Friday, Sept. 26

Another wonderful day at The Villages. This place is really unique and awesome. We had a leisure breakfast at home and ing, a 3 hour tour of the The Villages. Overwhelming to say the least. you really have to be here to understand. 70,000 people, 33 nine hole courses(all free), 9 championship courses 18-27 holes, 55 pools - olympic, family and private, 9 recreation centers, hundreds of tennis courts, 90 restaurants, nightly live outdoor entertainment(365 days a year) -you can get to everything on a golf cart. We looked at model homes - the small ones would be perfect for me. $135/month gets use of all the country clubs, golf,pools etc. They say it's not the home but the community you buy into - how true. I'm meeting with a mortgage guy today - just looking and thinking. I really don't know if I could pull it off plus living so far from everyone - but i would be happy and active. 1 hour from Disney World - 2 1/2 from New Smyrna, 7 hr. from Atlanta.

We then came home and relaxed in the guest pool.

Then we met Ron and Lynn Wrigtson's friends, Don and Jan(from Chicago) - they now live in the Villages - we had a grand time with them - so friendly. We ate at the Cattle Baron Club - Shrimp and Scallop Scampi - yum. Thanks, Lynn! And a special ty to to Don and Jan. I hope we see them again.

Today we are taking a trolley tour, meeting with the mortgage guy, going on our own golf cart excursion - hope you don't read about us floating in Lake Sumpter then out to dinner and entertainment.

Look at these wonderful pictures of The Villages - we are staying in a beautiful home - live entertainment every night, had lobster tails at one of their restaurants. Mom Schaaf and I arrived here on Thursday, Sept. 25 after traveling from her home - 179 miles, 4 hours. We have 4 full days left here. Taking a tour in a short while - pictures to follow.

Prior to the restaurant we had fun walking around a flea market and then at night we went to the movies and saw "Ghost Town" - Elaine Hammon's kind of movie! We both enjoyed it.

On Sunday, we went to MacGregor Baptist Church - can you believe that? It was an awesome worship experience. Then Marti treated me to " The French Roast" a really wonderful Vietnamese and French restaurant. I had a scrumtuous VN pork dish, fruit and believe it or not the best tiramisu ever! Very eclectic. Thank you, Marti.

Then we spent a few hours at what seems to be a tropical setting - pool. Got a little burned.

Then we played "Wizard" with some of Marti's friends. Lots of fun not because I won the final game - LOL. Had to get that in.

Today Marti worked all day while I just enjoyed a welcomed day alone.

Fun Day (continues)

Life is good!

Fun Day

Marti and I had a great lunch at Parrot Key on Saturday. We had mussels and grouper in a wrap. the location was perfect - my kind of place.

The Journey Continues!

Yesterday, I left Grandma and Port St. Lucie and travelled across Florida (141 miles) to visit with a good friend, Marti (pictures to follow), she has a lovely apartment - beautifully decorated and comfortable. We ate at Sweet Tomatoes - nice restaurant - salads, soups, breads, pasta buffet - ate too much. the night before Grandma and I ate a nice Italian restaurant - lots of eating these days . I have so much more to see and do - I remain thankful.

Luxury - LOL.

Dreaded Mirror

The mirror on the left had about a pound of masking and scotch tape on it. I "gooped it off" and cemented the mirror in place! a 100x better.

Not bad for 10 years old!

Good front shot - the back is not as good!

This is my good side!

MY NEW WHEELS

Friday, Sept. 12

Well, the journey continues. I've been living out of a suitcase since July 8. I'm getting kind of used to it! 11 more months to go. I haven't received any revelations to date. Grandma scraped her leg the other day - it developed into an infection - consequently a trip to the doctor which led to a few prescriptions, several tests scheduled. The ankle on the infected leg is swollen - doctor wants to find out what is causing that. He also heard something different sound in one of her lungs - x-rays. At least she is getting checked out. She seems fine - today is her opening day for bowling - she is eager to hit the lanes.

Mom Schaaf considering a new wardrobe!

We had a great room - which we retired to by 11:30 pm. - Unfortunately, we made too many donations during the day.

Grandma relaxing with a Vodka tonic!

First week in Florida!

Well, this has been a crazy week. Got to Florida safely last Tuesday - unfortunately I lost my camera at the Atlanta Airport - duh!

Mom Schaaf and I have been very busy doing projects, shopping, visiting Aunt Mae and Uncle Bert, having fun at the Arcades, eating(super Thai restaurant) playing cards and worshipping the Lord. She has also cooked some good meals for me.

Got my "new" car but it's in the shop getting a compresser so that I can have air-conditioning. I'll be sending pictures soon.

We have manged to dodge the hurricanes.

Tomorrow we are going to the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel in Hollywood - even staying overnight!!

Life is good - I remain thankful!

The "Work Nazi" Mom Schaaf

Just kidding Mom! She is an amazing woman going on 87 - lots of energy, always thinking and coming up with new projects. She is a pure delight to spend some time with.

Allison, Ruth and Barkley

I had a great day with Ruth and Allison - got to see Allison play on the Freshman Volleyball Team, went out to eat at a terrific Jewish Deli and topped off with dessert at Cold Stone Creamery. It was just so good to see them - a very special day(Sept.6)

Allison

Isn't she beautiful?

Allison Tresner

Always keep your "chin up" Allison and give it your best shot!

Wow! I just had a great weekend with my very very good friends, John and Elaine. On Friday night they took me to Carabbas for my birthday. I was quite late but john handled it very well.

Saturday john barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs topped with all his fresh produce(right from his garden). Elaine and I went to the movies Sat. afternoon - Playboy Mother or something like that. Then we went to an awesome county Fair(Fulton) - good dinner, elephant ears and then an outdoor concert - The Van Dells - America's #1 Rock and Roll Revue. Excellent.



Sunday I drove back early(6:15 am) to meet Tim and Cathy for worship at St. Thomas and then they had a big party for about 25 people. tim smoked ribs for 6 hrs - delicious. Cath y prepared great appetizers. we even played corh hole - tim made the game complete with Michigan State logo.



4:00 this morning we got ready to go to the airport and here I am. I don't like saying good-bye to my family. Anyway, Tim and Cathy have their privacy and space back.