Theres No Place Like Home!

It was a really LONG day of travel today and we are finally home and it feels good! Isn't it funny how you cant wait to get away from it all, then 6 days later you re missing what you couldn't wait to get away from to begin with! Flying just isn't what it used to be any more either, it used to be fun. You would think a 2-1/2 hour flight would get you to your destination in a flash. Well you gotta get up way early to get ready to get to the airport (in our case MCI is 45 minutes away) and then allow at LEAST 1 hour to park your car and take the shuttle from the lot to the airport and get through the check in lines. We board, one diet coke, a pack of peanuts and a little snooze later were there! Well, kind 0f! After arriving in Tampa its off to get the rental car and then a 1-1/2 drive to Ocala. Sheesh, we figured it took us 9 hours each way from start to finish, and that was with no delays thank goodness!
We did however have lots of fun and the week went very fast.
Jerrys Dad lives in a large retirement community, there is plenty to keep a person busy which is why he has enjoyed living there the past 22 years. Hubby and brother in law Steve were like 2 kids in a candy store. Golf was high on their list and they did plenty of that, its so cheap they said, who can resist! (we were off season, and it was REALLY hot) hence some pretty reasonable rates for 2 crazy out of town boys. Besides golf we bowled, played Bingo and shuffleboard, boccie and horseshoes for the boys and we sunned at the pool in between daily thunderstorms. At night we played cards or games. We went to the movies, the boys saw Indiana Jones and my sister in law Julie and I saw Sex In The City.
You name it, we did it. Constant motion from morning until bedtime. Phew, makes a persons head spin!


No trip is complete without a stop at the citrus center!

Actually it was this come see the "13 foot alligator" advertisement that beckoned us to stop here, had to see it! (plastic :)

Loved these really cute coconut heads.

And lots of souvenirs, who wouldn't want this guy for your front porch.

Okay, this was a nice little side trip we took one afternoon. Stumpknockers is a restaurant on the Withlacoochee River. From there you can take a pontoon boat ride down the river.

Which we did. The boat ride was really nice and Captain Jack is an excellent river guide. A relaxing tour of the river, its history and wildlife, we all enjoyed it.

Never one to leave the local fauna alone, here I am with my alligator friend. (doesn't look like he really likes me does it). Oh gosh, look out Barbie!

This pic is a bit blurry but I had to take it during the river ride. These children at a swimming hole were enjoying the rope swing, diving and having such a great time. Looks like a lot of fun. I however would be a nervous wreck worrying about the snakes and alligators. Our guide swears snakes and alligators are not a problem unless you get in their territory. Ok. Gee, Mr 10 foot snake, sorry I accidentally drifted too far over near you LOL.
All in all, it was great to get away and good to see Jerrys Dad enjoying great health at 86.
And now I have work to do. Lots of catch up. One cant live off of Salt Water Taffy alone, looks like a trip to the grocery store 1st. Then off to tackle some laundry.
Have a great weekend!