Happy Birthday Rich..... and Diane, and Marie, and Joy and Jim!!

Today is actually Rich's birthday, but it was last night that we all celebrated.  Keith and Marie Richards, planned a happy (birthday) hour at that site  to celebrate all the February birthdays.    Pictured below with their significant other, and with their Birthday Cake is (starting at top left), Birthday Girls Diane with Buddy, Joy with Ed, Marie with Keith, and the Birthday Guys, Jim with Jenny and Rich with me. 

 

There was a huge crowd ! Keith said he counted 42 people.  I must have missed a picture of someone - cuz I only count pictures of 37......    I'm not going to post the names this time - because, I'm embarrassed to say that there are about  3 people in these pictures that I SHOULD know their names - and about 6 that we met for the first time tonight. 

Before eating  the entire group gathered in a circle around the table and joined hands while Keith gave a prayer of thanks.  It was an absolutely beautiful evening to be with friends.

Keith and Marie make some excellent barbecue for the crowd and everyone else brought a dish to pass.  I think they about five tables lined up in a row to hold all the food.   For those who did not want the white cake - Marie brought out FOUR small chocolate cakes.  There was very little of either left to take home.

Once more the birthday group.  All were celebrating birthdays either on the 16th, 17th or 18th of the month .  Below they stand in order of age from left to right ranging from the Baby at just 61 to the Senior at 69.  .

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

PS:  Princess Jane  - I know you're reading this. Once again it was very strange not seeing your name on the cake or you standing next to Rich.  We send along our best birthday wishes to you.....and want you to know we miss you both!

We're So Proud...

Below our son Dennis is recognized by a 3 Star General for saving a man's life who was having a heart attack on February 8th at the Rock Island Arsenal in IL.   While in the military, Dennis was stationed at Rock Island and since his retirement has continued in his position as a Criminal Investigator at the Department of Army Civilian .

In front of Senior Leaders, he received the Military Coin for Excellence.  Following the presentation he posted the following on his face-book page:

I'm sure glad this is an extended weekend being off tomorrow I'm not very public but it's been a roller-coaster week. I thank God that I was in the right place at right time on Wednesday morning to help save a mans life..... Please say a prayer of your choice for those that are sick, ill, injured & stressed to give them strength to full recovery! Stay Strong!

A few days later on February 13th, we celebrated our grandson's 14th Birthday.   We didn't get a birthday picture - so this is one taken a couple of month's ago.  ( We understand the hair is shorter now!) HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DALTON !!!  

  Dalton's choice for his birthday dinner was Jimmy Johns, and then off for family bowling.

Once again Dennis says it best......."‎14 years ago, along comes Dalton. Today & everyday, I couldn't be more proud of my Son & Love him so much!

Happy Birthday Buddy!

Pickleball in Naples, Fl

On Friday afternoon we headed for Naples, Fl for the Collier County Pickleball Tournament. This is where the annual Collier County Senior Games are played each year, but this year, due to lack of funds the county elected to cancel the entire event.  So our good friends and fellow USAPA Ambassadors Nancy Meyer and Cindy Eddleman decided to have a pickleball tournament anyway.  With 12 courts and lots of interest, they made it a USAPA Sanctioned event open to ages 16 and older and drew almost 130 players.

We arrived in Naples around 6:00pm, checked in at the hotel and headed for the courts to watch the singles competition for a while, then  stopped at 5 Guys Burger and Fries for  late dinner before we headed back to the room.  We stayed at the Best Western on Pine Ridge Rd and it was one of the nicest places we've stayed.  The room was huge with a small kitchenette (sink, micro, frig, coffeepot) and the price was very reasonable.  The only down side was that our room was directly in front of an entry door and across from the ice machine and elevators, so we did get disturbed a little during the night. You can't believe how many people go for ice at 3 or 4 in the morning!!  A great complimentary breakfast in the morning.  We would definitely recommend this hotel if you're in the area.

Saturday was the doubles competition and we were not surprised to see many of  the same people we've come to know and play with over the years; Linda and Diane from Tanglewood, Tim and Marlene Difenderfer and Gary and Cathy Miller from Solivita  and Cindy Eddleman and  Nancy Meyer. from Ft. Myers.  This year  we were pleasantly surprised when we ran into  John and Carla Foard.   John partnered with one of his fellow Venice players. 

The games were delayed about an hour because of rain during the night.  While the day remained partly cloudy,  everyone could shed the jackets and coats when the sun did shine. As the day progressed, the winds got stronger.  Players were battling winds 16 to 18 miles/hour  with even larger gusts that more than once toppled the nets.   But this group hung in there. Linda and Diane took the gold! The rest of this crew all went home with Silver Medals!.  

Rich played with Mark Stemmerman, from The Villages.  They had a couple of matches that they took easily, but they also had a couple that were very very competitive, and went three games.  As usual, they played the very last game of the competition on Saturday and  finished with the GOLD!!

During the second match of the day, Rich slipped on some loose stones and turned his ankle.   Once the match was over he bandaged up the ankle and continued on, hobbling a bit at times, but still coming out on top!

On the way home we stopped for dinner at a great Italian restaurant called Meravelas.  They advertise Pizza, Pasta, Subs and Salads. 

Rich had the small Stromboli - which was big enough for the two of us.  I had the Pena Pasta with meatballs.  Both were excellent as was the service! 

When we returned to the hotel, Rich removed the bandage from his ankle, and it was very very swollen, and hurt to touch.  As much as he wanted to play, we both decided it was best that he not get back on it for a while.   So rather than head for the courts on Sunday, we headed for home.  

Dining Out with Friends.

         







On Saturday we headed up to Bowling Green to Smokin Joe's BBQ with Nick and Tonyia.   Rich and I had never been there before but had heard that it was one of the best in the area.   A great meal deal for four people for $29. includes a full rack of ribs, a whole chicken,  rolls and two sides.  There was enough for the four of us to take home another meal.  Everyone enjoyed the meal - but I guess I found out that I really don't  care for the "smoked"  flavor.

On the way back we stopped at Pure Magic Ice Cream.  Nick and Tonyia had not been there before so got to experience the art of making "peanut butter fudge and coffee fudge ice cream.  As usual it was excellent.

On Tuesday evening it was a home cooked dinner with friends Tom, Karen and Sammy.

We see Karen at the pickleball court, and Tom when there is a happy hour, and Sammy out walking Mom or Dad, be we seldom get the time to just enjoy their company.  Tonight, Tom treated us all to a delicious pork roast, sweet potatoes, with rolls and veggie and apple slices. 

The home made brownies topped with grasshopper ice cream and Carmel syrup topped off a perfect meal and a perfect evening.  It was so enjoyable just to sit and enjoy the evening with friends. 

Ground Hog Day Tournament at Peace River

Our first tournament of the winter season!!  Nate and Karen, our tournament organizers put together a great day of pickleball including both doubles and mixed doubles competition.

Each player paid a $5 entry fee,  and that will be used to help resurface/repaint the courts here at the park. 

Below Nate prepares the group for the day, goes over the schedule of events, and the rules of the round robin.  The first eight players take to the courts, and the rest settle in to watch the competition.    And you'll notice that our Peace River Mascot , Miss Ava,  also found a comfortable seat , court side;  she  was ready to cheer on her favorites!

The ladies take to the courts.  There was Nell, Barbara, Julia, Hedy, Vickie, Karen, Carla, Carol  Rosemary and ME!  The competition was great; we had lots of laughs and  some really good games!

While the ladies played on one court, the guys were deep into some great competition of their own on the adjacent court. Rich was not able to play today but those that did were:  Nate, Rene, Bob, John, Art, Garth, Keith, Gene, Paul, Skip,  and Richard and Mike from Torrey Oaks.

The doubles was played a a random draw round robin and everyone played five games.

 By the end of the doubles competition, the temperatures were well on there way to the high of the day - about 85 degrees!! Thanks to Nate and Karen there was plenty of water on hand, and the Pizza arrived just in time for lunch. Everyone moved their chairs to the other side of the courts trying to find some shade and settled in for the mixed doubles.

 

At the end of the competition there were two teams who went undefeated - one game to 15 points determined the final first place winner. Everyone stayed for the final game and the crowd cheered on every point in this very very close match.  Either team could have been victorious...........Below are a few shots of the final match between Nate and Rosemary and  Barbara and Mike.

And your winners are pictured below.  In the men's doubles it was Richard going undefeated and taking first place, Rene in second and Nate in third.  I also went undefeated in the woman's double and took first place.  Karen and Barbara tied with number of wins AND total points, but Karen took two games 11-0 - which gave her second place.   First place in the mixed doubles went to Mike and Barbara, second place to  Nate and Rosemary and third place to Richard and Vicki! 

Congratulations to all the winners!!

And before we all left  for the day we took center court for a group picture!

Pictured from left to right: Hedy, Art, Bob, Donna, Gene, Nell, Ricard, Carol, Vicky, John, Carla, Barbara, Keith, Garth, Mike, Rene, Nate, Paul and Skip.  Kneeling in the front are Karen and Rosemary.

Now I did not check  today's predictions from Punxsutawney Phil - but the Peace River Ground Hog definitely would declare as he looked out at the crowd around the pickleball courts.....

Many shadows do I see
So six more weeks of winter it must be!

Thanks Nate and Karen for a really great day.

Happy Hour with the Zukas'

It seems that not a week goes by before  people gather at the site of one RV'er or the other. Tonight it was over on A Row with John and Shelly.

By now we all know that Happy Hour - is actually more like Pot Luck, and tonight was no different.  As the group began to gather I tried to get a few pictures before it was too dark.  Tonight there were a few people that Rich and I had not yet met..........except to see them out on Ken and Fays' Blog!

Pictured below:  In the center of the picture is our Host and Hostess - John and Shelly and surrounding them, starting top left are: Bryan and Helene, Keith and Marie, Jim and Julia and Rene and Mira smiling for the camera!

Below, is Art and Hedy,  Krystal and Nate, Tonyia and Nick, Vickie and Bob, Jim and Marlene and Kay and Todd.

Everyone enjoyed a great "pot luck" with peanut crusted Talapia,  corn casserole, pasta, chili, macarroi and cheese, spicy hot dogs, wantons and egg rolls, meatballs, banana bread, chips and some really great dip and some great cookies and muffins.  I'm sure I've forgotten something - there was so much!

If ever you've been to a happy hour with John and Shelly - then you know that John does not let you leave before you are fully entertained.  Tonight was no different.  Now some of us had  taken part in  John's presentation of "The Moon is Round: before , but tonight we had some new folks.  Below  is eveyone trying their best to "Do It Right"  All you need to do is Pay Attention and Listen Closely to what John tells you to do.  Sorry - can't give away any secrets....

After everyone took their turn drawing in the dirt.........we moved on to a little Sunday Night Live Commedy Entertainment.  The featured acts tonight were John  and the tale of the tooth brush salesman and Julia who did a great job with the the story of the Bible salesman with a stutter.   Sorry - can't give away the punch lines!  They were both great!!

Now, John and Shelly are parked right beside the Pickelball Courts -so most everyone brought along a change of shoes and their paddles and took to the courts for a few games before heading home for the night!

Thanks John and Shelly for a really fun evening!  

A Family Gathering ?

On Sunday evening we gathered with some of our friends at the home of Art and Hedy.  (While most of us have our motor home or 5th wheel - Art and Hedy own one of the park models here at Peace River).   Hedy says the evening was a "medal celebration".  This is the group that came home with 10 medals/awards last Saturday  at the Winter in Paradise Pickleball Tournament over in Sun City Center.

Whatever the reason - it was an evening of fun, great laughter and an outstanding menu.   Seated below around the table is Nate, Tom, Karen, Rich, Donna, Art, Hedy, Buddy, Diane.....  In the bottom photo - Krystal is back at the table and Hedy begins serving up the food.

 The evening started with your choice of beverage, but most of us enjoyed the freshly made fruit punch. The menu was 5 Star Quality and consisted of Chicken Cordon-Blue, Baked Potato, Peas, Green Salad and Biscuits.

 I think it was when Buddy and Diane's bottle of champagne was opened that the story telling and laughter went up a notch or two.  We heard about the teenage years from Rich and his wild  weekly keg parties and bad driving habits.  There was Tom -  the good little alter boy and his "impure thoughts" about one of the Catholic nuns.  And I learned that Krystal and I were much the same back in high school - both wanting to save the world - me as a nun and her as a missionary!  But the best story of the evening was the office romance that brought Art and Hedy together 28 years ago.  

And the evening was not yet over .  It was time for coffee and dessert.  And out came the biggest cheesecake I've ever seen.  One half covered in blueberries and the other with cherries.  Absolutely delicious - with seconds for Tom and Rich! 

How fortunate we are to share such good times with such wonderful people and so blessed to be part of such a great RV family.    

Friday Night Live - Downtown Wauchula

We made a quick trip Friday night to check out the monthly Friday  Night Live in downtown Wauchula.  This month was Las Vegas Night.   The Casino was open for gambling of your choice - Roulette, Black Jack or Texas Hold-Em.... A $10 or $20 donation got you your chips to gamble away - Big winners would take home the big prizes.     Neither of us are gamblers - so we just walked around to see what else was going on. 

Walking down Main Street we spotted the HART (Hardee Animal Rescue Team) Booth.  Yes - that great big tall puppy caught our eye, but it was this beautiful female Beagle that got our attention.  She was seven years old and they called her Grandma - because of her white face.......... She was a bit timid - but with all the excitement of the night that was certainly understandable.  It was sooooooooooooooo hard to not take her home with us!

But we went on our way ........  but before leaving,  Rich insisted we stand in this very long line so that he could have his Funnel Cake!!

It was a quick visit tonight  and we headed for home.

An evening of celebration......

Just recently on of our favorite couples here at Peace River decided to take that giant step - and were joined in holy matrimony!    It really was not a big surprise to most of us.  They really have so much in common, especially their love of music and "jammin"!

Thanks to Krystal and Nate who decided it was time that we help the two of them celebrate, we worked together to plan an evening with friends that we hope they will remember. 

They were the first to arrive so I took advantage of the little remaining daylight to try and snap a picture of the two of them with their cake.

It was a perfect evening - beginning with a pot luck dinner.  Most popular tonight was the Spaghetti.  Mira - your sauce is perfection!!  Krystal must have cooked 3lbs of spaghetti - and it was completely gone by the end of the evening.  But - this group of people are great in the kitchen - there was a great variety of other dishes, h'orderves and sweets - that no-one went home hungry.

There was a bit of a chill in the air - so the campfire was perfect!   We also had a guest book that we asked everyone to sign along with their home town. Below Rene and Mira smile as they leave the newly weds a few words.............

 

Below - the happy couple is surrounded by a few of their many friends that came out to celebrate with them tonight.

Congratulations Buddy and Diane - Best wishes to both of you!

The Guest List:
Nate and Krystal
Bob and Vicky
Vick and Judy
Rene and Mira
Tom and Karen
Art and Hedy
John and Carla
Earl and Cindy
Garth and Rosemary
Paul and Carla
Woody
Sally
Jim and Patti
Jim and Judy
Nick and Tonyia
Rich and Donna

Winter in Paradise- Pickleball at Kings Point

We're always surprised when we visit Louann and her pickleball group at Kings Point in Sun City Center.  She takes such great pride in putting on a fun day of pickleball for everyone of every age and every skill level.  She is such a creative lady and that is most evident in the pickleball goodie bags and the pickleball awards she puts together for winners.  Today, the weather was exceptionally cold so how appropriate that the  goodie bags complete with juice, breakfast bars, crackers, cookies or chocolate bars also came with little note pads cleverly attired in colorful sweatshirts . Trophies awaited the first place winner, paper weights the second place winners, and bronze medals for those finishing third. Every item displayed either the Winter In Paradise Logo and/or the pickleball paddles.

Everyone arrived bundled for the blast of cold weather that set in over night.  Last night we were playing in our shorts and t-shirts, but this morning we welcomed the low 40's and wind!  Below at the check in table is Nate, Hedy, Art and Buddy.

How cold was it?  Hedy's face tells it all!  In the lower left corner is Scott Nelson, our fellow USAPA ambassador who drove all the way from Satellite Beach ( near Melbourne) on the east coast!!  That's his son Joshua with him.  And in the lower right is Pat, Zachary and Chris who drove down from our home community in Wesley Chapel along with Pat's wife Suzi and Zack's mom, Karen.  Don Bass, also from our home community was supposed to be with them, and playing with me today..........but he tore his hamstring playing pickleball two nights ago.

 

As the day wore on it became a little more bearable; the sun came out and people started shedding layers of clothing.  They call me a Polar Bear..... but check out Karen and Nate!!!! 

Pictured  below in the top four pictures are Karen, Hedy, Buddy and Nate.  On the bottom row left is Jean who drove over from Torrey Oaks, and on the right is Louann and her partner Nadine.   Congrats to Nate and Buddy on their Second Place finish!

Rich partnered up with Chris from Wesley Chapel.  Art was supposed to play with Don Bass - so when he could not play, Rich stepped in and played with Art.   They played off the medal match for 3rd and 4th place against Zachary and Pat - and Art and Rich brought home the Bronze Medal!!   Below are pictures of Rich playing with both Chris and Art.

Karen, like Rich played with two partners today.  She played with Hedy and she played with me.   We started off pretty bad - and I'm just going to blame it on the wind, and a little nerves, despite the fact that we had some pretty tough competition.  We were sure we were not in the running for a medal, so Rich and I took off for home.  About 1/2  mile down the road, Nate called to say Karen and I were due to playoff for the Bronze.  We Kicked Butt!!!  Not really.........our competition was late for another engagement and had to leave.  So by default we take home the Bronze! 

And below - the rest of the gang from home.  That's Karen and Suzi (in the blue) and Pat and 12 year old Zachary.  Don't let his age fool you.  He's really a very talented young man, and plays a mean game! 

Rich and I did not play in the mixed doubles in the afternoon - but most of our friends did.  So we're still waiting to hear the results.

The weather could have been a little more accommodating today - but it was a fun day with our pickleball family.