Mary Daniels is always looking for some pictures that show life is good whether it is hot or not. No matter how cool it gets, the blue sky, palm trees and flowers are reminders that it is worth it to be here. So Mary here are a few to warm you up when the snow is falling. Beach pictures by this weekend when the temps are expected to hit 70.
The annual Nova Scotia picnic was held on February 13th. As expected it was a very cool day so long pants were in order. I brought along the Olympic mittens that Trevor sent us and we actually wore them for warmth. Dave cooked sausages on his new portable BBQ and we managed to consume 40 with the gang who met us there. We got to spend time with Erna and Mac Leadbeater (Marion Bridge) who live in Largo, with Leah and Doug MacLean (Calgary) who live in Largo, Brenda and Cal Collins (Dartmouth) who live in Zephyrhills, as well as others we know from places near and far. Liz and Earl Corkery met us there as they arrived for their 3 and a half month stay. Although it was only 50 degrees, the sun came out and being with so many Nova Scotians is always a blast. The very ugly duck wanted to join us so I fed him a bun!!!
This week’s Red Hat event was a dinner theatre performance at a Comedy Club in Port Charlotte (about a half hour south). The actors were excellent and in particular two were phenomenal singers. In prep for Mary’s return in March I practised with a chocolate martini!!! Yummy!
On Saturday the 6th we attended the state dinner for New York and Pennsylvania. This time we were a large group as Stephanie Laidlaw, and her children (Megan and Lucas) as well as her parents Tom and Caroline joined us for the delicious meal.
I attended the monthly red hat luncheon at the Elks Club in Englewood (about 15 minutes south). Four other gals from one of my groups the Queen Annes were there. The place holds quite a crowd and this month there were 145 ladies present.
The 5 couples have had a draw to see who picks the restaurant for each of the next 5 weeks. Molly and George were first pick and we went to Captain Eddie’s on Highway 41 near Nokomis. Along with the 5 couples Charles’ brother Alyre and his wife Marthe joined us. 
Jim and Peg’s son Donnie and wife Stephanie are here for a few weeks. The grandchildren Megan and Lucas wanted to have a party so we were all invited. I donated some balloons and they had fun with my helium canister. They dressed up and served just like Nana does. It was a great party with the only downside being that Jim and Peg weren’t here to enjoy.
Of course it was great fun for Gus and Dave to be let loose in Jim’s liquor cabinet. They found their favourite Myers rum and decided it was theirs for the drinking!!!!
The skirting on all of the trailer was great except for the portion by the patio. Off it came and new siding is finally installed. Dave has been doing a fabulous job of the “honey do list”.
We had a celebration for Charlie’s 60th birthday today. He especially liked the balloon calling him handsome!
His niece and her family came down from Tampa where they now live. Also along with the regular gang were Mary Evelyn’s cousin Geri and her husband Bob.
When the cake was served Peg and Jim’s grandchildren were next door at our place calling Peg and Jim so we had them over for a treat. Here they are sitting with Molly and George.
Tonight was the first of many "state" dinners which are held at the Hall. Kentucky was on tap to feed and entertain us and it was a good night. Their theme was "birds of a feather flock together". It focussed on the fact that the 188 mobiles are owned by people from 22 states, 3 provinces (Ontario, Nova Scotia and PEI) and 1 country (Germany). The bird that held it all together was the trusty flamingo. On the walls were maps of all 22 states, Germany and a Canadian map. Our names were on arrowed tags pointing to our hometowns and along with that were the state, provincial and country bird for each. Supper was ham and potato scallop along with all the veggies, salads and desserts that each of us brought along.
Adventure Logan 