Catching Up

Looks like I have some catching up to do. And some of this is a bit of a review. (Why haven't I read my last posts?!?)

I returned to my condo in Tampa last Wednesday, 1/2/13. I've had some travel, some work, and some time to just catch my breath. I also have 5 months of mail to review. I've looked through some of it and at least one of you mentioned in your Christmas greeting that you'd lost track of me again.  Not so fast, David.  I'm still lurking about. (And I'm glad you missed my dispatches.)

This picture was taken in Florida at Wakulla Springs, not far from Tallahassee.

Lighthouse photo from Sopchoppy, South of Tallahassee, FL.


After my getaway in May last year, I arranged to rent my condo to a woman working with the Florida Aquarium to feed people attending the Republican National Committee convention. That was in August. This wonderful tenant carefully cared for my residence for 5 months. When I returned last week there was nothing out of place.  I am very grateful.
Leaving Tampa August 3, I headed North to my old getaway in Brooksville, the Sertoma Youth Ranch.  I work-camped with the Park Manager. I had varied duties and learned how to care for the 88 acre facility.  It's equipped with over 200 RV hook-ups, and has many acres of primitive camping area. There is a huge commercial kitchen and a brand new stage pavilion.  The pavilion was home to several large events including the Riverhawk Music Festival and the Thanksgiving Bluegrass Festival. I lived in the motor home, (my 25 foot RV known as the Moho), with Windy my cat.  I brought the Toyota and the old BMW.

BMW R27 owned by one of the riders down at Hap's Cycle Sales in Sarasota, FL.





The park manager showed me how to find and repair underground water leaks for the RV hook-ups. I changed a few circuit breakers, kept the grounds in good order, and mowed a great deal of grass. I'd never operated a farm tractor and eventually got the hang of using a front-loader.  As time passed, Phil asked if I would be available to mind the camp during November and December while he and his wife Linda took their RV north for the holidays.  I accepted. My renter renewed for those 2 more months and I took charge of the ranch in Brooksville. I've got several pictures to show you and will work my way through the last 5 months in some detail, as best as I can recall.  I had a grand time, and will never forget my days at the ranch.  I met some great people and heard a lot of great music. And, I hope never to take for granted anything about living on Harbor Island in my 1,000 sq. ft. condominium. I am indeed in the lap of luxury. That old moho has about 100 sq. ft. of floor. More to follow.