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