Thursday

Well here we are in Seminole, Florida after an all day trip back to the flat lands. We got up around 3:30 am and got away from the cabin a little before 5. It was in the high 50's with a bright moon shining when we pulled and headed south. We had an uneventful trip until some yaywho decided to change into our lanes somewhere in Georgia. Luckily I was able to serve and barely miss him and fortunately I was able to keep the truck under control and we continued on into the hot muggy south land.

The traffic was rather light for most of the way and we did encounter lots of rain in the Charlotte area and lots of love bugs in Florida. (I need to scrub those nasty insects as their bodies produce a chemical reaction that will literally take the paint off of your vehicle.)The further south we headed the hotter the outside temperature rose. We had a lot of rain clouds with an overcast most of the way in Florida but no rain. We actually could have used to little to wash the bugs away and at one of the rest stops there were hoses out for that purpose and we used it to some success as the windshield was covered with those nasty bugs.

We reached Tampa just before the major rush hour around 3 PM and managed to get through without any stop and go traffic. We saw more vehicles on the road in Tampa than we have seen all summer in the mountains. Unbelievable amount of traffic in Tampa and the St.Pete area. We made a stop at Sam's Club on the way in and loaded up with meat for this next week or so's family dinners and then a stop at Aldi's which is near the house for some staples. It was close to 5 or after before we started unpacking and the neighborhood looked as if it has been inundated with rain. Water was standing everywhere and the yards were soggy but looked lush and green.

The gardens had grass and weeds over 6 feet tall in places and the shrubs where in need of trimming as well. The house looked in good shape and dry which was a plus after last years leaky roof which we replaced during the winter months. We quickly put away the cold stuff and headed to GG's for a roast turkey breast supper with smashed taters, gravy and broccoli. Yeow did that ever hit the spot after a couple dried sandwiches in the truck while travelling. We stayed and visited until after 9'ish before heading out as I watched the Ray's beat up on the Yankees in the second win in a row over the boys in pin stripes. We(Rays) have a good chance now to make the post season if they continue to play ball as they have the past few games.

Well it sure is a different ambiance here in the 'hood with houses next door, muggy conditions and high heat. The a/c has been running through out the night and that kept me somewhat awake after such stillness at the cabin. The next door neighbors are gone with their roosters so that is a plus. I have lots to do before we have the family over for ribs on the smoker as we celebrate GG and Tyler's birthday on Saturday. I doubt if I make it on the PB court until maybe Friday or Saturday as it looks right now.

Thanks for the prayers for safe travel as it definitely helped with the close encounter in Georgia. We will need them once again as we plan on leaving from here a week from Sunday for the return trip to cooler temps and lots of visitors there during the month in October and November who want to escape from this sauna here in Florida, LATER

Just a business note for you readers of this ramble and who are preferred customers with me at Amway. The special for this month of Sept. is ALL drinks in the website are Bogo. Not only do you get a discount but this month it's 2 for the price of one and the free ones(bogo's) are shipped at no cost to you at the end of the month. It's a good time for the twist tubes( these are 2 vegetable and fruit serving) in a twist tube that you add to water. I really like the taste and if your kids or grand kids won't eat veggies or fruits use these for them to get their much needed nutrients from these vegetables. Our grandson Gabe has his "juice" every morning and he is a picky eater. All of the sports drinks as well as the Perfect Water( remineralized and oxygenated) of which we use both are bogo as well. Any questions on how to order or if you want the extra discount as a preferred customer write me at the; www.amway.com/JNTriplett and I will assist you.