Things that make you go, "Hummm."

I began this entry last night, but never got a chance to post it. Instead of re-wording the whole thing, I'm sending it out as is. 

February 18, 2015

Yesterday and today in many ways were totally different, yet disturbingly similar in the ways I observed how some human beings interact with one another.

Yesterday, "G" and I obtained our Florida Resident season passes to Disney World and toured a bit of Epcot for the afternoon. What I witnessed was a very different feeling about the people surrounding me opposed to my last visit 4 years ago. Last time, while waiting on line, you might have struck up a conversation with others who were on long waiting lines for a ride, but this time, we were surrounded by people submerged in their cell phones. All were deep into whatever they were searching for or being entertained by, that I felt badly for all they were missing around them. I would guess that many never even saw the beautiful blue pansies that were planted all along a walkway, or the cute little kid in a passing stroller looking up at them and smiling. It seemed like most people were stuck inside their own cocoons and missing out on so much beauty the park had to offer.

We had lunch at a cafe where I had a ring side seat to a little munchkin in a stroller, no older than 18 months. Every time he looked at me, he smiled. I wonder if it was because I was the only one smiling back at him. Not one of the 7 other family members interacted with this baby. When his mother got up and left the table, he cried, and the grandmother (?) shoved an iPad in his hands, without ever looking at him. Mom returned and took the iPad away for herself. I continued to look at this baby, just so I could smile back at him whenever he smiled at me.

Today, we had a visit from my former boss and his wife, Jim and Linda, who are vacationing near Disney for a week. After they left, wind and heavy rains bombarded us, so we just lazed around and headed out for a late dinner. 

While at the restaurant, I witnessed the second thing that really had me wondering - "Hummm, really? Is this really how some parents are treating their children?" Two women were sitting at a table with a toddler who was probably not yet 2. I assumed that they were mother and grandmother to the cute little girl. The only time I saw any interaction with this baby was when she almost spilled her milk. Other than that, she sat, spooning baked Mac and Cheese in her little mouth and entertaining herself. Mother was on her iPhone and grandmother was on an iPad and had sporadic conversations that never included speaking with, or to, that baby.

As a child, I remember the TV being referred to as the "Boob Tube." A device that rendered the watcher in a state of semi-consciousness. It was going to ruin "family time." The iPhones, Smart Phones, pads, tablets, Gaming Consols, etc., need a moniker as well. Maybe it can be the "Selfish device," because it's all about the user and not about anyone else. God help these little ones who are not being sung to, jiggled on a lap, hugged and tickled. I generalized here...not every parent is as bad as the ones I found myself surrounded by the last couple of days.

I will end my tirade on disturbing observations with a list of my favorite childhood memories:

Jump Rope - you could play alone, but it was more fun with three or more.

Hopscotch - again, you could play alone, but it was fun competing and learning to take turns.

Off-the-Step - the game where you threw a pink Spaulding ball against a step and caught it. Three points for catching before it bounced, 2 points if it bounced once. It taught us how to compete.

Hula Hoop- alone or with a group to see which of your friends could hoop longer.

Jacks - another one that you could play alone, but two was ideal.

Stick Ball  - you needed all the neighborhood kids in order to form two teams.

Kick ball - a group only.

Acorn Fights - you needed a crowd and paper bags.

Barbie - there was only one, and a Ken. It was more fun with a friend, because you could borrow each other's doll's clothes.

Summers at the Jersey Shore, "jumping" waves with my parents.

Driving in our old station wagon, lovingly called, "Nellie Bell." Every time we went up a hill, my dad would tell us to lean forward to help the car make it up the hill.

Counting VW bugs on a long trip.

Playing Pokeno often, but always on Thanksgiving.

Making lists from the Sears Wish Book.

Playing cards with my grandparents.

Deep thought for the day: Tonight, I find myself grateful for many things, like spending this winter in Florida, growing up WITHOUT a cell phone or computers, and being loved by people who interacted with me, even when the TV was on (but especially during the commercials). I'm getting old because I remind myself of my grandparents when I reminisce about the "Good 'ole days." 

Celebration

When our friend, Charlie, was staying at a site close to us at Elite, one of the first orders of business was a trip to Ari Sushi in Celebration. It had been quite a while since he and I enjoyed Japanese cuisine together. "G" joined us, and was disappointed that Sesame Chicken was missing from the menu, but he settled for some Chicken Teriyaki instead. I had my doubts about obtaining quality sushi outside of NY, but was very pleased with the rolls we ordered. We had a "Celebration Roll" and a "Mango Tango Roll." There was a third, but I can't remember what it was, but regardless, it was delicious.

Charlie, AKA, Mr. Sushi

This afternoon we made a return trip to the beautiful little town of Celebration, which was created by Walt Disney for the architects, designers and engineers in order for them to be able to live with their families near the future Disney World site. 

It is like stepping back in time to the 1950's. The buildings are all restored and quaint shops line the street. We had a late lunch at the Market Street Cafe, which was really an old fashioned diner with retro chrome accents, linoleum flooring and leather booths with gold tack boarders.

Once Upon A Time, how appros

Cuban Restaurant and red brick road

Believe it or not: Bank of America!

"G" in front of another clock!

Just a pretty fountain in a square

The Post Office of Celebration

At the corner of where we ate lunch

A fabulous water fountain

Wednesday, we had an appointment to take Allie up to Alliance Coach in Wildwood, FL, about an hours drive from our "home" base. Lucy wasn't too thrilled with the trip and it was anything but pleasant for "G" and I. We had to get up at 6 am in order to get the stakes pulled up and arrive there by 8:30 am. We ended up sitting in the parking lot until 2 pm when a tech finally came out to look at the two issues that brought us up there, the broken privacy shade and furnace (tempermental is an understatement) that was not working, yet again. After checking the automatic shade manual ("G" had already done that), calling the manufacturer and then calling Tiffin Motorcoach, the tech determined that it must be the motor, which had been our assumption all along. The tech removed a screw that held the molding against the left windshield and discovered that the gear mechanism was missing two pins, and it needed to be replaced by a part that, you guessed it, needed to be ordered.

Okay, one problem down, next order of business was the furnace. "G" explained everything that he had already done to troubleshoot the problem, but the tech went ahead and did all the same things himself, all to the same result...furnace does not work. He "believes" it is the main circuit board and that part will be ordered as well. Another trip will be required for the installation of the parts once they arrive. It has become obvious that all our problems are electrical in nature, making me wonder if the electrician who wired Allie was working his first (or last) day or was "wired" himself. 

If we strike out with Alliance Coach, my friend, Pauls suggests a side trip to Red Bay, Alabama, where all issues will be addressed by the builders of our Motorcoach. They have a reputation of standing behind their product. We may have to see. A long letter to Bob Tiffin has already been drafted.

Tuesday, we met with Carl, the property manager, who helped us design a layout for our lot. Each site has paving bricks of slightly different colors. Ours is grey and camel and are typical brick shape. Some have squares and some are patterned-shaped stones. I like the fact that they are similar, yet once you create your design and plant trees and shrubs, your site is unique. I've added a photo of tthe lot layout as it will look with the additional pavers. The pattered area indicates additional pavers to the ones that arleady are in the center area...The RV fits with plenty of room on the left side towards the back of the lot. To our left is an open space that we can incorporate as our own, if we want to invest $$ to do so.

Style of pavers. Ours will be grey and camel color, with a grey border.

Today was a rainy day and we decided to get out and do something fun. I chose the Titanic Artifact Museum. We paid $22 per ticket and saw mostly items from the Red Star Line, opposed to original salvaged items from the ship. When you arrived at the museum, your receipt was a boarding ticket that was a description of a person who actually sailed. At the end of the tour, there was a wall where you found your name to see if you survived or not.

I was issued Ticket # 17606, for Mrs. Edward Candee (Helen Churchill Rungerford), a 53 year old woman who was sailing alone, First Class from Cherbourg, her destination was Washington, DC. She was a novelist traveling in Europe doing research for her latest book, Tapestry. She was rushing home to attend to her son, Howard, who had been seriously injured in an automobile crash.

"G" was issued Ticket # 8471, for a Mr. Daniel Danielsen Gronnestad. He was 32 years old and also left out of Cherbourg, but he and Helen probably never met since he travelled Third Class. His destination was Portland, North Dakota, which became home after he immigrated to American with his brother Bertil in 1900. He had been returning alone from his 16th visit to Norway.

Helen survived, but like so many other men aboard the RMS Titanic, Daniel had no chance to board a lifeboat being a man and sailing third class. Seeing the list of names was disturbing and unsettling. After viewing the "Tribute Wall," you entered the gift shop for the Titanic. I had no desire to purchase anything at that point, but it did instill a desire to research the woman on my ticket. What I found was a unique person, quite ahead of her time who divorced her abusive husband and wrote for magazines to support herself and children, then advanced to novels. She became an activist for womens' rights and even marched down Pennsylvania Avenue.

Novelist, activist and Titanic survivor, Helen Candee

Nosey Nellie.

People watching.

  

Deep thought for the day: Whether you venture across an ocean or just down the street, you never know if it will be your last. Make the most of each venture and take advantage of every adventure.

Life from 233 Cypress Street

That's us...corner of Limewood and Cypress

Thanks to fellow RV'er, visitor to Elite Resorts, and friend, Charlie, I now have an official photo documentation of our transfer from site 57 to our new RV Pad, 233 Cypress Street.

Reluctantly, "G" let me drive it over, but he insisted on backing it into the site.

Pad, sweet pad.

We are "getting a feel" for how we want to arrange the layout, what we would like to see occupy the outdoor living area and where we want to plant bushes and trees to best afford us shade, privacy and beauty. There is a long list of "wants," and in reality, no needs, however, that will not stop us from personalizing this little piece of heaven to the best of our abilities.

Tomorrow, we are meeting with the landscaper. He will stake out our property lines, listen to our plans and provide us with advice on paving and plantings. We probably won't do anything until we come back down in the fall. By that time, I will have designed and re-designed the lot at least 200 times.

The pinpoint of the rocket as it left our view.

I neglected to mention that on January 20th, "G" and I witnessed a rocket in the sky that had launched from Cape Canaveral by the US Air Force. A first sighting for me and a second for "G." The photo did not capture my overwhelming awe at the sight of a huge, man-made object piercing the dark sky with a bright orange tail going up, up and away. I stood watching it until it was no longer visible. I can only imagine the excitement of seeing a manned rocket.

The Air Force launches an unmanned Atlas V (five) rocket Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015, from Cape Canaveral, Fla. The rocket hoisted the third in a series of Mobile and User Objective System satellites. (AP Photo/Florida Today, Craig Rubadoux) 

G and me...

Friday night a bunch of us went down to the club house for a dinner dance. The band, Yesderday's Band, was quite good and a ticket costing $12.50 got you live music, dinner, dessert, and for some, a chance to burn off some calories on the dance floor. I had "G" out there more often than not, and I enjoyed the night...especially since it ended before 10 pm. I'm getting too old to stay out late at night. As it is, my dance muscles were a touch sore next morning. As a teenager, I remember begging to stay out until midnight, now, I start looking at my watch around 9:30.

I have been taking advantage of the warmer temps that we are experiencing. I've been walking, working out in the exercise room and lazing around reading books. I've just begun reading my third since being here and forgot how much I loved to read - books. Not on a Kindle or a tablet, but a good, old-fashioned, turn the paper page book. 

Update on the "Infamous Three," the items that have been giving us problems and headaches:  

1. Hot water heating element - all systems GO.  Working fine and dandy. That will officially come off the list now.
2. MCD Privacy shade - still stuck at 3/4 of the way up. We have an appointment with Lazy Daze to have it looked at, but we believe we need to go another route so it can be repaired before we head up north.
3. Furnace - was not working, then Ray and "G" fixed it and it worked. Then it stopped working, "G" fixed it...It's currently working, but I typed that verrrry quietly, so it could hear me.

Deep thought for the day:  Credit for this thought goes to a quote from the book, Half Broke Horses, a true story, written by Jeanette Walls. 

"I realized that I hadn't been paying much attention to things like the sunrise, but the sun had been coming up anyway. It was going to rise and set regardless of whether I noticed it, and if I was going to enjoy it, that was up to me." 

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