Thursday March 17 2011 Home

Back in Norwood and it feels good!

We left Lazy Lakes at 8:00 Tuesday Morning, March 15. 

Several of our fellow campers wished us well on our trip on Monday; and, several walked over to wish us well on Tuesday Morning.

As we started up the keys, the sun was directly in Jim's eyes (mind too, although that didn't matter, as I was not driving.)  When I mentioned my concern, Jim said it would only be for about 10 minutes.  And, he was right.

Jim drove until 10:30 and stopped to check everything, lights, camera action!  We stopped at a rest area and I noticed a sign across the road, Ft. Lauderdale 41 miles - Orlando 241 miles.

Jim had decided to drive through the middle of Florida rather than on 95.  This is a very pretty drive with lots of plant farms and horse farms - the fencing on the 'estates' and the horses grazing made for a lot of fun to see.

I did not realize how hilly the mid central Florida is.  After being in the flat lands, this was somewhat of a shock. 

Good travel until we got to around Sebring / Lake Placid area, and then all the way up to Ocala.  Jim said he didn't realize the effect Disney World would have on what I can easily call the Gulf Side of Florida, although we were in the middle of Florida.  Lots and lots of traffic and lots and lots of retirement areas.

We stopped at 3:00 between Lake Wales and Haines for gas.  Here, again, is the congested area.

We started looking through the RV book for a place to stay after the gas stop.  There was a place in Leesburg but that was a little early for Jim to stop for the day. 

So, as in the boat when we were looking for marinas, we found ourselves looking and not making any decisions. 

By now, Jim is getting what I call a 'little white-eyed' and he spots a Sam's Club to our right, easy to pull into and a large, large parking lot.  We are about 18 miles south of Ocala.  And, the time is around 5:00.

The only problem is that the parking lot is hilly.  Again, a big surprise. 

Jim goes into Sam's Club to talk with the manager.  He asks for the Manager and when the Manager is not available, Jim told the worker that he just wanted permission to park the camper for the night.  He was assured "oh, yeah, go ahead, park on the back side, people do it all the time."

I am standing outside the camper when Jim returns with good news/bad news.  Yes, of course, we can stay in the parking lot, we do have to move the camper to another location.

Jim gets in to crank the camper and move on the other side of the parking lot - and - nothing happens.  No nothing.  Jim looks at me and I look at him - a big ole uh-oh.  The alternator/battery/generator light is on and staring us in the face. 

A few minutes of pondering and Jim says "let me try this."  He activates the backup battery and she starts right up.  Now, we try to find a 'flat spot' in the parking lot and there are no flat spots, just hills or knolls. 

We pull to one area and the camper is tilting to the left.  Jim thinks he is going to stay in this spot at first, then, looking around he decides to go down to the far side of Sam's Club.  Still not flat, but maybe a little more flat.  And, of course, he did not turn the camper off, it is still running for fear we would not be able to get her cranked up again.

Moving once again to the third and final spot at Sam's Club.  You can probably imagine, it is tedious to drive through the parked cars and once we did get over to the final spot, again, as you would imagine, the camper takes up about eight parking spots in order to leave room in the front for us to be able to pullout and turn this big bus and the Honda out into the driving lane.  In this spot, the camper is 'headed up hill' and this spot is somewhat better.

We are both a little concerned about the camper not starting on Wednesday Morning.  Jim remembers that in his research on Monaco Campers, he remembers there is a Monaco Dealer and Service Shop just back down the road from where we were, about 20 miles.  We both remembered seeing the "Wildwood" road sign as we passed by - and the Monaco Store is at, of course, 1 Monaco Way, Wildwood.

Jim places a call to Monaco although it is after hours, just in case, we do not start up on Wednesday Morning.

There is a huge shopping plaza across the road from Sam's Club with lots of restaurants.  Jim offers to take me 'out for something to eat we can walk over there.'  One look at that highway, imagine the busiest four lane road you can think of, and I try to politely say 'no, thank you.'

Jim then says "well, we can unhook the car and drive over."  As unhooking the car from the camper, disengaging the brake buddy, etc. involves some work, I opt for a tuna salad sandwich and chips, eating right inside the camper, thank you very much.

After my sandwich I just go lay down on the bed with a book, trying to leave Jim alone with not too many questions, as he is in his thinking mode.

An easy, good nights sleep for me.  I didn't ask Jim how he slept as I was afraid of the answer. 

Jim already had the coffee going when I got up at the Sam's Club Parking Lot on Wednesday Morning.  I knew he was anxious so I got the bed made, got my coffee and waited on my instruction.

First things first, travel preparations made inside the camper, drawers tightly closed, doors latched open, coffee pot emptied and secured away, ......then, we hold our breathe hoping she will start, and start she did!

We checked the lights, turn signals on the car and we are off.  It is still somewhat dark at 7:00 and Jim doesn't necessarily like to drive the camper at night - so, we knew in just a few minutes the skies would lighten up. 

And, fortunately, we just boogie down the road. 

Jim's plan is to get to Norwood before dark without turning the camper off at all.

We made our first stop on Wednesday Morning at a McDonald's in Callahan at 10:00 a.m.  Jim went in for our biscuits (he wanted to walk just a little) and I stayed outside the camper.  Of course, the camper is not switched off.

At about 12:30, I heard a large bang and looked at Jim's face.  I should note, here, that Jim and I both decided it was wise for me to keep my head down, reading a book or working on a crossword.  The brakes on my side of the camper do not work at all! :)  And, I continue to gasp and say 'watch out' if I am looking at the road while Jim is driving.

Back to the bump.  We are near Point South SC, coincidentally at the same turnoff for the camp ground we stayed over one night last year.  As Jim is somewhat familiar with this area, he knows he can pull off 95 (we got on 95 sometime back - again, I had my head down!) with good space for turnaround. 

The bang was a large piece of lumber.  Jim was able to avoid the lumber with the camper, but it did bounce under the car somewhere.  After our searching around under the car, Jim says "everything looks good"  - maybe the lumber hit just outside the left rear tire - so, we are off again.  I should say that with my head down reading we seem to be making good time up the road as I cannot keep track of where we are.

At 3:13, Jim stops in Latta SC for a fill up.  We had hoped to get all the way home, but better not to chance it.  Again, the camper is running as Jim fills up. 

Before I know it, we are in Bennettsville, then Cheraw, then Wadesboro, Ansonville and soon to see the "Welcome to Norwood" sign.

Of course, Jim and I were both very excited to be home.

And, by chance, we saw Chip in his work van, near River Road at the bridge just before getting into Norwood.  Jim tooted the horn at him, I waved like a maniac, and Chip just looked at us, and gave a little wave, stone faced.  I felt like we were just returning from a quick trip to Ansonville and I got a little embarrassed at my excitement to see Chip, as, obviously, that was not the case with him.  Jim said "well, he probably didn't recognize us." 

Coming down Island Cove Road, we see Huntley and Tiffany out on the street with their jump ropes.  Huntley runs to get in the camper and Tiffany gets aboard too.  This was a proper reunion!

Both Tiffany and Huntley rode to our house with us in the camper.  Lots of hugs and love to go around. 

Tiffany and Huntley only stayed a minute or two.  While I was directing Jim backing into the driveway (he unhooked the car already)  Debbie and Sassy came around the curve in the golf cart.  Once Jim got the camper into the driveway, Debbie and Sassy got around us, went home and then came over.   Super reunion with Debbie and Sassy.  Debbie told us that when we first left, back in January, Sassy was still coming over in the mornings.  

Sassy visits us often times in the mornings.  Coming in to say hello, get a treat and then goes back home.  One morning she was gone a long time and Debbie went out to look for her and Sassy was sitting at our back door.  Hopefully, Sassy will resume her morning visits.

Debbie had made a pound cake for our return and brought that over.  Still warm and smelled delicious.  Jim and I both had to dig right into it!

As I expected, the yard needs mowing and the flower beds are weedy.  With the temperatures being warm for the next day or two, I will  have plenty of yard time.  

The camper is still packed with stuff - clothes, food, etc.  that needs to be cleaned out.  Again, so much to do, and plenty of time to do it!

Our winter in Lazy Lakes was terrific.  Spending time with the Lee's, and especially Gabby and Lily, was the very best.  A great time was had and now we look forward to being home, here in Norwood, on our Lake Tillery, and eventually, back to Cherry Grove.

Life and the Goodness Thereof......

The final pictures of lazykeydaze.blogspot.com

Getting the 'mickey mouse' lights on back of the car - Monday Night, March 14, 2011.  Don't you know, the first try we had them 'reversed' so some adjustments had to be made.

Carpet up, chairs stored away in the camper - Monday, March 14, 2011

That's the brake buddy in the blue storage tub - Jim is getting ready to put the Brake Buddy in the car.

Jim getting the 'hitch' back on the car.  We did not attach the car until we got out on the Lazy Lakes Road - not enough room in the campground.  We were pleasantly surprised, when stopped on Lazy Lakes Road to connect the car, to see Marty coming up the road to say good-bye. 

Our first stop on Tuesday Morning.  The sign reads "Ft. Lauderdale 41 miles, Orlando 241 miles.

Jim sitting outside the camper, on the curb, at Sam's Club, on Tuesday Afternoon, March 15.  Note his expression as he thinks about the camper not starting on Wednesday Morning for our trip, and also, the Monaco Manual at his side!

Our Welcome Home Sign designed by Huntley that greeted us on our return to our house.

Our first view of  our yard and Lake Tillery upon our arrival on Wednesday, March 16.

 

Monday Afternoon March 14, 2011

Well, well, well.....the pack up begins.

Tomorrow is departure day.

I was fortunate to have a brief conversation with Preston last night (he called me!!!!) and he said "I'm ready for you to come home."  You know, that's really all Amme needs to hear.

Jim has been cleaning windshields, taking up carpet and I have been walking around!  I mentioned to Dale, when he walked by earlier this morning, that I was outside trying to decide what to do to help Jim.  He said "you know, the best thing you can do sometimes, is to just walk around the park."  My thoughts exactly.

We did walk up for the 9:00 doughnuts and coffee provided by the camp. 

I'm not sure if I have mentioned this in the past.  There is a table of guys, Dallas, Martin, Marty and a few more, that buy their own doughnuts as they do not like Carolyn's Doughnut Police Method (all in fun, they realize she has to wait until 9:00 and has to extent a plea to everyone to just get one doughnut because she never knows how many campers may come up for a doughnut) so, they go get their own doughnuts and start eating about 8:00.  They are really cute about this and they are always anxious to share.  I generally get my first doughnut from Carolyn's camp doughnuts and then the boys are kind enough to share their doughnuts for my second helping.

Friday Night, March 11, we did get to stay with the girls while Walt and Hillary had a much needed 'date.' 

Gabby and I worked on the side of the house that hasn't been addressed much, yet, as we cleaned off the sidewalk that runs along the side of the house.  There is just a very narrow passage way there, with the sidewalk and fencing separating the yards.  Anytime I have spent on that side of the house has been to wash out my paint brushes and painting supplies.

So, Gabby and I decided to clear the sidewalk of old leaves, etc.  Hats off to Gabby, she got her little broom and worked very, very hard.

I thought Jim was entertaining Lily, but, I guess not entertaining her well enough.  Lily came around the corner of the house and said "I miss my mommy and daddy."  Fortunately for Gabby and I we were just finishing up and when I told Lily we were going to "Old McDonalds" for our supper, she grinned right up.

Friday Night at McDonalds on the main highway going into Key West is a busy, busy place.  We were on the right side of the road, McDonalds is on the left side of the road, and the drive through cars were lined up all down the highway providing us no room to get into the parking lot.  The girls wanted to be reassured that we were going to eat inside McDonalds and we assured them that whenever we could get around the 25 cars blocking the driveway to McDonalds that we were going to eat inside.

Very great experience eating with the girls.  Jim and Gabby on one side, Lily and I on the other, with Lily traveling under the table to switch sides every once in a while and have a bite or two of Jim's salad.  At that time, Gabby would come over to sit with me.  Just fun.

Once Gabby and I were coming back from the bathroom and I saw a couple that live here in the campground.  She saw Gabby and fell in love; then, she saw Jim and Lily in the booth and fell in love all over again.

She told me on Saturday, back here at the campground, that both girls were cute as they could be and she couldn't help but just stare at all of us in our booth.  She also made a comment about Lily and her being the youngest.  She noted that being the youngest is a good thing because it makes a person more independent and able to cope with things better.  Pretty good analysis, I think.

Saturday, March 12, there was a wedding here  at camp.  A couple that lives here decided to have their wedding at 11:30 on a Saturday here in camp.  As Joe, the owner, of the camp generally has a band play from 12 until 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays, they would already have the entertainment.  Smart, eh!

Also, on Friday Afternoon, before we went to the Lee's, Jim and I went to Home Depot to get some palms to take home.

While having coffee on Saturday Morning, I mentioned to Jim that maybe the wedding could use the palms for decoration.  Jim was more than a little hesitate, saying, they most likely had everything they needed and really he was thinking I should not get into their business.  Well, I did anyway!  And, yes, they were be thrilled to use the palms.  So, that made me happy. 

The wedding couple was providing a lunch so we went up for the meal around 1:00.  Lots of laughter and people and just good fun.

There was the usual keg of beer that the owner provides for Saturdays and the wedding couple provided a bucket, yes, a bucket of sangria.  Little early for me to have a taste, but, you know I did.  In fact, I had two cups of taste!

I had the opportunity to talk with Martin, one of the campers that Jim nor I have had a chance to spend much time with.  Martin is from Montana and leaves on Tuesday, March 15 as well.  We talked about his trip back home, with his stops in Texas and Arizona, and finally back home to Montana where he grows alfafa.  Learned a lot about growing alfafa, Martin's horses, Big Foot and Ahab and his two dogs.  I enjoyed talking to Martin.

I spent a short about of time hanging around the pool area with some sunbathers and swimmers as the band played.  The wedding couple, by the way, were still out at the pool, later, after dark on Saturday Night, talking and laughing with their friends.

Just about dusk, Phyllis came by with Jane Dough, the pup and asked if I wanted to walk with them.  We walked up the road and around the office building that is up on Hwy 1.  I think Phyllis said that particular walk was about 1 mile.  As Jim and I haven't followed through with our walks, this walk was great for many different reasons.

Captain Bill, who was sitting at our table, along with Martin, on Saturday Afternoon, mentioned that at 7:30, we would be able to see the Space Station come across the western sky at about a 32 degree angle. 

Fortunately, Jim and I remembered to walk out to the tiki hut about 7:15.  We joined a couple already there, and later, Martin, Dallas, Ted and a couple more folks came out. 

I was really afraid I would miss seeing the space station, although Captain Bill said it would be visible for about 3 minutes.  Fortunately, Ted saw it just as it came over the horizon and we all watched as the space station made its way out of the sunlight on the other side of the horizon (the sun was what made the space station visible.)  It was a beautiful clear night, with a bright moon and lots of stars, so this was just a great way to end the day.

Sunday Morning, March 13, Jim and I enjoyed our paper and coffee.  Then, we went down to the airport to meet Vickie.  Her plane was to arrive at 10:35 and I wanted to be inside to greet her.  As I was about to walk into the airport, I heard someone call my name, looked up the sidewalk and there was Vickie.  Her plane was about 15 minutes early!

We got to visit with Vickie as we drove up to Fiesta Key and there had an opportunity to visit with Bill a brief minute or two before heading back down to Hillary and Walt's for our last supper with the Lees.

On the way to Hillary's, Jim wanted to stop by the camper to pick up some tools and he turned on the t.v. to see how Carolina was doing against Duke.

On Friday and Saturday, I did touch base with Brent to extend atta boys.  Once Jim saw the score on Sunday, he just couldn't bring himself to watch any of it.  In fact, on Sunday Night, I asked Jim what the final score was and he said he didn't know - guess he just could not stand it.  And, as far as Brent, I didn't correspond at all.  (Jim and Brent are very much of the same nature, easy going, and not rabid about ball games, although they do get disappointed.)

Sunday Afternoonn at the Lee's was all about some fun.  Gabby and Lily got in the pool.  Not for the first time, but, for the first extended play time. 

Before pool time, Hillary needed some shrimp peeled.  Gabby, Lily and I had a wonderful time, sitting outside talking and peeling shrimp.



Also, before pool time, of course Gabby wanted to fish.  We did fish for a while as Walt 'chummed' up the fish for us.

I had mentioned to Gabby that we may could do a walkabout in the neighborhood.  After the pool, she was ready to go.  I asked about Lily and Gabby checked on her and Lily was totally into something on t.v.  This worked out pretty good after all.  As the walkabout was a pretty long one and even Gabby said at one point "we need to call daddy or dadn' dad'n to come get us."  We would take a sit down break and start out again. 

Great walk! And, great time spent with Gabby.  Lots of good conversation and I'm just grateful for the time we had together.

Once coming back down the street to the Lee House, poor Lily was standing out in the middle of the street in front of her house.  I thought to myself, how guilty I feel. 

Once we got closer, Lily only said "where have you guys been? Dad and I are going to take a bike ride."  Easy, easy, easy.

Lily had on some of Gabby's lace up shoes and looked too cute.  I told her I loved her shoes (about 2 inches too long on her feet) and she quickly told me they were not her shoes they were Gabby's shoes.

While Gabby and I were fishing earlier in the afternoon, Hillary brought out appetizers.  Included in the appetizers were the shrimp that the girls and I had peeled earlier.  I wanted to eat the entire bowl they were so good, but I had to monitor myself to save room for the baked chicked and vegetables.

Gabby and I got back from our walkabout just as the chicken was coming out of the oven.  Wow, what a meal.  Baked chicken, on a platter with herbs, vegetables - too delicious.

Then, just as we were finishing up with our chicken dinner, Hillary announced that cobble and pie was for dessert.  I can't remember when I have eaten so much. 

During our meal, Hillary and I remineisced.  Telling stores, mostly on Tiffany - about her eating so much on one trip we made to the Keys, about Tiffany burning her feet and legs so bad on a boat trip we made that she had to wear socks with large slide in shoes (Walt's maybe?) Lots of laughs - old stories.

After our meal, the girls got their WII (is that one I or two?) going.  They wanted to show Jim and I the dances they could do.  The girls did their dances and I noticed one that was the Mashed Potato.  I knew I had to try that one.  Funny, everyone was laughing and enjoying themselves while the girls danced, once I started, the room pretty much emptied!

Jim and I got back to camp about 8:30, got our showers, sat outside for a few minutes and then I watched The Apprentice. 

Great full day with great friends and dear family.

This is the last time I will be sitting here at Lazy Lakes to blog. 

Jim is playing his last game of horseshoes for the year this afternoon. 

Hopefully, later today we will be spending some more time with the little girls.

I'm not sure what time Jim wants to leave here in the morning.  Although, anyone that knows Jim knows he is an 'up and at 'em' kind of guy.

Many folks around camp have come by to wish us safe travels. We are grateful for the time spent here renewing friendships from last year and making new friends this year.

The weather has been wonderful.  I keep thinking that since we have had such pretty weather here, it has been a relatively good winter in Norwood.

Prayers and Thanksgiving to God for safe travels home.

Now, for some pictures:

After our meal at Old McDonalds, the girls and I jumped right into making cookies.  Too Much Fun!

Cookie Time!

Lily - a happy little cookie maker!

Gabby - aren't those pretty cookies!

Wedding Site - Saturday Morning

Fun by the pool on Saturday Afternoon

Another pool view - the band, Ray West, is playing under the shelter in the back center of the picture.

John, Sandy and Debbie by the pool.

This is the couple we saw at McDonalds on Friday Night and she is the one that loved the little girls.  His name is T.J. and you know, all season long, I have not gotten her name.  She is a nurse in a doctor's office in Key West.  They moved here from New York in August.

Gabby about to take the plunge as Jim looks on.

Gabby and Lily getting used to the water temp.  In no time at all, they were jumping in with their noodles.

Jim, Lily and Walt by the pool.

Pretty shrubbery Gabby and I saw on our walkabout.

A moth on a fence that Gabby saw.  She wanted to take this picture.  She got pretty close and did a good job.  Hillary, if you ever see this, please show to Gabby.  She would want to see it I think.

Abundant color everywhere.

Gabby suggested I take this picture.  Good idea, Gabby!

This cutey pie Lily was in the street with her dad when Gabby and I returned from our walkabout.  Please note the shoes.

Lily and I as we watch the dance.

Crystal, the Kitty Cat, is an important part of the Lee Family.  I was glad to get this picture of Crystal before we left the Lee House on Sunday.

Friday Afternoon March 11 2011

I just completed my morning post.  As Jim is watching a little Carolina Round Ball, I decided to download and post the pictures from the last couple of days.

I don't think I mentioned this morning - it is very cool here, although cool is relative to what other climates may be experiencing today.  That storm left us with what they are calling a 'cold front' - although temps are in the high 60's - to 70 degrees today.  The wind is blowing mightily and the wind is very cool. 

Pictures from Wednesday Night and a few candid shots around Lazy Lakes:

Fiona as she begins her entertainment on Wednesday Night.

From left to right, Charlie, JoAnn and myself listening and enjoying Fiona.

Fiona is about to begin her 'unicorn' song.  The young man in the green shorts is a tent camper.  The tents are set up around the lake.  There are about four or five in his group and they are the greatest young people.  Walt, Fiona's husband, is showing this first group the motions needed to take part in the song.  This is the chimpazee (each animal, remember, green alligators, long neck geese, humpy back whales and chimpanzees, cats, rats and elephants, and sure as you're born, the loviest of all is the unicorn!)

Here the group is trying to master humpy back whales.

Here, the group is doing the alligator.

And, finally, the unicorn - which only John Bush, the fourth man down to the left, seems to have mastered by making the unicorn horn in the center of his forehead.  Just too much fun.

This beautiful flower seemed to just bloom over night.  The flower is in the flower bed between us and Chuck.  Chuck told me it was a desert rose.

This is the campsite for the young spring breakers from Michigan.  I asked how they got along with the storm on Thursday and one of the young men said "surprisingly well"  - not too much wet, a sleeping bag that they put in the dryer in the laundry room.  And, that they kind of enjoyed a break in the action yesterday with the bad weather.  They just went up to the clubhouse, hung around and played cards.  Again, a great group of young people.  The young man I was talking to said he had a friend going to Pfeiffer College!   They leave to go back to Michigan tonight. 

Another tent camping site around the lake.

Spring Break even affects Lazy Lake Camp Grounds!

Friday Morning, March 11, 2011

Tick, tick, tick.......our time is drawing near.

Our schedule for this week has gone pretty well, although their were a couple of things that didn't work out.  I wanted to go with the Lee Girls to Lily's gymnastics class yesterday and that didn't happen.  A couple of afternoons when we were at the Lee's, Jim was getting really tired and we came back to camp not long after the girls returned from school.

While I typed on Monday Afternoon, late, Jim and I were uncertain as to whether or not to go up to the KOA with the Lazy Lakes Gang.  Jim finally decided we should take advantage of the opportunity and go up and join the group.  And, we were glad we did.

After drinks at the KOA, we had been invited to join some of the camp folks for a going away hot dog cookout.  The cookout was held at Jerry and Char's campsite, so we simply walked across the street behind the camper.

The cookout was being held in honor of JoAnn and Niels.  They were leaving to start their travels back home early Tuesday Morning. A large crowd for hot dogs and then Charlie and Jerry got their guitar and banjo (respectively) out for entertainment.  Once the music started, lots of other campers came by and as often the case, they were joined by kazoo's, tambourines, harmonicas, spoons, washboard, etc.  Seems the Lazy Lakes Trailer Trash Band continues to grow.

I think I mentioned that Terry had bought me a kazoo.  I didn't bring it out on Monday Night.  Although, JoAnn did get hers out and JoAnn was presented with a Lazy Lakes Trailer Trash Band shirt.  She seemed to be thrilled, kazooed her part in the band and she and Niels had a lot of laughs.

I did not know, until Tuesday, that JoAnn was somewhat sad because she thought this may be the last Lazy Lakes Trip for she and Niels.  They have been coming here since the 1980's.  Remember, they are the couple that celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary back in February.

Monday was just a great day, starting with our hunt for paint, to painting Hillary's wicker, to calling it a long, long day from Jerry and Char's party.

Tuesday, we went back to the Lee's for a little work around. 

Wednesday was the big Thanksgiving Dinner, hosted by Terry and Floyd.  And, Fiona played after the dinner. 

We were fortunate enough to go down to Finnegan's Wake, last year, to hear Fiona sing, and further fortunate that Fiona and Walt stayed in this part last year, so they were our neighbors.  Fiona's performance includes her audience which provides for lots of interaction and fun for everyone.  When the audience is not included, she sings so beautifully, everything from Danny Boy, to God Bless America.  She performed until 10:00.  I will have to admit, I came back to the camper and watched Survivor between 8 and 9! :)

Thursday we went back to the Lee's and, again, not long after the girls got home, Jim was ready to leave.  Hillary and the girls left just before we did to get Lily to her gymnastics class. 

While working at the Lee House, Jim looked up at the sky and said "oh, my, gosh."  Clouds as blue/black as could be were rolling in.  We made an immediate decision that Jim needed to drive back up to the camper to bring the slide in, hoping to avoid yet another major leak problem.

Jim said traffic on US1 was horrible.  The wind was whipping over the water and the little bridges.  One car had a large palm frond blow onto it and the driver had to pull over to the side of the road.

Fortunately, although pouring down rain when Jim got back to camp, there were no leaks yet.  Jim thinking it had something to do with the direction the driving rain was coming.  Pulling in the slide, he came back down to the Lee's.

On Thursday Morning, while Jim and I were having coffee and reading the paper outside the camper, Terry came by and enjoyed a cup of coffee with us.  She said she still had a little turkey, dressing, gravy left from the night before and invited us down for dinner.

As we had the big, big storm earlier in the day, and rain showers all afternoon, Jim and I thought maybe Floyd and Terry could not accommodate us in their camper.  Jim walked up to ask Floyd if we needed to take a 'true rain check.'  Floyd assured Jim that all was good and he expected us at 6:00.

We were very glad it did work out.  I think the meal, the day after, was even better than the meal the night before.  To add to the turkey leftovers, Terry had prepared fried sweet potatoes.  They were delicious.  She says she bakes the potatoes, skins them, slices them lengthwise and fries them in butter and brown sugar.  She was pretty funny about this saying that "I take a perfectly good, healthy sweet potato and turn it into something it is not supposed to be." 

Jerry and Char were also there for dinner and after we ate, the four of them, Floyd, Terry, Jerry and Char laughed and told me that I would have to play marbles with them.  So, I did and had fun.  The girls, Terry, Char and myself, played Jim, Jerry and Floyd.  The boys won the first game, the girls won the second game and the boys won the third game.  I have to think the girls would have won all games if they had not had me for a partner.

We get to keep the little girls tonight while Walt and Hillary go out for a rare night out.  They are going out to eat and Jim and I are going to play with Gabby and Lily.

Jim mentioned this morning that he was going to do a little prep work on the camper in anticipation of our trip home next week.

I was back and forth to the laundry room and once, on my return, Jim cranked up the camper.  It was kind of exciting to hear her run as she hasn't been started since about two weeks after our arrival.  I'll have to admit, I was a little worried about the camper starting after sitting here for two months. 

Some checkpoints were addressed and many more to come between now and Tuesday Morning.

Now, for some pictures:

Char, Lorraine and Terry at the KOA.

Linda, camp manager and newly appointed President of Lazy Lakes and Oscar.  Oscar is blind.  He does play Texas Hold 'em with some of the campers and Linda helps him with his bingo cards at the KOA on the Monday Night Bingo Games.  Linda went to Ft. Lauderdale on Tuesday, had all of her teeth pulled and came back with a whole new mouth full of teeth on Thursday. Linda called it "Teeth in a Day."  I talked with her this morning (Friday, March 11) and she was out and about, in fact at the office and said she was doing just fine!

Ann Marie and Bill from Delaware (they have only been at Lazy Lakes for a couple of weeks) and the most kind Frisby to Bill's left.

Mike (of Mike and Joan - they left on Wednesday, March 9) Carolyn standing and I do not know the lady sitting next to Mike - KOA

Charlie (our lead in the Lazy Lakes Trailer Trash Band) and wife, JoAnn.  They are from Canada. 

Jerry (banjo picker) and Dale.

Mike with his back to camera, Charlie, JoAnn, Joan (Mike's wife) and Walter.

Chuck (our neighbor here in camp) and myself.  I had joked with Chuck that I could never get a close up picture and he played along.  A good sport.

I stepped outside the tent area of KOA, looked up and just thought this was so pretty.

The gathering under the tent at the KOA.  The long table on the left is the Lazy Lake Campers.  Other tables were being set up for Bingo.

Hot dog cookout at Jerry and Char's.  That's me talking to Joan and JoAnn is standing behind Joan along with Ann Marie.  After the dinner, Joan was sitting between JoAnn and I.  We were all having a conversation.  Joan got up for a minute to go speak to Mike.  When she started to walk away from Mike he asked where she was going.  She told JoAnn and I that she said "I've got people."  For some reason this struck me as so funny.  When I left the gathering a little later, I just mentioned that I had to go home because I didn't have people.

Beginning of entertainment.  At this point there is only Charlie, Jerry and Carolyn on the washboard joined by Greg, a son of one of the campers here.  Greg rents a house up the keys and comes down to visit with his dad, Ray, who is a work camper here.  Ray and Carol, his wife, have been coming here for years.  Carol has spent most of the winter back in Michigan with her mother and will not be returning here until the end of March.  So, I will have missed seeing Carol the entire time we have been here.

JoAnn (party in her and husband's honor), Lorraine, Joan, Chuck and Bill, after dinner, and at the beginning of Charlie's entertainment.  Pretty soon, this place was packed!

JoAnn playing her kazoo!

Sandy came down with her harmonica and Terry gave Jim a harmonica to play. 

T.J. has arrived with his harmonica.  T.J. is a double talent.  He plays the harmonica and spoons, very, very well.  And, of course, Charlie on the guitar and Jerry's arm at the banjo.

JoAnn was so very happy to be presented with her Lazy Lakes Trailer Trash T-Shirt.  She went straight home, put it on and returned to play more on the Kazoo.

Sandy and Chuck enjoying the music.