Homebody this week!

Toward the end of last week we were visited by our cousin, her husband and our Aunt. Thursday started out cold and yours truly learned all about bursitis. Each year we enjoy a few visits with our cousin Angela, her husband Bob and when she can make it down to FL our Aunt Ruthie. First of all, you may notice that I use the word "our" to describe our cousin and her mother, who is our Aunt Ruthie. Pat and I as well as Bill's wife Angela have a unique relationship with Angela and our Aunt Ruthie. You see, Angela and Ruthie are a cousin and an Aunt to Pat and me and Bill's wife Angela. Simply stated, my mother's sister (Ruthie) married Pat's mother's brother (Leo). Pat and I go way back and new each other all our lives. Until we were old enough to understand our unique relationship we actually did think we were cousins. It's always a fun story to explain to people we meet. Aunt Ruthie has been blessed with a rewarding life as a nurse and lots of travel. We enjoyed their company for three days. One day Bill and Angela dropped in and we enjoyed an evening to reminisce.
The visiting trio got to see La Nouba at DownTown Disney. But, by far we all think they had more fun with Lilly than anything else! Angela managed to beat me to Lilly's leash for her walks. Lilly sat on all of their laps more than Pat's or mine.

From L to R: Bob, Angela, Ruthie, Pat (Lilly), Dave, Angela and Bill.

Thursday will also be a day I'll remember for a while. While sitting at the Toyota Dealership for a service, my right shoulder became sore and uncomfortable to move. By that evening I was in full blown pain and lost nearly all movement. Over the next several days I had all I could do to dress, sleep or do much of anything but try not to move my arm. Fortunately, I'm a "leftie" which meant I was able to perform the most basic daily activities. On a good note, I planned a visit to the doctor recommended by Pete and Jack... but that wouldn't be for nearly a week. Thanks to OTC pain killers I was able to function somewhat better. Then, last night I decided to try sleeping back in our bed. Oddly, I managed to quickly get comfortable and sleep most of the night. Lilly woke me up as usual around three and upon getting up to return her to her bed, I didn't have to wince when slightly moving my right arm. The meds must be working! I greeted the morning feeling better rested and the stabbing pain that tore through my shoulder with even the slightest movement was not there. The stiffness is still there but nearly 95% of the pain is gone. Over the past several years I've learned from Bill and Pete a lot about their shoulder problems. Jack also dealt with sever bursitis in his shoulder. I had a pretty good idea of what lies ahead for me. Judging from what I've learned I most likely had a bursitis attack and will need physical therapy. I'll know what lies ahead for me when I finally see the doctor later this week. This experience has given me an entirely knew understanding of what Bill, Pete and Jack (along with so many other folks with shoulder/joint problems) dealt with for a much longer time than I.

I took a pass on our weekly bike ride.... but not lunch! I was going to enjoy my Reuben at "The Wave" come h _ __ or high water! ...And it was yummy! We also got to celebrate Bill's birthday!

 

Thanks to Judy, we can share with you some of the fun their group had at the Wilderness Lodge Whispering Canyon Restaurant.

 

(Notice how stoic they all appear? That's because when I take a picture, I usually trip or fall over something either before or after taking the picture. Judy doesn't do that!)

 

Our two groups enjoyed an outstanding day for a ride. Unfortunately, one of our riders had a bad fall due to an "equipment malfunction."

To prevent a worse accident, Dave rode off the edge of a sidewalk that could have left him face down on cement. He tried to ride onto the soft shoulder only to run into a tree that left him with a bad scrape. I found out that he made it to lunch so we're all glad his injuries were not more severe.

 

(Editor's note: I'd like to tell my version of this story.) Dave, knowing he was heading for a fall wanted to go out in style. He decided he was going "rough riding!" Fearing nothing Dave put the foot to the pedal. He ended up making more than a mere mark on a Fort Wilderness sapling.

I'm sure the Fort Wilderness Rangers will be questioning him about this.

Then, hearing that he may be required to pay restitution, the usually mild mannered Dave threw his bicycle in frustration...

 

Normally, I try not to embellish my stories, but I got to thinking about what others think of us as our (mostly in blue, riders) stream by them. Hmmmmmm I wonder......

 

Here's what we think of our selves as we ride....

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Here's what others think of us as we ride by....

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But, here's what others think we really look like....

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Bill's birthday gives knew meaning to the phrase, "let them eat cake!" And that we did!

Not bad for another "29th" year celebration! 

 

While being stuck to the house (thanks to my shoulder), Lilly and I enjoyed frequent and longer walks around our neighborhood. Out "resident" gator was a "must see" each time we went out. The cooler weather of last week with little sunshine kept him from sitting at the pond's edge. However, once the weather warmed up and the sun came out we were treated to a few walks up-close to this critter.

In spite of several uncomfortable days I'd say we still had lots of terrific things going:
we enjoyed an awesome visit with Angela, Bob and Aunt Ruthie,
thanks to Bill we got to eat lots of cake,
and I gave Pat a few heart palpitations showing her the above picture,
and thankfully, my shoulder is on the mend!

A Quiet couple of weeks at work

Just like they said, things quieted down after the holidays. I'm finally enjoying some down time from work. I'll work just a couple of days over three weeks. Actually, the time off feels really good. I've been able to take Lilly for lots of walks, put in some serious woodcarving time and enjoy some time with Pat and friends.
"Tweety Bird" was a "spur of the moment" woodcarving that was lots of fun to carve and having the unexpected time off, was completed over a two week period.

"Tweety Bird" is my 38th caricature carving since 2009. Currently, I'm working on "Abby & Zoey." They are two Schnauzer's owned by a co-worker. More on them later.

 

Lilly is back to her old (young) self again. She's pawing to tell you everything so I'll leave the computer on for her to tell you her "tails" of woe.

 

The Palm Tree Bikers enjoyed a rather different type of bike ride yesterday. The morning started out just terrific, but by the time our unusually large group headed out from Encore Lake Magic, ominous rain clouds followed our group north. Yours truly headed for Winter Garden from home driving just ahead of the cloud band. Pete called to tell me we will be seating forty-two riders and friends for lunch! And, that they are bringing rain clouds north with them.

 

We circled the wagons at the Winter Garden pavilion as we usually do before we hit the West Orange Trail.

 

Everyone with a smart phone watched the cloud cell make its way directly over us.

Above, Larry had to check out his "severe weather" horn in case he had to warn everyone to clear the trail!

We sat idle while deciding how to manage our thirty-three riders. 

 

 We decided to split the group into two groups. One group headed west to the Killarny Station and Jim offered to head east into hills and "no man's land!"

 

 At least one of our riders came prepared for a wet ride!

 

Pete headed west and with a hint of mist hitting our faces our riders followed.... and followed. Those following Jim remained. Sure! The entire group, one by one left Jim's small (but tough) group to head east!

What the...... we looked at each other....... and headed west with everyone else!

We didn't get very far, to the edge of the trail in fact. It began to rain a little heavier. We hovered under a tree, checked our smart phones and watched as the cloud cell was moving over the entire path of our trail.

We decided to retreat to stay dry or check out some of the downtown stores.

We learned later that our riders faired rather well in spite of the rain. Some huddled under a trail shelter for the heavier rain spell while many trucked on and completed the ride.

Everyone seemed proud of their determination and much drier than anticipated.

Although, Larry was proud to show us his "badge of courage"......

Larry's wet backside!

Bill, suggested it was Larry's "best side!"

 

While waiting for our riders to be seated for lunch one is well to look around for Florida wildlife. You never know what you might be able to see.

I happened to look up at the antenna tower and something caught my eye.

Two rather stately looking birds were sitting side by side. Even from this distance you can make out the striking white heads of the American Bald Eagle.

Here's a better look.......

 

With lots of bragging from our "braveheart" riders and tall tales of how they beat all odds against Mother Nature, we gathered at the table(s). 

 

Here, Judy is telling her heroic adventure to the Mall....... instead of braving the elements!

 

Below, Rose is demonstrating how she had to "shake" Ray to his senses and tell him that he was NOT going to ride today!



 

You've got to love it! When we get into the Winter Garden Pizza Company "Back Room" I don't even have to tell anyone to turn to the camera anymore! Now, all I do is stand up and voila... people turn and smile. I didn't have the heart to tell them that I had to go to the rest room... so I took a picture!

It seemed we took longer than normal to enjoy our meals. Perhaps the good conversations or just that we had to wait longer than we thought for our meals... or perhaps Pete just wanted to be the last one eating!

 

...and that's how our day went!

 

Lilly's barking and scratching my leg. She wants the computer!

Lots to talk about!

Bill, Angela, Pat and I headed to check out the changes to DownTown Disney... and also get an Earl of Sandwich sandwich! We enjoyed our lunch in a nearly empty(of people) Earl of Sandwich! Then we took our usual walk around DTD.

 

Do you notice anything in this picture? Something is missing. 

 

 Did you figure it out? To the right of "Brickly's" neck and the Rainforest Café, see it yet. Cap'n Jack's is gone!

 

We had a most unique show while making our way to Pleasure Island. The four man crew of this work boat was in the middle of the yellow "curtain" and attempted to get out by "goosing" the engines and gliding over the yellow float line of the curtain. They didn't make it. For nearly an hour we watched them fuss with this curtain in a most frustrating losing battle! They finally conquered the yellow beast and the mass of guests (us included) applauded them when they finally went on their way. They were most gracious and gave us a grand smile when they finally headed "out to sea!:

 

 

In other news.....



It was time for our Monthly "Palm Tree Bikers" party. Mother Nature seemed to be on our side... as so we thought! At least we got to enjoy a feast of yummy foods and desserts before the rain chased us under the awnings.

 

This is what the first three photos look like "stitched" together.

Like I said, there was plenty of excellent foods!

Steve managed to get to the shrimp before it was gone!

"Little" Buzz' homemade fudge was sampled before, in between and after the main dishes.

Everyone enjoyed plenty to sample and sample again as the afternoon clouds threatened our party.

Jim and I had all we could do to keep people from digging into the M&M peanuts. It was difficult finding places to hide the bowl. It took the two of us all afternoon to keep moving the bowl!

 

 Dot (below, in the blue top) celebrated her "29th" birthday. Happy birthday Dot!

 

After nearly an hour of food sampling Larry let "The games begin!" Right, that lasted about fifteen minutes thanks to the rain. Many of our forty plus attendees headed for the warmth and dryness of our rigs while a hardy group of us crowded under Jim and Judy's awning. We enjoyed a few more snacks and cheer until the chill got the better of us and we headed for home.

 

The next day our PTBs planned a bike ride to the Van Fleet Trail. The one place we can ride "up hill in both directions!" If you have the opportunity to ride this "bee-line" straight trail you'll know of what we speak when we say you have to peddle constantly in both directions!

Thanks to Pete, we have this photo of our group to show you.

 

After their ride our riders headed to "Gator's" and thanks to Judy we have this photo of our happy group to share.

 

A few of us had another idea and headed to Forth Wilderness. Bill, Angela, Jim, Chris and I wanted a slightly different pace to ride. We rode over eleven miles but our speed was a blistering 7 mph average. Bill and Angela wanted an easy ride because they haven't ridden since last year. Jim and Chris have not ridden for over a year. As for me, I really enjoy the ride through the loops at a slow pace so they made me the "leader!" We enjoyed awesome sandwiches at the "Roaring Fork." Believe it or not, we did not plan to eat at the "Wave!" 

Below, Angela is introduced to "Doug." "Doug" is a Percheron draft horse and he weighs in around 2,000 lbs. According to his handler, the Percheron is very friendly and gentle (around people).

 

We made our way back with a little more saddle and leg soreness than we recall from years past!

 

 

I headed home to take Lilly out. We headed to the back of our house where Lilly loves to romp in the taller grass and check out the retention pond inhabitants. We were treated to a surprise guest. Our resident gator was enjoying the solitude well out of the water as you can see.

Fear not, this photo is enlarged and cropped. We were far enough away yet close enough that we could get a good look at this guy. I tried to walk closer without making any sounds as we stepped. In a few steps he only raised one leg to make his fast get-away. I tried to take a photo of him rushing back into the water. The plan was that I'd get my camera to my eye, then stamp my foot and I'd get a photo of him in his turn toward the water. WRONG! I stamped my foot and by the time I hit the shutter he was gone!

But, it was still fun to get up close to these fascinating creatures..... but not too close!

 

 Lilly just had a bout with a visit to the Vet's to have four of her baby teeth removed. For over two days she began to hyper-salivate and she just wasn't herself. We took her to the Vet and we didn't know what to expect. It turned out to be her teeth and she had to go under anesthesia to have four of her baby teeth removed. As all of you pet lover's know, your hearts go out to your best friends when they can't tell you what's wrong. Pat and Lilly spent the night on the couch and the next day was a better day for Lilly. I'm sure she'll have something to say about this in her blog!

 

 

And now for a fun-foto........

 

A few weeks ago "Little" Buzz celebrated a birthday!

Four of us headed to the Texas Roadhouse.

 

Do you know how the celebrant is honored?

 

Why of course, he gets on a "horse!"

 

 

 

 

 

PTBs Take on Celebration

Judging by our numbers the Palm Tree Bikers are back in full force. We're still missing a couple of members due to their Disney work schedule but I'd say that twenty-five riders is a pretty good turn out. Although, it might have something to do with our lunches! We sat twenty-nine for lunch at the Celebration Town Tavern today. The wait staff set two fifteen seat tables for us and the balmy temperature made for an awesome lunch outside.

Given our large group of riders we've been splitting up into two groups; the fast group, and the slow(er) group. We typically ride one direction in Celebration but today our second (slower) group "cut" a new trail. Actually, its not a "new" trail, rather one less traveled. Pete's group (the fast group) were chomping at the bit and were out of site before our second group decided which direction to take!

Jim took charge of the second group and knowing our usual first stop (The Hospital) is also a good stop for the restrooms, we headed there first. Then we headed for the Eastern area of Celebration that only a handful of our riders had gone before. (Editor's note: Even Jim (our leader) had to "re-calibrate" the route as we did a brief U-turn to get to the right road. It was all worth it.

The homes were so grand that we lost all demeanor and semblance of order. We rode two and three abreast in the streets and our speed slowed to a crawl. We didn't care, we just had to "drink in" all the beautiful and expansive homes. We did stop at a club house for a break and all we could think about were the costs involved to reside in this exclusive residential area.

 

The ride through the streets was quiet and void of just about all traffic. We noticed a handful of women (who we thought were residents) walking and couldn't help but notice how young they all were.

We did take note of this bird of prey who landed on the tree limb of the golf course.

 

We made our way to the Celebration Town Tavern for lunch.

As usual we enjoyed a great lunch but a few of us had an issue with our checks. Some how Big Buzz and Little Buzz' cheeseburgers made it onto a number of our group's checks. It seemed forever to correct the problem. We basically finished lunch just after 1:00p.m. but we didn't leave until 1:45p.m.! Grrrrrrr!!!!

 

Next week we're heading to the Van Fleet Trail. The trail where you ride up hill....both ways!

If you're not familiar with the Van Fleet, its' nearly perfectly level the entire length of our ride.

No coasting here riders!

 

Gotta go, "Lilly" needs the computer!

 

"The Palm Tree Bikers" are back...sort of!

Well, almost! We're still waiting on a couple of members, Bill and Angela, and they should be arriving in a day or two. In any case our ridership is just about topped off. Twenty-five riders, spouses and friends enjoyed the loops of Fort Wilderness and/or a lunch at "The Wave."

 

Pete and Joan are enjoying a cruise so Jim and Judy picked up the reins for a seamless transfer of power and leadership. Judy managed the roster roll-call while Jim provided suggestions so that our group of eighteen riders and seven add-ons for lunch enjoyed the day.

We formed up in front of the registration building and split into two groups; one led by Larry and one by Jim. One group was supposed to be the "fast group" and the other the "slow group." Actually, seeing as we past each other a couple of times, I'd say speed wasn't a big factor for this ride.

 

Here we are "meeting" and "passing" along the loops.

I'm sorry I didn't get a photo of the "Pet Pig" a camping guest was walking about one of the loops. That certainly would have been a "headliner!"

Both Jim and Larry did an awesome job leading our groups. No one ran over us and we didn't run over anybody!

 

I think we can all agree the highlight of the day was our boat ride from the Fort wilderness beach to the Wave. Our Captain, Clark, started us out with a notice that "Gummy Bears" will assure your ride to The Contemporary. That set Judy and Jim into scheming about the ride back.

 

 Ah lunch! On this day, twenty three out of twenty-five attendees ordered the Reuben. Jack and Rose were the two renegades!

Our favorite hostess, Betty was off but Mel and Brian had our tables all decked out and Mel introduced us to their newest Manager, Andrey. It turns out that Larry and Judy know Andrey and we were provided a terrific welcome to lunch.

It took but a couple of minutes to get our group into some semblance of order for the "Official" group photo....

 

Hold it! I think you're going to like this picture.

Then, as we broke up we caught sight of Judy walking to us from The Contemporary. What, she missed our "Official" group photo????

That just can't be....

so we just have to settle for this one.....

She was on a mission. "The Gummy Bear" caper!

Remember, Clark? Well, Judy purchased a bag of "Gummy Bears" as a "ticket" for our return ride with Clark.

 We had our plans outlined as to just how we were going to spring the bag on him. However, he remembered our group and hit us with the "Gummy Bears fee" and this time Judy was at the ready.

She presented him our wayfare and totally caught him off-guard.

 Anyone who rode with us to and from our port of entry and departure had a grand time. Clark was completely caught off guard and everyone had a terrific cruise....even if it did cost Jim and Judy a bag of "Gummy Bears!"

 

 

A trio of Marathoners joined us for our final leg of our boat ride back to the Fort Wilderness Beach. The trio proudly displayed their metals of the event. The one gentleman of the trio had a "Dopey" metal which means he entered all of the events of the weekend.

Judy congratulated them and we all got to learn a little more about the Disney Marathons from a runners point of view. All of you may recall that our very own Judy is also a Disney Marathoner. Stay tuned this year Judy will be running a shorter Marathon with her granddaughter.

 

It's safe to say the 2013-14 "Snowbird" season is well underway.

 

Activities, parks, dining out, you know, all those things we do down here while everyone back home is still thinking all we do is sit on the porch in our rocking chairs waiting for time to pass!