travel plans

Jim spent a lot of time being turned down yesterday.  We had some campgrounds picked and when he called he was told no vacancy....bummer.  Those snowbirds just don't want to leave Florida!  I can't blame them, would you want to drive back to any of the northern states this time of year?

After more researching last night and a few calls this morning he finally found a campground with a site for us.  The Chassahowitzka River Campground is on the west coast of Florida below Homosassa and north of Hudson.  It looks very nice and we may stay longer than the week we've booked because we want to explore the area.

I got a haircut this morning.  You should have seen what my hair was doing!  I had this great big curl on top of my head that reminded me of a 40's hairdo, kinda like this picture, only my hair didn't look nearly that good!



Nor is my face as pretty!   LOL

Spring is coming, spring is coming!  The past couple of weeks I've seen Robins everywhere and the last couple of drives we've taken I've seen flowering trees.  I know some trees are leafing out too and soon everything will be green again.  Are you seeing signs of spring where you are?

16 days

• 1,398,497 seconds
• 23,308 minutes (rounded down)
• 388 hours (rounded down)
• 16 days (rounded down)
• 2 weeks (rounded down)

Wonderful News!

Yesterday while enjoying our last meal at De La Vega restaurant in Deland, Florida my lovely husband informed me that we will be leaving Welaka on March 12th...three days earlier than we had anticipated.  Can I get an AMEN?  LOL

We've been researching campgrounds on the east and west coasts of Florida.  Comparing prices and checking for 'it factors' is something we haven't had to do in over a year!   South of here the prices still reflect the season.  The snowbirds won't head north for another month or so.  But weekly rates are 'OK' and it looks like we'll travel south and hit a place on the east coast for a week then head over to Hudson, Fl on the 19th for our window repairs.  We've both agreed on the campground but no final arrangements have been made so you'll just have to wait for the location.  Don't want to get our plans dashed because there's no room for us!

Our lunch at De La Vega was delicious as usual, I had avocado rellenos and Jim had the paella. Of course we had a lovely Argentinian white wine to wash it down.  If you're ever in the area and you like good, Mexican food with a Spanish flair you must try this restaurant.  Chef Nora and her staff are wonderful and I promise you won't be disappointed.

Another bit of good news I'd like to share with you concerns my blood pressure.  Huh?  Did you know I've been battling it?  I've been pre-hypertensive for years (since the 80's) and trying to combat it with diet and exercise.  Well, not so much with the exercise, I could do better in that department. So far I've avoided medication for it.

Do you believe everything you read?  Me either, I like to read more and try things for myself.  

When Jim gave me the essential oils for Christmas I started reading up on how to improve your health with these oils and I started using several of them.  I also use Young Living's NingXia Red dietary supplement,about 2 ounces twice a day.  In this drink I put a drop of two oils (Copaiba and Ocotea) said to help with blood pressure diabetes (I'm also pre-diabetic, but that's a story for another blog).  I'm also using other oils for lowering cholesterol, diabetes and blood pressure but I don't want to overwhelm you with everything.  If you want more information I can help with that and give you sources to read up on these conditions.

Since I started with this protocol of oils I've been keeping track of my blood pressure daily.  Every morning when I get up I check it and keep track on line with the help of My HealtheVet a resource for disabled vets.  Since January 6th I've had normal blood pressure readings 10 times.  Three in January and seven in February.  For the last three days I've been in the normal range.  Hopefully this is the start of a trend for me!

I will continue doing all of this as I can while we travel.  Mail and package delivery being what it is for full timers I may not get supplies when I need them.  I won't be able to have my numbers checked for cholesterol or diabetes until I'm near a VA facility which might not be until next December when we get to Kerrville, Tx for the winter.

I will blog about my blood pressure once a month so I won't bore you with my journey.

If you are interested in reading more about using essential oils, for what ever ails you, I can send you to a website so you can research it.  Just let me know!

If you want to purchase anything I've mentioned just click here.  Thank you for your purchases!

17 days

• 1,468,800 seconds
• 24,480 minutes
• 408 hours
• 17 days
• 2 weeks (rounded down)

Weekend of Fun

What did you do Valentines Day?  I hope you spent time with the one you love.  We were expecting Sonsearae and Chris for the weekend and decided on a spaghetti dinner at home.  Along with a glass of wine we had a quiet dinner.

Shortly after dinner I rushed to get the dishes done as they were arriving any minute!  As soon as I got that chore done we headed for the cabin they had rented and made ourselves at home....I'm not sure, but I think Chris thought he was in the wrong place!  Sonsearae had sent a King Cake from Gambino's Bakery in New Orleans and we all enjoyed some dessert.  After sending a text, Kathy and John joined us to eat this treat also.

We didn't stay long because both had worked and it was a long day and they looked tired.  Besides, we had an adventure to go on tomorrow!

Saturday the six of us piled into two trucks and headed to Carrabba's in St Augustine to have a wonderful lunch before embarking on the adventure.  So much good food that we all took some home.  Why do restaurants serve such large portions?  We had such a good time talking that we almost forgot the time!  We had to hustle to make it to the Alligator Farm so Jim and Sonsearae could do the zip line obstacle course!

This was Sonsearae and Chris' birthday gift to Jim.  Perfect way to celebrate his 71st birthday!  While they were gearing up and getting instructions (and signing their lives away!) the rest of us entered the park and started wandering around looking at the exhibits.

The whole course is above the ponds and exhibits of gators and crocs!  Not sure who came up with this idea but I'm sure it brought some life back into the Alligator Farm along with a boost of revenue.  

Most of the older gators look fat and happy and I'm sure if someone fell in they'd probably meander away annoyed at the intrusion!

This poor fella didn't even have teeth!  He'd have to whip you to death with his tail.  :-)

There were several varieties of crocodiles and they were in small enclosures, most by themselves.

Here they are getting ready to the first zip...Jim has done this before but it's a first for Sonsearae!

After this adventure we four did some shopping at Target and then headed home. I can't remember the last time I was in a Target!  Kathy and John headed off on their own.

Saturday evening we had tacos at the cabin with all six of us contributing to the dinner.  It was a good way to end the day.

Sunday my dear birthday boy was a wee bit sore!  I put together a pan of French toast and baked it.  Sonsearae came by for a cup of coffee.  Then the three of us headed back to the cabin for breakfast.  I had told Chris I would make it for him.

They lingered awhile longer then they had to get on the road for the drive back to Lake City via Jacksonville for a stop at Whole Foods Market.

The rest of Sunday we just chilled.  Jim was a bit achy and wasn't up for much.  Where's a good football game when you need it?? 

Grammy Tribute to the Beatles

Jim only worked half the day cleaning cabins.  I did three loads of laundry.....

When he came home I fixed us a lunch of corn on the cob, leftover grilled shrimp and slaw (Jim), and a cucumber avocado salad for me.

Despite the fact that we had sunshine all day we spent most of it indoors. Jim did take Boo for a walk.  We could have sat out with our coffee if we wanted to wear a jacket.  

Did you see the Beatles Tribute last night???  

It was awesome!!!  

The only way it could have been better is if John Lennon and George Harrison could have been there too.  All of the chosen singers did an excellent job of the songs they chose to sing.  Ringo got the crowd hyped and had Yoko Ono on her feet and dancing.  Sir Paul ramped it up another notch with the set of songs he did.  

But wait!  

There was more with both Ringo and Paul singing together a couple of their favorites and ending with Hey Jude....I was in seventh heaven!!

Where were you 50 years ago when The Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan show?  I was in front of my black and white TV enjoying every minute.  Can you believe it's been 50 years?  Wasn't it just Yesterday?

34 days

Or 1 month, 6 days

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• 48,960 minutes
• 816 hours

Hangin'inThere

Every now and then I just stop blogging....Our life, at times can be boring and I feel y'all don't want to hear about it.

We've certainly had our share of rain and it's ok!  It is not snow....but it does make for boring days unless we drive a gazillion miles for entertainment.  We read, play games, watch movies and grumble just like other folks..I guess you'd call it RV fever...LOL

Today is a sunny, bright day and Jim is working so I'm catching up on the laundry and planning meals.  Why is it when you have a fridge full of food you can't find anything you want to eat?

This past Friday we went into St Augustine for a doctor appointment.  Jim had a few more lesions burned off and had them look at some new spots.  Of course having them burned off is painful and takes some time to heal Jim claims it's better than using the cream.  A couple of our friends used it and one blogged about it...not pretty and quite uncomfortable.

While we were in the 'big' city we did some shopping too stopping at Dianne's and Michael's and having lunch at Panera Breads.  I wandered through Big Lot's while Jim wandered through Harbor Freight.  Didn't buy anything except coffee creamer.

We're thinking of not going to Key West after our visit to Tampa.  Florida campgrounds are expensive and even though we can stay at the Naval Base in Key West it will cost to much to get there and come back north.  We'll probably stay awhile in the Tampa area and explore some.  There's a lot we haven't seen.

After that, who knows!  We'll be heading north and leaving Florida but future stops have yet to be determined. Cedar Key perhaps?

35 days

• 3,024,000 seconds
• 50,400 minutes
• 840 hours
• 35 days
• 5 weeks

Headaches are a pain we can do without!

When a headache with dull ache continues for a long period, there could be many potential causes.

• Is there high blood pressure involved?
• Is there eye pain or difficulty reading?
• Does the pain originate at the back of the neck or shoulders?
• Is the pain worse a hour after eating?

The answers to these questions could be helpful in bringing about the balance necessary to eliminate the pain.

The body has only two ways to communicate – either it feels good or there is pain.  When there is pain, if we take medication to eliminate the pain, we are merely masking the symptoms and not addressing the cause.

Essential oils work to bring the body to BALANCE.  Each oil contains hundreds of molecules, and the body selects the exact ones that it needs to come to balance.  When the body is in balance, the pain goes away.

Does that sound “too simple”?  Actually our bodies are incredibly powerful and know exactly what we need.  The key is OFFERING THE BODY WHAT IT NEEDS.

With that in mind, I would definitely do the following:

• NINGXIA RED: 3 sachets a day for at least a month
• LEMON: 5 drops in each liter/quart water – minimum 2 liters daily
• BELIEVE:  2 drops on back of neck, across shoulders, and inhaled with hands cupped over nose 4-6 times daily
• STRESS AWAY:  1-2 drops or rolled on wrists and inhaled minimum 4-6 times daily
• VALOR:  1-2 drops or rolled on bottoms of feet, back of neck, and inhaled 64-6 times daily
• ELIMINATE SUGAR, CAFFEINE, and DAIRY PRODUCTS

Certainly, there are additional oils (peppermint applied to the temples) and supplements that could be helpful, but this would be a great start.  These oils and NingXia Red can address potential imbalances throughout the body.  If there is no improvement in 4 weeks, then additional oils may be necessary.

Please note that this should not be taken as a medical endorsement.  I believe plants have healing powers and provide the body with the help it needs to overcome any malady.  By all means consult your doctor if symptoms persist and you are in chronic pain. 

All of the above products can be obtained from my website, if you need help, just email me!  I'll be happy to help in any way I can.

I'm tired of rain...

Jim worked  two and half days this week and it was cold and rainy.  I think I can safely say I've had enough rain!

Today started out gloomy and I checked the weather for several locations and rain was everywhere, so I resolved myself to another day stuck in the house. Did some laundry and the dishes.  Ho-Hum....

Barb and Keith left today.  They were one of the work camper couples and we'll miss them.  They left mid morning and headed north!  I sure hope their travels are safe and warm.

After lunch I decided I needed to get out of the house. Our first stop was buying fuel where we paid $3.82 for diesel.  What does it cost in your area?

I really didn't need anything but we headed to Deland and the Deland Bakery and Natural Market.  I remember one time trying to find it and giving up.  Then the next couple of times we passed it and made a mental note to return.

The next time we stopped...it was closed!  But today it was open and it was nice seeing what they offer and there are items I can get there instead of driving to St Augustine or Jacksonville.

We stopped at Wendy's so Jim could have some lunch. I indulged in some fries.  Our next stop was Walmart, where we drove into the parking lot, then out, it was packed!

We were home by 1630 and Boo was happy to see us.  Fed him and made my coffee and we settled in for the evening.

Yesterday started out foggy, misty, rainy and gloomy...so we decided to go to Jacksonville.  Kathy and John joined us and I'm happy to say that by the time we got to Jacksonville the weather was looking up!  We started to see some blue skies and the sun peeking out here and there.

We stopped at Fresh Market because they we're having a free tasting and of course I bought some groceries and wine!  By the time we got out of there, more blue skies and it was warming up quite nicely.

Our next stop was the St John's Town Center for a late lunch at the California Pizza Kitchen and some window shopping.  I'm here to tell you that by this time it was downright pleasant outside.  This shopping complex is quite large and even though it was Saturday it wasn't crawling with people and we had a good time sauntering about, popping in and out of the stores.

I was after 1700 when we decided to head home with one more stop at Starbucks for coffee.

We drove south on I-95 and watched the sun setting and it was quite pretty because there were some lingering clouds. We managed to pull in around 1840 and called it a night.  

I fed Boo,put away our groceries and then I showered.

Today we woke to fog, mist and gloomy skies.....sigh....

So we went to Walmart (that's twice in one week!) to get some jeans for Jim and a few other items.  Stopped at Dunkin' Donuts to use a gift certificate and feed Jim some breakfast.  We both had coffee and Jim got one of their sandwiches with sausage and egg.  Of course I had to have a donut!

The drive to and from Palatka we saw a lot of fog and the St John's river wasn't to be seen in either direction. Once we crossed the river on the return trip there was less fog.

Once home the day just kept getting better and better with the sun coming out in full force.  Sat outside for our afternoon coffee and watched the birds at the feeders.

Now it's time to settle in for the Super Bowl...which team are you picking to win?  We're going with the Bronco's, it should be a good game!

41 days

• 3,546,250 seconds
• 59,104 minutes (rounded down)
• 985 hours (rounded down)
• 41 days (rounded down)
• 5 weeks (rounded down)