Sam's Club

On Friday Jim decided to get his head eyes examined.  So it was back to Sam's Club where they have an on site Optometrist.  He had to wait a bit so he got to talking to the AT&T guy selling phone plans.  Switch from Verizon and get free phones.  Say what?  It all sounded like a good idea but we needed to think on it a bit.  After all we have a good plan with Verizon with military discount and 30g of data.

Anyway time for the exam and indeed he needs new glasses, so back inside he picked out frames and lenses and signed on the line.  Our Plus membership got him a 20% drop in price.  While their selection of frames was small there were various price points.  I think I saw a tag of $159 on one frame.  As always the lenses can be expensive, his were $80 each.  Again not as high as other places.  And they have a two year warranty.  

During the exam they dilated his eyes so he walked around Sam's a bit to get his bearings.  Said he wasn't seeing close up very well.  

On the way out of Sam's we stopped at the kiosk again and talked some more.  Not only were the phones free, there were gift cards involved.  For each phone you get $150 gift card and when the old phones were mailed to AT&T you get another $200 per phone.  Total, that's $700 of gift cards and FREE Phones!  I needed to check our money situation so we headed to lunch.

During lunch Jim checked the value of the phones (still trying to convince me) and reminding me I 'could' use a new phone as mine was getting old.  Also our monthly bill would be slightly less.  And did I mention the phones were free?

So back to Sam's club to take advantage of this deal.  We are now the proud owners of Samsung Galaxy S10+.  We have the $300 in gift cards to be used in Sam's or Walmart.  What's really remarkable to me is all our apps and photos were transferred over and we just need to log in on those.

Not sure if this deal is available nationwide but if you're looking for a phone and you are a member of Sam's go check it out.

Boo sure was happy to see us when we returned home.  It was past his dinner time!  Got him fed and then we settled in playing working with our new phones.  I think we'll both need covers.  I'm looking forward to seeing how the camera works.  Pictures should be better!  

All is right in our world

Lovely Weather

Last Friday we picked up our new rocker recliners from Lazy Boy.  The two of us even managed to get them in the house all by ourselves!  They're a good color  but they don't match our orange speckled rug.  Apparently I have to adjust myself to this change.  I'm sitting in a different location beside Jim instead of the end of the rig.  I can't use my computer table because of the bump from the slide.  We both have our laptops set up on the dining room table and sitting on that chair is awkward for me....my feet don't touch the floor! 


On Saturday we had a rainy day...it rained all day and I'm sure the trees, bushes and plants loved it.  Now we're enjoying mild temperatures and it looks like Spring.

On Monday I went to the VA and was instructed on how to use a Tens Unit.  I wasn't in there long and I left with a four lead Unit.  It comes with batteries, charger for said batteries and the leads and pads. I was also given extra pads that I can get from any VA clinic.  All I had to do was charge the batteries when I got home. 

Which I forgot.  On the way home we stopped at the Post Office to mail a package of Stampin' Up! catalogs to Terry.  Jim then drove to Bed Bath and Beyond  where we bought a gel cushion for me to sit on.  We've contemplated buying one before for traveling.  One more stop at Sam's Club for tomato sauce and we then headed home.  Once we pulled into our site a neighbor invited us to her site for happy hour....first we had a bite to eat because drinking beer was involved!  That's why I forgot to charge the batteries!

This morning, as soon as I thought I could, I asked Jim to 'hook' me up.  Because the pain is on the left side the pads had to be on my backside.  He did a fine job putting the pads on and attaching the leads and after a few minutes of re-reading the instructions I finally was able to turn the machine on.

I've used it off and on during the day and I must say it does work.  It will not take the pain away but it 'masks' it for awhile and I can stand and do chores without to much fuss.  Better than taking addictive pain killers.

We went to HEB this morning and I did well.  Using and wearing (carry in pocket or clip to waistband) this machine will take some getting used to.  I can change the intensity and duration of time.  I have to find what works best for me.

Jim has been wonderful in helping me with my chores and I love him dearly....cuz he stills loves me even when I snap at him.  It's no fun being in pain!

I'm not sure if this pain will ever go away but at least now I can get some relief from it

All is right in our world

Have you Noticed?

Here we are into February and I wondered if anyone besides myself noticed. I mean it's been real subtle, slight changes each day....but have you taken notice of the longer days?  

Each evening there's a little more daylight!  Of course the sun is coming up earlier each day but most people don't notice that.  They just stumble out of bed and grab their coffee, they're not looking at the clock.

I've seen some pretty sunrises but not this morning.  It was foggy and the sun didn't come out until 0800.  This is good because we're still drying out.

We went into town yesterday.  Jim had a doctor appointment and as we drove along I noticed a gator by the canal (that is still full to the brim from recent rains).  We had lunch at a new place,The Taco Shack in Stuart.  We each had a delicious soft taco and shared chips and guacamole.  Very tasty and I'm sure we'll head back because no beer was consumed this time.

We stopped at a couple stores for one item each and then Sams Club for some fuel.  Diesel was $1.87! Remember, we're in Florida where they tax the fuel but $1.87 is the lowest we've paid in quite some time

Same canal a few hours later and there were two gators! One was slipping into the water as we passed.  Sorry I don't have pictures.  We got home in time to walk Boo and feed him his dinner.

Jim is off getting his blood drawn and then getting two front tires for the truck.  Also the cooling system will be flushed.  Fun stuff that I'm not concerned with, just glad it's being done.

All is right in our world!

Family Day

We headed out Sunday around 1030, Jim driving and Sonsearae and Chris riding in the back of the truck....not really, they sat in the back seat.  We stopped to get sandwiches and headed to Hobe Beach.

We sat under the pavilion and enjoyed our meal but fought the wind!  We had to anchor each flimsy item in order for it not to blow away.  No matter the 'breeze' was wonderful and it wasn't raining.

As you can see in these pictures the surf was churning up the beach and one intrepid soul was trying to surf.  There were quite a few people enjoying the day but staying out of the water.  Red flags were posted and I believe there was a rip current to contend with

Next stop was Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee.  We had some sprinkles while we drove through but since you have to leave your windows up and stay in your vehicle it didn't matter except when I wanted to take pictures

Ostrich

you will notice some pictures are a wee bit darker.  these were probably taken through our tinted side windows

Lions...Unfortunately it was raining and the males were under cover

Asiatic Water Buffalo

Nilgai

Wildebeest and black ibis

Grant's Zebra

a wee baby zebra

Giraffe

This young one was very close to the truck

One of the fatest iguanas I've ever seen.  I think he enjoys being in the monkey enclosure

Sarus Crane

Flamingo

double yellow headed parrot

Cockatoo

At the Lorie enclosure Jim made a new friend.  We think the Rainbow Lorie liked his blue shirt

they sure are colorful birds

Blue and Gold Macaw

Tortoise

Scarlet Macaw

Porcupine

Sonsearae wanted to pet some animals but all they had at the petting zoo was goats so she found this semi friendly critter.  She backed off once it spit at her!

We did encounter some rain while we strolled the grounds but sheltered under an overhang.  The Jungle like atmosphere of the amusement park is beautiful and there is a lot for everyone to see and do.  

Our drive home through the sugar cane fields was uneventful and we encountered very little traffic.  It was a wonderful afternoon

And the Saints won!  I guess we should leave home and not watch the game so they can win more often

We watched PBS and I got to see an episode of Downton Abby!

No more mice caught....perhaps they've gotten the message and moved on.

Today was an exciting day....Jim went to Walmart for an oil change.  He dropped me off at  Sam's Club and I walked around trying to find something to buy.  

Went to lunch at Mikata Buffet, our first time there.  The usual mix of Asian and American dishes.  We both had a beer and lunch only cost us $21...not bad....

Back home Jim laid down for a nap and I read for awhile.  Fed Boo and potted up a couple plants.

All is right in our world

Dare I say it?  I'll probably jinx us....but I must say it was very nice to be out and about yesterday and it didn't rain on us!  We did drive one area where the road was still wet from a shower but we, personally, didn't see any rain.  It may have sprinkled over night because the picnic table is wet.  As I type this I can see some clear skies but to the east there are banks of clouds obscuring the rising sun.  

It doesn't make much sense to wash the windows when you have to do it daily.  But they are so water spotted it's depressing to look through them.  Last Sunday Jim raised the front jacks to get the water off the slides and it needs it again.

This day was a laundry day.  I stripped the bed and got busy right after breakfast.  I could just remake the bed with clean sheets but then I'd have to launder the soiled ones and fold them.  I find it more convenient to just wash and put them back on the bed.

We had an appointment to get Boo groomed yesterday so we dropped him off at PetsMart just before lunch.  Speaking of lunch that's what we did next, went to lunch at Sake Too.  It's one of our favorite places, they serve Japanese and Thai foods. Jim ordered a Bento Box with tempura and I tried something new, a Thai veggie dish with tofu.  We both had hot green tea and the meal came with miso soup.  We brought food home.

Our next stop was Home Depot.  Jim had been looking for a hose splitter connection for about a month and he needed some clear silicone to redo the Kitchen sink.  I wanted some plants.  Sonsearae has two hanging pots that have hung out front since they arrived.  There was spindly pathos in them that died from lack of attention.  I was tired of looking at them so I replaced them with New Guinea Impatiens.  The purple flowers and dark green leaves look pretty.  I wanted to get some herbs for the empty pots but didn't like the selection.  I'll have to look elsewhere.

Our next stop was Sams Club to fuel up.  What are diesel prices where you live?  We paid $2.24 per gallon.  That's wonderful for this area and Florida in general.  Since we were here we went inside to see if we could find dessert.  And we did!  Coconut cake was being passed out and I must say the sample we got was mighty tasty.  Perfect size and we didn't have to buy it.  Made a couple purchases from my list, then we left.

Headed to Publix next for the remainder of my list and soon we were killing time over at Bed, Bath and Beyond.  We strolled around the store looking for something to buy (Jim's Words).  I get mobile coupons and it was about to expire so I picked up a box of Tazo tea because I was out of it.  Then the call came to pick up Boo!

All of our shopping was done so we headed home.  Took us a bit to get our purchases unloaded and the plants hung.  By then it was time to feed Boo and have afternoon coffee.  Jim did while I abstained.  I rarely have coffee in the afternoon these days.  Sometimes I don't even finish my morning cup of coffee.  I continued with the laundry and eventually made the made.

When we walked Boo and checked the mail I retrieved my camera from the truck.  I try to take it every time we head out because you never know when an opportunity for photos will present itself.  Any way I was wandering around with it in my pocket when I spotted the Painted Bunting on the ground searching for food.  So I filled the tube feeder and he must have been watching because as I put the container away he settled in for dinner.

Not the best photo but you can see the vivid colors this little bird wears.  He definitely is a bright spot in any day

All is right in our world

Change is good....right?

I guess our 'cold' weather is over.  It's 72 degrees outside at 0720 this morning.  It's also overcast.

Yesterday after breakfast I finally got the notification that I could download Windows 10!  Who knew there would be so much information that it would tie up the computer for hours.  We'll see how much of an improvement it is for me.  As long as I can get online and check my emails life is good.

I did my usual routine of dishes, bed making and laundry.  For lunch I fixed a stir fry and after dishes and laundry folding we headed out.

Our first stop was Walmart where Jim got some items for the truck and we got some personal care products.  I finally found some Zatarain's shrimp boil.  I like the liquid and if you've ever been to Deanies you know about the boiled potatoes they serve.  Apparently folks in this part of Florida haven't a clue about this product.  You can find the dry bags but those are for large pots of crabs and shrimp.  The liquid you can use for just a touch of flavor or small pots of shrimp and potatoes...yum.  I bought two bottles because they're small!

Our next stop was Sam's Club, which is right next door.  Jim filled the tank with diesel at a cost of $2.24.  I'm curious, what does diesel cost where you are?  It sure is nice having it this low.  I'm sure it will go up in price once we start to travel.

Next up was the Goodwill store.  I like to browse and see if I can find bargains.  No luck today all I left with was dirty hands.

Our next stop was to be the boardwalk in Stuart so we could stroll the waterfront.  But I'm telling you the traffic on Federal Highway was stop and go and by the time we reached Stuart Jim was ready to come home.  So we headed home.

By this time we were ready for our afternoon coffee and we needed to feed Boo.

Dinner was bruschetta with a side of olives.  

We have Amazon Prime and there is a series they're showing called The Man in the High Castle.  It's a 'glimpse into an alternate history of North America'.  We've watched two episodes and find the show intriguing.

NCIS was our viewing choice for Tuesday evening.  We also watch the show that follows  NCIS New Orleans.  Last night was a reminder of Katrina.  Still saddens me.....

All is right in our world

Saturday in the park....

But it isn't the Fourth of July!

We've had some beautiful weather this past week.  After the rains passed through,  the cooler temperatures were great for sleeping and our days got up into the 70's.  Each day saw this high creeping up and yesterday it was about 78 degrees.  As you can see from these pictures a lot of folks took advantage of this and spent time at the local beaches.

It's still Spring Break and we marveled at all the 'white skinned' folks getting burned.  I suppose it's a badge of honor for bragging rights when they get back home.

Jim was down and out for a couple days.  Vertigo kept him sleeping and just not moving.  Not much you can do about it but let it pass.  I made a run to Sam's Club and picked up some groceries and household items. If you have room to store stuff it can be a savings to shop there.

Yesterday we also went to Pier Park the local outdoor mall and tourist attraction.  After being cooped up Jim was ready to get out in the world!  This mall is a large walking mall and we walked from one end to the other.  Stopped in at Panera Bread for some lunch.  I had a Greek Salad while Jim had half a sandwich and a small Greek Salad.  Of course he got a strawberry smoothie to drink and I had an iced chai latte.

After lunch we walked back to the truck and then drove down the beach, then back up...stopping at Schooners to have a cold drink and sit overlooking the gulf.  The breeze was wonderful!  This time of year is perfect for strolling the beach, the water is still a bit chilly for us.

After this restful stop we drove to St Andrews State Park.  This place was full of locals!  So nice to see full parking lots and residents taking advantage of this lovely park.  The pictures you see here are from one of the beaches.  As you can see everyone was enjoying the sun and water.

Last night we watched G I Joe on Netflix and enjoyed a bowl of popcorn.  I think it was the first time this year we've had popcorn!  This is not good!!  I say we should have a weekly date, movie and popcorn...what do you think?

Tupelo, Mississippi

Tuesday was a busy day for us.  After breakfast Jim was outside cleaning bugs off the truck and rig.  I stripped the bed and started doing laundry before I even got dressed. Boo has been needing a grooming for weeks so Jim found a local place and they said bring him in!  So we did.

After dropping him off we headed downtown to see the sights



This old courthouse was lovely and dotted about on the grounds were monuments to various groups.  The main one CSA was a huge thing that defied my camera, it was just to tall.  We strolled up and down the main street but honestly there wasn't much to see.  We did stop in at the hardware store where Mrs Presley bought her son his first guitar.  The store was awesome!  We like old stores like this. One of the guys was just dying to tell us all about Elvis but we didn't stop to hear his story.

Since we were being tourists and killing time before lunch we drove out to see THE house where Elvis was born.  Didn't go in but Jim had to take a picture

Quite small but we can live in small spaces now.  After that drive by we headed out to Elvis Presley Lake and campground.  What a lovely drive!  Of course the Autumn colors are beautiful but the drive to the campground was on a winding road and it's hilly here.  We passed some homes in a rural setting and finally reached our destination.  The campground is small and there were a couple sites we could fit in, but mostly it's an older one suitable for travel trailers and small pop ups.  No sewer hook ups.  As we were tooling around seeing the sights we got the call that Boo was ready.  So we headed back into town to pick him up.  He looks ever so much better!  

After dropping Boo off at home we headed out again...we were already dressed nicely so we headed to Vanelli's, http://www.vanellis.com/ for lunch.  We were told they had good pizza.  And they do!  I also ordered a Greek Salad and we both loved it.  Loaded with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, onions, green peppers and dressed with olive oil and lemon juice....Yummy!  Of course we had to wash it down with a beer....

Back home after lunch we just relaxed...well one of us did, I still had some laundry to take care of and a bed to make.  We sat outside enjoying this lovely weather

Boo also got a new halter with bling!  Doesn't he look handsome?

We took a walk around the campground and I took pictures of the decorations and plantings

In the field next door we have a blue eyed horse

 

We had leftover pizza for dinner and since it's Tuesday it was CBS and NCIS for TV<<

I love the cool starts we're having for our days.  Yesterday was beautiful and I did turn on the fireplace to take the chill out of the air.  My phone was dead again...can't figure out why it does that.  When I go to bed I turn it off with a full charge.

Jim slept in but once he was up I got busy making the bed and throwing a load of laundry in the washer.  Breakfast dishes done and I defrosted the freezer.  After lunch we made a trip to Sam's Club.  Dinner was soup and salad...

Our evening was spent watching Son's of Guns and Mythbusters followed by CSI

Ocala Florida

We left McIntosh last Wednesday morning late. After a grueling hour or so of driving on I-75 we made it to our destination of Ocala Sun RV Resort, http://www.ocalasunrvresort.com/index.html

In no time at all we were all set up. It's very nice here. All the sites are grassy but they allow mats and it looks like you can install patio pavers as some sites have them. Some have screen rooms so I guess that's ok too! There is a lack of trees and the only landscaping is around the public buildings. Not sure how it would be for winter stays as the sites are close but staggered.

Wednesday evening we decided to eat out and Jim chose Carrabas. We both enjoyed our dinner! It was happy hour and we had beer to go with our pasta. Jim had a seafood dish and I had pomodoro (tag pic pac on the menu) pasta. We had brushetta to start and of course there was bread on the table. Our meals came with a salad and by the time we got the main course we were full. We ended up taking some home.

Thursday we went to the mall so I could find something to wear to the wedding. I just didn't like what I had in the closet. I did find a blouse and it was on sale too! After that exhausting trek we went to Barnes and Nobles for some down time. One more stop at Sam's Club and we were homeward bound.

Friday we went shopping for groceries. I did buy a lot of produce at Sam's Club but we needed some other items, so Jim found us a Walmart. Once home I put all our purchases away.

I can't remember which day it was that we worked. Jim did some outside cleaning on the rig. It's love bug season. I stripped the bed but Jim made it when we got home from wandering. Maybe that was Thursday because we were both hungry when we got home and I started reheating leftovers from our dinner out.

Saturday......I think we stayed home!

I was up early Sunday and was able to watch the sun rise above the clouds and tree line

After a breakfast of pancakes we headed to The Villages, http://www.thevillages.com/. According to the sign it was 16 miles down the road. It was a lovely drive and we enjoyed the scenery of horse farms and pastures. Jim had checked and we knew that the village was housing. We thought it would be fun to see the homes. But the homes we wanted to see were in gated communities with guards. We drove a little farther and we found a town square, http://www.thevillages.com/lifestyle/ssTownSquare.asp. It's full of shops and restaurants built around a square. I didn't have my camera but the buildings had a Southwestern feel and quite pretty to look upon. We strolled around for a bit but none of the restaurants appealed to us so we went in search of more!

We found Sweet Tomatoes. Neither one of us had eaten there. Inside the door Jim hesitated because there's a salad bar. I told him we could leave but he decided salads are a good thing. We plated up some salad (Jim did two plates) and we paid. Then we discovered all the food behind the wall! Soups, baked potatoes, breads, muffins, pizza, soft serve ice cream with toppings, fruit. We both enjoyed our lunch very much and I know I over ate but it was so good!

Back home I turned on the tv while Jim tried to nap. After he gave that pastime up we watched mindless tv while we occupied ourselves with computers and iPads. After Boo had his dinner I took him for a walk and discovered it was nice outside! Wonderful breeze and pleasant temperature. I told Jim to come outside and we both watched football (Houston/Miami).
We also had our dinner outside. Around 1900 I went inside and Jim followed.

I guess that about covers it. Both of us are looking forward to the new season starting on tv. Castle is on tonight. The NCIS shows tomorrow night.

Last day in Tampa

Tomorrow we head out to a new location. A little North, a little East. You'll just have to wait for the location! I can hear thunder so it's probably raining in the bay. The forecast is for rain later

The other day I joined Costco. Always wanted to see inside and compare prices with Sam's Club. We didn't spend much but we brought home some freebies! When I joined they sent coupons and we picked up a free rotisserie chicken and a free 2 pound bag of coffee beans. Three dollars off 2 pounds of chocolate chunk cookies made us both happy. Time will tell if one warehouse is better than the other.

While at the commissary the other day we saw Monk parakeets! We've been here a month and now that we're getting ready to leave we see feral Quakers! By the way the bird is known by both names and is an introduced bird to the US. I used to have one as a pet. I've looked around but I didn't see their nests. They build huge condo style nests. I think they were feeding on the berries on the palm trees. Read more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monk_Parakeet

Other birds we've seen here at the campground and throughout the base are: herons, egrets, osprey, wood stork and roseate spoonbills. These are all normal for a coastal area.

This and That

Yesterday I needed to make a trip to the post office to mail a couple things so after lunch we headed out and managed to find a post office. Then it was off to Sam's Club where we kept our purchases to a minimum.

Across the street we went to Best Buy (nope, didn't buy anything) then next door to Bed Bath and Beyond.....there we did buy some items. A few small things and a big coffee pot! So far we both like it. It takes the pods but also has a filter so you can use your own coffee. Makes mine just fine.

Back home I made some beef stew for dinner, washed all the components of the coffee pot and then we sampled some of the coffee that came with the coffee maker. It makes 4 oz, 8 oz and 12 oz cups of tea or coffee. You can also just use the hot water for other beverages.

By the time I sat down to drink my coffee I think Boo was getting bored or tired of being ignored. I was playing with my camera so I took his picture

Didn't do much of anything after dinner, TV, reading, computing and for me a bit of crocheting. I guess I should take a picture of the baby blanket I'm making and show it to y'all.


This morning we slowly got ready for our drive to Cheyenne and we were on the road by 0945 as far as I can recall. The views on I-25 weren't all that inviting as we left town

The high plains are brownish, grassy pastures. We didn't see any wildlife and really not that many cows either.

the further south we headed the terrain got a bit higher and rocky

but still a lot of fenced in scrubby pastures.

Then it started greening up! But first we stopped so I could walk around a bit and stretch. Not sure where I got it but when I grabbed my left ankle to stretch, my hand got some oil on it. Then I noticed my other ankle had oil too. I must have picked it up somewhere before we left the campground. It was obvious that when I crossed my ankles both of them got oiled! So while I was cleaning up Jim noticed our awning was coming unwound. So he got out the ladder and some zip ties and snugged it up with me holding the ladder.

While Jim cleaned up I fixed us some lunch and we relaxed a bit before getting on the road again.

some of the rocks are really interesting and I'm having fun zooming in, focusing and taking pictures from a moving truck.

Hopefully I'll get better as time goes by<<

I think we arrived around 1400 At Warren AFB just outside of Cheyenne. Once on base we saw some Canadian Geese wandering all over some grassy areas. Then we started seeing antelope, lots and lots of them!

It was amazing to see so many of them. Probably 2 dozen or so. We made it to the Fam Camp, checked in and set up. We have no TV but internet is just fine. We're here for 2 nights so I think we'll live without TV.

Our dinner was this and that. Jim finished off the beef stew and I steamed some green beans, chopped up a tomato and dished up some artichoke hearts for my dinner. After the dishes were done we took Boo for a walk and I found some critters to take pictures of.

this little bunny rabbit poked his head up just in time

train track runs right by and this was a a quick snap....I zoomed to much but the engine did fill the frame

By the office this mom and her twins we munching on the grass, all three of them kept an eye on us but didn't seem to be to concerned as we got closer.

What ever you did today I hope you enjoyed it.

Suite Dreams!