Our New Neighbors

We’ve settled in northern Florida for who knows how long. The sun is streaming in the windows as I write and we are relatively pleased with the Internet speed, so that will do us for now.  Our spot here at the Sumter Oaks RV Park in Bushnell is reasonably priced, off-the-beaten-path, situated on the back row where we prefer and the neighbors are nice.  What more could we ask?!

Speaking of neighbors, let me introduce them.  Each day we hear the trumpeting of three feathered friends. This Sandhill crane family comes for the vittles. I believe it’s the same mated pair that we have seen in past winters when we stopped at this Escapees’ park.  But now, they have a juvenile that is growing rapidly and will probably by next season have his own mate.  The humans that live in back of us are trained to bring out the bird food as soon as they see mom and dad and junior approaching every day.  In my photo they are just outside our door as they were exiting after a yummy meal. The youngster is displaying the happy courting dance that he is perfecting. Should be quite attractive to the ladies.   Don’t you think?

Also very friendly are the precious-looking donkeys and their buddy who live next door to the park.   While out for a walk the other evening I just happened to have my camera.  Apparently :), these animals are very accustomed to attention.  As soon as they caught sight of me they came meandering over. As might be expected in this type of gathering, there was one pushy fella that had to be in front when I tried to get a pic of the adorable little one.  But, I persisted.

I’d been at the fence talking with these guys for a while when I heard a snorting sound.  Yes, there’s one little piggy who lives here too. Don’t know my pig species, but this long- haired orange and black creature seemed different somehow.  Anyone out there who knows what kind of pig this is?  Or maybe he’s not unusual.  I’m very uninformed on pigs. That’s for sure. Anyway, he thought he might be missing a treat and came to check me out. Disappointment.  I didn’t bring goodies.

But how about other types of neighbors that speak English?  We learned via email that friends of ours are volunteering at the nearby Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, where the endangered West Indian Manatees (see first photo in this post) migrate to the warm waters this time of year.  The refuge is only about 40 miles west of us, so we visited Bonnie and Joe the other day.  We met a few years ago at the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico when we were all donating our time to help with the refuge’s bird habitat preservation.  Haven’t had the opportunity to cross paths in a couple of years. Two hours at lunch over a few beers and a super hamburger at Cody’s in Crystal River and we were somewhat caught up on all of our lives.  Then they introduced us to the folks at the refuge while we had a pleasant look around the visitors center where they are volunteering three days a week. We learned that the manatee is declared by scientists to have evolved from the elephant.  Not surprising considering the humongous gray creature that can reach 13 feet long and over 3,000 lbs. If you’d like to get more info on manatees, here’s a link.

We didn’t spend a great deal of time outside since a cold snap that destroyed a great deal of Florida citrus crops was passing through that day. Lots of sun, but cooler than normal temps. As far as activities, we weren’t in the market for a touristy event that day.  But, from past experience I know that it is sure fascinating to see those underwater swimming elephants that one can watch in abundance at the local Crystal River State Refuge. This was a different type of visit.  After the quick tour of the town, we spent a few more hours at Joe and Bonnie’s motorhome meeting their new kitty, Shadow, and doing what we do well, talking.  As you know, we are experiencing our first Apple technology with the iPad.  These friends happen to have an impressive Apple setup that they use extensively and happily for communication, movies, photos, music and whatever. Sooooo, we proceeded to pick their brains about MacBooks, MacAirs, Mac minis, software and setups and on an on.  Of course, there were several other humorous and stimulating topics of conversation….Good to see you Joe and Bonnnie.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!  Talk to you later.

Merry Christmas To All

We wish everyone a very special Christmas.   I was thinking that this is the time of year when we find ourselves reflecting back on past holidays and remembering all kinds of good times.  Well, in relations to that, I was just looking around at some Christmas music on YouTube and I came across this one that takes you a few decades back.   I thought it might give you a smile or two.    If you’d like to take a short journey, click on the following words: Christmas Past

Enjoy.  Be safe.  Talk to you later.

Time to Melt Our Icicles

Brrrrrrr.  Bring on the above-freezing temperatures!  We are heading south now, leaving the ice and snow behind.  When the snow began piling up and icicles forming all around  Ferd in early December, we really thought it would warm up a little and melt.  But that didn’t happen this time.  Those temperatures in the teens kept us busy trying to keep things unfrozen.  So, we had some early Christmas celebrations and made plans to make our exit when the snowstorms took a break.  We are now seeking out the sixties south of Indiana. 

 

 

 

 

This time, departing was more of an adventure than usual. Tim helped Jerry unthaw the locks on our bay doors and on the hitch so that we could store everything and hookup the Jeep.  Jamie sent us off with fresh Christmas cookies.  Thanks so much kids for the “warm” sendoff.  We don’t even have a definite destination, but so far Florida is looking good.

Stay safe.  See you down the road.

Creative Christmas Crew

This  time of year brings out the imaginative and creative side of some of us. I (Nancy) have the pleasure of a close relationship with one Creative Christmas Crew.  For the last five years my daughter, Krissy, and her two good friends, Lisa and Darrell, have created a Christmas box  for family and friends filled with their homemade baked, pickled and/or roasted treats.  The boxes themselves are painted, decorated, stamped or wrapped with a different festive theme annually.  (The photo to the right is the stamp Krissy designed this year.) The crew begins the planning early to select the right combination of six or seven recipes; some repeats, some new ones each time.  Speaking as a recipient, the final product is fantastic.  

The other day I stopped by while the trio had their first cooking and painting session for this year’s Christmas creation.  We are usually traveling in warmer climates by the time they get into their actual production stages. So this was especially fun for me. It turns out that these sessions are a celebration of their own. We had a spread of delicious  munchies and libations to keep up our strength during the process. While the kids baked  cookies, shortbread and spiced nuts, I helped consume the Beaujolais and bacon jam, Darrell’s latest recipe.  Trust me! Bacon jam is really tasty on a cracker with brie.  Also, Krissy recreated some “spicy feta” that we all love at a local Greek restaurant.  In fact, I think her’s was a little better.  Lo and behold,  I had discovered the party going on in these afternoon “work”  sessions. 

Being in the middle of this was a treat for me. First, I had the fortunate job of supervising and sampling.  And… I had a front row seat as three of my favorite people enjoyed creating their gifts. I’m glad I could be a part of the celebration.  Thanks kids, for letting me share.

Stay safe and healthy. Talk to you later.

Holiday Mail for Heroes

We are extending our visit in Indianapolis for a little longer to take care of more medical appointments and such.  There’s a silver lining in that change of plans, --  these times with friends and family in Indy are always good for the soul. And, of course, we were sure there was still plenty of time before the snow and temperatures in the teens arrive, right?….oh no, here they are.  It hit us three days ago, first snow, then the plunging temps. Apparently, this cold snap is tormenting most of the country.  Oh well, we have the heaters cranked up and the cabinet doors open and are crossing our fingers.  So far everything is fine.   Actually, we have a beautiful scene out our picture window.  This is an appropriate time for me to start writing our Christmas letter.  As I got involved in looking over the past year and digging out the address list on the computer, somehow I ended up at YouTube watching these videos on “Holiday Mail for Heroes.” Don’t even remember how that happened.  But anyway, it struck me that I should be sure to include a few of our heroes on my list. And before I knew it, I’d decided to pass along the tributes and information here on Hurley Travels.  I can’t imagine any one of the troops who doesn’t deserve our thanks and good wishes.  Below are some links to videos that are sure to get your attention, if not a few tears.

Thank You Soldiers

Holiday Mail for Heroes

And here’s some more information from the Pitney Bowes site (www.pb.com) on participating in the program.

Dec 6, 2010
Remember to Send "Holiday Mail for Heroes" Greetings to U.S. Military Members, Veterans and their Families by December 10

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WASHINGTON, December 06, 2010 - For the fourth year in a row, Pitney Bowes Inc. (NYSE: PBI) and the American Red Cross are collecting cards from the public to distribute to U.S. military service members, veterans, and their families across the country and abroad this holiday season. However, the December 10 deadline for cards is approaching fast.

“During the past three years, Americans helped send three million cards to our service members and veterans through Holiday Mail for Heroes, and we are expecting another high volume of cards this year due to positive response,” said Vicki O’Meara, executive vice president and president of Pitney Bowes Management Services. “To help make sure there is enough time to process, sort and deliver cards before the holidays, we are encouraging the public to send their greetings for the campaign by December 10.”

“There are currently 1.4 million active duty service members, and tens of thousands of will find themselves away from home during this holiday season,” said Sherri Brown, senior vice president of Service to the Armed Forces at the American Red Cross. “Through Holiday Mail for Heroes, Americans can help send a touch of home to our men and women in uniform, their families and many of our nation’s 24 million veterans.”

To participate in the campaign, the public can send holiday cards with personal messages to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes

P.O. Box 5456

Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456