DeDe Naughty

Since hearing about our home purchase, things are quieting down for us. Well they weren't really noisy but waiting to hear was torture. So last nite, we are happy, had a nice supper and were settling in for the evening. Gary and the girls were up in the bed and I was playing cards on the computer, my latest addiction, thanks to JerBer. Anyway, Gary noticed that there was a wet spot on the blanket and the most logical conclusion was DeDe had an accident. Not only was the top blanket wet, the big blanket underneath was soaked, the sheets and even our new mattress was wet. And since we have no room for extra bedding, I was forced to go do laundry just when I was ready to crawl into bed. At home, this would be a minor inconvenience, here at the campground, without enough quarters, it is a major drag. There is no change machine in our laundry here so I had to interrupt the camp Bingo game and beg the blue hairs for a couple of quarters.

Luckily Gary never learned how to post an ad on Craigslist so DeDe is still with us.

Weather today was hot, rain this afternoon. We had a chance to do some trimming around the house today, not sure if it was ok to work on the yard yet but we are just ansy to get started. Even met some neighbors, so far so good.

Home Owners At Last

We left Collier Seminole State Park near Naples early Tuesday morning. It really got cold during the night and we woke up to a 60 degree camper. We took off early Tuesday to meet with our realtor one last time on the house we have an offer on. This has been a very very frustrating process and we are ready to give it up and head north. Last Friday the listing realtor asked for our highest and best offer which we submitted only to find out late Monday that the listing realtor was asking for our highest and best offer again on Tuesday. We didn't understand the game playing and with much apprehension we submitted our final offer again on Tuesday.

And guess what? They finally accepted our offer at noon today and we are the proud owners of a small house in a very nice neighborhood in Cape Coral that needs A LOT of work, Gary will be busy for years. What sold me was the built in can opener. It doesn't work and it may be tough to find another one to fit the hole in the wall, that's what I'll be working on.

But we are very very happy, we will be staying in the area for a while longer now getting some things taken care of with the house before we head back. Now I just need to find a straightjacket for Gary, too many projects, not enough time.

Dolphins Win - Vikings Lose

We spent Sunday with my old roommate, Adele and her husband, Mike in Naples. I had not seen Adele for over 30 years and found her on Facebook and decided to contact her when I knew we were coming to this area. They are members of a Boat Club so we had a very nice afternoon on the channels surrounding Naples since we could not really go out into the open water because it was very windy, sunny, but too windy to go out too far. Dolphins jumped by our boat several times which was very cool. They showed us how the Rich and Famous live, and even took us into a house they manage that is owned by the owners of Racetrack Gas Stations (800+). It was truly another world for us and this is their third home strictly for weekend use.

And because the Vikings were in a playoff game with New Orleans we all gathered for the game last night only to be very disappointed, a good game that we could have won but too many mistakes were made and so another Superbowl slips thru Brett's fingers.

Today we are in a state park just south of Naples for the day. Rainy and hoping for clearing if only to get both dogs to dry off, they are filthy animals, I guess that happens when you are 2 inches off the ground after a downpour.

Doxie Lovers

Today is a rainy and cloudy day, it started out very hot and humid. We have been busy working with our realtor and still have no news about a house we have an offer on in Cape Coral. It is a slow process and we are hoping to know soon. A lot depends on getting the house whether we will stay in this area or move on.

I met Paula and John here at our campground. I was out walking the dogs when Paula stopped me and asked me all about them, only to find out that she has had 4 little weiners herself, her latest was in her camper barking at us outside. Her name is Heidi and she is 13 years old, fairly old for a doxie. I asked her what she'll do when Heidi is gone and she looked at me like duh, of course she'll get another one. I guess it was a stupid question. Paula and John are from New Jersey and are here for the winter. Where do all these nice people come from in NJ?

The other picture is Mary and Pat leaving the Fleamarket last weekend. Just kidding, they don't have a truck. They hired a couple of Mexicans, they have a very unique way of packing. I wouldn't follow too closely.

Edison & Ford

We have been enjoying beautiful weather the past few days, biking on Monday on Sanibel Island, laundry and walks on Tuesday and today we spent the afternoon at the Edison and Henry Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers. There is so much to see that it would be impossible to do it justice here but the grounds are absolutely the best, Edison loved plants and trees and there is every variety of tree imaginable but the most beautiful of all was the one pictured where the roots grow on the ground. It is a Banyan tree that produces a sap that can be used to make rubber. Not only beautiful but functional. Very cool. To think Edison paid $2750 for these 13 acres back in 1879. That might buy you a ticket for the SuperBowl this year. Maybe.

Kissing Cousins - Not Really

We met up with Mary and Pat Sunday morning and found a local art and craft show. We stopped and met this panther which was very interested in our two dogs. They were oblivious to this big cat dreaming of a doggie buffet.

Then we decided to drive over to the house we have an offer on and which we still have heard nothing about. We met the neighbors at the house and while they are very nice, we found out they are from Wisconsin and big Packers fans. I guess nobody's perfect.

Mary & Pat had to get back to the fleamarket to pick up more things they didn't know they even needed and we dropped off the dogs at home and searched for a sports bar nearby to watch the Vikings v. Cowboys game. We found a Chili's which was packed and settled in for the game. Chili's has a great promo now, one appetizer, two entrees and dessert for $20. Lots of foods, Gary could not even finish his and Mary wanted to pass on the included dessert. We all just looked at her. Who passes up dessert? That 's just craziness. We stayed til the third quarter when it looked safe we had the game in the bag and Mary and Pat had to head back to get their dogs out of doggie daycare. We took ours for a long walk, both cause they needed it and we had a lot of guilt for eating so much this weekend. Thanks Mary and Pat for coming down, we had a great time. I am still trying to decide where my new pencil holder will go.

Better than Chicken

First of all, the weather has been GREAT the past 3 days, hot and sunny, just how we like it, we even went swimming Thursday.

Today my cousin Mary and her better half, Pat, came down from the Tampa area to spend the day with us. They love the fleamarket here and since we could not find it, they took us to it. This place was HUGE, we barely saw half of it. I love fleamarkets and could spend all day, Gary on the other hand was ready to leave after the second booth. Mary and Pat and I just kept dragging him along, he had no choice. We found a booth where he could instantly grow hair and that made him happy. We all found stuff we didn't even know we needed - it was great.

We then headed to the Bass Pro Shop which is just awesome with a great restaurant with lots of seafood and fish choices. Gary and I had alligator for the first time ever and it was better than chicken! The attached store is every outdoorsman's dream. Another must see in this area.

Our last stop of the day was Edison and Henry Ford's winter homes, we got there just as they closed for the day, there was a light bulb on and Pat informed us that was on because he invented electricity. We learned something today too. We will be heading back, another must see. The trees are so cool, Mary said they were Banyon or Bacon or something with a B. I'll get back to you on that.

Mattress Matters

Yesterday we spent the day exploring 3 islands in the area, we first went over to Fort Myers Beach and walked the nearby trail at Lovers Key State Park. We both really liked the area, its a little more eclectic but lots of traffic. Then we headed over to Sanibel Island and Captiva which is attached. Sanibel has a bike trail the whole length of the island which a lot of people were using, the houses on Captiva were magnificent and there were lots of people out and about, the weather was decent and I think everyone was tired of being couped up. Tuesday had to be in the mid 60s so it was a welcome change. It looks like it will warm up each day this week. Finally.

Today was spent around the campground because of a big event for us. We finally got a new mattress, our sleeping holes just wouldn't go away and we found a mattress that we could fit into the camper with some bending and twisting. Tonite is our first nite on the mattress so we are excited to go to bed but we are usually excited every nite to go to bed and sleep. Its sad.

The weather today was gorgeous, sunny and warm, we spent most of day outside walking dogs and so we are all looking forward to that new mattress and American Idol, I only hope we make it to thru the first 10 minutes.

Just Wondering

I know I keep bringing up the weather here but it is really cool - yesterday even a strong wind. We went downtown Fort Myers and saw a group of people attempting to have a picnic in January. Never saw anything like it, they lasted about half hour. Today no wind, high of 56 and sunny.

So Gary's service light went on in the truck and an oil change was due. We ended up meeting Jane & Marge at the oil change shop, two sweet widowed sisters who come down to Florida every winter from the Jersey shore. Originally from Duluth, MN they know all about the cold.

It makes one wonder about who we'll end up with. Will one of my sisters be lucky enough to end up with me? Or Gary with one of his brothers? The witness protection program is looking better all the time.

Waiting for the Sun

Today we woke up to rain falling and very cool temps and sitting in a pickup camper with two dogs all day was not an option. We started the day at The Waffle House and since it was such a crappy day and a Saturday, the place was packed so we ended up sitting at the counter and that's where we met Bill, a New Jersey native who has been here since 1952. Bill stops at this Waffle House 3 times a day 7 days a week, I guess he likes it. He usually has coffee and knows everyone who works there. We found out that Bill quit smoking 18 days ago and he told us he usually stood outside with his coffee enjoying a smoke but now he sits at the counter. We asked him why he wanted to quit now at 70 years old and he told us he knows too many people who have oxygen tanks they drag around cause they can't quit and he just didn't think it was a good look for him.

He also told us where to go see the manatees, a big deal around here and since it is cold for manatees, he knew just where they were. They apparently like to gather next to the power plant where the water is warmer and we were able to see quite a few there but since it was so cold today, we only stayed for a minute, saw the manatees and ran back to the truck.

Then we were off looking at properties until the matinee started. We saw "Its Complicated" and it was very very cute. Again lots of people there, I guess lots of people have the same idea we do in this weather.

We also picked up another Rummikub game, we have about 4 now but forgot to bring one along for these rainy days. We always think of Michael and Jackie when we play and how they cheat. I mean beat us and the good times we had.

The Shell Factory

Yesterday and today were absolutely beautiful, sunny, 70s, no wind. The weather reports were bleak but they were totally wrong. Tomorrow looks really bad, 40s and rain. But Minnesota is at one below today.

We were out yesterday afternoon walking and when we returned to our camper we both could smell gas but it finally cleared out. This morning we discovered we were totally out of gas so no coffee from my camping percolator. The bear also missed its coffee this morning so she looks how I felt. Gary quickly found a place to get gas.

Johnny Depp moved in next door with his bird, he's better looking in person.

Gary & I went to the Shell Factory today, a local attraction where I got this picture of him in shark teeth. Everyone told us we had to go there, its a "must see". Not. It is a cheesy tourist trap with overpriced crap and shells for hundreds of dollars. Just reporting the facts.

No Vikings this weekend so no Hooters for Gary. They have a bye and we have no reason to go there. At least I have no reason to go there but Gary could probably think of at least two.

And the Answer Is...

Well the blog is moving along like a leaky faucet, you know its there and while it is annoying there is no way to stop it without getting professional help.

I have had some questions and comments which I would like to address here. Love hearing from you so keep them coming.

Yes, my back is sore after a night in the hole but with some stretching and coffee I am good in about 2 hours.

My cousin suggested we buy a "real mattress" and then cut it apart to get out the foam. This is currently in the suggestion box.

My other cousin in the Tampa area commented on the cold there too. My friend in Arizona commented that we should take the camper to Hawaii since that may be the only state that is warm all year. She obviously forgot that is an island.

And one last question to me asked how I got the email notifications to go out when I set up my blog. And I can honestly say I have absolutely no idea, getting this blog to work at all is shocking to anyone who can turn on a computer.

This is actually how DeDe sleeps after she's had a couple of beers. She reminds me of someone...

Once in a Lifetime Cold Snap

Its been a little disappointing as far as the weather has been the past few days and it looks like it will continue for another week or so. According to the news today, it is a "once in a lifetime" cold snap for this area. So we have to be creative on spending our days.

Yesterday we decided to explore Pine Island which is just outside Cape Coral. We were looking for some trails for hiking and biking and wanted to check out this area anyway. We found the Calusa Heritage Trail on one end of the island and were able to take the dogs on a walk and even let them loose. The bird in the nest, not an eagle - any guesses??? We continued to the very end of the island and I had the best seafood chowder of my whole life at Captain Con's. A real dive but the place was hopping and the food was excellent.

After lunch we decided to check out the other side of the island. The island is 18 miles long with lots of nurseries and undeveloped land. We tried biking but it was just a little too cool and windy so we found another trail that made a big loop and gave a chance for the dogs to run.

Today was spent looking for a new mattress for our camper. The camper is a 1991 model with the original foam mattress. After sleeping on it for a couple of nights, the mattress forms 2 holes which just sink deeper after each nite. Camping World wants almost $450 for a foam mattress so we tried looking for some new foam at fabric stores but all we could find were pieces which won't work. Gary thinks we should put in a new "real" mattress but the problem is getting it into the camper, there just isn't any room to manuever it into the sleeper. So we continue to sleep in big holes. At least its better than sleeping on the ground.

Its all about the Hooters

Well we're in a cold snap down here in Florida, the average temp for today is supposed to be 75, we might hit 58. All the citrus growers are in a panic, the lows at nite could seriously damage the crops. But when we hear the temps in Minnesota, we don't feel too bad.

We spent Sunday looking at some properties and then headed to Hooters for the Vikings game which was a blow out. It really was fun to watch a game here, we can't get them on our TV because they only show the local games so when we found out Hooters plays all the games, it was a no brainer for Gary. There are lots of Hooters around here, another reason to be here in the winter. Gary claims they have the best chicken wings. Whatever.

For those who are wondering about "the couch" it is gone now, some squirrels had dibs inside the cushions. They can be so selfish.

I saw this contraption and immediately thought of Josh, a neighbor who is into 4 wheeling, cycling, basically anything that goes fast. This "4 wheeler" looks like it could go thru anything and he could take a few friends along. I think there's even room for a cooler. What do you say Josh?

Seeing Double

Today we woke up to a cool 40 degree day only to find out that it was -22 back home in Minnesota. It got up to 60 here so we're good.

We spent the day with the dogs looking at a couple of houses we found on the internet. We have now decided that this is the best way to look for property, there are lots of different places to look on the web and so we find a couple and drive over to take a look before going on to the next step. We are wavering between a vacant lot (to build) or a house partially done. The one we looked at today was just what we wanted, right size, nice location, major items done so we looked at it twice only to find out it was sold last week. So we continue our search, we could look everyday for a year and not see all the properties available in this area, they are everywhere.

We met Pete at a partially done house, he was in the neighborhood and saw we had stopped. Pete knew a lot about the neighborhood, was full of BS, had a couple smokes, and told us about the bar where he spends most of his free time. And when he talked about his golf game, we knew. Gary and I both looked at each other and told Pete he had a twin, our brother-in-law Gary Bilek. Now I wonder how Pete feels about fireworks.

Apparently you have to step on the car in order to get into the truck. Pretty clever I'd say as long as the car follows the truck so you can get out.

Score: Tied at 1

Today started out hot and humid and just went downhill from there. Very cloudy as we were looking for bike paths on the map and then it started to pour so on to Plan B. While we were deciding how to spend the rainy day, I started looking thru the dog kennel we brought along for DeDe, I had stashed some supplies in there which I had forgotten about. And I found the heartworm pills that the dogs needed to take and which I thought I left back in Minnesota. Apparently in warm weather, it is imperative that dogs take heartworm pills and since it was freezing when we left, I thought I had left them behind so we have been looking for a vet's office the past 2 weeks that would give me the pills and it is a state law here that the dogs must be examined prior to filling the prescription even tho that was all done in Minnesota. Nevermind, no way, not even with a call from my MN vet would they give me the pills and the cost for the exam far exceeded the price of the pills. So my next step was to call my MN vet and have them mail me the pills since we have a somewhat permanent address, hassle yes but it is very bad for a dog to get heartworm so it had to be done but with my discovery this morning, all is good. It scares me tho that I had totally forgotten I had brought them along. Maybe there are other surprises for me in the camper? Score: 1 good

So we decided to go to a movie and went to see the Morgans, cute, 1/2 toilet tissue square worthy. The theater was pretty full again and we happened to sit behind a text queen. So the bright screen was blinding me and she just wouldn't stop which asks the question, why are you even here? So after about 10 minutes, I had it, I asked her to stop pleeeeeezzzzzzzzzzz, in case she had a big boyfriend waiting for her after the movie. Can we just have some manners? Is that asking too much? And really what is so important? Score: 1 bad.