Saturday, April 2, 2011

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. 

Friday, April 1, 2011

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. 

Thursday, March 31, 2011

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. 

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Tuesday, March 29th in Melbourne Beach

The day started out dark, with another day of rain with thunder showers forecasted.  We dodged a weather bullet and it turned out to be a splendid day at 26C.

My day started early.  The Altima with its new transmission required a follow up to repair the power steering.  The electric power steering unit had a wire disconnected from the harness.  It was not a big job, more annoying having to return to the dealer again.  At the same time they rotated the tires and my lug nut locking key is missing.  I had them remove the locking lug nuts and replace them with chrome nuts.  I searched the car and I hope it is at home in the garage.

We gathered at Barry and Shelia's for a pot luck supper with, Ron, Arabella, Gail and Helene and I.  Gail is flying back to Ottawa on Wednesday morning.  Barry celebrates a birthday on Wednesday.  So there was an excuse to get together.  We also watched the first elimination round of "Dancing with the Stars".  It was unmanamous by our group that they eliminated the weakest couple.  Only two days left in Melbourne Beach. 

Front left, Barry, Shelia, & Helene, Middle, Gail & Arabella, Middle Back, Ron

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Monday, March 28th in Melbourne Beach

The rain started around 400 AM with thunder and lighting which circled the area for a long period.  There has been no significant amount of rain for several months and what fell was most welcomed.  We did head out for a walk with our umbrellas which were used on our return. 





















Barry and I headed over to the Rockledge, Melbourne area to pick up a boat he had purchased.  A 1979 Sea Ray 175 in excellent shape.




The neighbourhood peacocks were visiting our front walk looking for handouts.  We gave then a couple of crackers which I am sure they enjoyed.  The evening was spend watching Dancing with the Stars and another day ended.  Three days to take off. 


Monday, March 28, 2011

Sunday, March 27th in Melbourne Beach

Wow, the only way to describe yesterday is "hot, hot"'.

Brother John took this picture from his condo balcony and posted it on his BLOG.  I like the picture and have posted it to share with you. 

Yesterday afternoon I was the chauffeur and drove Helene and Arabella to Vero Beach to an Art Show. We viewed the displays and walked the area streets window shopping.  My treat was an ice cream which melted in the heat but I managed to devour the cone with the assistance of many napkins.  Helene was hunting for sheets to match a purchase made on another day and off to Palm Bay and Melbourne.  We stopped along the way at Jong's fruit and vegetable stand a small operation with good produce and prices.  Another day shot with only four (4) remaining. 



Sunday, March 27, 2011

Saturday, March 26th in Melbourne Beach

We have been blessed with a month of beautiful weather.

The girls were off bright and early for the Saturday Garage Sale parade in the area.  Arabella found lamps, Shelia a bed shame, Gail a glass telephone pole insulator and Helene was shut out. 

Melbourne Nissan called to inform the Altima was ready for pick up.  The Ford Fiesta was topped up with gas and returned to Enterprise and a short walk down the road to the dealership.  The car was washed and ready.  Best of all the bill was covered totally under warranty.  There is a noticeable difference in the drive and handling of the car.

The boys went to the boat for an afternoon cruise on the river.  With the fantastic weather the river boat traffic was heavy and several little islands were buzzing with people enjoying the water.  The crab pots were checked but we were skunked.  Guess who the two "Arses" belong too??  After, a beer or two at the river bar with "Missy aka Loni" and her big frontal's, it was time to return to "Honest John's Marina" to put the boat away.  Another day, they are going by quickly. 

Two Arses