Gainesville Get-Together

Camped out in Paul's driveway, Gainesville FL

Last week was a long overdue family get-together with a few of the siblings in my family. We would have loved it if they could have all come, but circumstances prevented it. We have a brother in Spokane, Washington, and a sister in Colorado who were absent.

We gathered at our younger brother's house (Paul) in Gainesville. Another brother, Lee, lives with him. Mark and I came and parked our RV in their driveway, and our oldest brother, George (and his wife, Bev) also came up during their Florida vacation--picking up our sister, Doreen from Mississippi on the way back from an unexpected side trip to Illinois (a long story I will not recount--except to say, watch out for Pulaski County). 

It was a great visit, though somewhat short. George, Bev, Mark and I all left on Friday to go our separate ways-- us to Orlando for our much anticipated Disney World visit.

The bunch of us hadn't been together, all in one place for something other than a funeral, for many years. We spent most of our time visiting and talking about all the deep subjects families talk about when they get together-- religion, politics, and everybody's health. The weather was perfect. We spent most of our time outside in the fresh air. Lee, who is a wonderful cook, fed us all every day with delicious meals. It was wonderful! 

Lee, George, Bev, Mark

George & Mark shooting the breeze

Paul & George in deep contemplation

Mark was able to benefit from George's automotive expertise to figure out why we were having intermittent trouble with our tail lights on the RV. It turned out to be a short in some of the wiring.

Fixing the wiring

 

Lee also cleaned up our headlights while we were there with some left over supplies he had. This stuff works wonders!

Our time together was so enjoyable, we're talking about doing it again next year, God willing.

That's about all there is to say in this post.

As always-- Safe travels!

Left to right:  Paul, Amy, Doreen, Me, Mark, Bev, George, Lee

Back in Florida

Our space at Highland Woods RV Park

After a fairly short trip across country, we arrived in Florida as scheduled on Sunday, February 23. Our campground was Highland Woods RV "Resort" in Pompano Beach, Florida. For the record, it is the furthest thing imaginable from a "resort." And...it is almost completely populated by French Canadians from Quebec -- including office staff. We've decided against ever returning-- not because we have anything particular against French Canadians. But the park itself has such tiny spaces that it is very hard to maneuver and park this 40-foot rig. There aren't enough other perks here to make coming back worth the trouble.

But we have been enjoying two weeks of fun and fellowship with my brother and sister-in-law, George and Bev. They have been staying in a hotel nearby on vacation and we've spent many days hanging out together. 

Bev, me, George, & Mark

One of our outings was a day trip to Key West. We had to meet at the Bayside Marketplace in Miami where we caught a bus at about 7:30 in the morning for the ride down the Keys. It took us nearly four hours to get there. The first thing some of us had to do (the ones that left their jackets home) was stop in a gift shop and buy some hoodie-sweatshirts against the chilly weather. Temps hovered between 60 and 65 all day. Then we had a bite of lunch before setting off on our adventure. 

Key West shell market

Chickens are a protected species in Key West. They run wild.

Here is a mama with her babies.

The adventure was riding the "Hop-on-hop-off" trolley around the island. We did get off in a couple places. George and Bev wanted to tour the Hemingway House. Mark and I opted out and just waited for them. Then of course we had to make a stop at one of the many eateries for the famous Key Lime Pie. We had roughly six hours to tour around. That seems like a lot on paper, but it went fast. Before we knew it, it was 5:00 and time to board the bus back to Miami. Key West is always a fun place to go - there's lots to see and great places to eat. 

Hemingway House from the other side of the wall.

Our other main activity was the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi, which takes you up and down the Inland waterway all day long (10 stops in all) for the economical price of $23 per person (senior rate). It was also a "hop-on-hop-off" affair, but we got a late start. By the time we rode the circuit once, it was time for dinner. Then by the time we finished eating we had to hightail it back to the parking garage because our time was up. The parking structure required estimating our parking time and paying in advance. We gave ourselves until 8:45, thinking that would be plenty of time. Alas, it was not. Still, the water taxi ride is very entertaining, especially after dark when everything is lit up. Until you've seen it, it's hard to imagine how many rich people there are with mansions and giant yachts in South Florida. Sadly, I forgot my camera on that very interesting excursion.

Bokampers Restaurant - Stop #10 on the water taxi. 

They were running a ribs special - full rack with fries, $11.99 plus tax.

Most of our time, though, has been spent laying out in the sun by the pool at the hotel where George & Bev were staying, or sitting in the hot tub. (Our "resort" has no hot tub.) 

Chased into the shade by the sun.

Tomorrow Mark and I pull up stakes and head to Gainesville. George and Bev will follow us for a family get-together with the Florida brothers, Paul and his family, and Virg. 

Till next time, safe travels & God bless!