...and into the Keys for Christmas

     We've been doing a little bit of traveling and visiting since my last blog, which makes it difficult to keep up.  But today is a rest day, so I'll see if I can't get something on paper.

Alabama

     After Tennessee we worked our way south to try and find some warmer weather, and to re-visit Teddy & Maryanne and some of their family. We were down earlier this year, probably Feb. or March, as we worked our way out of Florida heading for San Diego.  It's always a treat to visit them, and this trip was no exception.  Teddy and Maryanne are always gracious hosts and welcome us into their home.  Sparkles, their dog, was even glad to see us, and after a few minutes, settled down enough for us to relax and visit.

They treated us to a trip up to view some extravagant Christmas decorations over in Calloway Gardens in Georgia, which included a trolley ride through the park.  Christmas songs were playing and soon their grand-kids were joining in.  They looked frozen by the time we finished, but some hot chocolate soon warmed everyone up.

The following day we headed over to Ft Benning and a tour of the National Infantry Foundation, which is truly a must see for anyone visiting the area.  It provides a comprehensive history on the U.S. Army Infantry back to the Revolutionary War and up to the war in Afghanistan.  There is plenty to see, and it's going to require a return visit.  The Army recruits getting ready to graduate from boot-camp walking around the museum with their families, reminded us of the terrific sacrifices made by these people.

Gainesville

     After saying our goodbye's in Alabama, we continued south for Gainesville, Fl. and a visit with some of my "peeps".  There's a clan of Doody's located in Florida, and it's always a treat to stop and visit.  And of course it was extra special this year to be present to celebrate Aunt Anita's 89th birthday.  And it became perfectly clear how our MaryAnne developed her wacky celebrations.  Our MAE likes to celebrate her birthday for weeks at a time, and we found ourselves singing Happy Birthday to Aunt Anita for 3 days!

Then we were invited to help put up the Christmas tree and set the Christmas table.  All the good china was brought out and Debbie was in charge of ironing the table linen.

The project was tackled with great enthusiasm from all involved, and soon everything was ready including Andrea Bocelli blasting out Christmas carols on the CD player.  As I've said before, it's just like going home when we visit Gainesville, and this year was something special.  Cousin Johnny has moved over to St Augustine and has installed a 50 amp plug for me, should I get over that way.  Now if I can figure out how to get my MH which is 12' 10" high, under his tree which is 12" 8" high, Debbie and I will be over for a visit.  Thanks to Patricia and Bob for putting up with us, and all their help.  Still waiting for the gate code from Cousin Timmy!?!

Key Largo 

      On Tuesday we started our push for Key Largo and The Point of View RV Resort in Key Largo, Fl.  As we came south past Ft. Lauderdale, I noticed Debbie removing her polar fleece.  I guess I finally was able to get her warmed up.  As we pushed through Homestead and onto the Keys Highway, the sunshine coming through the front windshield finally forced me to turn on the A/C. Hard to believe it took me 46 days to get far enough south to require A/C!
     The POV RV Resort is located at about MM 102 on the Keys Highway, just below Key Largo. The sites are all covered with small stones which prevents everyone from walking around barefoot, but gives the sites a nice clean appearance.

The sites are all separated by shrubbery giving everyone just a little privacy.  The waterfront has a small swimming area, but most everyone congregates around the pool.  On Thursday, MAE flew in from Syracuse and we picked her up in Ft. Lauderdale.  Followed I-95 north from Homestead and it dumped us right into beautiful downtown Miami.  Nice to say we've been there, but once is enough. MAE thinks the fun and sun in the Florida Keys beats the hell out of winter in Syracuse, even if she's running with her "peeps"!  Now if we can figure out a way to get Ben and Joanne and Jamo over for a visit.  They are working out in San Diego away from both their families, and it would be nice for everyone to be together for Christmas.
     So far, daytime is spent at the pool working on the tan.

Seems like MAE got in the habit of walking around her office in Syracuse singing, " All I Want for Christmas is a Real Good Tan" by Kenny Chesney, and some of the staff there now "hate" her.  So I guess she's going to have to do something really special to get back in everyone's good graces when she gets back to work.

       I sent a note up to Mr. Grogan at the Albany Office saying that this looked like Santa's sleigh, and he called me a jerk!  Some people are so sensitive!

Sundown every evening finds us down at the waterfront enjoying some spectacular sunsets.

   
Tomorrow we're heading 100 miles further south into Key West for Christmas at Blue Water Key.  Hope everyone's ready for Christmas....Santa is almost here!