Munday's the Arizona Roadrunners

There is nothing quite like the last day of another year.  They seem to just fly by and when it's done we are always glad and yet although there have been so many terrible disasters in 2011; we have so much to be thankful for.  2011 has been fairly good to us as we have traveled over the eastern end of the good ol' US of A.  Our children and grandchildren are all ok (although we have one in NYC as I write this) who we can't help but worry a little bit about - ha!!!  No major breakdowns or illnessess or natural disasters to have hit us personally so we feel very fortunate and can only hope 2012 is a better year!  We have plans to head west in the spring and will traveling right through the heart of tornado alley and after having dodged a few last spring know how chancy it can be. Anyway, here's to all - we wish only the very best for you!! Isn't this guy cute.  He is perfect symbol for this park.

What a picture perfect day!!! Not only was the sun shining but we had Scarlett's smile to brighten the day as well!  Scarlett and Kenny are heading up to NYC to celebrate their 2nd wedding anniversary but stopped by Florida to see us.  We drove down from Wauchula to Miami for the day (7 hours round trip) but we watched the sunrise and that was perfectly lovely and had a marvelous day with them.  We took a little tour of the Anhinga trail at the Everglades Nat'l Park and were able to have dinner together before starting our trek home.  Scarlett is such a sweet person and was so great to see them again. 

A little note to say we were so thrilled last evening when a group of young carolers came by to wish us a Merry Christmas and left us with treats to top off the joy of their sweet young voices.  No clue as to where these children came from or where they went but oh my, the delightful surprise of being sung to when least expected!  Their little voices were very sweet music to us!

Another lovely day here at Peace River!  I have never seen it so bare of campers!  A perfectly lovely day and expecting the "crowd" any day now. ha!  Love being here though and seeing the "regular" snowbirds.  Fun out at pickle ball and even enjoyed a Christmas dinner here with over 100 in the clubhouse!  We have never been here for the holidays before so a treat for us. 

This year the Christmas party was held a little early here at Thousand Trails in Orlando but oh my, what a treat!  Trevor Drener was here for the entertainment and this guy is so GOOD!  He has been world champion lasso artist and works part time for Disney.  We were fortunate enough to see him last season when we were here and although we will not be here for the holidays we lucked out and were able to get to see him again this season.  Love his show.  He is a good singer and friendly performer and knows how to lasso and twist and twirl ropes like you haven't seen before.  Truly amazing and fun to see.  The dinner was very good and so glad we were able to participate.  Rain was threatening all day but waited until everyone was safe back at home before opening up and dumping on us. ha!  A good short soaking that was needed.  Never did cool off too much though as the overnight low was only in low 60's.!

A special treat for us this year was being invited to join some of our good friends for an afternoon at Disney's Animal Kingdom park.  This park is unique and all based on african type animals.  One of the special features is a "Safari ride" where you get to see the real animals grazing outside.  Elephants, rhinos, giraffe; warthogs and a lot more.  Fun - the big show of the park is a Lion King floor show.  Wow!  It is one of the most elaborate shows I've ever seen and the talent is unbelieveable.  Disney knows how to cover ever little detail and they do an excellent job at this park as they do at them all.  The "Tree of LIfe" is another wonder and fun to see.  A special thanks to our friends who have given us this very special memory to treasure!

Took a ride over to Webster for their Monday market and afterwards took ride over to Bayport Park on gulf!  Talk about lovely... 82 and breezy but very nice.  There were a few kayakers and the parking lot had a number of boat trailers but no beach so just walked along the canal and boardwalk.  Fun watching the fishermen off the pier.  One girl caught a baby blue crab and a grackle took off with some of their shrimp which was hilarious to watch.  Just like a naughty child getting caught red handed. funny