Chilly days and chili cookoffs

Sunday turned out to be a beautiful sunny day, and we were able to meet many more folks that were out enjoying the weather.  The campsites here do not have fire rings, but you are allowed to bring your own.  Our gracious hosts for the Packers/49ers game had an interesting fire ring.  When they sold their house last year, they decided not to include their old washing machine, and instead took out the tub and brought it with them in their RV.  It makes an excellent fire pit.

a laundry tub

a laundry tub

We did put the game on pause, to take time out to watch the sunset.  Cedar Key has some colorful sunsets, and I hope to be able to post many more photos like this:

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After the game, another couple entertained us with their wonderful musical talents, playing a harp (yes, they travel with a harp!) and a Hammer Dulcimer.  I have never seen such an instrument, but they played many beautiful songs.

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By Tuesday, the weather turned cold, and one of our fellow campers decided we should have a chili cook-off.  We had many different styles of chili, from your traditional meat and beans, to vegan and gluten-free recipes, and one with buffalo meat.  I decided to try something new, and went to my favorite source for recipes, Taste of Home, (http://www.tasteofhome.com/) and found a white chicken chili recipe for the crock pot.  It was very easy to make and very flavorful.  All the chilis were very good.

The chili crew

The chili crew

And as happens so often, another impromptu musical session broke out after we all stuffed ourselves.

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One of the couples has a 4-year-old daughter that kept telling everyone, “everyday is a great day”, and to “be happy and kind to others”.  Good advice!

Quote for the day: “It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.” – Charles Spurgeon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings from Cedar Key, FL

We arrived in Cedar Key on the 2nd of January, in a rather chilly, rainy day.  As with the rest of the country, it has been colder than normal here.  Today has been the nicest day, but Tuesday night it will dip into the 20’s, but it should be back in the “normal” 70’s by the end of the week (we hope!).

Sunset Isle at Cedar Key

Sunset Isle at Cedar Key

Sunset Isle

Sunset Isle

 

The park here is small, but is full of friendly people.  They have a small clubhouse, and have nightly “jam sessions” for anyone that plays an instrument.  Last Thursday there were 3 guys on acoustic guitars, a banjo and slack guitar player, a violinist and a gal with a Peruvian drum, that looks like a box, but has snares inside, so it sounds just like a regular drum.  I know my brother Jerry, and brother-in-law Doug would fit right in with this group of talented folks.  (and George, there was a lady playing the spoons that would give you a run for your money!!)

We met up with another couple whose blog we follow, Chris and Cherie of Technomadia (http://www.technomadia.com/).  We have learned a lot from following their blog, and they are great people.  Saturday they did a live, video streamed presentation on the lithium batteries that they use to power their 1961 bus conversion that they live in.

We also drove into downtown Cedar Key, which many people describe as Key West 50 years ago.  Kayaking, fishing and bicycling are the main things to do here.

low tide - lots of mud

low tide – lots of mud

Given the weather, we have not spent much time in town yet.  Since we will be here for a month, there is no rush to do anything.  The tide did not come in on Friday, as the wind was coming in from the North.

brrr!

brrr!

They have a lot of boat tours and fishing charters, but we will wait until the weather is a lot warmer, so we don’t look as cold as these folks on the boat!!

Today there will be a get together to watch the football games (hosted by a 49ers fan!).  We hope everyone stays warm and safe the next few days!

Quote for the day:  “The sun did not shine. It was too wet to play. So we sat in the house. All that cold, cold, wet day.”   – Dr. Seuss  The Cat in the Hat

 

 

Happy New Year!!

We want to wish everyone a safe and Happy New Year 2014!!!

2014 new years

We spent our New Years Eve, just as we always do, having a quiet, relaxing night.  The only big difference this year (other than the fact that our house has wheels now), was being in the Eastern time zone.  For our entire lives, when watching the ball drop in Times Square, it was always 11:00pm Central Standard Time.  So it was a little odd watching it “live” at midnight.  And then hearing lots of fireworks going off (Makena was not happy!).

Many people make all kinds of resolutions for the new year, and we wish everyone the best of luck in keeping them.  Just remember, we don’t know how long we will be on this Earth, so make the best of everyday!!

We have donned our Wisconsin Badger apparel for today’s football game against South Carolina.  Go Bucky!!!   Jump Around!!!!

Quote for the day: “We will open the book, it’s pages are blank.  We are going to put words on them ourselves.  The book is called Opportunity, and it’s first chapter is New Years Day.”  –  Edith Pierce