TOUR AMERICA, 2021: ELVIRA’S ROOST, MT OLIVE SHORES, POLK CITY, FLORIDA

Friday, June 25, 2021

Warm, Humid, Overcast, Rain Showers, Temperature 91 Degrees

Continuing to settle In

I learned something new yesterday, and even today.

In Central Florida between mid-June and mid-October it is either hot, humid, and overcast or

the rain comes down in waves. And the thunder, I can’t remember a time when I’ve heard such loud boomers. They just keeping rolling on for a minute or more. Quite spectacular if I do say so.

Another thing I’ve learned about Florida. There are only two types of drivers. Those that go really slow and those that go really fast. And the slow ones are usually in the left lane while the really fast ones are constantly cutting in and out, and going at least 15 to 20 mph over the speed limit.

I digress.

The boxes just keep coming. Some from Kohl’s but the majority from Amazon. I have to break them down daily and take them to the dumpster. If I don’t do this daily by now the total of them would have taken over the living room.

Yup, some assembly required! We’ve developed a great system. I unbox all the pieces, Ms. Barbara checks and makes sure each item is present and accounted for. She then prepares the hardware I will need for each step and I then put the various pieces together step by step.

The first finished bar stool for our kitchen counter. We have one more to assemble tomorrow.

Our TV arrived today. DISH service will be installed tomorrow morning. I believe we (make that she) purchased the right size for our living room. I wanted to go bigger but was out-voted. Yup, she made the right call.

We decorated the guest bathroom. Did anyone even think it would not be turtle themed?

We’ve addressed a hundred and one other items as well. The AC has been serviced, We dodged a bullet here. It was off level and the drain was clogged resulting in a flood within the unit. The unit is now level and the drain is working properly. In addition some one messed with the wiring on the control board which would have resulted in problems down the road. That’s been resolved. Finally, inside I replaced the return filter and repainted the louvered door that goes in front of it.

I continue to pull nails and remove screws from various walls. Then of course, it is time to spackle and eventually touch up with paint. Thankfully, the former owners have left us paint for each room.

We put our new washer and dryer through their paces. Our laundry – a really full size load – was done in half the time it usually takes to do a load of wash in Elvira. Yipee!

Big News! We received word today that our bedroom furniture is to be delivered next Tuesday. We’re almost there.

Of course, I’m still adjusting to life in a house. One thing in particular I still can’t get used to. Now, for those of you who have used a toilet in an RV you’ll understand the next. I still keeping looking for the pedal next to the toilet to flush and refill the bowl! I guess old habits do at times die hard.

We’re also slowly finding what’s around us in terms of stores, restaurants, grocery stores, etc.

The other day we found this nifty little lakeside grill. It’s a step up from a fast food joint but not quite a full fledged restaurant. Be that as it may, the food was fantastic. I had a blackened fish boat and it was oh so delicious. Give credit where credit is due, Ms. Barbara found this place after searching the internet. We’ll be back.

Note the wakeboarder, in the mural on the water, and in the upper right corner. Why is this important?

Because, outside the Grill is a small lake. And, there is a cable system in place that pulls wakeboarders around the lake in a continuous circle. I almost wanted to try it but my knees reminded me of how absolutely foolish that would be! So, we had a wonderful meal and delighted in watching others having a ball going round and round on a wakeboard.

That’s what we’ve been up to on The Road of Retirement. We’re definitely keeping busy but so what. It sure beats sitting around with nothing to do. Next week, my attention turns back to Elvira. She has to go in for new shoes. Then when she comes home she’ll be scrubbed inside and out from top to bottom. Time to get ready to go back to Jacksonville for treatment in July. Thank you Lord for the blessings in our lives.

Thanks for taking the time to read our blog.  We always appreciate your company, your comments, and your suggestions. Remember, take time to stop and smell the roses and live each day that God gives you to the fullest.

Though we’re stationary for the moment, it will not be for long.  Our continuing mission remains: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have never been before.

See you on down the road!