The long overdue update is finally here from our last few weeks in the Sunshine State. We have a completely different agenda in Florida than at our home in Virginia. In Florida, we have many things to do either inside the RV park or outside in the surrounding towns. We seem to be out and about exploring new destinations and usually finding a great eating establishment. Whereas back home in the mountains, we enjoy the large home and yard and venture out only once a week or so. So, here is the final winter wrap up of some of those Florida activities!
Continue reading “Florida Winter Wrap Up”Parks On The Air – First Activation
One of my many hobbies is Amateur (Ham) Radio. And a sub-section of the hobby is setting up a portable radio station in a park and making as many contacts as possible with other ham operators. While I have been a “Hunter” for several months, this was the first time activating a park and have the hunters look for me. I selected a local state park, made reservations for four nights, and had a blast. My radio callsign is KC9LC.
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?
More Home Updates (Ham Shack & Art Studio)
We are now winding down the summer season in our Virginia home. Packing up to take a month long RV trip before arriving at our Florida destination. Over the summer we have made many updates to our vintage 1956 home. Back in the spring we finished the kitchen remodel. Then it was buying furniture for the screened in back patio. Finally, I have made some progress on two more dedicated rooms.
Continue reading “More Home Updates (Ham Shack & Art Studio)”
Clermont Florida – Our January Home
Clermont Florida – It was nice to arrive on a sunny 80 degree day after a pleasant drive south. Our home for the month of January is the Orlando suburb of Clermont. This is the same place that we stayed during the “shelter in place” order back in February through June. We have several day trips planned and hope to get the Vaccine scheduled in as well. It should be a relaxing and interesting month at our January Home!
Truck Mirror Repair & Clermont Florida Weekly Update
Our extended winter stay is soon coming to an end and we will be back on the road again. I’m quite excited to get back to our travels, albeit it will be a stunted travel year. So far, we only have a plan to slowly travel back to our old home area of Virginia. After our three months there, I do not know yet. We are kicking around a long trip to the far west in 2021, but it just depends on many unknowns at this time. Here’s a recap of this last week from our southern headquarters…
Continue reading “Truck Mirror Repair & Clermont Florida Weekly Update”
Ham Radio Station KC9LC Now Activated!
I decided that it was time to activate a long dormant hobby, Amateur (Ham) Radio. With nothing but spare time on my hands, due to the Covid-19 lockdown, I sorted through our storage bins down in the RV’s basement compartments. Finding all the parts it was then just a matter of assembling and attaching the antenna, run the coax, and then set up all the gear. Finally, after a three year absence, I was able to activate ham radio station KC9LC!
Clermont, Florida – Disney Lunch & A Hamfest
After a great month of January, we packed up and left the JOY RV Park in Cocoa on Feb 1st for the short drive to the southwest of Orlando. Our new home location is the very fast growing town Clermont Florida, with a population of 37,000 people. This location is just a few minutes from the Disney theme parks and still has a small town feel even though it is just next door to Orlando. We recently had a trip to Disney for lunch and a few days later, I managed to hit the large amateur radio convention (hamfest) called the Hamcation.
Continue reading “Clermont, Florida – Disney Lunch & A Hamfest”
Fredericksburg – Texas Hill Country and a Visit From Family!
We really enjoyed our short nine day stay in this lovely small German town! Fredericksburg definitely made the “return to” list. Besides having a great and walkable downtown area (that was only 3-4 blocks from the RV park), the area has a multitude of wineries and great restaurants, the LBJ Texas White House and ranch nearby, and the surrounding hills are rich with abundant wildflowers!
Continue reading “Fredericksburg – Texas Hill Country and a Visit From Family!”
New Hobbies! – Part 1
I have always enjoyed having hobbies, although some people do not seem to have an interest in pursuing a hobby. I just don’t understand them. In fact, I’ve had so many different hobbies over the years and just not enough time for them. That was back when I was working 50-60 hours a week. My plan was to really get into the hobbies after retirement.