FRIENDS

Our friends Jeanne & Sara left this morning. They were here for three nights. They picked a lousy time to be here since it was two days of rain, wind and cold. We did manage to have them to our place for dinner on Sunday and took them to Pensacola Beach for lunch yesterday. We did have a nice visit in spite of the weather. Of course we were planning to sit outside drinking wine, but that was not to be. Jeanne needs to be at the KOA in Hagerstown, MD by the 15th of March. That's when they open. Sara will drop Jeanne there and head to Charlestown, SC where she will operate as an independent contractor in the training and development arena. Sara is going to be a full time RVer. She got her Florida residency requirements completed while they were here. A lot of RVers use FL as their residence. It saves a great deal on taxes.

Yesterday our friends from Quincy, IL arrived. Jeff and Diane Bloss will be here till the end of March. This morning was coffee and donuts at the Pavilion. Everyone who is anyone at the campground was on hand. Beth and Russ Jackson returned from a week further south. I don't know if it was any warmer down there. We're supposed to have a few days of sunshine starting with today, although the temperatures aren't all that great.

Mary Ellen and Carol skipped exercise class this morning to go shopping in Gulf Breeze. They're checking out the "bargains" at Bells and the Bell's outlet. I'm sure there will be a few items purchased...can you say winter clothes. Speaking of Mary Ellen and her sister, they've made plans to return to a Casino in Biloxi on Monday. I guess they feel they haven't met their 'contributory obligations'. Mary Ellen and I are planning an overnite to Biloxi on the 14th and 15th. A little gambling and a much overdue "bath" for Mary Ellen. She really misses not having a bathtub at the campground. Using the bathtub in our RV requires 'contortionistic flexibility' to enter and exit. Best you just take a shower.

As I write this the sun is shining and the temperature is struggling to reach 50. The only downside is the 20 mph wind that is blowing on a continuous basis. Mary Ellen would say "at least we don't have snow", but personally I'm getting fed up with what's supposed to be FL. We're thinking we may not return to the Panhandle next year; at least not in February. Perhaps we'll head back to Crystal River???

I forgot to mention that Jeff Bloss is such a showoff. He backed their trailer in on the first try. It did my heart good that he had to readjust it since he was too close to the electric box to accommodate their slideout. Of course he didn't follow my example and detach their truck before finding out. Oh no, he couldn't give me the satisfaction of making the foolish blunder that I did. I think I've gone almost three days without doing anything stupid. Mary Ellen may argue this point, but trust me it's true. I'm shooting for an entire week 'sans stupidity'.

We're on the verge of an organized protest and perhaps picketing Emerald Beach RV Park. The reason for our protest is the cancellation of all activities beginning the 15th of the month. Normally activities go through the end of March. The reason for the cancellation is the managers (Wayne & Marge) are going on vacation the last two weeks of March. I'm sorry, but for what we're paying this is a lame excuse. There are other people who work here. I'm thinking we may lie on the concrete at the entrance, thus preventing any RV's from entering. What's the worst that could happen? How about an 85 year old driving a 42 foot RV shortly after taking his numerous medications. I can see the headline now..."Twelve 'former campers' mangled by an enraged octogenarian. Dementia and blindness may have been contributing factors. Protesters were simply impeding progress and should have known better. The RV driver was quoted as saying that when he attempted to stop, his wheelchair came down the aisle and knocked his blind wife off her feet and onto the gas pedal. Police said he did attempt to stop. No charges are pending. Activities are canceled until next season. Flags will be flown at half mast for 15 minutes this morning. It's the least we could do said one of the managers. Electric bills will be sent to next of kin!

Perhaps I went a bit overboard with my protest plan. We may have to call another planning meeting. I'll keep you posted. Till next time, "Psychiatry is the care of the id by the odd."

jim