Mini Vacatiion in Florida

Tuesday morning, Laura and I and Criket left for Tampa. The weather forecast was somewhat threatening , but we went anyway. Got to Busch Gardens about noon. Had to find somebody to let Criket in as it is slightly wider than the normal gates. After we got in we went for a train ride and learned that the new roller coaster they are building (ready late April?) had forced a shutdown of the skyride, and eliminated the water raft part of the Rhino Rally. The weather was nice, the crowds were small, we enjoyed it anyway. We wondered into the Africa part for the first time and saw numerous animals, we did not know they had. We checked in at the local Howard Johnsons, which was close to Busch Gardens and The Seminole Hard Rock Casino. There were not too many choices, se went to a Dennys for supper. It was cold and our order took forever to arrive. We were about to walk out when it finally arrived. We wrote down the restaurant number, location, etc for a strong e-mail to be sent. When Laura complained to the manager, she comped the meal and gave us our coupon back. So our $16 meal cost $0. We found our way to the casino and learned there was not a no smoking section. The Indians can do what they want. Anyway, although there was smoking, it was not too bad. We could not find any penny machines, so settled for 2 cent machines. I got lucky early and won $24 . Then I switched to a different machine, which was more interesting , when we left there, I had $85 more than I had when we came in. The next morning, we went to Orlando to go to Sea World, and the weather was not too bad, although somewhat threatening. We saw all the shows except the end of Clyde and Seamore, when the rains came about 4:30 and that was that. We did see a new show that they have created for children, using characters from Sesame Street. This show has the kids dancing in the aisles. We also happened to see the "Believe" show where Tilliamuk, the " real "killer whale made his first appearance before an audience , since, the death of his trainer a year ago. It was noted that at no time was there a trainer in the water with any of the whales. They had removable fences that were at the waters edge, and the little girl, that they gave the whale necklace to, did not get anywhere near a whale, unlike in the past, where they would have the whale give the child a kiss. The Shamu show is undergoing changes and the new show is supposed to be ready by late April. we arrive home Wednesday nite with no problems , but there had been severe weather in Tampa and Lakeland and other areas. Thursday morning we were awakened by the weather radio warning us of a tornado watch until 1:00PM. We had to go to St Augustine to see the Gp. Everything is pretty much ok, but he wants another blood test to verify the iron level. The results of the lung capacity test showed that I have a minimal restriction on air flow in and out but this probably was a partial result of the pneumonia and should go away. The knee ccontinues to get stronger but is still stiff after not being used for a while ,such as a long ride in the car. It is still somewhat sore at night, but I am exercising it all of the time. Right now it looks like restful weekend, and then another ride to Tampa on Monday. This trip to include some time at the Webster flea market, Busch Gardens, and the Casino. Lester and Sue wiil be going on this trip with us.

Where did March go?

Time is flying by so fast, we cannot keep up. It has been 12 weeks since the knee replacement and, although it seems slow to me sometimes. overall we are doing pretty well. Today, we went to the Saytona Beach Flea market which is quite large, and I walked a lot of it, about 1-1/2 hours as well as later in Big lots, and harbor Freight and Alfies. We took a wheel chair in case I had to be rescued, but it was unneccessary. Overall the surgery is going well. I do my stretching and repetive exercises, and ride the stationary bike every day, sometimes twice. Some days it is hard to fit them in. I have not taken a pain pill for about 8 weeks, nor have I used crutches, cane or walker for about the same time. The knee swells up by the end of the day and is usually sore by bedtime. It sometimes aches during the night, but no pain pills. My sleeping has improved although I wake up 4-5 times each night. getting back to sleep is no problem. When I have been sitting for a while, it takes a little time to get moving, but it sure feels great to move around without crutches, and knowing that it wii continue to get better. We had a little bout with pneumonia which is pretty much over, and I can do things again. It really "winded" me and and greatly slowed down the walking part of my rehab. I did have to take a lung capacity test, which the young lady operator indicated that I did not seem to have any serious problems, but we will be informed officially on Thursday, when we see the Doctor. We talked to Heidi and Kat a while on Skype, and it nice to actually see them as well as to hear them. Anybody else wants to talk to us on Skype, let us know. Our weather has been beautiful, running in the low 80's, and mid 50's, with lots of sunshine and very little rain (although rain is needed) resulting in numerous forest fires all around us. Jerry and Shirley Burkley went home the 19th of March leaving us with Lester and Sue. We went to the putnam County Fair, which puts on a great Senior program with a free meal and numerous gifts from local grocery stores, etc. Thursday we went to the local electrical supplier picnic where they have a chicken dinner, their official annual meeting and then, about 105 give a way prizes, including 3 large screen tvs. They also give away one of their pick up trucks as a grand prize. Lester and Sue won this truck, which is a 2003 Chevy S-10, with 103,000 miles , but in excellent condition. Their winning number ticket was 5222 and our ticket number was 5224, so for a short while it was interesting. We have a number of excellent musicians, who play old time, bluegrass, etc and we have been invited to their homes for "jam" sessions, which combined with the Friday afternoon senior center is keeping us busy with music. At this time, we are not sure when we are headed North. It will probably be the first week of May. It will depend upon the weather in both locations, plus there are some projects we are hoping to gain some headway to make up for the lost time. We plan to go to Busch Gardens on Tuesday, The Seminole Hard Rock Cafe Casino, then to Seaworld on Wednesday. This will be a criket trip, because they are so big. While I have been writing this Laura has been talking to Heidi on Skype. I will try to keep up a little better. Regards to everyone.

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Sorry for any typos.

Where did February go?

Wow, where did February go. Right now it is gone, and the summary is: Really nice weather(finally) Mostly 70-80 degrees with lots of sun. We deserve it, as December was cold. Continued improvement with the knee. I wal all the time, except for the longer stretches such as flea markets. The knee is gettting stronger all the time. I have done my own PT and the knee is reasonably straight and flexible. It is still stiff, and we have to work the kinks out, but time and use will do that. It seems so strange to remember that I had to use crutches, etc for so long(from Dec 2008 through Feb 2010).

Last week, while exercise walking, we noticed that I was extremely short of breath after a very short time. A visit to the Dr, and a chest x-ray showed I had pneumonia. After 7 days of strong anti-biotics, use of a vaporizer, and more inactivity, things are better. I can breath much better, and can do limited work. We have another x-ray scheduled for this coming Friday, but I think we basically have this licked. So now I can resume the walking part of my therapy.

Within our group we had company from the North, so we have enjoyed some boat rides, with a lot of fairly large alligators being spotted. We went to Ormond beach to Alfies and to watch the shuttle go off. Unfortunately, we lost it in the clouds, but our visitors enjoyed it. Norma and Buford joined us there for this event.

I almost forgot, went to the 7th annual Palatka Bluegrass Festival and for the first time had decent weather. The motorhome had its first (and probably only) outing for a year. Gas is abundently available, all you want, no waiting in line, and is roughly averaging only $3.43/gal.

Monday is going to be our annual Florida garbage can turkey event for the local musicians, and soon we have to get to Seaworld and Busch Gardens. More later.

Sent from my iPhone.
Sorry for any typos.