Villages, Fl January 3, 2020 Friday Sunny 80

Well another year has passed us by and sends us looking to a new year of adventure and surprises.

Not only do we have a new year to look forward to - but a new decade as well. If it is half as wonderful as the last one it will be amazing. During the last decade some grandkids have arrived and some have blossomed into young adults. We are excited to see what the next decade holds for all the special people we love and cherish.

But before we see the results of the next decade we need to live it - and thus that brings us to today.

We find ourselves in sunny and warm Florida. A wonderful part of last year's Great Loop was spending the winter months in warm weather. We found it not only pleasant but great for keeping us active - which is important as the decades pass by in our wakes. We loved being on the boat in Sarasota last year but the trip to come back we decided was too long - too much time away from our home and family. So this year we are renting a place in the villages for the months of January, February, and March.

And we did have a wonderful fall and great times at Thanksgiving and Christmas - so not being on the boat trip south was nicely reaffirmed in our minds. And the snow below in early December was equally reaffirming that a trip south for a while was a good idea.

Notice the snow shovel - ugh!!

But I have to admit the snow is a stunning blanket that transforms the scene into a picture that can claim the title of "winter wonderland."

So after the holidays it was southbound. We traveled three days and arrived in the Villages on December 30. We stayed with friends Jim and Justine until we could check into our rental home on January 2.

Before arriving at Jim and Justine's we made a grocery stop. You know you are in the Villages because of all the golf carts. And I still have to smile as all the custom ones - too funny.

It was wonderful to be once again with them. And the ladies are looking better than ever - don't you agree?

 And Rocky is glad to see his treat giving friend

And compare this sunset to the one above. Do you see any differences?  Yea, me too!!

And soon it was time for pickleball - outside!!

And time for Mexican train. Jim did a great job winning the start - but I can't say that our luck continued much longer.

The Villages have town squares with shops, restaurants, and bandstands. On New Year's Eve we headed to Sumter Landing for some music and dinner.  I still have to smile at the number of golf carts.

Ryan - this reminded me of you!

New Year's Day was Michigan Football versus Alabama - Jim and his two sons, and grandson Brian went to the game in Orlando - we cheered and we were hopeful through the first half.

And Rocky was never too far from his treat mister

And the ladies preparing a wonderful dinner for the returning, but unfortunately slightly sad, fans

And then it was January 2 and time for us to check in. This is one of the many recreation centers.

We quickly got our keys and found our spot in the sun for three months.
We had Jim and Justine stop by latter with sons Sean and Ian.

Sean is on the left and he insisted in conversations last night that Ian was the favored one - much to Justine's claims of not true - which Faye and I know is correct - but I had to laugh when I noted that the photo that I had taken of them made Sean look like the "black sheep" of the family - sorry Sean completely unintended!!  It was so wonderful to meet them. They reminded us of sons Ryan and Robert - we had great time telling tales of raising all of them.

So below is pictures of the house we rented - it is really nice and we were fortunate to get it as there are few for rent with the amenities this house has.

Where did they come up with Zipperer Way?

So there you have it - the start of our winter adventure.

Lauren - trust this blog is to your liking!!  She told us I must do the blog. So fun to have you read it!!

So it is night time thus it is time to say ..............

Good Night and May God Bless