Strawberry Festival

Strawberry Festival in Plant City

Sunday March 6. 2022

Today's High 92 degrees 

I was up just after 6 am, Jim was up at 7ish. I had finished the blog and we had breakfast and left for the SB fest just minutes after 9. 

We took back roads was a really nice drive, went so fast. Plus Bryan called we talked with him, he was talking about meeting up with them in TN beginning of May. He is our friend that has our car now. 

We got a text from Marcia and Jeff where they parked. We arrived and parked close to them in there truck camper. We walked in was $10. to enter. We had our pictures taken.

We then looked for something cool to eat. Found what look like fries, but made with apples. Plain 8.00

Topped with ice cream and berries 15.00

These cops we're cool in there western hats, I asked if I could take there pic first, one  said YES ma'am. Then one said we can take a picture together.

Food vendors everywhere, anything you could imagine or some you would never think of...

There were SO so many vendors and displays and rides and food. 

Someone makes and sells this little old time house replicas, they were decorated with old items you find from the time.. it was houses churches, gas station, etc.

This is a new kind of pink strawberries around about 4 years, never tryed, they are pretty, Jim said should have given samples 

We shared almost everything. So we could try more. Jeff had gotten strawberry fritters.

The guys got a cheesesteak and sausage sandwich and split it so they could try both. We each had a chicken burrito bowl.  Then we looked for strawberry shortcake. The one you make your own we saw earlier they talked about on the news along with the apple fries, when they talked about the fest. Till we were ready, the line was a mile long. We found another place selling them. Biscuit or cake 5. Each

Plus place to sit in the shade.

Marcia and I found something we each bought. Talk about that later.

We worked our way towards the trucks. We bought a flat of SB to share on the way out. By now was HOT. Especially in the sun.

Stopped at there truck cut the flat in half, shared a soda with them. They were heading to PR too, but had a few stops first. We left at 2:30 to head back home.

Also nice drive, was so fun there and hanging out with them. Always wanted to go every year.. So glad we went.

 Stopped for diesel on the way home. First place it stopped at  $75.00. At 4.44 a gal.. Wouldn't let him restart it to fill tank. Went somewhere else to top it off, 6 more gallons at 4.54 a gal. 

We arrived home sat a bit. Dumped our black tanks in preparation to move Tuesday.  We had leftovers I showed yesterday for dinner. Took a golf cart ride, tryed to take trash to  dumpster, was so full will wait till tomorrow.

Texted with Marcia find out what site the got, and made plans for tomorrow.

Took showers and reflected on what a great day we had.

Happy birthday to my Brother's

Happy birthday to my Brother's 

Saturday March 5, 2022

Today's high 90 degrees 

Today is both of my Brother's birthday, David and Drew, they are born on the same day, 2 years apart.

This morning I was up way before Jim, turned coffee on. When he got up we got ready to go up to the Meeting house they call it, today is the pancake breakfast and craft sale.

Jim packed up the golf cart with my bags I make and a few kitchen items that I wanted to get rid of. I ate my oatmeal first.. We arrived up there  just after 9 am. Jim carried my stuff in. Then he had his pancakes, now he is a happy camper. 

I sat everything up. The room was full when we got there.. sold a few things and I even cut and strung a large ball, ready to start  crouching. Chatted a bit with the lady next to me. Alot of the same ladies go to sell that I craft with during the week..Here one lady did card, Betty one did chick, SO cute. 

 Here is my table and a few others.

Pancake breakfast is going on in background to the right

I started to pack up at 11:30. Texted Jim and he came up. His project for the morning was reattaching the window box above the bed was loose and hanging way down. They back window clip had to get screwed back in too. 

We got back to the RV after we took the long ride home. I put stuff away he put the box with my bags away that goes outside in the trunk. And the kitchen stuff don't want back in here, he put in truck to get rid of.

We ate leftover pizza from yesterday. Then we left to go to K and J meat store in Arcadia. Jim hates to go in, but he did, most this meat, the beef  is his but the chicken, well he will eat that too. We bought alot vegetables too, but got 2 huge packs chicken thighs and 1 pack chicken breasts. 4 new York strip steaks, 3 lbs ground sirloin, pack cooked Shrimp and, frozen catfish. Was probably more that's all I can think of. Total was 133.32, not to bad.

Then  we packed it on ice packs. I also wanted to go to Wal-Mart quick. I wanted yarn, frozen yogurt and a few groceries things. He wanted to do WM first because would be easier to drive to them in that order. I said the fro yo would melt.. So to turn around to go over to Wal-Mart we went past a drive up Goodwill and I dropped off my little bag of kitchen stuff. You can see most of the items above in picture. Oval metal tray, Pepsi cups, ice cream scoop, 3 small kid Tupperware cups, glass, CO mug. Stack corolla bowls. 

After we found everything we wanted in WM, we didn't stay long. We headed back. It is a nice drive.

Till we got everything in. Then I repackaged all the meat. That took long.. I  mainly cut the chicken packs in half long ways. So they had 4 or 5 thighs in, and would be flat enough to then thaw out in my meat draw in the fridge. Packed the steaks in singles, made 10 beef patties with the burger. 

Filled the freezer up out front. 

Then I had a little cabbage left and used one and half of grilled turkey burgers onions and tomato soup in IP, made me a casserole, Jim hates it. Then got my second IP liner and made plain spaghetti noodles and a cheese sauce mixed it together.  Tomorrow I will put leftover pasta with some shrimp, for when we get home.  Jim grilled some zucchini and boneless pork ribs we got today and oh yea put a pack sweet Italian sausage in this freezer too. Here picture of our leftovers. 

We ate I washed dishes we had our frozen yogurt dessert. Then we took a golf cart ride. 

We watched TV  hockey was on. Yea they actually won one. I took a shower we went to bed around 10.

Lunch and a Wild Ride with Friends

Lunch and a Wild Ride with Friends 

Friday March 4, 2022

Our wild ride later in the Day Steve and Katrina 

This morning I was up just after 7. I finally went up at  almost 9:30 to see if he was ever getting up. I started a load of clothes. I had breakfast right when he got up. He had cereal and took a shower after I did. I went up to pay Nan for the thing she made me to send to my MIL. This lady Cindy Richelle paints. One she just  did of someone's house. 

I walked up and got to see everyone. 

When I walked back Steve said they were here. Jim went up in the golf cart to meet them. We went over to Giovanni's Italian restaurant for lunch. We had a nice chat, so fun to Crack  Katrina  up. So fun to hear her laugh. Here they are.

Then the waiter brought the pizza and dropped one right in the middle of the table.

Then we came back to our FW went for our wild ride, picture above. She just cracked up, thought we probably looked like the Flintstone. We went inside to visit, was Hot outside. They left after 4. Wanted to go do a few things,but  to late for Jim. 

We took a ride together. I was heating up dinner in the microwave and the fuse blew. So he ate then changed it. 

We watched TV before bed. I finished my 3 loads for the day. Have early day tomorrow.

Hot Pioneer Day's

Hot Pioneer Day's 

Thursday March 3, 2022

I stayed up really late last night, but still got up just after 7. Wasn't as cool this am, but I did put the fireplace on for a short time. Turned coffee on waited till Jim got up. I watched the news. Going to be another hot one. I made us a good size hearty breakfast. Chilled for a bit. Jim was out trying to repair a couple of our new 20.00 chairs we got at Sam's Club. 

We went across the road just down a bit is Pioneer Park. Where they have Pioneer Day's, we went for the first time last year, the hit and miss engines are really cool. It was 5.00 to park and 5.00 each to go in. We walked around, but alot was in sun it just wiped us out. We didn't stay that long, probably barely 2 hours. Got a bottle of water and a sugar free Lemonade. Jim was really sweating. We got back to truck. Went home only about half mile away.

I Called this a Mary Kay Tractor 

Really old clothes washers. 

   Oil lamps, some were on.

Really old kitchen items

We both took showers right away. Jim went first,, while I was waiting my turn, Eric and Ann our new Switch Crew Friends said they were going over if we wanted to join them.. OMG, NO way,, I said we just got home.. had a snack and relaxed for a bit to get energy back. Jim actually fell asleep for awhile.

I told Jim he had to call or text Steve and tell him we made a huge error in judgment. That we need a plan B. We made plans to go back over to Pioneer Day's with them tomorrow. I don't know what I was thinking, when I thought it would be a good idea to scope it out today, see where would be a good place to eat something over there. Last year, just wasn't that hot like it was today.

So he changed our plans with them tomorrow, if they want to go over and check it out, before they leave thats fine, they are younger then us.. we just can't do it again and tomorrow is supposed to be even hotter then today. 

Later he grilled burgers and a few extra for tomorrow.

We took golf cart ride after we ate. Stopped by and talked with Eric and Ann they were packing up. They are  Moving on tomorrow. We will see them in Texas. And they think they found a place to buy a Cricket when they get home. We talked about the Pioneer Day's how hot and dusty and dirty it was over there. And some of  the cool things they saw.  Had to put our lights on for the way home. 

We got home I washed dishes and we watched Hockey game before bed, I'm pooped out now.

Feeling Very Zen, and Relaxed

Feeling Very Zen, and Relaxed Day

Wednesday March 2, 2022

I was awake before 7 then heard cats outside the bedroom window fighting. We both heard it, I'm really awake now, so I got up. Jim went back to sleep. I put the coffee on opened the blinds. I put the fire place on, was quite a chilly morning,  temperature was 64 downstairs. Jim had the little heater running up in our bathroom since 3 am.

I watched the news and weather. This was the report for today.

Jim was up much later. We had breakfast right before 10. Together we closed the book on February to see where we were moving forward financially. Hard to believe that it is March already.

I got ready and went up to the crafting ladies. Betty still doesn't have the card ready or forgot it I don't know. I said Betty I know where you live, I guess that I'm going to have to come after you, LOL. Mo said Bonnie Denton would be coming to visit for a week on the day we leave. 

I went home after noon. We sat outside a bit. Went for golf cart ride. 

Just had a very relaxing feeling for today, very Zen.

I changed the polish on my nails and toes.

Later Jim grilled chicken and I got a new York strip steak out of the freezer for him. Also applesauce, more soup, and meatloaf slice. I put new potatoes in the IP for him, I had a burrito bowl. 

Later he washed the dishes. 

Was a beautiful day, high 82 degrees.

New Switch Crew Friends

New Switch Crew Friends 

Tuesday March 1, 2022

I was up just after Jim this morning. We had coffee and watched the news. I worked  a lonnng time on the Blog. About 10:15 Jim was past being ready for breakfast. He put bite size hash browns in the air fryer. And put bacon in the microwave. I made us both some camper pancakes, just cream corn in the batter, like a corn fritter. I also made him a couple of eggs. Then we got ready and walked through the jungle again. We also walked the campground too. We were out over an hour. We sat outside for a while when we got back. 

We have been trying to meet some Switch Crew, they saw me talking about the Berkey on fb from the other day and knew we were here, because they saw it for sale. They don't have there flag yet. 

So I  said something back to her on fb. She found my card we stuck on there RV steps. So while we were out they stopped by in there jeep. We sat out and talked for over 4 hours. Was so fun they are from South Carolina. Eric and Ann Nettles.

We talked about the Huddle in Texas said they we're not going. BUT before they left they had signed up. And made reservations at the campground, we will be 2 sites apart. They left after 4 and had to go to the store. We went in had our Lundin lunch dinner combo. Watched the news and then thought we should take our ride now before it got to late. We stopped over with them, they are in the site we had last time we were here,, before the lotto and we got our FHU site.. He really wants a golf cart like ours. He broke his back awhile ago 4 wheeling and didn't know for almost a year. Never went to a doctor, and they were EMT's too. He needs one doesn't walk well, he is lucky he even can. We cost them alot of money today. Lol He will probably have a golf cart by the Huddle. 

We took them for a ride on the golf cart, now they really like it. We chatted for a bit, met there neighbors behind them. We headed back was dark by now.

I took a shower watched dishes then Jim put hockey on and took a shower too. 

Great day with new friends. 

Big Red Bus

Big Red Bus

Monday February 28, 2022

This am woke up just after 5 am a stink bug attacked me. I got up  before 530.

I made coffee and when Jim was up much later we had breakfast right before 10. 

Then just after 10 I went up in the golf cart to craft with the ladies. 

Then I went over to sign up to donate blood. I got an appointment for 1215. I went back to the craft room with the ladies. They we're doing an advanced craft at 1, I wanted to go to after donating. It took probably over an hour in the bus till I was finished, way after 1. The bus was so unlevel I kept sliding off the seat in the back when she took my BP. Lol 

I took a pack of chocolate chip cookies and left and went back to the craft room, they we're painting a little leprechaun I wasn't interested in doing that. So decided to go back to the RV.

While I was gone Jim was doing our taxes. The guy we were using died. We found out they on longer we're doing it. Years ago my Dad was going to his  Dad. Was a family business, so sad, he was so young. We used to mail him everything and then get refund check in our account. I  was going to text Jim I didn't think I would be that long, but I didn't want to interrupt his flow. SO when I returned he was not to happy, it was not as easy as he hoped. They kept thinking he was doing a  business account. 

I made taco soup. Went out to freezer to put 2 my minestrone soup in  and get somethings out. When I came in. Jim was just about finished I had to help him find something. I felt wiped out. I had to sit a minute and eat something. Did to much after donating. I  ate one of the two cookies I had from the bus. Then felt better. But later my shoulder hurt from donating holding my arm up so high on the arm rest, hurts my right shoulder. 

Then we got ready to go to bealls. This is all the goodies we found. 

He found 2 pair shorts. Trimmer, I found Jean Capri pants, long dark blue pair, purse, and insulated glasses, sneakers too.

A lady in parking lot approached us trying to get money she needed to buy growth hormones pills for her child that is over 800.00 a month and she only had 4 pills left. I said how unfortunate , we went through that too, with my pills but, Just never know if people's intentions are legit.

Then we went into Winn-Dixie booze store. Jim said he needed beer after doing the taxes. Guess at one point he wanted to pull his hair out, he was so frustrated, NO not all that pretty long hair, LOL. We even found 2 huge bottles of my new favorite drink now.

Then we headed back to CG, and decided to turn around at the entrance to go back to the Main Scoop to get there smoked pork meals. Jim had ribs, dirty rice ranch potatoes I had pulled pork the potatoes too and green beans. Also more strawberries. These are the 2 meals. 

We only ate half of each saving one for tomorrow.

I wanted to go in pool. I changed into a swim suit, I found  had an itch and rash. That after thinking must be from the stink bug this am.. I took golf cart up. He stayed here and took a shower. I went over to pool, but 3 kids were in and was cold. I put my feet in, but decided to not go in. I went in bath to change. Then went to sit on porch swing awhile. I knew Jim wouldn't want to.

I  retured home we took a golf cart ride. We saw the  lady looking for money in the parking lot, Jim didn't think it was her BUT it Was, I'm way more observant about that then he is.

 Then we passed this MH that had a fire last night. The activity lady told us at crafts. The guy took his dog went to Wal-Mart for half an hour and returned to it with fire department there. We never heard them. The fire Was in the front. The fire department was trying to find out how it started,, they said did you have a candle burning. Yep all started with a candle. I didn't want to take a picture of there misfortune but we did get good look at it. 

Saw this sunset on the way home. 

We watched TV. I had my drink. We still had mini bottles of the drinks we got. So I has a MudSlide I like to add a little more coffee and Skim milk, and ice, I even had more coffee ice cubes left to add. Makes it larger and not so strong. 

I was so tired from my drink and the early busy day I had. Went to bed at 9. Jim prepped the coffee.