Our last week!

We lost our wireless at the condo for some strange reason and have therefore been unable to blog since Thursday. This is being drafted using “word” and then published at the airport in Orlando.
Our overnight visit to the Smallman family in Orlando was fun. They have a great place, 3 bedroom house in a community. Tuesday morning, after a great home cooked breakfast, it was off to Sea World for a day with the dolphins, sharks, flamingos and of course whales. The morning temperature was in the 50’s and we were dressed for the 80’s; needless to say it was rather cool for the first hour or so. However we had a very enjoyable day. This is one of Lloyd’s favourite amusement parks.
We returned to Indian Rocks where the Raiche’s (Lloyds sister Jean, husband Bernie& daughter Katherine) had arrived minutes earlier. We had a great visit together-went to the Wagon Wheel Flea market two times, other shopping, beaching, touring from St Petes to Clearwater and great eating consisting of Thai Food and crab legs at JD’s, a local beach spot with local talent and local flavour in the Teke Bar, aka meat market. The weather for our last week here has been in the low 80's, up about 5 degrees from the previous weeks.
The Raiche’s returned to DC on Sunday, leaving us with one more trip to Target, a couple of beach walks and finally packing the PT Crusier for an early Monday morning drive to Orlando Airport for our trip back to PEI.
Our 2.5 hour drive to Orlando airport went without incident, and we are patiently waiting for our flight. great wireless at Orlando International Airport.

Week # 3

We are enjoying our time with Melissa, Rob, Mia, Julie, Mark, & Gracie. On Monday we trecked to Tampa for a day at Busch Gardens. The first part of our visit there was spent on the water rides before the wait lines got out of hand. We went on three water rides, got soaked every time, even Mia, but had a blast. Felt young again. Melissa and Mark were the only ones brave enough to ride the wooden coaster. Must have been quite a ride as they had no interest in trying any of the others there. The rest of the day was spent walking throughout the park, attending shows, watching animals and viewing attractions. It had been about 24 years since Lloyd had been at Busch Gardens, however other than the expanse of roller coasters, most else seemed the same. On the way back to Indian Shores the kids directed us to Steve & Barrys, a wicked clothing store wher every dam thing was just $8.99. Needless to say Judy had a big smile on her face and took advantage of purchasing things we do not need.

We spent a great day Tuesday lounging at the beach and pool. On Tuesday evening everyone wenet to Johns Pass for dinner at a Fishermans restuarant. Not very clean, but food was good and no one got sick!

We bid farewall to our family on Wednesday morning who headed for a day in Orlando for a flight north on Thursday morning. Lloyd & Judy used the day to seek out possible beach front accommodations for 2009. With success they found a spot, "The Breakers" just a couple of miles up the beach. We also took a tour down the coast, heading suth and visited Bradinton, Bradinton beach, Longboat Key and Sarasotia.

Good Friday was a hot day and a greta one for a walking on the beach and lazing around. We seem to be getting very good at that.

Lloyd & Judy are going to supper with Earl & Edie Beaton tonight...Red Lobster. Can't wait.

Church tomorrow morning-Happy Easter everyone!

Lazin Around

Lloyd & Judy have settled into a routine now, have lost track of which day it is and have begun to lament that its half done already. The days consist of early morning rise always by 8:00am read the Guardian, have breakfast and coffee on the balcony, then off to the baech for a leisurly walk, then to the pool, lunch and then off sightessing for a couple of hours in the afternoon during the real heat. Supper may consist of an early bird special (discounted restaurant food) or our own home cooking. The day cannot end without a second walk on the sand.

Kids and grandkids arrived on Friday evening, after being pampered for 4 days at the Disney Resort. On Saturday the girls went shopping and the guys went to a ball game (Jays and Pirates).

Sunday, early in the day, the kids went to Tampa shopping, Lloyd & Judy went to the wagon wheel again. It is a great way to spend an hour or a day for only 1$.

The afternoon was spent at the beach and at the pool. julie particularly enjoyed the beach; Mia loved the pool.

Monday everyone is off to Busch Gardens. Should be fun.

Flea Market & Islander Day!

Rhonda (Judys sister) & Avard vsiited with us for the weekend. They arrived from Orlando on Saturday morning and we immediately proceeded to the Wagon Wheel flea market. This market is huge huge huge. At least 10 large buildings each with rows and rows of tables, of mostly new stuff, and then outside were acres and acres of other tables with mostly used stuff. Big crowd; big bargans. We spent 4 hours there.

Sunday morning after breakfast, we made up our box lunches and headed for the PEI Picnic, at Fort De Sota Park, about 20 miles south east of Indian Shores. This was an event; like a reunion of sorts. The picnic was from 11:00am until 3:00pm and people supposedly would come and go during that time. I believe everyone arrived by 12 and all stayed til 3. We had name tags with address, entertainment by several well known musicians-Dino, Harold & Marnie Noye from Borden Campground, and several other spontanious renditions from musical Islanders. We all stood, hands over chests, hats off, for the playing and singing of Fair Island of the Sea. Actually this was the 7th Islander Day, organized by our ex-premier Alex Campbell. Its held the 2nd Sunday of March each year. The sound system for the music is provided by a Mr. Doucette who brings it down from PEI each year; quite a commitment. We saw people friom all over the island, from Tignish to Souris. Some you had kinda expected to see there, while others, the large majority of , were persons who you were surprised to see. Hard to name them but some of note were Wade McLauchlan, Buck Watts, Alex Campbell, Albert Fogerty, Wayne Gray & his father, Barry McMillan, Rose Marie MacDonald, Aubrey (from Audreys Bottle exchange), Ray & Dianne Wenn, Alan & Norma Forbes, George & Sandra Walsh (trivia?), Bobby & Shirley McGee, Hillard and Rowena MacKinnon, George Crawford, Ethen Garrett (with several sisters and brothers in law), Lester & Shirley Brennan, Ivan & Marie Collicutt, Leonard & Laurena Gallant, Shirley Murphy, Kay Furnace, nurse Dunn, several Westerners who we had not seen for 30 years or more, and had even forgotten they were around, 2 sets of cousins (from both sides) of Judy and Rhonda, .....we could go on and on. We just kept running into people as we walked around. Judy met several during her bathroom breaks. There were enough masons there to have a lodge meeting. Greg Peters would be there yet if he had been down. There was of course a 50/50 draw...how could Islanders get together without that. Several door prizes wewe awarded. The proceeds are used to support the costs of organizing the event (insurance, use of park, and eventual cost of renting a sound system). The time was spent mingling amongst the crowd, exchanging pleasantries, listening to entertainment, posing for pictures, gazing out at the gulf, walking on the beach, eating lunch, just a wonderful time with wonderful people.

We left the picnic around 3, with a great feeling and headed out to another shopping experience, thanks to Judys new friend Marie Collicutt who told her of the brand new, just opened ROSS Store not far away. Judy & Rhonda got good deals on dresses, Avard & Lloyd sat on the chairs for men, with several others, in the front of the store.

Avard & Rhonda returned to Orlando Sunday evening.

The weekend weather was only fair, temperatures in the mid 60's; hard to decide on shorts or pants. I guess its better than deciding between jackets and snowsuits.

No big plans for the early part of the week. Kids and grandkids will arrive in Indian Shores Thursday.

Travelling on our own now!

After cousin Charles left, Lloyd & Judy had to take responsibility for their own transportation. Monday evening was spent cruising around in the PT Cruiser, and hitting a BEALS outlet. Tuesday's weather was cloudy with a few showers. Lloyd & Judy went to Ybor City, an interesting five block section of Tampa. The visit there had been recommended by the Morrisons; where it is apparently one of their favourite places. Quite a place, that must really rock at night. Lunch there consisted of "all you could eat wings"and nachos. Great visit. A short drive took Lloyd & Judy to the St. Petes Fourm, where we purchased tickets for the Penguins and Lightning game. Killed time before the game by going to a mall; where else. During hockey warm up we noticed that 87 was on the ice for Pittsburg. Sid was back for his first game post injury. The game ended 2-0 for Pittsburg. It was very exciting and a whole lot of fun. You can purchase $12 seats that are at the top of the rink, then after the game begins, move down to the several thousand empty seats at ice surface. Of course Lloyd & Judy did not realize this until after they purchased their $45 tickets.

On Wednesday it was off to the Bradington area, about one hour south of here to the PRIME OUTLET, a large complex of outlets with wicked deals according to Judy. This excursion took the whole day.

The plan is to chill out on Thursday and Friday by beach walking, sun sitting and pool dipping, and to get rested up for company on Saturday and Sunday with Judys sister and husband Rhonda & Avard and who are staying at Orlando. The plan is to visit the gigantic flea market on Saturday and then take in the big PEI Picnic in Fort Desoto Park on Sunday. Apparently we can expect over 6oo PEIslanders there. Looking forward to that!

This is a tough life here, however someone needs to do it.

Touring with cousins

Lloyd and Judy were so lucky to have Charles and Gayle here to show the lay of the land. Cousin Charles was a great tour guide and chaffeur, in his red PT Cruiser. Gayle knew where all the shopping spots were and she and Judy did lots of shopping while Charles and Lloyd tagged along.

Its very nice here, tmperatutre is in the 80's. Sea Club which appers to cater to the old crowd is nice accommodations built in 1975, well maintained, quiet and private. Lloyd and Judy are some of the younger residents. The resort is just up the beach from the bird sanctuary where Cathy and Marcus stayed a few yaers ago.

After a delightful breakfast at Charles and Gayles, Saturday was spent walking on the beach shopping, touring and getting settled. Judy did some shopping and purchased a supply of groceries. In the evening a visit was made to Johns Pass, an interesting array of shops, restaurants, characters and boardwalk.

On Sunday the four met up with other Islanders, Darlene & Eugene Gallant (yes Darlene once ran up west for the Tories) and Darlene's parents, Ivan & Marie Collicutt, from West Prince PEI, and had a brunch at the Grand Plaza Hotel (formerly the Holiday Inn) in St Petes beach. They ate in the revolving restaurant at the top of the hotel, overlooking St Petes beach. Wonderful vistas; many great pictures.

Charles and Gayle visited with Lloyd & Judy on Monday, before departing to Orlando for a few days of Disney attractions, to return home on Wendesday.

Sorry to hear of yet another PEI snowstorm; enjoy the shovelling. Have been listening to OCEAN Radio today, Kirk and KerryWynn all the way here and will be watching Bruce and Boomer tonight on the computer.