Settled In in FL

Our final travel day into Clearwater was a short three hours. Our site assignment was left in the “night” box since the office was closed when we arrived, as they always are on a Sunday.

After pulling in front of the site, Bill quickly realized he needed to back-in from the other direction, due to where people were parked and also a large tree. He went around the block to turn around, and easily got our home parked.

Resident Peacock

We followed our usual set-up routine, Bill handling the outside and me taking care of the inside, which included rehanging my Christmas ornaments. I took down then when we were leaving TX, the garland and lights stay put but I hanging ornaments would probably end up broken!

Walking trail next to campground

My parents came over and joined us for dinner. We all enjoyed Bridgets left-over corn soup! So good!

A couple of days later, we celebrated Christmas with a delicious prime rib dinner with my parents. I was disappointed my sister and Rodney had to work, but I also knew we would see them another day.

There are a lot of subdivisions around this area that set up extensive light displays. After dinner Christmas night, Bill & I joined my parents for a tour of the Park Lake Estates. This neighborhood formed a non-profit back in 1993, and all donated monies go to Suncoast Hospice. The following is from their website:

The Lights of Lake Park Estates originated in 1993 to celebrate the life of our neighbor, Ruby Dow, and salute the care she received from our community hospice, Suncoast Hospice. Because of Suncoast Hospice, Ruby lived her final days in dignity – in her own home – surrounded by those who cared about her. 

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The group has donated over $845,000 since it began! If Bill & I ever want to settle back down, I want to live in a place with neighbors like the ones in Park Lake Estates.

This tree was set up on one of the permanent sites in the campground

Fellow RV Dreamers, Patty & Mark, drove up to see us. They recently decided to settle back down after 6 years of full-timing. It was a really nice day and we sat outside and enjoyed exchanging stories. It was great seeing them!

11 thoughts on “Settled In in FL

  1. You are in Florida and that’s awesome! We are fellow RV Dreamers since 2016 and will be in Seminole for only a few days, passing through. We own property their and will be parked in our driveway for 3 days. It would be wonderful to meet up for dinner on Jan 26 or Sunday 27th. Our home base is here, where our daughter lives. Please let me know if that’s a possibility for you. I’ve read your blog for awhile and love your stories. It would be great to meet in person and share stories. Let us know if that’s a possibility.

    1. Hi Patrice! Thanks for reading!
      We would love to meet up with you guys, it’s just too early to tell if those dates will work, as Bill will be working on an install, so we have to see how that goes. Send me a PM on Facebook (Link on blog) or an email (bkamericanodyssey@gmail.com) to make it easier to communicate, and I’d like to invite you to a picnic! I’ll look for the PM or email! So glad you reached out!

  2. Beautiful pictures of the lights. I love the tree. That looks like it took a lot of work, but it is beautiful. Enjoy your time in Florida.

    1. Hi Chris! I LOVED the lights this year! The tree sure was a stand-out! I think you are right – probably took a long time – but so pretty! We are enjoying the warm before we head north into the frozen tundra!

      1. Kelly it is freezing in Maryland today. We had about 6 inches of snow last night and they are calling for another 6 to 8 inches. It looks so pretty but that is it. Not a fan or the cold and snow anymore. Enjoy the warm weather while you can.

    1. There have been times we haven’t seen Christmas lights and we do miss them when that happens! You guys aren’t far from us! Perhaps we can meet-up! I did see you are planning to be at the picnic! Awesome!

  3. How fun to have a neighborhood to enjoy all the Christmas lights! I do miss that when we’re in the wilds over the holidays. That tree and village is beautiful. Enjoy Florida and family 🙂

  4. What a great tradition the community has…I love looking at the lights at Christmas. In Ga the Calloway Gardens does a great display that you ride a trolly thru..it’s really beautiful.

    Have a wonderful time with your folks and a little warm weather before you head north!

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