Christmas 2008

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2008

We were up bright and early on Christmas Eve as we made the drive to Linn & Lynn Ford who are staying at Koreshan State Park. They had graciously invited us to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with their family in Estero, FL just south of Fort Meyers. They were aware of just how much we missed family and friends during this time of the year, and bless their hearts, they gave us the gift of a family Christmas. We spent Christmas Eve at their son and his family's church enjoying music, participating in communion and listening to an inspiring message. After church we returned to Mike & Linda's (their son & his wife) home for a dinner prepared by Linn. The next morning we were off again to Mike, Linda & their two grandchildren's home to spend the day doing all the things "Christmas", there were children laughing, presents to open, delicious food to eat, games to play, desserts to enjoy, more family to meet and joys to share. Their family welcomed us with open arms and made us feel as if we were "family". What memorable day we had and although we very much missed our families and friends in the NW, it soften our sadness. God Bless good friends!!

Pre-Christmas Fun

Christmas will be here soon so we have decorated, bought and sent presents to family back home and now the fun begins.

We held a pre-Christmas "Open Motor Home" or gathering as I like to call it ;) Food, wine, laughs and friends make for a great time!

Frank, Jim, Elinore, Dave & Diane enjoy the food.

Cheers to Diane!

Dianne got into a baking mood and made lots of cookies, which of course went home with friends. Thank goodness, it's good to bake 'em but not for us to eat 'em!

Elinore invites us over after going to Webster Flea Market to enjoy more pre-Christmas

appetizers and sweets.


One evening at the Thousand Trails park we are staying at there was a "golf cart" Christmas parade. There are all decked out with lights and decorations--what a sight.

Friends of the Mouse's scavenger hunt at Disney

Friends of the Mouse BOF met early Wednesday morning at Big River Grille on the Boardwalk at Disney. Art & Beth Ramos had an adventure for us--a scavenger hunt. We were to follow the clues and go to the 5 hotels that surround the Boardwalk and find the answers. We had 2 hours and then we were to return the restaurant with answers in hand.

The Gruelle's, Barry's & Fisher/Bakers decided to team up and crack the code! Elinore and Dianne studied the clues and the girls began the search. At the end of the scavenger hunt we were rewarded with a big win and door prices for each of us--we got all answers right, even the tie breakers. Way to go Boomers.

After the lunch the Barry's, Fisher/Bakers and Gruelle's toured several of the on property resorts to check out the decorations. Each resorts has its own theme and the were beautiful decorated. We were there until early evening, so by the end of the day we were exhausted, but thoroughly entertained by Disney's magic.

ICE at Gaylord Palms Resort

Gaylord Palms Resort is known for its unique & incredible ICE show. These are the most amazing ice carvings we've ever seen. The holiday attraction is hand-carved from nearly two million pounds of ice that creates an 18,000 sq. ft winter wonderland. It is larger-than-life, 3-dimensional ice sculptures carved by a team of artists flown in from China each year. Enormous ice monuments cooled in a sub-freezing 9 degree rooms each with a different winter display including the nativity and a room full of slides for adults and children to slide down. There were even ice tunnels going between the rooms. The resort provides us visitors with oversize aqua blue winter coats and hot chocolate at the end of our experience. Boy was it cold in there. Jim Baker & Diane Fisher, Brent & Diane Roulier, Elinore & Dave Barry joined us and we all really enjoyed in this delightful event.

Mini-Rang at the Fisher/Bakers

Jim Baker & Diane Fisher invited Boomers in the area to join the for a Boomer Mini-Rang. After our happy hour we all headed over to our favorite restaurant, Manny's Chophouse.

In attendance Dave & Donna , Cynthia, Jim & Diane, Bill & Barbara and us.


Cynthia and Dianne share the 2 for 1 wine offered at Happy Hour.

Dinner with Bob & Nancy Colber

We spent the day in Punta Gorda and Bob & Nancy Colbert invited us over to their "pad" in Alligator RV park to socialize and have dinner. And what a great dinner it was--grilled Tuna--Yum! Yum!