Update from Clermont

I can't believe how much time passes before I get an opportunity to add an entry to my blog. It seems like we have been caught up in the whirlwind of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.

I left off my last entry stating that we were heading to Lake Ridge Winery. I ended up having a fun time sampling the different wines from grapes that are grown here, as well as other local vineyards. The grapes are fermented and bottled at Lake Ridge which is located in the "mountainous" section of Florida. The muscadet grape is the main grape used for the majority of the wines, and its aroma brings back sweet memories of grabbing green grapes from my ancestors' grape arbors and squeezing them into my mouth. You didn't eat the tough outer skin, just the sweet meat it contained.

The hopper where the grapes go after harvest

The vines go on for acres and acres.

Our tour guide, Joseph

A case of wine later, we walked over to a well shaded lawn where a band played some great 70's music, including tunes by The Grateful Dead, Led Zeplin, Crosby, Stills and Nash, and the Allman Brothers. It took me back to another day and time. The food was eclectic, to say the least, and the wine - terrific.

The biggest news we have to announce, is that we decided to purchase an RV pad here at  Elite Resorts. We loved this place as soon as we put our jacks down, and have felt so very much "at home," that once we started to see "Sold" signs going up left and right, we decided to purchase a little piece of heaven before all the good sites were taken. 

Our little piece of heaven...red circles indicate recently sold

So, at the end of the month, when we close on our lot, we will become official Floridians, and "G" will have his home base in the south, a wish he has had for quite some time. I had never pictured myself living in "God's Waiting Room," but I quickly fell in love with this area and all of its natural beauty, shops, restaurants and its proximity to both shores.  So, we will leave 223 behind in New York for 233 in Florida. Once we officially occupy site 233, I'll be sure to take a bunch of photos. Beginning in the fall, and over the next couple of years, we will start the work of expanding the paved area, getting a shed. a stackable washer/dryer, some shrubs and a tree or two. This place will be our winter haven, but traveling to see each state will remain on top of our bucket list.

Westchester County - In a State of Emergency

Our friend, Charlie, will be arriving on Wednesday after his trek from New York a week ago. He definitely got out of town in time to miss the historic storm that is forecast to hit New York tonight into tomorrow and threatening to dump close to 3 feet of snow. The governor has already issued a State of Emergency for the area we left behind.

They just just finished digging out close to 7 inches of snow a couple of days ago and before that, a terrible ice storm, making me NOT miss New York one bit. Missing friends and family is another story,

Deep thought for the day: Whether the day brings you warm sun, the dampness of heavy rain, or cold clouds bursting with snow, be grateful for the opportunity to experience it. ~ vc

Is it real or is it Memorex???? 

Long time, no blog!

It's been a bit of time since I've had the chance to sit back and tap into my creative side. We have been busy little bees buzzing all around the western and central portions of Florida.

One of our first stops was for dinner and a stroll at Downtown Disney. I was able to add two different birds to my list. This is a section where it's mainly shops and restaurants. We had dinner at Splitsville, which is a restaurant serving a variety of foods in a 50's style bowling alley. The most interesting sight of the night was that of a woman, all dressed up, in high-heel boots, picking up trash with one of those grab sticks. We assumed she was a worker, but you would never have known it by her attire.

An annoying black bird - not sure of its name.

Snowy Egret

The woman picking up trash. Only in Disney.

Not for the faint of heart. Like me...

I think this is Puff. The Magic Dragon.

Getting "G's" haircut was the next entertaining thing we did. After seeing a "barber" sign and pole, we assumed that we had the right spot, but it turned out to be a place called "Urban StylZ," a high end style and shave establishment. The place was really cool and the barbers quite talented with the scissors. I came to find out all the guys were from Puerto Rico and, man, could they cut hair. I watched one customer get a straight-razor shave for over 45 minutes. As it turned out, "G's" hairstyle took 40 minutes and he was treated to his very first (and probably last) blow dry. I had a hard time looking serious, while sitting on the bench watching it all go down.

"G" not so sure this was a good idea while I try not to laugh.

The blow drying actually took longer than I thought humanly possible.

"G" getting a treat for being so good during his hairstyle

We also made a trip out to Winter Garden to visit an old railroad museum. It was small, but interesting. Besides lighthouses, trains are "G's" next favorite thing, besides RVs, traveling, bike riding. etc.

The two photos below depict the earliest file cabinets. An excerpt from the Early Office Museum site follows:

"Letter Filing Cabinets have file drawers in which papers were stored horizontally, that is, lying flat. Drawers contained metal devices to hold papers in place as well as alphabetical dividers, e.g., the A drawer would have a divider for Aa to Ac followed by a divider for Ad to Ae, etc.

Cameron Amberg & Co. was established in 1868 and made its first Cabinet Letter Files in 1875, when they won an award from the American Institute, New York, NY. (Asher & Adams' Pictorial Album of American Industry 1876). In 1876, its Cabinet Letter Files were awarded a medal at the Centennial Exposition. The metal devices in some of its drawers bear an 1878 patent date.  In 1881, 1,000 firms were using its cabinets."

Magnificent craftmanship

Letters were filed horizontally

Last Saturday, we drove over to Bradenton to visit my Auntie and Uncle Tony. It turned out to be a long day spent mostly driving the four hour round-trip. We went to a fabulous Greek restaurant, The Olympic Cafe, for lunch and then Uncle Tony drove us all around looking at several RV resorts, Anna Maria Island and the pretty development where they live.

On Sunday, we spent the day spiffing up and getting caught up on paperwork and cleaning. "G" and Ray spent quite a bit of the day tinkering with the non-working furnace. Being without a furnace wouldn't normally be an issue in Florida, but the temperature has been dipping idown at night. By wiggling some wires and poking around, they were able to fix it with a touch of magic and a bit o' luck. Horray!

The other constant thorn in our side has been the electric hot water heating element. Although a new element was purchased and installed, It only helped "G" rule out that it was the element. So, another day was spent trying every trick in his bag, all to no avail. 

***THE CULPRIT***

One of our RV neighbors, Gary, from Arkansas, offered to take a look at the water heater, and within a few seconds determined the problem. "G" ran out to the store and bought a new thermostat and with the skill of an experienced electrician (that he is), Gary had it replaced and in working order in no time at all. 

We can't say enough good things about Gary and his wife, Linda. They are the kindest, thoughful and generous strangers we have ever come across. Although strangers no longer, I am grateful that our lives intersected at this moment in time. There should be more Gary's and Linda's in this world.

Wednesday and Thursday were spent at the Tampa RV show that was held at the Florida State Fairgrounds. On Wednesday we went with friends, Kathy and Ray and Thursday, we went alone. We did a LOT of walking, both days, and saw so many neat and interesting products, resorts, and RVs. 

As much as I didn't want to even look at any rigs, I finally allowed "G" to show me his favorite one at the show. It's a Fleetwood Discovery, 40 foot diesel. Of course it's bigger and has more bells and whistles than Allie, and sporting extravagances such as a residential refrigerator, a dishwasher, glass backsplashes, wine bar, dim-able LED lights, king-sized bed, ceramic tile flooring throughout the entire coach, washer and dryer, and bling all around. I loved everything about it except the the shower and lack of a linen closet. Besides, I love my Allie.

Here are a few photos of the Tampa RV Show:

"G" and me!

My Pod...big enough for 2, some have exterior covered kitchens. Just no bathroom.

So adorable.

The Fleetwood Discovery.

"G" discovering how much he likes this model.

The dining area. A TV rises up in front of the window.

My wine cabinet! I'd let "G" buy it just to get this!

Master bath vanity.

Some of the street performers at the RV show:

Today, we will be traveling to Lakeridge Winery with friends Kathy and Ray. They have been such great friends and are responsible for introducing us to Elite! They have spent so much of their time showing us around, helping out with our mechanical issues and making us feel so welcome here.


Deep thought for the day: Sometimes, it is impossible to repay favors and kindnesses from friends or strangers. I will continue to live by the rule of "paying it forward" whenever possible. ~ vc

Elite Resorts

Florida Sand Hill Cranes

Lately, it’s felt like we have been on a vacation. We have been enjoying warm and breezy days with temps in the low 80's, but today, was a bit cooler, so the day was spent doing chores. “G” washed the car and Allie - a first for both since NY, and I cleaned inside. I rearranged several items and removed things I haven’t used since living aboard full-time. Those will be stashed in the “basement,” close enough, but not taking up “prime real estate” in the coach.

We have been parked at Elite Resorts since January 1st, which is located in Clermont, FL. It is fairly centrally located, making it easy to head north, south, east or west to various interesting places. Disney is only a quick drive down the road and we are planning to head to Downtown Disney for dinner and a stroll this evening.

During our drive down south, I made notes of a few interesting things I have observed.

1. Sign in VA:  “Brad’s Tree Service – Your tree will fall for us!” Cute.
2. Sign in GA:  “$100 Fine for Throwing Trash on Roadway.” I guess you can throw it off the side of the road.
3. Daytona Beach: “Drive-Through Church.” I saw what looked like a toll booth and thought maybe you just pulled up, said your confession, or received communion, and drove off, but I came to find out it is actually a Drive-in Church. It’s just like an old Drive-In Movie Theater. I wonder if they sell popcorn.

So far, the only birds I have seen close up were Sand Cranes. They remind me a bit of Canadian geese, only in the way that they hang out together, walk around and honk when they fly off. I’ve heard, but not seen a Barred Owl – I shall now be walking with my binoculars. We met several residents and "regulars" of Elite and all rave about how great it is here. I can see why. This is, by far, the best place we have ever come across to date.

Deep thought for the day: Work becomes more fun when the sun is shining and the weather is a cool 72 degrees!

Check out Elite Resorts HERE.

A view of the back of our rig from across the lake

This is the street we are parked on!

The moon last night

A view of the sunset from our windshield