November 23, 2005

Happy Thanksgiving to all from me and Sebastian! I am truly blessed to be safely parked at LazyDays Rally Park in Tampa, FL as of yesterday. Bashey and I left Myrtle Beach the day before yesterday with hopes of reaching the FL/GA border that night but we left late from the beach. There were heavy storms all night and morning. At 9:00 a.m. it was still pouring and blowing actually rocking Bearfoot from side to side. I decided to sit tight for the day, just hunker down. Bashey went out on his rope and took a quick tinkle but that was it for him. By 10 a.m., the sun was breaking through and even though the wind was blowing, I decided to make a break for it. There was some wind and rain throughout the day but most of the trip was on US 17 which is protected from the wind. It began to get dark and I was beat - we pulled into a nice little campground between Brunswick and Savannah. But we didn't sleep well because the wind picked up more in the night and we were parked under an oak tree that was dropping it's acorns on the roof. We left at 7:45 a.m. in the morning for the long haul to Tampa. 274 miles for me along with sore shoulders and hands from wrestling this 11 ton house on wheels in the winds. Holding the rudder so to speak without a break. We stopped for gas but not for long. I came down I 95 (yuck) to A1A just inside of FL and then picked up 301 which is a great road (don't tell anyone) Yes, there are some speed zones but I like that since it gives me a break, time to drink my water, grab a stick of gum, change the music, put on chapstick or just look around. We came in the back way to Seffner which is where Lazy Days is located. They gave us a warm welcome, a super spot, free breakfasts and lunches as long as I am here plus a free daily paper delivered to my door. There is a heated pool, hot tub, Cracker Barrel, Camping World store, cable tv, phone, wireless internet and a tram to take you anywhere in this huge complex. There are 2000 units here for sale, a 50 bay service area and the friendliest people you could ask for. All the units, new and used, are open with the keys in them so you can start 'em up if you wish. I drove two today with my personal salesman, Brent. Tomorrow, no one is working here so we have the place to ourselves. The fee to stay here this time of year is minimal. It is RV viewing paradise. The weather is super, I hate to tell you that but this is Florida after all. I will try to take some pics to post. We plan to sleep in tomorrow and have roasted chicken, mashed sweet potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce and mud pie for dessert. Bashey is having some of the feast too but he is having vanilla frozen yogurt for dessert.

In our family, we have a tradition of forming a circle before dinner where everyone recites what they are thankful for. Some read something or play music, draw pictures while others articulate their gratitude beautifully. There is always laughter and tears. Like the year, granddaughter, Emily blurted out that her mother was pregnant. None of us had guessed. This year, I will not be with them in their circle of thanks but if I were, I would have a long long gratitude list. I hope all who read this post take a moment or two to think about your blessings. Eat lots of turkey and cranberry sauce. May God bless you and your loved ones.