April 17th

Well, we have really been slacking off on our blog. We have had a wonderful time in Florida and need to catch up with a few of our highlights. On the 17th, we went down to see Sharon and Dick Ziko who live in a beautiful home south of Marco Island. They haven't changed a bit in the 10 years since we last saw them.

The photo below is Dick doing his "What me worry" impression. The photo of Dick and Sharon is not a good photo of Sharon. She made a flaming dessert and the flames were getting a little out of hand for a few seconds when I shot the photo. The flames are not visible in the photo, but were clearly visible in the bowl and spoon Sharon was holding.

Dick and Sharon live about an hour south of Estero, so an easy ride to see them. They joined us in Estero the following Friday, so we managed to spend more time with them both. Looking forward to seeing them again next year.

April 14th and 15th

We're still a couple of days behind in our blog, so it's time to catch up with some of our adventures. April 14th, the second day in Key West, was a day of visiting shops, galleries, and of course, a couple of places to eat and to have a couple of drinks. Sheila's brother Paul had been in Key West several times and knows his way around the fun parts of the city.

We had lunch at Jimmy Buffett's Marguerita Ville restaurant after "one" of us did a "little" shopping. I did manage to wind up with a couple of shirts, as did Paul. Sheila stuck to the smaller items (i.e., jewelery), God love her. She's always thinking of the limited storage areas in the car to carry "stuff" home. Also spent some time at the hotel pool, where frozen margueritas were only $8.00 apiece.





In the evening, we went out for a seafood dinner at a place called Alonzo's, which was located near the hotel. Then a little walking around to watch the sunset at Duvall Square, which is located just behind the hotel. Everyone goes to the square to see the street entertainers and to watch the sun set every night. There were clouds on the western horizon, and we missed the sunset both nights we were there, but still enjoyed the sights and sounds and people-watching.

Later, we went to Sloppy Joe's for a couple of drinks and to watch the entertainment. Sloppy Joe's was a favorite hangout for Hemmingway, and the three of us had lots of laughs. People-watching is a popular pastime in Key West, and that night was no exception. When the band came on, the band warned everyone in the audience that after 8:00 PM, entertainment was adult only and was definitely not Chucky Cheese's in Orlando. A couple sets of parents apparently didn't believe the announcement and stayed with their kids - But not for long!

Got up on Thursday morning and planned to leave about 9:00 AM. Actually managed to get packed and on the way almost on schedule, but Paul wanted to show us a few places on the east side of Key West, i.e., some of the hotels and beaches. Nice places to visit, not walking distances from our hotel, but next time we go down there, we will plan to visit those areas too. Made it back to Estero about 3:00 after stopping for lunch and a pit stop or two.




When I looked out the hotel window before I left, I was surprised to see the "ASSBOTTOM BOAT" moored at the dock. Of course, I couldn't resist taking a photo. K

Hi all,

Yes I love Key West, such a fun place, so much to see and do. Yes I did buy both Ken and Paul souvenir shirts, they looked great!!!!

Wanted to go on another boat ride but due to high winds boats weren't going out, so spent time at the very lovely pool. Yes the Margaritas were 8$ but worth every penny, ah the lifestyles of the non-rich but fun-loving!!!!

Didn't buy too much jewelry, really limited purchases, secondary to buying so much on last trip, really don't need much. Need, interesting word, hasn't stopped my shopping juices before.

Tuesday will go to the jewelry store, "The Best of Everything" with friends. I'll be their jewelry consultant, model, competitive buyer, who said that? Me????

Really enjoy working out at our pool area at Estero, I've met some very nice, interesting people. One of whom is Betty, she moved here from Vail, is an artist, paints wall murals and wears pearls with her navy blue bathing suit. Very pretty, maybe a little Jackie O, maybe not practical, but as I said before, very pretty. I do feel underdressed in my Marshalls' special, no jewelry, but have seen first hand what chlorine can do to jewelry.




Also met Anne from Ohio. She swims 1 hr/day, mostly back stroke, she's given me some good pointers. I am swimming crooked as have no lanes to follow, Anne suggested focusing on some Palm trees, am trying. Problem with Palm trees is that they sway and so I swim, continue to have problems swimming a straight line. Wonder if other swimmers think I'm dyslexic too? S

April 13th

Today, we decided to drive to see Key West and to spend the night down there instead of staying in Estero. It is about a 5 hour drive with all the pit stops and construction areas. It was a nice drive though. Left Estero about 8:00 AM (depending who's telling this story) and headed for Key West. Hit Interstate 75 a couple of miles from our place here in Estero (after stopping for Dunkin Donuts coffees) and finally hit the Sunshine State Parkway with its multiple tool booths down in the Miami area.

Our EZPass doesn't work at the Florida toll booths, so stopped in a rest area and bought an electronic pass that you stick to your windshield. The pass looks like a safety inspection sticker, but is a transponder. It cost $4.99 and you had to call an 800 number to initialize it and to add money to use it. Thought we were all set to avoid stopping at toll booths, but NOOOOOOO - It takes 24 to 36 hours for it to be initialized. Still had to stop at the tool booths after all.

Drove through Homestead before getting into the Keys. I had been stationed at Homestead AFB on an Army HAWK site for two years, so thought about trying to locate the old HAWK site location. That area has changed so much, I couldn't recognize anything that vaguely resembled the Homestead I knew back then.

The ride from Homestead on to Key West varied from 35 mph to 55 mph and constantly changed. Seemed like local cops were sitting at every change in the speed limit signs for 100 miles or so. Still a nice ride and the water colors and sky were beautiful.

We finally arrived in Key West at a hotel Paul had selected, and it was really something. The address was 0 Duvall Street, so you know it was right on the water. Nice views of the ocean from our room and deck. Took a tour on the Conch Train around the city and many things had changed from when Sheila and I had visited Key West all then her birthday in January, 2001, after taking a jet ferry from Marcos Island. Had a ball while we were on the tour and then booked a sunset booze cruise that evening. Really quite a lot of fun.

While we were on the boat, two jets suddenly flew over at low altitude. We learned that the jets were part of the Blue Angels who had been performing earlier in the week. Quite a sight. Also was able to watch the Coast Guard training to rescue a couple of swimmers using their helicopter. Picked up two swimmers and it was quite a show. We enjoyed the day so much, we decided to spend another day in Key West. K

Key West is so beautiful!!! Our room is also very lovely, great view, large jacuzzi, makeup area, bath, and deck with chairs.
Took the cruise hoping to see the sunset on the water, no luck, very cloudy day. The legend is if you don't see the sunset in Key West you must stay another day, oh shucks if we have to. Had supper on the ship,plenty of food, but interesting cuisine, great for pulled pork fans. Before sailing off saw many beautiful yachts. One belonged to Dale Earnhart JR., very big and beautiful. Some of the yachts worth multiple millions!!
On conch train learned nice bit of history of Key West, a very fascinating city, millions of dollars worth of revenue built on shipwrecks. Did a little shopping to help the economy but realize I can't do it all by myself, well ok maybe I can make a serious dent. S

April 12th

We've been busy this week and haven't kept up with posting our blog, so have to delve into our memory banks and try to remember what all we did. Oh yeah, the 12th was the day Sheila's brother Paul came to see us. We were so glad he was able to take time off to join us in Florida for a few days. Paul is a great guy and a lot of fun to be with. He's also a great brother-in-law.

When Paul got here, we took him to Sanibel Island. Of course, we got stuck in a traffic jam that would make travelers on Interstate 93 in Massachusetts feel right at home. Barely got lost on the way, but finally found the road onto the island. Had to pay a $6.00 toll to get across the bridge onto the island, so figured we would take $6.00 worth of sea shells home with us. The sand where we stopped was almost pure white and we all found a few shells to take home to our granddaughters. Beautiful beaches and the water was beautiful shades of blue - So different from the ocean colors back home in New England. Also managed to look around the island for a while and Sheila managed to stop in a couple of shops to pick up tee shirts and some shells in a shell shop.

As we were leaving the island, I asked Paul if Sanibel Island was the high point of his day. Being the politician that he is, he replied, "It was nice, but the high point of my day was seeing you pay $6.00 to get over the damn bridge!" K

April 11th

Well, we woke up to a little liquid sunshine this morning. First time we've had rain during the day since we've been here. We've had several relaxing days since we last posted our blog. We've spent time most days at the swimming pool and reading. Sheila reads incessantly and uses her Barnes and Noble Nook a lot. I haven't sat down to read a book in a long time and am enjoying the chance to read myself. Of course, Sheila has managed to sneak in a little shopping here and there, but that's to be expected.

On Thursday night, we went to the Naples Philharmonic Center with our friends Jean and Robin from Salem. We got to see Jay and the Americans and Little Anthony and the Imperials. Both groups put on great shows, singing their old hits and bringing back a lot of memories of the 60s. Funny how all the words to their songs were so easy to sing along with.

Jay and the Americans (they're on their third Jay) were still good, but their age is apparent in their looks and voices, and while Little Anthony and the Imperials must be nearly 70 years old, they still have their original members and their voices were great. They were really the shows' stars. The entire show was enjoyed by all of us. We bought CDs of Jay and the Americans, but didn't stay to try to get Little Anthony and the Imperials' CDs due to the expected lines and traffic leaving the Center. I must find someplace to pick up some of their CDs. K

Hi all,

Enjoying every minute of our time in Florida. Haven't really done that much shopping, well, ok, haven't really done that little either. Returned something to Chicos, and made the mistake of taking a quick look around, did find another "must have" on sale.

Not very tan yet, keep using block so tanning slowly. Found a WalMart, tried to renew some Rx, unable as Rx a year old so have to call MD on Monday.

Jay and the Americans were terrific, Jean and I got to meet them at intemission. They had so much stage makeup on and still looked older than I remember. My favorite song they sang was Cara Mia, always thought if I had a daughter I'd name her Cara Mia, "my darling". When we came to name our daughter Cara Mia didn't win the top 1 vote, perhaps just as well. When I mentioned to our daughter Nora that I had wanted to name her Cara Mia, she was not impressed.

The Philharmonic was beautiful, many beautiful art objects to enjoy prior to the performance. Little Anthony and the Imperials were terrific too. The harmony was as beautiful as ever. Little Anthony mentioned that he'd like to be known as only Anthony now, "I"m a grown man", Imperials voted a unanimous NO!!!!!!

Plans for today kind of sketchy at this time. Will go grocery shopping, can't get over how much more expensive it is down here, good thing so many other things are on sale.

My brother Paul's arriving tomorrow, can't wait. Many to do things planned. First on the list is to drive to Key West on Tuesday, spend the night, then drive back to Estero late Wednesday. So many fun things to do here. S

April 7th

Still having a great time and still talking to each other too. We were lazy bones this morning. Had plans to get up early and go over to the boat dock to make reservations to take the ferry to the beaches, but it was just too good sleeping late. What a vacation! We'll try again tomorrow to get up early to get the reservations.

We've found Dunkin Donuts, only 3 miles from our place, so we drive down for our iced coffees every morning. I have been getting my scalp sunburned, and needed a ball cap, so down to Target to find a hat of some nature. They had a very small selection of hats and ball caps, but did pick up a ball cap for $15. Our next stop was Walgreens, and of course, they had ball caps for $5 apiece. It figures...

Spent more time at the pool today. Weather has been great - In the 80's almost every day, and sunshine, sunshine, and more sunshine. Supposed to get rain on Friday, so think we're going to go to a big flea market near here. Just have to figure out where it is. No Sheila, you can't fill up the back seat of the Mercedes with "treasures" to haul home.

Haven't seen any more damned snakes in the area, but did see one on the road leaving the complex. It already had tire tracks on it, and I felt a few more tire tracks were senseless. It was kinda messy anyway. For the last couple of evenings, we have seen a rabbit coming out of the brush and swamp behind the lanai. He sure can't be what ever has been making the noises after dark. We did hear people have seen armadillos all around us and they could be the source of the night noises in the brush. The noises sound like its something huge, and an armadillo big enough (and probably stupid enough) to mate with a Great Dane might actually be the source of the sounds(?). K

Hi all, another beautiful day!!! Tomorrow no plans but it seems as though we open our eyes and say," how about if we". Spoke with our friend Jean today at the pool she asked if we'd like to go to Venice some day, sounds like another fun field trip.

Ken found pool noodles in our condos storage closet so all set for advanced water aerobics on Friday, weather permtting.

This is a picture of the Miromar Mall, a place close to my heart and apparently Kens' too as he puts our photos in our blog. He'd have you thinking he doesn't even like the Mall, HUH!!

So far have read 3 good books, almost done another, it seems I have so much more time here to do fun things, wonder why?

Tonight for supper had Portobello mushrooms, and other vegetables, delicious. Made a fresh fruit salad for dessert, yummy. Fruit and veggies we've had above average! S

April 6th

Sitting in the living room last night trying to decide what to do today, Sheila was practicing her "southern" accent. I had to say "Why bother? Everyone you've met at the swimming pool, restaurants, stores, and during shopping forays in the malls have been from New England." I guess she figured I was right, 'cause now she's back to her normal accent.

Today was a "Let's see if we can get lost" day. I called an old neighbor from Salem who had invited us down to see them, so when Dick answered, I told him to come out in his driveway and help us carry our luggage in. There was a dead silence for a few minutes while he recovered from having unannounced house guests. We were actually in Estero. We hope to see them at some point while we're still here.

Decided to go south on Hwy 41 from Estero and went as far as Everglades City. Nice drive thru Naples and found a couple of places we want to visit in Naples the next time we head south from Estero. Want to visit the Historic District and a place called Tin City that's filled with little tourist traps, etc. We've been there before and enjoyed both places.

Continued past Naples, looking for a place to take an airboat ride thru the Everglades. Finally found a place and were really happy with the ride. The ride lasted about an hour and was well worth the $40 tickets per person.

While we were at the airboat place, our guide suggested that we go to a place in Everglades City to eat called the Triad Restaurant and we weren't disappointed. Great food and highly recommend the place. When you get to Everglades City, take a right at the Circle K gas station and follow the road to the restaurant. Those were the actual directions in their brochure. The city is small enough, you definitely won't miss the place. After today's excursions, we have now put 1005 miles on the Mercedes since we left Salem. That doesn't include the miles on the Auto Train. K

Hi all, really enjoyed the airboat ride in the Everglades. The area is very beautiful and seemed to have a spiritual quality. Our guide was native American, and when I asked how long he'd been doing this he said 15 months, oh well, better than 15 minutes.
He was very knowledgeable, said had owned a constructon business but with the decline in the economy came back home and started this business.
We shared the ride with a gentleman and his young daughter from Germany.
I asked what would provoke an alligator to attack, the guide said the color red, I said," it's a good thing I'm wearing orange." He said they have never attacked the air boat but then again no one has tried to make pets of them and feed them. Ken and I nicknamed these two Ken and Sheila.
After going to Everglade City we came back to Estero, changed clothes and went for a swim, it felt soooooo good, temp 86. Tomorrow temp is going to be hot 88 and humid, Thursday as well and then Friday to be rain. So far our adventure in Florida has been wonderful fun, which we hope to continue.
Tomorrow plan to find a cap for Ken, he's got a sunburned scalp, and a noodle for aqua aerobics for me. They have a formal aqua aerobics at the pool M-W-F that I'd like to take advantage off. After walking around Epcot I think the bursitis in my hips returned, pool activity makes it feel so much better. S

Day 6 - April 5th

Here it is, Monday already, and we are having a great time at our condo and in the resort itself. We haven't had time, most days, to update our blog, so bear with us... Our condo has 2 bedrooms, each with a flat screen TV, a dining room, living room with a great stereo system and flat screen TV, a nice kitchen, and a lanai. It has been in the mid-70s to mid-80s since we got here, with sunshine every day. They have a golf course (unfortunately, we don't golf), and several swimming pools, plus two club houses where we can go to eat or for drinks. Of course, there are some huge new malls close by to keep Sheila busy with her shopping needs.


We had dinner with friends at the main club house yesterday, and had a nice time and a great meal. It was the only day we didn't go to the swimming pool since we got here. The pool water must be in the high 70s or mid-80s and is like bath water. Have already gotten my first sunburn and am tanning too.

Saw our first snake today crossing the road as we were leaving to do a little shopping. As much as I hate snakes, it was moving too fast for me to put tire treads on it when I finally realized it was a snake and not a strip of tar. I'm sure I will have more chances to nail some of the little #@%^@!s while we're here though.

We have those little Geico Insurance reptiles crawling on the screens of the screened lanai, and fortunately, only one has made it into the screened sitting area. Can't figure out how it got in though. Also, can't figure out how it got out or if we will have a guest in our bed one of these nights. Sitting in the living room watching TV last night with the sliding doors open on the lanai, I heard something in the bushes that had to be larger than any Geico reptile. I can't imagine anyone walking out in the scrub brush in the dark, so figure it had to have more than two legs. Would be just our luck to have an alligator decide to visit us in the dark. K

Hi all, yes that's me emerging from Chicos outlet sale,such deals.!!! Have been swimming in the pool all days but one. Water warm, sky sunny, air warm but not hot, just lovely.

Condo is really very nice, appears to have been professionally decorated. Kingsize bed very comfortable. We're not too far from the pool but are the last condo in the group.

Really don't think we have a monster geeko, or geiko to fear, but did hear a neighbors dog barking, a very odd bark, might be something in the water? Dog sounds like a hound and we live around the corner from Baskerille Drive, but the hound of the Baskervilles, must be a coincidence.

Tomorrow plan to go to Naples and Marco Island and get a feel for the lay of the land. Today we went to the outlets, had to establish our priorities. Wednesday plan to take the boat to the beach for a few hours then home.

Thursday night plan to go to English Pub for supper then to see Little Anthony and Jay and the Americans with our friends Jean and Robin. During the day may just relax poolside. Pool area is landscaped so pretty, palm trees, greens, and flowers all around. Plenty of chaise lounges too.

Finally found a Dunkin Donuts about 3 miles away, Ken and I are delighted can now have our iced coffees.

Spoke with our daughter Nora today, our cat doing well, animal planet at her house under control for the time being. S

Day 4 - 31 March

Today, we spent the day in Epcot. We haven't been here in about 10 years or so, and it is as busy as it ever was. So many people, both kids and adults, of all ages, and everyone was having fun. We started off the day with the ride in the Epcot globe that takes you from the past to the future, and of course, the ride stopped for about 15 minutes just before the ride ended. Of course, you're in pitch dark, with announcements every 30 seconds telling you to stay seated. Heck, as dark as it was, we weren't going anywhere.

Got plenty of exercise walking around Epcot and did ride the General Motors Speed Track. The cars get up to about 65 mph, and it was quite a ride. Of course, it had to be a good ride after standing in line for an hour and a half. By the way, remember the shirt I'm wearing in the photo. It will never look like that again. More on that later... K

Yes we're on the road again, and having a ball!! Kens comment about his shirt, well and the one I'm wearing as well, is the result of doing laundry and mistaking the poorly marked bleach for the detergent. We are starting a new tie died fashion in Florida, Ken and Sheila, Hippie mode.
Walked all around Epcot for 12 hrs, both Ken and I thought we'd make the most of it. Well making the most of it resulted in us walking, limping, back to the motel with blistered feet, sore back, [Ken] and aching hips [Sheila]. We ran around this park with our kids and granddaughter, oh yeah that was at least 10 yrs ago.

Had Greek salads in a small food court style restaurant and dinner at France. Dinner was delicious both Ken and I had the salmon and ratatouille, with an ice cream puff for dessert, ummm. Did well and only indulged in spending in a place called Hoy Polloy, some really neat stuff. Oh and off course some Disney memorabilia ,Ken wanted mouse souvenirs, well maybe that was me. S

Day 3 - 29 March

We are posting some of our trip a couple of days late, as we haven't had internet access. On Monday, the 29th of March, we boarded the Amtrak Auto Train in Lorton, VA for a relaxing (?) ride to Sanford, FL. For those of you who haven't ridden a train recently, the tracks are not as smooth as you would imagine. We had to take the seats in lieu of a cabin or closet due to their nonavailability when we booked the reservations.

We boarded the train about 2:30 PM, after saying "bye bye" to our Mercedes at the terminal. If you have never traveled by Auto Train, they video tape the entire car to ensure there is no damage to the car before it is placed on the train. That took all of about 10 seconds for some woman with a miniature video camera. As fast as she was walking around all the cars, that camera couldn't have recorded a missing fender.

The train departed Lorton about 4:00 PM, and the seats were fairly comfortable, about the size of first class seats on a plane, and plenty of leg room. The meal wasn't bad in the dining car, but walking down the aisles of the cars to get to the dining car was like flying in very rough weather. Had to share a dining table with a man and woman traveling by themselves. The guy was on his way to the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction in West Palm Beach, FL. He was going down to sell a Corvair Greenbriar van that he had restored. He was interesting to talk to and I saw the car the next day when they off-loaded it from the train. Hope he made a little money from the sale. Sheila, on the other hand, can talk to anyone, and she made a new best friend with the woman that sat with us.

The following is a photo of the 1964 Corvair van the guy took to the auction. I checked it out on the Barrett-Jackson website, and it sold for over $31,000.

Rough night trying to sleep. the tracks are rough and the seats became less and less comfortable as the night wore on. Did manage to get some sleep, but we were both sore and tired the next morning. Arrived in Sanford, FL, about 1 1/2 hours early, but the local crew hadn't expected us to be early, so we spent the next hour or so waiting for them to get ready and to detach the train cars that held all the cars and move those cars to the unloading ramps.

Once they started unloading cars, people piled into their cars and off they went. Only had to wait about 45 minutes until the Mercedes pulled up and off we went toward Orlando. K