Florida Fancy

Happy New Year to Everyone.  Since our last entry, we have spent the better part of three weeks basking in the warm Florida sunshine. 

First stop was Grand Lakes Golf & RV Resort in north central Florida, halfway between Ocala and Gainsville.   Finally a chance to dust off  "the sticks" and get in a few rounds of golf.  We often say it's a small world.  The saying held true here.  The second night we were there, there was a spaghetti dinner and dance in the clubhouse.  Lo and behold, the folks sitting next to us were fellow Canadians and one couple were retired from the CF.  Turns out both he and his wife had worked with Jim's brother Dave when he was posted to Petawawa.  Like I said - small world! 















From Grand Lake it was on to Tampa and visits with family and friends.  Jim got to spend Christmas Day with his sister Tish - first time since 1965.  We had a wonderful dinner, with all the trimmings and a good time was had by all.  (So good in fact that I forgot to take the camera out and snap a few photos (LOL)).


You know how you always get tired of eating after the big day and never know what to cook.  Well, my Aunt Anne had the solution for that - moose stew!!!  Here she is getting it ready........

...and here we are eating it!  Yum, yum, yum.  Thanks for sharing your Newfoundland grub!

When we're parked in a major center, it's always nice for Benji and Zoe when we find an off-leash park for them to run and stretch their legs and meet other pups.  Palm Harbor had a really nice park that they took full advantage of.

Last time we were in Tampa, our focus was on attending various sporting events.  This time round, with Tish as our guide, we decided to check out Busch Gardens: Africa Adventure. 

I discovered that Tish is as fearless as Jim when it comes to amusement park rides.  While they took a ride on the wildest roller coaster in the park, I kept my feet firmly planted on the ground and held on to purses and hats and other sundry items that tend to fall off or out of the car when you're being whipped around upside down!!! 

They humored me with a more sane ride - a trip around the park on a train.  You can see one of the roller coaster tracks in the background.

From the train we could see all kinds of animals native to Africa....

New Year's Eve was a quiet event.  Dinner included a BBQ'd steak, accompanied by the odd bottle of vino.  On New Year's Day, our friends, Jan & Dave Thomas, drove up from their winter haven for a visit.  It was good to see them and catch up on their news.

From Florida, we're off to the Gulf Coast.  Take care everyone.