Christmas 2015

Hope y'all had a great Christmas. We certainly did!

My feeble attempt at Christmas creativity - Martha Stewart I'm not!

We didn't let the 90 degree temp stop us from enjoying drinks and hors d'oeuvres outside

K and Chris set up a beautiful buffet table for us 

If there's chocolate around, Sue is never far behind

Well done K.

Return to Flight

This past June the private company, SpaceX attempted to launch a Falcon 9 rocket into space and return the rocket booster to earth to land on a barge in the ocean. That attempt ended in disaster when the rocket booster exploded.
Last night was the 2 attempt, or as they call it 'Return to Flight'.
At 8:33 pm the Falcon 9 was launched. Every safety precaution was taken including, for the first time, not allowing the media at Cape Canaveral. They had to watch miles down the road at Port Canaveral.
It was a clear night and we could see the rocket for several minutes. At 9 1/2 minutes we could just barely see the rocket booster separate and start to return to the Cape. It made a perfect landing upright on it's 4 legs. We couldn't see the landing, just the glow of it on the horizon, but we sure heard the sonic boom.
The Falcon 9 carried several communications satellites into space and thanks to the successful  landing of the rocket booster they are well on their way to having a reusable booster for the first time.

The view of the launch from our front door.

The rocket booster's return to Cape Canaveral

Seconds before landing- a truly historic event!

The Food Trucks

Long before we left for Florida Kathleen texted me to put Dec 21 on my calendar because the food trucks would be in town.

We have never been brave enough to eat lobster from a food truck

This is where I ate- the best chicken schnitzel and potato salad I ever ate

Gatorland!

Almost every week we hear of another panther dying in a car accident which is a shame because there are so few left but there is certainly no shortage of alligators. 

This guy is sunning himself  on the 2nd hole of the golf course which happens to be right across the street from us. (tap on the picture to see him better)

The Cookie Elves

The Christmas Cookie Elves have started appearing at our doorstep again. First Vicky, then K and last night I received an e-mail from my dear friend Franca back home that she has cookies waiting for me there. Thank you Bella!!!

And there is still a week to go!

Another Anniversary celebrated at Florida Seafood

If we were home we would have celebrated at our favorite Chinese restaurant but down here it just had to be Florida Seafood in Cocoa Beach.

Lunchtime is the best time to go - no crowds yet

Wanted to show you the hushpuppies they serve as an appetizer but by the time I got out my camera....
all that was left was the powdered sugar!!

This is the Canaveral platter- fish, crabmeat, scallops and 2 kinds of shrimp

We like all of the Florida favorites - except maybe the gator tails!

It was a good choice

Last night Olivier had a dilemma  - should he stay home and watch the Leafs play Tampa Bay or go to Bingo.  It was a tough choice but in the last minute he decided to go to Bingo. Turned out to be the right choice - he won $250 - not a bad return on $5 worth of Bingo cards!

As for the Leafs...... 

Hey, stop laughing John and Leone - he can hear you!

I think he's going to the Apple store today!

We definitely needed practice

In anticipation of our TGO Bowling league starting in January, our team took advantage of the 2 practice sessions this month. It was great to see some of our fellow bowlers we haven't seen for months and catch up.

We definitely needed the practice but we had a lot of fun. 

Looking forward to starting the season.

White Christmas - hardly

 This year I know even people back home are bracing for a green Christmas so I wanted to show how we enjoy it down here even without the snow.
Last night was the Christmas de-lights street party. It is a charitable event that collects food and cash for the local food bank. In return we are treated to wonderful Christmas lighting, Christmas carolling and cookies and cider.
Down here we call it White Hot Christmas!

This choir is out every year and sound great

The Golf cart parade

Last night was the annual golf cart parade and once again we were invited to our 'old neighbourhood' to enjoy the sights, the sounds, the food and drinks.

And on a  personal note, we would like to wish Joel and Cailin all the best as they start there future together in their beautiful new home.

Magee is never happier then when someone 'accidentally' drops food!