Home again

We're back on PEI safe and sound. Our last 2 days in USA were busy ones. We departed Panama City Beach in fog at 6:00am, on route to the Daytona International Speedway, and Jacksonville for our flght to Bangor. We had an uneventful 6 hour drive to Daytona, stopping once at a Cracker Barrell for a great breakfast. Lloyd was all smiles and wide eyed as he toured the Daytona track, watched 3D movies on an I-Max, and drove Tony Stewarts Number 20 in a driving simulator. Judy being the great spouse tagged along without a word of complaint and took all the pictures.

We found our hotel in Jacksonville without problem, although our route took us directly through the centre of the city on a very busy 8 lane highway.

We bid farewell to our Pontiac Grand Prix on Friday morning and boarded our Delta flight to Cincinnati and Bangor at 11:00am; arriving at 5:20pm. Our night in Bangor consisted of some final shopping, as if we had not done enough, at Target and the Burlington Coat Factory. A take out pizza served as our last meal and we were off to bed for an early exit to Canada.

We had an enjoyable drive to PEI, stopping at Costco along the way for a few groceries, and were passed by July and Mark on the way who were travelling back from their week long vacation in Bermuda. We were met at 16 Zakem Heights by Melissa and Robbie, a happy dog, and a beautiful grand daughter.

Our trip lasted enjoyable 34 days. We met wonderful people, saw great scenery and landscape, visited memorable places and got to slow down and appreciate much of what we take for granted. We are thankful for our our safety during the days away and feel that our trip was truly a blessing.

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.