January 23, 2010

We're outside Orlando now and have finally made the switch from heat to air con. We had an absolutely wonderful visit with Jack and Redenta Kern. Redenta and I really connected...maybe because we share the same birthday? She's a fabulous artist specializing in botanical drawings. Their home was so warm and interesting - I hated to leave.

My bike finally came off the rack while we were in Sanford; I biked a little every day. It was great to get in some exercise that doesn't bother my back. We've also found that we can just put it in the RV when we're ready to roll which makes it a lot easier to use.

We had enjoyed dry weather for a couple of days and then in the middle of the day, our slide started dripping right over the dining table. What the heck? Mouse pee? Still haven't figured that one out.

Our next stop was in Malabar, FL - right off the ocean. I took a hike on the boardwalk at Turkey Creek park, hoping to see some Manatees in the creek. Instead, I saw lots of little turtles swimming around, necks stretched up out of the water. The boardwalk itself was pretty interesting. Apparently the park takes donations for the boards in exchange for engraving the donor's message. There were lots of "In Memoriam" and "Happy Birthday" boards, one "Carole Hollowell and Derek" board, a Captain Kirk board and my personal favorite, near a little gazebo, "Will you marry me Julie, 2006."

The next day, we put the top down on the convertible (wahoo!!!) and took a day trip to the Kennedy Space Center. This is a museum dedicated to our flights in space and the men and women who flew in them. We entered the shell of an Endeavor craft and enjoyed a 3-D Imax movie on NASA's trips to the moon. I hadn't really been too excited about 3-D television until now. Very moving. It seemed as if things were flying right in front of your face. We also took the new shuttle launch experience. This was great until I started to feel my jowls flapping. No, no no. I'm not kidding you. This was more distressing than when you first discover that flap of skin hanging under the upper arm. Kind of hard on the bladder too....guess space isn't in my future but it certainly was an inspiring exhibit.

There's been a shake up at MUFON and the installation of a new International Director, so everything seems to be on hold re deployments. Although we don't know the new Director well, we like him and are anxious for things to get back to normal.

The Geezerville game project is still on my mind. See Mareta's suggestions in her last comment. We should now add golf carts and three-wheeled bikes to the list.....I know I'm going to get those before it's all over. We're going to be buying a Kindle and I realized that is also a great device for seniors as you can increase the size of the font on any book.

Time for this geezer to sign off. Keep those comments and e-mails coming.

Love, Vicki

January 11, 2010

Our last "home" was outside Jacksonville, FL on Mayport Naval Base. It was unlike any others I'd been to....I actually saw ships. Chuck rattles their names off...destroyer, cruiser, destroyer escort. The host at the RV Park was in the army. He calls them the BGB....big, grey boats. Chuck says these are small ships but even if you aren't into things military - they're impressive with their multiple electronic systems. They also had mock ship decks for fire fighting practice.

The RV park was great with a clubhouse and free laundry facilities. Everyone was extremely friendly and helpful. While we were there, I got on to the "Farmville" internet site (through Facebook) that my sister Jessie had been talking about. I signed up and I'm actually having fun working my farm. I need neighbors though so please let me know if you're on it too. Chuck meddles with my farm but refuses to get his own. We almost came to blows yesterday when he threatened to spend half of my proceeds on a tractor. I've been giving thought to starting a game named "Geezerville" with points for wearing the kind of sunglasses you get at the eye doctor, owning an RV, playing Bingo (oh yes, I did), etc.

We took a day trip to the Kingsley Plantation on Fort George Island. At one time, the plantation consisted of 32,000 acres and was worked by over 200 slaves. We saw the remains of 25 small slave cabins, which were built with "tabby" - a building substance made primarily from shells. This was a sobering experience although not as depressing as entering the holding spaces that Norma and I saw in Zanzibar.

We're now above Orlando and although it's cool, it is the prettiest day we've had since we left. The sun is shining and there isn't a cloud in the sky. The record breaking cold has been devastating to the local farmers and some animals. We heard that people were putting heaters into the water to try to save the Manatees. Fortunately, most of them migrated. The sea turtles are also at great risk.

We're looking forward to seeing Jack and Redenta Kern in a couple of days. Jack was one of Chuck's partners in crime in high school.

Hope you guys are staying warm.....we miss you but not the weather.