December 26 - Daytona Beach, FL

On Wednesday we moved to Daytona Beach. After getting settled in, we relaxed a while. Then to the WingHouse for delicious wings served by Hooter's type servers. Good food, and interesting place.

On Thursday we shopped some before going to visit Loretta's son-in-law Don. Timmy, his son had gone to Orlando with neice Cindy who lives nearby. And we left just before their return as we had some more shopping to do. We returned on Friday to visit with all of them then treated all to dinner at a very good Chinese Buffet in the area. Unfortunately, Loretta's other grandson and wife were unable to attend.

Christmas day was spent at Don's house visiting family and friends, exchanging gifts and enjoying a grand repast. We did take a ride in the area looking at some of the Huricane damage from last summer and a stop at Shady Rest Cemetary where Loretta's daughter is interred. There was signs of a lot of damage, but few buildings destroyed and not as many trees gone as I had expected. In fact, so far we haven't seen as much storm evedince as expected. I imagine that will change when we go south of here. It rained most of the weekend and we had heavy sinds overnight.

Happy New Year

Merry Christmas - 24 December

We moved to Daytona Beach on Wednesday after breakfast with the group in Homosassa. We had nice weather but encountered quite a bit of construction. After getting settled in here, we took the balance of the day easy except a trip to the grocery store. Yesterday we shopped at the Volusia Mall and a few other stores before stopping to visit Loretta's son-in-law Don. Then on the way back we did a bit more shopping then stopped for Wings at a restaurant somewhat like Hooter's. Great wings and scenery, HI. It rained most of the day which dampened out spirits somewhat.

Today was chilly with some sprinkles. In the afternoon, we again went to visit Don and Timmy. We took a ride out onto the island and viewed quite a bit of Hurricane damage. Not many buildings destroyed, but lots of roofs still need replacing as well as windows, signs and other repairs. Don had lost some of his roof but it has been replaced. He still has painting and some other repairs to complete. We also made a graveside stop at the cemetary where Loretta's daughter Cheryl is interred. In the evening we treated them to dinner at a Chinese Buffet along with Loretta's niece Cindy and her husband and Don's friend Charlotte. Then we soon called it a day. Tomorrow we return to the house to meet more of the family including a new Great grandaughter. Also a large Christmas dinner is planned.

Merry CHRISTmas
Andy and Loretta

December 18 - Homosassa, FL

Well, not a lot to report. It has been mostly R&R since we arrived here. We have of course been doing some shopping and visiting some of our favorite eating places in the Homosassa/Crystal River area. Also a lot of catching up with our hosts Cal and Marilyn. Her health is much improved from last year, but she is off somewhat today. As usual Cal and I each have been helping each other with various projects that needed done. Of course this included some software work on his computer. We also know several of the neighbors here and have visited with most.

Usually on weekdays, I have coffee with several of the guys at different restaurants. Wednesdays is "Ladies Day", and one of the wives selects the location. As usual, we have attended several of the good dinners at the Moose Club. This morning Loretta and I went to Howard's Flea Market nearby. Produce there is a lot cheaper than the grocery store, and possibly better in quality. Got some exercise walking the market and did pick up a few other needed items.

I also got on the Internet this morning and located a campground in Daytona Beach that accepts Passport America. We plan on spending a few days at Christmas with family there, then will return to Homasassa for a while.

Bout it for now!!

Merry CHRISTmas and Happy New Year.

Andy and Loretta

Loretta's grandson Nathan on his DirtBike 

December 8 - Now in Florida

Well, after some more rain, we finally got some clear weather, so hooked up Sunday morning and headed south. We took some scenic secondary roads into Alabama before getting onto I-65. Our first stop was the Flying J at Birmingham for fuel and propane. It was starting to rain before that was finished. Glad that it held off as they will not pump propane in the rain. We then took a break hoping for it to let up.

But NO WAY, so we continued south in worsening weather. Before we reached Montgomery it got to the point we gave up. We stopped at a Cracker Barrell for supper and were allowed to remain overnight there.

Monday morning it was clearing as we continued on our way. We found a restaurant with a great Buffet Breakfast in Troy, AL. Later we got off the interstate onto US-84 which was a nice ride into Georgia. However the route markings in Bainbridge (where fuel prices were the best we had seen), and we missed our exit onto US-27. We decided to continue on to Thomasville then take US-19 the rest of our trip. We fueled there which was about 6 cents higher than Birmingham, but about 20 cents lower than here in Florida.

With a rather late start and extra miles (which did avoid city driving in Tallahassee), it was getting dark and we still had several hours to go. We overnighted in a Wal-Mart lot with several other RV'ers. Then we continued to Homasassa, FL on Tuesday arriving at our friends residence at about 10AM. After some visiting a decision was made to park in a different location in their yard which would provide 50Amp electric service. However we felt it best to make up an extension cord which required a trip to the Home Depot in Crystal River. After getting the cord made up, parked and set up it was getting dark. The no-see-ums were eating me alive by then. So we left the balance of setup for today.

Today was started by joining 3 other couples that are related to our hosts and also friends from way back for breakfast at one of the good eateries in the area. That was followed by some shopping then finished our setup here. Also visited with some of the neighbors and took a short ride and a walk around the area before calling it a day.

At this time we have no real plans in this area except R&R and visit friends. We did get word from our doctor that the last tests were also positive which was expected. So at this time, we are not expecting to return to Tennessee till next fall.

Weather here is warm (almost 80) with light breezes. Some change from the winds, rains and frost that we just left.

Merry Christmas ahd Happy New Year to all.

December 2 - Thursday

Well, we have had a rainy week here. But I guess that is better than the snow that parts of the country are getting. But it sure is a muddy mess where we park our truck.

Last Friday resulted in a 3rd Thanksgiving. Not by eating, but we got a call from Loretta's sister. They were visiting their daughter in the area and were coming down to visit. They brought a son, daughter and 2 grandaughters. The visit was much too short, but it was wonderful to visit with them. We hadn't seen the girls in years.

This week seemed to be occupied with trips to Columbia to doctor and labs. We both passed our physicals with flying colors. Have one more test each scheduled for tomorrow then we will be cleared to head for Florida.

We hate to leave this beautiful area and family members here. But warmer/dryer weather will be nice. We have had about a half dozen frosty mornings and more on the way. Also we have family and friends there that we are looking forward to visiting.

Sure I will post before, but to be sure want to wish you all:

VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR