Final sunset at Panama City Beach

It's hard to believe that 29 days have passed since we moved into 6213 Thomas Drive, and that our time here has ended. We have many fond memories and pictures to keep us close to this part of the world. Sunsets, like this one have been especially memorable. After driving the Raiches to the airport, Lloyd and Judy returned for one more walk on the beach and one more sunset. We then went to Sonic, a drive in burger place for a burger. Our packing is done and tomorrow morning we will head out toward Jacksonville, via Daytona Beach, where we will stop for some Daytona Speedway adventures.

We are grateful for our time here but looking forward to returning to P.E.I.

Our final post will be published on our arrival home on April 1.

Fond farewell to Florida from the Raiches

The Raiches are returning to Maryland later today, whatever today is. It is very easy to lose track of all time in this setting. We have enjoyed having the Adams' show us around their new digs and they seem very Floridian at this point...know where the bargains are, Judy always had discount coupons in her pocket which we used everywhere. We ate very well and Judy even tried and enjoyed her first fried oysters!! We all enjoyed beach combing/walking in the am and pretended we exercised off the calories. Judy and Jean found they were very compatible shopping and enjoyed poking around and giggling like young girls (of course among the crowd at Mariner West, they are the younger set! Now we won't comment about the girls here for March break...will leave that to Lloyd and Bernie. The weather warmed up and Judy and Jean took advantage of the beach chairs and just got lazy. We have enjoyed this needed break and will bring back great memories until next visit. Thanks to the Adams's for the great hospitality.

Katherine here hi I've been on the beach. It was fun. I'm cool and I like spending $$$$ on toys and videogames. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our company arrives

Great to have company. On Saturday we met Bernie, Jean and Katherine at the PCC International airport. It is great to have people around. After a leisurely afternoon we went to a Mexican restaurant for supper. The restaurant was about 5 miles away, and it took us 2.5 hours to get there. Traffic was gridlocked all the way as a result of spring breakers taking over the streets. Washington DC traffic was nothing compaired to this. Walking, driving, having tailgate parties, 10 kids in every vehicle, hanging out of doors, roofs and trunks, back of big trucks, and SUV's and above all, exchanging beads. A real Florida Mardi Gras, thats what it was! It provided for a great show for Bernie and Lloyd in the front seat, while Judy, Jean and Katherine missed the beads. Finally got to the restaurant and had great Mexican food.

Sunday was generally a beach time again, although the weather was windy and a little cool. We did not make it to church today. (Greg would be interested). I think we are still a little shell shocked from last weeks service, and afraid we may hit another one. We went mini golfing in the evening, then on to Applebees for steak, shrimp and ribs.

Monday is again a beach day, with some attractions to be determined in the late aftrenoon.

We are hearing from Sarah by e-mail every day which is a great assurance for us. Sounds like she is going to have a great adventure in Europe. We are pleased for her. Mark and Julie are gone to Bermuda. Thanks for Melissa and Robbie who are holding down the fort in Stratford. Its great to hear from Melissa regularly.

Our next blog will be our final one from Panama City Beach as we will be heading north early Thursday morning, for a Friday flight to snow and cold country.

Heading out now for another walk on the beach.

Cool & cloudy day

This is the first day we have not had any sun. Temperature is down to 59 degrees, and there have been a few showers earlier this morning. We sure hope this is not the kind of weather to greet sister Jean; or she will be outa here on the next plane. Lloyd is wearing jeans today; the first day without shorts on since we arrived. We drove over to Panama City and a dry run to the airport, 20 minutes from the condo. We pick up the relatives there on Saturday. We were also scouting out churches. We found a Baptist and a Presbyterian about 15 minutes away. It will be one of them. On the way back, we ate a late lunch at a Chinese buffet for $5.55 each.

We were glad to hear of Sarahs safe arrival in London. She now waiting to meet the Queen.

It was also so neat to read all the replies to our last blog, and especially the ones from mom and Aunt Jean. Never too old to try new technology.

Judy is making a strawberry pie, from a secret easy as pie recipe. Fresh strawberries from a roadside stand-just like PEI. Can't wait to try it out.

Lazy Daze

Judy eating shrimp on the deck at Schooners

Its been a few days since we've been on the blog. We continue to enjoy our time here. We spent a quiet weekend, staying close to the condo, and have stayed quiet so far this week.

On Friday we drove up the beach, parked and walked to the spring breakers beach area. Wall to wall students, most of whom were well behaved, playing sports, bands playing, contests galore and just a big beach party which goes on from noon until whenever every day. Judy got a couple of giveaways. We may go back for more freebes.

On Saturday we took a long walk up the beach, to a pier. It must have been 3 miles from our condo. On the way back we stopped into a beach restaurant called Schooners for lunch. Judy had more shrimp and Lloyd more fried oysters. We ate on the beach, overlooking the beach crowd and Gulf of Mexico.

We went to an interesting church on Sunday, called Faith Cristian Family Church. It is situated in Panama City Beach, a modern centre where the service is held in a gymnasium. Service started at 10:00am and finished at 12:15pm. 2 1/2 hours, Southern gospel, fire and brimstone. Singing, chanting, swaying, clapping, waving, kneeling, alter calls -anything went it seemed. The pastor, in his late 30's, preached for about 60 minutes without referring to any notes. People were extremely friendly; greeters were glad to see us, and hugging and hand shaking took place several times during the service. It was interesting, however we are looking for something a little less dynamic for next Sunday.

The tempratures dropped and the wind picked up on Monday and Tuesday. The beach was closed to swimming because of the giant waves. We don't get to see them in our area. Lloyd spent much time standing on the beach gazing the horizon and watching waves break at his feet, while Judy tanned at poolside. As we pen this, Wednesday has brought a great day with sunshine, high teperatures and a gentle breeze. On Tuesday we went to Desdin outlets for a drive and to have another lunch at Panera Bread. Gotta recommend Panera Bread.

Sarah left (or was scheduled to leave) for England on Tuesday at midnight. Her flight was delayed 6 hours and as we pen this we are waiting for word on her safe arrival in London to meet the Queen.

Lloyd's sister Jean, her husband Bernie and their daughter Katherine will arrive on Saturday for a 5 day visit to Panama City Beach. We are looking forward to their visit, and to do some fun tourist stuff with Katherine.

Thus far our Griffin has reportedly done well. Our great neighbour Adam Mantha has spent much time looking after the Griff in the last 3 weeks so that he will not be too tramatized once Sarah is gone. Thank you Adam, and keep up the good work. Melissa, Robbie and Mia may move to 16 Zakem Heights for part of the time to be with the Griff.

Well its off to the beach now for some sun, exercise and relaxation.

Visit to Orlando

RHONDA AND AVARD SMALLMAN
Lloyd and Judy travelled to Orlando on Monday to visit with Judys sister Rhonda and Avard. It is a 616km trip from Panama City Beach to Orlando. We made a few stops along the way; to Russell Stoffers factory outlet and to an awful flea market in Webster. We arrived at Rhondas late afternoon and as they were not home to welcome us we just waited in their screen house, called Florida Room. They live in a development of manufactured houses, rows and rows, streets and streets. All very well kept, clean, tidy and newish. They have a pool and common area building where they have group activities. They are having a totally different experience from us. While ours has very vacation/holiday feel to it, theirs is more of a community subdivision feel; like they have taken up residence there. We met Bloyce and Nola Rennie from Elmsdale while there and had a nice conversation with them.

On Monday evening we went to Bob Evans Restaurant for supper. Tuesday morning after a brisk walk Rhonda cooked a great breakfast, preparing us for a day of shopping. Two flea markets (600+ booths each), and a great factory outlet, with about 100 outlets. Yes we burned some plastic. Ate supper at the Golden Corral, which is a buffet of everything imaginable for $10.99, free beverage for us over 55. Found it to be quite busy in Orlando area. It was interesting to see all the families there, while in Panama City we see seniors and students, very few families.

We headed back out to Panama City Beach on Wednesday, taking some back routes and seeing different country. One area we travelled through was a town called The Villages. Everything there seemed quite new and all the architecture was Mexican. It was very cool. We dropped in to a Lowes there and expected to see all knids of Mexicans, but didn't. We're not sure about the reason for the mexican theme; however it made for a very interesting street scape.

It was nice to arrive back to Panama City and to familiar territory. Thursday was grocery and laundry day, and one of relaxation. As we keep saying, its a tough life here.

Back from Biloxi

Thought you would enjoy these pictures. They were taken from the same spot, just from two different directions.
The one on the left is of the Paradise Island Casino, which was destroyed by Katrina and since rebuilt. The top one is of a house, directly across the street from the Casino, which has yet to be repaired.
There are hundreds of these in Biloxi. Some are living in FEMA trailers; others we saw are in tents. Interesting priorities, gotta get the casino up and running, the heck with the people.

We enjoyed our day trip to Biloxi. The bus fare was $15 and we got $15 credit at the casino. Judy's $15 lasted from noon until 3:30. Lloyds lasted until 12:15. Guess we know who the gambler is. The bus was filled with seniors, and the large majority were women. While they all went to gamble (very serious about it), we went for the trip and to see Biloxi.

Our bus driver spent 46 days in New Orleans evacuating people. He slept on a cot in the back of the bus. He provided us with many interesting facts about the hurricane and its after effects. The water rose 24 feet from the high water mark in Biloxi. The land there is very low, basically at sea level, and flat, so the water flooded many many miles of land. Casinos in Mississippi could not be built on land, a by law, so they were built on floating barges, connected to hotels. This law has since been changed and casions are being rebuilt on land. Three were completely destroyed. One went to sea, another was washed/floated across a highway and is still there in ruins. Houses were completely submurged. The big concern now is fear of fires as trees and dead brush has never been cleared out and is everywhere. If fires got started they will be impossible to put out.

On Friday we just chilled out; walked on the beach and relaxed. In the afternoon we went for a drive and Judy found great buys on baby clothes. She purchased a bunch for Mia and the Griffin twins. Weather continues to be in the high 70's and we have worn shorts everyday since we arrived.
Heading out to the Red Lobster Restaurant for a lunch/dinner this (Saturday) afternoon. If we go before 4:00pm we get lunch prices. Gotta do that if you want to be a snowbird.

Hooters visit

Tuesday and Wednesday were quiet days for Judy and Lloyd. Slept in, did the laundry, got some sun, watched a few movies, walked on the beach and went for a drive. Tuesday was also Hooters day, in honor of Frank Morrison. Went there in the afternoon, and ate on the deck. Had some wings, shrimp, cassadias and just hung out with the young crowd. Got some souvenirs. They were having a giant beach party, playing volleyball, frisbee throw, wheel barrel, etc. There were lots of prizes to win like Ipods, Levi jeans, tops, shirts, etc. Lloyd did not win any prizes.
Heading off to Biloxi tomorrow morning at 6:45. So its early to bed tonight. Great news from Charlie and Linda Griffin who are grandparents of twin girls Hope abd Cholie. Congratulations to mike and Masie.

One week gone.

The 6 o'clock view from our deck!
Well it is hard to believe that one week is gone already. Sunday was a lazy day for Lloyd and Judy. We went to church, a pink Presbyterian Chruch. We looked for a while to find one that seemed interesting so we settled on this little pink one. Well we were the youngest couple there. At least 75% of the people were snowbirds, and 75 years old. Everyone was very friendly as usual. The service was very traditional and seniors oriented. We will look for another one for next Sunday; hopefully, one thats a little more up-beat. Went for a long walk on our beach after church, up to where all the spring breakers are. We found out that this beach is the home of the most spring breakers in the USA. Over 500,000, 18 to 25 year olds. (Frank Morrison would go nuts here). Judy stayed out on the beach to get some sun and Lloyd watched a stock car race in the afternoon. On Monday we headed west to Desdin and Fort Walton Beach. Desdin has hundreds of factory outlets, and a Panera Bread, where we had a great lunch. Bought some of Harry and Davids receipe like what Marilyn MacCallum once served at the big house. Judy was out of control for several hours today. Put a lot of pressure on Lloyd to keep track of her; however we made it back to the condo by 6:00pm, went for a walk and had supper. We are now settling into a night of TV. No big plans until Thursday when we are going to Biloxi Mississippi. We will see some of the devestation left from Katrina over there. We are going by bus to the floating casinos. These were destroyed and rebuilt, while the rest of the ares are still in destruction. Hopefully we will get some pictures.

Trip to Mexico Beach

Good lookin lady on Mexico Beach!
On Saturday Judy and Lloyd took a day trip along the eastern coast of the pan handle to Mexico Beach, Apalachicola and St. Georges Island. These areas are right out on the Gulf of Mexico and very exposed in bad weather. There were numerous signs along the way identifying evacuation routes. We wondered how many times the areas we we travelling through had been underwater. It was beautiful scenery. We took 2 long bridges to get to St. Georges Island and there was a big festival going on. Thousands of spring breakers, in various states of inebriation, doing whatever they choose to. Walking on the road, hanging out in groups, riding scooters, bikes and just partying big time. We could not see where the main area for the party was located....everyone were everywhere on the streets. Needless to say we did not stay there very long. On our return to Panama City Beach, we ate at a neat seafood hut, built right into the beach in Mew Mexico, called Tucan Restaurant. Judy had a shrimp dish and Lloyd went for their fried oysters. Great meals. Arrived home at 5:45 pm and sat down to watch a movie.
Probably be in bed by nine o'clock.

Here 3 days already

Yep, Lloyd's going parasailing!
My how time does fly. Its Friday already. We have been pretty busy doing nothing. In fact this is the first time in our lives that we have gone somewhere for no real reason. Every other vacation we have taken was to ski, or go to Disney, or go shop or, well you all know what we mean. This time, we came here with absolutely nothing to do, but relax, and do what we please, within the law of course. Its kinda neat. Our daily routine is to rise at 8:00ish, eat a leisurly breakfast, go for a walk up or down the beach for 40 minutes, talk to some of the other snowbirds, go for a drive, eat lunch, lay out on the beach, sleep, eat again, relax again and go to bed. Pretty hard to take. Today we got invited to join the shuffle board group, consisting of snowbirds, much older than us. Met several from Canada, including 3 other islander couples. Judy is getting directions to all the factory outlets. We heard from Judy's sister Rhonda who is in Orlando for the month. We plan to go there for a few days. Free accommodations. We don't have any big plans for the weekend. Trying to pick a church to go to. This area is somewhat a bible belt here and there are churchs everywhere, of all shapes and sizes. All are advertising for Christians. The temperature today was 81 degrees. That's all we have for now. We will check in again a a day or so.

Arrived at Panama City beach

We're here, safe and sound. Our flights to Cincinnati and Jacksonville were great. Arrived in Jacksonville at 10:30pm, rentad a nice Grand Prix, Judy and Lloyd both driving it and off we went to the hotel for the night.
Bright and early Wednesday morning we set out for a 4.5 hour drive to here. Arrived at 1:30pm.
Accommodations are great-50 feet from the beach, pool, and 75 degrees. What more can we say. Wish you were all here. Planning to veggie out for the next couple of days.
Later everyone.

We're at Bangor Airport

We are writing this piece from the Bangor International Airport awaiting our flight to Jacksonville, via Cincinnati Ohio. Our trip from Charlottetown to Bangor, by car was pretty uneventful; except for the several pit stop breaks required by Judy. Arrived in Bangor around 6:30 pm, checked into the hotel and decided to have a sleep at about 7:00pm and we slept until what we thought was 9:30am however after getting up and showering we determined that it was only 7:10 am. We went down to the continental breakfast consisting on stale bread watered down apple juice and coffee with powdered whitener in it. Watched TV in our room until 9:30am and then off toTarget, Burlington Coat Factory and the Mall. Got a few bargains. Men’s shirts for $2.77 (great deals for Mark), ski poles, and jump sticks for $9.99 and $29.99 (there is a prize to the first lady who knows what a jump stick is) and a bumbo (there is a prize to the first male who knows what a bumbo is). Had a great lunch at Unos, and headed back to the hotel, left the Jetta and its keys in the parking lot of the hotel; may never see it again and here we are waiting for our flight. Looking forward to this next phase.