Florida, Disney and beyond

8/23 – 8/24/2014 – Packed up and moved on to Myrtle Beach for some R&R after the busy week at Disney.  Heard from Jack and Arlene, unfortunately they had some mechanical problems on the way up, but they found a great towing company that got them running and they arrived just a few hours later than expected.  Looking forward to a lazy week of swimming, chilling, kayaking, biking, shopping, drinking and of course a bit of golfing sprinkled in. 

8/22/2014 – Last day of park hopping at Disney spent at Epcot, we all had a good laugh when we talked Erik into volunteering for the stunt show and he got an early shower.  Fast passed all the rides we wanted to take and then had a great last night dinner at the Coral Reef restaurant.  New York Strips steaks all around except for me, I just can’t bring myself to order steak in a seafood restaurant, so I went with the yellow-tailed sea bass served whole which really freaked out the granddaughters, and we all finished off with another round of decadent desserts.  Tomorrow will be a travel day as we reminisce about the great days of Disney. 

    

8/21/2014 – Today was Magic Kingdom, still the Disney’s mainstay, the place was packed.  Hit the rides and then a great Italian meal with Shrimp Scampi and Chicken Parm the best picks followed with Key Lime Cheesecake for dessert, yes the pants are getting tight.  Erik and I headed back to the campground at about 9:00pm but the girls kept marching on, of course they are the stronger sex. 

8/20/2014 – Let the gang sleep in this morning after a very late night, as we had the windshield cover company coming to the campground this morning to make the window covers for the RV.   They finished the job by 10:00am and did a great job.  The rest of the morning is spent at the pool and then off to Hollywood Studio’s part two in the afternoon and into the evening.  The Disney meal plan is killing us, gained two pounds already, they really do give you a lot of food, and of course we eat it all. Sci-Fi Drive-In restaurant tonight, NY Strips all around with milkshake appetizers and hot fudge sundaes for dessert, can you hear the buttons popping?

8/19/2014 – Today is Animal Kingdom and the kids are raring to go.  On the bus by 9:30 am is a miracle for this crew but we made it.  Spent a great day at the Kingdom and then back to the Campground for the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue and dinner.  Then off to  a bonus night at Hollywood Studio’s until 11:30, the crew dragged home at about 12:30…LONG DAY…….NEED SLEEP…..

 8/18/2014 – Here we are at the Happiest Place on Earth.  So good to see the family, especially the grandkids as we plan for the next four days of park hopping at Disney.  Spent the afternoon at the pool cooling off from the scorching heat down here then dinner at the Campground. 

8/16/2014 – Appointment at Camping World at 8:00am to

install the new baseplate on the car.  Camping World came through with flying colors, out be 10:00am and ready for the road.  Also picked up two roof  bike racks to replace the hitch rack which we have officially retired.  Rest of the day spent packing up the site for departure tomorrow.   Really looking forward to seeing the Daniels and Senteneri Families in Disney on Sunday for a week and then on to Myrtle Beach where Jack and Arlene will join in the fun.. 

8/15/2015 – It’s official, we are now Floridian’s.  Settlement took about 10 minutes this morning then off to the Condo to change the locks, and get our car passes and gate keys.  Then off to motor vehicle to make our domicile official.  Got our Florida license’s, tags and registration for the car, talk about expensive….30 minutes later $600 poorer we were official Florida residents.  They really beat you over the head on first time auto registration here, close to $500 just for registration, tags and FL title.  Couldn’t do the motorhome yet since we won’t get the title for a couple weeks, can’t wait to see the fees for that.  Oh well, still cheaper than NJ in the long run.  Low property tax, no state tax here but auto and home insurance are higher than NJ.  Another steaming day weather-wise humidity is higher than the temperature and they are both above 90 degrees. 

8/11/2014– 8/14/2014 – Crazy week between working, morning bike rides, walking the dogs and doing all the prep for Florida residency not much time to enjoy the area.   Florida Auto, RV, and Condo insurance  took quite a bite out of the budget.  Took care of the banking changeover and set up the wire transfer for settlement on Friday.  Chippy got her hair cut and nails done, told her to shave the head to keep cool, but she didn’t listen.  Camping World finally called and said the baseplate was coming in on Thursday, installing on Saturday just in the nick of time before we leave for Disney vacation on Sunday.  Work is really becoming a drag, can’t wait for retirement, but the next two weeks of vacation will help.  Started to plan the route for the next couple of months as we journey through Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.  Thanksgiving week will be in Arlington TX, just down the street from Cowboy Stadium, where we have tickets to watch the EAGLES stomp the Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day.   Tentatively looks like Christmas in San Diego and New Years in LA then off to the desert  in January, more definitive plans to follow.  

8/10/14 - Just a relaxing day at the campground.  Morning bike ride and afternoon karaoke pool party.  Of course I a dazzled them with renditions of Willie, Elvis and Toby.  Watched the PGA championship later in the evening what an amazing finish.   Then of course it was wine time.  SALUTE!!!