Balloons!

Several mornings I have awoken to what sounded like hot air balloons going by, but usually did not get up in time to check (or just didn't want to get out of bed).  In the past, at this campground, we have seen them.  Fantasy of Flight is not too far away from here.  Saturday morning, I was up shortly after seven and I could hear that sound again.  So I grabbed the camera, threw a jacket over my nightgown and ran out to take pictures.  Soon, a total of 12 had flown right overhead!  I just love to watch hot air balloons and someday hope to take a ride in one!

The weather here in Florida has finally warmed up to what we hope for when we stay here for the winter.  Let's just hope it continues for the remainder of our stay and then follows us to Georgia!  We have been able to play water volleyball on a pretty regular basis  with this great weather.  Glenn has missed a few days due to his programming work.

The Saturday before Valentine's Day, Glenn and I drove over to Downtown Disney to see the movie "The King's Speech".  It was a great movie and I can see why it was nominated for some Oscars.  Glenn enjoyed it, too, but I'm sure he would have preferred something with a little more action!  After the movie, we walked around a little, stopped at Ghiradelli to pick out my V-Day candy and then to the Hagen-Daaz store for an ice cream cone.  It cooled off quite a bit that evening, so we didn't stay around for fireworks.

We were going to meet Sandi and Dave St. Pierre at De Leon Spring State Park for breakfast one morning, but Glenn woke up sick so we had to cancel.  There is a fun restaurant there,The Sugar Mill, and what makes it unique is the built in griddle at each table.  They bring you pancake batter or eggs and you cook them yourself!  We first went there with my Aunt Barb and Grandma.  Not sure if we'll have time to reschedule :(

I have been working on the kits for my classes at the FMCA convention, still have some work to do to finish them.  I think I'll work on them today while watching the Daytona 500.

We ran into friends we had met last year in Arizona, Rosie and Ted Haney, here.  Ted helped Glenn fix the awning on the motorhome and we all went to CiCi's for pizza Friday.  That's what makes our travels so much fun, re-connecting with friends we've met all over the country!

Next week we plan to travel towards the East coast to find a spot to watch the shuttle launch.  We won't go all the way to the Cape, but find a parking lot somewhere.  We have learned that the launch can be seen over the lake here at the campground, so we have that option, also.

I received my first Studio J layouts yesterday.  I'm really pleased with the way they turned out, but won't give up doing scrapbook pages the traditional way.  But it will be great to have the option of digital if I don't have the ambition to pull out my supplies to make pages.  If you didn't see the layouts on Facebook, just click on the Studio J tab at the top of my blog to view them.

Well, the race is about to start, see ya at the checkered flag!!

Go Western at SEA

For the past two weeks, we have been in Brooksville, FL for the FMCA Southeastern Area Rally.  We have attended this rally in years past but this is the first time we've gone as volunteers.  Well, Glenn was the one volunteering as Safety Officer and I helped where I could.  It's always fun to see what goes on behind the scene to set up a rally like this! The best part was seeing the many friends we have made over the years we've been involved in FMCA.  Charlie and Jean Schrenkel, Donnie and Beth Osterhout, Tom and Lorna Eller, Nancy Dile just to name a few. 
Glenn spent most of his time checking for safety hazards, responding to accidents and writing reports.  I helped stuff the welcome bags.
Before the rally began, a bunch of us went to dinner at a little pub called The Red Mule.  Man, were their sandwiches good!  This was also where we went last night before we all headed our separate ways.  Another night, I just about had dinner ready when "happy hour" ended up in our coach!  We have one of the smaller coaches, just one slide in the living area compared to everyone else's two.  After a few drinks and a lot of laughs, they all headed to dinner.  "Would we like to join them?"  Heck, why not?!  So I put dinner away in the fridge and off we went.  Now that's cooking ahead!
Brooksville is known for being one of the coldest places in Florida and we have been there when 9" of rain fell in just 24 hours, but we lucked out this year!  Only one rainy day during the rally and temps weren't too bad.
The theme this year was "Go Western at SEA".  We didn't dress up this year ( last year we were pirates!) but we did dress up the bear.

We had a front row seat for the parade.  Not a bad parade for this size group!  Everyone was throwing candy and beads to the crowd.  The bear really made out with the beads!

I attended a seminar on blogging and took another painting class from Josephine.  I think this is the 5th class I've taken with her.  She teaches in the "Bob Ross" style.  It's always fun and someday I'll give it a try on my own! 
We met up with Rocky and Linda Perkins for lunch one day.  We had met them when working at Amazon.  They are now part of the FMCA family!  Welcome, Rocky and Linda!  Glenn went back to work after lunch and Rocky, Linda and I looked at a few of the coaches on display.
This rally was a challenge for Glenn, but I'll let him tell you about it.  Kind of like being the new kid in school and trying to fit in with the "cliques"!  But he did a great job, as usual!

We are now back at the Thousand Trails Orlando campground.  We have a nice site in the wooded area of the campground.  We are looking forward to some warm weather and lots of water volleyball!

Sale! Sale! Sale!

Just wanted to leave a quick post for all you bargain hunters out there!  New closeout items are available on my website www.marcieronken.myctmh.com   These are only while supplies left and they are up to 80% off! To take advantage of this sale, simple go to my sight, click on "Shop Online" and then click on "While Supplies Last".  And please let me know about the bargains you got!

February Specials!

What a wonderful day we had here yesterday weather-wise!  It reached 81 degrees with partly cloudy skies.  I sat out awhile listening to the meadowlarks.  My sympathy to all my friends and family we left behind in the ice storm!  I hope you all have power and heat!

Today is another story - cloudy, humid and a 50% chance of thunderstorms.

This month, Close To My Heart has 2 specials!  The first one is great if you have been considering joining our wonderful company!  Whether you are looking for a small "just to support my habit" business or you want to go in with both guns blazing, February is the month to jump in.  Achieve both levels of Straight To The Top and your sign-up fee is refunded!  Can't beat that!  More details can be found here.

Our second special is for Studio J.  I've had a lot of fun with our free digital program, creating 10 layouts in just a few days!  And the newest paper designs have been loaded to play with!  With this special, for every 9 layouts you purchase you get 1 FREE!  Now this applies to those who have purchased a 3 or 12 month membership.  Additional details can be found here.  Please take a minute to try it out (free and nothing to download).  You can access it through my website www.marcieronken.myctmh.com   Then, if you like what you've seen and want to purchase a membership, you'll get the special deal!  Don't forget, these specials are only good 'til the end of the month.

Be sure to contact me if you have questions about these specials or anything else!

Off to check out the vendor tent at the rally!  Got to see all the new products I didn't know I need!!  LOL
Stay warm and have a wonderful day!