Drive Ins and a vacation from Retirement??? Who'd thunk?

HE SAID:

We have been dying to see a movie since we have been in Ruskin, but the nearest theatre is in St Petes or Tampa which makes is too far to be away from dogs that long. But finally the local theatre here, which is a drive in, had a movie we hadn’t seen yet….Muppets Most Wanted. It has been a long time since Pat and I went to a drive in. This drive in swears that it is one of the last “original “ family drive ins. They still have the speakers from the 60’s that I remember that are in good working condition.  It was a good movie but forgot about how many mosquitoes you get at a drive in and the new cars have an annoying flashing blue or red light in the front window to deter car thieves. This light never goes out.

We did some more exploring in St. Petes Florida. Took Pat to Treasure Island where she went to as kid when she came to Florida to visit her grandparents. What a great beach. It was nice to take a walk on a beach without the dogs too!!

Treasure Island Florida

Last week we went on our first cruise of the year. We had a three-day certificate that I was able to use to get a five-day cruise out of Ft. Lauderdale to Grand Turks and Princess Cays.  It was a very relaxing week. Good food and entertainment, and we had a good week of Trivia competitions. We are now tied with Norwegian Cruise Lines and Princess for the same number of cruises. Still not sure what line we like better.  I just like them all as long as they have a great buffet!!!

Grand Turk

Princess Cay

Grand Turk Hop on and Hop off

SHE SAID:

It's hard to concentrate on what to write, right now - we have an old TV channel on, and the Partridge Family is currently on...talk about a blast from the past.  That Keith Partridge was a hotty, or so I thought.  It's been fun being in Florida, not on a schedule or rush to fit in everything in a few days.  As we had been to visit the St Pete's area, as John loves to drive over the bridge, things were feeling pretty familiar.  After my checking with Mom - we went to Treasure Island, and my memories really come back.  I could almost see my parents and grandparents around the picnic basket, with Dusty, Wally (sorry Norm, but that's the memories name) and me, bouncing on the waves, with the hunt for treasure in the huge sand dunes.  I really do love the ocean, the feel of the warm waves, and the sand in my toes.  The sand in my toes, until it's time to put on shoes, that is.

On Sunday we drove down to Fort Lauderdale to leave on the cruise.  I thought I'd booked a 'park, cruise' package, however on arrival I was told that parking was extra - I'd booked incorrectly.  Anyone that has had the experience of checking into a hotel with me knows that I can be a tad fussy.  Well...John had to keep holding me down at this one.  I only booked there due to the parking - when I realized that wasn't part of the price I very nearly lost it...here we were in a hotel that normally I wouldn't even consider...kids...remember The Happy Host...I wasn't a very happy camper.  John was able to talk me down, and we did stay - ick!  Breakfast was included and as part of the package the staff was dressed in cruise staff attire, with microphones, cracking bad jokes and singing bad songs...it didn't help.  We were there less than 12 hours, but what a 12 hours!  We caught their shuttle to the port, leaving the car parked, vowing that things would be more carefully checked and not sure exactly where I blew that one!

The cruise was great.  With only one 'real' stop at Grand Turk there was lots on onboard time to relax, read and play trivia.  We joined with a couple of men for trivia and we didn't exactly rock on this trip. It's funny that on occasion we have been the winners - this time we weren't.  We all felt we should have done better as our partners were a school principal and a retired teacher.  Each of us had our strengths, which complemented each other - oh well it boils down to smarter people on board for this cruise.  It was hard to take for this slightly competitive gal.  We did a hop on hop off tour of Grand Turk, but didn't find anywhere we wanted to hop off to see.  The island used to have a salt factory, but it is now closed.  It was hit hard by a hurricane in 2008, with not a huge amount of rebuilding after the storm.  A few celebrities have property there but the beaches are the BEST part of this island.   There are no property taxes in Grand Turk which is a plus, however the state of the roads really testify to that fact.  After our grand tour we spent some time on the beach and did some snorkelling - saw some beautiful fish, as well.  We stopped at the Princess Cay as well, we went to the beach there and did more snorkelling - no many fish there, so we returned to the ship for the rest of the day.

We are now back in Ruskin for a few more days, then heading over to the East coast, and will be near Cape Canaveral, where the space shuttles were sent from.  Still having fun :)

We're here for a good time, not a long time...

HE SAID:
Some of you may remember a few years ago, Pat got this fantastic deal on burial Urns through E-Bay (Pat wanted to leave this world with a deal!!!). When Pat's dad died, we used one of our Urns after seeing what they were going to charge my mother in law at the funeral home. We gave the other one to Betty (MIL) to match her husbands.  We remembered the Urn company was in Florida (in fact a 1/2  hour from our RV park) so we took a drive to see if we could save money on shipping this time . We were happy to find out it was indeed the same company on Ebay (they had Pat's name in the computer). The owner gave us another great deal on the above which will be our final resting place. Pat really liked the matching hearts.

Today we also made a trip to Port Charlotte, where Pat's Granddad is buried. We made sure we brought new flowers after our last experience coming here. Sure enough the flowers had been removed from our last visit. (maybe the get too dusty or dirty looking????)

Came back to Ruskin in a torrential downpour. The TV says there are now Tornado warnings near our  RV park...woot woot!!!

SHE SAID:

Reading Johns comments above I must seem like a cheapskate, with a morbid mind...perhaps I am.  I feel the need to remind John that when I purchased the Urns, which we used for Dad, were purchased as he was going through a 'need' to have something for his final resting place.  Every time we entered a department store he would point out baskets and other containers and ask what I thought about it as a container for his final remains.  I have been married to this man for 36 years, and I will ask you to flash back to the quest for satellite - when he gets an idea about something it becomes something like trying to get a bone from a dog - almost impossible.  I figured that I would be looking at possible final resting places, until something had been decided.  That is when ebay came into the picture.  I am a deal hunter as he is an 'obsessive' searcher for things.  Many times this is a pretty good match, he can get and I can find the 'best' deal.  I was able to get the original urns at a fantastic price - one that a co-worker also saw the value of - and we purchased 4 - 2 for us, 2 for them.  I don't think her husband ever looked at me the same way after this particular  purchase, though.  Flash forward to the use of both urns for my parents - one used, one in waiting - John having a hole in something he felt was important - on to the shopping trip.  I just recalled shipping was from the Gulf coast of Florida, and voila - 2 more urns.  The owner was very excited to meet a customer, and in her words...she often doesn't get repeat customers :)

This may seem morbid to some, however I have no issues with death or dying - at least not yet.  I have a very strong belief that we will go on after the death of our bodies.  We are spiritual beings, having an earthly experience.  From the moment we are born we are moving towards death.  It is a good thing we don't know the time when it will happen, but it will happen to all of us.  I also know some who don't feel cremation is the 'best' way to deal with our mortal body after death.  After some long discussions with my father, mother and husband it was interesting to hear what issues about death that bothered us - such as embalming - I wasn't really concerned, as I figured I wouldn't feel anything, but there were those in the group that it was a big issue.  I personally have huge issues with the Funeral Home business and the giant costs associated with them, now - cremation is simpler, cheaper, and isn't such a huge burden to the family - this is done throughout the world, the law in smaller countries, so I figure we will be forgiven for this choice.  

On to the rest of the day - it really was one where I had the opportunity to think about mortality - we drove on to Port Charlotte to visit the niche where my Gaga is.  We took some new flowers (3rd time I've done this in 6 years).  Guess he may have some of the same issues discussed above.  He is in a wall, which is now a part of a chapel of chimes -we got there around 4, and the chimes played for about 15 minutes, a very pleasant place. 

As I said earlier - seems pretty morbid today, but it is grey, overcast and raining, so a perfect day for contemplating our mortality.

Who put SALT in the Water!!!!!

Jupiter Beach - Atlantic Side

St. Petersburg - Gulf Side

HE SAID:
Can't believe it has been almost two weeks since we last blogged. We have been really enjoying Florida, seeing both the Atlantic and Gulf side. The weather here is fantastic. So much more moisture in the air.  It feels great. We were anxious to get to the beach so in the first week  we took the dogs to their very first time in Ocean water. We carefully located "Dog Friendly beaches"..(thanks to a "Bring Fido "app- an app for everything). On their first try they were so excited to see the water. The both ran up to it and quickly got wet. They are used to however to being able to drink the water they play in. It was quite funny to see their reaction when they had their first taste. Like what the heck!!!.  Fortunately the two beaches they've been to have a great washing station. They get so full of sand and of course sea water. Kiri is the much more adventurous one in the water. Libby now just stays on the beach. I love walking along the beach and the water has been so warm.

Last week both Pat and I flew home to Calgary from Orlando. We left the dogs with a kennel right next to the RV park here in Ruskin. Pat was originally going alone but after hearing my brother Ray was home in Calgary and that I wanted to see my brother Chris who hasn't been well, I went along for the ride. It was nice to be with my brothers and sister for few days, then to be able to see Heather, JayDee and the Lethbridge grandkids was an added bonus. It was weird being back in Canada. It is still winter there, but lucky we got a Chinook while we were there. It felt weird not having the RV (our home) with us. I felt homeless, and was happy to get back to Florida and the motorhome.

Bridge into St. Petersburg

Loving our current RV site in Ruskin Florida (Gulf Side). Not much of a town nearby, but Tampa and St. Petersburg are very close. I'm in love with this bridge above so we spend more time in St. Pete's as the locals call it. We have more exploring to do in the next week and it has been fantastic having the RV stay put for a month.....and hey,  free internet never hurts.



SHE SAID:

I REALLY LOVE FLORIDA!!! There's something about the climate and being by the ocean that really calls to me!  It has been very relaxing since finally getting here - we came at such a fast pace from Phoenix, perhaps it's just being able to 'be' for a while that I appreciate.  Both sets of my Grandparents spent winters here, on the Gulf side, so I have a few childhood memories - checking with Mom, I am amazed at the accuracy of some of them - including digging for buried treasure on sandy beaches - I guess near St. Petersburg - Mom said Treasure Island - saw the sign for that going into St. Pete's to the Dog Park today :)

The trip back to Alberta was a lot of fun...after my Dr. appointment and getting the Avastin shot in my eye (certainly not my favourite activity), however the injections and laser treatments over the past couple of years really showed improvement on this visit.  After getting that done, Heather and I went to Edmonton to see Air Supply.  SO MUCH FUN!!  After shopping and having a long lunch (enjoyed the company, service sucked) with Mike, Mariam and their children (who are such awesome kids, by the way), it was time for Air Supply.  We started chatting with another mother/daughter team.  Turned out they were sitting right beside us, and they also had a meet and greet with them.  At the meet and greet during pictures, I made the comment about Russell putting his arm around me for the shot, he told me that I could even squeeze his a** - so I did,  but only got a handful of microphone - probably for the best.  This started an enthusiastic evening, I must say, with great music, some dancing and singing along with well loved music.  I am glad we went and got to spend some time together.  Sunday we went to Lethbridge and I loved seeing Mom and the grandkids there.  We also had supper with Tanners having Carolynns awesome roast.

We slept in on Tuesday morning so were about 45 minutes behind in our race to the airport - always love that mad dash, but we made it in plenty of time and got back to Florida without any hitches.   The dogs were happy where they stayed - evidently there were chickens they could watch through a fence, so they were able to ensure no wayward hens got past them.  Time has become somewhat fluid and days are going so fast. I am not sure that we are really accomplishing much of anything, but have really wound down on stress levels.  We have heard some of Scotiabank changes, but that has become another life.  I am not even sure I would know how to manage a branch, audit or coach right now.

Mardi Gras - Two Thumbs Up.!

or rather one thumb up!!

HE SAID:It was a short drive from Lafayette to New Orleans which allowed us most of the day to visit the city. After we parked in our overnight spot in another Casino along the river in an area across the river from the city (and by the way behind a cement wall that would work great  in a zombie attack), we took the car into the city. On the way we had to get the car washed and stupid me stopped in a place right under the freeway where they washed and dried it by hand. I felt sad for them as they looked so poor, but they did a great job of the car. Somehow I made a wrong turn and the GPS ended taking us the scenic route, which was nice seeing we were able to see a lot of the city, including many areas that were brand new and many that were ready to be demolished or destroyed. We first went to the visitor centre just beside the French Quarter. They gave us a map and a place to park to visit the downtown area. Before we went to park we stopped by the oldest cemetery in the city.

All of the gravesides were above the ground. Some of the tombs were nothing but rubble. The shot below is where Nicolas Cage will be buried.  (awesome!)

We then toured the French Quarter. You haven't lived till you walk two Scottish terriers through the heart of the French Quarter. (We tried to get a doggy day care but had no luck). The streets are really narrow and we often had to walk on the road. The dogs were a hit though, so many stopped to talk to us. Finally got to see Bourbon Street which was the busiest.  Didn't think I would see a women expose herself in the middle of the afternoon, but she was a few drinks passed 5 pm and was encouraged by some men on a balcony to get some beads. They gave her lots and I got some for Pat and I. 

We also managed to walk along the river front. After two hours of walking we went back to the car and drove to Garden district to watch a parade. (We left the dogs in the car though). There were three parades planned that night and we had agreed to a see at least the first one. We found a great place to watch the parade. We had to buy some parade lawn chairs from Walgreens (like a London Drugs), and Pat wasn't warm enough so she got some throws and even a hat from one of the vendors walking along the parade. We met a really nice couple from the area who explained Mardi Gras and what to expect in the parade after we told them it was our first time. We had a blast. It was so much fun! The parade was the best I have seen in a long time. I wished we could have stayed for the other two parades, but I wasn't sure my neck could have handled all the beads. Pat and I definitely want to go back again!!! 

SHE SAID:

I can now check New Orleans at Mardi Gras off my bucket list!  It was SO MUCH FUN - even strolling through crowded streets with 2 dogs.  I really need to start thinking ahead and planning some things better, that being the care of 2 dogs. I had originally thought the Casino we were parked at was closer to the action, but quickly realized we'd be away too long to leave them behind, so along they came.  They were well behaved, and got a really long walk so we could leave them int he car while we attended the parades.  It really was cool, so so worries that they would be overheated.

In addition to the French Quarter, we had a quick tour of the Garden District.  It was absolutely beautiful.  We have been watching American Horror Story, this season is set in New Orleans in that area - we are both sure that we walked by the house they use for the show - it was decked out for the season - however all beads and bows were in white - very pretty, but somehow a bit creepy as well.  In the past I went through a Vampire Chronicle phase, reading all Anne Rice had to offer - there are many references to this part of the city, so it brought things to life for me (haha - vampires - to life).  Most of the decorated houses were in yellow and purple - very festive!

The parade was great fun! I started chatting with a couple who were both disabled veterans, very nice about our age - it was their first, as well. The couple John refers to are experienced Mardi Gras people - he was decked out in a purple top hat with a feather boa fringe and a big gold "pimp" chain around his neck.  She had a boa, mask, corset (over her coat) and a pink tutu. I will admit that I was a bit (?) judgemental about them at first, but as we got chatting and they discovered that it was our 'first' they were great, giving a history of what different things being thrown from the floats represented.  I can't remember some of it, but it was a ton of fun!  I guess I figure that judging came too quick, as during the evening coming on, and the cooler temperatures coming on I realized I was not dressed properly and I got to where I didn't care what I looked like - picture below proves that.  My hat is a two headed panda, with mittens attached (purchased from a street vendor), but I chose to use the attached mitts as a scarf.  I also wrapped myself in two blue throws the John picked up for me.  It was time to stop wondering about what others were wearing, and look at myself (there's a lesson here somewhere, I know).  It all worked as I finally was warm enough.  When the parade started, I added numerous beads to my new ensemble and John acquired his Jester hat.  We only stayed for one of the three parades - probably a good thing as I can't imagine what I would have looked like with more 'stuff' from the floats!

As we were parked at a Casino, we only stayed one night, with a promise to each other that we would return, much better prepared for the occasion!