Merry Christmas y'all

I know most of you back home won't want to hear this but down here it is so hot that even Santa couldn't wear his ussual outfit!

But so far it's been a great season for us and we especially enjoyed Christmas Eve with Steve, Sylvie and Nikko.

And to answer the question that we have been asked so many times - NO, we do not miss the snow!

Taffy Lane, TGO style

We didn't gey a chance to visit Taffy Lane before we left but Fairways Drive here in the TGO would give them some serious competition.

More views from the Zoo

A day at the Zoo

In the 6 years we have been coming down here we have passed The Brevard Zoo many times and never went in until today.

We're glad we finally made it - a very well organzied and well maintained zoo.

Re-visiting KSC

It's been great having Joel here this week and a perfect excuse to do the tourist thing!

So it was off to visit the Kennedy Space Center for the day - something Joel and I did 18 years ago!!

Wish you could stay longer Bud!

We're back!

We made it back to the TGO safe and sound and are quickly settling in.

Even though the weather is great and there is no chance for a White Christmas there is plenty of holiday spirit around here.

When it rains it really rains!

So, after weeks of not getting enough rain to fill a thimble the last 24 hours has been nothing but rain. In some places it has been coming down at rates as high as 13 inches per hour.

Here in Brevard county the big problem last night was severe wind- gusts up to 60 mph.

Trees down everywhere, power outages and, as you can see in the first picture, the fence around the TGO tennis court sustained heavy damage.

Did that stop us from going out last night to celebrate Carole's birthday? Not a chance!

It is now noon and we still have one more hour of a tornado watch- here's hoping!!

Gearing down

As we get ready to pack up and head North our food supplies are dwindling and the only thing I am able to make these days is reservations! So it's great to have friends like Kathy to cook a delicious supper for us.

Then it was off to the Bingo hall one last time with the gang where I managed to win $50. So do we pack the car today or go shopping??

Smokin'

I can't remember the last time it rained around here and with the temperature always in the high 80's and today in the low 90's it is difficult to drive anywhere without seeing smoke and fire.

There is a 60% chance of rain tomorrow - here's hoping!

Our 3rd Annual Bowling Tournament

With the much coveted International TGO bowling trophy on the line hopes were high that Team Canada could finally claim victory. But sadly it was not to be. We were out-striked and out-spared at every turn but even Team U.S.A. had to admit that if the trophy was for the most improved team we would have won hands down.

So, there's always next year!

What a difference a year makes

When we were here last year it seemed everyone had high hopes about Obama turning the economy around.

This year- this is the bumper sticker we see on so many vehicles.

BINGO

Bingo night is such a popular event here at the TGO so we have to arrive early to get a seat.

We spend the time eating, reading and chatting with friends.

Of course Olivier never starts playing without his good luck hug from Faye. It doesn't always work but he dosn't mind!

Sunshine Bakery

Every Tuesday morning for the last 5 years Olivier and I have breakfast at the Sunshine Bakery

in downtown Titusville. Sometimes we play Quiddler and sometimes we get together with other regulars who have become friends over time.

Today we said goodbye to Jim and Marie who will be on their way back to P.E.I. tomorrow.

Andy lives in Titusville and we will see him next week.

Have a great trip back Jim and Marie. Hope to see you next year.

Shhhhh!!

When you live in Central Florida's Space Coast it always pays to keep your eye on the sky with a camera nearby!

This was the scene from our backyard last night - it is a Delta IV rocket launch on a top secret mission. All they would say on the news is that the rocket is carrying a spy satellite - don't know who or what they are spying on but hopefully I won't get in trouble for posting these pictures!

Back home - for the last time

If you look very carefully right in the middle of this picture (click to enlarge) you will see the Space Shuttle Discover moments before it landed for the last time.

After 365 days and 148 million miles in space it's a well earned retirement.

More pictures on the Central Florida News Channel.

Busy weekend

It was a great and busy weekend. It started Saturday morning with the TGO garage sale or as I like to call it - The Great Junk Exchange!

Then it was on to the Village of Cocoa for the Craft Fair.

We ended the day by having Lorne and Donalda over for dessert. Olivier made strawberry shortcake with the strawberries we bought at the TGO church sale. Well- 3 of us ate cake and strawberries - Donalda just went for the cream!