1/15/17 Wednesday Sanford Fla

This is our last day in Sanford Fla!!! As you know there are last minute checks (still had one more load of clothes to wash) just things that can't be done till the last minute!! I had some packages to mail as grandchildren will have Birthdays before I can get to a post office again! Rod really wanted to visit the Corner Cafe here in town for one last bread bowl of French onion soup! It is out of this world good! So we took a break as we left the post office and had lunch.
Paula picked us up around 3pm and we went to their house for a visit and a great supper of beef stew and Hawaiian rolls!! And of course one last round of UNO of which I whooped every bodies butt!! Lol. A wonderful way to spend our last day with our BBFs.
The check list has been completed and we will untie and take aff around 6am tomorrow morning! We hope to have good weather for traveling!! I'll keep you posted on our anchoring each night as we travel straight to get home in approx 6 days.
Please pray for our journey, good weather, and the health of our home!! She has had a few issue this trip but over all served us well!!
Love to all, Ms. Fran & Capn Rod

Ok !!! So,I forgot the before pic!! I was hungry!! Lol we both had bread bowls of French onion soup,he had a salad and I had a corn beef panini sandwich which I will enjoy tomorrow at lunch!! 

They always end your meal with a shot glass full of desert!! Just too cute and oh so yummy!

2/14/17 Wednesday Sanford Fl

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!  I do hope everyone got to spend some time with someone special in their life today!!!  Rod and I exchanged our usual mushy mushy Valentines cards this morning! Lol.  He's my Valentine everyday! He has worked all day washing the exterior of our boat as he refuses to ride up the waterway in a dirty boat! Ha. So she is now all shiny and clean! I changed sheets on bed, washed clothes and most of all got a manicure and pedicure, as I refuse to ride up the waterway with ugly nails and toes!! Lol. We plan to finish the very last minute tasks in the morning as we will untie early Thursday morning and head north.
We all chose to not fight the dinner crowds and hit the Cracker Barrel for supper tonight! We walked right in and got seated! Good choice! As that was the guys idea to go there. I found another great hat there to night I just had to have! I found my last favorite hat at the Cracker Barrel a few years ago. Paula found a cute wooden mushroom and a great sign for her laundry room that said "If you want same day service, wash yourself " hehe
Another great afternoon with our BBF's!!!
Love to all, and again Happy Valentines!!  Ms. Fran & Capn Rod

Thank you Jackie, owner of American Nails and Spa here in Sanford, for taking care of my nails and toes while I was here!!

2/13/17 Monday Sanford Fla

It's another Monday morning but for us it's just another day!  Ha. We made our list last night of all that we need to get completed before we cruise out of here on Thursday! Rods got his mechanical stuff, and I've got the groceries and cleaning to accomplish. I've kept up with most of it so just last minute stuff, making sure the sheets are changed on the bed, all clothes are washed and enough food to get us through till we dock next in Georgetown!!! Paula and I made a Walmart run for all necessities.  We are going to Fresh Market tomorrow to take advantage of $2.99 lb. Ground beef Tuesday!! Pedicure and manicure is scheduled at 11am tomorrow!! That's a necessity! Lol and we will be ready!! Valentine dinner out tomorrow night with Jim and Paula scheduled!
Wednesday will be last minute things done and we will take off Thursday Morning 6:30am!
Still a great day and things are falling into place.  Love to all, Ms. Fran & Capn Rod
Sorry no pics!!!😝 Nothing worth photographing today!!

2/12/17 Sunday Sanford Florida

What a fabulous Sunday!! Our long time friends Judy & Wayne Berryman from TImberlake Baptist Church in Myrtle Beach who now spend the winter months in Ocala Fla, came to visit us today!! They spend the summer at their home back in Michigan. They treated us to lunch at Patio Grille here in Sanford then we came back to the boat and just talked and caught up on life, grandkids, children and what we all want our retirement years to be!! Lol. We have not seen them since last August when they came to close on the sell of their home in Myrtle Beach. A great day with very special friends! They also brought Snickers, their daundshound, which Lexie enjoyed having a visit from him!!
We then enjoyed the evening with a group of friends here at the dock to celebrate Matt's 55th birthday!! His wife Cat made a Hugh pot of spaghetti, salad, garlic bread for everyone to enjoy! I took banana pudding for desert, who don't like banana pudding right?  More good times with friends here on Dock C at Monroe Harbor Marina!! Only a few more days left and we will be headed home!
Another good day in sunny Florida!!! Love to all, Ms. Fran & Capn Rod

A fun day with special long time friends Judy & Wayne Berryman!!

SNickers!! He enjoyed his time with Lexie!! They have been friends all their lives!!

happy Birthday Matt!! THanks Cat for a great supper on Dock C !!!

2/11/17 Saturday Sanford Fla

Well we said we were going to play tourist all day and most of it we did. This afternoon we did spend a few hours finishing up our tour schedule for August September and October! Now it is complete and ready for people to come on and book a tour asap!!! Lol
Paula and Jim picked us up at 9:30am and we went to a place called Lucas Nursery and Butterfly Pavillion. This nursery is over 35 acres, by far the largest I've ever seen. We enjoyed walking through the butterfly pavillion. They said if we thought that today was good, we should come in the summmer as there are thousands to see. I have a few pics to share as  I probably took 50 pics or more.
Then we went to the Jolly Gator Fish Camp and Grille for lunch. A great day spent with our BBFs (Best Boater Friends) !!  A restful evening at home working on the tour schedule made our day complete! Another great day on vacation as it will soon end!
Love to all, Ms. Fran & Capn Rod

We had to act like kids!! Lol

Beautiful Butterflies everywhere!!

These are full grown Button Quill. They were running around everywhere. They looked like baby chicks.

We out sweet water in our finger and they came and enjoyed!,

A beautiful water garden!! 

One sat on Paula's hand!

This a sa chocklote bean tree!! The skin is eaten and the seeds are used to make chocolate 

The largest wind chimes in the world!! 241 ft long!! They sounded beautiful!!

2/10/17 Friday Sanford Fla

Rod got up a this morning and again started in his spring cleaning and organization mode!! He was pulling everything out of his cabinets up on the bridge, and started sorting into catagories for new boxes now mounted in the engine room downstairs!! What a chore this has been! But it's like when you get started there's just more to be done!! Lol
At 3pm he punched out and said "I am not going to spend my last week here on vacation working"!!
I sincerely doubt that statement, cause when he starts something he is obsessed until it's completed.
He showered and dressed to go to Paula and Jim's house for dinner and some fun time playing Uno!!
We had a fabulous dinner of pulled pork BBQ, baked beans, potato salad, Mac and cheese and rolls!!
We picked our dinner up from the man that sets up his cooker in the marina parking lot each Friday and sells to the public. I bought beef ribs from him last week, this week he had full menu!
As always we enjoyed a battling of friends in an hour and half Uno game!!! Fun fun!!! Lol   I just hated I forgot to take pics!!
Now ready for bed as tomorrow we will be playing tourist again most of the day!!
Love to all, Ms. Fran & Capn Rod

While Paula and I cleaned up the kitchen, the guys enjoyed some alone time on the deck at their house!

2/9/17 Thursday Sanford Fla

It's been another beautiful day in Florida!! I sometimes feel so blessed to spend time here! It's a wonderful town!! Not to mention our BBFs (Paula & Jim) that live here!!
Rod has now come up with a BIG reorganizing thing for his tools and "stuff" !! So we spent the day after we rode 11miles on our bike to Lowes, and stopping by Goodwill and picking up several plastic Rubbermaid boxes, sorting tools and bolts and stuff in compartments. He made shelves in the motor room for everything!!! Woohoo!!!! Spring cleaning!!
We went downtown this evening to the Marti Gras celebration. I tell you the people in this town support functions so much. There were hundreds there covering the street. Venders with food, crafts, music and of course Marti Gras beads everywhere!! I fun fun evening.
I have a few picks to share! We feel like we have a lot to accomplish in the next week as we will pull out of here for our journey home on Thursday the 16th.
I have a few pics to share!!  Love to all, Ms. Fran & Capn Rod

Every evening I enjoy a beautiful sunset from our deck!!

Just had to take a pic of this group peddling this cart down the street as the party, drink and be merry!, lol. I guess all the peddling they work off the alcohol!! Lol

It was dark but the parade tonight was very festive!! The mass music was just too fun!! 

Lexie received more treats from the Marti Gras they gave away dog treats samples of dog food, and we bought her a cute little bag that clips onto her leash and it hold her poop bags!! I forgot to get a pic, I will post it tomorrow night!! 

Notice she is wearing the Marti Gras needs around her neck!,

Rod found his first "Sanford Rock" today!!, they take smooth river stones and many people paint them and they have many many different paintings depending on your painting ability, and them people hide them all over town. When you find one you can keep as a souvenir or reside somewhere else in town. 

They even have a FB page you can go to,and post a pick of the rocks you find. 

2/8/17 Wednesday Sanford Fla

Hey It's Hump Day!! And another work day for Rod and I!! Actually he did the work I just supervised and again his gofer! Come 5pm this evening he said it was completed but I am sure there is a few more details left to complete as there are still tools sitting on the back deck! Lol
I want to go somewhere tomorrow if I can get him away for awhile! Ha   It's predicted a beautiful day so a nice bike ride is in my future tomorrow!!!
Just another day in sunny Fla in February!! Lol
Sorry no pics today the only thing I wanted to take a picture of was the top of Rods head as he walked off the boat this afternoon and a bird pooped right on the top of his head! Hehe
It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood!! Lol
Love to all, Ms. Fran & Capn Rod

2/7/17 Tuesday Sandford, Fla

Today was the day of completion of Rods electrical work!!  Thank the Lord it's done!! The motor room looks great, all cleaned he made shelves for his tools, and cleaned up some old equipment that had never been removed when we upgraded our toilets awhile ago!! I chore that was much needed!
There is always things to worked on and upgraded!!
I again was his gofer all day! And I kept him fed and watered most of the day! You got to take care of your mechanic you know!!
We have also spent some of the day working on tour schedules for April and May, I've already got emails requesting our summer and fall schedule!  It's time to get back to work I Guess!!
It was a beautiful day almost ashamed we did not get out and enjoy it! Thunderstorms coming tonight, (already medicated Lexie) and she's resting quietly!! I think it will be nice tomorrow!
I have a few fun pics to share tonight!!
Love to all, Ms. Fran & Capn Rod

Everyday this bird and probably others poop all,over the side of our boat!! Rod caught this one in action this morning! The right,or starboard, side of the boat has to be washed a couple times a Day!

A beautiful sunset from the back deck this evening!!

Hot water, dawn, and a pocket knife I'd Rods way of removing super glue off his hands!

2/5/17 Sunday & 2/6/17 Monday

Hey guys!! It's Monday evening and I figured I'd better catch up on the blog!! Just not a lot going on the last few days. We did spend the entire evening watching the comeback and revenge of the Tom Brady Show last night!! Lol    and of course Lady Gaga!! lol   I'm not much on football but I so hoped Atlanta would win!! And I don't care much for Lady Gaga, but that was a fabulous half time show!
Rod I went on an 11 mile bike ride yesterday!! What a beautiful day! It was just as nice today! Rod has fished some. Me I supervise Lexie, as she wants to be right under his feet every minute he fishes.
We enjoyed those fish tonight with a fish fry, hush puppies and coleslaw!!
We really doing a lot of chillin!! Oh and Rod did install the new battery today so we ready to travel again in about 10 days!  Heading home to Georgetown!
Sorry no pics to share, I figured I had eneoigh pics of Rod working and fishing!! Ha
Love to all!!  Ms. Fran & Capn Rod

2/4/17 Saturday Sanford Fla

Rod said let's get up and go to the farmers market here in town this morning!!  Ok, so it's Saturday and I thought my day to sleep in!! Oh well!, it's was a beautiful morning, sunny and 70 degrees or so. We walked up town, only about 2 blocks to the farmers market. We loaded up on fruit and veggies, in fact I bought the largest red bell pepper I have ever seen and it was only 75 cents!!  Paula called and wanted to go to Walmart for a few things and I road along, always something to get at Walmart!, ha
We did also go to Bed Bath and Beyond and I found a great set of placemats and matching napkins I can make my kitchen curtains to match!, and with coupons they were a real deal! When I got home Rod had our bathroom in a total mess as he decided to put another outlet plug!! Looks great and more functional!!
Another working day!!  Much love to all, Ms. Fran & Capn Rod
Sorry I didn't take one pic today!! 😝

2/3/17 Friday Sanford Fla

TGIF!!!  I do hope everyone has a great weekend planned!! As for us we have to continue to work on our electrical system!! It again has been an all day project for Rod, but he has about 90% of the work completed. It's hard to believe it is now decided to deteriorate!! He said it was just worn and several people have owned this boat and probably all have done some work which most of it has been shottie and halfway done!! Cleaning up someone else's handy work is hard work!! Lol
We will have to replace one of the batteries on Monday and then it should be completed. Just please pray it gets us back home to Georgetown without problems!!
Not much else, I was just a "gofer" today!! Lol
I had a supper planned for tonight, but as I was walking Lexie this evening there was a man in the parking lot of the marina with a Hugh smoker selling beef ribs!! I could not resist so I bought a full slab, which will make 2 meals for us!! They were yummy!!
Resting up this evening, tomorrow's another day!!!
Much love to all, Ms. Fran & Capn Rod

Lexie did talk her Daddy into a little playtime this evening! She is waiting for hi to try and take it from her!

2/2/17 Thursday Sanford Fla

It's been another beautiful day in Sunny Florida!! If you read yeaterdays blog I mentioned "another story" well today was the continuation of it!!! Ha. As I am trying to celebrate my birthday yesterday, Rod is trying his best to get our battery issues repaired!!! It has been an ongoing issue for several weeks and day before yesterday they totally quit!!! We have dock power and we can do what we need to do but without battery power we can't travel!!! Having only 2 more weeks here it is a must it gets repaired. Rod stayed up working on them and all the wiring till 1:30 am last night, and started again at 7:30am this morning!!  He thinks he has narrowed it down to a water buldge pump that is stuck in the on position. It's the pump that emptys out the water from our shower. He worked all day today reworking the wiring to everything he thought could be draining the power from the batteries. So tomorrow it will be change the pump out and see if that is the culprit!!
Me, I was the gofer all day for what ever he needed!!!
I made a pot of manwich for supper, then Jim and Paula took us to get ice cream for my birthday yesterday, as we were just to full after supper last night to eat ice cream!! That's ok, another day of celebration!!! LOL
A hard working day is done!!!
Love to all, Ms. Fran & Capn Rod

Ice cream at Baskin Robbins for the birthday completion!!!

DONE !!!! lol another year is gone! Hehe

2/1/17 Wednesday Sanford Fla

ITS FEBRUARY 1st!! And yes it's my birthday!! I have been overwhelmed with Birthday wishes today!! I feel soooo blessed!!
Rod started off this morning with a tee shirt for me he had sneaked and bought when we were in Islamorada in the Keys from the restaurant The Shrimp Shack!! It's featured in Diner Drive ins and Diners Guy Fiera!! Then he tells me to be ready at 2pm, to wear jeans, and a light shirt! OK so I'm ready at 2pm. And he is still working in the motor room on our battery issue!!!! That's another whole story!! Lol
He hurries and showers and we sit on the back deck and he keeps looking at the parking lot sayin our ride will be here shortly!! After about 15 mins here comes an air boat up to our boat and the guys says Happy Birthday come on let's go!!!!!! What a grand 2 hours on a private ride through the marshs of the river!! Fantastic!!!! I have pics to share!!!
Then back dressed for dinner with Paula and Jim to The Cattle Ranch!! We all enjoyed ribeye steaks baked potato and salad!!! Yummy!!
Paula gave me a salad spinner!! A cute plate with a tandem bike painted on it and a painted river rock that the people of this town do for fun!! People take river rocks paint and decorate and then place around the town for people to find!! She gave me a special one that I had really like!! She has several she has found walking around town!!
Face timed with Sherry and Allie, always a fun time even if it's not my birthday, but sure made it special today!!
Thanks to all my friends, family, and Rod for making this a very special day!! I am soooo very blessed!!
Love to all, Ms. Fran & Capn Rod

Off on a private AirBoat ride!!!!

Caught this big guys sunning on the marshes!! We saw lots of wild life!,

My platter from Paula!! We love our tandem bike!!!!!

And a new kitchen gagit!! 

And Lexie!!! She spends her day sunning!! Lol

1/31/17 Tuesday Sanford Fla

It's a beautiful sunny day here today!! I good bit warmer than yesterday high today was 72 degrees! We decided to take off and ride the bike to the zoo and spend the day! It's a 3 mile ride but an easy safe route to get there.
It's been 2 years ago today we made the emergency trip to Salisbury from here for the accidental death of my son in laws father, Terry Roseman. He is still so missed. Such a wonderful man of God, we all know we will see him again!!
We spent a great 4 hours or so at the zoo! We have been before but was still a fun place to revisit!
We returned home and helped Paula and Jim move a few more boxes to their new land home, she says their stuff is multiplying!! Ha
I did receive a birthday gift in the mail from Linda Maiden in Tenn what a great surprise ! Thank you My friend! (Pic to be attached). I've already received my gift form my daughter Sherry, been enjoying it our entire trip!! (Pic attached). hehe
Rod has something up his sleeve for tomorrow! But he won't breathe a word!! He love to surprise me!
A quiet supper at home as Rod is still trying to discover why we are having issues with our batteries on the boat! Some thing is draining the power! A must to get repaired before we start the trip home in a couple of weeks!!
Please pray for the health of our boat!!!!!  Love to all, Ms. Fran & Capn Rod

Entrance to the Florida Zoo

The Llama named Emma was out in the zoo for a walk! I was lucky enough to get a pet and feed her!!

One of my Favorites!! The rhinos!,

ROd and Jim completed another project!!

My birthday gift from Linda!! A perfect place!!! 

My Vera Bradley back pack from Sherry!! I've already been enjoying for 2 months!!😘😍

A great salad for supper tonight!! Yummo!!!!

1/30/17 Monday Sanford Fla

OK so it's Monday!! But again when your on vacation it doesn't really matter!! Ha I do hope everyone had a good Monday!!
I had such a bad day yesterday, but as fast as the episode came on me it Left just as quick!! I was scared to eat much this morning but as the day went in I got very hungry and I did eat a wonderful supper with Rod Paula and Jim at Cheddars this evening!! Praise the Lord I have done well!! Thanks Linda for calling and checking on me today!! Love you bunches my friend!
Paula and Jim have helped Rod with anything I needed to get me through the bad day and for that I am truly grateful!!
So today!! I got out of the house and we took yet another load of treasure to their new house and the boys completed a honey do of changing the doors on Paula's fridge to open to the left for convince!! They are a good working team!!
Back to the boat for Lexie's walk and and then out to dinner at Cheddars!! Great place to eat. We had went to one in Kingsport, Tn when we went to visit my aunt, uncle and family there! Good prices great food!
Home and completed some computer work, already booking bus groups for the spring tour season!
Praising the Lord that I feel better!! Love to all, Ms. Fran & Capn Rod

They make a great team!! Honey Do completed!! Now the doors open in the right direction!,

1/29/17 Sunday Sanford Fla.

A difinitely change in the weather today!!! Cold and rainy!  I spent most of the day on the couch sick!!! Another stomach episode kept me nauseated and sick all day! I finally started feeling better around 8pm and although I'm hungry just to afraid to eat anything so I'm just drinking ginger ale and resting!! I'm praying for a better day tomorrow!!
Rods been a great care giver today and friends Paula and Jim have offered any thing I need! I'm blessed!!
Much love to all, Ms. Fran & Capn Rod

1/28/17 Saturday Sanford Fla

Here it is the last Saturday in January!! Wow I can't believe where the month has gone!!
It's cold here today especially for Florida, a chillly 62 degrees, it was 54 degrees when we got up this morning!! I'm ready to put the flannel sheets on the bed!!  Lol
Rod and I walked the river walk this morning as they had a street long exhibit of the police and fire equipment on display and I wore jeans and a heavy flannel shirt. In the sun it was comfortable but still a bit chilly here on the water. I think it is suppose to warm up again Monday and tomorrow it is predicted to rain!! Paula is sick with a bad cold, the boys made a Lowes run for a few items just to get out for awhile.
Other than a load of laundry, a little cleaning, and some computer duties, and fixed us supper,  I did nothing!!! I did get Lexie out for a good walk this evening!! Even she wanted to do her business and go back to the boat asap!! Hehe
That was my day, nothing exciting!!
Much Love to all, Ms. Fran & Capn Rod
Sorry no pics to share today!!

1/27/17 Friday Sanford, Fla

TGIF!!! Well when you on vacation who cares!!! Ha. Another beautiful day here in Sanford. We helped Jim and Paula move more stuff to their new home and Rod and Jim completed the lift repairs on their boat dock. Paula and I waited for furniture delivery and made a trip to Subway for lunch!
Back to the boat for some leftover shop of chicken and rice , showers and a restful evening!!
Not a lot going on today!! But any day in Florida is better than winter in South Carolina, but we have heard it has been a very nice winter at home!! It will snow when we get back home in a month!, lol
I have kept up with Sherry all day as my grandson Triston had his wisdom teeth removed this morning in surgery at 7:30am!! He is doing great and on the road to recovery!! He must be doing well I heard he had Krispy Cream doughnuts this afternoon!!! Lol
It's been a good day!! Love to all, Ms. Fran & Capn Rod

Found this frog with binoculars (we call them Noticing Glasses, at BJ's (same as Costco or Sams) and she could not resist having him sit on her deck!! Ain't he just the cutest thing?

1/26/17 Thursday Sanford, Fla

Today was predicted scattered showers, so we hesitated to get to far from the boat. But looking like a great day for a bike ride, we chose to take off and ride awhile. Rod wanted to go to the dollar store for some kind of cleaner to do something in the engine room of the boat, but we did not find what he needed!, I guess that job will wait a few more days! Ha
When we got back to the boat Jim and Paula said the marina would have their small bow rider boat out and ready for the guys to drive it over to the new house. We chose to take the car over to the house and meet them there. And they were expecting a furniture delivery also.
It ended up being a georgeous day, not a drop of rain and best of all no wind!!
The guys arrived with the boat, completed some chores, Paula and I just enjoyed the nice day! Ha
No delivery of furniture to the house as there was some issues with the delivery service so we left and decided on McDonalds salads for supper!! Rod and I enjoyed a nice evening on the back deck, discussed possibility adding  a new tour to our schedule next year!! We just love working more hours I Guess!! Lol    Showered, Pjs on and ready for bed!!
Another good day on vacation!! It will be over soon!!
Much love to all, Ms. Fran & Capn Rod
Pics to share!!

We all assisted on getting their boat on the lift at the dock of their new home!

Rod had more fun picking oranges from the tree!! They haven't even moved in yet and Rod has picked all the oranges off the tree!! Lol

Paula had a welcome committee requesting to be fed!! She will have them coming into the house before you know it!! Ha

He followed her to the porch wanting food!! Beautiful blue heron!!