Christmas

Thur.  After going to Skidder's for breakfast we came home and played cards.  So far Linda who is playing two hands has won one game and Dad and I have won one game.  We got the bread dough and spread it out(top left), we did the butter and brown sugar(top middle), rolled it and cut it with a thread(top right and bottom left, then put it in a pan for Christmas.  We watched Christmas movies before bed.

Fri.  MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!    We made coffee and the Cinnamon rolls we got ready yesterday. As you can see in the top left picture Santa came.  Top right is our breakfast. Gramps enjoyed them a lot!!We ate them all. The rest of the pictures are us opening up our gifts.  Dad got his calendar from the grand and great grandkids.  It is the highlight every Christmas.  We gave him a cart, which he can use in the kitchen his oven is across the room from the counter.  Linda and I open our gifts.  We read the story of Christ birth.

Before we left to Christmas dinner at Skidder's we posed at the tree in the entry way(top left).  At Skidder's we all had the turkey special Yum Yum(top right and bottom left).  Linda and I went for a swim(bottom middle) and on our walk back to dad's we saw this beautiful sunset(bottom right).  We watched more Christmas shows then bed.

 Sat. Linda cooked a  nice breakfast. We went shopping and Dad got some new sheets for our bed.  We then went to Bealls and found some real good deals all of us got some clothes.  When we got home we went for a swim.

Sun.  After our breakfast at Skidder's we went to church.  When we got home we had glorified ham sandwiches for lunch and a big ham dinner for supper.   We played some cards.  Dad is getting  much better at hand and foot.  We went on our 9 mile bike ride to Dunkin  Donut"s for our free coffee.  As we came hoe we enjoyed the sunset bottom 3rd picture.

Mon.  Linda made a wonderful breakfast of cooked ham, and pancakes.  Linda and I went to the pool for our daily workout.  As we were leaving the pool we saw the sunset bottom two pictures left.We played cards and watched movies.

Tues.  Linda made breakfast again.  Then I worked to get some pictures off my old computer to
dad's Ipad.  I tried everything I knew and still could not get them to work.  Linda and I went for our pool workout. Dad treated us to a steak dinner at Bascom's Chop House for doing some things around the house.  The filet melted in you mouth (top left two pictures). They gave Dad a flourless chocolate cake that was as Linda says out of this world (top right two pictures).

Wed. We went to Skidder's then grocery shopping.  We went to the pool to exercise again. We played some cards and watch a Christmas movie cd.

Eustis-St. Pete

Thur.  We got up early to go see the new Star Wars movie.  When we got there no one was around.  That's when we found out it is Thur. not Fri.  So to make the best of it we booked a one on one with Apple.  He did a great job he helped get our phone set and what he could not do he got an appointment for a tech later.  He also got a app. so we can get Linda's recipes on the internet.  From there we ate at Jason's Deli then went shopping.  It was a long day and so glad to get back to the rig.

Fri.  We got up on the right day today.  We went to see “Star Wars”.  We both enjoyed the movie but we had forgotten the other movies.  Not only did we get to see the movie free we got a soda and popcorn.  After the show we came back to the rig had lunch. Then we started to rake and use the blower to get rid of the leaves.  We made seven piles of leaves and only got one pile into the woods.  We had dinner then watched Christmas movies.

Sat. After breakfast I got all the piles of leaves cleaned up(pictures below).  We drove to town for a Starbucks and shopping.

Sun.  After church we went back to the rig. We got things ready for our trip to Dad's.  After Sunday night church we went looking at lights at Eustis and Mt. Dora. Pictures below.

Mon.   We drove to Dad's for the holidays.  We talked for awhile then watched some Christmas shows.  We planned tomorrow out and what we were going to do when we are here.

Tues.  We got up did a bible study then went to Skidder's for breakfast.  We then went to Home Depo and got some things for the house.  When we got back we put in the fan and a toilet(see 2nd picture below the top row).  Linda and I Went on a long bike ride (9 miles)to Dunkin Donuts only to find out it was closed because they were on water boil restriction.  On the way home we saw a wonderful sunset(see picture below).

Wed. After we got up we went to Skidder's for breakfast then did some shopping.  When we got home Put some lights in the kitchen then the fun began.  We rolled the sandies and dipped the peanut butter balls(see bottom picture above).   After lunch we played some cards.  Linda and I went on a walk around the condo's.  We watched another Christmas Show then had some of the "goodies" we made.

Clearmont- Perkins- CFBC

Thur. This morning I got all the parts and started working on the fuse bypass.  It was wonderful everything worked just as it was supposed to Yea.  After lunch and bible study I went to the pool to play and played volleyball.  Linda came up later and watched.  We swam together for a little while then she went and joined a ladies water aerobics class.  When she got out of the pool we went and played checkers on a large 10 foot by 10 foot board.  

Fri.  We have enjoyed eating on our picnic table.  The weather has been great cool in the morning and in the eighties in the afternoon.  As we were eating our lunch an airplane was writing in the sky.  He wrote Jesus 4 ever and Jesus loves u.  We went on a long walk this morning then a bike ride and paddle boat ride.  I went and played pool volleyball and Linda did the water aerobics again.  After dinner we went shopping and coffee at Starbucks.  We watched a Christmas show before bed.

Sat.  We had our routine of coffee in bed as we watched the morning shows.  Then breakfast and met up with our friends Cheryl and Steve Botts for a bike ride on the  West Orange Trail (a bike trail that used to be the old RR tracks).  At Winter Gardens they were having a craft fair so we ate many of the free samples they had and did not go to the ice cream store.  Linda and I will have to make the five mile (each way) bike ride again.  On the way we say an alligator and on the way home zebras and a horse-drawn carriage.  When we got back to the rig we cooked out hamburgers and had baked beans, cole slaw, and potato salad.  We played three game of pegs and jokers.  Lets just say the guys will be going to bed with winners.  

Sun.  After church we went to Lake Louisa where the Perkins are staying.  We picked them up and came to our rig where we had lunch and played cards.  After Jim’s birthday cake we went to Disney.  We were treated to Ghirardelli chocolate ice cream and Duke of Earl’s sandwich and later we had rice crispy treat.  We took a boat, bus and tram ride to the hotels to see their Christmas decorations.  The top middle picture is a gingerbread house from the movie Frozen. It has 311# of honey 514 # of flour 273 eggs 67#of spices 35# of sugar syrup 222#of icing 423#of chocolate. The house has 1500 shingles and has 15 hidden Olafs.  The bottom gingerbread house has 1050 # of honey 140 pints of egg whites 600# of powdered sugar 700# of chocolate 35# of spices and tons of creativity Disney Magic and Pixie Dust. The rest of the pictures are the trees and some characters.  When we got home around 8 all of us were exhausted.

  

Mon. We got up and after our bible study we started to get things ready for us to leave Tues.  After lunch we picked up Jim and Lana and went to Disney and played cards.  For dinner we met one of Jim's old classmates and had dinner.  After a visit and dinner with them we took Jim and Lana home and we went back to the rig.  Below is Jim's birthday cake that Linda made a Mississippi Mud Cake.  The bottom picture is the ice cream we ate at Disney.

Tues.  After our bible study we got everything hooked up and left.  I think that we have a handle on how to do it now.  From the time we started getting the rig ready and the car hooked to the rig it took one hour and fifteen min.  We only had 50 miles to go so we made it to CFBC before lunch.  We got everything set up, had lunch, then a nap.  After dinner we played a game.

Wed.  After our bible study I washed the car while Linda got things organized to take to my Dad's.  After dinner we went shopping and to church.  It was nice to see some folks that we got to know through out the years here. 

Clearmont Fl

Thur. Linda had two sleepless nights about my health insurance.  We were able to redo it and now we are both happy for the next year.   When we looked out our window we saw one of the many turtles(top left picture). 

Fri. We went to the Orlando Mall to a one to one Apple computer class.  We got a lot of questions answered and he was able to show us part of the number program.  We then went out to dinner then home.

Sat.  We finally made time to clean the windows on the car.  They had gotten very dirty as we traveled in the rain with it towed behind the rig(top right picture).  We also made time to go swimming.  I was able to play water volleyball for two hours.  While Linda exercised in the pool.  After a wonderful chicken dinner we went to the clubhouse and learned a new game (fast trac)  The girls won the first game and the guys won the second.  We then listened to a couple sing country music(bottom right picture).  

Sun.    After church we went shopping and Starbucks for a drink special.  When we got back to the rig we went up to the pool and I played pool volleyball again(bottom left picture).  I then did a lesson and Linda made dinner and we watched three christmas movies.

Mon.  After our bible study  I dumped the tanks and put on a new fresh water hose.  I ate lunch then went and did one more lesson.  We went to Starbuck's for there half price sale.  After dinner we watched TV.

Tues.  After our bible study this morning I took the bikes and waxed and oiled them(picture bottom left).  This afternoon we drove to town to pick up some Christmas gifts, have dinner, and pick up fuses for the car.

Wed.  I went to put the fuse extender into the Honda and got one side with no problems.  When I went to do the other side I pressed down and bent the tip which broke when I straighten it out.  So on our way to church we went to get a new part. Four stories later I found something that will work.  I was able to finish my last lesson today yea.

THANKSGIVING-Florida

Thur.  Happy Thanksgiving   The family all met at Betty and Fred's.  She had made a very tender juicy turkey and the rest brought sides.    The weather was perfect so after dinner we stayed outside enjoyed sitting and games.  We came inside and watched football and played board games. It seemed that all over ate for lunch, no one wanted dinner except the three kids.

Fri.  We met Mike and Pam at Betty and Fred's for breakfast.  The top left picture is some turkeys that made it past Thanksgiving in their back yard.  We had coffee, coffee cake and fellowship.  Linda and I left there and went to Barbara Mandrell's home (Fontanel Mansion).   The rest of the pictures below are of the home.  Some highlights 2nd row left a post that had many of the folks that came to visit them.  Such as Bob Hope, Jerry Lewis, Billy Graham, Glades Knight and Brenda Lee.  3rd row left is a dress of Minnie Pearl who was a regular visitor. Botton left three pictures is of their bedroom.  The second bottom picture is me with crackers eating them in her bed(Which is from her song"Crackers"). The third is Linda in their big hot tub. Bottom right picture is a statue "I exalt thee". We enjoyed the grounds and the history of the area.

We went to Jen's where Mike and Chris were putting their new tv up(top left 2nd picture they read the directions 3rd picture everyone enjoying the TV).   Katie and I made a turkey cracker and cheese plater.  Bottom 3rd picture Mike being a good sport as Addy and Katie  dressed him and colored his hair and beard.  Before we left Katie and Addy put on a skit for us(bottom right).  We had a wonderful visit with Pam and Mike and the rest of the family.

Sat. We went to Jen's for leftovers at lunch.  Linda and Katie made a turkey pot pie for dinner.  After dinner Katie and Jen worked on playing a game (survivor).  Jen was the host, Mackenzie was sick and didn't play till later.  The first thing we did was hula hoop where Katie won amenity.  We then did a cheer like game where Linda and I were disqualified and had to go to tribal council.  Linda got voted off.  The next thing was to balance a ball on a paddle.(2nd picture bottom and Linda was sitting in a chair and fell bottom left picture)   Chris won amenity and Katie had the hidden amenity so I was voted off.  The next thing was a tasting contest(top three right pictures).  Katie ended up winning.  It was a very fun night.

Sun.  We went to Jen's to pick them  up(Mackenzie was sick and did not come) and went to see our old youth minister that now is the minister in Murfreesboro. Afterward we went to Blue Coast a restaurant like Moe's.  We had a great time catching up (bottom right picture).  When we got back to their house we had desert and Linda and I played cards with Katie and Mackenzie.  When we got back to the rig we did some things to get ready to leave tomorrow.  We watched some Christmas shows and went to bed.

Mon.  We got up this morning, ate and did our bible study.  Then we were blessed by having the arms on the tow dolly both extend.  We drove to Cordell Ga. and spent the night in the Walmart parking lot.  We had lots of rain and fog it was the strongest when we climbed Mt. Eagle.  When we got to I-75 the rain stopped and after Atlanta the sun came out.  Picture below was taken of us at the Walmart we stayed at.(we forgot to take a picture in the daylight)

Tues.  On the road again.  The night was not bad we got up and drove to Thousand Trails near Orlando.  After we got set up I went and shaved my No Shave November Beard.(see below)

Wed.  We got up did a load of laundry, went on a long bike ride and redid the insurances because Vanderbilt will no longer take our insurance.  We got an appointment to see our new family doctor in January.  After dinner we went to church then to Aldi's for groceries.  We got home watched a little TV then bed.  It gets so dark early we are both ready for bed by six.