For the first time this year, we golfed two days in a row.
Today we headed for Remington. Golfed with Joe and Kathy from Maryland. Weather was just about right. Mid to high 20's C, mostly sunny with some clouds, nice breeze.
Saw a small gator too far away to bother with a picture. The only other significant wildlife sighting was this guy.
Pretty bird!
After golf (I have signed a non disclosure agreement regarding winners and losers) the girls took us to Sakura Asian Fusion for dinner.
Thanks Barbara and Jo-Ann.
Tomorrow Mardi and I head home for 24 hours to see what all the weather fuss has been about.
The forecast, which called for thunderstorms scattered through today, had changed by this morning to just cloudy. We woke to sunny skies and after spending over an hour in the pool decided to book a tee time.
Headed to Sanctuary Ridge but, by the time we arrived the skies had completely changed. Rain looked imminent.
Nevertheless, we headed out. Progress was slow and we were waiting on every hole. By the time we got to #16 a light rain had begun. We got soaked on #17 and as we came off the green, thunder started.
So we called it a day. Mardi was leading in match play, I was ahead in stroke play, but no official winners.
We split the Hand and Foot games tonight. All in all, not a bad day.
Tomorrow it's off to Remington.
Rain in the forecast today, so Mardi and I did some driving to various stores and malls.
"The Loop" mall has lost about a third of its stores. The hollowing out of retail due to online purchases is pretty evident here. Lots of empty stores elsewhere as well. And the ones that are still open don't seem to have a lot of action either.
At one point we ended up near the airport and decided to visit a course that had been recommended to us by Don and Margot. North Shore Golf Club is in exceptional condition and we got excellent service and good food at their grill, but it's a long way away. Almost an hour, if you don't hit a traffic jam on I-4 as you head to the toll road. And priced higher than other courses we have played. So, we'll leave it go for now.
But the amazing thing is that, as we sat eating our sandwich and salad, who should show up after golfing than our new friends Ray and Winston.
They reluctantly head back to New Jersey tomorrow.
Jo-Anne, who has the same malady that hit Mardi back in January, is slowly recovering. Tonight she was well enough to play cards. That's the good news. Once again we got crushed by Barbara and Mardi. That makes it nine out of the last ten games!
The fact that we changed to new decks didn't make a difference.
Tomorrow calls for thunderstorms so we'll play it by ear. We golf at Remington on Thursday and head home for a day on Friday.
Spent some time in the pool this morning. Shopped a bit this afternoon. Watched the Bernie Sanders Town Hall on CNN tonight.
Taking a rest. Probably worn out a little bit because I BEAT MARDI at golf yesterday. I don't think I mentioned that in yesterday's blog - modesty I guess. 😇
Jo-Ann has been fighting a bad cold so we didn't play cards tonight. A blessing for me - no losses to report.
Talk later.
Mardi and I headed for Swiss Fairways this morning to take advantage of the last 30 C plus, humid day, for golf.
We were paired up with another couple, but they were no shows at our appointed tee time. Coincidentally, the couple in front of us were left at the altar as well. So we were matched up with Don and Margot.
"Where are you from" Mardi asked. "Innisfil" was the answer (there are not a lot of people who wouldn't say at this point "where the heck is that?") but Mardi's response was "Then you must know Jill" (no last name given).
"Of course" was the answer. "I golf with her in our women's league". "And Don and I also play euchre with Jill and Ron. We're hoping to play a round of golf with them while we're in Florida".
Well, blow us down with a feather! What a small world! For those of you who are somewhat forgetful, Jill (Mardi's cousin) and Ron stayed with us for a week at Orange Lake in January.
We had a great day together!
And the water skiers were out in force. Both lanes on the front nine were in use.
And, the folks on the back nine channel were just getting in gear as well. Quite a day!
We stopped at Sakura Asian Fusion once again after golf. Firecracker Shrimp - "yum".
As previously, we were blown away by the Orchids. There were over 30 plants decorating the restaurant. Apparently, the owner grows them at home. When the ones in the restaurant stop blooming they are rotated with fresh ones from home.
Altogether, a great day!
Tomorrow we have nothing planned. Doesn't mean that something won't happen though!
After our usual morning dip, we headed for Lake Eva Community Park in Haines City.
It is about the size of Winona Park, but they only had a couple of craft tables. Most of the park was filled with cooking trucks.
And, a bandshell, with entertainment.
And I'm here to tell you that every one of those big speakers worked - REALLY!
We scouted out the food choices.
We came across a booth manned by the Haines City Library. They were offering free photos - pick your background.
Which we did.
And here's the result.
They send it to your email address.....a good way to build up a subscription list.
The local constabulary was on duty, but with nothing to do but eat along with the rest of the crowd. The city had set up two locations where you could buy "Rib Bucks" and then you spent them wherever you want. So the booths did not need to handle money.
Mardi got the rib meal.
But after tasting the heavy smoke flavour (made me think longingly of Miller's much better ribs) I decided to go with ice cream instead. Caramel soft ice cream in a cone.
And then we wandered over to the only serious ride on the grounds.
Now you see her....
Now you don't.
A fun time, even in the, once again, plus 30 C humid weather. At least today there was a breeze.
Tonight, Jo-Ann and I got creamed once again at Hand and Foot. That's five straight games we have lost (seven out of eight, but who's counting?).
Tomorrow we head back to Swiss Fairways to work on Mardi's swing 😉 .
Another hot (over 30 C) and humid day with no breeze. Royal St. Cloud is in excellent shape. Short grass on the fairways and on the greens so we got lots of roll, especially on the fast greens.
We played with two recently retired Chinese gentlemen - Ray and Wilson. They are relatively new to the game, but have taken lessons, made some good shots, and were fun to play with. As you can see, Ray has good form.
At Royal St. Cloud they have named all 27 holes on the White, Blue and Red nines. We played White and Blue. This is number three on White, called "Little Poison". It's almost surrounded by water and has a treacherous green. I stuck my shot about three feet from the pin - then I "helped" Mardi try a new swing. You can see her little white dot to her right, heading for a swim.
Blue six is called "Church Pews". You can probably figure out why.
The seventh on Blue is called "Twin Trouble" due to the two ponds that you have to go around on this dogleg par five. Sorry about the shadow in the foreground.
Included this shot just for a nice effect.
This one too.
The closing hole is called "Scottish Revenge". For some reason the fairways slope toward the water.
With three holes to go, Mardi was 2 up. We tied #16 and I won 17 and 18 to saw off the match play. But I did beat her by two strokes on the day. Yahoo!
Then this evening, Jo-Ann and I were obliterated in the two games of Hand and Foot we played. Not so nice.
Tomorrow we're heading for a rib fest in Haines City.
We had a nice half hour in the pool this morning. Just as we were getting out a brief shower came by.
After lunch, we headed to the nail spa located by the Publix near Orange Lake. The ladies went to their appointments and I started my walk.
For those familiar with Orange Lake, I headed north to the other end of the property, walked the perimeter of the East Village, and ventured onto the Legends course on my return.
Not much in the way of wildlife today, just squirrels and a few birds. So I concentrated on the flora, which is starting to show some life, instead.
I walked four holes on the Legends course in reverse.
Crossed a small swamp along the way.
A total of 5 and a half miles by the time I returned to the starting point. Temperature 31 C and humid from the earlier rain. The Yeungling at Miller's Orlando Ale House sure tasted good!
Speaking of Miller's, look at the lineup waiting to get in and it's only 4:30! Has to be the most popular restaurant in Florida!
Tomorrow, Mardi and I head to Royal St. Cloud, the links type course.
I started off the day with a two mile walk around the neighbourhood, then a half hour in the pool with the ladies.
After lunch we headed for Disney Springs.
The requisite boat ride.
A Wood Stork. Minnie and Mickey aren't the only wildlife on Disney property.
And a beautiful princess (with permission).
We visited the majority of the stores, but Mardi apparently missed this sign.
And then headed for Raglan Road.
We had a drink outside while we waited for Barbara and Jo-Ann to join us. And then headed in for dinner and the show.
My Shepherd's Pie.
Once again it was great. They must have a new manager or choreographer this year. Better performances and longer.
With the low lighting in the room and the backlit stage, and the frenetic dancing, my camera had trouble getting a clear image.
As always, kids from the audience joined in for one number.
After leaving Raglan Road we headed to The House Of Blues, where we caught a set with these guys.
And then it was time to leave.
Tomorrow is Nail and Spa day. I will be taking a long walk instead.
