Delayed post - Day 1697 (Year 5, Day 228)

Zephyrhills, FL

This is a delayed post, as I had a wonderful Sunday, one week ago (Feb. 10th).  Work has kept me very busy this past week, and I spent most of today preparing my taxes (once again owing thousands of $), but I am forcing myself to write about it before I totally forget!

The day started out with me and Mitch meeting one of my clients (Ned) who lives in Lithia, about 30 miles south of us.  He's been with me since 2015 and it was wonderful putting the face to the voice (Mitch also did a little IT work for him as well).  We actually met at a Cheesecake Factory in Brandon, about another 10 miles south, as the place he originally suggested in Lithia probably wouldn't have had space to park our monster truck.  Food and conversation was excellent.

One note:  I finally felt like I was in Florida, as there were actual palm trees in the parking lot!!! Up here, 30 miles away, there are only live oaks with Spanish moss.  It was also a t-shirt and flip flop day (mid-February!!).  I can't keep track of what month I'm in.



Afterwards, and the best part of the day, there was a picnic outing at the Lithia Springs State Park for members of the RV-Dreams forum (everyone brought something yummy to eat).  Many of us have met previously at various RV-Dreams rallies, and others have met in the forums and the chat room.  It was really wonderful meeting up with old friends and making new ones (whom I knew from online but never met in person).

  

Cheryl & Cheryl

One exciting outcome from the picnic is that my friend, Dee, was there.  She makes the most adorable crocheted miniatures (mostly cute critters but other stuff as well).  For a long time, I've wanted to figure out how I could sell her stuff.  We had a chance to talk about it, and she agreed to let me be a reseller.  So I am now in the process of getting this new venture off the ground.  Watch for updates!!!

On the job front, Mitch still plugging away at finding work.  He has a few leads to follow up on, but nothing solid yet.  At least he is sticking to a good weekday routine: davening (prayers), job hunting, and puttering (fixing or organizing something), as well as both of us going out at least twice a day for a walk around the campground.

Birds - Day 1684 (Year 5, Day 215)

Zephyrhills, FL

Not much exciting happening except to announce how much wildlife, especially in the form of birds there are here.  About 2 weeks ago I saw a small, stork/heron-like bird in the garden next door, which I later identified as a limpkin (sadly, I wasn't able to get a picture).

Today, a family of 9 ibises slowly marched across the road from me and I was able to get a photo:

In the morning, in addition to the very loud rooster (the imitation sound of "cockadoodle-doo" is extremely accurate!!!), I hear about 5 or 6 different bird calls.  I know one is a chicadee, but I'm still trying to figure out the rest.  And perhaps next time I'm sitting outside, I'll take the binoculars.  I know we also have crows, hawks and owls.