(Avon Park, FL) Hi 84 Lo 69 -- Another year has passed. I thought I'd take a few minutes and review the highlights of our travels, which were more low keyed in 2015 than in past years. We stayed in the midwest and spent more time with our sons and their families in Illinois. Jim also checked a few more major league ballparks off his list, by attending games in Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Detroit.
We enjoyed the Dog races in St. Petersburg, FL (we even won a few races). We saw a Beatles tribute show at Universal Studios Orlando, and a bluegrass festival in North Carolina. A place we really enjoyed was the American Museum of Science and Energy in Oak Ridge, TN. We're big auto racing fans, so we had a ball at the World of Outlaws "King's Royal" Sprint Car races at Eldora Speedway in Rosslyn, OH. While in Pittsburgh, PA we happened to hear about the Pittsburgh Banjo Club and got to attend one of their practices at a local Elk's Club. It was a wonderful evening of great music.
Another "find" was the Early TV Museum near Columbus, OH. We enjoyed seeing all the old TV's, especially since my dad was a TV repairman. They even had some working color TVs from the 50's and 60's, which really brought back memories. One of our favorite Christmas movies is A Christmas Story, and we got to see Ralphie's place at the Christmas Story House in Cleveland. We wrapped up our summer fun in Nashville, TN, where we attended a show at the Grand Ole Opry, and walked around the beautiful lobbies of the huge Gaylord Opryland Hotel. That place has to be seen to be believed! Also in Nashville we stood in the rain for two hours for the chance to see Donald Trump at one of his campaign rallies. I don't know if he'll be our next president or not, but he sure knows how to put on a show. His one hour speech was very entertaining.
We had a good time, but by the end of the summer we were ready to get back to Florida, which we consider our home state. A new year is starting and it's going to be a big life change for us as we prepare to settle down in a permanent home. We'll continue our weekly blog posts at least until we move into our new home next spring, then we'll post only when we do something interesting or otherwise have something to say. We've done the blog a long time, we can't just give it up completely, We have a button on the right side of this page if you'd like email notifications of new posts. I'll always also post on my facebook page when we have a new blog post.
Yesterday (Wednesday) we had a get together at our place. Jill and Paul, some old NC friends of ours who are staying at a park about 10 miles from us, drove down. Also Terri, Mike, Joe, and Donna drove up from the Ft. Myers area. We had fun socializing under our awning, then went for a tasty lunch at the Jacaranda Hotel in Avon Park. The Jacaranda is a 1920's hotel that has been completely renovated to look as it did in the 1920's. We love to take our guests there for some "white tablecloth" dining. It's fun to dine in such a formal environment while in our shorts and t-shirts. :) Their Christmas decorations are beautiful!
As if we weren't stuffed enough from the all-you-can-eat buffet, we went to Maxwell's Grove for some of their excellent orange ice cream. We also stocked up on some of their fresh squeezed orange juice. We enjoyed the wonderful weather sitting in rockers on their front porch eating our ice cream. Ah, good ice cream and good friends... it doesn't get any better!
In the front yard of the grove is a large tree with some unique squirrels stands. They're little chairs with a corn cob for the squirrels to munch on. We saw one sitting and eating. He was so cute! (click on the photo to enlarge it.)
We came back to our place for some more socializing. We had a lot of laughter and great stories about life on the road. Finally we had to say goodbye with hugs all around. Thanks everyone for coming.
Mike, Joe, Jim, Jill, Donna, Terri and Paul.
We ended 2015 by joining Jill and Paul at the movies to see Joy.
It was a funny and uplifting story of the lady who invented the Miracle Mop back in the 90's. Very entertaining, inspiring, and highly recommended.
Jill and Paul
My latest crocheted critters.
HAPPY NEW YEAR to all our wonderful readers! May your 2016 be fruitful and blessed.
See you next week.
6 comments:
Happy New Year Dee and Jim!
2016 should be a big year for you with your permanent move to Florida. May I suggest you plant a good orange tree in your new yard and you can squeeze your own orange juice. There's nothing like picking oranges on a cool morning and squeezing it fresh. They are EASY to grow with no maintenance. We will have to try the museum in Oak Ridge, Tn the next time we get back there. There was a lot of history in that area with the atom bomb. I'll bet it was interesting. We didn't know about the museum. Thanks for sharing.
Once again you two had a very interesting year. Thanks for sharing it with everyone through your blog.
We really enjoyed our visit on Wednesday! We hope to get back up your way soon for another visit.
Happy New Year Jim and Dee!
Good to hear about your year and nice to see you met up with some familiar faces:o)) Looks like you had a great time!!
We wish you a Very Happy New Year and wish you every happiness as you start your new lifestyle!!
Nancy and Bill
It is absolutely true dear; I heard from my college buddy that New Year party is a best time to recall beautiful memories of whole year. Even there are plentiful party venues where you can have a good time and best New Year.
Good luck on your move! That sounds pretty exciting. I would’ve loved to eat some of that orange ice cream. I remember the last time we were traveling and were up in the mountains of Tennessee. It is one of the most scenic routes in the entire world in my opinion. It was one the most educational trips I had.
Liza Pilon @ Prairie City RV
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