Thursday was a travel day. We departed Staunton VA at 0700 AM. It was foggy with a light mist. The states kept rolling by, Virgina, West Virgina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York State and Ontario. We stopped at the AM EX for liquor and crossed the border in record time. Arriving home at 600 PM. Shelly was here to greet us, it felt good be home. After unpacking and still wound up from the travel, we relaxed over a bottle of wine. It felt real good to sleep in our own bed.

Norma Jean (the female GPS) reported the following: Overall Average Speed, 94.8 kms; Moving Speed Average: 100 kms; Maximum Speed: 132 kms; Total Driving Time: 24:51 hrs.; Moving Time: 23:34 hrs.; Stopped Time: 1:16 hrs. Total kms. 2456 kms. Interesting statistics.

While on the road north there was no visible snow in the US. We did see some snow in the ditches off of the 416 to Ottawa. At home the front yard is clear and two snow patches in the shaded areas on the backyard.

In yesterday's BLOG, I mentioned that my Brother had reported that the new condo renters had quickly moved into the unit. Well, after opening my emails, Todd the condo owner informed that these people were squatters and just took it upon themselves to move. According to him they said that I had given permission to take over the unit. He had another long term renter arriving Friday. He had to ask them to leave and needless to say was upset. After a quick explanation and a follow up telephone call he was at ease. He thanked Helene for the condition of the condo unit. All is well and life is good.

Today has been a busy day. We were up bright and early to attend our next door neighbour's wake at the Beechwood Funeral Facility, followed by the funeral mass at the Shepherd's of Good Hope Church and a reception back at the Beechwood Facility. Always a sad moment to see a young women, just 50 years of age with a loving husband and three grown daughters. Life, not always fair.

Today's pictures are from home. This is the last entry for the BLOG. I hope you BLOG viewers enjoyed our overview of our Florida Fantasy.

Tuesday we were out of service with no internet connettivity. The last minute car packing was completed and we were on the road at 0600 AM from Ormond by the Sea. Needless to say, it was dark but still 21 C or 70 F. We stopped in Flaggler Beach for a MacD's coffee. It started to rain in the St. Augustine area which continued up into the Savanaugh, GA area. We hit two construction jobs on the I-95 and lost over an hour in travel time. We experienced quite a metamorphous of spring. Leaving Florida, green, flowers out, foliage on the trees, too trees beginning to bud, daffodils and crocuses growing between the mediums and from sea level to the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Shenandoah Valley (only 14 C). It was our intention to drive to Winchester VA but ended up in Staunton VA after 13 hours on the road. After checking into the MicroTel Inn, which was filled with 50% Canadians according to the clerk we headed out for supper. Norma Jean (the GPS) was a good girl.

It is shortly after 0600 AM and we are getting ready to gas the car and hit the road. With good driving conditions we should be in Ottawa by 600 PM at the latest.

PS We received an email from Brother John, who advised that another couple from NY moved into our Condo before 0900. His comment, the sheets were still warm.

Today's pictures are from yesterday.

Monday was another wonderful weather day in Ormond by the Sea, sunny with temps in the mid 70's. We ran some errands to finish up and returned to the beach. The walks along the shore are special, wading in the surf and searching for the mysterious "sand dollar" shell, no luck, only broken pieces. After supper it was time to watch "Dancing with the Stars".

Today is pack and clean day. The internet modem will be shut down and returned to Brighthouse this afternoon. It is our intention to hit the road early Wednesday driving through to Staunton or better still Winchester, Virgina.

Today's pictures are around the condo. We will miss this place and especially the warm weather, golf and the beach. See you Ottawa folks soon, we will be home Thursday or Friday at the latest.

Sunday morning was grey overcast with rain which cleared with bright warm sun in the afternoon. Another day for a long walk on the beach combing for shells, as if we don't have enough. We watched the amazing Tiger Woods win the Arnold Palmer Invitational on the last hole with a 16 foot putt, unflappable under pressure. BBQ'd some Italian sausages and brats for supper which ended another day. Only 2 days remaining. We are now gathering and starting the packing process.

Helene's neice Lorrie with Jonnie, Lyndsey and Lilly arrived in Orlando for a week at Disneyland yesterday afternoon. Have a good week kids.

HR SAYS:
We have two days left here in Ormond by the Sea and the weather is going to be beautiful. We will take in as much fun in the sun as we can before heading home to Ottawa early Wednesday morning. I am sure going to miss the beautiful sunrise that I saw this morning and the sunset that I saw last night. The ocean was as calm this morning as I have ever seen since I arrived.

I have sad news this morning, my neighbor, Debbie, has passed away last evening. I can’t believe that she went so fast, she was doing so well when I left on February 1st. In the two months we have been away we have lost two wonderful people. Thank you to my friends that have kept Debbie in their thoughts and prayers.

Today's pictures are of Helene with Tiger in the background, our sunset last evening and sunrise this morning.

Saturday was another special Florida weather day with temps in the high 80's, sunny with a breeze and high humidity. Overnight there was a weather front with thunder and lightening which seemed to last for a long period of time, needless to say everything is wet this morning. As I write the sun is just starting to appear.

The Arnold Palmer Invitational GT will have good weather Sunday for the final round beginning at 1100 AM and 1300 PM with a cross over format.

Our friends from Saint John, NB left in the AM for Kissimmee to visit before heading off to Madeira Beach and Rotunda. Helene and I walked to the Publix for a few groceries. Then it was time for a splash in the pool to cool off. Gord was off to the Riviera golf course for a twilight round. We later entertained Brother John, Bernice and Alain for supper.

Today's pictures are of Florida flowers and sights. Ony three days left in our Florida Fantasy.

Friday in Ormond was another special Florida weather day, hot, sunny, light breeze and even rain in the early evening. After getting our feet on the floor Albert and I headed out to the Spring Daytona Car Shop and Swap Meet at the Daytona Speedway. There were many muscle cars from our era and customs hotrods. It was time for a trip to the family restaurant "Hooters" for beer, wings and shrimp. The girls headed for the Olympic Trials being held at the local shopping malls. Shopping will be an Olympic trail sport in 2012. Later, we went out for supper at the Bonefish Restaurant, with a 50 minute wait, and ended up next door over at the Olive Garden. Another great day. Only 4 days left in Ormond by the Sea before our trek north.

Today's pictures are from the car show and shopping results.

Thursday started off sunny warm and clouded over with a wind off the water which cooled the Ormond area. Hotette Helene apologizes for erring in wishing the Captain a birthday message. We walked in the mid AM and met Vonnie and Albert while returning. They had arrived and we had left a message on the condo door and they decided to go for a walk. We caught up and they settled in for their stay. Albert and I walked the beach at low tide. Now its cocktail time. We enjoyed supper and a relaxing evening. Brother John and Alain dropped in for a quick visit and dessert.

Today's pictures are from the Arnold Palmer Invitational GT, Brent Snedeker, David Duval, Adam Scott and Aaron Baddeley.

Happy Birthday Captain Hotshot, Gerry McGuire

Wednesday was a wonderful weather day in Ormond/Orlando, sunny, high 70's with a light breeze, a great day for golf. Helene and I with Brother John, Bernice and Alain Cote headed off early to the Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Invitational PGA golf tournament. Upon our arrival we were parked on property adjacent to the golf course. The golf grounds are immaculate. They call it Arnie's tournament because he owns, designed the golf course and was instrumental in the development around the area. It was a special day to see all these PGA stars up close and personal. They played a PRO/AM and then proceeded to the driving range, chipping area and spent as much time on the putting green. They are committed which accounts for their talents.

HR SAYS:
There is a BIG BIRTHDAY happening on the West Coast of Florida, Indian Rocks Beach to be exact. If my records are correct we can say HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAPTAIN HOT SHOT GERRY MCGUIRE. We hope you have a great day.

We have 6 more days before we head North back to Ottawa. The weather here is going to start getting warmer. It is expected to reach 90 degrees on Sunday, much too warm for me, though with a breeze it just might be nice. There has been a breeze off the ocean every day. it doesn't take long for the flowers to get into bloom here...it is like over night....there is color everywhere...on the ground and on the trees.

We had an awesome day yesterday at the Pro-Am Invitational at Bay Hill in Orlando. My dream was to see Tiger Woods and that I did on the 14th hole, 17th & 18th. We saw many great golfers, including two Canadians, Mike Weir & Stephen Ames. At mid-day out came Arnold Palmer to tee off and who was golfing with him, a famous hockey name, Bobby Orr. I have to say some of the amateurs made shots as good as the pros… amazing to watch.

We are expecting friends from Saint John, NB, to arrive today. We are looking forward to having Vonnie & Albert staying with us for a couple of days, as they are traveling throughout Florida.

Uncle Harry is Tucson, visiting with Amy & Maya. I am sure he is enjoying the warm weather there. By the time he gets back to Ottawa it will have warmed up some.

Nick & Charmaine should be heading for Orlando International Airport to catch their flight home this morning. They should be in Ottawa early this afternoon. Hope you have a good
trip.

We continue to have Debbie in our thoughts and prayers as she continues to struggle with cancer. She is in the hospital and very comfortable, she does not seem to experience any pain. They continue to give her morphine every four hours as this does help with her breathing. There is some consideration that she might be moved to the May Court Hospice, as it is more a home environment than the hospital. God bless Debbie and her family.

Today's pictures are from yesterday's most excellent adventure. tickets, Arnold Palmer, Bobby Orr, Tiger Woods, Fred Couples, Mike Weir, Stephen Ames and Patrig Harrington.

Tuesday the weather was back to warm sun with a light breeze, just another special Florida day. We had a slow start to the morning and did a little shopping in the afternoon followed by a walk on the beach. We sat in the back and enjoyed the warm sun. BBQ'd supper and the day disappeared in no time. Today we are off to the Arnold Palmer Invitational PGA Golf Tournament at Bay hill GC. All the big names are supposed to be there including Tiger Woods.

Today's pictures are from our visit to the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Monday was a rainy overcast day in Ormond. The Volusia County area has been in draught conditions for some time and the rain was welcomed. The new Nissan required an oil change. The Daytona Nissan dealership have a quick lube lane and it was completed in a timely manner. Helene and I decided to head to St. Augustine to visit the World Golf Hall of Fame. They are honoring Bob Hope for his contribution and support to the PGA with a display which will be in place for 2009. We toured the exhibits, viewed an IMAX movie about the Great Lakes environment, narrated by Gordon Pinsent. We then went to the Tour Shop. I was fitted for golf clubs but cannot decide on the make or model. It would be nice to test the irons on a course before making a decision.

All the induction and other glass trophies are designed by Waterford Chrystal, who have filed for section 11 bankruptcy protection. They are presently searching for another supplier.

Today's pictures are from the WGHF and a short video clip.