February Was a Blur

Not sure where the month of February went to, but it is in the rear view mirror now. We seemed to be busy for most of the days, but had just a few noteworthy events. So it is to be retired and enjoying life in Florida, the capital of the 55 and over set. I try to capture items in this blog that have some interest for others and to document our travels. So where did February go?

You may have noticed fewer updates when things slow down. I try not to post something each week as many others do. When I feel there is something blog-worthy, then I sit down to type out an essay and hopefully a few nice photos to go along. Until then you many not see any updates for a few weeks.

So, let’s see what did we do in the last month?

We may have watched a bit more news what with the Russia/Ukraine issues and resulting tanking in the stock market. I reactivated our Dish Network satellite TV system for the months of Feb and March. Primarily for the winter Olympics and college basketball tournaments.

I can only watch so much news though and have to take a time out. Not much positive going on no matter which side of the political spectrum that you reside. Reading a few books is much less stressful. I finished the Robert B Parker series and read a couple of James Patterson novels. Now on to a new author, Sean McFate. Very interesting so far. Pat is reading the Jan Karon series of Mitford books.

Our RV park (Orchid Lake) has an ever increasing plethora of daily activities. Most of the activities have been on the back burner during Covid. But everything is now back in full swing. We have two music concerts a week, many card playing groups, many crafts, several sports including pickleball that I’m getting back into again. Something going on everyday! Including a parade…

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Shake Cousins Reunion

I had a phone call a few weeks ago from a cousin vacationing nearby for a couple of weeks. She had arranged to meet with another cousin from Viera Florida for a lunch get together. It turned out to be a pitch in dinner with my cousin’s wife making a huge feast. It was great to catch up with my cousins on my dad’s side of the family.

Little Family Reunion

Pat has two brothers and spouses who live south of Tampa. When a third brother and his son flew down we all got together for a day to taste samples at a rooftop beer bar and then to John and Cindy’s for a cook out and play games. Another great time and thanks to J&C for hosting. (No good photos)

Ham Radio

I have my vertical antenna installed and the portable station set up inside the RV. So far, have been using CW only (morse code) and making almost daily contacts on the 40m band. The band conditions seem to be best around 8-9pm in the evening. To my ham friends: look for me around these times.

Routing Home

Spring is around the corner and we plan to begin the route home on April 1st. (no joke). The last couple of years has seen a dramatic increase in RV sales and the result has been a shortage of RV parks. They are all booked up! To stay in popular destinations it is best to book a year ahead of time. There goes flexibility! But, we are usually planners and like to have all confirmed reservations. No Walmart parking lots! Not there is anything wrong with them.

We did have to search a bit, but were able to book a few parks for a slow route back to our place in Virginia. This year we will stay at Cedar Key for 3 nights that is only a 100 miles north of here, then up to Brunswick Ga. for 3 nights, then one night in SC and one near Charlotte NC, then back to Radford. We really enjoyed our stay at Cedar Key last year and wanted to revisit.

Hiking

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New Port Richey, Fl

Some photos from a walk along the river and in town.

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Crystal Cruise Update

On the cancelled Crystal Cruise refund. I did get a refund from the credit card dispute. VISA stated the vendor has 90 days to object. I actually waited three weeks to give Crystal time to issue the credit them selves. Not hearing anything and getting a verbal rejection from Allianz (travel insurance), I took the easy method using the credit card dispute option.

We still look back on those two weeks and wonder at the timing of the company’s demise. It was a great two weeks and we would have loved to have had all three weeks, but it became a memorable ending.

I read online that the liquidation courts are moving right along, but it is very complex case having over 10,000 suppliers being owed, plus employees and then customers.

Wrap Up

That’s all for now. We are thoroughly enjoying our winter home and taking part in local and park activities. I also join the “street talkers” some mornings. That is a group of men who meet at an intersection in the park most mornings at 8am to discuss the world’s events and cause some mayhem as well. Guys from Canada, WI, OH, PA, IL, IN, and VA. And probably others. An interesting time.

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Take care and God Bless.