Gary and Jill helped us pack this morning and we were ready to roll by our 10 a.m. target.
So we said our goodbyes and they were off.
Matt had arranged for us to get into the Davenport house early, so off we went. Got there before 11 a.m. But there was a complication.........Bud forgot the entry access code, so we didn't dare go in.
Called Matt........his phone was turned off. Hmmm.
So we went shopping (looking) for an hour or so. And then there was nothing to do but enter the lanai from the outside and have a couple of drinks.
We eventually had to leave to have a bathroom break. Filled up with gas while we were at it. By the time we got back to the house Matt and Maureen had arrived (and were totally confused by the evidence in the lanai but nothing in the house). Another drink later we had it all explained.
Tonight the Skip-Bo tournament began. Matt and I had a slight lead after two hands, but got creamed on the third one. Oh well, we have a couple of weeks to turn the tables.
Tomorrow Mardi and I head home for our overnight visit to restart the health insurance for our final thirty days. Hopefully, there will be nothing exciting to report.
We had a busy last day with Sven and Helga. First off, we booked our boat tour in Winter Park. Had to wait for 50 minutes, so the ladies took a shopping (looking) tour.
On the way back to the boat we walked through the park.
...and saw a harp copied from the one at the Polasek Sculpture Garden.
Then it was back to the boat.
As you can see, it was a bit cool and breezy today.
The canals are always fun.
And the houses were awesome.
Just a few of the humble abodes!
Following the boat ride we headed to an Italian restaurant.
And then it was time to show Gary and Jill the Morse Museum.
Tiffany was both a glass artist and a painter. He often made a painting first before creating the stained glass version.
This one is called "Sven through the looking glass".
His talent covered many media.
Probably his most famous work was the chapel he built for the 1893 Chicago Exposition.
Altogether, an overpowering display of artistic talent.
We headed home and got out the quoits, but did not determine a champion this year. Maybe next time we'll settle that challenge.
A very busy day, capped off by a closely fought victory for the boys over the girls at Euchre.
Tomorrow is moving day. Mardi and I to the house in Davenport to join Matt and Maureen. Sven and Helga to Reunion to spend time with their long time friends, Tom and Sue O'Donnell.
It's been a great week and we've enjoyed having Sven and Helga join us for what seems like a very short stay. Time flies when you're having fun!
Gary and Jill went for a morning walk. As you can see by the pool picture there weren't any brave swimmers around. It was very cool and breezy today.
After lunch we headed to the walking course.
......where I got beat once again. I may be giving up this game!
So, then we played Euchre. I'll be giving up that game too! Gary and I didn't stand a chance. I can't figure out how Mardi and Jill have been able to stack the deck in their favour so well.
We walked to dinner at Breezes on site. And then took the shuttle back to our unit.
Tomorrow is our last full day together and we will head to Winter Park for a boat tour and the Morse Museum.
Editor's Comments:
Note 1 - Due to extreme concern over Sven's inability to get his comments added to the blog (he was the "unknown" who did a test two days ago - but then was unable to get back in) we allowed him to do his guest editorial last night. Surprisingly, he was pretty honest in his comments so I may let it happen again.
Note 2: This one is particularly for Matt, Maureen, Calvin and Fred. Swiss Fairways has begun offering Sunday specials, which include steak dinner for an additional $11. and music on the patio from 3 to 6.
OK. Back to business.
The forecast called for rain this afternoon but we took a chance and headed for Bok Tower. Edward Bok and his parents came over to the USA from the Netherlands when he was a child, with no money. Edward became an author and the Editor of The Ladies Home Journal (and ended up very rich).
His grandmother had given him a life lesson before he left the Netherlands.
Bok added his own motto.
So he bought Iron Mountain, the highest point in Florida, and hired the best architects to build his vision.
What a beautiful spot!
The tower is a work of art!
The detail and colours are entrancing.
Even including the herons at the top.
The sun dial is beautiful.
We were able to sit and watch the Carilloneur on closed circuit TV as he performed the one o'clock concert.
and Mardi greeted him after his performance.
Then it was time to feed the Koi in the moat that surrounds the tower.
Edward Bok is buried in front of the tower.
It doesn't matter how many times I visit Bok Tower. I am always stunned by the beauty and tranquility of the place and immensely impressed by the generosity of the man who had it built and given to the people of his adopted country.
We had lunch at the cafe on site.
On the way home we saw a testimonial to another rich man. Quite a dichotomy!
All the way home we were either in a downpour or one had passed through before we got there. We were very lucky to get our visit in without being drenched.
However, things turned sour again tonight as Sven and I were soundly trounced by the ladies at Euchre.
Tomorrow promises to be sunny but cool with a high of 16 C. We'll see what transpires.
If any of you read Gary's blog you will know that I am on the wanted list for supposedly taking down a water skier. So today, we headed to Swiss fairways to try once again to hit the target.
Here we are on the second hole ready to make our shots.
My ball landed in front of the sand trap on the left and promptly disappeared over the hill. Maybe I had clubbed up too much!
Gary landed on the green and rolled off the back.
When we got to number nine, I rushed to the cart to get my camera because there were two chickens on the green, but by the time I was ready they had disappeared over the hill. So you'll have to use your imagination.
On the back nine we had another chance to get a water skier, so we lined up ready.
...but we both missed again! So much for our reputation!
Gary and Jill prepared a great dinner for us and we followed that up with two hands of Skip-Bo. At this point the guys have a narrow lead. That helps to take the sting out of the golf results.
Tomorrow calls for some rain, so we're going to have to play it according to what the weather man provides us.
Guest Editorial
While it was a real pleasure to be back at Swiss Fairways today it turned out to be a bit of a traumatic experience for me. Reading about Buds' almost daily thrashing at the hands of Mardi is one thing but actually being on site and watching our much-vaunted MIP go down to defeat today was gut wrenching. But it was close guys - he was down by only two holes with three to play when I felt I had to step in and provide a bit of holistic coaching. We did a deep breathing routine and then I suggested he accept the inevitability of defeat and in so doing attain a level of tranquility that would allow him to relax and play to his full potential - and this worked! Unfortunately after closing to within one hole he lost the sense of inner peace that we had established and finished two holes and four strokes behind the relentless Mardi. Obviously more time and coaching is required here so a return trip will be necessary to set Bud on a winning path.
Reported by Sven from the rolling greens of Swiss Fairways.
