Some things I really like

(I love this guy!)

Driving home one evening we were blessed with such a beautiful dark cloud hiding the sun. But as you know the sun will not allow one cloud to hide it’s brilliance it throws beautiful rays and a sliver lining around the cloud. I started thinking of the beautiful shot Linda the BRBoomer had on her blog. I thin thought how much I liked what I was seeing. So I said:

Honey I really like those rays and the silver lining.

I like to hold a baby, one who snuggles.

I like to think of my grand children, they are scattered and they are all unique, even the twins. I get the ‘warm fuzzies’ with thoughts of them.

I like old cars. They don’t have to be restored, I like old junk cars too.

I like camp grounds.

I like Rangers, they are special folks.

I like volunteers, they are also special folk.

I like to fix stuff.

I like driving a motor home.

I like looking at tractor and trailers and wonder about the driver and what he is hauling.

I like truckers, they are special folk too.

I like some folk that even upset me.

I like most campers, usually very friendly and helpful, some too helpful, but I still like them.

I like animals, admiring  squirrels is fun.

I like butterflies. I wonder if they have any rhyme or reason of where they are going, they just flit here and there.

I like the smell of coffee and salt air.

I like to fish, and eat our catch.

I like to cook sometimes.

I like to sleep late.

I like to hear from old friends.

I like to think of friends of years gone by: Tuck, Buddy, Ray Sides, Sonny Turner, Edgar Milhollan, Jim Page,  Bub Page, Guy Abee, Newt,  Kenneth Woods, Sam Waters, Harold Woods, Betty,  Peter David Hunt, Neil Williamson and I had just one friend in High School can’t think of his name now, ain’t that terrible?

I like to think of my time in each branch of the military, first the USMC, then the USAF and finally the USN.

I like to think of someplace else to go.

I like to think of another cruise.

I like to think that one day I will take Sherry to England and let her see the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, then we both go someplace new like Ireland and Scotland.

I like to think of sharing the island of Corfu with her, she has heard so much about it from me.

(But I had better stop for now!)

I like a million more things what do you especially like?

Nite Shipslog

PS:

.

Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you!
-- Pericles (430 B.C.)

 

Today’s car:  Again the ‘41  Pickup

Why can’t I ride in the back????

Luck sometimes appears as brilliance

There are times someone asks if I can fix something and I will say, I’ll give it a try. Most of the time I luck –up and do something that makes it work. I am all of a sudden brilliant.

There are times I appear as a complete nut. I take one medicine. I don’t even know the name of it, but it is for cholesterol (I hate that word to spell). My Doctor said take 20mg. They gave me 80’s. So I break them into 4 pieces. He changed that to 40 so I would have to just split it. Okay, great. I go to look for the new ones, cannot find them. Sherry looks, cannot find them. My pat answer for ‘lost ‘ stuff here is, “It is here, and it will show up, forget it.” I used the broken 80’s last night.

This morning? Within 3” of where I looked, were the 40’s.  I mean I looked good, or thought I did. I jokingly accused Sherry of trying to make me think I had lost my mind.  She knows better, I don’t have that much to lose and I guard it well.

Sherry has a great mind and memory. I have never had much of a memory for names, places, roads etc.  My thing is numbers, I do good remembering numbers. I am always kidding her, “You are gonna really miss your mind when it is gone, heck, I won’t know the difference with mine!”

I repeat myself a lot now, I wish I wouldn’t do that.

About Love bugs!

(They cover everything here in Florida in swarms)

The love bugs are ABOUT gone. I wonder how many of those suckers (used instead of another word) there are. I wonder do they enjoy the sex act? I sure killed a lot of them with the motor home and the car. I am assuming they died happy.

Some are in a relationship some are dating!!!!

I think I will quit while I am ahead.  Probably too late.

Thanks for coming this way.

Nite Shipslog

PS:

Remember Aesop?  He said:

. We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.

Remembering  Tucker:

Vehicle of the day: 1947-48 Tucker (The Cyclops headlight, turned with the wheels.)

Some folks say Tucker was Brilliant, Lucky, or a Huckster. But I like the car.

Rear engine, disc brakes, 4 wheel suspension, I believe the seats reclined.

ONLY 51 of them were made.

We have moved Again

Before leaving lake Griffin State Park, we were thinking of the move when Sherry received a call from the dentist, he could do the root canal tomorrow.  So we arranged with the Rangers to vacate our site and leave the coach in the parking lot, just in case it took too long at the dentist office. I hate to use a spot someone may want early.  So we dropped the coach and went to the dentist.  Bad news, they say,  you waited so long it is more calcified (?) and still infected. Shucks it can’t be still infected, it started 9 months ago. By now you’d think that it would be infected out. I’ve drowned it in peroxide, alcohol, salt water and took 30 bottles of vitamin I (Ibuprophen).  LOL

(Now I ain’t sitting on this commode!)

Now it will take two sessions. We will start today, then you can come back in about 4 weeks and we will finish. THEN you can see about finding a Crown.  (I thought I had one!(LOL) I am the King of the Road. LOL)

(I ain’t letting Sherry go to this guy!)

Now they want a month’s pay. Okay, thank goodness we have planned for a ‘few’ bumps in this retirement road.  This keeps up too many bumps will cause problems. LOL   (I am LOL’ing a lot) I am high on what ever they used to deaden my body so they could ‘frac’ it, or drill it.  You have heard the term Frac from our own esteemed Paula of ‘Paula’s country tales’.  They are doing a lot of fracking in Texas.  It is a new technique for drilling wells, I think this dentist has learned from them.

(Some offices carry stuff too far!)

I ain’t really fussing, he didn’t hurt me but once or twice. He put a wedge in my mouth so I could not bite him, then he put an umbrella in there so he wouldn’t fill my throat with water. I hate that feeling when you think you are drowning but you can’t swallow with that wedge in your mouth.(the umbrella leaked).

(I love folks with innovative ideas)

This is silly, a whole entry griping about one root canal, and it ain’t even finished.

Thanks for coming this way.

Nite Shipslog

PS:

What this country needs are more unemployed politicians.
-- Edward Langley, Artist (1928-1995)

Today’s vehicle:

1946 Chevrolet truck

I once bought on of these for about $80. I was going to tow our trailer with it, never did. I traded it for a transmission for our car, a 1955 Rambler.

Fortunate timing

Many times we decide to go to a neighboring town and walk around. If it is an unfamiliar town I always check the crime statistics and the safety factor.  It is a sorry testimony of our times that must be done.

Anyway it is amazing how many places we go and some special even is going on: apple festivals, parades, cruise ins and concerts.

A couple days ago we decided to go down town Eustis, FL and walk around the local lakeside park, normally a quiet pleasant place to walk with a great lake breeze. Imagine our surprise when we could hardly find a parking place. WOW it was my favorite thing, a CRUISE-IN!

The most cars or vintage and beauty I have seen in one place in many many years. My kind of place.

(Cursor over some photos to get the year and make, if I made a mistake let me know!)

The first car I saw was the ‘61 Metro, but the second one is above, my dream the 1953 MG!

A ‘32 above and a ‘33 Ford below.

Oh yes, and guess who was there?

My first car was this color and a ‘48 Chevy.

1939 Ford, the year I was born.

I think this is really a ‘48 Pontiac (above)

Sherry and a T-bird. I noticed BRBoomer used to drive a T-Bird, now she has graduated to a Pickup! I still love the T-bird.

This is just a sample. Thanks for joining us at the Eustis Car show.

There were 3 Aqua cars I lost one photo showing the twin screws they sport.

Nice to have you on the log with us.(Sorry the Florida sun was so bright and the chrome polished, it was hard to get a good shot)

Nite Shipslog

PS: Who wrote this sign:

In an office:
WOULD THE PERSON WHO TOOK THE STEP LADDER YESTERDAY PLEASE BRING IT BACK OR FURTHER STEPS WILL BE TAKEN.

Yep, another car:

TR-6  another British entry!

Lost in Florida

Just to clarify things, this wasn’t my first cruise. I crossed that Atlantic when I was 17 or 18 yrs old. That is when the Gunny Sergeant told me folks paid good money for cruises like we were on. That was on an LST then on an AKA, Then a couple times on an aircraft carrier. But to be honest this cruise was much shorter, but with my girl, was much more fun. haha!

It seems after a big deal like the cruise I am a little lost. I bought a random orbital polisher at a yard sale and have been trying it on the motor home. Not happy yet with the results. If you have used one or someone you know has, ask them if they put the polish or wax on the buffer or the car before they start. Thanks.

Oh, normal aggravating stuff with the motor home. Our awnings, over the windows, slides, patio and door  are spring loaded. Two in the front awning just broke as we were moving here to the state park. They ain’t cheap. It is frustrating because the ones we had before made by a company called A & E, lasted five or six years and we replaced only one spring. This will be the sixth spring in the same amount of time, but these are made by Care Free of Colorado. Something ain’t right.

(The awning springs that are broke are in the large awning)

But since we chose this life, we accept it, but I must gripe a little. Coming down to the end of the year and it just adds to the expense. But, we don’t cut grass, clean gutters or pay property taxes on this rolling home, so shut up already. OKAY!

Okay to real physical life. We left Florida early last year and went to Ypsilanti, MI to try to assist Sherry’s Bro in the hospital. Two things were scheduled before we left, my root canal and front end alignment on the coach. I canceled both. I was not able to reasonably find replacements for either.

The front end delay cost us two tires at about $900. That hurt. I have been petting this tooth with peroxide, alcohol, and tea bags. Well finally back in Florida it is next Tuesday and I cannot wait. It will be great. A root canal, I can’t wait. Only 7 months late(I love pain).

Okay, here we are off the ship and I miss it. But if I was there I would eat tooooooo much, dadgummit.

So I will wax the coach, fuss about the prices I have for the springs, and go on with life here in central Florida. I know you  guys hate it for me.

Thanks for coming this way.

Nite Shipslog

PS:

 

Did I read that sign right?

Notice in a farmer's field:
THE FARMER ALLOWS WALKERS TO CROSS THE FIELD FOR FREE, BUT THE BULL CHARGES.

Car of the day is a 1950 Chevrolet Business Coupe

Of course our looked like the last one, funny thing, Sherry thinks it was green, and I powder blue. We have no pictures, if we did they are black and white anyway. 55 yrs later it really doesn’t matter, does it.

I tore up the whole left hand side the week before we got married. We drove it for months like that. I have noticed lately more cars are being driven damaged, I am sure it is the economy.

Last of the Cruise

Some asked for more details, this should do it.

It is not necessary to climb any stairs, we do that to stay in shape for eventual back packing.  There are some 12-14 beautiful elevators on the ship and always available. There were even folks on the scooters who were unable to walk.

Paying! you cannot use a credit card or cash on the ships. On the Carnival they call it YOUR “Sign and Sail Card”.

(Front of the card on top the dining room was named Truffles on deck 2, note you insert the left end into your door to open your stateroom)

(Back of the card is just like a credit card)

I was reluctant at first, not knowing exactly what to expect, but they gave me the option to deposit  cash or use my Credit Card to establish the Sign and Sail Card. It wasn’t the bugaboo I thought. The card is an all purpose card while you are aboard. It designates what dining room, table and time you have been assigned, it is also your door key.

We chose the early dinner which was 6PM. Note here: The dining room is very nice but it is not necessary to eat there. You can eat buffet style, at the restaurants aboard as part of your paid passage, at any time you choose.Less is avail after 11PM but something is avail to eat 24 hrs a day.

. There is always salad and fruit bars, and in the morning several places to get different juices, tea, or coffee. The same with many pastries, omelets, eggs to order, waffles and pancakes (plain, blueberry & Banana).

Soft serve Ice Cream and frozen Yogurt.  Also any kind of cereal, oatmeal, and various flavors of yogurt.

Sushi, hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza all day. Also steaks and oriental food. The food is beautiful and very good. Really it is too much.

You are allowed to take canned drinks and bottled water aboard in a limited number. Soft drinks, mixed drinks and wine are not included in the cruise price you must use your Sign and Sail card for that.

Going ashore once, Sherry wanted a bottle of water, she gave the steward the sign and sail card and got the water. He scans it just like a credit card and you sign. $2.95 for 16oz water (not cheap). The first morning, I went to the ‘Starbucks-like’ coffee shop and charged $3.50 for Sherry a cup of fancy coffee. We charged very little.

If you use the free room service you are expected to tip the steward. We never used that anyway. After the first morning I went to one of the Restaurant self service coffee machines and got our coffee and picked up a bowl of fruit to take to the room.

Up front you know the ship will charge the Sign and Sail card automatically a certain amount for tips. Ours was $70 each for the room stewards, all the restaurants and dining hall. Figuring we had our room done three times and ate more than 20 (8 course)meals, the tip was not bad.

All in all, I think a cruise is the best bang for your buck for a vacation , especially if you search the net for  bargains or have a travel agent do it for you.

Sorry to be so worded, thanks for coming this way.

Nite Shipslog

PS1: We missed Hell. Hell was on the tour in the Cayman Islands that we did not take. Hell is a town you can send post cards to friends from. Maybe a good thing we missed it.

PS2:

Did you read this sign right?

In a London department store:
BARGAIN BASEMENT UPSTAIRS.

Car of the day!

Sherry & a 1937 Ford! (At a car show we stumbled on!)

Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and cruise stuff.

 

ThThe famous Sunshine Skyway Bridge crosses the entrance to Tampa Bay. We have driven it many times and I had hoped to get a picture going under it. We were at the evening meal when we went under  and I told Sherry I will get a picture on our return. Not knowing it would be before daylight, but I tried. I was amazed how close up to the bridge the top decks were. But it was too dark to get a picture. Yep Lucy, I was up before breakfast that morning!!!

I mentioned my mistake in scheduling the tours. I have found that unless it is the most popular tour, you can buy your ticket ashore from an authorized tour guide at a more reasonable rate, plus if you are riding tenders back and forth you do not have to worry about getting there on time. I will probably never purchase an excursion ahead of time.

One last thing on the shore excursions. You can purchase them aboard ship, and that way you will be with a group from YOUR ship and they will have you back to the ship in plenty of time before sailing. (BUT BE AWARE THEY ARE ALWAYS SELLING OUT, whether they are or not) You must keep in mind local time and ships time. The ship stays on Eastern Standard Time out of the east coast.

Most of the passengers on the ship for the cruise are real folks; folks who have saved for their vacation and will be returning to work next week. You could be dining with a millionaire and not know it. I also believe there are a few actors, some who want to be someone they are not. Putting on airs and acting snobbish. BUT, then they may be just what they seem, filthy rich.

Funny thing happened on the chair lift; the lady just behind us asked Sherry if she could ride with us. We both said yes. I sat in the middle. I had to laugh just as the seat began to go up and swing a little I even heard, “Ooooooh sh-t”. I looked over at our new friend and she was white and staring into space. “I’m scared of heights”, she said. So Sherry started making small talk and I held her hand. She was on the cruise alone; her latest husband had wanted a divorce so he could play around. She was now living in her summer home in upstate NY. Sherry told her we loved the Catskills and stayed there in an RV park some. Oh, that is my summer home, my BIG house is in Ohio. I’m paying a woman $40 a day to stay there for me. We got her down and she thanked us for helping her over the ride, “I’ll walk back,” she said.

We did not go to every show, but they had some very good ones. Talented singers and dancers performing huge productions. Oh, and the most interesting to me was a juggler from Charlotte, NC, he was great. Juggling feats unbelievable.

My favorite entertainment? Evening walks on the weather decks with Sherry and smelling the salt air.

Thanks for coming by the Log.

Nite Shipslog

PS:

In an office:
AFTER TEA BREAK STAFF SHOULD EMPTY THE TEAPOT AND STAND UPSIDE DOWN ON THE DRAINING BOARD.

Todays automobile:

No car is mad-wife proof! (Keep that in mind guys!)

Information picked up or learned on the cruise.

The cars you see are leaving the port Authority after dropping off luggage. they are headed for the parking garage.

We have now only been on two civilian cruise ships, one out of Cape Canaveral and one out of Tampa. Both ports are within two hours of Wildwood, Florida. The first was arranged by a tour director and was no problem, the price was right for four days (<$50pp interior cabin). Getting aboard ship isn’t the hassle of Flying, but still a little hurry up and wait. Our boarding time on the first cruise was 2:30. At that time we carried our luggage aboard. We were in the Big crowd boarding, and had to keep the luggage with us for a couple hours.

(As far as I am concerned the cruise beats a motel and buying meals any day)

This time (boarding time 2:30) we went around 11AM and there was no big crowd. We drove into the port authority; I had our bags at the right side sliding door. So after I asked twice if this was the place for the Legend luggage and got a yes, I opened the door and the porter took the bags. I had already preprinted the labels and had them tagged. After driving to the parking deck and paying $96 to park for the week (I recovered slowly), then we got checked aboard with our passport, boarding pass (which I also preprinted) and driver’s license.

We were aboard by 12:30 and directed to the 9^th deck for lunch. We only had a small carry on so the trip was easy, we climbed the steps. The rooms would not be available until 3:30. I did not know then, but I know now. The reason so late is they just dropped off close to 2,000 guests that morning and every room had to be cleaned and changed by 3:30. It was done and we found our room, clean and bright.

I was advised that if you get a cruise for less than $100 a day per passenger it is a good deal. The ideal is less than $50. This cruise was in between, but we got the balcony. We loved the balcony and were glad we sprung the extra for that.

I arranged this last cruise thru ‘cruiseonly.com’, that part was good. However they suggested I book the shore excursion, which I did and that was a BIG mistake.

I may do another entry on what we learned. Thanks for coming this way.

Nite Shipslog,

PS:

Did I read that sign right?

Outside a secondhand shop:
WE EXCHANGE ANYTHING - BICYCLES, WASHING MACHINES, ETC. WHY NOT BRING YOUR WIFE ALONG AND GET A WONDERFUL BARGAIN?

The car of the day:

A beautiful Audi, before:

Note attached by the very upset wife, “I hope she was worth it”  PS: I bought the picks with your credit card!

(Musta been a farm girl, she can sure use the tools!!)