A Good Rainy Day

Today I woke up to rain and it sounds great on the trailer. Despite the ideal sleeping weather. I was up with the dawn today and off to Sarasota to the bead shop I was going to work at picking up my sample. Then to Michael's to get a woodburning kit to make a sign for Nellie. That's my next project. After that I went to a few yard sales with Jan and made my way back here. I found out from Stephanie that the shop where I might work was checking my references today so that's a good sign. I'm excited about that! Used my oven for the first time to make my usual Friday night pizza and it works great. By the way, member I told you that someone blows a trumpet at 4:30 for the start of cocktail hour. Well it's not a trumpet, it's a conch shell. I'm telling the truth! Everyone gathers around in clusters and has a drink and talks about their day. It's pretty cool. I'm meeting a lot of nice people here from all over North America. This experience is so great; it's almost like when I was boating, same idea, lots of cool people with a good outlook on life enjoying good weather and friends. That's what it's all about right? Anyway, I'm really happy, even when it rains. Love ya!

Never a Dull Moment!

Sorry I haven't written in a while, been waiting for the weather to warm up and it has. After the 30 degree morning I was a little discouraged with no heat but then it warms up so it's OK. Last night was almost 60 degrees and it was 80 yesterday so I went to the beach. Sun was hot and the water was 61 degrees so it was a little nippy but I went in 8 times to cool down. Been busy. The jewelry teaching job fell through last week so that was a bit of a disappointment. Then if I can be so candid, my toilet backed up for 2 days, thank God there was no smell. Got that fixed and am enjoying having that back. Then some good news. I had brought my resume into a nice dress shop in town in early January. They called and they have a 12 hour a week position doing stock and merchandising so I have an interview today, wish me luck. Also going on a bike ride with the camp today down by the waterfront. We ride for an hour and a half and then have a picnic on the beach. Supposed to be 78 today so it will be nice. I've got lots of visitors coming and room for more. Carol Adkins, Michele Marquis and Diane Rodriguez are all coming down in February and March. Couple more potentials. It's great down here. I'm so glad I made this move; it's the best thing I've ever done for myself. Living in an rv is like camping but much better with restrooms and running water and comfy beds. The people here are very nice and it's quiet til 10:00 in the morning so I've been sleeping til 7, 7:30 which I never do at home.

Just wanted to let you all know I'm still here and thriving despite a few bumps. Will get some pictures at the beach today and upload them. Love you all!

brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

OK, it was 29 degrees this morning! Here's some pictures of the frost on my bike seat and on my car with a little message.

I don't have heat in the trailer so needless to say it was a little nippy. I was pretty good in my sleeping bag but early this morning I was hurting. I found an electric blanket on board and that's going on tonight! It's supposed to be in the 30s again and then the warming trend comes in over the weekend and next week. I know I shouldn't complain with all that is going on up there. Let's just say I have new empathy for people who can't afford heat and the homeless.

I refused to scrape my car in Florida so I let the defroster do it's trick. Went to Target for a chai from Starbucks and a little bit of shopping for the exterior of the trailer. Plus it's warm in there! Bought some royal blue fabric and white ric rac and made a nice tablecloth for my table seen here.

Sat out in the sun if you can believe it by the afternoon. That's how quick it warmed up and the sun was very hot. Go figure. Bracing for another cold night!

No photo today but big news. I've hooked up my potty and don't have to go across the way anymore!!! I know it sounds like a little thing but when it's 36 degrees like tonight, that is a blessing. We're still working on the hot water so I can take a shower on board. I don't mind doing that across the way cuz the water is really hot and you can spread out. I never thought I'd be sending out an announcement like this, but you have to relish the conveniences! Today I brought my bracelet sample up to Sarasota and they liked it so that was good. Also sat out in the sun for a while, it was sunny but in the 50s (I'm not complaining). Looked into some more decorative stuff for the patio, bought some royal blue fabric to make a table cloth with white ric rac on it. Also sewed a valance for my kitchen window today. Still on the hunt for a 10-hour a week job in retail. Most of the businesses are slow so it's a little tough going but I haven't given up. Oh, we watched the inauguration yesterday and I bought cake to celebrate. What a great moment for our country!
Well, I'll leave you now. Thanks for tuning in!

My Neighbors!

I've been spending a lot of time with my neighbors from Vermont, Curt and Jan and their wonderful dog Radar. I thought you'd like to see a picture of them I took tonight. They're really wonderful people and I feel like I've known them a lot longer than two weeks. I really lucked out in the neighbor department. The neighbors on the other side are from W. Warwick, Rhode Island so I'm in good company all around. Today was about 70 so I went to the beach to chill and chill I did so I came home after a mandatory visit to WalMart. Anyway, had a good day and fun with my new friends. Hope you all are managing to stay warm up there. Miss you much.

Gone Vintage!

Right now I'm listening to the music of the 50s on my built in radio. Last night I was sitting on the love seat and there was a compartment in the wall so I opened it. Inside was an am fm radio that pipes out of speakers in both ends of the trailer! Too cool! So I'm living the whole thing, trailer and all. Vintage all the way.

I scored this vintage tunic today for $2 at a Community yard sale. Got quite a few things, vintage ice bucket, picnic accessories you name it. We had fun. I'm pretty wiped out but wanted to log something on today. I've been here two weeks and I've really gotten around. Doing errands for the trailer, looking and getting a job, socializing etc. I really love this park, it's so quiet and well run.

Today was cold (I know it's all relative!) in the morning; about 40 and then it warmed up to 70 with a strong sun. I started some herbs on the picnic table and planted them up today.

Basically, I'm loving life. I miss everyone but I'm glad I made this move. It's been a good decision thus far. Well, gonna go but love you all. Stay warm.

Got a Job!

I landed a job teaching jewelry classes at an upscale bead store in Sarasota. It's every two weeks but I'm excited to teach again. Will likely start volunteering at one of the thrift stores to get some structure to my week. I'm going to be teaching an intro class, a triple strand bracelet which I taught at JoAnn Fabrics. Anyway I'm psyched.

It's in the 40s at night this week which is cold for here. Nothing like what you're having. Going to be in the high 60s for the next week and in the 40s at night. Thank God I brought my sleeping bag. It's really toasty plus I'm bundled up like a babushka!

Went to Italian pot luck last night. Met some new people which was fun. There are people hear from Ohio, Indiana, North Caroline, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont among others. Nice people. My next door neighbor on the other side from Jan and Curt is from West Warwick, RI!

Everyone is very nice and all happy to be in Florida. The food was outstanding. Tonight is the chicken barbecue so I'm having no problem eating well! Well, gonna get moving. Miss you all and hope the weather up there gets better sometime soon. Love ya!

Well, it's a cold Wednesday morning, cold for here. I saw your weather; just brutal. Going to be a chilly week. I'm headed to Sarasota today to meet with a bead store about teaching classes. Have all my samples ready to go so wish me luck. Inquired at a couple of thrift shops yesterday and they all are volunteer primarily. Still pushing for something though.

I did manage to hit the dollar rack at one store and scored a tibi skirt for 50 cents that had a $50 Leohmanns tag on it. Score! Also hit a second hand store and got this adorable collapsible cafe table and chairs for my outside. It's stenciled so I'll likely paint it blue to match the awnings on the trailer. It's fun getting second hand stuff for Nellie. I also got her a 1976 cloth kitchen calendar, the year she was born for $1. Going to put it up on the wall. Anyway, tonight is Italian Pot Luck night. I'm bring a mozzarella, tomato and basil salad. Bought basil and rosemary plants for outside yesterday. Starting to take form out there. Well, gotta get moving. Hope you're enjoying the blog. Miss you all!

Flower Power!

Hi everyone. It's Tuesday morning and it's a rainy day. I looked you up on the weather site and it's damn cold up there. Hang in there, spring is coming. Yesterday was another errand day, got all the utensils for the kitchen at the dollar store and got Tyler some more birthday presents (Tyler I hope you are reading this). Also got my flower power door mat; wanted you to see it. It's made out of recycled rubber. Trying to go green down here. Bought green cleaning agents, no smell or toxins. In a small space, the no smell is a good thing. Went next door and watched Poseidon Adventure last night; good movie. Curt baked an apple pie so we had a little of that. For the most part I'm sticking to my Body for Life eating plan and exercising a lot. Feeling pretty good. Went on monster yesterday looking for jobs. If I want to be a phlebotomist, I'm all set. Going to head to some of the thrift shops today and see if they have any paid jobs. Also ask at the office here, several people with trailers work for the camp. We'll see.

Also grocery shopping today. The produce down here is cheap and good so that will keep me eating healthy. Wednesday night is Italian pot luck night and Thursday night is the chicken barbecue so I'll get to meet some more people. I met a lovely woman in the laundry room; she's two trailers away and was planting an herb container garden yesterday. I think I'll plant some basil at least. It's really cool to ride around the camp and see how people have decorated their awnings and outside living area. Some of the campers have a cut out where a TV goes so they can watch TV outside. It's all pretty cool. Well, I've rambled on long enought. Stay warm and keep those comments coming. All for now.

Organization 101!

It's a lazy Sunday at the campgrounds. I was ambitious though doing two loads of laundry first thing this morning, then going to the pool. It was almost 80 today but the pool water is refreshing. Went on the nature trails afterwards; it's so preserved you feel like you are in another time. I'll take my camera next time and get some pics. Today I also cleaned out the kitchen and unpacked all my vintage kitchen items and got the organized. Still have a lot of work to do to get settled but I'm getting there. I don't feel the panic to get everything in cuz I'll be here a while. So the pace is good. As you can see from the picture. My living room is full of stuff since I'm still cleaning out cupboards and finding out where things go. It' really like being on a plane with overhead compartments and underneath storage. My first guest Carol Adkins, is arriving February 5th so I've got a couple of weeks to get it right. Anyway, I thought I'd let you see the real thing. Life in a trailer. You gotta love it! I do. All for now.

My Nightlight!

Well I got the camera working and here's a picture of me, taken by me, of the nightlight Jan gave me for going to the john at night. People have seen me with and they think I'm nuts but it's great light and your hands are free. Between the old trailer and the night light I'm making quite an impression. Never made it to the beach today, went to the pool instead. The 4:30 trumpet just sounded; it's officially happy hour at Camp Venice Retreat. Last night one group of campers were singing songs from the 80s and having a good old time. It's a very social place. Well here's my funny photo. All for now.There's one on my bike too! See ya!

Well it's early Friday morning and I'm up with the dawn. Heard from a lot of you over the last few days--that's been great! Today I'm going down to the beach; it's supposed to be 75 with a light breeze. Water is still cold but I'm not complaining. Had an oil change yesterday so my car is in synch after the long trip down here. Signed up for the Italian pot luck night and the barbecue next week. There's an antique show that I want to check out on Sunday and I need to do some more cleaning out of cabinets and unpacking my stuff. Included a picture of me so you won't forget what I look like. Been doing exercises on my mat outside the trailer every morning. Little nippy but I'm dressed for it. It's been in the 50s and high 40s at night so it doesn't warm up til the sun is over the trees around 9 or 10. I really like the campground; it's clean, well run, and has everything I want. I still can't believe I'm doing this but it feels like I've always been here in Nellie. Well I'm gonna take a goofy picture of me in the morning-Ugh! So much for the picture. My camera locked up. Let's see what else I have in the archives. It's not working so no pics for now. Talk to you later.

Checkin Out the Neighborhood and Visitors!

Had an errand day today. My appointment for jewelry teaching got postponed til next week so I ran errands. I wanted to give you some feel for the neighborhood. It's really pretty with low hanging trees over the river (blow that picture up so you can see by clicking on it) also the proximity of the trailers to one another. There's ample room to have a nice seating area next to your trailer and they provide a picnic table too. I'm on the hunt for a collapsible table and chairs that I can store in the trailer in the off season. Also a market umbrella since I'm not planning on fixing the awning this year.

And the big news is that Michele Dylan and Steve are coming February vacation for a couple of days. Yahoo!!! Dylan is the proud winner of the bike naming contest, her name is Emma. Nellie and Emma. I had a lovely Aunt Emma who was always smiling and when I look at my bike I smile so it all fits. Thanks Dylan!

Signing off for now. Heard the weather was icy up those parts. Be safe.

Love,

Nellie and me

Pounding the Pavement!

Spent today walking shopping district with resumes and a pen. Went into the nice shops, have a solid lead for a 10 hour a week job next month at a high end clothing store. Also a home accessories store might be interested in me. I walked into stores and said I'm shopping and looking for a job" Some people appreciated the humor. Anyway when I got back I called some bead shops in Sarasota and I have an appointment to show my samples tomorrow at 12:00 so we'll see what that yields. It was an upbeat day although I have no photos to post tonight. Watched an old Doris Day movie I bought at a thrift shop call The Glass Bottomed Boat" I recommend it; Doris Day is suspected of being a spy; it's very good with a great cast. Anyway, it's time to sign off. I've been getting a lot of comments from you guys--thanks for the positive feedback and all of your encouraging comments. I feel connected to you when I hear from you!

Free Wheelin!!!

I found the most fantastic bike today--an 80s Schwinn three speed. It looks great with the cool basket aileen gave me for the front. I spotted a Schwinn store and pulled in and there she was. I rode her around for 10 minutes and did the deal. She looks great doesn't she; rides like a charm. Looks good next to the trailer. That was today's excitement. Jan and I hit a few thrift stores; got some great vintage stuff for Nellie. Why don't you guys help me name my bike. I'd like suggestions. Signing off for now.

It's afternoon. I spent the morning looking for a job.
Went to seven places, one good lead. Went to the pool for a while with Jan. It was crowded today. Felt good though. Here's some more pics I thought you'd like to see. Stay tuned.

Whew, I made it!

Well, I made it to Florida, flight was bumpy and I was just happy to get out of the cold! Arrived on time, secured my car at the airport (thank you Larry) and I was on my way to Venice. An hour and twenty minutes later I was at Nellie. She looked so proud and shorter than I remember, surrounded by luxury campers most the size of buses. I went inside and there was stuff strewn all about so I got a little bummed at and decided to call it a day and go to Motel 6 and check in for the night.

I did and then said, gotta be on the beach for the sunset. Went directly to Sharkey's on the Pier and had a pina colada and portobello mushroom wrap. Things were looking up. I was up at 5:00 to a breakfast spot by 6:00 and at Walgreens at 7:00 getting cleaning supplies. I was at Nellie at 7:30 and immediately got her a little more organized and cleaned. My new neighbor Jan came over with her vacuum cleaner--she's a peach. She lost her parents young too and said she thought it was "courageous" that I was doing this all on my own. That was a nice thing to say.

After 5 hours of cleaning and unpacking, I locked her up at headed to the beach; water was cold but I went in; spend some time on the beach and then went to Wal Mart for a few items. Basically the pace is very slow. Most people just hang around the campgrounds, go to the pool, start happy hour at 4:30 and life is good. The actually blow a trumpet at 4:30 to let everyone know the hour has begun. What a hoot.

There's lots of activities here, pot luck suppers and canoe and bike trips. I'm going to see if I can teach a jewelry class. I'm not lonely at all. I'm surrounded by nice people and ole Nellie has a huge curiousity factor. Lots of people coming around to get the story. Been hanging out with Jan and her husband Kurt; they invited me over to a barbecue tonight.

One of the coolest things that happened is I looked up last night and there is an angel figure hanging from the ceiling. It's meant to be and I feel looked after if you know what I mean. Another cool thing is Nellie glows at night with the shades drawn cuz they are orange and she's all aglow outside. Tried to get a picture but it didn't come out.

Here's the inside with stuff still all over the place. Stay tuned!

Happy New Year from me and Nellie!

Well, it's January 1, the start of a new year and a new life in Florida. I want to thank all my friends and family for the fabulous send off and fun gifts I received for Florida. I'm so excited I probably won't sleep a wink tonight--I'm off to the airport at 7 tomorrow morning. I've been thinking today about the path I went to get to here and it's pretty amazing. I had a vision and somehow, with a little work, it came to fruition. I'm now on the eve of seeing my Nellie, making her my home for the next four months. About three o'clock tomorrow afternoon I'll be in the ole girl if all goes well. Just want to thank everyone who has supported me in '08 and always. I feel so blessed. I will miss all of you but hope that you find your way to me and Nellie in the next four months! Stay tuned!