Monday, February 23, 2026

Florida adventures

Our first stay in FL was going back to the Jacksonville area at WW Ranch. A beautiful setting where they have cattle, as well as a llama-alpaca cross, peacocks, and goats. It's really peaceful, even with the animals and the Motocross training facility. The owner is so gracious and we enjoyed 2 nights there just taking in the sunshine, watching the motorcycle training and walking around the ranch. 
Next stop was Ocala Florida where we visited the World Equestrian Center and experienced the training facility and lovely grounds 
We went to Silver Springs nearby and took a ride on a glass bottom boat. The day we were there the weather was unseasonably cool and overcast, so unfortunately we didn't get to see any gators or manatees, but the springs and a few turtles and fish and birds were lovely . 
We also went back to a place we'd been years ago, Big Daddy, Don Garlitz's Museum of Drag Racing. 
so many cars, I can't show them all!


This week we're in Bradenton Florida. It's near Sarasota and south of Tampa. We're not sightseeing, but we were able to enjoy time with my great nephew and his partner, plus this owl.
 Having fun, enjoying Florida, and loving life!

Sunday, February 15, 2026

Snowbirds on the Road

Our week in the SC Midlands was great. The snow left and the weather was cold but clear. I had time to complete my craft project, this miniature fruit stand, that Jessie gave me at Christmas. Then I got another project and finished it too. It's called diamond painting and is sort of a mosaic idea with small jeweled dots that you adhere to a template 
We enjoyed visiting with some of my cousins and with our daughter and her family and my brother and his friends and family.
We camped at a RV park next to a big flea market that's been there for as long as I remember, the Barnyard. Sunday we walked through and we bought an old southern favorite from a food vendor, Boiled Peanuts. They're yummy , soft and salty. 
I don't have pictures of most of our meet-ups because I get so involved in visiting that I forget to take pictures!
I did get some photos of old memories though, when I drove to Columbia, SC, my home town, and checked on my old haunts. 
My childhood home 
My Highschool 
Middle School 
My Aunt BeBe's house I spent much time in growing up
My Grandparents home
My parents memorial at their church 
USC Williams Brice stadium, where I marched in the Carolina Band and Home of the Gamecocks!

It was good to enjoy seeing the city, it's growth, and remember so many good times and family and friends from there. 

We left SC yesterday, Feb 8, and came back to Florida. We're in Jacksonville area, once again at WW ranch, a Harvest Host with a Motocross training facility. As I type I hear the kids ripping around the track, as well as the ranch animals, wildlife , and a gentle breeze on the sunny day. It's quite relaxing and we're just chilling before we head deeper into Florida for more adventures. 

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Snow comes south sometimes!

We woke up to snow today. We were still in Moncks Corner SC which is close to Charleston SC on the coast. As the next picture shows it was little more than a dusting, but snow is always a little exciting! 
  We left this morning and have traveled to Lexington SC for a week . The roads were clear and it was a pretty quick drive. We're at the barnyard RV Park.  It's snowed here too but the sun is out and it's melting away
Hoping to catch up with some of my kinfolk in the area this week and maybe the sun will keep shining! Happy Trails to all!