NEWBIES,GOOD WEATHER & MORE

Usually, at this time of the year, the resorts in Florida start to empty out. Our RV park is still having people checking in. I wonder if the cold that's hitting the North is encouraging snowbirds to dawdle? I have a habit of checking our weather vs up in Michigan every morning. When I see we're 50+ degrees warmer it warms my heart. I've noticed a lot more friends from North country have visited Florida this year too. Did you know that over a million people are moving to Florida each year? We have had about 6 folks pull out and head North.

We met some newbies that stayed here in a motorhome. They have only had their rig 1 month. Nice folks, Dan & Caretha. They are from Canada and Sweden. Had a fun filled happy hour and they went to The Olde Fish House with us to listen to some fun music. We talked a lot about making the transition to full timing and life on the road. Of course we all shared the learning curve of motorhoming.

Our friend, Carl, joined us for the evening and we laughed so much our sides were aching in the morning. One of the subjects that came up was how newbies have a tendency to pack too much, that sparked a discovery of them having 26 pairs of shoes with them! We showed them how to downsize by throwing them out the door (jokingly!!) and Carl just happened to be approaching the door at an appropriate moment!! Caught him by suprise !! I even took a chance of bringing our mascot, Hooter Brown, in to meet them. Have I told ya about Hooter Brown ???

The next morning was a slowwww morning !!

After a few days we gained our energy back and decided it was time to scrub the rig. It's been 5 months since a major scrubdown. We are still finding grease spots obtained during the engine change. After 3+ hours of scrubbing with Soft Scrub and Scotchbright pads our arms were done. Tomorrow will be wax day. The rig looks so purrrty when it's been spiffed up !!

Another week and we'll be out looking for a car. I've been scouring Craigslist for a good deal and so far have about 4 to look at. We haven't had a car for 2 ½ years so it'll be interesting to see what we end up with. Ms. Heather will be my chase car. We don't plan on any cross country trips this summer. The “jello” plan is to stay in the Southestern States this summer. If we go as far as North Carolina I'll be surprised. The past few years we've just driven the rig around. It'll be nice to have a car again for day trips & shopping. It should be fun summer!!

REMEMBER, LIVE YOUR DREAMS AS TIME GOES BY QUICKLY !!

Charlie & Heather.

SUNDAY 3-22-15

Had another fun filled and good weather week on Matlacha Island, Fl..

We managed to get out to some music a couple times this week. Had some cookouts and a park party. Some long term residents are leaving and this'll be their last winter here due to health issues. I asked my friend Daniel to come eat and play his guitar for awhile and another bunch did a ribs & chicked BBQ. Lot's of side dishes by others made for a feast.

It's been in the 80's every day and 60's at night. Had to lather up with sunscreen every day as these Yankee bodies burn much too quickly. AC has been on every afternoon.

With all the hot days, of course the water temps are rising and along with that the fishing is picking up. We're seeing a lot more bridge fishermen and many more boats cruising the cut. We have a night light out on the dock and there's been a lot of fish seen down there. I just saw a large stingray this morning. When we were down at the outdoor restaurant a few dasys ago we were treated to a “ Jack boil “ in the canal and an array of jumping fish. The minnows are abundent too. Folks have been catching speckled trout regularly. I betcha the “ Old Fat Man “ & “ Billy Bob “ ( fellow bloggers ) would be entertained if they were here. Might go fishing at 5PM today as the tide will be up.

I'm still on the prowl, via Criagslist, for a car. Hopeing we find one this month. I thought I found a good deal 2 weeks ago but I heard a small tick in the engine so I passed it up.

3-23-15 MONDAY

Got up to a nice sunny morning and 77F. The weather guessers are saying afternoon rain. I hope not 'cause I'm planning on a cookout today. Around about noon the clouds rolled in and here come da rain, dangit ! But we got lucky and about 2:30 it stopped. I decided to chance cooking and the sun came back out and all went well.

I haven't used this recipe for awhile but it's simple. Bought 8 Cornish Game Hens the other day. I washed 'em up and fired up the grill. As they cooked I kept basting them with some OJ & brown sugar and cooked 'em slow & easy.

Ms Heather made up some stuffing and gravy and Carl did some 5 grain rice. Yummy ! If I keep eating like this I may put some weight on. Ha ha ha !!

REMEMBER, LIVE YOUR DREAMS AS TIME GOES BY QUICKLY !!

Charlie & Heather

3-10-15 Another New Week

Yeah, I know, I know, 3-10 is a Tuesday but Monday was recovery day so it doesn't count !! hahahah...

Been staying busy looking for a car. I can't quite make up my mind if we need a van or a car, preferably a Cadillac. We enjoyed our last Caddy soooo very much that it's tempting to get another one even though a van makes more sense. We're planning on staying in the S.E. Corner of the USA this summer so Ms Heather & I decided to research some kind of vehicle to take day trips in. I think a good low mileage used Caddy would be nice. Time will tell.

I've been tossing the idea of selling the Goldwing. I've found it's just too dang heavy for me. I already have installed the standard driver's footpegs and removed the floorboards to get my short legs on the ground but it's still a lot of bike, especially on gravel surfaces. The traffic has been extremely heavy this year and I got my reminder of why I quit biking years ago. I'm running an ad on Craigslist to see if I can sell the Goldwing. It's a shame because this Honda is in damn nice condition.

We're planning on a nice smoked corned beef foodfest for near St. Pat's day, probably Sunday. Carl has a recipe he's used for years and I'm really looking forward to it. It takes him 3 days to prepare it.

Ms Heather has sure been keeping busy with her jewelry crafting. She's been setting up a stand at The Olde Fish House from Tuesday thru Saturday and has been pretty successful selling her stuff. I think her artistic talent shines with this hobby. She always has a few small bracelets with her and gives them away to any children that get curious by her table. Something she's noticed is any people from other countries seem offended if she gives their kids anything and make the kids give them back !! How strange !! Poor kids !!

Wednesday 3-11-15

My body is still adjusting to DST. I was waking up at 6AM but today I managed to make it til 7. I'm still working on the PM bedtime. 11 PM seems to be about right although still feels early.

I had planned on a motorcycle ride today but it got so hot, so early, I wimped out. This evening, Ms. Heather and I were just planning on a dinner when Carl announced he'd made some beef & barley stew. Problem solved ! It was real good. Had a little shower early evening but it cleared up quickly. Gotta get some shopping done tomorrow.

SATURDAY 3-14-15

Pi day !!

Big garage sale day on the island. Ms. Heather set up her jewelry stand real early. I took a real long walk in the neighborhoods. I didn't find anything to buy but I did meet a lot of smiling ppl with treasures in hand.

I bought some new sandals yesterday and am happy to report they are great for walking. My last pair rubbed my feet raw if I walked any long distance in them. Out with the old.....

Today was hot. Had the AC on by 0930..that's getting to be the norm lately. I've even had to kick it on before we go to bed to drop the humidity.

Next Tuesday is my heritage day ! St Patrick's Day is a biggy for us Irishmen. Tomorrow, Sunday, we're having a get together and Carl has been prepping and smoking some corned beef briskets all day. He's been doing his thing every year. His corned beef sandwiches are outstanding ! I'm delegated to make some fresh cut fries. It sounds like we've got a great group showing up for the feast.

We hope all of you have a great St Pat's week !

REMEMBER, LIVE YOUR DREAMS AS TIME GOES BY QUICKLY !!

Charlie & Heather

2-27-15 FRIDAY

We must be getting thinner blood. This is the 5^th winter of being down South. We haven't had any really cold weather freeze us in quite awhile. Woke up this morning to 60F and windy again. Hell, up north in the old days we'd be out in the yard in t-shirts. Not anymore ! After a few coffees I put on my jacket and went outside. Brrrr!! It's supposed to be less warm for a few more days and rain. The weather guessers are saying about Tuesday we'll be back in the 80's. Can't wait.

So, what does a person do to while away time when the weather is saying hide out ? All of us full timers get faced with this dilemma occasionally.

I found several small inside projects to do. Mostly just piddling around, nothing brainbusting. Now, where's my list ? I always scribble my “ to do “ things down when I think of them cause my memory doesn't always make note of small projects. Tighten that, replace that, make another list of parts needed. You know !!

Stepped outside a few more times thru out the day. Still cool, still windy. Bummer !

I had to re aim the danged sat dish again. I swear the ground on the island is moving all the time. Every time, just about daily, it just needs an 1/8^th of an inch adjustment.

3-4-15 MY BIRTHDAY

I was up early Wednesday morning. Had the news on and was enjoying a cup of coffee when Heather got up with a Happy Birthday wish. I must be trying to avoid getting older because I wasn't even thinking about it ! WOW !! 69 years old !! How the heck did those many years fly by ? As the day progressed all the kids called me and of course Facebook wishes were piling up. Heather asked me what we were going to do and since I don't make a big deal of it I said “ Lets have pizza tonight”. Thanx to everyone for the birthday acknowledgements.

Saturday 3-7-15

We went down the street to The Olde Fish House last night and listened to a band called The Heathens. A duo of accoustic guitars, the 2 young guys had just got in from a boat trip with Kid Rock. Great entertainment and a large crowd. Everyone sat outside under a full moon and the temperature was perfect and no bugs. Hated to see the evening end.

We got some shopping done yesterday. Found a good deal on corned beef brisket so I bought 3. Carl is going to smoke 'em and prepare them for St Patrick's day . He's done this before and it's absolutely delicious. Make's me salivate just thinking about it !!

I got my tax return money back already. I e filed them, again this year, about 3 weeks ago. I'm glad to see the IRS has seemed to smooth out their system a lot.

Since it's been in the 80's all week the water is warming up and the fishing has been picking up. We were out on our dock wetting some lines and saw several manatees and dolphins. They were right next to the dock, could have touched them ! It's erie when they look you right in the eye. Of course, when there are dolphins in the area the fishing ( catching ) shuts off. I've noticed the folks on the drawbridge are catching more.

I'm expecting some mail soon. Got my license and tags being sent here. I was able to do that on the net except for the motorcycle tag. I had to have my friend go get that one.

Sunday 3-8-15

End of the week. Carl did us up today ! He had fresh clams and used his culinary skills to feed a bunch of us. Clam chowder too. He also baked a batch and we had our fill. I threw some potatoes and a pork loin on the grill for a follow up.

Our friends, Terry & Ginger, slipped over here from Pine Island and joined us. We spent 2 hours listening to some mighty fine music at The Olde Fish House before dinner. The weather was perfect today.

It was a great way to wrap up the week.

Did ya'll remember to set your clocks forward this morning ??

I'm sitting here at 9PM with the windows and door open and feeling mighty fine.

REMEMBER, LIVE YOUR DREAMS AS TIME GOES BY QUICKLY !!!

Charlie & Heather.

2-25-15 WAXING, WATCHING, WORRYING

When I went out this morning and took the cover off the Goldwing I decided it'd be a good day to wax her. Kinda overcast so the sun won't streak it. It's been awhile since I last waxed a bike. I've forgotten how many nooks and crannies they have. Before I knew it about 3 hours had passed. It sure was purty when done. I even had a few neighbors stop in and noticed it. Grin-grin !!

Ms Heather took the turkey carcass and leftover turkey from Sunday and made a pot of turkey soup. I was sitting nearby and I'll betcha I put on a pound or two just smelling it cooking. Great dinner tonight.

We took a walk down the street and listened to a new group playing music at The Olde Fish House this evening. Banjo, mandelin and bongos cranked out some tunes. If it'd been warmer or less windy they would have had a bigger audience. Got a little less warmer after the sun went down and the wind picked up.

I guess I should figure out something to do inside for the next 3 days as it's supposed to rain.

Gonna start watching my bank account for my IRS refund. I'm glad the tax return is done. Also waiting for my new license tags to arrive.

I got a little worried about fellow bloggers “Old Fat Man” as he was under the weather and had slowed down his blogging for a few days. I also follow “ Billy Bob “ and noticed his attitude going up & down. Must be the dreaded “ Winter Doldrums” getting to them. I sure do enjoy reading their daily blogs.

THURSDAY 2-26-15

The good Lord is watering His garden today. Woke up to light sprinkles and it was on and off all day. Same thing called for tomorrow and Saturday. I've got a short list of things to do on a rainy day. I started out on the list after a nice leisurely coffee hour and managed to keep busy til 1300. Got a nap accomplished and took a nice hot shower. Of course we had our normal happy hour and did manage to get outside between raindrops a few times. I may slip on the rain poncho and go up the street to see if the music is still on tonight.

We have a great mystery going on here ! Almost every morning our satellite signal is “lost” ! I have to go re-aim the dish. It only takes a little tweek, usually to the left, to obtain the signal. I'm wondering if this island moves ?? Never have this problem anywhere else we stay. It's happened here, regularly, for 3 seasons now ! Hm!!!

Carl said he was making biscuits and gravy at the “ Snatch & Sniff Cafe “ in the morning. Yum ! He does that a few times every winter. I need to steal his recipe.

REMEMBER, LIVE YOUR DREAMS AS TIME GOES BY QUICKLY !!

Charlie & Heather

2-18-15 HUMP DAY ???

Had a little rain last night. Just enough noise to wake us up for a few moments. I'm glad we had our LP gas refilled as it got a bit cool. We ran out last Saturday but no big deal. Our electric heater has no problem down to 40F. We have freeze warnings for tonight and maybe tomorrow night so we'll need the furnace assistance. I feel a bit guilty complaining about our temperatures after reading about our Up North friend's weather. We had to make our percolator coffee on the outdoor gas grill for 2 mornings but that's simple. Dang good coffee.

I went to the local Publix store this afternoon while Heather was at her jewelry stand and I stocked up. When I came out and tried to start the engine it did Nothing!! Now what?? I used the jump starter and got back to the RV Park okay. I played with the starting a few times and sometimes it works and some times it doesn't..I hate these on again, off again problems. Oh well ! Now I have a tomorrow project.

I'm still manuvering all the health insurance crap. I'm amazed at the different excuses I'm getting regarding everything. If I call the same company 4 times, I get 4 different answers. The 'net sites have done some pretty amazing tricks too. They sure lock up a lot. BUT...I'll GET 'ER DONE eventually...

Making plans for a Daytona 500 party this weekend..gonna eat well !!

Thursday 2-19-15

A little less warmer for SW Florida this morning. If the wind would diminish it would be better.

I had to run into Walgreens to pick up some Rx's. As long as I was next door to a Publix Store I grabbed a few items we needed. When I went to start the rig NOTHING happened and the dashboard was dead too. NOW WHAT ????? I tried shift and wiggling the key and NOTHING !! *&%&* phooey! Okay, let's see if the emergency jump start switch works. IT DID !! I went right back to the RV Park. WHEW !! I shut down and again it wouldn't start. Hmmm!! How the heck does something quit like that ??

I decided to start at the battery, checked it with my voltmeter and only got 9 volts, I wiggled the battery connection and noticed the VM reading varied from 9 to 12.6 volts. I removed the battery clamps and cleaned them up and reconnected tightly. Okay, now I have an active dashboard and starting is normal. WHEWWWW!!

Turned out simple to fix. I did have passing thoughts of a faulty ignition switch or a bad wire or, or, or....ya know?? We musta not tightened it correctly when we replaced the motor..

Another close call--- I took a nap the other aternoon and woke up smelling smoke... OH-OH !! Heather's concave makeup mirror was in the sun and started her cloth purse on fire, I threw it outside...I'm glad I was here..that coulda been real bad. One of us had disconnected the smoke alarm battery due to it beeping when we were making toast and hadn't reinstalled it. Bad boogeys buddies.

Isn't Rving fun??

Tomorrow is the Daytona 500 race. Gonna have a cook out. The plan is to deep fry a turkey.

2-22-15 Sunday

Nice & balmy today. We took a stroll down the road to the Olde Fish house for a few beers and to listen to some Island Music. When we got back to the rig it was time to cook dinner. Got the deep fryer out and Carl had prebrined a big turkey overnight. Got the peanut oil up to 350F and fried the bird for 45 minutes then did the potatoes. Carl made up some cranberry & jalepeno sauce for sandwiches. Oooooh is that good!! Life is good !!

2-23-15 Monday

80F and sunny today !! Perfect !

I decided to play in the water this afternoon. Buckets of suds and hose came out and I scrubbed the Goldwing. Lookin' pretty good now. It sure accumulated a lot of dirt and salt residue.That's one thing ya gotta be aware of when you're by the ocean. The night air deposits a lot of salt onto everything.

With my birthday coming up I had to order my license and plates online from Michigan. It's a nice option compared to most states. Michigan doesn't have any mandatory inspections either. They will get sent to our address up there and my friend will forward the stickers and license to me. I still have a couple weeks before they're needed and if all goes well it'll work out okay.

I can't believe other bloggers are starting to talk about heading home alredy !! Way too early unless they want to drive on ice & snow !!

REMEMBER, LIVE YOUR DREAMS AS TIME GOES BY QUICKLY !!!

Charlie & Heather

2-8-15 SUNDAY

This week flew by. Most weeks do. Do we all have the same timing ? I remember, when I was younger, that time was slower. A week was longer. A year was forever. I have a birthday coming at the beginning of March and it seems like I just had one a few months ago. Is this normal or a consequence of aging?

We've had a great week on the Island. Did a little running around, got some shopping done and had a couple cook outs. As usual we heard some great music down the street. Had a few more snowbirds pull in and they're both newbies. It's been interestng chatting with them and recognizing their newfound adventures. We had a small bonfire this evening after “ Carl “ fed us all. I ate way to early and as usual my motor wound down after dinner. I usually like to eat late do to the “ grandpa “ effect it has on me. ZZZzzzzz !!

2-9-15 MONDAY

Woke up to a rain forcast. It's supposed to have light rain all morning. The Good Lord's gonna water his garden. Since I'm researching insurances I can use the time productivly.

Got a suprise in the mail. My previous to retirement employer has decided to go with a cafe' style program. They've started a RHA (retirement health account) We have to get our own insurances. Of course we pay for them and get reimbursed.

Since we get our mail from a mail service and we got delayed in Alabama for 1 ½ months getting our engine replaced, I was a little behind on mail. When it finally caught up with us I discovered I have no insurance since 12-31-14. Isn't that great ?? So I had to read 10,000 pages of gobbldygook lawyer talk, research dozens of options, and wait on hold for a zillion hours, etc, etc, etc...everything has to be approved and so I won't be covered for a few weeks. Damn glad I haven't been sick ! From the looks of it I'll have to go thru this every year in December. Makes my day !! Of course, half the internet sites are screwed up and directions to click here or there don't work. It's amazing how everyone wants your email address but won't use it to communicate. I was notified that some of these companies need a letter to show my employer has quit providing insurance. NOWHERE does any of the afformentioned letters say that. Soooo, another delay.

Another option I'm researching and applying for is a VA Card. I had some friends suggest that. I was told the Rx's were cheaper.

I've decided to modify the Honda Goldwing. My legs are too short, for comfort, to have the floorboards on the bike. I ordered standard foot pegs and I removed the floorboards. I'm guessing my feet will be planted more firmly on the ground. It's difficult on loose gravel to move the bike around so I'm fixing that ! Has anyone else had that problem?

My old friends in lower Michigan have really been getting some crappy weather and lots of snow. YUK !!

As usual our feline friends are showing up every day as they have in years past. All we have to do is move in the rig in the early morning and we hear scratching at the door. We always have cat food onboard and they know it. The other evening I went into the rig, I'd left the door open, and I got surprised by a strange cat inside. It kinda took me by suprise as it was a large cat. He scooted out the door. I wonder who's cat he is ?? We really don't mind our 'regulars' showing up.

2-12-15 THURSDAY

MAIL CALL.. Got more mail from the P.A. Mail service..new insurance info and all my tax stuff. Now I can do my taxes ( is that a good or bad thing? ). I also received a package with the foot pegs for the Honda.

I have actually had to order a second set of Honda footpegs as the 1^st set wouldn't fit. The 2^nd set were correct for this '83 Goldwing. I had already removed the floorboards so it was only a matter of minutes to install the pegs. I hopped on it and my legs and feet are much more firmly planted on the terra firma. Should be a lot easier to keep 'er steady.

The floorboards were forcing me to have my legs out at a 20 degree angle and on loose ground it was very iffy to keep the bike from falling over, 800#s isn't something I could stop ! ( I already lost it twice) Very embarrasing !!

We've started our annual physicals. I still am waiting on some more insurance forms before I can get any more Dr. stuff done.

The sun is blazing, the temp is 75F so enough rambling.

Is it happy hour yet. I'm sure it 2PM somewhere!!

REMEMBER, LIVE YOUR DREAMS AS TIME GOES BY QUICKLY !!

Charlie & Heather.