A lesson on size

The trip to the Netherlands helped me get size in proportion. The grocery stores were small, neighborhood stores, although there were some supermarkets around as well. But the grocery store, the corner bakery, the little deli down the street helped me to see examples of our excess in the US. Packages of lunchmeat were about 6 thin slices rather than 2 lb pkgs., a loaf of bread was about 1/2 the size of our normal loaf, cream cheese, honey, ... you name it and the packages were more personal. Now if you had a big family this wouldn't be too economical but for two people, looking to have food for one week, the portion sizes were just right. I can't help but think we would be better off at home if we could find more products packaged for two. There are no bags in the store. You either bring your own or buy one each time you go to the store. Also, since bicycle is the primary mode of transportation, you simply bring your goods out of the store and place them in the basket, no need for a box or bag. It would be easier to carry a few small items rather than the large bags we bring home from the weekly shopping.  Now, I did not do a scientific study but from just general observation the people seemed to be smaller, weight wise at least. They were tall people,  some of the tallest, long legged women I have ever seen in my life.

Roads, at least in the city, were very narrow. Not enough room for two cars to pass either meeting each other or going around each other. And on this narrow street you shared with cars, bicycles, walkers, trucks, and mopeds. The doors to homes were right on the street and in some cases you had to be careful not to fall down stairs since the opening was right through the sidewalk. On one excursion we witnessed two truck drivers battle for space on the narrow street - one driver came in from the north and one from the south. Since they couldn't pass there was quite a bit of horn blowing and gesturing until finally the one from the south gave up and backed out of the street and went on his way.

Stairways are very steep and narrow and are everywhere. Since the land area is so small everything must go up. One guide explained the stairways being so narrow because in early times the people were taxed on the square footage of their buildings and so they made the stairs narrow so as not to take up too much space. The houses and stores were built so that you entered at ground level and most all had what we would consider a basement and then at least two floors above. Out on the farms the multi-storied home acted as barn and home. Since there was no heat in the home, the hay was stacked in the upper level, the family living in a middle level and the animals housed along with them on the middle and lower level. They all lived together to keep warm.

Travel size containers...if any of you have experienced air travel since 9/11 then you know you are limited on size of containers and number of bags you are allowed to carry. Since we were traveling internationally I was especially concerned about sticking to the rules and did a fair amount of research. I found you can pack through creams, gels, liquids, etc but only in 3 oz size containers and each person is allowed only 3 oz of each product and these must be placed in a quart bag (I used gallon bag and combined ours, fortunately we didn't get called out on that). Fortunately, we were not targeted either going or coming for "strip" search to our person or our bags. As most of you know I am of the philosophy that if a little bit is good then a whole lot must be better and I never dreamed I could exist on 3 oz of anything for one week. Boy was I surprised! 3 oz of shampoo will last about 1 1/2 weeks. I would never have thought I could survive with less than a 15 oz bottle. The side benefit is your luggage weighs less which we found to be a huge benefit when we landed in Amsterdam since you are walking with your luggage to your train, to your tram, to your apartment managers office, to the restaurant because you can't check inyet, back to the apartment managers office and then finally to the apartment. I learned you do not need to pack the house to be away for one week - you can get by on less. Who knew?

Quick Post

Jim, Wanda, Jay and I just returned from a fabulous trip to the Netherlands. Spent five days there and two days traveling. I'll post more details in the next couple of days. For now we are just trying to catch up on some rest and get everything put back together from being gone. I took so many pictures I don't know if  I'll ever get through editing them. Thankfully they are digital and I don't have to pay to have them all developed and then discover 1/2 of them are not any good. I played with the camera settings some to try and get some night shots. I don't think I got any "wow" shots but I figure if I keep at it I'll get better with composition. I think I'll post several times about this trip dividing into different segments since I have so much to say one post might get way too long. I will say if you ever get the opportunity to travel outside the US do so - it will truly open your eyes. Fortunately, we traveled to a country that welcomes Americans and most everyone spoke English well enough for us to understand them and fortunately they could understand "Sumter County" English.  US currency is very weak compared to the Euro, it cost us about $1.60 for every 1 Euro. We learned how to get around the area pretty rapidly and the currency is very similar to ours. They use more coins than we do but they were easy: 5, 10, 20, and 50 cent; 1 euro; 2 euro; and then paper currency at 5,10, 20, and 50 euro. If an item totaled 1.98 they just rounded to 2 so there was no need for 1 cent. Everyone we encountered was very friendly and helpful. There is a natural beauty about the country but not what is considered classic beauty. The buildings are ancient and the architecture awesome. Everything is built multi-story because the land area is small. Buildings generally touch and most having common walls and this will go all the way down a block. A lot of the buildings are leaning or slumping in the  middle and at first you are not sure what you are seeing is true. Main transportation in the city of Amsterdam is by bicycle. The large parking lots are for bicycles and at Central Station there was a multi level parking area just packed with bicycles. Parents have seats on the front and back of the bike and for the little ones who can't sit up on their own there is a long basket on the front. This basket is also used to carry goods and is used as a delivery type vehicle. The cars are smaller and the streets are extremely narrow and only one way - there is no way two cars can pass on any street. The bicycles have the right of way (or take it) and no one goes slow on either bicycles, mopeds, cars or on foot. Their mass transit system is very well organized and we used the tram to get around most of the time. On one of our trips a bicycle rider ran into our tram. The driver stopped and talked with the person (no one was injured) and then just drove off. Seemed like a pretty routine event for both parties. It was definitely interesting. The other major form of transporation is walking. I was talking to a security guard and commented on the bicycles, he said most Americans are in awe of the number of bicycles. I think it is because we don't walk or bike anywhere. We get upset if we can't find a parking place just outside the front door of a store. Now the people over there that drive cars and trucks do drive on the sidewalk - can't help it because the streets are so narrow. An individual must very diligently watch for wheeled vehicles or be run over - they don't stop or yield to a pedestrian.

Enough for now - another installment to follow.

Wonderful Day

Yesterday was absolutely one of the most perfect days I have ever experienced. Mama and I got to spend the whole day together!  We left her house around 8 am and didn't return until 5:30 pm. We both had doctor appointments to start out, Yuck!, however, they were both just wellness checks and soon over so that we could really start our girl's day out. We left the last doctor appointment and headed to the mall. I haven't been to the mall in quite some time. I usually avoid it like the plaque but it was the day to resume the visits. Amidst all the dread of going to the mall I have forgotten what a pleasure it could actually be occasionally. I think we'll have to return. Of course it helped that we could go on a weekday morning and that certainly kept the hustle and bustle out. First to JC Penny where Mama was able to find some of the items she was searching for and then on to the shoe store where I was able to find what I was searching for and then on to Sears where we both found items on our list. Mama won the bargain of the day award - she found a blouse at Sears regularly priced at $38, beautiful and just her style (one of those items that just looks like Mama), on clearance for $14.99 and when the clerk rang up the purchase an additional discount brought the price to $4.99. You go girl! We were fortunate that almost all the items were discounted in some fashion, the shoes I bought for Jim were Buy one get one 1/2 price!

When Mama and I go out we try to choose restaurants and foods that Mama likes but Daddy doesn't. Daddy happens to be a very "man" eater and doesn't care for too many or too much spice. So the girl's day out is the perfect time for Mama to indulge her taste.  This day she chose Olive Garden and oh such a good choice.  We were able to sit down, be waited on, and enjoy great food. We chose salad, breadsticks and shared an eggplant parmesean. Perfect portion size to share. The food was great and the time spent talking and visiting was super. From there it was to the book store and then of course no shopping trip is complete without a trip to Wal Mart. After all that heavy shopping we had to stop for a soda and more great talking and did we ever giggle. We had some real serious conversation which was good and stuff that needed to be discussed and at the same time we talked some funny stuff and laughed and laughed and laughed. I hope you slept good last night Mama, I know I did.

On the way home I was reminded I had agreed to help Sarah with Micah at basketball practice and if I didn't get a move on I would be late. I jumped on the motorcycle and about half way to  Bushnell the rain that had been threatening all day finally arrived. It wasn't too bad as long as I was moving but when I started having to stop for traffic lights, I got wetter. All during practice it rained and rained and I knew I had to take Micah from the Youth Center into town to meet his mother and we were going to get wet. He was excited when he found out I had actually come on the motorcycle but a little anxious about getting in the rain. We were both real troopers and the rain cooperated a bit by slowing down long enough for us to get back to town. Micah loved the ride and I can't say I didn't agree. A new experience. When I left Bushnell and got closer to home the rain came harder and harder. I got home safely and in the house where I could dry out. Totally exhilarating ride. I know you all think I am crazy for enjoying a ride in the rain but it's one of those things you have to experience to appreciate  or be a motorcycle junkie.  It really was the crown on a perfect day.

Birthday

 

Last week was Jim's birthday and I had several surprises ready for him. I started the day out with a sort of gag gift. Earlier in the month I had gone to Cracker Barrel restaurant with Marge for lunch and they were serving diet coke with black cherry syrup (actually all flavors this just happens to be my favorite) in a 40 year anniversary commemorative glass. When I got home with my glass Jim was disappointed that I had not purchased him one as well (long standing joke that we get too many commemorative coffee cups and glasses built up in the cupboard). Then the day before Jim's birthday Tiffany and I met Jamie and Susie (Tiffany's cousing and aunt on the Brown side) at Cracker Barrel for lunch and I just had to have another diet coke with black cherry syrup in a commemorative glass and told the girls why. Later in the conversation it came up that the next day was Jim's birthday and Susie who had ordered the same thing gave her glass as a gift as well. So as we checked out I realized I now have three and one more trip should complete a set. I guess I'll just be forced to go back.

So thanks Susie, Jim loved the glasses. Then throughout the day I left presents on his chair consisting mainly of clothes. Now, clothes are nice but are they really presents?? He liked them all but was really exicted when he unwrapped the denim jacket. Sarah, CJ, and Micah came over for cupcakes, lemonade, and fireworks. Then just before midnight I gave him the final gift, which was a gift certificate to Forever Florida for the Zipline Safari and today (11/4) we went on the zipline. What in the world is a Zipline Safari? Well, in this case the setting is Florida pasture land and woods way down past St. Cloud outside Holopaw. On 4700 acres deep in the Florida woods Forever Florida has established eco tours by swamp buggy, horses and zipline. A zipline is a heavy duty cable strung between platforms mounted high up in the air on very large telephone poles. You then strap on a harness that makes a "seat" like in rappelling from rock faces, climb the towers, hook to these cables by carabineers, step off the platforms and zip through the tree tops to the next tower landing. Kind of like parachuting just without the plane and the parachute is the cable. I can't remember how high the first tower was but the guy said we were up to speeds of 17 mph. If you have any phobia about heights just climbing the first tower is almost overwhelming...the feet tingle, the nerves jangle, don't look down! and then you are there.  That first step off that platform was a bit scary and exhilarting at the same time! And totally fun sailing through the tree tops.

The second set of ziplines started with climbing a tower five stories high and zipping down the lines at speeds up to 25 mph and having to cross two "rope" bridges! We almost lost our courage at the bridges but we persevered, faced our phobias and made it across.

There was another couple on the same tour celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary, Ray and Elma from outside Seattle, Washington. Elma has been on a zipline in Juno, Alaska but for Ray, Jim and myself this was a first. We can hardly wait to go again. During the trip on this property we saw turkey, deer, alligators, horses, hawks, turtles, and the ever present buzzard. There is also a small zoo like exhibit with a Florida Panther, Macaw, Parrots, alligators, porcupine, and several other type animals.

If you are interested in seeing the "True" Florida check out Florida Forever.

Check out additional photos

Camping etc...

Jim and his best bud Michael have been camping at Juniper Springs in the Ocala National Forest for at least eight years. They enjoy a "Two Guys" weekend and some of the stories they come up with about their adventures are worthy of a book. I would like for them to write a book but so far it hasn't happened. So with the turn of seasons (although it is hard to tell that in Florida) and a little bit of cool in the air a camping trip was planned. See the guys only camp in the cooler months because Florida heat is so oppressive. The difference? Last week I got to go for the first time. No, I didn't horn in on the guy time, Jim and I went up a day early, set up camp and enjoyed the balance of that day and night and part of the next day then I left and later Michael came to camp. I spent the balance of the day shopping my way home. Then Michael stayed two nights and days and I came back to camp. Then Jim and I spent the night and came home the next day. Sounds complicated but it really wasn't. Juniper is absolutely beautiful. I had not been to Juniper since I was a kid and then I only remember going to swim for the day. Swimming is still allowed at the springs and there is also canoe rental available. There is a nice board walk for a short hike and springs, springs, springs. The water bubbling up leaves the bottom sand perfectly white and then the water contrast is perfectly blue. Hard to describe I just recommend you all take the time to visit. I took several pictures of the tree's reflections in the water. The time of day, weather and water conditions were perfect for reflection pictures.  I saw a fern just beginning to unfurl it's leaves and had never seen that early stage before, a cobweb glowing in the sunlight, and the sunlight filtering through the trees in the early morning was just spectacular.  I did get off the path (even though instructions said not to do that) and I have paid the price with red bug bites. Jim had a few because he picked up pine cones and straw for fire starter but I got the worst. We had a fabulous fire each night and I caught some good photos of the fire, however I will not post them because they are hard to see. Jim talks about the fire flames licking up as words and the sparks as after thoughts. There was lots of talking going on in that fire ring.

Now you all know the Ocala National Forest is home to lots of wildlife. There are signs all around not to feed the racoons and to be aware of bears. The rangers hand out flyers about keeping food locked away, out of your camp, how to dispose of garbage, and other ways to keep bears out of camp. So you can only imagine I was on hyper alert. The first night we were very peacefully sitting around the fire when I heard the big central camp garbage can being rattled. I assumed it was a human putting garbage in the bin but it just kept on rattling and rattling until I had spooked myself into thinking it was a bear and said so to Jim. He assured me it was not a bear because the garbage bins are secured with chains and slide doors and are virtually bear proof. Apparently, the human was having difficulty as well because he sure made a lot of noise but as it turned out Jim was right, it was only a human. We had just settled back into the peacefulness of the fire when the bushes to my left started to rustle pretty violently. I screamed and very loudly said, bear, go away bear (as though that were any protection). Jim calmed me down and said it was only racoons, although how he knew that without seeing them is beyond me, and said the bears would not come around our fire and since we had no food out they had no reason to approach. OK, whatever...I still was on bear alert. In the past Jim and Michael have seen and photographed bear and bear cubs out in the forest. Fortunately or unfortunately (the nature lover in me would love to see one, just not in my camp), on this trip we made it the whole time without seeing any bear. The racoons came back to visit a couple of times but never showed themselves.

We really did have a great time and I look forward to our next trip to Juniper. Click for additional photos

Weather in Florida

An absolutely glorious morning for Florida - 64 degrees, light wind, looooooooooooow humidity, no dew. Sat out this morning had coffee on the deck, watched the purple martins and the wrens fight over the bird bath. It will most likely be 100 degrees by noon but we sure enjoyed what was offered for the morning. It was nice to be able to relax on the deck, drink coffee, watch the birds, and everyone else having to rush around to work and school. Yep, just had to rub that one in.

Forgetfulness

Have you ever left some of your groceries at the check out counter in Wal Mart? Well I did and didn't discover it for three days. The four items were non perishable and not items I needed right after the shopping spree but when I did need them I couldn't find them. Double checked the pantry, the car, and all points in between, no items. The whole time I am searching I am telling myself I remember taking the items off the shelf, didn't I? Or did I just think I did? Then dig out the receipt to discover I did indeed purchase them but somehow they didn't make it home. So on my next trip to Wal Mart I asked the cashier if there was anything I could do about my forgetfulness since I had no way to prove I left them in the store. She informed me that cashiers are supposed to take any bags left at the check out to customer service. Customer service then records the date, the items and their UPC codes in a little notebook. They then place the items back on the shelf. Then when you discover your forgetfulness simply go back to Wal Mart, re-collect the items off the shelves, take them to customer service along with your receipt, admit how forgetful you are, and when they have verified all the information they bag your items and you are on your way. This works for perishable items as well but since my items weren't perishable and I didn't need them right away I didn't discover them missing in action for a few days. Hopefully you would discover perishable items missing a lot sooner and if not I truly hope they were left at the store and not in the car. I heard about one lady who left some meat in the car and a few days later couldn't understand why the buzzards were flying around her garage and when she went to investigate discovered her forgetfulness. Thought some of you might be interested to know you haven't lost your money and your product. I now have one of each of the items in stock because I didn't find out the process until I had repurchased the goods. Oh well, live and learn! Happy shopping.    

Another Milestone

My father has always loved motorcycles about as much as I do and like me (at least until a few months ago) he never owned one either. Not that he didn't dream and look (because I've looked with him) but it just didn't happen for whatever reason. Daddy served in the army during WWII. He first drove a DUKW. The DUKW was developed quickly during World War II to meet the need for amphibious cargo transfer from ship to shore. The nomenclature DUKW was assigned by the manufacturer, General Motors Corporation, from:

D= First year of manufacture, 1942

U = Utility vehicle (amphibious)

K = All wheel drive

W = Rear tandem axle

Someone quickly noticed that DUKW could be pronounced "duck" and the "Army Duck" was born. The DUKW was based on the GMC “deuce and a half” CCKW, fitted with a watertight hull and propeller. Following the war, many of the versatile DUKWs were transferred for Coast Guard duty, river patrols or later Civil Defense work.

OK, back to the story. Daddy said that the army trained additional DUKW drivers very quickly and he found himself taken off the DUKW detail and assigned to the motor pool. The Sergeant of the motor pool came in one day and told Daddy he was going to send him to motorcycle school and the next day came in and said he couldn't go to the school because the Lieutenant wanted Daddy to drive jeep for him. So as he says he came that close to being trained and then missed out and if he had gone to the training would most likely be riding today. But alas, it wasn't to be.

When I was approaching retirement I told Daddy I wanted to get a three wheel motorcycle and he started looking for deals and he found a few but as you know now I waited on the Harley. I thought I would take delivery of the bike, immediately ride over to my father's house, surprise him with the bike, pick him up and ride off into the sunset. Well, when I got to my training class it suddenly dawned on me I had a lot to learn before I could just hop on and ride, much less have a passenger. So after taking delivery of the bike I set about the training process (oh such a difficult task :-) ). Jim took Daddy for a short ride shortly after we got the bike and while I was thrilled to have Daddy ride, it wasn't me with him on that bike. But finally today (10/18/2009) I was able to ride up to my father's house, pick him up and ride off into the sunset. Well, not exactly the sunset but into a most glorious afternoon. Today was one of the first "cold" days of Florida's fall. It was 43 degrees when I got up this morning and it didn't get much over 65 degrees all day. So Daddy and I both bundled up and he said I blocked enough wind off of him so that he didn't get uncomfortably cold and off we went on a ride of about 40 miles round trip. No where in particular just some pretty side roads.

I can't tell you what a thrill this ride was for me. To be giving my Daddy a ride on my bike is just too much for words. I think Daddy had a good time too. I wish we could ride everyday. I love you Daddy and hope we have many more rides.

We Are Home

Arrived home safely although early. Things didn't totally work out as we had planned for our Kentucky trip and we decided home was the best place to be. We drove straight through and of course wound up in Atlanta at 5:00 pm. Fortunately we never got tied up in stopped traffic but it was very slow moving in several places.

Becasue of observance days and rain on the other days we only got in a short amount of motorcycle ride time in the mountains. On our first mountain ride (Jim drove!) we took our favorite route from Becknerville (which is where we stay) back down the mountain to the main highway and back up and on a side road we had never traveled. The road from Becknerville follows the Kentucky river and is super rural. Beautiful farms, trees, river ... The side road was much the same just without the river. It was fun, scarry, and exhilirating all at the same time. No Tiffany, we did not ride on Log Lick Road.

The weather was sensational (we could have done without the rain but oh well)! Temperatures during the day in the low to mid 70's and at night into the low to mid 40's. Some of the days were windy and felt colder but we bundled up or found places to get out of the wind and enjoyed the day. One night we went to bed it was 65 degrees and when we woke up it was 45 degrees. Quite a drop. A couple of nights Jim got chilled and we had trouble warming him up - I told him that is a side effect of the weight loss. Nights he could sit by the campfire and drosh with the guys were really good for him. The guys would sit by the campfire almost all night (and they say women talk a lot).

We got to reconnect with old friends and catch up on their families and of course made new friends.  Since we were the first to arrive in camp we got to witness everyone else arriving. It was fun to listen to the little girls scream with glee when they realized their friends had arrived. The boys were excited in their own ways but the girls were the cutest.  The kids played endlessly. I heard one little girl just crying her heart out one night when daddy said it was time to go on to bed. Through her tears she kept saying "it's not fair, it's not fair" and I'm sure daddy's heart was breaking but he knew she was already exhausted and needed a bit more rest. And, we were asked to use the electric hand blowers to dry our hands to save on paper towels. One afternoon while I was in the bathroom and washing my hands I turned to the electric dryer to dry and a little girl (she's probably 6) said to me I should be using the paper towels. I reminded her we needed to use the electric dryer to save the paper and she said "but don't you realize how many CO2s you release in the air when you use electricity?" Her daddy said she didn't think of those when she gets the spray cans of deodrant and air freshner going!  The little ones are learning and even though they may get the words wrong they are at least listening. Kite flying, unicycles, skateboards, scooters, volleyball and the playground were all favorites.

It was still too early for leaf change. The reds were very prominent and the yellows were coming on. Surprisingly enough there was more color in Tennessee than in Kentucky. As we drove south the temperatures rose considerably. By the time we were in Atlanta the temperature was up to 85 and stayed that way all the way home. Then of course the temperatures back in the high 90's here at home. We're liking the fall cast to the shadows here at home but we are looking for some of the cooler temperatures to go along with that.
 
It's always good to get away and always good to get home.

Arrival

We have arrived in Kentucky. Left around 8:00 pm on the 29th. The temperatures have steadily decreased as we have gotten farther away from Florida. Low in the mid 50's during the night last night and a high of  70 today! What a change and what a welcome relief. Travel was without incident and we will go into camp tomorrow to set up. The leaves are just starting to turn here and the reds are the most prominent of course. We trailered the motorcycle up and plan to take some of the scenic tours recommended for this area. We have several places we have always enjoyed driving in the car or truck and can hardly wait to do it on the bike now.

We are here to visit friends during the time of sukkot. We will live in tents, share meals and other fellowship with a small community of believers, dance, and sing. A time of celebration and thanksgiving to YHWH for the fall harvest and HIS never ending provision for our lives.

I'll keep you posted when I can get back to an internet connection.

Work, Work, and more Work

I haven't blogged the last couple of weeks because, again, I think what we do as a normal course of days or weeks isn't part of our exploits and then I think they really are, just not as interesting as others.

We have continued to clean up around our place and it really does look great. Even the UPS guy commented on how nice things looked. We have cleared an eight acre piece that was totally overgrown and now is almost totally cleared, we have new fence in some areas and had others refenced, we hauled several tons of garbage to the dump (mostly from the 8 acres), rerouted electric and water lines in the yard etc. etc. etc.

This week begins the preparation for a long trip, something we haven't done since last November. We are leaving next week to go to Kentucky to celebrate sukkot (we will live in tents) with our friends from that area. And then we may be will stay over and help them work on their house. They are doing an addition. We'll see how that goes. However, this week Jim has been hard at work preparing the place for us to be gone. He has mowed, mowed, and mowed some more and I have to admit the place looks really nice.

I on the other hand have gone shopping with Tiffany, had my hair done, lunched with Marge, had dinner with my parents and generally goofed off. Sunday will be crunch time for me to be sure we have all the necessary items inventoried, cleaned, prepared, and ready to be packed up in order to leave out on time after sundown on Tuesday. Jim will be helping with the preparations also, no goof off time for him!

I'll try to find time to blog from the road. Kentucky should be into fall leaf change during the time we are there and we are taking the motorcycle to get some good ride time on the mountain roads. I can hardly wait.

Night Rider

Last night (09/09/09) Jim took me for a long night ride on the motorcycle. Now this isn't the first night ride but it was the longest. We went out 470 to 44 and wanted to go across on 475 back to Marion County line but that is still closed for repair so we continued east on 44 down to 468 (Adamsville Road) to 501 to 470 home. I didn't take any pictures because I still need to read up on night photography, however I have incentive - the Cemex plant at Sumterville is beautiful at night with all the lights. This will most likely be my first night photo.

Then tonight, since I was such a good girl all day, Jim took me for another long night ride. Can you tell we are likin' this? Both rides were about an hour long. Tonight we went north on 301 to Wildwood and out to the Girl Scout road over to 239 and back to 44 and then ... Jim got on the interstate - his first night practice ride on the interstate. His first trip on the interstate was southbound from Lake Panasoffkee to the Webster exit but that was in the day time and a little shower of rain.

I didn't drive on either of these trips and haven't tried to drive on the interstate yet at all. But I have driven once at night for a short distance. Both will require more practice for me.

The Harley Mamas

09-01-2009 - Today is the day! Ever since we bought the Harley, Marge (my very best friend in the whole world) and I have been planning to ride together. Jim took Marge for a ride around the block a few days after we took delivery, but I had to practice, practice, practice. We decided there was no rush and we prefer safety over speed. So today, after many weeks of practice (every mile was fun, fun, fun), I rode to Bushnell to pick Marge up for our first practice ride together. We plan to practice together a few times around town before we hit the road to any other location.

First we went by Marge's office where Vicki and Ashley took photos. Then it was off to the Mexican Restaurant. We went down Florida Street at about 30 mph to Seminole and across to 301. Marge said it seemed awfully fast (and we didn't get over 30). It does seem different on the bike and takes some real getting used to. Then after lunch we went west on 476 to one of the county roads that cuts back over to 48 and then east on 48 back home. Marge didn't like the traffic on 476, but she'll get used to that eventually too. First time experiencing that on a bike is rather unique. She never said what she thought of the speed at 55 mph, so she must have adjusted quickly. We'll go again soon for more practice.

Marge and I have experienced a lot of things together over the years and always have the best of time together. Today was a stand out moment in our exploits. As Marge said, this is what retirement is all about! I'll keep you posted.

Camping on the Suwanee

We set out this week to camp at Suwanee River State Park (SRSP) and try to find some springs suitable for snorkeling. We left in the rain, drove all the way there in and out of the rain, and it rained for two days and nights and we just gave up and came home. We checked out some springs but the water was what the divers called "green" and without any sunshine didn't look to inviting for snorkeling. So snorkeling didn't work out either. SRSP campground is beautiful and offers several hiking trails. We did a short hike, in the rain, with umbrellas. Of course, lots of history here. We did have a camp visitor. This little squirrel came to visit right after we arrived and just came right up to us and then she returned the next morning and entertained us while we enjoyed our morning coffee. Her favorite dish seemed to be mushrooms.

We spotted a cardinal and a hawk but with the weather even the wildlife was staying home. When we hiked down to the river we saw some fish jumping also. We do plan to return, hopefully in better weather.

One of the springs we checked out was Falmouth Springs. This looks like a really good place to have a family picnic and let the kids play in the spring, however it was not conducive to snorkeling. This is a basin where the springs bubble up and flow down a short river straight into a cave and back underground. There are several spots around the area where the aquifer comes to the surface in the form of springs and rivers only to disappear again back underground. It is really very interesting.

Before we left Mama told me that our first family camp trip (in the old cattle truck) was to Suwanee River State Park sometime around 1965. Then Daddy told me the first trip he and Mama took in the little RV was to Suwanee River (they can't remember the date). And this was my official first trip in the little RV so I guess I've come full circle.

Check out more photos by click here: Photos

Summer

Summer Time and the living is easy... unless you've promised three little boys a trip to Chuck E. Cheese's for their hard work during the last school year. Now for most people this may not be a big deal however, for two old godgers going to a place with that many children, it ain't easy livin'. But, totally worth the sacrifice to see the little fellas have such a good time.

We cannot stand to eat the food at Chuck's place so we made a trip to Pizza Hut first and then on to the fun and games. For anyone who has never had the pleasure of going to Chuck E. Cheese's I'll explain a little bit about the premise: this is an arcade type atmosphere with all types of games, car and roller coaster simulations, pin ball, ball pitches etc. Tokens are purchased and used to play the games and many award tickets for various point levels. The idea is to accumulate as many tickets as possible so you can cash them in for prizes (like the ones you might get at the fair playing the same type games). CJ got the most points with over 900, Micah got 500 and Drake got 300. Drake preferred the car and ride simulations more than the games and you do not get tickets on those rides. However, they all accumulated enough to get the treasures they desired. I had played a few games and wound up with 64 points which I cashed in for mini tootsie pops and shared with everyone.



It really was a fun day and the boys had such a good time. They chattered and giggled away in the back seat all the way there and all the way home. They shared their tokens, were excited to show each other various games and features and played their hearts out on the indoor playground. Never a cross word.

We haven't forgotten Dakota and her hard work however, it has been more difficult to schedule time with her since she is so busy. Going into the 9th grade, counselor in training at 4H summer camp, 4H council presidential duties, volunteering to help Jessica White with her kindergarten class, volunteering to work on Aunt Sarah's house build with Habitat ... and the list goes on. We'll figure out something.



Keep up the good work guys. Grandma and Papaw are very proud of you!!!

Another Cooking Tale

I had to re-read my own blogs (yes, my memory is going) to be sure I hadn't shared this tale previously and since I haven't here we go all the way back to November of 2008.


What is traditionally the turkey holiday week, Jim and Michael set out for a Two-Guys camping trip to GA at the Stephen Foster Park. The plans included grilling at least one steak while they were in camp. This was the first extended trip for the Two-Guys and so I needed to find activities to occupy my time for a week. Tiffany and I spent a day shopping and during that trip she told me Dakota and Drake were spending the week with Mimi and Pops on a trip to NC to visit Treffeisen relatives and she and Jeremiah were going to grill steaks as one of their treats for the week. So it seemed everyone was grilling steaks but me and one of my favorite dishes is steak. This got me thinking that I could just grill myself a steak. Never mind that I have not grilled but maybe once or twice in my lifetime. It was never something I was very adept doing, but really, how hard could this be? All I needed to do was set my mind to the task - I could do this! And so the preparation began. I purchased charcoal, lighter fluid, baked potatoe, and of course the steak. Rib eye of course. Now the day arrives I have designated as steak day. As I pull the grill out I am reminded that Marty and Jim have been using the grill frequently over the last few weeks and I open the lid to line it with foil and discover a hole (burned and rusted) through the bottom. No problem, they have been using it in this condition haven't they? I didn't know about the hole because I never used the grill. So I proceed with my project, line the bottom of the grill with foil, lay the charcoal, use an extra lot of lighter fluid and viola I have a fire. This feels like a victory in the grill project but I don't get too excited yet - the charcoal still has to burn down and leave me cookable coals. I wait approximately 30 minutes and check on my fire (I really checked about every 10 minutes) and miracle of miracles I have red hot coals. The steak turns out very well, although not as good as Jim's. I am right proud of myself and very satisfied with my meal.



Now fast forward to the next week. Jim is home from a successful camping trip, although it did rain some and they had to drive home in one of the worst storms of the season, tornado watches out all day, heavy rains, winds like crazy. I am so energized by my successful steak grilling I decide it is time to grill my next favorite meat - chicken. Jim offers to assist but no, I am getting this new skill down very well on my own thank you. Out comes the trusty grill, now with a hole somewhat larger than the last time, but that'll be OK just line it with foil. Which I do, then lay my charcoal, lots of lighter fluid and thirty minutes later I have coals hot enough to cook chicken. On goes the chicken, back in the house I go to work on other parts of the meal, and back out to check on the chicken. After about the third trip back to the grill much to my dismay I found the foil was too weak to hold the charcoal which is now on the ground with the grass burning all around it. All I could do was laugh as I worked to put out the flames. It seems Lilla was cooking again with the usual results. No, I don't have pictures of this either. Fortunately, the chicken was safe on the grate and I was able to salvage the meal by finishing the cooking process in the oven. We now have a new grill.

Dreams do come true

It has been eleven months since I retired, even longer for Jim, and about eight months since I blogged. I said I started the blog so everyone could keep up with our exploits and then I didn't feel like we were having any exploits. But, Tiffany and Marty and Jim have reminded me -everyday is an exploit - so I am going to try to catch up on our missing months. I have to start with the present and then I'll go back in time.

Dreams do come true: I have wanted a motorcycle for as long as I can remember. Jim had a bike when he was younger, I had a dirt bike way back when and even rode bikes belonging to others. It was always, one day I'll get me a bike - well, one day is HERE!!! We took delivery on our 2009 Harley Davidson Tri-Glide on June 25, 2009. As we aged (especially me) I thought my best bet was to go with a three wheel model. Safer, more stable, so I wouldn't have to worry about the weight etc. I wanted a Harley but figured I'd wind up with a Honda Gold Wing because they are factory built three wheelers, not after market conversions. Then last year I heard Harley was going to produce their first ever three wheel from the factory. I wanted one of those! 2009 is the premier year for the Harley three wheeler from the factory, not after market conversion as in past years. When we went to the dealer we found out most dealerships were given a quota of four per dealership and unlike car dealerships they weren't allowed to swap them around. We purchased in Clermont at Stormy Hill Harley Davidson - their last one for 2009. It took almost two months for it to be delivered from the factory but it was well worth the wait.

I know, this is not proper riding attire! We own the boots, the helmets, the gloves, the long sleeves, etc. We just haven't gotten the riding suits yet. This was just a photo op.

We went the first part of June to take the two day safety course which also qualified us for our motorcycle endorsement. Florida has an approved three wheel and side car safety course which is the one we completed. Interestingly enough, if you complete the two wheel course you also qualify for the three wheel endorsement even though there is nothing three wheel covered in the course. But if you only complete the three wheel course you cannot get a two wheel endorsement and believe me there is a major difference in operating the three wheeler compared to the two wheeler. So go figure, the State of Florida seems to have it backwards again. We both passed our classroom and course work. It was at the school that my brain finally kicked in. You see I had this image of taking delivery of the bike, jumping on and riding off into the sunset. Then, reality set in, it has been over 30 years since I have been on a bike and I was going to have a lot of practice to do before I hit the open road. We now have 400 practice miles on the odometer. We have also ridden in the rain, without rain suits, and survived. We are not rushing it, just enjoying the learning process.

Future exploits in the planning process: A visit to Holland in the fall with Jim's sister and brother-in-law; an extended trip to California; an extended motorcycle trip; Israel; Alaska, roller coaster rides...