A STOP AT THE PRINCESS LINE’S PRIVATE ISLAND

Princess Cays / At Sea

Monday, January 18, 2016

79 F—partly sunny

Today we took tender boats to a relaxing tropical island in the Bahamas.  I always look for a palm tree with a little shade to read, a perfect setting. We were near the sea with a view of the ship and near the picnic pavilion. Princess personnel carefully carry the assortment of picnic food to the island, burgers, hotdogs, all the fixings like tomatoes, lettuce, and onion, chicken, ribs, coleslaw, baked beans, corn salad, potato salad, fruit salad, brownies, and cookies. Some cooking is done on the island as well. This year I noticed wraps and pork, beef, chicken, or vegetable tacos in another area.  As I write I am thinking of our friends and family in the cold north and I feel a little guilty enjoying such warmth. TK and I are so fortunate and blessed that we are able to travel like we do. I promise that I will bring some warmth home in February!!

Tonight our gang of twelve dined in the Symphony dining room at two tables for six. We have a great group, three firefighters and two heavy equipment operators. Brian K. gave each of the ladies a bag of Lake County diamonds tonight. I will be very excited to show them to Brother Bill and B2. Brian K said the “diamonds” can be found in vineyards when they plow, after rains, and even on the side of the road. They are clear silicon dioxide (quartz) and they are only found near the volcanic Mt. Konocti in Lake County, California, north of Napa and east of Mendocino County (Northern California) in the Pomo Indian area. They remind me of the diamonds Son Randy and family found at the Herkimer Diamond Mine in New York State. We will all examine them soon!!  TK and I shared the maple syrup candy drops we got at the PA Farm Show. Brian K wanted to melt them tomorrow for his pancakes at breakfast.

Our dinners (most ordered veal scaloppini) were tasty, but we enjoyed the company more. 

Some Regal Princess facts:

·         The ship, built in Italy, was launched in May 2014—I think it is the newest ship we have ever been on.

·         About 1000 feet in length

·         About 120 feet in “breadth”

·         About 24 feet draft—below the water line

·         22-23 knots

·         Total number of passengers on board—3560 plus 1345 crew members (about 1000 more people than the population of the town I was raised in)

·         Five tenders each with a capacity of 220 persons.

·         20 Decks

·         10 bars, clubs, and lounges

·         3 main dining rooms

·         2 restaurants which charge an extra fee (steak house and Italian)

·         Seafood Bar, Pizzeria, Gelato, BBQ grill smokehouse, Ice Cream Bar, Cafes, and of course, the Horizon Court for the buffet

·         Other locations include a library, art gallery, boutiques, an Internet Center, spa and beauty salon, a fitness center, photo and video gallery, shore excursion desk, casino, and a reception/purser’s desk open 24 hours a day.

·         Princess Theater and multiple lounges with multiple kinds of music and  other shows

·         We did find another pool today so I’m not sure how many there are now.

This is a busy ship!!
[Note: I tried to upload one photo. After 7 minutes I gave up--since we are "Platinum" we have 150 minutes free internet, but it is deadly slow. -- can't fix that]

TK is at the movie (Bridge of Spies) so I will have to wait for his “Take.” Lawrence was unfettered today (also unfiltered), and entertained many. I will need to ask him for back up takes, 

Regal Princess from Princess Cays

ABOARD THE REGAL PRINCESS, A REGAL SHIP!

At Sea

Sunday, January 17, 2016

80s F—some sun, some overcast

Without too much stress, we boarded our new home for two weeks. Key cards in hand, we headed to the Horizon Court by 11:30 a.m. for lunch. Great fried scallops, fresh watermelon and honeydew for me. We were in our stateroom (C611—mid ship starboard side) quickly and even unpacked and organized before the mandatory muster drill. A man at our muster station argued with one of the crew about the length of time this took—he was very rude and the lady was doing her job. Personally I think muster drill is important.  Safety instructions are mandatory on every single ship we have ever been on (even the U.S. Brig Niagara, in fact especially the Niagara—there were many drills over the ten days I sailed as crew on the Atlantic) and truly today as always some people really did not know how to put their life jacket on.

After the muster drill, the Regal sailed smartly, 2^nd out of 7 cruise ships departing Ft. Lauderdale today. It was a little windy, but there was no rain. When we win the lottery we will most certainly purchase one of the exquisite mansions along the channel!  The sea is not rough.

Our gang of 12 decided to eat on our own tonight, so TK and I went to the Horizon Court buffet.  I can’t stay away from the fruit and the veal Milanese was excellent. TK liked the roast pork, the steam ship prime rib carving station. Peach cobbler for me and brownies for TK. So far the food has been very good. I don’t care for fancy food, but I sure won’t starve!

As I write, we are listening to the Polonia String Quartet in the atrium. I wish I could translate this harmonic music to the written page!

More details about the ship will have to wait. I am figuring out the Internet connection. Apparently we can only get Internet access in the public areas. I guess I figured it out with  just a little pain! 

TK’s Takes: The ship is not as big as he thought. The public spaces do not seem as big as one would expect on the largest ship in the Princess fleet.  There is only the main pool, and a small one at the aft. He’s already lost a pair of reading glasses.

DECK 10,  STATEROOM C611

OLD AND NEW FRIENDS, MALLS, AND UBER!

Hampton Inn – Fort Lauderdale Airport North

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Saturday, January 16, 2016

80 F

I’m writing this while our family in Erie/Jamestown is snow skiing and snowboarding at Peek n Peak! Quite a contrast!

What a fun day!  We were on the highway before 8 a.m. and the drive from Titusville to Sawgrass Mills Mall took about 3 hours on a perfectly sunny day!  First we hit the Tommy Bahamas Outlet, but there weren’t any deals there that we hadn’t already bought—ha ha!  This mall is huge with 350 stores!  It is the eighth largest mall in the United States, the largest single story mall in the U.S., and the second largest mall in Florida. The upscale stores include Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Diane von Furstenberg, TB, Versace, Prada, and at least 25 more. There are many other shops from Chico’s to Ron Jon’s to Target, and everything in between, except Sephora.  That said, what did we buy? Another suitcase.  Anyone who has seen our basement knows that is ridiculous, but I needed a carry on that would fit my 10 inch laptop, the iPad, and my stuff for my hair, face, and dental stuff. What can I say?

And, if you are anywhere near a Cheesecake Factory, STOP NOW, and try their Lemon Meringue Cheesecake! Oh my gosh, heavenly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cheesecake Factory, Sawgrass Mills Mall, Fort Lauderdale

After the mall, we headed for our Hampton Inn to get ready for dinner with our friends at Coconuts on the waterfront. As I was organizing my new suitcase, TK said, “I’m ready, are you?” Well, sort of. He had taken it upon himself to try out Uber and had already ordered it. Quickly we dashed for the lobby. In a very short time a very clean Toyota Prius drove up and Andrew drove us to Coconuts. He was so very friendly and told us that he is a software designer but does Uber in his spare time.  Because of the traffic the drive took ½ hour, but the ride was very pleasant and I sure am glad that TK did not have to drive. Turns out one’s first Uber ride is free!

We were so happy to see Nancy and Brian from Ukiah, CA again (I think this is our 4^th or 5^th trip together). We met their friends, Denise and Mike and Bobbi and Rick, also from California. I sure enjoyed talking with them. It wasn’t long before Colin and Gwenda (England) and Donna and Lawrence (Wisconsin) arrived---what fun to see our friends!!  It’s going to be one heck of a cruise.

Coconuts at the Waterfront, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

http://coconutsfortlauderdale.com/

Image from Coconuts' website

After dinner we walked with Lawrence and Donna and Colin and Gwenda to their hotel where TK ordered our Uber back to the Hampton Inn. He no sooner typed in the information on the Uber app on his phone and a Nissan Sentra drove up for us. I couldn’t believe it! What was even harder to believe was the ride back to the hotel only cost $8.11. Can you believe that? TK sure knows what he is doing!

TK’s Takes: “I haven’t been in an elevator since the trip started.” In reference to the fact that we have been staying on the first floor of our hotels. The mall is too big and it is confusing. [jk note: no, it isn’t]. Finally, “Uber is the best!”

Note to Friend H: Thanks for trying out Uber first! We love it too!

Note to Friend M: I love love love my blue, green, teal fiber necklace!!!

Note to Friend Mj: A comment on my blog! Thank you!

FLORIDA REALLY HEATS IT UP FOR US!

Hampton Inn Titusville/I-95

Titusville, Florida

Friday, January 15, 2016

75 F / lots of rain then sunny

Today was a shorter driving day, only about 7 hours. We got on the road about 7 a.m. and that was just early enough to avoid the early morning traffic around Columbia. After two hours of heavy rain, the sun finally greeted us. After a customary stop at the Florida welcome center for orange juice, we made our way to the St. Augustine Premium Outlets since it is an especially good one—at least it has Tommy Bahamas and Chico’s! Luckily, TK likes to stop too. He even advised me on my purchases today—that’s a first, a swimsuit and a light sweater. He scored a good deal on two TB shirts!

Florida Welcomes Us!

A very attractive dolphin for someone special!

Titusville wasn’t far and we had dinner at Dixie Crossroads, just like always. This restaurant has its own shrimp and fish boats so the seafood is incredibly fresh.  

The lowest price for gas was $1.55/gallon in South Carolina.

TK’s Takes: Some people really daydream when they are driving. He knew we were in Florida because no one uses turn signals. He is also noticing more car charging stations at the hotels as well as USB charging ports in the room.  He also said just now that he was outdoors only 10 minutes [jk note: fooling around in his  truck] and got bitten by bugs. [jk: that's the trade off, TK, bugs or snow]

Note to our Cruise Friends: Tomorrow!!  Dinner at Coconuts in Ft. Lauderdale!! We waited a whole year! Safe travels to all!

GETTING WARMER!

Hilton Garden Inn Columbia Northeast

Columbia, South Carolina

Thursday,January 14, 2016

56 F / sunny

We were on the road (I-81) by 8 a.m., headed for Columbia. 

Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia welcomed us first!

North Carolina welcomed us too!

North Carolina flowers welcomed us too at the rest stop!

Despite being busy doing USA Today crossword puzzles, I looked up from a puzzle just in time to see a sign for Natural Bridge, Virginia. Without going into every detail: When I was putting a photo album together with my great aunt’s old family photos, there was a road trip from Jamestown to Spray, NC, in the mid-1920s. My grandmother, grandfather, and several aunts and uncles stopped along the way at Natural Bridge in Virginia. The black and white photos were magnificent. TK willingly drove the extra 5 miles so I could see actually see this special site. According to information the natural bridge formation was one of the nation's most visited natural wonders and known as “One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the Modern World.” It is 215 feet high, taller than Niagara Falls. The bridge is located in the Shenandoah Valley flanked by the Blue Ridge Mountains on US Route 11. When we left the area we actually drove over the bridge on Rt. 11 to return to I-81.

We purchased tickets and took the shuttle to the base after being warned of falling icicles and rocks.  I did not expect the bridge to be so big. Cedar Creek gurgles underneath—a beautiful sight! I never imagined I would see this wonder!

TK drove safely to our hotel in Columbia, South Carolina without any other excitement and the weather is much warmer! Up early tomorrow to get out of Columbia before the traffic worsens!

TK’s Takes: There were more semi-tractor trailers on the road than ever before. He finally found an easier way around Charlotte, North Carolina. Traffic over Lake Norman is awful, but the new way made up for that (I-485). Finally the weather got nice—it was as high as 60 F.  And, it seems like all the hotels we are staying in have big screen TVs, even 46 inch today.

Note to Son R: I thought there would be some neat camping at Hershey, Pennsylvania and lots to do! Camping and hiking at the Natural Bridge would be neat too! Since B2 likes studying the U.S. Presidents, this would be a good area for that too!

SWEET HERSHEY! AND AMISH COUNTRY VISIT

Hampton Inn Grantville

Grantville, Pennsylvania

Thursday, January 13, 2016

22 F / sunny—no snow!

How could we be so close to Hershey, Pennsylvania with an extra day and not revisit Chocolate World? (HersheysChocolateWorld.com). We love  (that includes TK) the Disney-like “journey” on a slow moving ride that follows the chocolate candy making process from cocoa beans,  milk, chopping and grinding the beans, and so on until finally one smells the wafting chocolate and the ride stops. The reward for this ride is a free candy bar—today it was a KitKat.  Of course we bought special chocolate goodies for our Pennsylvania gift bags to exchange on the cruise, the best gift bags ever! We also bought a few more things to share with our friends from CA, WI, and UK.

Hershey, Pennsylvania--Hershey's Chocolate World

Because the excitement never stops, we drove to Lancaster, about a half hour away and we remembered landmarks easily from long ago visits. The Tanger and Rockvale outlets have been updated but we did not spend too much time there.  We passed many Amish buggies on our country drive, more farms than ever, draft horses and cows enjoying the crisp day. TK is secretly smiling because of a few "things" we got for Lawrence, Brain K, and Colin at Kitchen Kettle Village.

After a stop at a quilt shop where totally hand stitched Amish and Mennonite quilts sell between $860 and $1500, we had “Lancaster’s original full-course traditional smorgasbord dinner at Miller’s next door. TK liked the Shoofly pie and I especially liked the bread pudding.

Our view from out table at Miller's. Amish farm country!

We got a phone text blast from an Erie TV station at 4 p.m. that I-90 by Erie was reopened after an accident this morning, reportedly involving 85 vehicles, including more than a dozen semi-trucks. At least 18 people were transported to hospitals.  The wreckage stretched about a mile and a half and took about six hours to clean up. We hope for the best for those people. Sure glad we got out of Erie for a while!

OK-I probably got carried away yesterday with the details about how bees winter over. I know my sons, Brian, Randy, and Paul especially want to know all the details in this blog, but for ease of reading I will try to limit details to TK’s Takes. Hahaha

TK’s Takes:  “It was too cold for outlet shopping.  The stores were empty but I got a good bargain at the Crocs store.” He bought two pair of brand new Crocs for $12 total.  He said the area has changed a lot since the last time we were here. I wonder if he noticed that the farms still smell the same.

THE 100th PENNSYLVANIA FARM SHOW ROCKS!

Hampton Inn Grantville

Grantville, Pennsylvania

January 12, 2016

34 F / partly cloudy—no snow, oops, it is snowing now! 8:30 p.m. no snow!

We spent 7 hours at the PA Farm Show and what wonders did we see! There is no admission fee, but parking is $15. We easily shuttled from a convenient parking lot to the Main Entrance on Cameron Street, Harrisburg. More than 500,000 visitors are anticipated over 9 days. I think most of them were there today!

So what stood out? The magnificent butter sculpture captured our reaction first. People were already gathering around it by 8:30 a.m.

Remarkable Butter Sculpture

We headed straight to the nearby PA Maple Association’s exhibit.  I was very impressed with all they displayed, including the original methods used by the Native Americans and the history for the past 100 years. My brother, Bill Phillips (of Fort LeBoeuf Maple), was already busy explaining the process to visitors. He is very good at that. My sister in law Marge was equally busy in the Maple food booth where they were selling syrup, candy, lollipops, salad dressing, cotton candy, maple sugar, and other goodies made from maple syrup. We purchased a few things to share with our cruise friends. Friend Jan Woods, of Edinboro (Hurry Hill Farm), welcomed us and gave us some tips about what to see. Off we went.

Top photo: Bill Phillips of Ft. LeBoeuf Maple explaining the process of making maple syrup.

Bottom photo: Part of the PA Maple Producers' exhibit area

The Main Hall had many of our must-sees. The PA mushrooms were amazing! So many varieties! We walked inside a Mush Room for an interactive display about growing mushrooms. (The American Mushroom Institute of America – MFPA)

King mushrooms and oyster mushrooms!

A Woodmobile highlighted the state’s lumber industry and I finally learned the difference between quarter sawn, rift sawn, and regular sawn wood. I think I want the wooden beautiful bicycle. (PA Forestry Association.

Bicycle made with wooden frame! Beautiful!

The PA State Beekeepers Association had a great exhibit clearly explaining the life of bees and their needs in our environment. I could not find the queen bee though. I thought it was interesting that beekeepers leave 30 pounds of honey in the hive to sustain the bees in winter. The process of how bees winter over in our area was interesting. They create a substance called propolis (sp?) and fill in any holes to keep in warmth. The honey bee workers form a cluster around the queen and brood, keeping them warm. They keep their heads pointed inward. Bees on the inside of the cluster can feed on the stored honey. The outer layer of workers insulates their sisters inside the sphere of honey bees. As ambient temperatures rise, the bees on the outside of the group separate a bit, to allow more air flow. As temperatures fall, the cluster tightens, and the outer workers pull together.

As it gets colder, the worker bees actively generate heat within the hive. First, they feed on honey for energy. Then, the honey bees shiver. They vibrate their flight muscles but keep their wings still, raising their body temperatures. With thousands of bees shivering constantly, the temperature at the center of the cluster will warm up considerably, to about 93° F! (from the Internet and posters at the apiary exhibit)

Food Court Area!

Apples (at least 15 varieties, some I never heard of, e.g. pink lady), potatoes, corn, fruits, and vegetables everywhere. Baked goods, quilts, pickles, jams, photography exhibits, handmade clothing, knitted items, wedding cakes, handmade wedding dresses. 

Best of show quilt!

We saw pigs, horses, cattle, sheep, goats, alpacas, and rabbits.

A pig being escorted to auction

Hay, straw, Christmas trees. Aqua farming. PA fish. Pennsylvania’s finest is here! The Best of Show winners were showcased exquisitely.

One of my favorite rooms was that of the PA Nut Growers Association. I did not know so many kinds of edible nuts were grown in PA:

Filberts/Hazelnuts

Shagbark Hickory

Shellbark Hickory

Pecans

Hicans (natural hybrid of pecans and hickory nuts)

Chestnuts

Almonds

Chinquapins

Heartnuts

Butternuts

Buartnuts (butternut and heartnut hybrid)

Persian Walnuts (formerly called English walnuts, but they originated in Persia--Juglans regia)

Black Walnuts

Each variety had multiple entries and a tree sample.

We took a break for lunch with Marge and Bill. I had a smoked beef and cheese sandwich at the PA Cattlemen’s Association, and a small vanilla ice cream cone at the PA Dairymen’s Association. That was SOOO good, I went back for a centennial milkshake by the PA Dairymen—their milkshakes are “legenDAIRY.”  I don’t think I am going to lose 20 pounds before the cruise next Sunday.

Finally, I was very impressed by the work being done on Pennsylvania's famous "Star Barn." I used to pass it several times a year on my way to Lancaster on I-80 when I was working with the PDE. This historic barn is being painstakingly relocated. Check out thestarbarn.com  to see!

These two images depict models of the Star Barn.

We were exhausted—I registered 4 ¼ miles on the Fitbit. There are not many places to sit—one stands in the food court. I thought I would write my blog there, it is the largest indoor wifi venue in the East, but with nowhere to sit, I couldn’t juggle the laptop and the camera.  So I am writing in the hotel lobby, while TK is resting. Someone just came in and said it is a blizzard out there. I sneaked a peek and oh my, there is snow on the ground!  TK is not going to be happy!

But as it turned out, the snow was nothing special and we drove to Capital Diner (highly rated restaurant in Harrisburg) to meet Bill and Marge for dinner. We had an enjoyable discussion of this great new adventure today!

By the way, dear Readers, if you live in the Erie County area, be sure to mark March 19 and 20, 2016, on your calendars for the 13th Annual NW PA Maple Taste and Tour and be sure to visit Ft.LeBoeuf Maple in Waterford!!!

TK’s Takes: He said his chocolate milkshake was like a triple chocolate shake--the most "chocolaty" he's ever had!  He is not fond of farm smells. [JK note: only certain areas smelled like a farm—you can tell he’s a city boy]

ON OUR WAY TO HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA!

Hampton Inn Grantville

Grantville, Pennsylvania

January 11, 2016

14 F/Erie to 27 F/Harrisburg—it’s getting warmer!

TK decided to leave a day early because today’s weather was better than expected and tomorrow’s weather would be worse. What!?? I still have 20 pounds to lose by tomorrow!  And I don't mean my luggage.

Never mind that we both are packed! I still had to pack my technology, but other than that I was confident that every bit of makeup, hair stuff, vitamins, face moisturizers, power toothbrush, and power water flosser was packed. I was more worried about all that than my clothes. I knew that I had my 5 TB swim suits!! After I safely delivered B1 and her friends from one school to the other, I raced home to finish up the final packing.  

Ha Ha! We are in Pennsylvania and we are going to smile when we see warmer weather!

By 12:10 p.m. we were on I-79 headed south, all the way to Harrisburg! By the time we got to I-80 there was no snow at all. The drive took about six hours and after check in we headed to Harper’s Inn, a nearby restaurant established in 1804. A perfect historical setting!  

Harper's Taveern, est. 1804

Annville, Pennsylvania

HERE WE GO AGAIN!

Erie, Pennsylvania

January 9, 2016

Yippee!! We are three days from takeoff to warmer climes, Tuesday, January 12. Our first stop is Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, at the Pennsylvania Farm Show (http://www.farmshow.state.pa.us/default.aspx)

We have never been to the show, but since my brother will be there with the Northwest PA Maple Association (www.pamaple.org), we thought it would be a good time to go!  My list of things to see includes the maple syrup producers and their display, bees, nuts, mushrooms, the butter sculpture, milking parlor, oxen, and poultry (if they are allowed to be there this year).

FAST FARM SHOW FACTS:

·         This 100th Farm Show will feature a Veterans and Active Duty Military Day on Thursday, January 14. 

·         The Pennsylvania Farm Show is the largest indoor agricultural event in America. The Farm Show Complex houses 24 acres under roof, spread throughout 11 buildings including three arenas.

·         Free Wireless Internet In 2009 the Farm Show Complex & Expo Center began offering free wireless internet service which covers the entire complex making it the largest wifi network in the East.

·         The PA Farm Show charges no admission fee. Therefore, it is a great event to take the entire family to for the whole day, to enjoy an educational show free of charge.

·         The PA Farm Show has something for everyone, farmers and non-farmers. It provides an atmosphere for everyone to walk through, observe and educate themselves about different areas of Agriculture - the Commonwealth's largest industry, and what the industry provides to them.

·         The PA Farm Show includes approximately 300 Commercial Exhibitors and includes over 13,000 Competitive Exhibits. Everything from draft horses, beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, swine, goats, rabbits and poultry, to eggs, fruit, Christmas trees, apiary products, maple products, nuts, horticultural products, mushrooms, wine, vegetables and many other Pennsylvania products can be seen here.

SevSeveral of the arena events each year at the PA Farm Show are:  Draft Horse Competition, the Annual Sheep-to-Shawl Contest (the shawls are then auctioned off), Cow Milking Contest, Thermador Chefs Challenge, Livestock judging--Horses, Cattle, Swine, Sheep, and Goat Judging. All FREE Admission!

I wonder if we will see the Sheep to Shawl contest. I cannot imagine how skilled one would have to be to do that! They then auction off the shawls!!!

When we leave Harrisburg on Thursday we will be heading for Fort Lauderdale, making our usual stops in South Carolina and Cocoa Beach, Florida. 

Here is the 2016 itinerary:

Jan 12: Erie to Harrisburg

Jan 13: Harrisburg--PA Farm Show

Jan 14: Harrisburg to South Carolina

Jan 15: SC to Cocoa Beach, Florida

Jan 16: Cocoa Beach to Fort Lauderdale—with a stop at Sawgrass Mills Outlet Mall! Dinner at 5

p.m. at Coconuts with our gang of friends from California, Wisconsin, and England. There are a few new people from California and we are anxious to meet them!

Jan 17: Board the lovely Regal Princess!

Jan 18: Princess Cays—Princess’ private island

Jan 19: Day at Sea

Jan 20: Grand Cayman

Jan 21: Costa Maya, Mexico

Jan 22: Cozumel, Mexico

Jan 23: At Sea

Jan 24: Fort Lauderdale

Jan 25: Princess Cays

Jan 26: At Sea

Jan 27: St. Thomas—Diamonds International, Look Out!  Shopping Day with Donna and Gwenda,

            Tim and Lawrence.

Jan 28: St. Maarten—Beach Tour

Jan 29: At Sea

Jan 30: At Sea

Jan 31: Disembark and drive to Miami. Board the NCL Getaway

Feb 01: Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island

Feb 02: At Sea

Feb 03: Ocho Rios

Feb 04: Georgetown, Grand Cayman

Feb 05: Cozumel, Mexico

Feb 06: At Sea

Feb 07: Disembark and drive to Ft. Myers, Florida-Super Bowl at Jeff and Carmel’s??

Feb 08:  Ft. Myers with family

Feb 09: Ft. Myers—eye appt. and visit friends

Feb 10: Visit friends in Ft. Myers area

Feb 11: Possibly Ft. Myers to Dade City—Travelers Rest Resort with Mary Lou and Scorchy

The rest is unplanned except for Mt. Dora Antique Extravaganza on Feb 19.  We will probably head home by Feb 21, depending on the WEATHER!