March Madness

Two weeks since Bill & Jane's last post, and they have been busy. The weather has been gorgeous, with sunny days averaging in the 70's, and cooler, comfortable nights.

CAN-AM DAY

Saturday, March 1 was Can-Am days here at Forest Lakes. It is a celebration of patriotism and the close ties between the US and Canada. Everyone wore patriotic clothing for the day. There were shuffle and horseshoe contests, games, food and music provided by "Dinky".

The national anthems of both nations were sung, followed by dancing and merriment.

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Sunday, March 2 Bill & Jane traveled to Plant City with Ray and Ernie to visit the Strawberry Festival. Plant City was found to have a perfect climate for the cultivation of strawberries and it has developed into the leading production spot for the red fruit in the country. 15 % of all strawberries in the US are grown in Plant City, so they launched a 10 day festival to celebrate harvest time. Jane and Bill expected something on the order of a Fireman's Field Day, but instead found the Strawberry Festival nearly as large as the Florida State Fair. There were vendors selling all types of merchandise, midway rides, expos, contests and row after row of delicious foods, and of course strawberries served in dozens of ways. The entertainment provided is actually better than the NYS Fair. That night Alan Jackson

performed before a sold-out crowd of about 12,000 country fans. He sang "Gone Country", "Don't Rock The Jukebox", "Amarillo", "A Woman's Love", "Chattahoochee", "Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning" and "A Love Like That" to name just a few of the hits he performed. It was an awesome concert, and made you feel good about being an American. The Strawberry Festival should be on everyone's "bucket list" when visiting central Florida in March.

THE BUCKET LIST

Bill and Jane went to the movies in Zephyrhills to see the movie, "The Bucket List". It is a movie that everyone should see and start themselves a bucket list. The movie theatres have large rocking type chairs with at least 2-3 feet of leg room. Very comfortable.

THE MOOSE LODGE

John & Carol Schiltz of Strykersville, NY arrived at Forest Lakes Estates during the Can-Am Festival. They have camped here on and off for the last ten years. They invited Bill & Jane to the Zephyrhills Moose Lodge for dinner on Italian Night. The Moose Lodge is quite large, with a smoking and non-smoking section and two full bars. The food there is awesome and the drinks are about half-price. The two couples went there again on Friday for the fish, and after several drinks Bill was approached to join the Moose Lodge. Suffice it to say Bill & Janes are now moose and moosette.

TARPON SPRINGS

Bill & Jane invited John & Carol to a day in Tarpon Springs, Fla. to do some sight seeing. Tarpon Springs is located right on the Gulf of Mexico about 35 miles north of Tampa. Back around 1870 the locals discovered that the seafloor around Tarpon Springs was covered with sponge. They began to harvest the sponge utilizing two-man rowboats and long hooks but this proved very inefficient. The town fathers reached out to the country of Greece which at the time was the center of the sponge industry in the Mediterranean. The result was a massive influx of Greek immigrants to Tarpon Springs which rapidly grew into the "Sponge Capital of the World". A large fleet of sponge harvesting ships sailed out the harbor and fortunes were made. Due to the development of artificial sponges and diseases among the natural sponge population, the industry died off in the middle of the 20th century, but Tarpon Springs remains the largest concentration of Greek Orthodox culture in the United States. The area around the old sponge docks is punctuated with Greek restaurants and nightspots, sponge shops and tourist attractions. There is a Greek Orthodox Cathedral which is the largest in the world outside of Europe. A good time was had by all that day. On the way home the foursome stopped at their favorite Mexican restaurant in Wesley Chapel for a spicy supper.

If you can't drink it all you can swim in it!

SPACE SHUTTLE

Tuesday morning, March 12th at 2:20 AM Bill and Jane got up to see the space shuttle launch. They joined several other sleepy spacenuts wanting to see a night launch. Unfortunately it was too cloudy to be seen from the RV resort. Our friends Ray and Ernie went to Titusville to see it. They said it lit up the night sky as if it were daytime and the launch felt like an earthquake under thier feet. There is always next time.

BUSCH GARDENS
On March 13, Bill & Jane journeyed to Busch Gardens in Tampa to cash in the Christmas present tickets from Greg. They converted the tickets into season passes and are glad they did. Busch Gardens is a beautiful theme park with huge roller coaster rides, entertainment and shows at numerous venues in the park, incredible wildlife and breathtaking floral and plant scenes. They watched two shows that day - "Men of Note" featuring Mike Buck as tenor lead, and

"Katonga" which was like a short Broadway show with singing, dancing and colorful costumes in nature themes.

The animal life is nothing short of awesome. Alligators,

Yes, it's alive!

rhinos, elephants, monkeys, zebras, figalopes, giraffes, wildabeasts, gorillas and dozens of species of birds all in their natural habitat are there to be viewed and admired.

Miami Vice

The continent of Africa is the theme of this Busch Gardens and it surely seems like you are there when traversing the park.

Bill asked for a tour of the brewery only to find out it had been torn down in 1995. However, they do have free beer samples (two a day) as well as beer tasting classes and Budweiser paraphernalia all over. It will take many more trips to Busch Gardens to see and experience all it has to offer.

RED HAT LADIES
On Tuesday March 11th, Jane went with several of her new friends to another Red Hat Luncheon. This time it was at a Country Club in Wesley Chapel. Within this Country Club are "mansions" where many famous people live, including Gen. Norman Schwartzkoff, John Madden, and golf and tennis pro's. The restaurant had all marbled floors, chandeliers, etc. It was a fun day.

Sybil, Jane, Roberta, Carla

NEW YORK YANKEES vs. DETROIT TIGERS

Bill & Jane got to see a spring training baseball game on Saturday March 16 at the Tigers spring training facility in Lakeland, Fla. They went with Ray & Ernie and several of their friends from Michigan. The Yankess came with a split squad as half of the team stayed in Tampa to play the Devil Rays. Joba Chamberlain was the starting pitcher and threw 98 mph fastballs, Jonny Damon played left field,

Jonny Damon looses up in left field

Robinson Cano played second, Melky Cabrera played right, and Jose Molina was the catcher. Ross Ohlendorf came in for middle relief. The rest of the Yankee players were minor leaguers. The Yanks batted around in the first inning and won the slugfest 11-7. It was a scorcher in the sun but a great game to watch, the attendance of 9660 was a new record for the stadium.

Melky Cabrera takes a cut

Joba Chamberlain looks in for the stretch

Yankees infield is ready

MEDICAL UPDATE

Jane had a slight accident slipping down the steps of the RV and turning her ankle. X-rays were negative for any breaks but the swelling, pain and bruising indicate a bad sprain. Bill continues physical therapy for his shoulder surgery and it continues to improve in flexibility and strength. Golf and softball are still a long way off.

Florida wins!

In the battle between Florida and upstate New York on where one would rather spend the winter, Florida wins hands down!

Bill had originally planned to fly home to visit his shoulder doctor, attend an SU game, do taxes and have his teeth cleaned. The sudden passing of Uncle Ken Lefort extended this journey to three weeks, from 2/1 to 2/23. While home, Bill spent some quality time at his parents' home in Strykersville, Gregs' home in Buffalo, and Dave & Pam Hachey's home in Chittenango. He also froze after becoming acclimated to beautiful Florida weather. The Chittenango community was saddened with the passing of John Wozny, a charter member of the Knights of Columbus. Bill was also able to attend the funeral. Highlights of the trip included SU beating Georgetown in the Carrier Dome before over 31,000 screaming fans, a Lefort family reunion at the Golden Eagle Restaurant in Brockport (Bill, Greg, Jon, Brad & Kristina), the Knights of Columbus Spaghetti Supper, pitch at Dave & Pam Hacheys' house with Nick and Ellen, and a meal out in Buffalo at the Thai Restaurant on Hertel Avenue with Dave, Pam and Greg.

Meanwhile, back in Florida, Jane kept busy with Abbie & Bailey, swimming at the pool, going for long walks, sun bathing, going to flea markets, bike riding, sewing and reading. Jane volunteered at St. Patrick's (the Catholic Church in Zephyrhills) to help make crafts for their November bazaar. She also helped out in the kitchen at Forest Lakes RV Park Dinner Dance. Jane attended the Great Florida State Fair located in Tampa. The Florida fair is about one fourth the size of the NYS Fair. Their fair consists mainly of a midway and food.

This picture is for Uncle Pete and Aunt Lila

She saw some entertaining acts while she was there which included an Irish Festival in one of the buildings.

St. Patrick

Jane missed Bill during their three week separation except at 4:30 PM during happy hour across the street.

Our couple was reunited by Jetblue at Tampa International Airport on Feb. 23. Absence does make the heart grow fonder!

On Sunday Bill & Jane ate at Los Vallos, a Mexican restaurant in Wesley Chapel. It was a real Mexican restaurant with real Mexican staff and cooks, and the food was awesome (and spicy).

On Monday Bill & Jane partnered up with Dick & Judy to visit the John and Mable Ringling Estate in Sarasota. John Ringling was the last of the five Ringling Brothers of circus fame.

John and Mable Ringling

The estate actually consists of five different entities: the Ringling Museum of Art, the Ringling Mansion (known as "Ca d Zan" or "House of John"), the Asolo Theatre, the Circus Museum and Mable's Rose Garden. Our travelers were unprepared for the sights which awaited them. John Ringling was the business manager of Ringling Bros. and made frequent trips to Europe scouting for new circus acts and also seeking art works on which to spend his considerable accumulated wealth. In the early 1920's John and Mable Ringling chose an undeveloped area in central Florida called Sarasota to build their winter home which at the time was inhabitated by fewer than 1000 residents.

The Ringling Museum of Art was built to house and display the incredible collection of artworks. It would take weeks just to view and become familiar with the masterpiece artworks, let alone the entire collection. Everything is here, from Greek & Roman sculpture to Renaissance works to modern art.

An original Rembrandt

Throne made for a royal wedding

The Ca d Zan is called a mansion, but is actually more like a palace.

Mable Ringling oversaw the construction and furnishing of this mammoth winter home, built from 1924 to 1926, and it is the definition of opulance. Gold plated doors, beautiful chandeliers, marble floors, massive vaulted rooms, priceless silver flatware and the very finest in furniture made this the epicenter of cultural life in the South.

Chandelier from original Waldorf Astoria which is now the site of the Empire State Bldg.

The "backyard" consists of a terraced marble patio leading to a massive dock on the Gulf of Mexico where the Ringling yacht would tie up.

Jane and Judy waiting for the yacht to arrive

Back doors of the Mansion

The Asolo Theatre is a beautiful architectural marvel built in likeness to a 17th century European theatre. It is semi-oval in shape, four stories high and situated around a large stage with luxurious boxes for viewing the stage.

The Circus Museum is actually two buildings. One houses the collection of actual circus equipment, posters and momentos salvaged from the golden era of the Ringling Bros. Greatest Show on Earth.

Original posters outside the main entrance to the circus

Kalliope

First vehicle to shoot a human canonball

Original car for the clown Lou Jacobs (6' tall) who could fold himself into it.

Cart to transport the lions.

The other is the largest miniature circus anywhere in the world created by Howard Tibbals who has worked on this project for over 50 years - and continues to do so today.

Entrance to the circus (see miniature posters)

Miniature lions in the ring

Miniature circus tents

Miniature midway

The final leg on the day is the Mable Rose Garden, created by Mable Ringling. Row after row of beautiful rose bushes grace this area, and although not in bloom right now, one could spend an entire day just viewing this area.

Banyon trees

Mable Ringling died in 1929, three years after opening Ca d Zan. John Ringling, broken hearted by her death and broken financially by the stock market crash, died in 1936. He willed the entire estate to Florida State University to avoid paying his creditors.

The Southern Oak

A beautiful sight in this part of Florida is the southern oak. Right now the tree is losing its leaves as new ones grow in immediately. The massive oak is usually graced by Spanish moss, which is actually an organism unto itself and not a part of the tree. The people here think a lot of the southern oak, so much so that you need a permit to trim the tree and cutting one down would bring a fate worse than death. Many oaks are in our park, and the planners built roads around the trees rather than cut them down.

This week in Florida

Hello blog enthusiasts!

Shortly after we posted our last blog we got our first major storm. It rained all night and when we awoke there were several ponds in the park which had previously been low spots. We received 6 to 8 inches of rain in one night, and two of the RV's in our park lost their awnings. Florida is all sand, and within 12 hours we were back to normal.

Dade City has an annual Kumquat Festival which Jane and Bill attended with Ernie and Ray. We were expecting a small affair, but Dade City transforms a four square block area into a huge affair with a large craft show, antique car show, entertainment on four stages, an antique sale, food stands (including Italian sausage), farmers market and of course kumquat pie, kumquat cookies, kumquat ice cream and various other forms of the little fruit, which is kind of sweet and tart and half the size of an orange. Unfortunately it rained that day and cut our visit short.



Bill won $50 playing bingo in the big park. Worst thing that could have happened, the addiction is slowly taking over our campers lives.


Lakeland is a small city about 20 miles from the campground. Bill & Jane found an authentic Irish Pub there and were minding their own business when two Guiness girls showed up - and gave away free Guiness! They also handed out Guiness glasses, a spoon designed to aerate beer as its' being poured, and chances to win a trip to Dublin. Timimg in life is everything.

Last Sunday our wanderers ate at the Tropical Breeze Cuban Restaurant in Dade City. The food was excellent (and spicy) and it was a very enjoyable meal.

Tuesday was a big day, our trip to Tampa to attend the Buffalo Sabres/Tampa Bay Lightning Hockey Game at the St. Pete's Times Forum.
We went with Dick and Judy, our across the street neighbors from London, Ontario. Both are now official Buffalo Sabre fans.

We ate the pre-game meal at Andreychuk's Restaurant right across the street from the Forum, and to our surprise, the place was full of Sabres fans!

We arrived at the Forum early and got to go to ice level to see the Sabres come out and warm up. We were close enough to shake their hands. It was a great game as the Sabres dominated possession and won 4-2. Miller almost held off a 5 on 3 power play but gave up the second goal with 30 seconds left. The Forum had almost as many Sabre fans as Lightning fans present, a little different from Ottawa!

Yesterday was a trip back to Lakeland with Dick & Judy to attend the Snowbirds Extravaganza at the Lakeland Center. It is a gathering of northern residents who spend winters in Florida. The entertainment, on three stages, was exceptional. One act was a guy called Bob Anderson who does singing impressions of the great singers of our times - he was awesome! If you closed your eyes, you could see Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdink, Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Dean Martin and many more. We also got to see The Diamonds, a group that does 50's and 60's rock & roll, and their harmony was magnificent. There was also a scattering of bagpipers, Irish tenors, and other acts, and it was all FREE!


This is how they pick up our garbage. (A garbage train)

Bill's physical therapy is going OK, very sore afterwards but making progress. It looks like spring training at the Yankess Taining Camp for Bill will have to wait a year.

That's enough adventures for now, will blog again soon.

Bill and Jane

LIFE IN FLORIDA

Downtown Tampa - taken from inside car

Today is January 22, 2008. It is sunny and 75 degrees. Jane and Bill are finally settling in to life in Florida after Jon & Brad flew back to Brockport on Sunday, 1/20/08, to begin the spring semester. While in Zephyrhills, Jon & Brad discovered the wonderful world of Florida flea markets. They each purchased a fine pair of K-Swiss sneakers for $20 - a huge bargain - hopefully they weren't stolen, as well as jerseys, socks, a flashing police red light (oh boy) and bikini underwear. They also took in a movie in Lakeland,

Lots of leg room in this theater

ate at some of the area's finer restaurants, and claimed supremacy in shuffleboard and euchre jousts. Unfortunately it was not as warm as they would have liked for the entire vacation, but they each have tans to take back to beautiful Upstate New York.

Kevin Bryant and his wife Lee visited us two weekends ago to watch the football playoffs. Kevin is a retired NYS Trooper and moved to Florida where he works in the Federal court system. We all watched the game outside where we broke in our new Buffalo Bills tent and Jane broke out the blender for margaritas. We topped off the day with supper at Beef O'Brady's in Zephyrhills and saw Brett Favre beat Seattle in a snowstorm. Kevin and Lee bought a house in Fort Meyers and seem very happy in Florida. The boys were fascinated with some of Kevin's war stories from Troop D Narco.

ATTN: CNET CENTRAL GIU - We have discovered where all the handguns are coming from that find their way into NY - Florida flea markets! Jane and Bill were browsing at the Webster flea market yesterday and there were at least 10 stands of gun dealers selling all types of handguns. Bill took a photo of one dealers' handguns and the guy almost came over the table at him. Bill told him it was for a blog but the guy thought he was being infiltrated by the FBI. Good ole' southern boys. At another gun table Bill was checking a Dan Wesson .357 revolver when the dealer approached. Bill asked what paperwork he needed to buy it. The dealer looked around, then said it was cash and carry since Bill looked like he was over 21. Bill claimed poverty but the dealer even offered to walk him to the closest ATM. Bill felt like he was back in Narco waiting for Morgan and Chevy to execute the takedown!

Last week brought a visit to the Florida State Fairgrounds where the Winter RV Show was being held. WOW! It made the Syracuse RV shows look like chopped liver. There were some beautiful rigs including Prevost, Country Coach and Bluebird all selling for over a million dollars. The nicest RV had mood lighting that changes, automatic interior doors, gold sink fixtures and other options fit for a queen - it was only 2.4 million!

Despite these prices we learned that Florida is a great place to buy a used RV since so many retired couples try the lifestyle then decide it's not for them and their RV goes on the market.

Bagpipers at the RV show


Entertainer at the RV show

Bill, Jane and Brad made the short trip to Dade City, the county seat for Pasco County, and obtained official Florida ID's from the DMV. It's supposed to allow us to get a seasons pass at the theme parks if you buy a regular admission since we now are "official" Florida residents. Jane attended a Red Hat Ladies luncheon with some of the ladies in the RV resort at a fancy steakhouse in Zephyrhills. She wore a red Buffalo Bills hat.

Bill & Jane are trying to exercise with walks and bike rides around the resort. Bailey is actually starting to get in shape and seems to thrive in the warm weather. Bill's shoulder is slowly recovering from rotator cuff surgery. He has the OK to begin physical therapy at the end of this week so hopefully that will speed things up.

That's all for now - best wishes to snow shovelers and cabin fever sufferers!

Bill and Jane