Lazy Lady Traveler in Florida
Anything, everything, little or big
becomes an adventure
when the right person shares it.
Whether you are traveling in
Alaska or Florida,
or somewhere in-between,
or somewhere in-between,
make sure you take time to ...
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| Photo by Shawn Watson Photography |
Rob and I have enjoyed our month in Florida.
We had to cancel the Florida Keys due to the damages of the August 2017 hurricane.
So instead we spent time in other areas ...
... Tampa ... Orlando ... Winter Park ... Ocala.
There is so much to see and do in this lovely state ...
... water sports ... golfing ... hiking ... outdoor theme parks ... to name a few.
Although this has been the coolest January weather Florida has experienced in a long time,
we still spent a lot of our time outdoors.
What I missed most was spending late night evenings
around a fire, chatting, drinking, eating, watching our outdoor TV ...
... and walking around in shorts and flip-flops.
We still found joy in our ordinary days.
We visited friends along the way, which is always delightful.
We met new friends along the way, which is always interesting.
We visited little towns, ate their delicious food,
walked their quaint little streets, and
soaked up the friendly atmosphere.
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| A great little town with lots of history |
Cuban cigars were once manufactured here.
Thousands of cubans worked in the large factory.
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| Lots of yummy eateries here so take your pick. |
where we had a bite to eat outdoors and basked in the warm sunshine
while listening to cool jazz.
Meanwhile, back at the American Coach Association rally ...
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| I received my Lazy Days drivers course certificate! Look out USA, here I come! |
Perhaps take an art class, a writing class ...?
fill in your own blank!
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| We enjoyed getting together with old friends ... |
on the phone, or in person?
What's holding you back?
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| ... and meeting new friends too. |
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| This huge banner was one of my Christmas presents from Robinski. Never too big, right? |
We stayed four days near Orlando in Winter Garden.
We had a nice visit with friends, Kurt and Diana Lindsey,
and planned another one until the Florida flu found me.
but I was determined to explore and enjoy this lovely village.
We drove north to Ocala where we spent time with our So-Cal friends,
Frank and Debbie Johnson.
We stayed longer than planned due to a bout with the 'Florida flu' AND
because we didn't want to go home to
We had a nice visit with friends, Kurt and Diana Lindsey,
and planned another one until the Florida flu found me.
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| Although I was fighting the Florida Flue, we took an evening stroll on Main Street in Winter Garden. You can tell that I was a bit under the weather, |
We drove north to Ocala where we spent time with our So-Cal friends,
Frank and Debbie Johnson.
We stayed longer than planned due to a bout with the 'Florida flu' AND
because we didn't want to go home to
COLD weather.
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| Our old friends we knew in So-Cal, Frank and Debbie, have the cutest dog ever. This is my new friend, Buddy. (don't tell Popcorn) |
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| I told Popcorn about Buddy. She's okay with my new friend as long as I take her for extra long walks around the RV campground. |
My 72nd Birthday!
We took a leisurely road trip to Gainesville, Florida
(45 minutes north of Ocala)
We enjoyed a delicious lunch at Harry's Seafood Bar and Grille.
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| My favorite dish, shrimp and grits. |
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| I highly recommend Harry's Seafood Bar and Grill for shrimp and grits, or ... |
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| ... just a great big hamburger and fries and chili! |
What could be better after lunch than a stroll through
Lachua Trail where alligators run free.
And beautiful birds as well.
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| I highly recommend Lachua Trail when you visit Gainseville, Florida |
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| A dozen of these lovely creatures were playing, then sunning before dinner time. |
Then a leisurely drive back to Ocala.
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| A "friendly" reminder at The Ocala RV Campground Resort |
A few days later we took another road trip to The Villages
(35 minutes south of Ocala).
The Villages is a HUGE retirement resort
that is filled with much to do.
The Villages has the best of everything, including the finest
medical centers, golf courses, and restaurants.
We ate lunch at a nice restaurant on the lake,
Lighthouse Point Bar and Grill.
I declare, I have never been around so many people
that look just like me!
Grey hair, wrinkles, liver spots ... you get the picture.
It was a little scary at first.
Then I realized that everyone
is at the point in their lives where they
"just wanna have fun!"
while we can!
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| A day without shrimp and grits is like a day without sunshine! |
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| An after-lunch stroll along the boardwalk |
There are too many moments for me to share on this blog.
What I've learned on each road trip we take:
Enjoy the moment.
Each moment will soon become a memory.
Make moments that will warm your heart.
Because you'll need those warm memories
on a cold, cloudy day.
(another little pros from almost-famous author ... me)
I wish you oceans of travel blessings!
You will show me the path of life;
in Your presence is fullness of joy;
at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11
Lady and the Sea and Lady on the Run are available at www.amazon.com/author/www.sharonleaf.com
