It's the end of week two from what has become "Work Island".  It doesn't look like there's going to be a lot of time to get bored with the retirement life,  There's plenty of little projects to keep me busy here for a while.  Seems the southern estate needs a little rehab here and there,

After a couple years of non-use for the most part, the growth was beginning to show on the trailer so I had a couple guys here clean the place off.

They wash with a detergent solution and treat the growth with chlorine and when they're done,  Everything is clean and white again.

The middle of the week included a man hunt in the neighborhood complete with helicopters hovering all night and into the day.

A few of Haines City's finest citizens found it necessary to murder a couple ladies a mile or so away in order to hide in their house and steal the car.  After an overnight search, those guys are now in captivity.

The best part of being here is that nearly every morning I look out the front window and see the sun.

There's not a lot of sun in the winter in Michgan so this is a treat...and so is the 76° temperature.

Like I said this has become a sort of work island.  Both Kathy and I have spent most of the time we've been here cleaning and fixing stuff.  Kathy cleans, I fix what she discovers is broken.  We got a new TV mounted in the kitchen/dining/living room.

and blinds on the doors that replaced some well used roll up shades.

Today was market day again so we drove down and picked up fresh strawberries to have when our guests arrive later this week.

Finally, in keeping with the nautical theme of this blog, there was a nice 29' Ranger Tug trawler docked just three "slips" from us this afternoon.

This couple is from Texas and headed to the Keys for a few weeks.  I chatted with them and they mentioned they had been in Lake Huron and the North Channel last year.  Obviously, they get around.  It's an interesting way to see the country "by boat".

2015…finally!

That last year at the office was a bit of a challenge but I stuck it out to the bitter end.  That was then…

…this is now: 

We crossed the Mason Dixon line last Wednesday and cruised into the Sunshine State Friday morning.  No ice shanties down here.  The boating season in just getting into full swing.

As we pulled into the park, the temperature hit the magic 70° mark. 

At this point, that is a pleasant memory.  80° has been the norm for the past few days.  It’s near record heat for this time of year but the promise is for normal 70’s ...or a bit cooler next week. 

Anyway, we found our southern nest in good shape…

and proceeded to tackle the job of unloading.

I brought a suitcase…you know who brought most of the rest of the house.

So here are the high points of what we call CP1 (there’s a newer Central Park down the street…CP2).

The pool. 

The recreation hall where bingo, dances, concerts, dinners and many park activities occur.  

On the other end of the hall is a full kitchen and a couple pool tables. 

Outside the hall is shuffleboard… 

and horseshoes. 

There are also two full bath facilities and two laundry rooms.  Everything here is kept in spotless condition.  The residents are a mix of people from Canada, New York, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Wisconsin for the most part.  My current neighbor is a “transient” from Calgary, Alberta just passing through the area.

So there you have it…going to spend a little time here and tend my palm tree.