Porch Sittin'

Our screened porch has become the place to be in any weather, any time of day or night. Sweetie finished the screening and we moved the furniture around so we both have a great view of the back yard. One day we'll plant flowers, maybe add a birdbath & spiff up the firepit. Meantime, we have lattice to install around the bottom and want to finish the interior. A spare TV will be installed on a corner shelf, up high where rain won't hit it and some of my art will hang on the walls shared with the mobile home. Indoor/outdoor carpet is on the list too; meanwhile we use the area rugs that were inside. We had to buy a new refrigerator Monday & while moving the old fridge out, discovered the screen to the kitchen window behind the fridge. Screens are missing from the two living room windows so those were added to the "list." Stopped at the local hardware for a couple items but forgot the staples. Oh well, we've already added a few things to the "list" and Sweetie needs a haircut so we'll drive two miles tomorrow and "get her done." Reviewing our receipts, we both agree the "picking up a few things" has to cease by end of May. We sold so much in Michigan that could have been used here but, how much were we willing to haul on a 6'x10' open utility trailer? Not one more thing! Every time we think we'll list the trailer on Craigslist, we find another use for it - like saving a $69 delivery fee for the fridge. Still haven't put the pontoon in the water. Maybe in May, depending on how the money flows. Meanwhile, each day seems like we're on an extended vacation eating picnic food. Love it!

Pontoon Pictures

Our pontoon was delivered today. Now to buy a few more "boat things" before launching it.

Pontoon Time!

We bought a pontoon today. Pictures Monday or Tuesday when it's delivered. Had a ride on it in the St. John's River where I saw my first gators. Stopped to eat Chinese in Dunnellon & came home just before our first rain of the month.

Told Sweetie we have lots to do around here BEFORE the boat arrives. He winked at me and said: "Yeah. Buy gas, life jackets, trolling motor and bait!"

Sure excited to be on the Withlacoochee taking in the sights!

Shrimp Boats in Yankeetown

Sweetie asked if I was afraid of the boats because none of the pictures are close ups.

"No, not afraid," I said. "Can't stomach the smell."

No wonder I'm allergic to Iodine, thus any shell fish.

The building pictured is a former fish house turned into a private residence.

Tomorrow we're on the road to look at a couple pontoons!

Have a great weekend everyone.

Discoveries

Florida has more bugs than I've ever encountered in my life! Thank God for pest control companies, Spectricide, borax, foggers, fly swatters and anything else I can use to kill those pests.

Met my first Palmetto bug last night. Huge! Absolutely huge! Sweetie said he had never seen one so large. He says all the bugs are on the move because a technician applied the termite treatment yesterday.

We spend a lot of time on our still un-screened back porch and are never disappointed at the sights. Today two deer peaked out from a tree, then thought better of proceeding. A while later a cat carrying a rat ran across the yard. Still later, we saw a large snake slither across the yard from the driveway to the east tree line. All I kept thinking was, "keep going in that direction."

Took a few pictures of the the Withlacoochee River today while standing on the bridge over Hwy. 19. Two semis came by while I stood there leaning over the bridge so I framed the river too far to the left and missed the huge sleep anchored on the south side of the river. Another day & I'll try to be steadier.

I've Come Up For Air!

This absolutely has to be our last move! We left Michigan at 11:30 a.m. a week ago Sunday and arrived at the Realtor's office in Inglis at 7 p.m. Monday! Could only drive 45-50 mph due to overloading the open trailer. Sweetie developed a 3 inch blister on his right heel & is still healing from that.

Stubborn man that he is, he insisted on driving without any sleep. I don't think he's fully recovered yet. I unloaded the entire trailer and car over FOUR days. We still have unpacking to do but it can wait - a long time.

Our home is in better condition than we expected; the realtor's husband & helper built a covered porch off the back door & we'll soon screen it. It was a blessing to buy furnished. Once we got the key & came inside the realtor's husband had made a fresh pot of coffee; the sheets & comforter were freshly laundered and the AC was on. Two days later, they delivered a washer and dryer that had been removed from a rental unit because the new tenant wanted to use her own machines.

The weather, the people, the neighborhood and our home suite us just fine. I am constantly amazed at southern hospitality. Everyone on our street has stopped by to introduce themselves & offer assistance.

In our first week we've had more company here than we've every had anywhere. It's been great for Sweetie because he's reconnected with people who either shrimped with him or knew the people he worked with. He's had to admit that growth has found its way here, though not to the extent that the area's charm has disappeared.

We are so blessed. Not having to rebuild/repair nearly everything here is such a relief. It's given us time to work on the yard & acquire a few pieces of white wicker furniture. Yesterday we picked up a $35 antique wicker sofa for the porch. Two days prior, I bought a six drawer dresser and night stand for $20!!!!

The pink living room carpet and mauve kitchen cabinets are still here - a reminder that God has a sense of humor when he answer prayer. I can't say I notice them that much anymore but in time the cabinets will be repainted & the carpet replaced.

Well, time to relax. Loving this Florida weather. I'll post more pics later this week.

Goodbye Michigan

By 9 a.m. we'll be on the road to Florida!

Had a restful night as did Sweetie who insisted he'd "nap" and then we'd hit the road! His body told him otherwise and now he's more alert and relaxed.

We'll do our final check, load the last of our belongings and put Kitty Kitty in her cart.

I still say we're overloaded but the boss says otherwise so time will tell.

We'll be offline until April 4th or 5th.

Bye!