What's been happening!

Time is zipping by! We've been busy inspite of lousy weather and we just can't seem to slow the clock down, and now we've just "lost" another hour to Daylight Savings Time! So, I'll forge ahead and catch you up-to-date.
To begin with our Monday morning bike ride always seems to be a surprise at every turn. Our intrepid bikers are never at a loss when riding with Darlene! Here, at half way point in our ride, Darlene let everyone know we need to make a "bee-line" to our favorite restaurant in downtown Celebration when she dawned her "feed bag!"

We headed over to Disney's Hollywood Studios to kill some time and Pat became a "target" of one of the "Hollywood Blvd" players.

A couple of nights later we were entertained by a local singer who literally took the audience "to another place." Jimmy Smith stepped on stage in our clubhouse and left all of us clamering for more.

Jimmy, (as a woman in the audience said) was "eye-candy!" He sang many Elvis songs and many other older hits that had all of us tapping, or singing along. He perfected all the right moves and has outstanding stage presence. He "tweaked" everyone's funny bone as he teased the women and performed all his show with class and talent.

You can bet we're all looking forward to seeing him next year!

Then we had to check out the Flower Show at EPCOT!

It's difficult to comprehend the work that Disney takes on to put on these amazing displays.

Here's one for every dog lover...

We're itching to visit the show in a week or so when the warmer temps and (hopefully) sunnier days bring out the brilliant colors even more. As beautiful as the Flower Show is, we actully headed to EPCOT for the "FLOWER POWER" show. Each weekend Disney features talent from the 60's. This weekend we waited in line to see Paul Revere and the Raiders!

We know many of you remember a few pictures in our blog of his show (and Gnorm) when we passed through Branson, MO. The half hour show is fast moving and filled with Paul's wit. The 72 year old performer still makes great music and pokes lots of fun at his age, and his younger troupe.

Well, it may not seem like we've done very much since our last post, but I assure you our daily routine is dotted with activities that keep us wondering where the time goes.

Pat and I did attend the Central Florida Winnebago Rally (in the pouring rain and flooded parking area). We had a great time inspite of the weather.

If you think time flies now, wait until you retire! You'll wonder how you ever got anything done while you were working!

Till next time!

A new family friend!

Our best friends George and Judy have a new family friend! Their new bundle of fur is quickly becoming a wonderful companion to add to Casey's memory and jumpstart all the fun and friendship a pet brings to any family. George and Judy have always been dog lovers and like so many dog lovers, they've owned dogs nearly all of their married lives. Their new puppy will help fill the "paw prints" Casey has left behind.
We wish George and Judy speedy "paper training," quiet nights and chewing (only) dog toys!
I know you're all waiting for those "puppy photos" so, thanks to George and Judy they proudly sent along a photo or two of their new nine week old Chocolate Lab, "Koda" (translated: friend)...

"Koda" is "introduced" to George and Judy's son Michael's dog, "Deeney"...

P.S. By the look of "Koda's" paws, "Deeney" better enjoy being her bigger "nephew"... at least for a little while!

A tribute to a family companion.

One of our Blog followers and best friends, George and Judy, said goodby to their long time family companion, Casey. Casey shared George and Judy's home for many years. Casey, a breed mix rescue dog became their "sidekick," protector and "friend."
I became quite fond of Casey and Casey came to know me for "doggie sitting" her, taking her on long walks, letting her soak (longer than I should) in the Lake near their summer home  and "roughing" her up from time to time. When we visited with George and Judy, each morning Casey had all she could do to keep her control as we played "hide and seek" with her dog bones.
Casey was unique as dogs go. Her love of ice cream was legendary. Her tenacity to investigate and "hunt" down animals in the woods never dimmed. Once when an errant black bear wandered through the woods near George and Judy's summer home we all had our hands full trying to keep Casey from vaulting off the two-story deck to chase after the bear! Like all pets, Casey was always at the door to excitedly greet George and Judy no matter how long their departure.
Casey will be missed by all of us who enjoyed her antics and her special loyal companionship. Those of us who knew Casey will always hold a special place in our hearts for her. This past Saturday, George and Judy bid farewell to their beloved pet.

Busy again!

Mr. Potato Head started our afternoon at Disney's Hollywood Studios!

While there we just had to take in another Art Academy class. This time Gnorm couldn't resist peering over Buzz' drawing.

Buzz was polite and willingly accepted Gnorm's critique of "Dopey!"

From there we took in another favorite show we like, the "Block Party Bash."

All of the characters in the "parade" are from the Disney/Pixar movies. You may recall the "toy" soldiers from "Toy Story."

Darlene and Bill took a ride on the "Tower of Terror" and then we ended our day at the extremely popular Toy Story attraction. You can tell by the startled look on Angela and Bills faces its not a good idea to take pictures of adults when they're acting like kids!!

Oops!

New Theme Park Opens in Orlando, FL

We stumbled upon a most unique theme park while driving along Route 27.
The Park is not for the faint of heart rather those still young at heart. It’s a mix of rough and tumble attractions and youthful dreams.

“Umpa and Ian’s Playground” is a fantasy of everything every child could only dream of. The Park is easily accessible from I-4 and Rt. 27. Entry fees vary depending on how big you can dream or which “monster” will fit into your lifestyle. The colorful attractions and magnificent boldness of each “ride” will touch the hearts of everyone who ever played in a “sandbox.”
Here children of all ages can press buttons, lift just about anything and thrill to the roar of these most spectacular behemoths.

Owned and operated by the incomparable Umpa and his able apprentice, Ian, the guest is assured of the most impressive display of “toys” imaginable.

The Park is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or until you’ve seen enough!

(Disclaimer – Guests must be able to reach the pedals/controls with/or without help from Grandparents! The Park is not responsible for crying youngsters (or adults) who are unable to take any of the attractions home.)





Ladies and Gentlemen, “Umpa and Ian’s Playground”…

The Parks, a bike ride and a dinner show!

Temps are still cooler than normal but the sun is getting higher in the sky and that's a big plus. So, what do we do? We start out by taking in a couple of parks. EPCOT was a good place to start. Darlene wanted to see "Off Kilter"... (The band.)

From there we headed for the Magic Kingdom just in time to take in the evening retreat.

followed by a ride on the TomorrowLand Transit Authority, where Bill can let his "inner kid" loose. (Oh yeah, that's Angela trying to remain anonymous.)

Then, we hit the trail, the bike trail that is. This time we head out to the Van Fleet Trail. The long, flat, paved old RR bed is a trek into the Florida woods. Typically, during warmer weather this trail provides the bike rider with a grand variety of wildlife. Although, it's worthy to note that you might encounter a critter that just may get your heart racing. Take for example, a twelve foot gater in your path, sunning itself on the warm pavement, or the lazy snake taking in a few rays just of the edge of the pavement! At least this day was cool enough that we had to really struggle to find a local critter such as this unconcerned armadillo...

The tree lined bike path goes on for miles. Our eyes and ears scanned the quiet and the thick wet land  for any hint of wildlife. Except for the haunting hoot of an owl and our armoured friend above, the eleven mile ride was a peaceful stretch that provided each of us with solitude and a place to set our own pace.

A few days later twenty-two of us gathered for an evening of fine food and a show at "Capone's." Being a large group we were seated at one long table and enjoyed the privilege of digging into the buffet first.

Darlene let the evening and her first (and only) drink get the "better" of her...

The buffet was very good and the show... well, I'll let our photos tell the story. Before that, you need to know who the fellow on the right front of the table in the left photo above is. He's Mike, and guess who the cast of Capone's sought out. Yep, Mike!

Mike didn't seem to mind either!

Mike didn't even flinch! The rest of us had a lot of laughs - at Mike's expense! Actually, the night was outstanding. The food was great and the show was fast and funny. The "Speakeazy" theme included good singing and  typical Capone era "bad guy" comedy. The final song put it all together...

Trust us, it really was an outstanding evening full of good food, laughter and good friends!

Here's our "mug shot"...

Playing "catch-up!"

Rain, clouds and cooler than normal temps are becoming the norm down here! (By no means do we mean to lessen what all of you are doing and going through up North.) Our internet service has been out for the past three days, UGH! That means I've backed up posting a blog or two until now.
Where do I start? Oh, first we had a visit (in the rain) by Winston in his new "Rain Booties."

Then we spent a day at (our workplace) DisneyQuest. It was a first for Buzz and Darlene and Rose and Ray. Suffice it to say that for a couple members of our party, a few hours was all that was needed.

Taking their run around the track on the Daytona Race Track is Ray, Buzz and Bill.

Pat and Darlene took a "spin" on the "Typhoon" virtual speed ride. The seats bounce you about as the giant fans make you feel like you're moving.

Rose tried her skills on the "JamboSafari!"

We all tried our hand at Submarine warfare, but the girls got to sit down. The guys tried to stay alive in the SeaWolf Sub game. It's a good thing it was only a game! I'm sure we'd have been "discharged!"

We "retreated" to something more our speed - bowling!

Actually, this game was a surprise. We got to "beat" out our frustrations! Here, Angela and Darlene, Pat and Rose to the left get into it.

The quietest person in our group caught us off guard when he let his "inner self" out...

Ray never owned a motorcycle so we were all stunned when he had to "jump" on this "Chopper."

That only tweaked his ego even more, so...

Sorry Rose, you just never know!

We made our way through four of the five floors of DisneyQuest and needed some nourishment. We headed for the "Earl of Sandwhich" and dessert (a free sample of chocolate), some shopping for the girls and people watching for the guys as we sauntered around Downtown Disney.

A few days later we headed for Disney's Hollywood Studios (along with Gnorm).

While waiting for the "Block Party Bash," we enjoyed some fun with the Hollywood Blvd. Players. Dora, came over to Bill, Buzz and I and wondered where our wives were. She wanted to know their names and where they were. We told her they were shopping across the street and she bolted into the store, shouting their names. She found Darlene and Angela and we all had some great laughs.

Dora caught up to Angela and Darlene on the other side of the carriage.

After clearing the street, the high energy Block Party Bash made its way up the Blvd.

After burning up some energy, we headed for the Animation Academy where Bill couldn't resist a photo op with one of his favorite Disney Characters...

I should mention it was also Bill's Birthday! So, ya just can't let a good reason to eat cake go by...

Thanks to Darlen, our busy day at Disney's Hollywood Studios ended on a "sweet" note!