Adventure Logan

Canadian Snowbird Extravaganza

On Wednesday we travelled to Lakeland (about 1.5 hours away) with Dennis and Gerrie Irwin to attend the Snowbird Extravaganza. It was our first time but the Irwins are veterans of this event. Basically it is a mini trade show with entertainment and the annual meeting of the Canadian Snowbird Association. This association has 100,000 members and over 30,000 of them attended this event in Florida. Other large events are held in Arizona and Texas.

Dave was hoping to get to see Jimmy Flynn (Dave was president of the Fleet Club in the 80’s and  responsible for the entertainment and often hired Jimmy). We were only on site for about 20 minutes when he got his wish to connect with Jim. They had a quick gab about the “good old days” and we also got to see his performance.

In addition to Jimmy’s show we also saw Crystal Gage a multiple award-winning country performer.

And to top off the day we were treated to the Celtic-based music and dance of The Next Generation Leahy. These are the 6 kids of Doug Leahy  who is part of the group Leahy. They have performed with such artist as The Tenors, and their Uncle Donnell and Aunt Natalie MacMaster). The kids range in age from 6-14 and are very talented.

It was interesting to meet this friendly RCMP officer from Winnipeg. He told us he was really enjoying the warm weather.

We were surprised we didn’t see many people we know (Dave always meets people wherever he goes). We were thrilled that we ran into Hazel and Gordie Hadley who camped with us at Evangeline Beach for many years.

No road trip is complete without at lunch stop. We had these scrumptious milk shakes at Steak and Shake!

So This Is Winter

So this is winter in Florida. We have had record warm and dry so it is very easy to take. We have been doing the Friday night out for supper so that is always on the agenda. Finally made it to the Burgundy Cafe with Liz and Earl.

One of our favourite beaches is South Brohard  – it is next to the dog beach and we get to walk there for a dog fix. This week we made a trip there and were not disappointed.

We have very few projects but one that is finished is the addition of some lattice work by our front door. Earl and Dave had it up in record time and I am very pleased with it – wish we had done it sooner.

This past weekend (January 22) we were under severe storm watch for about 10 hours. Although there was strong wind all day, we only got 2 bouts of heavy rain. There were tornadoes in surrounding states and damaging winds close by. On Monday morning we took a drive to see the water – the jetty area was closed but we did get to see from Venice Beach and the beach at Sharky’s.

Mid January 2017

There were about 5 cool days so we missed beach time. As usual, when we are at the beach, there are lots of birds to watch.

And human fliers to watch

And the beautiful turquoise water

Liz and Earl arrived on January 2 – let the fun begin.

We have settled into somewhat normal routines here – oh the wild life in a senior’s park! Liz and Earl are here now so we make Wednesday night at the clubhouse a regular event – BINGO. Last night all 4 of us won.  Crafting will begin shortly as Liz and I have been scouting ideas and we are ready for some beading.

Then there are those great sunsets.

Happy New Year

Well we have done a variety of things on New Year’s Eve’s these past 9 years – street parties here in the park, several restaurant years, house parties and the like – oh and the famous year on the Panama Canal cruise when there were 8 foot waves. This year we decided (since we were alone) to do something different. Tonight went like a well-oiled machine so we are happy. First we ordered Chinese food from China Jade which we enjoyed very much.

Then it was off to see The Passengers at the Galleria Theaters – first movie we have seen on New Year’s Eve in either of our lives. When the movie finished, we had 15 minutes to drive to Service Beach (lantern in hand) to see the fireworks that were shot off from Sharkey’s  Beach.

Back home to watch some TV before bed – not a drink was had!

Boy how times have changed from the years of late night dances and dinners.

Hopefully you all celebrated the new year in your own unique way and that 2017 will be a great one for each of you.