Nice Pond catch

Garrett Mollway, a visitor from the Orlando area, was out out back door about 1:30 this afternoon and landed this nice big mouth. He said he had landed a 10 pounder before.... Hmmmm maybe I better take up fishing....He followed the rules, and released the fish back to the pond to be caught again one day perhaps...

Busy Monday

Tonight, we headed on downtown to stop and eat at the Village Inn with the Kingstons, then went to the second in a series of events leading up to St Augustine's 450th anniversary celebration, which will be in 2015. Tonight was a very interesting presentation about Don Pedro Menendez, who was the big Spanish Hotshot of the day.

Tom, the powerwash dude, came a day later than originally planned, since it rained yesterday, and got the house all spiffy clean.

Sunday Sprinkles

As I said below, we've got rain for pretty much the first time since we got back on Nov first or so. Not a cold rain at all, its 73 degrees outside, just a left over rain from the big storm that was supposed to be almost a hurricane when it hit the Texas coast last weekend. Think it will clear up later, but also thinking the 3 pm appointment with the power washer for the house is probably not going to happen.

Our Sunday morning routine now.... Up at 0830, out to McDonalds for breakfast, over to Wal Mart for groceries and assorted have to haves, then Publix for what we didn't get at Wal Mart and our Sunday papers. It started to sprinkle just as we got to Wal Mart, and is raining more steadily as this is written. First time since we got back, almost a month.

Winter Wonderland last night

We joined Dan and Kippy and 10,000 of our closest St Augustine friends last night for what they call the kick off of Winter Wonderland, which is advertised as the lighting of some 200,000 Christmas lights downtown. We got to town fairly early, about 4:15 or so, and wandered St George Street first. I finally managed to find the flag pole hardware I've been looking for for almost a month at the flag store, so that was good, now I can fly my South Carolina state flag outside the house. We ate at a nice restaurant, then walked St George Street and headed over to the square and looked at the vendors, then the ceremony lit the place up. Stopped by McDonald's on the way home for milkshakes and coffee and pie and icecream, and then home to crash.

Sunday, the powerwasher is due to clean the house, then a busy Thanksgiving week next week. I also have an appt with the nurologist to see about my back and shrinking leg stuff, and we have another in our series of Passport events for St Augustine's 450th birthday celebration coming up. Only thing missing is the family. This will be the first time we haven't been together. Must be retired now....

Hornets loose in Upper State

The Ware Shoals Hornets season ended last night as they lost to Williston-Elko, 44-20. They end up with a 9-4 season, which is really remarkable considering the talent we had this year. Next year may be a long season for Coach Murdock and the guys- we'll see.

Golden Lion and Bingo

Ran down to Flagler Beach, stopped by Bulow Plantation to visit the motor home, it was in good order. We ran the motor and generator for about a half-hour. Then we headed on over to the Golden Lion for lunch.

Came home and crashed, took a nap, then went with Dan and Kippy to Bingo. Good crowd, donated our $6.00 to the cause. Dan won, but had to split with 4 other winners!

This afternoon, we're heading uptown for the annual Christmas lighting ceremony, and plan to eat dinner on St George Street also.

Sunrise at Coquina, Off to Bulow and Flagler Beach today

It's another beautiful Florida day today, a little cooler due to an incoming storm system, but still super. Shot the sunset this morning as I went out to get the paper before heading up to the Liar's Club for coffee. We're heading over to pick up Dan and Kippy and head down for our monthly trip to Bulow Plantation to visit the motor home, fire up the generator, inspect for varmits and then head on over to the Golden Lion for lunch. Life is good, real good.

The Ahina is back

Our little Ahina bird has reappeared at the pond... Missed the little guy- He's been here for about two hours now, just observing the pond, waiting I guess for some fish to swim by.

Daytime Shuttle Launch - A Billion dollar shot into space!

Had a great view of this afternoon's latest shuttle launch from the front yard- Blast off is about 75 miles away, I believe.... We all had a great view. Beautiful day today in Florida, currently 73 degrees.....

This was just as the main engines were about ready to quit, according to Frank, our resident astronomer. Quite a site!!!!

Local Afternoon Excitement

Was just out walking Buster when I noticed what appeared to be a "lady in distress" down and across the street- put the dog back in the house and went over, turns out our neighbor had fallen and suffered a pretty nasty gash on her leg, and she had some other possible medical issues as well. We got EMS/fire rescue called, and they responded and wound up taking her to the ER. Don't think she has life-threatening injuries, and I was certainly glad to render assistance, my old law enforcement officer training kicked right in.

Getting ready to head back out to the street for the 2:28 launch of the space shuttle. I am told we should be able to see some of it..... got my camera this time- watched a night launch last time, it was spectacular!