Week 16 end March 20, 2010

Week 15 and 16 – 3/8 thru 3/21

Bill and Judy Hesser visited us from their stay in New Port Richey arriving around 10:30am Wednesday.  Great to see them and got a nice update from their recent trip to Aruba.  Treated them to lunch at one of our favorite places, “Smokin Joes”.  Not fancy, but great outdoor BBQ’ing and an awesome Cuban sandwich.  The Cuban, a new experience for Bill & Judy.  After lunch we did a little mini tour of the area catching the Little Harbor development in Ruskin.  Closed the day with a little happy hour and grilled chicken breast supper, heading them back on their hour ride home.

Thursday, a group of 11 from the park, headed to Plant City for the “Strawberry Festival”.  Caravanned in three vehicles.  Weather was pretty iffy with numerous storm warnings.  Dodged showers in some indoor exhibits and were lucky to catch most of the “Oakridge Boys” concert.  They were good!  Back to park as steady rain began.

Cruise Week 3/14-3/21

Friends Bill and Judy Hesser picked us up at 9:15am for ride share to Fort Lauderdale for our cruise departure with Holland America – Westerdam.  Seven day cruise in Bahamas and Gulf, circling Cuba with stops in Grand Turks, Caymans, and Cozumel, missing a stop at private island Haf Moon Bay due to high seas and wind.  Sunny and clear for all seven days, temps in 70’s.  Met two other couples from our Oshkosh golf group, Rasmussen’s and Runke’s, so great company for the week and a regular “happy hour” gathering daily on their “Veranda” balcony.

Ship was very nice, food great!  Nightly entertainment and of course gambling.  Shari and I mostly did self guided walking on shore, but our group did do one taxi guided tour on Grand Turk.  Spent a lot of time on a lounge deck relaxing and reading.  Tried to walk daily and avoid ships elevator to help burn calories from the “fabulous food”.   Good time!

ps:  We did find this really nice "unregulated / un-taxed bank in the Caymans noted for world money parking, no questions, no tracking, etc..  Please send your check made payable to "Robert Kime" and I will insure "proper account handling" in your behalf!

Back to RV park Sunday 3/21/10

End of week 16