Emerald Coast and 8 states

Monday, and headed out to the gulf coast, which I learned is called the Emerald Coast -- how pretty.  We drove along the coast as soon as we could and stopped at South Walton Beach.  Walked on the white, squeaky sand.  We saw probably six little dolphins swimming and jumping up in the waves.  They were so cute and fun to watch.  I tried to take pictures, took about 25, got two where you can just see fins.  I loved watching them and it was thrilling.  Drove along the coast which is interesting.  I'd like to spend lots more time in this area.  Got to our room, laid down and really never left again.

South Walton Beach

Emerald Coast

 

Robert and John

 



Tuesday, drove I up to Gulf Breeze, about 25 miles from our place in Fort Walton Beach to meet our friends Henry and Margarita.  John isn't driving now, he gets some dizzy spells, so that is out.  Robert doesn't like driving in Florida, so that leaves it to me.  Hopefully Robert will like driving in other states.  We met our friends at Starbuck's, so had drinks and sat outside waiting and talking.  Once they arrived, I followed them over the bridge to Pensacola and had a wonderful lunch on the beach at Paradise Bar & Grill and good visiting.  I had a wonderful Shrimp Po'Boy.  Little pier at restaurant so walked out on that.  Super seeing our Cancun friends here to say good bye.  Hope we can catch up with them next year.  Pensacola Beach looks like a great place and I hope we can come back some day and spend more time.

Enjoying our visit

Margarita and Henry

 

Paradise Bar and Grill

Pensacola Beach, FL

 

Me and my guys

 

Back to the room and planning our route.  Looks like Slidell, LA tomorrow night, and then to Jackson (capitol of Mississippi) for a look, and spend the night in Memphis, TN.  I went online and made our hotel reservations.  Finally heading West and North, so our direction home will be established tomorrow.

Wednesday up for breakfast at hotel and then I drove us through 4 states -- how weird.  Start in Florida, next was Alabama (with a stop at Bass Pro Shop for John and Robert), Mississippi and then headed into Louisiana.  Along the way we drove down to the Mississippi Gulf to the Silver Slipper casino where John and I each gambled away one dollar each, joined their member's club and had buffet lunch for a total of $23.00 for the three of us.  It was "gals and pals" day, so we got a bargain.  Walked out onto the beach, picked up some oyster shells and then headed back to Slidell, Louisiana for the night.

Alabama would not be complete

without a stop here

 

Stopped at this casino for buffet lunch

Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

 

Cold and windy

Gulf of Mexico

 

Many homes are on stilts in

this area

 

Roadside thistle

 

Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

Cemetery, above ground

 

 

Tonight I reviewed the map again to check our route and make another night's reservation.  I'm going to change our route from southerly moving up to Kansas, Colorado.  Looks more direct and getting from the south in NM up to SLC looks more difficult.  It is 3:00 a.m., I woke at 12:30 a.m. and tried for 2 hours to go back to sleep and said to heck with it and came on the computer.  Hope I can now get back to bed/sleep.  I will try because I have a long drive tomorrow.

Thursday up, breakfast and a longer day of driving since we're heading up to Memphis.  The guys dropped me off at the Mississippi State Capitol building and went to eat lunch and bring me a sandwich.  I took the 1:00 p.m. tour -- all by myself with the guide -- and I got to see one of the most beautiful capitols I've seen.  This was the second capitol built and it was finished in 1903.  Ever square inch of this building was ornate and mind boggling.  I took so many pictures that of course don't do it justice.  I thoroughly enjoyed my time seeing this architectural wonder.

Mississippi State Capitol

 

Main dome

 

Grand staircase

 

Mississippi stained glass

version of miss justice

 

Replica of Liberty Bell

Given to all states and territories by Federal

Reserve in 1950 to thank states for war bond efforts

 

Another lady justice with state flower

Magnolias behind her ears

 

Robert drove the rest of the way to Memphis.  We thought about going out for night life, but it started raining (pouring) so we went straight to hotel.  We all went in the hot tub (pool too for Robert and me) and we had a few drinks (except John who is being really good).  We then drove over two buildings to the Souths "famous" or at least on every corner Waffle House.  Had our dinner, a little TV and to bed for a good night's sleep.

Up usual time Friday, breakfast and out to pack car and it was so cold.  Temp was 42 degrees and I'm in my shorts and flip flops........yikes.  We were going to go down to Beale Street and look around, but with this temp it is hit the road.  Driving along interstate and saw a sign for the Louisiana Purchase State Park and thought that sounded interesting.  We drove 27 miles to get there, way out in the country.  Had to stop and ask for directions and met a great old man who we talked to for about 15 minutes.  His name is William Henderson and he is a farmer.  He has lived within one mile of where we met him for his entire 83 years.  He had a great Arkansas accent.  Finally got to park and it was a swamp with a boardwalk.  We walked out a little way and looked at the swamp which was interesting.  I looked around and saw the coolest owl in the tree.  I was so happy to see it.

William Henderson, 83

Farmer on Hwy 49, Arkansas

grows rice, soy beans

 

 

Swamp, dust on still water

looks like fog, very unusual

 

Beyond lucky to see this beauty

I was amazed

 



Rest of the day just drove.  Lots of road work on the way with one stretch that took over an hour to get through.  Finally arrived at Van Buren and checked into our hotel.  I did our wash since we were running out of our clothes (we each packed a backpack for 5 days so we didn't have to load, unload our suitcases each night).  Then we were going out for a nice dinner, a steak house, but they had a 45 minute wait for food, so we just went to the grocery store and got some food to cook in the room.  Have to be so careful with John's sodium and that makes it hard to eat out, pick meals.  Back to room, ate, a little TV -- with the good news they got the Boston bombers, and to bed.  I drove all day today, about 7 hours, so tomorrow Robert can drive all day.  I'm pooped.

Saturday we drove to the historic district in Van Buren.  Really old town, narrow street, brick buildings, very charming.  Went down by the Arkansas River to the city park.  Saw the old school house that was built in 1820.  We then drove over to Fort Smith to see the National Historic Site.  Several buildings were left and there was a nice visitor's center.  Went down to the Arkansas River and read about and saw the Trail of Tears that was so sad and a black mark on our history of screwing the Native American Tribes.

1820 one room schoolhouse

 

Fort Smith National Historic Site

 

So many broken treaties

 

Arkansas River

 

Trail of Tears Monument

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trail_of_Tears

 

Disappearing lands

 

Back in the car and headed for Wichita, Kansas.  No fun stops, just destination oriented.  We did have a wonderful dinner out (finally) at the Town & Country with great steaks/prime rib cooked over mesquite wood.  Entire meal was so good.  I wish we had a restaurant that good in Boise.  Watched Suzi Orman, who we have been missing, and then to sleep.

 

Sunday, another day of just traveling.  Wichita, KS to Goodland, KS.  Watching the weather.  High winds expected tomorrow, so we will get going early.  We are inching our way to Boise.  Probably one more blog to write after this one ........... yeah.  Probably yeah for readers who are probably tired of this trip.  I will gladly retire my writing even though it may seem a bit weird.

 

Restarting - very s l o w l y

Monday up at 6:30 a.m., like old folks day with VA and dentist.  Robert actually got up and went with us.  John went to get his blood checked, improvements, but need to get blood pressure up, but INR was good, and platelets still a little low.  Doctor prescribed daily multivitamin with iron.  Heart doctor said John was a candidate for a pace maker and that we should check with our cardiologist.  With John's defibrillator needing a new battery this would be a good time to change over.  So we decided that next week we will start heading back to Idaho.  John can check in with VA and see what they have to say.  I went to dentist with a occasionally painful tooth and got that taken care of - one tooth, no insurance $250, yikes.  My dentist, who was so cool, is an Elvis impersonator.  He was a great dentist and wish he was in Boise.  Back to room, naps for everyone.  Made dinner, TV and bed.  We'll sleep in tomorrow and try to perk up.  John is gaining a bit of energy each day.

Dr. Grosso, cool dentist

Does Elvis for charity



Ho hum day.  John and I went to the grocery store, picked up DVD Flight, got my prescription for antibiotic for tooth problem.  John and Robert took a drive to the Flea Market to get a belt that John had seen last time we were there.  The booth had moved and John got tired, so they came back empty handed.   Later in the day I went in the pool and hot tub and stayed out awhile and read.  Dinner, movie.

Wednesday, I pretty much hung around room and rested, slept.  John and Robert went to the pool and hot tub for a little while.  Just a calm, restful day.

Pool that one can walk right into



Thursday, the three of us went to the flea market and bought John a belt he needed.  He was so tired that he sat in the car most of the time.  We then went to lunch at Steak and Shake.  They have "happy hour" 2-4 p.m. with 1/2 price shakes (something John can have).  We had burgers and shakes.  John has been 99.99% salt free, so he got the littlest burger, fries no salt, and enjoyed it.  Stopped by Walmart and got some drinks and a movie "Chasing Mavericks" a good movie about surfing the big wave.  Back to the room, John nap, made his dinner, and then Robert and I went to Pizza Hut.  My first bite tasted so salty, I was shocked.  Movie and bed.

Friday, up late, computer and breakfast.  I gave John a haircut.  We had lunch and then John and I went to the pool for a little while.  Robert wanted to sleep in.  John seems to have turned a corner today with starting to have some energy and feel better.  I'm so happy to see this spark.  Made dinner for John and Robert and I went out to Golden Corral for a hearty dinner and then we went to play miniature golf.  We wish John could have gone, but it was hot out and very humid and the course had lots of hills and lots of stairs.  We played the Prospector course that John would have liked.  The other course was called the Nugget.  I told Robert I was going to beat him and by gosh I slaughtered him.  I take mini golf seriously, plus this about the only thing I can beat him at anymore.  We had lots of fun together and it was a nice evening.

I love Golden Corral and

my yummy cotton candy



Robert looks tough here,

but I beat him to a pulp



Saturday, our last day in this area.  I'm so sad to leave, but know the horrid weather/humidity/bugs are coming.  We got up early and headed to the Lakeridge Winery, a favorite place of mine in this area.  They are having music at the winery today so I thought it would be nice to go up for a little awhile.  Robert and I took the winery tour and John sat in the cool store and waited for us.  Interesting about the muscadine grapes that I love the flavor of so much.  I went and got our folding chairs and we put John in the shade and Robert and I went to the tasting.  We tasted 10 wines and they were so good (Robert doesn't like wine, so suffered through).  We bought 2 bottles of the muscadine grape juice that is so delicious, but no wine since we're leaving tomorrow and we don't want to have to deal with bottles on our trip home.  Robert had lunch at the winery and John and Robert had an ice cream cones.  We had our free picture taken.

Jazz at the Winery

A fun day



After winery, we drove over to the Yalhala Bakery, a German bakery, and John and I had turkey sandwiches that were delicious.  I took a few cookies and a pastry to go.

Nice lunch at the bakery





We drove home and were so tired John and I had a 2 hour nap.  Got up at 6:30 p.m. and I took Robert over to Old Town to see the vintage cars, but especially to ride the go-karts.  They have four separate tracks -- one that they water down -- and Robert really wanted to drive those fun cars.  We paid for his pass to ride as long as he wanted to and he got his money's worth and had a good time, but said he wished his Dad could have been there, or some friend, to compete with.  I wasn't about to drive one of those cars around for a few hours.  I shopped in my favorite store there, The Black Market, and got two refrigerator magnets.  Also bought John a present.  Wasn't sure if he'd like it or not, but I finally figured he would crack up.  It is a moose in a tropical shirt holding a margarita in a glass, asking "Got Salt".... funny/not -- John did crack up so I guess OK.  I should try living without salt for a day.  I don't think I'd make it.  Robert finished driving and came to get me and wanted to go in The Black Market.  He bought a fantastic and very scary mask that is so cool.  We just laughed at how funny he looked in it.  Came back, made Robert a few pork chops and rice.  He took it to his room next door.  John went to bed and I watched a little TV and finished working on this blog.

Four separate tracks



Go-karts - Ready to go

Unlimited pass - fun for Robert

 

Cool mask Robert bought

at Old Town, Kissimmee, Florida

 

We will head for Tallahassee tomorrow and spend one night.  I fell in love with winter Florida, enjoyed all the friends we made, and will never forget our special time here.  Just a few blogs to do before we will be home in Boise -- the end of our trip -- and with a hope that we can get John in good, stronger shape and do some more fun adventures out in this big old world and make new friends in our travels.  We've been so blessed.

Up early, packed up, cleaned up and hit the road.  About a four hour drive.  Along the way we have to stop at least every hour for John to stretch his legs.  I drove and pulled out at a citrus stand.  I wanted to see if they happened to have any Georgia peaches.  John likes peaches and at some stands they have them.  Looked around, took a few pictures and looked over to the side and a guy was holding an alligator.  I went over and said, "Oh, I have to take a picture," and he said, "No, you have to hold it."  I think the gator was at least 3 feet long and his mouth was taped.  He was very strong and it was a little scary.  A girl standing there took my picture, so that was an exciting rest stop.  Also got photo of orange juice squeezing machine that was interesting.

Amazing holding an alligator

Heavy and strong

 

Making orange juice

conveyor belt for skin after squeezed

 

All squeezed out

 

Headed out, stops and then we stopped for lunch at my favorite place that I discovered when we went to Tallahassee to see Maria.  Had a great breakfast, hit the road again and it started sprinkling light.  By the time we got about 10 miles out of Tallahassee the rain was coming down so hard that if it was one tiny bit harder I would not have been able to see the road.  Road was flooded and I would barely see the white line and wipers going full blast.  That 10 mile drive was probably my second most scary driving experience in my life.  I was so glad when we got to the motel.  We waited until rain stopped (about 2 hours) to unload the car.  Robert and John made a run to Subway and we had good sandwiches in our room.  Set alarm for 7:30 a.m. and we'll eat at motel and hit the road early so if there is rain we won't be driving in the middle of it.

Restarting - very s l o w l y

Monday up at 6:30 a.m., like old folks day with VA and dentist.  Robert actually got up and went with us.  John went to get his blood checked, improvements, but need to get blood pressure up, but INR was good, and platelets still a little low.  Doctor prescribed daily multivitamin with iron.  Heart doctor said John was a candidate for a pace maker and that we should check with our cardiologist.  With John's defibrillator needing a new battery this would be a good time to change over.  So we decided that next week we will start heading back to Idaho.  John can check in with VA and see what they have to say.  I went to dentist with a occasionally painful tooth and got that taken care of - one tooth, no insurance $250, yikes.  My dentist, who was so cool, is an Elvis impersonator.  He was a great dentist and wish he was in Boise.  Back to room, naps for everyone.  Made dinner, TV and bed.  We'll sleep in tomorrow and try to perk up.  John is gaining a bit of energy each day.

Dr. Grosso, cool dentist

Does Elvis for charity



Ho hum day.  John and I went to the grocery store, picked up DVD Flight, got my prescription for antibiotic for tooth problem.  John and Robert took a drive to the Flea Market to get a belt that John had seen last time we were there.  The booth had moved and John got tired, so they came back empty handed.   Later in the day I went in the pool and hot tub and stayed out awhile and read.  Dinner, movie.

Wednesday, I pretty much hung around room and rested, slept.  John and Robert went to the pool and hot tub for a little while.  Just a calm, restful day.

Pool that one can walk right into



Thursday, the three of us went to the flea market and bought John a belt he needed.  He was so tired that he sat in the car most of the time.  We then went to lunch at Steak and Shake.  They have "happy hour" 2-4 p.m. with 1/2 price shakes (something John can have).  We had burgers and shakes.  John has been 99.99% salt free, so he got the littlest burger, fries no salt, and enjoyed it.  Stopped by Walmart and got some drinks and a movie "Chasing Mavericks" a good movie about surfing the big wave.  Back to the room, John nap, made his dinner, and then Robert and I went to Pizza Hut.  My first bite tasted so salty, I was shocked.  Movie and bed.

Friday, up late, computer and breakfast.  I gave John a haircut.  We had lunch and then John and I went to the pool for a little while.  Robert wanted to sleep in.  John seems to have turned a corner today with starting to have some energy and feel better.  I'm so happy to see this spark.  Made dinner for John and Robert and I went out to Golden Corral for a hearty dinner and then we went to play miniature golf.  We wish John could have gone, but it was hot out and very humid and the course had lots of hills and lots of stairs.  We played the Prospector course that John would have liked.  The other course was called the Nugget.  I told Robert I was going to beat him and by gosh I slaughtered him.  I take mini golf seriously, plus this about the only thing I can beat him at anymore.  We had lots of fun together and it was a nice evening.

I love Golden Corral and

my yummy cotton candy



Robert looks tough here,

but I beat him to a pulp



Saturday, our last day in this area.  I'm so sad to leave, but know the horrid weather/humidity/bugs are coming.  We got up early and headed to the Lakeridge Winery, a favorite place of mine in this area.  They are having music at the winery today so I thought it would be nice to go up for a little awhile.  Robert and I took the winery tour and John sat in the cool store and waited for us.  Interesting about the muscadine grapes that I love the flavor of so much.  I went and got our folding chairs and we put John in the shade and Robert and I went to the tasting.  We tasted 10 wines and they were so good (Robert doesn't like wine, so suffered through).  We bought 2 bottles of the muscadine grape juice that is so delicious, but no wine since we're leaving tomorrow and we don't want to have to deal with bottles on our trip home.  Robert had lunch at the winery and John and Robert had an ice cream cones.  We had our free picture taken.

Jazz at the Winery

A fun day



After winery, we drove over to the Yalhala Bakery, a German bakery, and John and I had turkey sandwiches that were delicious.  I took a few cookies and a pastry to go.

Nice lunch at the bakery





We drove home and were so tired John and I had a 2 hour nap.  Got up at 6:30 p.m. and I took Robert over to Old Town to see the vintage cars, but especially to ride the go-karts.  They have four separate tracks -- one that they water down -- and Robert really wanted to drive those fun cars.  We paid for his pass to ride as long as he wanted to and he got his money's worth and had a good time, but said he wished his Dad could have been there, or some friend, to compete with.  I wasn't about to drive one of those cars around for a few hours.  I shopped in my favorite store there, The Black Market, and got two refrigerator magnets.  Also bought John a present.  Wasn't sure if he'd like it or not, but I finally figured he would crack up.  It is a moose in a tropical shirt holding a margarita in a glass, asking "Got Salt".... funny/not -- John did crack up so I guess OK.  I should try living without salt for a day.  I don't think I'd make it.  Robert finished driving and came to get me and wanted to go in The Black Market.  He bought a fantastic and very scary mask that is so cool.  We just laughed at how funny he looked in it.  Came back, made Robert a few pork chops and rice.  He took it to his room next door.  John went to bed and I watched a little TV and finished working on this blog.

Four separate tracks



Go-karts - Ready to go

Unlimited pass - fun for Robert

 

Cool mask Robert bought

at Old Town, Kissimmee, Florida

 

We will head for Tallahassee tomorrow and spend one night.  I fell in love with winter Florida, enjoyed all the friends we made, and will never forget our special time here.  Just a few blogs to do before we will be home in Boise -- the end of our trip -- and with a hope that we can get John in good, stronger shape and do some more fun adventures out in this big old world and make new friends in our travels.  We've been so blessed.

Up early, packed up, cleaned up and hit the road.  About a four hour drive.  Along the way we have to stop at least every hour for John to stretch his legs.  I drove and pulled out at a citrus stand.  I wanted to see if they happened to have any Georgia peaches.  John likes peaches and at some stands they have them.  Looked around, took a few pictures and looked over to the side and a guy was holding an alligator.  I went over and said, "Oh, I have to take a picture," and he said, "No, you have to hold it."  I think the gator was at least 3 feet long and his mouth was taped.  He was very strong and it was a little scary.  A girl standing there took my picture, so that was an exciting rest stop.  Also got photo of orange juice squeezing machine that was interesting.

Amazing holding an alligator

Heavy and strong

 

Making orange juice

conveyor belt for skin after squeezed

 

All squeezed out

 

Headed out, stops and then we stopped for lunch at my favorite place that I discovered when we went to Tallahassee to see Maria.  Had a great breakfast, hit the road again and it started sprinkling light.  By the time we got about 10 miles out of Tallahassee the rain was coming down so hard that if it was one tiny bit harder I would not have been able to see the road.  Road was flooded and I would barely see the white line and wipers going full blast.  That 10 mile drive was probably my second most scary driving experience in my life.  I was so glad when we got to the motel.  We waited until rain stopped (about 2 hours) to unload the car.  Robert and John made a run to Subway and we had good sandwiches in our room.  Set alarm for 7:30 a.m. and we'll eat at motel and hit the road early so if there is rain we won't be driving in the middle of it.

Altamonte Springs - out of hospital

Monday, thought John was going to get out of the hospital, but a few of his doctors weren't quite ready to let him go.  I think he ended up having about nine different specialists.  Amazing.  His primary doctor is very careful and just wants to be sure all things are in order.  In anticipation of John's release I got a room at the Marriott Residence Inn for 6 nights.  I just think it is too much to take John to some one's house and he needs his space and to rest in his own environment.  This place has room for all 3 of us and a full kitchen.

Robert and I checked into our room.  It's nice with plenty of space for us.  We found out that on Monday through Thursday night they have "hospitality hour" where they provide guests with a meal.  Unreal.  We went at 6:00 p.m. and they had chicken fettuccine alfredo, salad, garlic bread, beer, sodas, cookies.  Food was delicious and to think it was free.



Next day, I got up and went to breakfast included with room.  Excellent spread with many choices.  What a great place to stay with all these good meals included.  Came back to room and Robert was up (missed breakfast) so we went to the hospital to spend time with John.  In the afternoon I sent Robert over to pick up food from Hwong's house.  She had left overs that she wanted us to take.  Looks like John will really get out today.  Exhaustion took over and Robert and I went shopping for some food for Dad and then back to room.  I was going to lay down for a nap but called John first.  He said they were just going over his discharge papers.  Drove over to hospital, went over discharge documents, medicines with nurse and got John out of there.  Brought him to room, he laid down and had a good nap.  Robert and I went to hotel's dinner.  Came back and made a little food for John.  He is so limited on what he can eat with no salt, low fat, low vitamin K, etc., that it is best from now on if I make most of his food.  TV, reading and to bed.

Robert took this picture

Life in the fast lane

Up early, hotel breakfast and John and I went to the VA.  John needed to get his blood clot time (INR) checked.  Saw the nurse and we had to tell the entire - Cancun, ER, ICU story.  John's blood pressure was low, so doctor came in and told the entire story again.  Signed release for John's medical records to come to VA from the hospital.  Got a wheelchair for John as those halls and lots of walking will wear him out, and we went to lab to get blood drawn.  Had to wait 1 1/2 hour for results so we went to the cafe and had a drink and read.  Back to Green Team and waited.  Saw doctor who gave us instructions.  John does not have to check in with Green Team until Monday.  Went to pharmacy to turn in prescription, then a wait of about one hour.  Finally finished up.

Stopped at grocery store, John was going to go in, but walked up to door and turned around saying he better wait in the car.  Picked up a few things and came back to hotel.  Nap for John.  I made him his dinner and Robert and I went to hotel's dinner.  Back in room for a little TV, watched the news and there is going to be a tornado around Titusville in a little while.  Bad weather and rain is on its way here for two days.  Early to bed for a good night's sleep.

Up early and John had a shower and said it felt so good.  We (Robert still sleeping) went to hotel breakfast.  Then back to room, John napped.  I went to Walmart to pick up a few things.  Got two Red Box movies for tonight.  Humid out - which is hard on John.  I looked up rainy day things to do so I think Robert and I will go to the Science Museum tomorrow if he can possibly manage to get up before noon.  He is a cursed night owl. 

Friday, John and I to breakfast, Robert slept.  While walking I heard this weird tapping noise and looked up in the tree and there was a pretty woodpecker.  I ran back to the room and got my camera.  It was so neat to see this close up.

Look for the red head

 

Robert finally got up so we went to the Science Museum.  They had a special exhibit, Star Wars:  Where Science Meets Imagination that explores the fantastical technology depicted in the films and the science behind them.  Robert enjoyed it, and I had almost no Star Wars knowledge so it was OK.  Nice museum though with lots of hands on exhibits.  I got to stand in a booth that had Category 1 hurricane winds; build things, including a robot; and report the news in front of a green screen.  We saw a fascinating 3D all surround movie called "Space Junk".  Hard to believe we've managed to trash up space too.  Robert and I had a nice lunch.  John walked a little today and rested some more.  We don't have dinner at our hotel, so I made a little dinner for John.

Robert with a Star Wars creature

 

Fun working with a robot

 

Green screen to do weather forecast

I'm above on the screen

 

Simulated hurricane tube

Wind for Category 1 at 78.6 mph

 

Up for breakfast, minus Robert, and then we all drove down to the Wekiwa State Park.  Beautiful springs, swimming, canoeing and kayaking.  Many nice hiking trails.  I'm not getting in that water since there are alligators -- how could anyone get in that water? 

 

A wonderful Florida State Park

 

A good rest

 

The swimming area

 

Oh yeah, swim with gators

 

A huge winged creature

 

Kayak/canoe area

 

Be watchful of alligators,

what, are you kidding?

 

A nice day to be out.  Came back and I went into the heated pool.  Later played a little basketball with Robert, haven't done that for a long time and it was fun.  It felt good getting out and getting some exercise.  Sitting in the hospital for days is hard on the body.  We went out for dinner at Sweet Tomato, a large salad bar type place, with soups (none for John), baked items and desserts.  Wanted to find something John could eat and he enjoyed his dinner.

  

Nice heated pool

 

These guys needed to get outside

and enjoy the day

 









Sunday, we all had breakfast at hotel, then packed up car.  Robert was a big help with the packing.  We will be going down to one of our favorite resorts in Kissimmee (we've spent 5 weeks here) and continue John's recuperation.  This is the pool you can just walk into with no hesitation because the water is so perfect.  We got 2 bedrooms here, and Robert's room is in Suite B, so he has his own living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom.  He thinks that is pretty cool and better than sleeping on the pull out couch where we were.

 

Did some wash, will go to the store for food, John watched some of NASCAR and is napping.  I'm sure it will be early to bed tonight.  We head up to Winter Park tomorrow early to go to VA for blood tests and I have a dentist appointment tomorrow for my tooth that is bothering me a little.  I don't want that to flare up and get worse.

 

So we will take this next week to figure out what we are doing.  Flying, driving, fly/drive, it is all up in the air.  Seeing how things are tomorrow can help give us an idea.  John is very, very tired, so we need to see how he is going to rally.  At least he is not in pain, just tired with very little exertion.