up and headed out about 10:30, no hurry for us.  We get on our normal roads, enjoying the ride and still haven't decided where we are going to stay.  We headed to our normal stop in Waldo, Hardees, fuel and a nice rest area, only to find out Hardees is closed and you have to eat at Dunkin Donuts for lunch....not very good, but we survived.  Then on the road to get a CG only to realize the place we wanted to go to, Blueberry Hill has jumped up to 750 a month....$200 a month more that last year, yikes.  We parked in Bushnell, jumped in the car and checked out a couple of the other CG.  We settled on Paradise Oaks, about 5 min. from the kids, getting our choice of sites, so we are back off the road and away from the RR tracks and a little shade from a giant live oak tree, pretty nice.  We pulled in, hooked up, unpacked and had burgers on the grill for dinner.  A short chat with dad earlier and now we are just waiting to go to bed.  Relaxation setting in. 

Thanks for the visit,
Diane and Brad

On The Road Again

We made it for Mel's Family pictures on Monday, a little late, but we made it.  After that we did some of the running around we needed to do, getting home about 9:30.  Christmas Eve Day we had our family dinner at Lynne and Rick's house (Thank you), with plenty to eat and fun for all.  Christmas day was breakfast at Mel's and then head over to dad's for Ham and the Holiday visit. 

 

We managed to get a visit into the Tree Farm, over to see Jen, Greg and Aunt Ada for a short 1 - 1.5 hour visit, and managed to run into Lorin and Terri at the Legion, that was about the extent of our visits.  I did get to spend a little more time with Melanie and made Shane stop in New Year's Eve before he headed back to his new home, Morgantown, WV so I could say good-bye to him. 

 

Somewhere after Christmas and before New Year we noticed the front step cover getting slower and slower, until it didn't work.  After some checking it ended up being the chassis batteries (engine batteries), so Brad took them out and headed over to the Tree Farm with them to put them on Mark's charger.  He got the batteries back the next day and hooray, they were charged and worked.  We kind of nursed them the rest of the time there, even getting Rick's trickle charger in case we needed it.  But the batteries were fine and worked with no more problems. 

 

We spent New Year's Eve with the Shirks enjoying too much to eat and an evening of card playing.  We got up the next day, headed home, stowed Rudy and then of the Chris and Thom's for Pork and sauerkraut.  It was nice seeing the rest of the family before we headed south again. 

 

Thursday was my Dr. appointment.  The walker can go to the way side, and a couple, more aggressive exercises to do.  Need to get that hip stronger so I can get rid of the cane as well.  Appointment made for the end of February, so now it's just the final prep for the trip south.   A couple of stops on the way to and from the Dr., groceries and what not, then a phone call to dad hoping to do a casino run tomorrow.   

 

Well Friday didn't work out very well, the snow came down fast and furious Thursday night, we didn't even go to the Legion for the drawing, and Friday morning the roads were OK, but it was better to change plans to having lunch.  We managed to get some more things done in the AM then headed over to dad's, where Brad ended up shoveling out his drive way as well.  We went to the Brown Stone for lunch, then back to the house so Brad could finish the drive (where we had originally parked).  We visited for a little longer, then headed home, time to finish packing then head over to Lynne and Rick's for the night.  We finished packing up the RV, slides in and every thing stowed, but the water pump is not working, but we set off to the Shirk's for dinner and cards. 

 

Leaving the snow behind!!

Saturday we get back to the RV about 9:30, excited and anxious about the trip.  I head into the RV first and notice something is wrong....it is bitter cold.  For some reason the propane heater never ran (maybe forgot to reset after changing propane bottles), but what ever happened, the final results can't be good.  We changed to the RV propane and all started to work, but at this point we have no idea what damage might have been done.  We stressed a little and decided, what the heck, finish packing and get the heck out of town.  We didn't get on the road until 11:00 but we made it to Carolina Crossroads RV Park about 5:30, only to find the car battery is dead.  Then we get parked and find out the water pump is dead, no problem, until we realize that the water from the hose runs through the pump and it is spewing water.  OK,  time for a little more stress....what good does that do,  a glass of wine, egg sandwich for dinner and we'll get things ready in the morning.  But what more can you ask for, we are headed south and it's all fixable. 

 

Sunday Brad got up, got the water pump out, the car started and then we headed off to the Tractor Supply Store for a battery pack, stopped for breakfast, another stop or two (letting the car run), then back to the CG, turn the car off and hope for the best.  Brad did some more things out side the RV (50 degrees), while I worked on finding a replacement water pump.  Water pump found, 200 miles south and a plan to pick it up tomorrow, boiled water for dishes, showers in the bath house, then off to dinner.  Back home, Brad getting the stuff done he needed to do then off to bed (still fighting the remnants of a cold).  I am finishing the Blog, packing up what I can and off to bed soon. 

There will be more of the blog coming soon,
Diane and Brad

 

Waiting on Christmas

Well here we are, still in Dillsburg waiting on Christmas.

The last weekend of deer season, 12/14, Brad headed up to the Ochenrider camp, leaving Thursday and letting me at home in the RV.  Friday night my sister rescued me, taking me to her house to ride out the pending snow/ice storm.  I do owe Kate a big thank you since she ran to Patterson's and picked up the Christmas gifts that I had ordered, Thanks Kate.  Not a bad deal for me, and unfortunately for Brad, no deer.

Brad made it home Sunday, came home, unpacked, then headed over to Lynne and Rick's to pick me up.  We had a good day of cookie baking and managed to get a little more of the shopping done.  The rest of the two weeks, we did our weekly lunch with dad and Brad helped with a little of the shopping (not his thing ) but I managed to get a few things and a lot of my wrapping done here at the RV.  Friday the 20th, Brad had to be at the airport about 11:00 pm, to pick up Shane and bring him back so he could get his truck, then Saturday, up at 6:00 to head over to the storage unit, where the moving company was packing up his things to take to Morgantown, WV. 

Later on Saturday, Brad and I headed over to the Shirk's, where I helped bake some cookies, and Brad came back to get Rudy, time to introduce him to the Shirk household.  The dog meet and greet didn't go too bad, so off to dinner at the Bonefish Grille, and home again for cards.  We spent the night, had breakfast in the morn, then Brad and Rudy left, while Lynne and I headed out to finalize our Christmas shopping.   I think we finished our Christmas shopping , but I still need some gift bags and another stop or two, but the most of it is done, yea. 

Today the car went to BJ's to get the oil and transmission fluid changed and tonight we are getting pictures taken.  We are slowly packing up the RV, planning on moving December 26, laundry is running and I'm sorting and packing, on a gray rainy day. 

Watching the Big Move

The word was put out, moving day is Friday, with the moving guys scheduled to be at the storage unit by 8:00 AM.  We got up and took our time getting ready, heading over to dad's to drop off some veggie soup and give him back his kettle.  After that over to Lynne and Rick's to help (supervise) the move.  Mel and crew were there, most helping, some just visiting, Brad got right to work and I just sat around.  Chris and Thom stopped in, not for long as they were exhausted from their all night shopping trips.  We were there until about 6:00, then headed home, Lynne and Rick worked a little longer then headed back to the apt. for the night. 

Saturday Brad and I got up, headed over to get Dad for lunch.  We had lunch then headed over to Lynne and Rick's so Dad could check out the house.  Me, I still got to watch, but got a little help in by writing down measurements as Lynne called them out.  Brad headed out to take Dad home, Lynne headed out to tend to Bailey, while I waited at the house for Shane to show up.  He is leaving for Texas tomorrow and needs some help from Brad and I.  OK, the help is a ride to the airport at 5:00 AM, ugh, but we'll do it,  signing of his lease and the payment for move in.  

Sunday Shane was here at 4:50 AM, ready to hit the airport.  I said good-bye, wished him luck and sent him and Brad on their way.  Brad got back, we napped and then kinda of putz through the day. We worked around here and then headed over to see the progress Lynne and Rick made on the house.....looked nice.  

The rest of the week was just spent sorting things in the RV, Physical Therapy, nurse visits, lunch with dad and last but not least, my Friday morning doctor appointment.  Heading in with high expectations of getting rid of the walker, but it's not to be.  According to the Dr. he has much better, long term results if his patients use the walker for a longer amount of time, so I'm still using it.  I was so upset, but here I am, still using the walker.  We stopped and did a little shopping on the way home, then got Brad packed up and headed up north for hunting.  The rest of the day was a bit boring, but Brad made it up north, I managed to get myself dinner and we all survived.  

Saturday, Mel and crew came over to visit for a little while, and Lynne stopped over and picked me up to go shopping.  We had a Starbucks coffee, made a few purchases and got me home about 9:30.  No deer for Brad, but I am slowly getting the Christmas shopping done. 

Snowy Day

Sunday Lynne and I were headed to Dad's for lunch, but about a mile down the road, she turned around and dropped me off at the house.  The roads weren't bad, yet, but in about 2-3 hours when we would have been heading home, they might have been......no reason to take the chance.  Brad got home mid afternoon, unpacked and then took care of all the things that needed done, that I couldn't manage. He has been so good to me.

Monday Brad headed out to get propane, mail some things , and picked up one or two things that we needed from the store.  I got a call back from the Dr. office, so about 2:30 we headed out for me to get a blood test.  We headed back home, then went out for dinner, to Flap Jacks Pub (it was OK.)  Back home for a restful evening. 



Rudy waiting for
Dad to come in
 

Tuesday we got up to everything being covered in white, oh how pretty.  There is only about 2 inches of snow on the ground, so not too bad.  Brad headed out for a hair cut, while I did a load or two of laundry.   Back home, did some more things around the house, inside and out and now we are just waiting to go out to dinner with Lynne and Rick. 


More later,
Diane and Brad