Saturday, December 30 -

These shots were taken at the pool the Wards enjoy as one of the facilities which is part of their community. 

 We had a very nice time with the Wards, and thank them once again for their kind hospitality over Christmas. We were sad to be away from our family in Belleville, so it was very nice to have the time with Kathy, Steve and Casey. 

Our last day with the Wards was most enjoyable. Casey did Cinnamon buns for breakfast, while Steve prepared bacon and eggs for a very nice Boxing Day start. We eventually walked over to the swimming pool pictured above, next to which is a bochi court. None of us had ever played before, so it was fun figuring out how the game worked, how hard to throw the balls, what the best strategy was. The courts are great, with artificial surface, so it was a good way to get started on our bochi careers. 

It was warm, so after the game a swim felt great. 

That evening we went to Disney Spring, the area in the Disney empire that you can go to for restaurants and shops. We wandered about to take in the sights, listen to some street entertainment, and have huge burgers at one of the food places. Quite an empire that the Disney Corp has built, and no shortage of patrons. The place was packed when we left.

Next morning, Steve delivered us back to our r.v., and on we went to Homosassa. We had to do a huge grocery shopping, as we were down to basics. Then on to our Homosassa River R.V. Park, an old familiar place, as it's the fourth time we've stayed here. We like the area, because it's definitely Old Florida, rural, not hectic like the big centers, with a couple of pubs we enjoy.

The weather has definitely turned cool, so yesterday it was a good reason to go to the nearby State Park to see our favorite birds and animals. It's a truly wonderful place to visit, as it's full of birds, manatees, local fauna, and even old Lu, the 57 year old hippo who's been here for years. The neat thing about Lu was that he was quite frisky, so we got a good look at him in the pool as he was being fed. Also neat were the numerous manatees that we saw. Jeff and Sharon have the idea that manatees are a myth, sort of like unicorns, so I'll try to download a couple of pics to prove otherwise. Here goes.

Couldn't resist throwing in the Bald Eagle in front of his flag. Uncle Donald would be proud of me, 'cause we all know how much he loves his country.

Today was cool again, but sunny, so we did a lot of biking, and even sat by the pool reading until the clouds moved in. Back on the bikes to explore familiar back roads, ending up at The Freezer for chowder and shrimp, then on to the Shed for french fries. Both had to have a beer on the side. And back to the r.v. in the cool damp air, just as dark was descending.

Tomorrow night is NY Eve, so we'll probably stay here, as there's a dance planned in the rec hall. We've also decided to extend our stay here until next Saturday, as the weather is not warming up until then, and in fact will be below freezing in the Panhandle at night next week. So we'll wait it out and find ways to amuse ourselves around here. Sister Marilyn is still planning to meet us in New Orleans, so we're working on that.

Meantime, Gail and I wish all who may have the patience to work through this stuff that I post a Happy New Years Eve, and all the best in 2018. Good health to everyone.