As usual, my life is feast or famine, I am doing little or going 900 miles per hour. So, my blog suffers. the real estate market is starting to move a tiny bit and that is a wonderful thing. If you are looking in Zellwood, Apopka, Mt Dora etc. let me know!
I saw this wonderful UTube video of our own Mt Dora, FL and wanted to share. I hope the makers of the video don’t mind, it is really well done and shows a lot of Mt Dora, which is 20 minutes from Zellwood.
I have lived in Central Florida (Apopka / Zellwood most of my life and did not know a lot of the interesting things in this video. We shop and eat in Mt Dora regularly so I can attest to the great food. We were actually just at the Abbey Sunday. Yummy food is truth!!
And we went to a place in Mt Dora today that was amazing. Tonys on Donnelly Street. I have posted the info and menu below. Their specialty is Clam Chowder, and I have to tell you I am not a huge fan of clam chowder. It is ok but I don’t seek it out. When we got there, we were waiting outside for others to join us and the server came out and asked if we wanted to eat inside or a table outside. Remember, it’s Florida so we can eat outside in January with 80-degree weather. She was very friendly and accommodating. When we told her we had never been there before, she brought out table small samples of their famous clam chowder to taste. And it was fantastic. I ordered a cup of soup and crab cakes. When I was done with the soup, I wasn’t hungry for the crab cakes. I must admit, I tasted them and they weren’t my favorite, but it’s not their fault. As we all know, I am not a veggie fan and when I see green, I am pretty much done. My brother-in-law at one and he thought they were terrific. So, see, I don’t know everything. But I will say if I like it, it is usually very good!
So, you see the menu, pretty much seafood. Their shrimp and lobster rolls are the cold variety, and I prefer the hot ones. Next time we go I am getting soup and the shrimp skewer. And yes, we will go back. I love a nice bowl of soup. The service was very good, and our server was knowledgeable about the menu and the restaurant itself. A pleasant place and relaxing. Oh, I almost forgot, they sell the soup in the restaurant and on-line!
My foot is still in the boot, another few weeks of that before they decide what to do about that. I do not like physical therapy at all, but I must go. I’d rather hate PT than surgery.
Lulu is growing up so fast. Still very stubborn but we are making progress. She is 5.8 pounds now!! And she is finally starting to walk on the leash with less fight. She knows come, sit and her name, although she won’t do the commands, she knows them! haha.
Life is good in my part of the world. Holidays are over, the blessed Girl Scout cookies are for sale to ruin all of our 2026 resolutions, and we just keep marching!
If you know me at all, I am all about trying and doing new things, even when they scare you silly. So, when my friend Curt, who I sold a house to in 2021 asked me if I would marry him and his fiancée, Lidia, I was a little bit intimidated. I don’t mind making a fool of myself, but I certainly don’t want to botch up anything as important as someone’s wedding!
I am a Florida Notary Public so I am legally allowed to marry people, but I have never done it before. I told Curt that I would find out what marring them entailed and get back with them. I googled it, (good old google), and not only could I do it, google gave me all kinds of “scripts” to work with to perform a ceremony that would please the happy couple. So, I agreed to do the wedding.
They asked for a simple ceremony, it was only going to be Curt and Lidia, 2 witnesses and me, in the back yard of their home. That really took all the pressure off. It was not about ME, but it was about doing my best to make a nice happy ceremony for people I cared about.
November 19th was the happy day, and Lidia had the back area set up very simple and lovely. Everything went well; I didn’t botch anything up. I was afraid to say their last name as I went to a wedding once and the preacher said the last name wrong. It was horrifying. So, I kept it simple and just said first names!
Lidia had family from Spain on web chat so they could witness the wedding too. That was fun!
There was a little celebration after the wedding, very relaxing and fun. I’m so glad they asked me to officiate the wedding; it was an honor.
Congratulations to Curt and Lidia. Zellwood residents and part of the good life!
This sweet little girl became a 5-year resident of our community and has just as much personality now as she is showing in this grade school picture!
She grew up in Apopka with her parents and a half-brother Carl, 14 years older than her. Carl was on the Blue Darter Football team and had a dog named Baker that followed him to school all through high school. Every day Baker would wait outside the classroom door and follow Carl back home. Sadly, Baker got hit by a car and died. At Carl’s graduation in 1958, there was a chair with a small graduation hat and a sign “BAKER”. THIS is the old Apopka where our friend, and resident Patricia, grew up.
Her mom was born in GA and grew up in West Virginia, and was a Coal Miner’s daughter. Her Dad was born in Ohio. Both parents joined the Masonic and Eastern Star Lodge in Apopka and became Worthy Matron and Patron in the early 60s. Patricia became a Rainbow Girl during that time. Her parents owned a Hamburger/Hot Dog restaurant in downtown Apopka for years.
Patricia went to Apopka Schools and was a Cheerleader at Apopka Memorial High School.
The Mayor of Apopka, John Land, asked her father if she could be The Foliage Queen of 1969 (?), which he agreed. I think she represented the industry well!
Patricia was one of those charmed girls that was lucky enough to wear TWO crowns at once, as she also became Miss Apopka 1970!
I asked her what talent she performed in the competition and she said in those days, gratefully, they only had to model bathing suits and evening gowns. Patricia is not shy telling you she does not sing. But I can tell you from personal experience she has great rhythm and plays a mean tambourine!
Patricia acknowledges she had a wonderful childhood here in Apopka. great parents, great friends, happy life. She played clarinet in the school band, was a Rainbow Girl and in the Paramedics Club. She was lucky enough to be able to do all the things teenage girls do and had parents that supported her dreams.
After High School Patricia went to Cosmetology school, married and had 2 kids, daughter Missi and Son Will. Her Daughter Missi has a daughter Kayli. Patricia’s deceased Stepdaughter gave her another granddaughter, Olivia, who is known to be the apple of her eye.
After divorcing, Patricia went to Nursing School at Winter Garden Hospital and became an RN in 1983. Initially working in the Winter Garden Hospital as a Surgical Scrub Tech. Later she she met her husband, Mike. They worked together for 29 years, until Patricia retired.
I asked Patricia what would surprise people about her and she says she has about 75 pairs of shoes! That certainly surprised me! Where does she put them?! She loves thrifting, searching for “good” purses. A girl needs purses to match the shoes. Patricia has traveled to France, Singapore, Germany and Amsterdam and many more locations. Is more travelling on her list of things to do? Probably!
Patricia was one of the first Hostesses at the Contemporary Hotel and Rock Hudson was one of the guests she was able to meet. It is very hard to be a local and not have served any time at the Mouse!
I actually met Patricia for the first time at Jukebox Bingo at the Whistle Stop. All of us sit in groups, similar to Church, we all have our pew or table and friends gather together. One evening when John and I arrived Patricia was sitting at “our” table. I asked if she was joining us or if she had her own group coming and she said she was joining us. And she has been there ever since! I have gotten to know her and enjoy her company so much. She is fun to be around and has a great sense of humor. She is also one of those “what you see is what you get” girls. Genuine and kind. Still beautiful as ever and always impecibally dressed, I’m sure glad she found her way to “our” table! And am very proud to call her my friend.
It was a busy week and today is my day of rest and relaxation.
Biggest news for me is Monday on my way to line dancing I received a call that there was a puppy for me if I wanted her. And YES, I caved! I said I didn’t want a puppy, and I said I didn’t want a dog that needed to be groomed. And I said a lot of stuff, and it doesn’t matter when you fall in love! LOL. I bailed on line dancing and went to pick up our little girl.
MEET LULU! She is a Shiatzu and all of a pound, maybe 1 1/2 pounds. She is so sweet and loving and has turned our life upside down in the best way possible. My heart is full and she makes me laugh and I am absolutely THAT MOM with my fur baby! You will probably be hearing a lot about her for a long time!
As always, Tuesday nights are Juke Box Bingo. None of our table won any of the games but we always have a good time. It’s more about the music than the winning. Although winning IS nice.
Wednesday, we went to Disney’s Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue with our friends John and Nancy. They have been telling us about it for a long time, and we finally were all four in the same place at the same time! It was a fun evening, dancing and singing and good clean fun at Disney’s Fort Wilderness. It is probably sacrilege to say but we are not big Disney fans and rarely go. This shows how much we love John and Nancy’s company. The musical review was everything you would expect and more. Dinner was included in the price and was served family style; food was good and there was plenty. (Friend chicken, ribs, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, a nice salad and cole slaw. Oh, and really good corn bread! I love corn bread!
Show was corny but fun. No one sang Zip Pe De Do Da so I was happy! LOL! The musicians and entertainers were quite good actually. Lots of group participation too.
Big finale every table got washboard instruments and sang along. I couldn’t tell you what the song was but it was fun. Big smiles all around!
Busy week for sure! Work was busy too, listing appointments and lots of prayers for buyers! Our market is still flat and move in ready homes seem to be the ones selling. That will switch when we least expect it here, it always does!
FRIDAY NIGHT was a Tribute Band in the Whistle Stop Restaurant. And what a fun night it was. Classics Tribute Live was the name of the act, https://classictributeslive.com/classic-tributes-live, and they were fantastic. Our show was THE EAGLES and it did not disappoint. The show was sold out the first day tickets went on sale, and I think we all had high expectations. The band was a 6 piece, and their fee was high. I don’t know if our community really understands that the Civic Groups within the community donate funds to help make the tickets affordable to us retirees. I give a huge thank you to all the individuals and groups that contribute so the rest of the community can enjoy quality entertainment.
The “Eagles” played a nice first set and encouraged singing and dancing. They were personable and fun. They played all the familiar tunes and a few I truly did not know. So, I am a fan but not hard core like some. The second set was just as good, even better. The musicians changed instruments, switched places, different lead singers, everything to keep us guessing and entertained. I am not one to go to repeat shows but I think this one I would go to see again.
The band does other tributes, and I would love to see them with their tributes to CCR and the Doobie Brothers for sure. They do many others, but those would surely be highlights for me.
Saturday ended the week with a terrific night of trivia. Our Team, Know Nothings, did well. Last week we came in first and this week we came in second. We are always thrilled to place at all, because as our name says, we are the Know Nothings! We have had a lucky streak and hope it continues.
I’m working on another interview so stay tuned. Writing these interviews are tough work.
So, there you have it. A wonderful happy week, lots accomplished, work and play. Good friends and many blessings along the way.
It’s amazing how fast time goes by. Here we are to fall already. I am waiting for the crisp fall mornings; they are my favorite. I’m not a huge pumpkin fan but there is something about fall that makes you want to have something pumpkin anyway! I made some pumpkin oatmeal cookies that were delicious. Now I am waiting for the chill that brings soups! I love soups but John is not a fan. I make them anyway; they freeze well and are great for a quick dinner. John can have his frozen pot pies and mac and cheese TV dinners!
Our community comes alive in the fall as the snowbirds start trickling down. We have had several sightings already. Another batch arrives after Thanksgiving and Christmas. We welcome them all back and are happy to share our summer stories. The golf course is buzzing, we have a great golf course, so I have been told. I’m not a golfer so I have to take their word for it.
After the heat of the summer when so many stay indoors, the tennis and pickleball courts are more active, lots more people walking in the mornings, golf cart rides in the evenings, Restaurant activities like Jukebox Bingo, Corn Hole and Trivia are full. I’ve noticed that the Line Dance classes are gaining new members as well.
Our community Halloween dance was Halloween night and as usual, always fun. Zellwood people LOVE to dress up in costume. It doesn’t matter what the occasion, if you give them a reason, they will dress and do it big. It will be interesting to who takes the prize this year. Good Band, good friends and a fun night for all.
As you can see, our peeps go all out and we have no shame!
Music provided by Late for the Station (yes, I forgot to take a picture of them.) Classics music and lots of energy. Always provide a good show for us.
Lots of friends, lots of fun and Lots of dancing!
We have some sort of entertainment every Friday, but THESE dances are really special.
Once upon a time there was a girl named Marilyn who did not enjoy crafting. Marilyn had a big mouth and liked to tell people to get out of their comfort zone and do things that they have never done before. Marilyn had a friend named Ginger who heard her say “do it anyway.” And Ginger made Marilyn put her money where her mouth was!
I have never been much of a crafter although I DO like the products, I just don’t like doing it. I am not talented or artsy imaginative. It has just never been my thing. So, when Ginger said let’s go make a craft I was opposed to the idea. My hubby John backed her up too, saying that I should go. Sigh, words always come back and bite you in the rear!
Ginger found a class in Summerville, Coastal Custom Creations, that teaches you to make Charcuterie Boards (the wooden boards, not with meat, just the boards) with a resin decorating product. Don’t look for too much technical info from me, just know I did what they said, I survived AND I didn’t throw my product int he garbage when I got home!
Ginger and I signed up for the class and then I recruited Tracy to join us as she loves crafting. The more the merrier!
Marilyn Tracy and Ginger!
When we arrived, the room was all set up, a pizza box full of all the supplies needed for our individual projects. Ginger and I selected the boards that were the shape of Florida and Tracy made a more traditional oblong board. Why did I choose the Florida shape? It was a tough decision actually, but I chose the same as Ginger in case I needed help. At the point we signed up, it was just me and Ginger, I try not to tempt fate!
We had a small cutting board that was our “practice board” which we did first so that we could see the process and hopefully get the main idea. Less chance of messing up the bigger project! Bridget, our teacher, did a fine job explaining everything, and demonstrating, as you can see, she has a broken wrist and still managed to keep us going in the right direction!
We had sort of preselected our colors, I didn’t know that I had done that, but it worked out fine. I’d have selected something RED and that probably would have been a mistake with Florida and waves and stuff. Red Tide? Probably not a good plan. We mixed our resins and played with the small boards and oohed and ahhed accordingly. It actually wasn’t that hard. Bridget showed us the painting technique for the resin which was pretty similar to paint; except if you jiggle the boards the resin will move. I had a hard time making THIN lines though. After our lines we drawn, we tapped and blended and used a blow dryer to make the resin move. (which kind of made it look like foamy waves!) When our boards were acceptable to us, we used a flame thing, similar to what you would melt marshmallows with (haha) for three seconds really FAST so as to not set the project on fire. I managed to accomplish this goal without any fires. I figured that would be my downfall, but I had close supervision with Ginger and Tracy!
Practice board completed. It doesn’t look like ocean waves but it’s acceptable and useable. I think it will hold cheese just fine.
ON to the big project.
Now we know the technique to use, and I am waiting for Bridget to tell me (us) exactly how to start and what to do. Guess what? She gives us the dreaded crafting words “USE YOUR IMAGINATION, MAKE IT YOUR OWN”. NOOOOOO! I have no imagination and cannot possibly make it my own. You must tell me exactly what to do. I am sure now that it was a mistake to come and it will all go in the garbage when I get home. You only THINK I have confidence. I do not!
Luckily Bridget finally throws out a couple ideas and Ginger, and I go in completely different directions. Tracy is moving along merrily making her board like she has been doing this stuff all her life. She is definitely one of THOSE craft people! By the way, we had plans to record all this, but it all moved way too fast and that was out of the question. We all managed to complete our projects without any major issues and they all turned out really nice.
Ginger’s finished boards! Aren’t her waves great!! Ginger just works along making very little mess, she is focused and quiet. I cleaned up my mess before the picture was taken, and it is still a mess. And of course, I talk and ask questions and forget instructions …. I am a bit high maintenance.
Tracy and her boards! She did what was called a double line on her big board. She is an over-achieving crafter and it turned out beautiful. Look at HER waves!
After our projects were completed, you have to leave them right there as they are and pick up the next day. If you move them the resin will jiggle and move, and the project will be a mess. Tracy was kind enough to go back the next day and pick up the completed projects.
We walked around the room and saw other art projects that are taught at this facility. Apparently, there are several teachers that rent the space for different classes.
These stone rock crystal (???) trees were adorable. There was one for every holiday. Also, all different types of painting classes. looked like maybe a photography class; pretty much anything of that type you want to learn, they have it.
After our crafting was done, we stopped at a nice Mexican Restaurant, Campo Azul Mexican Kitchen right in Summerfield. The food was very good. We each found our favorites and had a nice meal together.
I have to say, Ginger was right. Our craft projects were fun, it was nice spending time with Ginger and Tracy, and it didn’t kill me. It’s easy to say “no, I don’t want to!” But saying yes has its rewards. Do I like crafts now? Not really! BUT I liked having the experience and maybe that is what it is all about. Doing something different, with friends, and just getting out of the normal routines. My finished project isn’t so bad. I didn’t throw it out when I got home! And yes, the seashell is SUPPOSED to be Orlando; but I don’t know where Orlando actually IS so THAT is Orlando to ME.
FOOTNOTE TO ZELLWOOD PEEPS! Ginger and the Depot team have arranged for these classes to be held in the Caboose in January, February, March and April. Watch for flyers or contact Ginger if you want to get info on exactly what the classes will be when so you can reserve your spot! Seating will be limited. I’m gonna say it once more…It was fun!
A kumquat isn’t much bigger than a grape, yet this bite-sized fruit fills your mouth with a big burst of sweet-tart citrus flavor. In Chinese, kumquat means “golden orange.” They were originally grown in China. Now they’re also grown in several other countries, including warmer areas of the United States, such as Florida and California. In contrast with other citrus fruits, the peel of the kumquat is sweet and edible, while the juicy flesh is tart.
This is a kumquat.
Loquats are small fruits with a sweet, slightly tart flavor. Recent research suggests that loquats may offer a variety of health benefits, including protection against some diseases. The loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is a tree in the rose family native to China. It is prized for its sweet fruit. Loquats are small, round fruits that grow in clusters. Their color varies from yellow to red-orange, depending on the variety. Loquat fruit, seeds, and leaves are packed with potent plant compounds and have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years.
This is a Loquat.
All of this fabulous information is according to Healthline.com.
Now you have to hang with me. I know you are asking why on earth is Marilyn writing about kumquats and loquats. First off, because they are fun to say! And second, because lots of people in Zellwood have them in their yards and don’t even know what they are. As it states above, they are edible, skins and all and they can be nice, sweet/tart taste.
These are pictures of my friend Ellyn’s loquat tree in Zellwood. (Thank you, Ellyn, for letting me photograph them.) As you can see, these trees grow quite large. There are lots of blooms happening.
This is an old video of my dad explaining Loquats to my Uncle George. I hope you find it as entertaining as I do. It’s very short and funny. I think it was made around 1986, so you understand the fashion! And if you listen carefully he has a suggestion for their use.
Yup, THAT is my dad, so if you know me, it explains a LOT!
I was talking to my friend Ginger about the kumquats and loquats, and she remembered a Kumquat parade in Orlando, which I had never heard of before. She looked it up and sure enough, from the mid-80s to the 90’s there was the Queen Kumquat Sashay each year downtown! (Thank you, Ginger!)
I have my own personal story about kumquats, which I feel is also relevant. As a lot of us southern girls like to call people by sweet names, I am also guilty. I had a workmate who always gave me a hard time, and it was miserable to have to argue with him every day to accomplish my job. I decided I HAD to do something to learn to like him or I’d never get past it so every time I talked to him, I’d call him sugar or honey or sweetie. I talked to him a LOT so i had to start coming up with other names and it kind of became a game to us. (But it was working, the atmosphere was less tense.) One day I called him my little kumquat, and we both burst out laughing. It was just too much! After that we became friends. It was a silly thing but as I said earlier, it really is fun to say! Give it a try!
I hope you enjoyed your lesson on kumquats and loquats and also the Kumquat Sashay and how a little humor can defuse a tense situation!
Please meet Terry! A very courageous person who responded when I asked who wanted to be my very first interview. She jumped right in and said, “I’ll do it!” and that is courage! And trust! We agreed that Zellwood Peeps would be the name of my interviews, since I am looking for courageous men and women who want their lives shared by me.
I wasn’t sure what to expect talking with Terry as she has always come across as approachable and unapproachable at the same time! And I wasn’t sure what questions to ask; we even joked about this before we met. Since I am not an interviewer, we just chatted about life in general. I didn’t want to have a set of questions that seemed forced or programed. I just wanted to get to know Terry. She was so much fun to be with it made the interview easy.
This is Terry and her hubby Jerry. Jerry and Terry, they go together like peas and carrots, or peanut butter and jelly or … well you get the idea. It’s hard to imagine the one without the other. Believe it or not, this is a Match.com success story! They have been together ten years and married eight. Their first date was a Bachman Turner Overdrive concert which seems fitting since they both have a love of music. If they don’t, they are great fakers!
Terry is all about family; she has 3 children and would love a better connection with them. She also has 3 sisters, and many nieces and nephews. When you see them all together you can see the closeness they have. It is enviable for sure. There are family events such as gambling trips to Vegas or other venues where everyone participates. They are also a family that loves games, all kinds. Terry’s living room is full of games, video, pinball, board, you name it they play it. Terry was telling me about a dice game in each of her and her sibling’s homes that they throw money into a bucket and roll dice. IF you match all 5 you win half the bucket … the game isn’t so remarkable, it is that each of their homes are a part of it. A family thing. If there is a party with a costume theme, you can bet both Terry and Jerry will be in the mix dressed for the occasion.
Terry’s Florida connection started when she was young, her grandparents lived in St Pete. Here is a picture of her there. She raised her 3 kids in Missouri and then moved to Clearwater to be closer to her parents.
When Terry and Jerry moved to Zellwood it didn’t take them long to become a noticeable part of our community. Terry would not agree that she shines on her own, but she does. Also, when they moved to Zellwood it didn’t take long for her sisters to follow. Three of them now have homes in Zellwood and I won’t be surprised if the 4th one doesn’t show up soon!
Whatever event is going on in our community they are involved. Jukebox Bingo, Trivia, Cornhole. Terry loves golf, she says she isn’t that good and is surprised when people ask her to join them for a round. My guess is she doesn’t give herself enough credit! Terry works part time in the Pro Shop and has done extra duty as the cart girl on occasion. I would say she is game for just about anything once. Her karaoke can be remarkable and off color, but it is always fun. I would not dare her to attempt something because I don’t think she would ever let someone get the upper hand.
Terry has a very kind heart, even though she doesn’t like to show it. Personally, I remember a time when John and I had both had surgery a few days from each other and neither of us were allowed to drive for a couple weeks. I needed to get my nails done in the worst way. I posted on Facebook if anyone was going could I please go with, and Terry responded immediately. I don’t even thing she “needed” to go, but she took me and got her toes done too. That’s the kind of generosity she shows, quiet and real.
This is Terry’s Senior picture. Most surprising thing about Terry is she was a Drum Major! (It must have rubbed off on Jerry since he is the leader of the band on Tuesday nights for Jukebox bingo!) For someone who doesn’t really like to draw attention to herself, being front and center is surprising. But given her personality I’m sure she was great at it. Tery also told me she used to teach Sunday School and directed a summer VBS (Vacation Bible School) for a large Methodist church. She only pretends to be a bad girl!
Travelling is a big part of their lives, cruises for sure. They have done most of the Caribbean, Alaska, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Malta, Slovenia. The Northeast Coast of the US and Canada was their latest trip. I remember Terry being very excited to go to Pompei, a bucket list item. Her interests are as diverse as she is.
Terry likes to be in the background, not calling much attention to herself, but she has a wicked sense of humor and sometimes that attention just comes whether you want it or not! Even though she claims to prefer solitude, don’t be afraid to approach her. She really won’t bite your head off, or maybe she will!
Florida’s beautiful Daytona Beach, we love it there. We also go to New Smyrna, a lot of locals do, for us though, it depends on where we can get the best deal for rooms. Retirement, semi-retirement requires a bit more research as saving money here means you can spend money there! It seems like we GO a lot, and we do, but we are frugal with our choices. I always say I can stay most anywhere as long as the bed and bathrooms are clean. I have never been to upper class places because I don’t want to like them and, of course, I will!
Several years ago, some friends introduced us to Fantasy Island Resort in South Daytona. It is a small property with everything you need and nothing you don’t! Fantasy Island is located right on the beach, so you have the pleasure of using their private pool or walking down to the beach or both! The perfect blend. Their rooms are best described as efficiencies; bed(s), fully equipped kitchen and eating space. They are clean, property is well managed, and the rates are fair. Since it is a smaller property, parking spaces are assigned per room, and it is private property so you are not fighting others to be able to park.
There are 6 beach front rooms, depending on availability. We have stayed in the beach front and the side rooms, and both are fine. It’s always nice to have a beach view but also nice to save a couple bucks!
Decent restaurants are within walking distance and others are easy drives. Publix Supermarket (ha feels funny saying Supermarket … so old school!) is 5 minutes down the road. WE do not cook in the room; I don’t cook at home so am certainly not going to cook on vacation! Breakfast diner Cracked Egg is a nice walk and serves a good breakfast and lunch. We love Portofino’s Italian Restaurant (baked pasta entrees are SO good!), and there are tons of beach and sports themed restaurants with good food.
Our weather was not that great, very cloudy and lots of rain and we did enjoy the pool more than the ocean. The waves were rough the entire time we were there. I don’t think I even went down to the beach once. Shame on me! At night, since we had so much rain, the ocean was loud. LOUD. We could hear the roar of the waves with the door shut and the a/c on. And no hearing aids! Loud! We had one really bad thunderstorm, but the rest was just wind and rain.
Arent those cloud formations amazing?
My friend Tammy took this beautiful sunrise on her morning walk, I’d love to say I was walking with her, but I was sleeping in and enjoying the bed! haha. I always want to get up to see the sunrise but I really. Sleep is rare enough when I am getting it I am taking it!
As I said, we spent most of our time at the pool, which was relaxing. I’m very fair skinned so trying to keep from getting too much sun is a challenge. I finally broke down and bought one of those sun protection long sleeved shirts so I could enjoy the pool and not burn up. My dermatologist will be proud of me!
You can’t see it but there is a large gas grill out on the pool deck by the seating that guests can use to BBQ.
There was supposed to be a Falcon 9 Rocket Launch, and I was really looking forward to that. I have lived in Florida most of my life and have never seen a rocket launch up close. However, it was not to be. All the launches were scrubbed due to weather. Sigh! We left Thursday morning to come home and of course, the rocket finally launched Thursday night! Our friend Harvey took this picture from his home in Melbourne. Isn’t it spectacular?
Growing up here in Central Florida the beach was always there. I don’t recall our family going a lot maybe my siblings remember more than I do. I don’t think mom liked it that much. I DO remember when we went we swam in the ocean. We jumped waves and went out over our heads and I’m not sure we ever thought a shark would come that close to us. As a teenager, I had a 1968 barracuda convertible and that was a beach car. I wish I had it today but back then it was a boy’s car and quite embarrassing. Most boys just wanted a date in hopes of driving my car, which NEVER happened. Anyway, to drive the convertible to the beach, at 16 and 17 with my friends, was a really cool thing. We’d swim, I’d get sunburned, and we’d go home.
I will always remember when Jaws came out. My first husband Tom and I got married in July of 1975. Jaws came out before July, and it ruined our honeymoon. We went to The Islander Hotel in New Smyrna Beach and neither of us would go in the water! I saw non-existent sharks everywhere!
Tom joined the Army and we moved away but every time we came home, we had to go to the beach, even if it was just for lunch and a quick walk. I have been back in Forida full time since 1990 and my life with Tom is a memory. My life is with John now, been married 22 years. I don’t need to go to the beach often, but I know I get my cup filled there. There is just something lovely and peaceful about the beach. (I’m also a Pisces, so there’s that! haha). I like it when it’s quiet and not too many people. God always speaks to me there, in Florida beaches. My home will always be Florida.
Magical Dining is a program in Central Florida for restaurants to offer special deals to patrons and donate money to charity. It is usually August and September, which are historically slower times. This gives locals and tourists an opportunity to try spots they normally would not try. Last week we went to Dubsdread Country Club but didn’t check times, so we missed out on the special. That was fine because the food was still good, and we enjoyed our meals.
This week we tried something completely different. Sea World’s SHARKS UNDERWATER GRILL AND BAR. I don’t think I have been to Sea World in 40 years, so they are definitely getting a customer that does not normally dine there!
Reservations have to be made on Sea Worlds website. I Googled Sea World Magical Dining and got what I needed. When you make the reservations, it looks like you are buying tickets and paying but it is for $0.00. You pay the bill at the restaurant, $40 per meal. And know that Sea World is 100% CASHLESS so bring your debit or credit card, they won’t take cash.
Parking is not charged when you show them your reservation and there is no park entry fee. When you come to the gate, you also show your reservation, and they refer you to a specific gate where an escort takes your party directly to the restaurant. I don’t think we would have found it on our own. Wear comfy shoes as it is a pretty good walk! (Casual dining, no need to dress up!)
Our great friends Bob and Cathy joined us for dinner; our reservations were at 4pm. ( I think Magical Dining starts at 2:30 at Sea World but check to be sure!).
Once we were seated, our Server Ron greeted us and gave us the details of our choices. Ron provided us with great service; he was friendly and professional. And he also was fun!
The menu is 3 courses, appetizer, main and dessert for $40 each. The appetizer choices were Sundried Tomato Chicken Quesadilla, Cold Water Lobster Bisque or Caesar Salad. We all had Ceasar salad, which was fresh and crispy. Main course was supposed to be filet mignon, salmon or Chicken Quinoa Tabbouleh Bowl (which was probably good but if you know me at all you know that wasn’t going to be MY choice!) They were not able to offer the Filet Mignon, so they substituted a Wagyu beef slider with truffle fries which 3 of us had and it was delicious. Cathy had the salmon and said it was good but not a fan of the slaw that came with it.
Dessert choices were Chocolate Cake Confusion, White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake, Cannoli Cake or Chocolate Chip Cookie Platter. Bob had chocolate cake, Cathy cheesecake and John and I had the Cannoli Cake. All were very good and large portions. We were all so full we had a bite and took the rest home for later. Way too good to waste! The meals were a success, and it was a nice time.
The huge aquarium was full of fish and sharks, and these were not baby sharks. They were full sized, real deal sharks.
I have to say, I did enjoy the venue and the meal and the company!. It was something very different and we never would have gone here on our own. The Magical Dining Experience made it something we wanted to try. Then an added bonus, once we finished our meal, we were on our own in the park. We walked around a bit and looked in gift shops and called it a day. Our visit was on a Thursday, and the park was not crowded at all. If we wanted to enjoy more time, I’m sure the lines were minimal. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, this would be something to try.
My week was busy with Monday morning line dancing and Monday evening I had dinner and games with friends. A girls night out and that is something outside MY comfort zone. I had a really nice time. Tuesday Jukebox Bingo, and I had real estate appointments this week which is always welcomed! It was busier than expected and only one night of the dreaded no sleep.
I had another dermatology appointment with NP Kim (from previous blog). And guess what? You guys are awesome. Kim told me she got 49 appointments from the blog post! That is just amazing and
I had another dermatology appointment with NP Kim (previous blog post) and guess what?! You guys are awesome! Kim said she got 49 appointments from y’all. That is just amazing; God is good. Word of mouth really does work and Kim says THANK YOU! This is why I want to keep it up. It does matter when we share our positive events and give kudos to the well deserving!
I hope you have all had a good week. No line dancing Monday because of Labor Day, I get to rest a bit! I’d rather show houses so give me a call if you are looking! And, as usual, share my post, give me ideas and feedback. I am open to try anything, so far! LOL
MY LIFE IN A 55 PLUS 