Sharp's Travels

At 9:00 am we headed for Webster for the big flea market. Nikki had a fun time looking at all the different things and buying a few things. It was 2:30 pm when we headed back toward home. Cheri said we had to stop in Dade City at the Bealls outlet store. By the time Cheri and Nikki got done shopping it was almost 4:00 pm. When we got home Cheri fixed supper and we had Grandma come over. After supper we played some dominos. Grandma and Nikki played five crown while Cheri and I took our evening walk. Then it was an evening of watching dancing with the stars.

After church Grandma, Nikki, Cheri and I went over to Golden Coral for lunch. We saw Ken, Eileen and Roger there. On the way back we drove by the new Publix’s grocery store that will open on April second. Back in the park we stopped to show Grandma and Nikki the park models that are for sale. Then we went to see Grandpa. He was still in bed when we got there. He seemed to be pretty good and did some talking. We stopped to see Dean and Betty when we got back, Nikki hadn’t seen them. When we got home Cheri, Nikki and Grandma played five crown and I mowed Grandma’s lawn, the neighbor’s lawn on each side of us plus ours. This evening Dean and Betty stopped over to tell us that they have bought a new park model trailer to be put in this summer. They also came to tell us goodbye as they are leaving for the north at 3:00 am tomorrow. Later Ken, Eileen and Roger stopped to say their goodbye’s as they are also leaving early tomorrow for the north.

We headed out for the Mexican flea market north of Plant City and found it is only open on Wednesday with the fruit part of it also going Saturday and Sunday. So we drove on into Plant City and stopped at Parkesdale fruit stand and had strawberry short cake for lunch. Then it was on to the Big Top flea market. We spent a couple of hours there and then headed for the Morris Bridge State park to show Nikki the alligators and turtles. I took several pictures and we took the board walk. We didn’t see any big alligators. We got home around 5:00 pm. Cheri had barbeque spare ribs cooking in the crock pot while we were gone. Grandma came over for supper and a couple of games of dominos. At 9:45 pm I left with Ken and headed to the airport to pickup Roger. His plane was late and didn’t get home until 1:00 am.

For pictures of the day see album Morris Bridge Park

We were pretty slow getting around this morning because of the late night last night. We went over to see Grandma at 10:00 am. At 11:30 we all went to Golden Coral for lunch, Grandma’s treat. After lunch we drove around the park and stopped and checked out the park models that were for sale, then to Ken and Eileen’s for a visit. From there we went to see Grandpa. Grandpa remembered who Nikki was. He was very talkative today. When we got home we stopped at Grandma’s and played a game of dominos which Cheri and I won. Cheri and I went for our evening walk and Nikki stayed and played cribbage with Grandma. We all went to bead early this evening.

Cheri took Grandma for her doctor’s appointment this morning and I did some more work on getting the TV in the bedroom to work with the new HD DVR. I now also have the regular receiver working. I have to share the input from the satellite to the DVR with the bedroom receiver. I need a multi switch to keep them separate. I will get that later. Early evening we went to Wal-Mart for groceries. We left at 10:30 pm and headed for the Tampa airport to pick up Nikki, stopped on the way at McDonalds for a chocolate shake. Nikki’s plane came in at 12:00 am. We got back home at 1:15 am and to bed by 2:00 am.

It was a sad morning here as we just heard that my cousin passed away. She had been fighting cancer. I worked all morning getting the TV’s to work the way I wanted them to with the new HD DVR. The hook ups were all different from the old one. I had to use a converter to get things done in order to watch recorded programs on the TV in the bedroom. I still need to run a new cable to the bedroom or get a multi switch to get the receiver there to work. Late morning we went down to Ken & Eileen’s. Ken had a flat tire on his golf cart and wanted help getting it fixed. This afternoon we took a bike ride down to Morris Bridge Wilderness Park. We walked around the board walk checking out all the alligators, turtles, and birds. It was a neat place, which I had the camera with me. We got home around 5:00 pm. This evening we went over to Grandma’s to play dominos. Dean and Betty were also there.

We had a very nice day and we felt like doing something. Cheri went down to the Rec hall this morning. They had a craft class on making ear rings. She came home with three pair at the cost of 75 cents for each pair, she was pretty happy. My project for the day was cleaning out the inside of the truck. It hadn’t been done since we left here last spring. So it took a while to get it done. I didn’t get the windows cleaned; the glass was too hot form the sun. This afternoon the guy from Direct TV was here to install our new HD DVR, so now we can watch HD TV. Tomorrow I will have to call Direct TV as my local channels for HD haven’t been added. Dean & Betty came over last night to play dominos. Dean and I won both games.

It was another lazy day. We did our morning walk and it threaten to rain all day, but never did. We spent the day watching TV and reading. We have a lot of recorded shows to watch on the DVR. I signed up for HD TV and they will be here tomorrow to put in the new HD DVR receiver. Cheri did do a couple of loads of laundry. After our evening walk we stopped by Paul and Bev’s to say our goodbyes, they are leaving around 3:00 am tomorrow morning.

After church we went to Wal-Mart to pick up some groceries and was back home by 12:30 pm. It was a lazy day of reading and watching TV. Of course I had to watch the NASCAR Race. Paul and Bev stopped by for a visit this afternoon. We order in pizza from Papa Johns for supper. This evening Paul and Bev came down to play dominos. Once again we each won a game. Paul and Bev are leaving for Canada Tuesday morning. We are going to miss them. There will be a lot of people leaving for the north in the next week.

This morning Cheri went up to Paul & Bev’s, Bev cut Cheri’s hair. I went to work on cleaning and detailing the bike. It took me all day to get done, I did have some interruptions as several people stopped to talk and check out the bike. It was 4:30 pm when I got done. Cheri had fixed a corn beef and cabbage the other day and now we are having Ruben sandwiches. They are sooooo good.

Our new fuel tank on the truck has been quite the problem for me. The pump that pumps fuel from the new tank to the main tank wasn’t working. So I checked all my wiring and everything look ok. I removed the pump and it was ok. Come to find out I had the supply and return hoses reversed. Now the pump works. I have to wait until the main tank is below a half tank before it will fill from the new tank automatically. I also found a leak in the new tank. It is so small that it just weeps a little. I probably will have to remove the tank when it’s empty and have it welded. First I am going to see if there is something that I can cover it to stop the leaking. Cheri did laundry and house cleaning. This evening we stopped to see Ken & Eileen on our walk and ended up playing three games of cribbage.

It was a non eventful day. We were up early to head back to Zephyrhills, but didn’t leave until after 9:00 am as it was pretty fogey out, wanted to wait until it burned off. We didn’t have any trouble getting backed in and set up; it was noon when we got done. We had a bit of lunch and Paul and Bev stopped over for a visit. On our evening walk we stopped to see how Grandma was doing. She was ok and said Grandpa is the same. Later in the evening we went to play domino at Paul and Bev’s. We each won one game.

We are spending another night in Ocala at the RV dealer. They didn’t get the satellite dish installed until 5:30 pm and decided to stay the night here to make sure everything was working. The day started early as the washing machine was repaired and back to the RV dealer by 7:30 this morning. They had that back in and working around 10:00 am. The new satellite dish didn’t arrive until sometime in the afternoon. Cheri and I hung out checking out new 5th wheels, reading and watching TV.

I was up at 4:15 am and Cheri a little later. We got everything closed up and were on the road to Ocala by 7:30 am to have the washing machine fixed and the new satellite dish installed. They wanted us here early so they could get a start on things. We were here for over two hours before they started. Will they ordered the wrong dish and now are waiting for one to come from Tampa. It was 4:00 pm before they got the washing machine removed. We will be spending the night here at the RV dealer. Cheri and I are not happy campers.

Our washing machine quit working and Cheri took cloths over to Grandma’s to wash. Then went and picked up some medicine for Grandma. Grandma treated us to lunch down at the Rec Hall. They had corn beef and cabbage with potatoes, carrots, dinner roll. It was really good. I gave the truck and 5th wheel a quick wash job today. This afternoon we started packing things up so we can take the 5th wheel to the RV dealer tomorrow to have the washing machine fixed and also a new satellite dish install so we can receive HD TV.

We left Brian & Linda’s in Cape Coral about 9:30am. We took a ride to the end of Pine Island. It was a beautiful view. The water was so clear. There were lots of fishermen on the pier.

We headed back and stopped at one of the little gift shops to brose and then it was over to Bert’s on the Gulf for lunch.

We stopped at one of the new super Wal-Mart looking for Pioneer flour, a brand they seem to have discontinued. I liked it for biscuits to go with Gay’s sausage & gravy as well as strawberry shortcake. Gay did find his lights he has been looking for to put on the back of the motorcycle lift. I found new pillows for the couch so it was a worthwhile stop.

We made it home about 3:30pm, unpacked and had a bit to eat and got ready to watch the shuttle liftoff.

The shuttle went off about 7:45. We were up on a hill behind the campers. What a site! The trail of vapor from the shuttle left a colorful line in the sky. We saw the booster rockets fall away and the shuttle went out of site. WOW!

We were up and ready to head out into the Gulf by 10:30am. It took us about 1/2hr to go through the canals and get out into the Gulf of Mexico.

The water was beautiful, two different shades of blue-green. We were 8 miles out from Redfish Pass, between N. Captiva and Captiva Island in the Gulf of Mexico. We anchored over and old sunken barge, Brian put on his wet suit and headed down to do a little spear fishing. The water was so clear we could watch him as he swan down towards the barge. He speared 5 sheepshead, all over 16 inches long. It was a fun time.

We took time out for lunch and headed over to North Captiva Island and ate at Barnacle Phil’s. We sat in the outdoor café section. The food was good.
We made one more stop at Cayo Costa Island to hunt for shells. We anchored off shore and waded into the beach. Shells were so plentiful. In some places they were piled up a foot deep along the shoreline. I had brought along a plastic bay to bring home my stash.

It took us about 45 minutes to get back to Brian & Linda’s. We met another couple for drinks and then headed down to Fort Meyers to Bike Night. The streets were lined with motorcycles and vendors. We found a place to eat and then checked out all the bikes.

We got home around 10pm. We were all real tired from being out on the water all day so we called it a day.

Gay has uploaded pictures of the day. See album Cape Coral.

We were packed and left for Cape Coral about 11:30am. We stopped for a quick sandwich at Arby’s for lunch. It took about 2 ¾ hours to reach Cape Coral.

Brian & Linda were out in the Gulf on their boat, so we let ourselves in and made ourselves right at home. They live right on a canal and we sat on the lanai in our easy chairs to watch the activity in the canal.

Brian & Linda pulled in, we all get ready and they took us out to an Italian restaurant for dinner. It was a neat place and the food was all so good.

We relaxed on their lanai that evening and then all turned in.

Cheri and I left for Wal-Mart at 9:00 am to get groceries, my medicine, and fuel for the truck (new tank). I had to stand in line for almost an hour to pick up my medicine. While I waited Cheri did the grocery shopping. On the way home we got the fuel. It was 11:30 am when we got home. We quickly put the groceries away and headed for Golden Coral as we were meeting Bill & Lynda (Alaskan caravan) and Bill’s brother and sister in-law (Tom & Alice) at 12:00 pm for lunch. After lunch we all came back to the Rec Hall and played dominos which the girls won. It was 5:30 pm before we got home. Took a quick look at the fuel tank, the transfer pump is running but not sure if it is pumping fuel into the main tank. I will check it our later when I have more time. At 7:30 pm we went up to Paul and Bev’s to play dominos. We guys won.

I started working on the truck fuel tank at 9:00 am and figured I would be done by 1:00 pm. Well it took me until 6:30 pm to get it done, big under estimate on my part. Tomorrow I will put fuel in it and give it the test to make sure everything works right and no leaks. Cheri took Grandma for her doctor’s appointment and lab appointment, then to Wal-Mart to pick up her medicine. This evening Paul and Bev came down to play dominos. We guys won both games. We were going to watch the space shuttle go up, but as you know it was canceled. Maybe Sunday we can watch it go up.

This morning I went for a nuclear stress test at 9:00 am. I didn’t get home until noon. Cheri came over to wait for me in case she needed to drive me home. But I had no ill effects. They said my doctor would contact me with the results. I told Cheri I probably will glow in the dark tonight. Ha. We took the rest of the day off, read and watched TV. Late afternoon Paul called and wanted to know if we wanted to go downtown to the car show. So 5:30 pm we headed out. We got home around 8:00 pm.

I worked all day on the fuel tank for the truck. I got the tank mounted and still have to do the plumbing and wiring. I quit at 4:00 pm and was hot and dirty from crawling around on the ground under the truck. I took a nice long shower. Cheri went shopping for material to use on a project that she and Bev are going to be doing later. She sewed this afternoon making place mats. They look very nice and should get them done tomorrow.

We had 100 people in church this morning. After church we went over to Wata Burger for lunch. Dean & Betty took us along with Deloris & Lavern. Ken & Eileen also showed up. This afternoon I did some more work on the fuel tank. Later in the afternoon we went to see Grandpa. He was having a bad day, said that his back hurt and wanted to go back to bed, had only been up for a half hour. So when we got there I wheeled him around the park. When we got home we watched the NASCAR Race. On our evening walk we stopped by Dean & Betty’s and they wanted us to come over to play dominos after our walk. So it was an evening of dominos which we each won one game.

I went to work on the installation of the new fuel tank for the truck. I got the new gauge installed and most of the wiring done. It was an all day job. Cheri cooked up a big batch of chili and home made bread. At 5:00 pm we left with Paul and Bev for the cruse in at Dade City. We got to see some cars that had never been there before. We got home around 7:30 pm. We watched some TV and called it a night.

Today was the perfect day weather wise, lots of sun, light breeze and mid seventies. We headed out at 9:00 am on our way to Parrish to see Pat and Roger (63 miles). They are staying with Pat’s cousin Louis & Teri Dumais. Louis fixed us a very nice dinner. We had a nice long visit and played three games of Five Crown. A little after 5:00 pm we headed for home. We got caught up in a 9 mile traffic back up at the junction of I-75 and I-4. The traffic was backed up has far as you could see in all directions. It took us an extra 45 minutes to get home.

The first thing was the trip to Wal-Mart to get meds for Grandma, pick up groceries and fill the truck with fuel. I got my new fuel tank and spent the day unpacking and reading what has to be done to install it. I have to run some wires for the gauge and pump. Cheri worked on cleaning, laundry, and spent time reading. This evening we went down to Ken & Eileen’s. Lavern and Deloris were also there. We played a new card game for us called Oh Heck.

Cheri and I left at 9:00 am and headed to Bradenton to see Bill and Lynda Shaw (friends from Alaskan caravan). They took us to Anna Maria Island and we eat lunch on the beach. The sand and water was beautiful. Then we took a ride to a RV park that had a park model for sale and was right on the water. Bill and Lynda were looking to buy a place and wanted us to see it. Then we headed back to their motor home. They picked up their dominos and we went to the Rec Hall and sat outside by the lake. We played one game that Cheri and Lynda won. Back at the motor home we had fresh fruit and strawberry short cake. It was a wonderful day to be with friends. We got home around 7:30 pm.

Weather wise today it was a repeat of yesterday. Cheri went to see how Mom was this morning and she is doing well. At 11:30 am Cheri said she was hungry and I asked if she wanted to go to Arby’s for lunch. So off to Arby’s we went. We each had a Philly cheese steak sub and a chocolate shake. I think they have the best sandwiches of any fast food place. We were almost done eating when Paul and Bev drove in. So they came in and eat with us. We were lazy the rest of the afternoon. We did play domino this evening with Paul and Bev. Once again it was one win for each of us.

We were up by 5:00 am. Cheri had to be ready to pick up Grandma by 7:30 am and go to the hospital. Grandma was having an injection to help with her white blood count. It took all day and they didn’t get home until 6:30 pm. Then Cheri and I went to Wal-Mart to pick up medicine and groceries for Grandma. It was a cold day and the temp never quite made 60 degrees and windy. I spent most of the day working on taxes and reading.

Hard to believe it is March already, don’t know where the last four months have gone. It was 64 degrees when we got up this morning and an hour later the wind started blowing and rain, the temp drop to 55 degrees. We drove the truck down to the Rec Hall for church due to the wind and rain. The rain quit by noon but the wind continued all day. This afternoon we had company from Wisconsin (my old boss) Don Moat and his wife Vickie. They are down here for a few days checking on places for next winter. Don is looking forward to retirement. Late afternoon and evening we watched the NASCAR race.

Pat & Roger spent the night with us, so they were up to walk with us this morning. After breakfast and some visiting we made a trip to the Big Top flea market. Pat wanted to go as she has never been to a big flea market. We had fun walking around. Then it was off to get some lunch at Bob Evens. After lunch we said our good byes and Pat & Roger left to spend time with her cousin. We got home around 2:30 pm. We both took a nap in our chairs. Later we went with Paul and Bev to the car show here in Zephyrhills.