Adventure Logan

Well we survived Black Friday although the news indicates that there were injuries in other states. I can easily see how the crowds could get out of hand fighting over the high end items. There was no fuss when Liz and I hit Khols about 11 am this morning. I got three items – a coverlet regular $139 for $39, a gel mat regular $59 for $24 and a digital frame regular $159 for $69. In addition to the savings I got $30 in Khols bucks and a redeption for a $30 rebate. I was quite happy with the purchases and came home feeling quite pleased with the trip. Dave and I headed out later to buy a dishwasher – ours gave up the ghost in May just before we left for home. So it was a great day finished up this eve by a trip to Goodwill and Bealls Outlet. Several times Liz and I have had a huge laugh over the “winter” clothes we see – boots, scarves, fur hats, heavy jackets and even ear muffs – meanwhile we are in shorts and sandals. I think I have had enough retail therapy for awhile. Tomorrow it is back to yard work and rearranging for the bedroom/closet revamp.

This evening after the affects of our noon hour dinner wore off we played dominoes at the clubhouse (Molly/George, Peg/Jim, Liz/Earl and ourselves). At 10 o’clock we headed to Walmart for Black Friday shopping but since it was 2 hours before Friday even began I have decided to give late Thanksgiving Day the moniker of Grey Thursday. Dave even joined us as the original plan was for Liz and me to go to Bealls but Earl was off to Walmart for a TV so Dave came too. We ended up getting our 5 neat items and then coming back home with Peg and Jim. Liz and Earl were in for the long haul since the TV wasn’t available until midnight. Tomorrow we will be off to Lowes for the 98 cent pointsettias and to pick out panelling for my new 9 foot closet! I am sure Liz and I will make it to several other places too but not until the real BLACK FRIDAY.

Well today was “turkey day” here in the United States! It was a hot and sunny day but we trekked off to the clubhouse for the noon dinner. Jimmy Laidlaw and a team were responsible for cooking 4 turkeys and making stuffing, potatoes and gravy for the 65 attendees. We each brought a dessert, salad or side dish so there was more than enough food to pile on the famous plastic divided trays. My only lament was the fact that there are no leftovers in my fridge. A great day was had by all.

We are packing and getting ready to head out on Friday (November 18th). I hope that you come by this site and check out our adventure. It is hard to believe that we have been home for 6 months and are packing to go back already. Life is really speeding these days.

The Venice gang celebrated Jim’s 65th with a party – drinks, appetizers, laughter and KARAOKE!!! He had a great time and truly enjoyed all the hugs and kisses LOL.

Dave and Earl volunteered to work at this tournament this year. It was held at TPC Tampa and by all accounts they had fun. Their job was security/hospitality at the Billibong Club (exclusive $7500 entry – corporate etc.) They saw lots of celebs including our own Michael J, Fox whose Parkinsons Foundation was one of the recipents. Liz and I were invited to the Appreciation Dinner held just before the event – we and 1000+ other volunteers ate dinner on the course – outside on the driving range area.

Cal and Brenda Collins visited Venice from Zephyrhills. We showed them our town and walked down the pier to view the beach and the porpoises who were having fun. After lunch at Pineapples we visited with the others in the park who know them. Dave BBQ steak for supper with Cal, Brenda, Danny and Marilyn. Our ususal Thursday night dominoes filled out the day and I think that the Collins’ enjoyed it all.

There has been an annual patio party at the park for years and it is a park favourite. Last year Dave and I were asked to host it and we did with the help of the Canadians (Nova Scotians). This year the Canadian residents of the park have taken it over. Many states with multiple people living here actually host a dinner so it was getting to be time for us to take something on. Now that there are 15 couples from Canada – 9 from NS , 1 from Alberta, 1 from PEI and 4 from Ontario we have our own event. All residents attend but it is the responsibility of us to do the entertainment and the food. We had lots of prizes and since it is the only one held outdoors we played Canadian trivia and bingo. The menu was Pulled Pork on a bun, pasta salad, veggie cup, potato chips and a cupcake for dessert. From all accounts it was enjoyed by all.