I spoke to my oldest son yesterday and he asked that I continue posting something on the blog. I told him I haven't been doing many things differently that people would be interested in reading but I would try to put something on the blog in the next few days.
I have been golfing about five times per week. I have been on a roll the last four or five events that I have participated in and have been in the money each time. Today we won a scramble at eight under but it was only for a beer after the round. This was just a game among 16 players that choose up teams and wasn't anything organized by the club. The funny thing about golf here is rarely do you play just straight up golf. They seem to have some kind of a game that takes the pressure off of the higher handicap players so it makes it fun for everyone. In doing it this way they get much more participation. I am finding if I play five days in a row I'm ready for a couple of days off. Monday and Tuesday are my days off but this week I also choose not to play Saturday.
While I am golfing Janet has been going to the pool and last week attended a rug hooking class but doesn't think this is something she will get into since it requires a lot of space for a frame etc. that we don't have. We plan on taking dance classes that are taught by our neighbors across the street. This last Friday we did a little dancing at the restaurant/bar but I could use some lessons and it's another good way to meet people.
As far as the park goes we really like it here and are planning on coming back next year. There are many lots and houses for sale but we plan on renting as long as rental lots are readily available. If you buy you have property taxes and HOA fees that total a combined $3500 or so per year. When you own a lot certain maintenance items like mowing is provided but other things like tree trimming is something the lot owner is responsible for. Florida also initiated a rental tax within the last year or so for anyone renting less than six months per year. This results in the property owner having to pay a 10% tax on any property rented less than six months out of the year. This adds an additional headache for people renting lots with the beauracracy involved. They do this to get the out of state visitors to pay taxes so Florida residents don't have to. The Florida property owners just have to increase the rent in order to cover the tax or they lose money compared to what they used to get. In the park there are owners really pushing to rent lots for six months and a day to get out of paying the additional tax. Prices are at a low point for the park with lots selling for less than half of what they did like six or seven years ago. The hoa fees have remained low even though residents of the park just bought the restaurant and golf course last year. People say the golf course is making money to service the debt they took on so it didn't require much of an increase in the hoa fees.
If we do anything out of the ordinary I will try to post something again. Last week they launched a rocket to resupply the space station but it went up so early we didn't get up to see it. This launch had been rescheduled two times before it finally went up.
A journal written about life, retirement and our journey throughout the United States in a 5th wheel, along with our two Shih Tzus, Tanner and Syndey. Written not for notoriety but for our sons, family and friends, so they know where we are at any given time. And particularly for ourselves. Finally, we get to slow down and smell the roses and we don't want to forget any of it. You are welcome to join us as we go 'Down the Road a Piece'.
