I parked the KIA, grabbed my coat and purse, and entered my apartment about 10:38.  I dropped the coat and purse and went out the patio door to survey my backyard.  Black oil sunflower seeds, and miscellaneous bird seed, litter the cement just outside the door.  I haven’t swept it up yet.  “First things first!!”  I started filling the empty bird feeders, and squirrel feeders.  Just this very minute (3:09 PM) I saw the first squirrel, and the first bird.  It took four hours for them to discover “the golden corral” was serving food again.  3:12 and I saw the first Cardinal.  Soon my feathered friends will be back to entertain me?! ~~ Also watered the plants I shuffle from indoors to outdoors (weather permitting). Also fresh water in the tub for deer, raccoon, possum, squirrels and birds. Note the half-inch of ice on the tub of water.  ~~  Oh yes, I reconstituted lots of mealworms for the Bluebirds.

Lorraine has a very low tolerance for cold weather!! Cold temperatures, and strong winds, robbed the campers of an enjoyable Samboree. Fortunately, we could gather in large rigs for meals, and fellowship. Gratefully, we had electricity so I could keep warm using a small ceramic heater. Considering the weather, and my recent accident, I opted to head for North Carolina rather than visit friends at Orlando, and friends near Naples.

Because of cold and wind, I had no desire to visit Savannah, or Charleston. The Congaree National Park was a possible sightseeing destination. However, I was too late for the Visitor’s Center and they do not have camping. So I asked my GPS for the nearest Walmart–and was directed to Sumter, SC. As I shifted things inside the trailer, I glanced out the window to see an 18-wheeler backing up and might have struck the T@B if I had not run out waving my arms and shouting “Hey, hey, hey!!” I promptly moved to a safer location with a cart corral on one side and an “island” on the other.

Because it was so-o-o-o cold, I put a sleeping bag inside a sleeping bag, with a blanket on top. I slept in sweat pants and sweat shirt with hoodie pulled over my head. Well, I “slept” very little!! I was an icicle!! During the seemingly endless hours until dawn, I actually counted my blessings (rather than counting sheep). I have a comfortable little trailer; I have more amenities than I need. There are people sleeping on park benches, under bridges, etc., with so few luxuries. Lorraine is a “WIMP” but hopes this message isn’t interpreted as complaining.

Retailers never miss a trick!!  Have you enjoyed the food at Qdoba? There are many items prepared for vegetarians.  I love their “Naked Taco Salad.”  It has all the familiar ingredients–without the deep-fried tortilla shell.  Yum yum!!

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Furthermore: The salesman that sold me the 2006 KIA–in December 2007–called with best wishes!! No cards or phone calls from family!!

My handy traveling companion (on the right, second picture) says we will have rain and a thunder-storm today–and tomorrow.  I don’t want to hitch up in the rain (again) so got a head start.  ~~  I spent the week with “the big guy” (in the corner of the living room) but he gave me “the silent treatment.”  I don’t know what’s happening in the world!!  (Well, I could check the Internet; I have WiFi.)  If it weren’t for my handy traveling companions, I might not know the date, time, or weather!!  The gadget with the white border says it is 76 degrees but “feels like 91.”  It is hot and sultry so a rain shower will cool us off. (I have this lovely weather while friends in Vermont have 21 inches of snow!!)  ~~  Question: Why have that TV antenna and not send a line to the TV in the guest apartment?? Enquiring [sic] minds want to know! But, to answer my question: I needed a quiet atmosphere so I could rest.  I don’t rest at home: I have birds and squirrels to feed; I have “downsizing” projects begging my attention; I have a job. Soon I’ll be working in my garden. Never a dull moment!!

You have to see this video!!

What a difference a week makes!!  At this time last week, I had snow in my yard (in North Carolina).  My indoor-outdoor thermometer says it is currently 73 degrees at 11:00 AM (heading for a high of 78 degrees).  I’m near Ocala, Florida, and it is a bright sunny day.  I’m staying in the garage apartment–as the guest of Jesse Saint and I-TEC.  In a couple of days, I’ll head for a Good Sam “Samboree“ near Palatka, Florida.

I’m here to shout the message: “Praise God from Whom all blessings flow”!!  I only publish this blog to proclaim my gratitude for protection from an accident that could have sent me to the hospital.  I won’t list all the details; sufficient to say “I took a very bad fall into the tub / shower.”  I have aches and pain but no broken bones.  I’ll be OK!!  Glory to God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(The fall happened about 6:30 AM.  Much later I decided to take the picture of the tub with curtain and rod exactly where they landed.  ~~  While getting ready to go to bed [early] a little after 7:00 PM, I found the bruises.  It is a challenge to take a picture into a mirror!!  It took about a dozen “tries” to get this image.)

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Sunday, Feb. 24th, 2013: Life is fickle!! An accident shortens the life of Christopher Reeve (Superman).  An accident curtails the activities of Steve Saint (Christian ambassador and entrepreneur).  Here I am (an old lady without fame or money) walking around with no obvious health problem.  So I’ll use my voice, and the “power of the pen” (power of a blog on the Internet) to express my devotion and gratitude to God (my Heavenly Father).  Saved by grace!!

I want this recreation vehicle!!  This morning I visited the little town of Dunnellon, Florida.  I “fell in love” with this RV the minute I saw it!!  If the price of gasoline weren’t so high, I’d be driving it right now!!  Well, the price of gasoline is a consideration but I’m a few dimes short of $54,000.  I didn’t see the inside but know it must be luxurious from the description. Speaking of gasoline: I’ve spent over $200. since Monday!!  I’m only 500 miles from my apartment.  But I can dream can’t I??

Correction: I’m completely happy with the God-given tiny T@B trailer!!