Tuesday, April 5th Leaving Staunton VA

   Overnight we experienced heavy thunder storms and the temperature had dropped to 6 C.  This was the first day since March 1st that we dressed in long pants and sleeves with a vest and our sandals.  We hit the road at 830 AM in the rain.  Our trip on the I-81 through Virgina, West Virgina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York States before entering Canada.  Most of the day we drove in the rain and even experienced snow flurries in New York State.  The traffic was steady with lots of semi trucks on the road. We cleared Canada Customs quickly without any difficulty and now into Ontario.  We arrived home at 800 PM.  We drove 2370 Kms from Kissimmee to our home.

   I must mention gas prices.  Florida prices were $3.499 per gal, Georgia, $3.559 per gal, North and South Carolina $3.599 per gal, Virgina $3.659 per gal and the most expensive gas in New York State $3.899 per gal.  Still a bargain compared to the Canadian prices.  And the American complain, we Canadians just sit back and just pay. 

   A good month and a bit. It is good to be home and I enjoyed my bed.  We are happy the snow is gone and looking forward to warmer weather, which will come. 

Monday, April 4th Leaving Kissimmee

It was our departure day from Kissimmee Florida.  We planned on driving as far as Staunton Virgina.  It was another bright sunny day around 20 C when we hit the road at 730 AM. 

The drive took us through the State of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina  on the I-95.  Then, we were routed to the I-26 and I-77 in North Carolina (Columbia area).  In Virgina we connected with the I-81.  Monday's drive of 1350 Kms ended at 745 PM.  We checked in to the motel and were in time for "Dancing with the Stars".  Needless to say; we were a little car weary from the 12 hour drive.  Helene was glued to the TV and using the telephone and Internet service.  I headed out for a BBQ roasted chicken, Cole slaw and of course a bottle of wine. 

As mentioned, the day started out at 20 C and hit a high of 31 C and when the car was parked in Staunton VA it was 24 C.  The winds had picked up throughout the day and storm advisories had been posted for possible tornado's and thunder storms.

Sunday, April 3rd in Kissimmee

It was another wonderful Florida day in the Kissimmee area with friends. 

Vonnie, Albert and Helene headed out for church in the Celebration area.  The Dowling's son and his family were off to the Disney's water park for the day.  We enjoyed a brunch and chilled out around the pool.  Of course, we had to stay hydrated in the heat.

The whole Kissimmee gang headed out to Downtown Disney for the evening.  An area on the Disney complex with alot of commercial shops, Lego Land, Toy World, many restaurants, live music and filled with people, all happy and having fun.

After our fun filled evening in Downtown Disney we were off, with a final stop at Neil and Sue's for cinammon rolls before heading home.  A great day.

Saturday, April 2nd in Kissimmee

Just another outstanding weather day.  We spent the day by the pool. After a great BBQ supper the gang headed over to Old Town to enjoy the sights and sounds.  A carnival atmosphere with an antique car parade of 340 vehicles.  Some very nicely remodeled vehicles which made a grown man drool.

Friday, April 1st in Melbourne Beach

 A big change in the weather, the storm systems have move through the area and the typical Florida weather has returned. 

Helene and I were up early finishing off the packing and washing, linen and towels, vacuuming and cleaning the condo.  We had breakfast prepared by Barry and Shelia.  The packing and car loaded and we were off for Kissimmee.  We arrived at Vonnie and Albert's in the early afternoon.  We hung out around the pool and enjoyed the company followed by a BBQ. 

It is hard to believe a month plus has passed.  We certainly will miss the weather.  It has been a most excellent experience. 

Thursday, March 31st in Melbourne Beach

It was a wild and woolly day in Florida.  The weather was not hurricane strength but darn close, tornado warnings throughout the Volusia and Brevard County's.  We experienced strong winds with heavy rain and lots of thunder and lightening. 

Seeing that it was out last day at the condo in Melbourne Beach the weather did not effect out indoor activities of gathering, packing and cleaning.  We did enjoy lunch with Barry and Shelia.  The boys did make their afternoon trip to "Loggerhead's" for beer.  Ron and Arabella had us over for our last supper and we watched "American Idol" the double elimination round.  Leaving Melbourne Beach and hopefully returning next year.  We have spoken with the owner and stated our interest in returning. 

Wednesday, March 30th in Melbourne Beach

The forecast was for rain with thunder showers.  It was humid and the temperature hit 30C.  Then around the supper hour, heavy rain, thunder and a tornado watch.  We experienced only heavy rain with winds which did some tree pruning, no damage in this area,  The storm which came out of the west cut a path through the Orlando area through to the Cape Canaveral area and north. 

Helene and Arabella were in training and did a shopping run.  Ron, New Jersey John and I played golf at the Baytree National GC.  A great day, warm, sunny, humid, 30 C, then while waiting to T-off at the 18th hole and the skies darkening and winds picking up, an executive decision was made to skip the 18th hole and head to the clubhouse.  We each scored a "Birdie".  The winds continued to pick up and the rain started coming sideways as we arrived.  We dumped the carts and ran into the Pro Shop with our golf bags.  In the security of the Clubhouse and in the bar area, beer was ordered and of course enjoyed.  We waited for the weather system to blow through before returning to Melbourne Beach which is about a 45 minute drive.

The shoppers had supper ready for Ron and I upon our arrival.  We enjoyed watching the "American Idol" show together.  Another day just breezed by.  One day left to gather up, pack and clean the condo.