We were in Louisiana rolling along when the "check engine" light came on and the engine died. Chuck was able to get the RV off the road, where we placed a call to our Good Sam roadside assistance. Eventually..... the tow truck appeared. It's quite a process to get the RV set up to tow and that poor guy was on the ground with traffic whizzing by...not the safest job in the world. Once he was done, we climbed up into his truck; it had so many instrument dials that it looked like a cockpit to me. Apparently there aren't that many shops here that work on Cummings Diesel engines so we're off to Lake Charles.
We arrived in the late afternoon and they can't get us in. The only thing left to do was to crack open a bottle of White Zin. Fortunately, we were able to hook up to electric but we'll have to use as little water as possible - no showers. If the black water tank fills up, we'll either have to pee in the sink or the parking lot. The first indication we have of the type of neighborhood we're in was the sound of several gun shots. Have another sip of WZ. The rest of the night passed without incident.
They're closed on Saturday but we're able to locate a nice mechanic who came in to do some extra work. Unfortunately, his buddy had taken the diagnostic equipment on a job and then home. At a minimum, we're stuck until Monday. At least Chuck and I can take the tow car off and go out for a nice dinner...except that when we try to leave, every single gate is closed and locked. Back to the RV where pickings are slim.
By Sunday, I'm ready to take action and take the bike out in search of groceries. The GPS says there is a grocery store a mile away. Fortunately, Chuck decides this is not an adventure he should let me take on my own. Down comes his bike - which hasn't seen any action since it went up. We're off.
The first thing we pass is a burned out area of grass across the street - guess that's what the fire truck was doing here yesterday. Then there is the street guy pushing his belongings in a grocery cart. The path we travel is uneven. Sometimes there is a bit of sidewalk, sometimes not. We pass a police officer and check our directions. I can see the question in his eyes - what the heck are you two old geezers doing out here?
On the way, we pass a lovely old cemetery. They elevate the graves and cover the full length of the body with stone here. Interesting. Reminds me of the trip I made with my folks to Louisiana as a kid. I believe that something good comes out of almost every adversity. The best part of our little adventure is that I got Chuck on the bicycle.....the exercise felt great.
Monday morning FINALLY arrived. Greasy hair is driving both of us nuts. The diagnostic equipment has been returned but it isn't working right. Chuck is on the computer and the phone trying to buy the Cummings Diesel program himself so that we can get the heck out of here. In the meantime, we notice a flat tire on the tow car...which they don't fix here. Right. They make a call for us - tire repair is on its way. Not soon but hey....
Late Monday, they have finally diagnosed our problem. The serpentine belt is off and hanging. I don't know what this means but its an easy fix so that's good. The thing is that we had total maintenance 200 miles away, including air con....during which, they either put the belt back on wrong or should have seen the problem with this stupid belt. ARRRGGGHH.
We're operational again. On the way, we passed over "Crawfish Bayou" and a Crawfish Farm. Who knew they had such things? Once in Texas, we start singing "Deep in the Heart of Texas" but we only know one verse so it doesn't last long. I look up the lyrics on the computer and we start making up our own...we're so hard up for entertainment. I'm on the lookout for "little doggies" and we finally see some. Even saw some little "little doggies." Chuck expounds on animal husbandry...he's a font of informaion.
Finally we start to see swathes of the beautiful blue bonnets - the Texas state flower. Interspersed are other, unknown flowers - in tangerine, a few pink and crimson. Texas is alive and beautiful at this time of year - highlighted by frequent US and Lone Star Flags along the way. Even the Lone Star RV park is one of the nicest we've encountered and Chuck will stay here for a week while I'm at Paul Smith's CRV class. Mufon's Research and Development guy, Robert, lives in Austin so it will be great for them to spend some time together.
All our best -
Vicki and Chuck
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
March 25, 2010
We've driven home and then back again to Florida. Plagued by anxiety and angst over our upcoming depositions, I didn't pay much attention to the road on the way home. On the way South again, however, I became engrossed in the passing countryside. Once we hit Kentucky, I started oohing and aahing. Kentucky is such a beautiful state - I would have loved to spent some time adventuring here. The terrain became more contoured and interesting. "Isn't this beautiful?" I exclaim. The engineer beside me responds - "typical-limestone-formation." My romantic...we did just see the same thing, didn't we?
Then - just as we were discussing it on the phone - we passed the Louisville Airport on our right. This is the site of an important UFO incident last year - witnessed by multiple, highly credible witnesses....an event that the FAA apparently doesn't want anyone to talk about.
Moving away from the city, the white-petaled crabtree seems showy and special among the greenery. Then on to Tennessee - birthplace of my dear sister, Joannie. We have Joannie's ashes with us and I can't help but think of her.
In Tennessee, we picked up a new element. Slender fingers of lacy plum/orchid branches poke out here and there. Not sure what this tree is but the color is almost indescribable and definitely wasn't blooming two weeks ago.
My childhood memories of trips to the South include signs for Burma Shave and Rock City, back-road stands highlighting chenille bedspreads, old barns with pictures of tobacco products, firebrand preachers on the radio and a slight concern about having a "Northern" license plate. Why am I surprised that they're all gone? Unlike Wisconsin with a bar on every city corner, churches seem to be the thing here. Were also hearing a bit more country twang on the radio and have seen a few confederate flags. A trip to the grocery store reveals gizzards and cans of every kind of bean, pea and greens.
We're surprised at how much we both missed our RV. Our Tempur~pedic mattress is at the top of both of our lists and the Cusinart coffee-maker is high on mine but really, we just missed the whole thing. All signs of "road incidents" have been repaired and we're good to go. I don't like the short distance between campers at the typical RV parks but then again, once we're on the road, the whole country is our back yard.
Once in Florida, we saw rusty-red buds popping out on the trees. At first I hoped it might be the Golmahar tree of Farmville fame but the shape of the tree was wrong. Now in Louisiana, yellow plants - wild mustard? - dot the roadside. Our MUFON friend, Robert, has promised us "beaucoups bluebonnets" - the state flower of Texas - once we arrive.
I'm working on finishing up my controlled remote viewing practice sessions in anticipation of my class. Paul sends me a picture of the actual "target" after I e-mail him the session...and I always hold my breath to see how close I came. The last one I did was interesting. After you write down the co-ordinate number, ideogram and structure, you start describing the colors, shapes, textures, tastes, smells and sounds of the place. Then you start sketching. As you go along, ideas will pop into your head as to what the target might be. This is called Analytical Overlay (AOL) and you need to write down what you thought of - in order to validate it and put it aside. Typically, the farther along you get in the session, the Analytical Overlay becomes more like the actual target. In my last session, I drew a tower type structure with one line coming into it and several lines glancing off. My last AOL was a cell phone repeater tower. In my summary, I said "it feels as though there is something glancing off of the building - perhaps light." The target was a windmill in Spain. It's hard to know what you might be sensing...for one thing, you can be seeing something from any angle whatsoever or picking up on one particular feature. In one of my sessions I said that I couldn't see whether there was a dip or chasm ahead. Paul responded that then I should have moved to a different vantage point. I suppose this all comes with practice. It's a very eerie feeling when you're "on." Everyone can do this....if you can overcome the dominating, logical left side of the brain. I know my left brain will be compressed into mush soon in the intense experience ahead.
I'll let you know how the classes went after 4/6.
Vicki
Then - just as we were discussing it on the phone - we passed the Louisville Airport on our right. This is the site of an important UFO incident last year - witnessed by multiple, highly credible witnesses....an event that the FAA apparently doesn't want anyone to talk about.
Moving away from the city, the white-petaled crabtree seems showy and special among the greenery. Then on to Tennessee - birthplace of my dear sister, Joannie. We have Joannie's ashes with us and I can't help but think of her.
In Tennessee, we picked up a new element. Slender fingers of lacy plum/orchid branches poke out here and there. Not sure what this tree is but the color is almost indescribable and definitely wasn't blooming two weeks ago.
My childhood memories of trips to the South include signs for Burma Shave and Rock City, back-road stands highlighting chenille bedspreads, old barns with pictures of tobacco products, firebrand preachers on the radio and a slight concern about having a "Northern" license plate. Why am I surprised that they're all gone? Unlike Wisconsin with a bar on every city corner, churches seem to be the thing here. Were also hearing a bit more country twang on the radio and have seen a few confederate flags. A trip to the grocery store reveals gizzards and cans of every kind of bean, pea and greens.
We're surprised at how much we both missed our RV. Our Tempur~pedic mattress is at the top of both of our lists and the Cusinart coffee-maker is high on mine but really, we just missed the whole thing. All signs of "road incidents" have been repaired and we're good to go. I don't like the short distance between campers at the typical RV parks but then again, once we're on the road, the whole country is our back yard.
Once in Florida, we saw rusty-red buds popping out on the trees. At first I hoped it might be the Golmahar tree of Farmville fame but the shape of the tree was wrong. Now in Louisiana, yellow plants - wild mustard? - dot the roadside. Our MUFON friend, Robert, has promised us "beaucoups bluebonnets" - the state flower of Texas - once we arrive.
I'm working on finishing up my controlled remote viewing practice sessions in anticipation of my class. Paul sends me a picture of the actual "target" after I e-mail him the session...and I always hold my breath to see how close I came. The last one I did was interesting. After you write down the co-ordinate number, ideogram and structure, you start describing the colors, shapes, textures, tastes, smells and sounds of the place. Then you start sketching. As you go along, ideas will pop into your head as to what the target might be. This is called Analytical Overlay (AOL) and you need to write down what you thought of - in order to validate it and put it aside. Typically, the farther along you get in the session, the Analytical Overlay becomes more like the actual target. In my last session, I drew a tower type structure with one line coming into it and several lines glancing off. My last AOL was a cell phone repeater tower. In my summary, I said "it feels as though there is something glancing off of the building - perhaps light." The target was a windmill in Spain. It's hard to know what you might be sensing...for one thing, you can be seeing something from any angle whatsoever or picking up on one particular feature. In one of my sessions I said that I couldn't see whether there was a dip or chasm ahead. Paul responded that then I should have moved to a different vantage point. I suppose this all comes with practice. It's a very eerie feeling when you're "on." Everyone can do this....if you can overcome the dominating, logical left side of the brain. I know my left brain will be compressed into mush soon in the intense experience ahead.
I'll let you know how the classes went after 4/6.
Vicki
Saturday, March 6, 2010
March 6, 2010
We stayed at a great place in Tampa - waiting out the cold. The RV park was filled with Canadians who bought camp sites up when their dollar started gaining strength; most of them were bilingual and very friendly. The thing that I enjoyed most about this place was the line-dancing class. My mother line-danced at her senior center until she was 83. For awhile, I would join her for Thursday class. Taking the time out of my schedule seemed to be a bit annoying as I always had so many other things to do (I also resented the fact that they thought I was a senior too!) Now, that time spent together is a very happy memory. Line dancing is great exercise and it really felt good to be moving. I'm still bicycling too but a little more carefully now as I fell down making too sharp a turn. Note to self: that's why bicylists wear gloves - get some. I do always wear a helmet.
While in Tampa we caught up with the DaVinci exhibit (at MOSI, Tampa's Museum of Science and Industry) that we missed in California. It was a whole lot more about his inventions than about his art. Most interesting to me was the forerunner of the dive suit but there were lots of military and civilian machines using gears, levers, pulleys and screws in ways that were entirely new for his era. None of the works were originals - considered far too fragile and valuable to place on tour. This exposure to DaVinci me want to learn much more about him as a man. We also saw an IMAX film on fighter pilots and visited the Butterly Garden there. Compared to Milwaukee Museum's Butterfly exhibit, MOSI's exhibit was pit i ful....PITIFUL.
We also bombed out at Busch Gardens where we froze our bums off. I've been in ski villages that were warmer. The monorail wasn't working because of the wind. I didn't want to take the terrifying rides and it was way too cold to take the water ride. Being cool, it was another bad alligator day but I finally did see the encaged alligator up close and personal......well, on the other side of the barrier. Evil looking things even when smiling - but definitely not as exciting as the ones we saw on the Lamanai River trip in Belize.
We've been working on a couple of cases where retired military folk - baby boomers like ourselves - have decided to give MUFON their account of UFO encounters. One individual is very ill but he is still willing to take the time to discuss his work experience. His story provides additional detail and credence to concerns about U.S. defense systems.
We also had a fascinating visit with a forensic scientist who will act as an anonymous consultant to our program. He gave us several tips on gathering trace evidence. The one I appreciated most was the use of a material called dental stone which he uses to take castings (such as footprints.) For our purposes, this material is excellent for preserving the impressions made by landing gear. It comes in two formulas - one for warm weather and one that is used in cold weather and actually enables the investigator to take impressions of indentations in the snow!
We're headed for Pensacola where we will leave the RV and depart for home. We had no choice in the matter as we have to give our depositions in the case we filed against San Francisco's Lang Jewelry store. We've set up all of our medical and beauty appointments and are looking forward to spending a week with family and friends. If you're available on Sunday the 21st, we're meeting up with a few folks at Saxe's Restaurant on Hwy. 18 at 4:00 p.m. where we'll provide appetizers and you can order a drink or two.
Best regards - Vicki and Chuck
While in Tampa we caught up with the DaVinci exhibit (at MOSI, Tampa's Museum of Science and Industry) that we missed in California. It was a whole lot more about his inventions than about his art. Most interesting to me was the forerunner of the dive suit but there were lots of military and civilian machines using gears, levers, pulleys and screws in ways that were entirely new for his era. None of the works were originals - considered far too fragile and valuable to place on tour. This exposure to DaVinci me want to learn much more about him as a man. We also saw an IMAX film on fighter pilots and visited the Butterly Garden there. Compared to Milwaukee Museum's Butterfly exhibit, MOSI's exhibit was pit i ful....PITIFUL.
We also bombed out at Busch Gardens where we froze our bums off. I've been in ski villages that were warmer. The monorail wasn't working because of the wind. I didn't want to take the terrifying rides and it was way too cold to take the water ride. Being cool, it was another bad alligator day but I finally did see the encaged alligator up close and personal......well, on the other side of the barrier. Evil looking things even when smiling - but definitely not as exciting as the ones we saw on the Lamanai River trip in Belize.
We've been working on a couple of cases where retired military folk - baby boomers like ourselves - have decided to give MUFON their account of UFO encounters. One individual is very ill but he is still willing to take the time to discuss his work experience. His story provides additional detail and credence to concerns about U.S. defense systems.
We also had a fascinating visit with a forensic scientist who will act as an anonymous consultant to our program. He gave us several tips on gathering trace evidence. The one I appreciated most was the use of a material called dental stone which he uses to take castings (such as footprints.) For our purposes, this material is excellent for preserving the impressions made by landing gear. It comes in two formulas - one for warm weather and one that is used in cold weather and actually enables the investigator to take impressions of indentations in the snow!
We're headed for Pensacola where we will leave the RV and depart for home. We had no choice in the matter as we have to give our depositions in the case we filed against San Francisco's Lang Jewelry store. We've set up all of our medical and beauty appointments and are looking forward to spending a week with family and friends. If you're available on Sunday the 21st, we're meeting up with a few folks at Saxe's Restaurant on Hwy. 18 at 4:00 p.m. where we'll provide appetizers and you can order a drink or two.
Best regards - Vicki and Chuck
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
February 15, 2010
Key West medical advisory......Prevent Scurvy - Eat Key Lime Pie!
The temperatures were subnormal for Key West but we basked in the thought that there was snow across the rest of the country. Our stay included tours of the Mel Fisher Museum and Ernest Hemingway's Home. The museum (www.melfisher.org) contained a sampling of the treasure which took 16 years to find on the bottom of the ocean off of Key West - including many eating utensils, coins, cannon, gold jewelry and a 37-karat emerald.
Hemingway's home is the only one on the island with a full basement and has the largest outdoor pool. It was built over a stone quarry which he converted to a huge wine cellar. His study, where he wrote approximately 3/4 of his works, remains intact. Perhaps the most well-known aspect of the home, however, are the polydactyl cats which still roam at will
(www.hemingwayhome.com/HTML/our_cats.htm).
We also drove to Big Pine Key to have lunch at the famous "No Name" bar. This unusual setting featured dollar bills which completely covered the walls and hung down from every inch of the ceiling - easily 40,000 more or so. The food was good and plentiful but as I looked around, I couldn't help but wonder - do they dust?
Now we're in Fort Myers - visiting Jack and Cindy Weigel. They have a great home in the beautiful Pelican Preserve community - which offers activities for everyone. They seem to be constantly on the go - walking every day, taking dance lessons, working on mosaic projects, and helping out at church. They have trotted us out to a movie, the local flea market, shops and the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. This free park is best visited in the late afternoon when birds fly in from all over to roost for the evening. Sitting areas along the boardwalk offered us a good view of hundreds of birds - including egrets, herons and anhingas. Alligators are often present but of course, I didn't see any. I'd love to go back and hope we'll have time to do that.
I also conned Chuck into going to the Shell Factory on Hwy. 41 - that I'm sure I visited with my Aunt Florence and Uncle Mac when I was a teen. I didn't buy anything but it was fun to think about have been there so many years ago. Chuck's favorite thing was the cherry fudge he bought to celebrate Valentine's Day.
HV from C and V!
The temperatures were subnormal for Key West but we basked in the thought that there was snow across the rest of the country. Our stay included tours of the Mel Fisher Museum and Ernest Hemingway's Home. The museum (www.melfisher.org) contained a sampling of the treasure which took 16 years to find on the bottom of the ocean off of Key West - including many eating utensils, coins, cannon, gold jewelry and a 37-karat emerald.
Hemingway's home is the only one on the island with a full basement and has the largest outdoor pool. It was built over a stone quarry which he converted to a huge wine cellar. His study, where he wrote approximately 3/4 of his works, remains intact. Perhaps the most well-known aspect of the home, however, are the polydactyl cats which still roam at will
(www.hemingwayhome.com/HTML/our_cats.htm).
We also drove to Big Pine Key to have lunch at the famous "No Name" bar. This unusual setting featured dollar bills which completely covered the walls and hung down from every inch of the ceiling - easily 40,000 more or so. The food was good and plentiful but as I looked around, I couldn't help but wonder - do they dust?
Now we're in Fort Myers - visiting Jack and Cindy Weigel. They have a great home in the beautiful Pelican Preserve community - which offers activities for everyone. They seem to be constantly on the go - walking every day, taking dance lessons, working on mosaic projects, and helping out at church. They have trotted us out to a movie, the local flea market, shops and the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. This free park is best visited in the late afternoon when birds fly in from all over to roost for the evening. Sitting areas along the boardwalk offered us a good view of hundreds of birds - including egrets, herons and anhingas. Alligators are often present but of course, I didn't see any. I'd love to go back and hope we'll have time to do that.
I also conned Chuck into going to the Shell Factory on Hwy. 41 - that I'm sure I visited with my Aunt Florence and Uncle Mac when I was a teen. I didn't buy anything but it was fun to think about have been there so many years ago. Chuck's favorite thing was the cherry fudge he bought to celebrate Valentine's Day.
HV from C and V!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
February 2, 2010
I didn't want to miss going for an airboat ride through the Everglades so we searched the internet when we hit Ft. Lauderdale. I found an outfitter that would take two people out on a private tour for two hours - to the less traveled areas. $350. Gulp. Chuck said we could do it but I just couldn't see it, so we opted for the $20 each trip at Sawmill park. After we were seated in the boat, they told us that it was a "bad alligator day," as it was too cool. Of course the $350 folks never mentioned that. Chuck caught a quick glimpse of one; as per usual, I saw nothing. I did, however, thoroughly enjoy skimming over the water - thinking land lay ahead - and then seeing the sawmill grass part as we forged forward. The noon day sun glinted on the water, and an occasional Osprey would wing past. A little hard on the ears but overall a very pleasant experience. When I was doing laundry yesterday, a woman who arrived in Key West when we did said that they saw 100 alligators off of Highway 41 - just along the roadside. Well - there you go!
I love Key West. To me, there is a bit of a foreign feeling here except that it's clean. Small white houses and buildings are crowded together....and you hear the crow of an occasional rooster. We are parked at the Naval Air Station which accommodates hundreds of RVs. The only problem is that there is a 4-5 week wait for sites with electrical and dump hook ups, so we are "dry camping." $12 a day but every two days we have to bring in the slide and drive over to the dump site. Showers are short but the worst part is that the rules require that all generators be turned off between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. What that means is no air con at night.
We have had good cell phone coverage with our cellular booster. I was a little concerned about how they would work because we had a court appearance by phone in our case against Lang Jewelry store of San Francisco. We were very pleased that the judge ruled in our favor and will retain jurisdiction of the case in Wisconsin. During the call, I started hearing a rooster crowing. At first I thought it was coming from our farm in Farmville but it turned out to be one of the five roosters (and one hen) that wander the RV park. They are actually protected here and we were told that you can get in big trouble if you endanger them in any way.
We plan on being here until the 10th, when we will head for Ft. Meyers to visit Jack and Cindy Weigel.
Our best to all - Vicki and Chuck
I love Key West. To me, there is a bit of a foreign feeling here except that it's clean. Small white houses and buildings are crowded together....and you hear the crow of an occasional rooster. We are parked at the Naval Air Station which accommodates hundreds of RVs. The only problem is that there is a 4-5 week wait for sites with electrical and dump hook ups, so we are "dry camping." $12 a day but every two days we have to bring in the slide and drive over to the dump site. Showers are short but the worst part is that the rules require that all generators be turned off between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. What that means is no air con at night.
We have had good cell phone coverage with our cellular booster. I was a little concerned about how they would work because we had a court appearance by phone in our case against Lang Jewelry store of San Francisco. We were very pleased that the judge ruled in our favor and will retain jurisdiction of the case in Wisconsin. During the call, I started hearing a rooster crowing. At first I thought it was coming from our farm in Farmville but it turned out to be one of the five roosters (and one hen) that wander the RV park. They are actually protected here and we were told that you can get in big trouble if you endanger them in any way.
We plan on being here until the 10th, when we will head for Ft. Meyers to visit Jack and Cindy Weigel.
Our best to all - Vicki and Chuck
Saturday, January 23, 2010
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
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
Monday, January 11, 2010
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.
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.
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