Happily ensconced

We're all moved in to our new digs. Have spent 12 days with brother and his wife, swimming, hottubbing, golfing, sightseeing. Brother anticipated warmer weather so was a little disappointed, I think, with the weather which has been temperate and even cool early day/late evening. He wanted full sun, and the weather gods only gave him that periodically during their stay. I reminded him that it is winter after all. Today they headed north to visit friends and then return home so our little home here will be quieter.

So now we settle into our own routine pending the arrival of the next set of guests. Thus a day of laundry and a little more re-arranging of the furniture. The owner of our unit declined (via his silence) our offer of the new-t0-us cheap furniture in lieu of the old stuff. Now, the microwave has died. Current dilemma: just buy a cheap one, call the realtor in case it's her's, call the landlord in case it's his. I guess I'll try option 2 then depending on her answer, option 3 and then option 1 as a last resort. The place didn't have an iron so we snagged one at the local thrift shops for $2 - such bargoons to be had in thrift shops! And there are a plethora of thrift shops down here - seems every block has one.

We've yet to check out the cinemas despite our agreement to have a go-to-the movie night on a regular basis. There's a cinema up the road offering movies for $2 and down the road for $6.75 so the price is right, and there are so many good movies we want to see.

Our search for key lime pie took us to unknown territory. We knew the Plaza Cafe had homemade key lime pie but it wasn't open when the urge was upon us. We phoned Denny's - no go. We visited Cracker Barrel - yes, they had a wonderful bread pudding but no KL pie. What to do? Google it. Yes, dear old Google told us the local Hooters carried KL pie so off to Hooters we go and it hit the spot. Plus the Hooters is right on the waterfront but that night there was a very cool breeze ablowin' and the girls in their little orange short shorts were freezing, poor things. But the coffee too was good so we all went home happy.

So far golf-wise, we've played Quail Ridge, Magnolia Valley (2), Beacon Woods (2), the Silver Dollar, Fairway Village (exec par 3) and Tarpon Springs. I loved Tarpon Springs for several reasons: there were at least 6 osprey families minding their nests and us as we scampered around the course. Not to be outdone, a huge owl was guarding his nest high in a tree and hooting at us when we got too close. The bird life was plentiful and interesting. Also, the pro shop lady gave us a steal of a deal, only charging us the resident rate (more on that later). Third, the course itself was interesting, in good shape if a little on the tight side but we got to play in our jeans as we've stopped in just on the spur of the moment.

Resident rates are what the locals pay for golf, like $22. Non-resident rates are of course much higher and one feels the pinch, like $40. It's like paying a bribe just because you're a tourist, and is a definite turn-off. Many courses don't differentiate so they're the ones we patronize. My game's been all over the map from good to not so good. But, like the old saying goes: a bad day on the golf course is better than a good day at the office. And I agree.

We haven't done much shopping but did hit a local mall where it was evident that either the stores are going downhill or their buyers are out to lunch. The selection was not attractive. I could name names but don't want to be sued. On the other hand, good old Bealls and their relatives the Bealls Outlets never seem to let us down and the bargain and sales to be had actually has us pretty excited. I'm trying not to spend but hey, a girl needs some new shoes, right? And some new golf shirts, right? I'm willing to eat less (out that is) to pick up any good deals that present themselves to me. Sister-in-law and I managed to do a good bit of damage at the local Bealls when we showed up there one night just before closing. Incredible bargains! Can't wait to go back.