It's 8:07 on a beautiful Florida morning and I'm writing this while I sit in a laundromat !
I had a wonderful time in Sarasota. As expected, I met a large group of friendly, helpful Airstreamers. Of course, I got several different opinions on every question I asked. I made some changes to the trailer that definitely makes it pull better and got some new goodies installed. I had everything weighed, one wheel at a time and I'm pleased. I was a little worried about being too heavy with the Honda on the front. But it came in well within axle limits. Great entertainment, food and fellowship.
Then about 80 units went to Cypress Gardens together for three days. One of the little entertainment areas had a bluegrass trio playing on and off all day. Guitar, mandolin and fiddle. I told them, "You guys are really good. But it cuts an old bass man to the quick to hear the bass line coming from that &(^*& synthesizer ." The leader said, "Yeah, we know. But it's a low budget operation and we NEED a bass to keep us together." I said, "OK, but it sure ain't the same as a live one." The lady playing mandolin said, "We agree. If you've got one - Go get it" So I did - and sat in for a set. I had a ball and they seemed to appreciate it, too. Of course, that may have been southern politeness to the max. It was obvious that my poor old bass needed some serious tender loving care. Did they know anyone who could help? Again the mandolin player said, "I only play mandolin occasionally. I'm really a fiddle player." And for over 10 years I've been going to a wonderful luthier who works out of his home. He's the best. But he's in Orlando and that's 90 miles from here." And I said, "I'm leaving here tomorrow morning for a week in Orlando." Of course- just another of God's little 2 x 4's reminding me that He's watching. So he's got it and I'll get it back Mon or Tues.
So now I'm at the Helicopter Convention with my beloved Whirly Girls. They made me feel as welcome as I had hoped they would. I'm so glad I decided to come. I was concerned about "out of sight, out of mind." But I shouldn't have been. They are such an incredible group of women. And NOT just because they like me - although that sure helps :-) . Four of them and I shut down the bar around 1:00 this morning. And I only knew one of them before last evening. It's gonna be a good weekend ! That's all for now - film at 11:00.
Map - Sarasota to Cypress Gardens
Map - Cypress Gardens to Kissimmee
NOTE again NO Interstates, I'm really starting to like "moseying along"
