Munday's "Roadrunner" On the Road

We are Back!!

2012-02-12T11:59:00.000-08:00

Although we enjoy going off on vacation, we always are glad to be home too. Made it back to Ft Lauderdale without issue so that was very good. Arrived about 7am and left ship about 8am. After dropping Alex & Katy off at airport did our replenishing of groceries at Costco (nearly flipped at total cost) and grocery store - finally made it home early afternoon. All fine at home. Lots of laundry etc... didn't feel great with chills last night and woke in the night with a bit of chills and a drippy nose.. - no crud though.. all ok as far as my stomach but just a bit achy and hard to stay warm - doesn't help we are having a cold spell - highs today in 50's after being down in the caribbean with perfectly wonderful weather. Never had so much activity in the pools. No real complaints but we still like our 1st ship the best; liked the layout of decks and pools and activities geared more for our age group. This ship is geared towards a younger type people and we missed our "promonade deck" where you can walk all the way around the ship without going inside. Not possible on this one but never thought too much about it before so guess we just had to learn the hard way. ha! Wait staff at dinner remembered our names and sang to us a few nights which was fun. They have all been so different. I would not recommend booking a room in the bow area of the ship... we did and although we were on 9th deck it was still noisy and the water was heard at night. Not a big deal but haven't had that before so noticed it quite a bit this time. A few days to recoop and then on to the Everglades Nat'l' Park.. I'm excited. Now just have to get well!!!

Ocho Rios, Jamaica - Mon!!

2012-02-12T11:49:00.000-08:00

Our last port of call was Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Was so looking forward to visiting this place especially after watching Cool Runnings but checked what others said on line and found some very negative comments. Made us very dubious and so did go ashore to shop some but did not get out and about as we would have liked.Oh well, the beaches were easily accessible and nice. We are not big beach people any more though. ha! Found people fun and so nice. Enjoyed our stop very much and glad we did go ashore to at least say we went there. No excursions though which was probably a mistake but were thankful we did what we did.. Think it is like most places. Better than some and not as bad as we had thought it would be... (of course if we had looked at comments before booking probably wouldn't have gone there to begin with and that would have been a bigger mistake. ha! - how do you like that reasoning?

Grand Cayman Island

2012-02-08T11:38:00.000-08:00

A few pics of Alex with Early holding up his shirt.. didn't want to get sun burned. Actually we were told initially it was only about knee deep but turned out to be a little deeper afterall. No matter, fun was had by all. Alex said later he did see a variety of fish. Water was so clear and warm it was easy to see without snorkeling but guess we missed some anyway.

Grand Cayman Island

2012-02-08T11:31:00.000-08:00

After Key West we went on south to Grand Cayman Island. Oh, what a fun place. We actually signed up for an "excursion" to go swim and play with the sea "rays". These wild creatures are actually fed so they cooperate with the all these crazy people who come to see them and pet them. I am sure everyone had a wonderful time! The scenery was out of this world; the weather "perfect" and the guys on the boat (from England) were so much fun! Our boat was made just for this type of thing so we could just walk off the back instead of having to deal ladders and what not.... Alex and Katy snorkeled some and Early wandered around throughly enjoying himself too. This was called Deluxe Stingray City Sandbar; Marineland tours on Grand Cayman. Such great guys and so much fun.

Key West, FL

2012-02-06T13:00:00.000-08:00

First port of call; Key West! What a perfectly lovely day too! Heard they had 4" of rain overnight and when we 1st woke up a bit cloudy but then the clouds started to part and oh my!!! Perfectly lovely and so warm!! What is not to like? Walked around town and did a little shopping but because we will be staying in the Keys in a few weeks didn't do too much. Just enjoyed the day. Had a great breakfast then after a walk through town headed back for a little afternoon swim; lunch and get ready to rock and roll. Ship leaves port at 5pm and will be off line rest of week. All day at sea to morow then grand Cayman Island before going on to Jamaica Man....

Carnival Freedom

2012-02-05T12:51:00.000-08:00

Made it on board and although cloudy and overcast it was plenty warm enough. Big screen to watch Super Bowl game! Fun to watch the parade of ships as they leave the harbor - 1st stop Key West in the morning..

Ft Lauderdale, FL

2012-02-05T09:30:00.000-08:00

One fo the best things to happen lately is finally getting to meet nephew Thad and his wife Whitney from Minnesota!!! It just so happened his mom was paying attention and mentioned that they were also doing a cruise at this time of year and after a bit of juggling realized they were taking same boat as our scheduled cruise only a week earlier; so we arranged to meet up with them as they came back and we were leaving... Wonderful people as we already knew but so fun to finally meet!! Too many years of missing each other... kudos to sister Sandra for helping us out here!!

Lakeport RV; Moor Haven, FL

2012-02-03T12:35:00.000-08:00

This year we have moved to Lakeport RV on a canal next to Lake Okeechobee. Not a large park but we are on a concrete pad with full hookups and no extra charge to stay on site while we are on cruise. Good 50 amp power and quiet area. Took ride through town and visited the locks on the western end of the lake as we have in the past. Same guy stil works there. Windy or seemed to be most of the time but nice and warm so what the heck. All sorts of birds with a pair of resident sandhill cranes so what's not to like>

Wauchula, Florida

2012-01-30T11:50:00.000-08:00

Another lovely sunset here in Wauchula! Only a few more days before we head further south to prepare to board for cruise! Leg was feeling much better and swelling all gone when Early and I decided to 'run' across the street to the salvage yard (for a rearview mirror for car) when the muscle in my leg pulled again! Oh my, it hurts again.. Just when I thought I was pretty much healed. guess these things take more than a week or two to heal - internet says give it 6 weeks. oh my.. Otherwise all good here... Oh yes, have to add - just read my 1st free book from Amazon on Kindle - Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. Loved it!! Small book and doesn't cover any of the Rev War but what a guy. We all know he was smart but this guy knew it too. ha! I really enjoyed how highly he speaks of himself. Not your typical autobiography but for the time c. 1757 it was good info. Of course I love history so that helps. It is free download without kindle if you download free "reader" from Amazon as well.

Solomon's Castle, Ona, FL

2012-01-26T08:56:00.000-08:00

Central Florida is a bit in the middle of nowhere; however there is always something to do. We have heard about this place for years and finally ventured over to do a little sightseeing. This guy purchased about 55 acres back in the 1970's (mostly swamp) and then proceeded to take everyone else's thrown away junk "stuff" and re-create it into his own castle. This guy's castle has gift shop with items he himself made and on the tour of the various rooms you are led into part of his actual living quarters. He began cutting and creating when very young and it took him many years to finish castle and then another number of years to create the "Boat in the Moat". The boat operates a little restaurant run by a daughter and son-in-law and offer light meals. Another gift shop is found near lighthouse also made by him. Interesting guy and uses everything from old chains and brake drums to who knows what. Very creative and interesting. He visited Texas a few years ago and Loved the Alamo so came back and built his own! How funny. Looks just like the Alamo too. Ona, Florida is off in no man's land but what the heck. Lots of farming in this area so nice drive. $10.00 each for tour and lunch runs around the same price.

Pileated Woodpecker - Peace River

2012-01-24T14:12:00.000-08:00

To say we were thrilled to see this guy pounding holes in the trees here in Florida is an understatement. We have seen some of the holes this guy can put in a tree and they can be quite large! In Washington there was tree that squirrels made home thanks to the relatives of this guy! It's just so great to see the various wildlife.

A little wedding celebration!

2012-01-22T06:38:00.000-08:00

Buddy and Diane tied the knot and thus we all had a little celebration! They don't look as though they noticed but the evenings here turn quite cool once the sun goes down. There was a good turn out for their celebration and more food then you can imagine. So much fun. Buddy wrote the prettiest song for his new bride too! Nice to see such lovey dovey even at our age. ha! Of course Early and I are still love birds too - ha!

Peace River & Pickle ball!!

2012-01-22T06:25:00.000-08:00

Not sure if I had conveyed my strong desire towards this game and all these fun people but being the type of person I am; hummm and thinking I am in pretty good shape I did let my leg rest a few days and after feeling much better tried once again to "play". Loved the few minutes on the court but alas.. was not able to keep it up.. My leg has been giving me fits ever since (my little indulgence) and now I have to stay off it completely for a while. These are just some of the players and Hettie here is in her 80's so it is not the most strenous of games but there is movement involved and apparently some sort of movement we are unaware of until it jumps up and attacks. ha!

Out of commission!!

2012-01-16T09:44:00.000-08:00

The weather has finally warmed up again and took yesterday off.. went out this morning to play pickle ball and 1st game got cramp in right calf then almost immediately a pop in left calf and oh my goodness.. the pain!! So, now I am home with leg elevated with ice and out of commission. Was lucky that Early was on his morning stroll so he walked me home. ha! Embarrassed and sick at heart that this may be a real strain instead of just a cramp; think that was all that I had on right leg. The timing is terrible but what can you do? We'll have to play be ear and see. If swells or bruises will go to doc but for now I am comfortable and Early gets to do all the work around here. ha!

Disney Quest

2012-01-13T16:59:00.000-08:00

The girls (Carol, Pam, Stephanie & I) all spent the day at Disney Quest. We had a ball. Did not really know what to expect but this is a "Disney" place here in Orlando. 5 floors of games... virtual crazy games. These funny glasses were needed for the Pirates of Carib game. You go into a "boat" and one person is Capt. (steers the boat) while the others shoot other pirate boat. Crazy but fun... Once inside all if free and you can play games over and over again or whatever but no additional charges and there is even a food court in there. Wild experience but a heck of a lot of fun.

Blue Springs State Park, FL

2012-01-06T18:52:00.000-08:00

And what would a visit to Florida be without a visit to Blue springs State Park? One of our favorite places to visit. A perfect day with temps in the 30's the night before. There were 293 manatees counted the day before so knew we would see quite a few manatees. We did not see much bird life or other critters although we did see a few turtles. The day was lovely though and worth the ride out to see these gental giants!

Oranges from the "Sunshine" State

2012-01-05T06:58:00.000-08:00

This truck is a familiar sight here in central Florida and we have heard a few times on the news how they are experiencing a "bumper" crop this year! So, I want to know WHY in this state they even import oranges from South Africa???? Yes, folks that is what is wrong with our economy... farmers and bankers and politians who would rather play games with the food we all need and love then make an honest buck here in the good ol' US of A - I guess. that's my thought anyway... When I go to a state that is known for it's produce and then go to the market and find what I think is fruit from that state and see stickers saying from South Africa I sort of get a little annoyed. I imagine others do too. I do pay attention though and let the store know that I do notice and will not purchase from them. I will go looking for the local foods... Meanwhile, although we have experienced a cold spell we are still enjoying our stay down here. Back in Clermont for another 2 weeks then south again.. ha!

Happy New Year!!! Here's to 2012!!!

2011-12-31T18:32:00.000-08:00

There is nothing quite like the last day of another year. They seem to just fly by and when it's done we are always glad and yet although there have been so many terrible disasters in 2011; we have so much to be thankful for. 2011 has been fairly good to us as we have traveled over the eastern end of the good ol' US of A. Our children and grandchildren are all ok (although we have one in NYC as I write this) who we can't help but worry a little bit about - ha!!!

No major breakdowns or illnessess or natural disasters to have hit us personally so we feel very fortunate and can only hope 2012 is a better year! We have plans to head west in the spring and will traveling right through the heart of tornado alley and after having dodged a few last spring know how chancy it can be.

Anyway, here's to all - we wish only the very best for you!!

Isn't this guy cute. He is perfect symbol for this park.

A visit with Scarlett

2011-12-29T15:37:00.000-08:00

What a picture perfect day!!! Not only was the sun shining but we had Scarlett's smile to brighten the day as well! Scarlett and Kenny are heading up to NYC to celebrate their 2nd wedding anniversary but stopped by Florida to see us. We drove down from Wauchula to Miami for the day (7 hours round trip) but we watched the sunrise and that was perfectly lovely and had a marvelous day with them. We took a little tour of the Anhinga trail at the Everglades Nat'l Park and were able to have dinner together before starting our trek home. Scarlett is such a sweet person and was so great to see them again.

Merry Christmas to All and Wish all a Happy New Year!!

2011-12-20T08:17:00.000-08:00

A little note to say we were so thrilled last evening when a group of young carolers came by to wish us a Merry Christmas and left us with treats to top off the joy of their sweet young voices. No clue as to where these children came from or where they went but oh my, the delightful surprise of being sung to when least expected! Their little voices were very sweet music to us!

Peace River, Wauchula, FL

2011-12-18T17:52:00.000-08:00

Another lovely day here at Peace River! I have never seen it so bare of campers! A perfectly lovely day and expecting the "crowd" any day now. ha! Love being here though and seeing the "regular" snowbirds. Fun out at pickle ball and even enjoyed a Christmas dinner here with over 100 in the clubhouse! We have never been here for the holidays before so a treat for us.

Trevor Drener

2011-12-12T06:18:00.000-08:00

This year the Christmas party was held a little early here at Thousand Trails in Orlando but oh my, what a treat! Trevor Drener was here for the entertainment and this guy is so GOOD! He has been world champion lasso artist and works part time for Disney. We were fortunate enough to see him last season when we were here and although we will not be here for the holidays we lucked out and were able to get to see him again this season. Love his show. He is a good singer and friendly performer and knows how to lasso and twist and twirl ropes like you haven't seen before. Truly amazing and fun to see. The dinner was very good and so glad we were able to participate. Rain was threatening all day but waited until everyone was safe back at home before opening up and dumping on us. ha! A good short soaking that was needed. Never did cool off too much though as the overnight low was only in low 60's.!

A visit to Disney Animal Kingdom

2011-12-11T13:54:00.000-08:00

A special treat for us this year was being invited to join some of our good friends for an afternoon at Disney's Animal Kingdom park. This park is unique and all based on african type animals. One of the special features is a "Safari ride" where you get to see the real animals grazing outside. Elephants, rhinos, giraffe; warthogs and a lot more. Fun - the big show of the park is a Lion King floor show. Wow! It is one of the most elaborate shows I've ever seen and the talent is unbelieveable. Disney knows how to cover ever little detail and they do an excellent job at this park as they do at them all. The "Tree of LIfe" is another wonder and fun to see. A special thanks to our friends who have given us this very special memory to treasure!

Bayport Park, Florida

2011-12-06T08:09:00.000-08:00

Took a ride over to Webster for their Monday market and afterwards took ride over to Bayport Park on gulf! Talk about lovely... 82 and breezy but very nice. There were a few kayakers and the parking lot had a number of boat trailers but no beach so just walked along the canal and boardwalk. Fun watching the fishermen off the pier. One girl caught a baby blue crab and a grackle took off with some of their shrimp which was hilarious to watch. Just like a naughty child getting caught red handed. funny

Welcome to Florida!

2011-11-30T09:02:00.000-08:00

We are back in the "sunshine" state and happy to be here after watching the weather report and looking at the rest of the country! ha! Sunshine and some clouds and a little much needed rain but otherwise fairly nice. Will update later when I get pictures added to computer but wanted to say we are here. All good here... Here is picture of our Lake Hancock which I love to walk out to and Myrtle the turtle. These wonderful turtles can be seen occasionally here at this park. This one has a stump for a hind leg (did an alligator try to get it? - don't know) ha! In any event, wonderful to see some different wildlife.