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.

Sunday was a cool, very windy, overcast day with a splattering of rain in Ormond. This area of Florida is in a drought which has resulted in wild fires. Nick and Charmaine headed out in the AM for Melbourne Beach with a stop at the Kennedy Space Centre. They arrived at the Lewis's and enjoyed there visit to the Space Centre. Needless to say; it was quiet here in Ormond. We walked in the gusty strong winds. I washed the car in the underground car wash bay. The salt blown off the water coats everything. The heating and air conditioning units are located on the roof of the buildings and are replaced every five to six years.

Today's pictures are of the beach.

Saturday was another nice day in the Ormond, sunny with a good breeze off of the ocean. High surf reported to be 6 to 8 feet. We walked endlessly on the beach early in the AM. The shell search continues for "sand dollars" but he have only found broken shells. Nick and I played twilight golf in the afternoon. Lots of nothing but fun stuff going on.

HR SAYS:
It has been very windy the last few days and a little cooler. We saw Charmaine & Nick off to Melbourne Beach this morning. It is going to be a lonely day without them. On their way they will visit the Kennedy Space Centre. I know they will enjoy it. We have to make a second visit there some time as there was too much to see in one day.

We just had to post this adorable baby picture of Cheryl sent to us by her mother. Thank you Janet. This is the first baby picture we see of the recent birthday girl. Mark must be getting excited as he is leaving for his trip to Hawaii in just a few days. Are you packed yet, Mark?

We had a wonderful time Friday night at the Riviera Country Club feasting on seafood. Good food, wine and good company, we had lots of fun and laughter.

We have lost one of those wonderful folks at home who was battling cancer. Walter passed away on Friday peacefully at home. We do have fond memories of the wonderful gatherings at Fitzroy Roy Harbour where he displayed his expertise as a Chef on his great home made BBQ. He & Jacquie have always been great hosts. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jacquie and family.

Another wonderful person battling cancer, Debbie, my neighbor, seems to be getting worse reported in an update today. Another therapy used does not seem to be working. We will continue to keep Debbie in our thoughts and prayers.

Friday was another wonderful weather day. Nick, Charmaine, Helene went for a long walk on the beach. Upon our return we ran some errands. Norma Jean had a bad day being sassy and recalculating causing havoc and turned us around while on our way to Ponce Inlet in the South Daytona area across the bay from New Smyrna Beach. We enjoyed a pitcher of beer on the deck before returning. Supper was a seafood buffet at the Riviera Country Club.

Today's pictures are from the Lighthouse Restaurant at Ponce Inlet.

Thursday was another wonderful in Ormond by the Sea. Nick, Charmaine, Helene and I went to Flagger Beach Pier restaurant for breakfast before heading to St. Augustine. We stopped at the outlet mall with the intention of going to the World Golf Hall of Fame. Guess what, the girls got carried away with the shopping. We did not make it to the WGHF, another day. We returned along the A1A, the coastal highway through the heart of St. Augustine. Along the way we stopped at the Ginn Resort and view the complex, golf course and walked along the beach.

Today's pictures reflect our days activities.

Wednesday was another wonderful weather day in Ormond by the Sea. Charmain, Nick, Helene and I went shopping the the morning. Nick and I played twilight golf with Brother John. It was just another Florida day. It is hard to believe just how quickly time flys.

Today's pictures are from the golf course of dreams.

Happy Birthday Cheryl

Tuesday was an overcast day and windy, cool when out of the sun. Charmaine, Nick, Helene and I packed and did leave Ron and Arabella's in Melbourne Beach. Thank you Ron and Arabella for your hospitality. We all experienced good food, conversation, a street party in Melbourne, a full day of St. Patrick's day in Melbourne, golf with Don Tanner, shopping, fishing and good fun.

After our arrival in Ormond by the Sea, a long walk on the beach was in order.

HR SAYS:
There is a big birthday going on in Ottawa today, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to CHERYL. Hope you have a wonderful day.

Thank you to Ron & Arabella for having the 4 of us 4 nights and 3 days. We had a wonderful time. This is going to become a habit for St Paddy’s Day.. now our second year celebrating in Melbourne.. wouldn’t be the same without Meg O’Malley’s. It was rather cool when we returned to Ormond Beach and I suggested we go back to Melbourne..haha.

We need prayers for two lovely folks in Ottawa who are battling cancer. So folks if you could add Debbie & Walter to your prayers that would be great. Cancer is such a dreadful decease,

Happy St. Patrick's Day Everyone

Monday in Melbourne Beach with the Lewis's was another special Florida weather day. Nick, Charmain, Helene and I packed the cars and planned on returning to Ormond by the Sea. Well, Nick, Ron and I went on a book selling tour at the local pubs in the area. Ron, with our help, after a few beer, sold several books to patrons. The books were personally signed for add great value to this first addition. After returning with a belly full of beer an executive decision was made to stay another night. The girls, Arabella, Charmaine and Helene went shopping and bought several pair of shoes.

After a great spaghetti supper with fine wine and good conversation we settled in with popcorn to watch "Dancing with the Stars".

Today's pictures are from another excellent adventure in Florida. The picture of the girls is with Ron and Arabella's special friend next door.