Birthday in Cedar Key

Three pictures of Cedar Key and one of the Sunflower yellow I'm painting my kitchen cabinets. Loved the 50's diner where we sat on the second floor porch overlooking the Gulf and ate a delicious lunch. We walked a few streets & took lots of pictures before I realized I was using the disposable camera & save for pics I send to my Dad. Once they're developed maybe I'll take a pic of some of those pictures! We had a leisurely drive, lovely lunch, sea breeze and exercise then did some porch sitting. My son and father called to wish me happy birthday, then I painted some of the cabinets before taking a siesta on the sofa. Rain is in the forecast. We need it as always and hope for a brief break in the humidity - until the rain stops! Thought of Sixbears while walking by a restaurant in Cedar Key. In a little clearing well away from the building were three containers for waste veggie oil. No one around to ask for more info about it but someone in the area must be using it. Well, time to answer a few messages and dream a little. Blessing to all of you.

Still Moving

I was going to say "Still Kicking Here" but I've had the Drunken Sailor Syndrome again for a few days. Sidelined me in the midst of priming the kitchen cabinets in prep for a coat of semi glass Sunflower. Add to that humidity of 69% and 90 degree temps with very little sea breeze and we's suffering. Us northerners have a bit more acclimating to do, it seems. In the meantime, I've tried a new recipes of my own creation: curried pork and okra salad as well as okra casserole. My 59th birthday is Sunday and we plan a trip to Cedar Key for lunch and a walk along the Gulf. Hope to have an early start before it gets too miserable outside, then head home for a siesta. If we could only set out internal clocks to get up early while it's cool and take a siesta every day, we'd get more done, but life goes on anyway. So, why get too concerned, right? Checked out a few mysteries from our library & enjoy then - as long as I can stay awake! What a life we lead! Stay safe and sane and enjoy your weekend, Treesong

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!

Closing Delayed

By ONE day which is a relief. So tired have done very little today. High winds & cool here so Sweetie stayed inside making phone calls for utilities, etc.

Also discovered the water heater isn't working. Someone's going to check it tomorrow.

Ah, the joys of home ownership!

Located the same solid wood kitchen table & four chairs on Craigslist for $80 that a used furniture store in Homasassa wanted $479 for! The tiny glass/metal table & chairs will sit on our back porch for now. So little counter space I wanted a larger table for rolling pie crust, building puzzles and baking. We tend to eat on TV trays in our chairs unless we have company.

Overall, things are still on track. Look forward to just relaxing when we finally sign on the dotted line.

Honestly, I'm Not a Dizzy Blonde

But, from all accounts I've managed to play the part all day.

Woke up, tried to open the closet door thinking it was the bathroom door.

Found the bathroom & sat down on the toilet lid!

Asked Sweetie to pour me a cup of coffee as I dropped into my favorite chair & promptly knocked the coffee cup over when I reached for the phone.

Fortunately, no important papers where soaked.

Went to the library to fax real estate papers & the fax was jammed. When it was fixed, faxed 13 pages & called the realtor. Six pages came through clearly, the rest blurry. She had to change her cartridge. Then called me back to say I'd forgot to sign the;most important page.

Drove to the grocery store instead of the post office to mail the deposit check. Backed out of there & nearly ran an old lady over. Arrived at post office - it was closed for lunch. Came home & spilled another cup of coffee, then decided to vacuum. Finished in time to return to post office. Forgot the check at home.

Back home to get the check; back to post office; filled out the overnight paperwork & asked clerk for my receipt. He said when I paid him he'd give me one.

Picked up chicken and macaroni & cheese at the grocery deli; left the parking lot without hitting anyone found my way to our road. Doing well until I drove past our house. Turned around & parked by the back door thankful I was home.

Came inside, told Sweetie I'm done for the day.

Ate chicken dinner, drank coffee without spilling.

Staring at boxes thinking they ought to be filled. Sweetie says he'll duck tape me to the chair if I do anymore.

Might be interesting!

Day 1 of Three!

Only five cars at the yard sale today but two of them made it worthwhile. Riding mower and Hoosier cabinet are sold.

I packed more boxes today; swept a portion of the pole barns so the new utility trailer is parked on a nail free surface; and hauled boxes to a staging area in the barn. Sweetie was able to help with a few things then spent time searching for a boat and answering the phone.

Be glad when we're on the road. I've taken two naps this evening & feel as though the walls are closing in on us when I see a path between stacks of boxes.

Salonpas pain relief pads on my back and one Aleve have kept me on the move. Time for bed now. Sweet dreams everyone!

Final Yard Sale

Sunday through Tuesday we sell a few pieces of furniture and other items with the shiny 2011 riding mower sitting front and center.

Sweetie and I called my Dad tonight to tell him of our move but someone else had tipped him off. He took it well, saying he knew it's where Sweetie wants to be.

If we have success at the sale & our Buyer signing goes off without a hitch, we may be Florida bound a few days early.

I've packed boxes most of the day & a Salongpas pad on my back has given welcome relief. While I handle the yard sale Sweetie will be packing his tools - I hope.

We're hoping for good weather all week & will view weather maps for our route before leaving.

God willing, this time next week, we'll be in Florida.

Da, Da, Da,!

We sign the contract on our new home Monday.

We leave here Friday, March 30 th for a 24 hour drive at 55 mph. Will stay off major 70+mph routes and enjoy the scenery.

Closing will be either Monday or Tuesday, April 2nd or 3rd.

Lots to do until then. TTYL

He Bought All But 5 Items!

We opened the yard sale at 1 p.m. today and did $400 in sales by 3:15 p.m.

Then serendipity arrived.

A mid-30's couple with two young daughters walked up the drive, said "Hello" and wandered around for a few minutes. About 10 minutes later he asks, "Are you interested in one price for everything here?"

"We've had a few people ask the same question but show us the money," Sweetie and I said in unison.

A few minutes later a deal was struck and the garage sale signs were removed. He returned 40 minutes later with a van pulling a 16' trailer. Two trips later the barn was empty and we celebrated with ice cream.

Five items were excluded: riding mower, air compressor, acetelyene tanks/torches, Husquavarna Grass Bagger still in the box and our gas grill with side burner. Those items amount to $2100.

Total sales, including removing the remainder of the items from pole barn come to over $3500. When we sell the reserved items we'll begin packing our trailer & head to Florida - hopefully earlier than we expected.

We're relieved to have an empty barn & no more stress on Sweetie. He's pushed himself too hard & collapsed yesterday. It un-nerved all of us but keeping him housebound was out of the question today. I threatened to hog tie him if he didn't SIT outside sipping water or juice while the rest of us did the work.

Fortunately he behaved himself. I think yesterday's episode sunk into his hardpan skull.

Now to buy the 8-10' open trailer, load it with storage tubs, ladder, a few tools and
finalize a sale here and purchase there.

Overall, it's been a great day. Time to rest. Talk to you all again. Treesong

Yard Sale Success & Sunday Update

$829 at our yard sale today! Work paid off but Sweetie learned (I hope) a tough lesson.

Granted he's ill but he's doubly stubborn. I'd asked him for a week to remove (with my help) anything he wanted to keep out of the pole barn. Two items came inside. He couldn't be bothered with anymore effort.

Today he spent more hours laying down than sitting outside. Tons of men showed up, willingly sorting through heaps of his stuff - aside from all the items on two 12 feet tables and on the lawn.

I asked him about prices for certain items & always got: "Couple bucks or whatever you think it's worth." SEVEN times I went inside, woke him up and asked, "How much do you want for the Yanmar generator, the drill press, the chop saw, the miter saw, the pinto hitch..." and on and on it went.

So he wakes up at 5 p.m., wanders through the pole barn and asks, "Where's my circular saw?" SOLD, I said.

He has his shorts twisted, his fat lip sticking out and a scowl on his face.

Then he has the nerve to bitch cause he can't find all his fishing poles, tackle boxes, best pointed shovel and rake.

I told him - I PUT THEM IN THE SHED HE JUST WALKED THROUGH TO COME OUTSIDE!!!!!

He was about to mention his circular saw again and thought better of it.

He's gone to bed for the night at 9p.m. I told him I'd be happy to sleep all day tomorrow and he can run the yard sale.

I don't appreciate doing 90% of the work & then being bitched at.

I sound like it, right?

Now that I've spouted off, I feel better. Thanks! Have a great night. I get to control the remote tonight! Yippee

Tomorrow (Sunday) is here. I asked Sweetie (who controls the remote) if he'd turn on CBS Sunday Morning. He scowls some more and tells me that I have a yard sale today.

One of our cats kept me awake most of the night. I told him he can BEGIN the yard sale for the next few hours. Meanwhile, I hauled two more boxes - one puzzles, one cans of unopened equipment paint - and he began giving me precise order, as usual. Told him it's his sale, he can decide where they go.

We have two friends here & one of them will help him out. The other one's sleeping.

This is an adult game of tit for tat. I bring out two boxes, he tells me: "You were probably going to let them walk off with those orange shrimp baskets too."

Seriously, I'm not that stupid. They're heavy duty and able to hold his stuff but they're also great laundry baskets, etc.

Best he stay outside, I stay inside.

Our Offer Was Accepted!

We'll be homeowners again next week. An inspection was done today by the realtor's husband - at no charge - & minor items like calking and replacing two steps were all that' was found. The seller is also having the bedroom ceilings repainted and indoor/outdoor bug spraying done as a precaution.

She is leaving the place turnkey - dishes, pots & pans, towels, bedding, drapes, etc. Fine with us! We will use this stuff for a short time while we paint the kitchen cabinets & just relax for awhile.

Sweetie wants to rent a pontoon boat for a ride on the Withalacoochee. Sounds wonderful!

Our first of four yard sales is Saturday with great weather forecast. I packed more today and took a nap.

Thanks for all your wishes and prayers. TTYL

More Moving News

It seems as fast as we try to sort things out here & clear out the worse Sweetie's health gets. I feel like we're racing the clock.

Told him today we can forget about buying & pulling a trailer. ITS'S TOO MUCH WORK & harder driving.

I'm packing 8 storage containers, two cats in their carriers and shoving his air compressor in somewhere. THAT is it.

We changed our minds again today & as of tomorrow have probably bought a place near the Withlacoochee River in Inglis/Yankeetown. It's another mobile home - which I really didn't want - but we are used to them & this one is pristine, the right size, on very large treed lot & furnished with all appliances. In other words, we drive down there, meet the realtor & pick up the keys. We already have two companies scheduled to visit the place & give an estimate for a 12x20 screened room off one side.

This leaves us with about half the sale price of our home & some tucked away for his SMALLER boat.

I will be surprised but very thankful if he ever gets on the water. At the very least he will be where he wants to be & everything is taken care of.

Now, back to sorting and pricing.

We Have Sold!

The stars are aligning for us. We sold our home today. Close in 30-60 days. Got asking price and sold "AS IS." No finishing the deck or replacing a bathroom floor or finishing trim around windows.

Buyer wants to take care of all of it! He plans to expand deck, add two stalls on pole barn and move driveway. He owns two businesses and has other income streams.

And, he loves cats so he is taking Slick, the male cat who was here when we arrived. We love Slick but he attacks Kitty Kitty. Moving with two spayed female cats who get along will be easier on all of us.

All we have to do now is clear out the pole barn. I start sorting things tomorrow.

Sweetie has decided to invest in a single axle 10 or 12 foot trailer to haul the new riding mower & attachments, grill, antique iron table from Mexico, some tools & a step ladder. He'll build side on it and we'll stuff a few small things in the crannies. Cats and storage boxes will go in car. Then we'll sell the trailer when we arrive in Fort Myers.

He said he couldn't get his investment back on the mower/attachments if he sold it now so whatever!

Florida is closer than we originally thought!

There Goes Another Load!

We've been clearing out the pole barn thanks to buyers with cash in hand. Gone are the bass boat & motor, truck, cement mixer, welder, insulation, sink, tools (not all), Jon boat and a few household items.

Won't be long and we're down to small items that will be priced individually or combined in boxes with the best item on top & priced per box.

Thus far we've paid off three large debts. Can't complain about that.

This is one move I look forward to more all the time because it means ONE trip with no trucks, dollys or trailers.

Warm weather means garage sale time so bring it on Mother Nature!