DAY AT THE BEACH
We found a small community beach and spent the morning swimming in the Gulf of Mexico and taking in the Florida sunshine.  The water was wonderful.  It truly felt like we were on vacation!

El & George relaxing

Boardwalk leading to a fishing pier.  Tropical, isn't it?

It was so nice to go to the beach.  As you can tell, everyone was practicing social distancing.  Ahhh!  Life is good.  

PHASE 1: OPENING UP
Florida is beginning to open up, so restrictions are gradually being lifted.  Last week, restaurants opened with 25% capacity.  This week, restaurants can accommodate 50% of their capacity, state parks are being opened for day use (no campgrounds open yet), and groups of 50 are now allowed.  People are still to practice social distancing and masks are recommended when going out in public.  These are the masks that George and I wear; these were made by our friend, Mary Lynne.  She sent them to us all the way from Bartlett.  Thank you, Mary Lynne!

Eleanor and I took the opportunity to visit one of the parks in Homosassa that recently opened, the Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park.  David Yulee was a prominent businessman in the first half of the 19th century.  He built railroads and had a massive 5,100 acre plantation where sugar cane was processed in a mill to make syrup, molasses, and rum.  The plantation was burned down by Union soldiers during the Civil War, because it was being used to stockpile Confederate supplies.  Today this park contains the remnants of the mill: a 40 foot limestone masonry chimney, iron gears, and cane press. 

Although the restaurants are beginning to open, we are opting to still cook and eat at home.  Believe me, we are eating well!  Here's a sample of one of our recent dinners:

Crab-stuffed salmon on spicy pasta, with a glass of wine

Chocolate-cherry poke cake

OK, I never heard of poke cake before, but Eleanor turned us on to this delicacy.  You bake a cake in a 9 x 13 inch pan.  Let it cool slightly, then poke holes in the cake using the handle of a wooden spoon, about 1 inch apart.  Then you make pudding or jello (we used chocolate fudge pudding for this one) and pour it over the top of the cake so that it soaks into the holes.  Place that in the refrigerator for at least an hour to let the pudding or jello set.  Then you frost it.  We frosted this one with cool whip and topped it with cherry pie filling.  I think I exceeded my daily weight-watcher points eating this one, but it sure was good!

I also recently updated our "travel map" that we have on the side of our RV.  We place a state sticker on any state where we travel in our RV.  Today I added Florida to our map.  It's about time I did that since we have been here since March!  If things had gone as planned, we would have also added Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina to the map by now, but the coronavirus halted those plans.  Oh well, maybe next year we'll be able to add those states.

That's it for now.  Stay safe and stay well everyone!

LET'S TRY THIS AGAIN
For some reason the videos that I tried posting in yesterday's blog did not come through (it's a mystery to me why that is 😕).  So I'm now going to try to just post photos of the dog park.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that these will post correctly.

Shady path around the perimeter of the park

 Licorice:  Can I really go running off leash?

Taffy:  Absolutely!

 Aerated pond for cooling off (and drinking)

Greeting a new friend

A true dog lover's perspective

FUN AT THE DOG PARK
As you know, we found a nice dog park for Licorice and Taffy.  The dogs aren't the only ones enjoying the park.  George, Eleanor, and I also appreciate walking around the grounds, and relaxing by the "pond" as the doggies romp around.  Thought you might like to see some snippets of the park:

Today there were only 3 other dogs in the park!  It's amazing how much Licorice and Taffy enjoy greeting the other dogs and running around with them.  They also enjoy the freedom to chase squirrels up the trees.  Let me tell you, they really sleep well when we return to the RV! 

FISHING AND APPRECIATING NATURE
We're still enjoying our safe haven in Homosassa with Eleanor.  We've been enjoying the outdoors; most days have been sunny in the 80s, but we do have an occasional day of rain.  We found a nice dog park for Licorice and Taffy.  It's 10 acres fully fenced and has mature oak trees that provide cooling shade for all of us.  It even has a cement pond with fresh water for the dogs to cool off in.  There's a minimal monthly fee for access to the park, but it's well worth it.  There are not many people there, so it is easy to practice social distancing.  We walk the perimeter of the park a few times, so we get our steps in and the dogs run off a lot of energy.  On the way home, we saw a Sandhill crane strolling around one of the neighborhoods.  It's amazing how tall these birds are!

  

George tried his luck fishing off Eleanor's deck and caught a fish.  I'm not exactly sure of the species.  It looked like a bluegill, but it had teeth.  This was a "catch and release" fishing experience. 

We continue to be awed by the flowers and creatures of Florida.  Below is a gorgeous bloom and the largest grasshopper I have ever seen:

We will be staying in Florida until mid-June, and then we'll be making the 930 mile trip back to our property in Arkansas.  We wanted to wait to see how the "re-opening" of facilities goes, to make sure it's safe before we venture out again.  We will be required to self-quarantine in Arkansas for 14 days once we get there, because we are traveling from Florida, which is considered a coronavirus "hot spot" as compared to the Arkansas area.  I investigated the prevalence of coronavirus in Arkansas.  To date, Marion county (where our property is) only has 1 case of coronavirus and 0 deaths; Baxter country (where we do our shopping) has only 1 case and 0 deaths.  We are currently in Citrus county, Florida, and to date there are 95 cases of coronavirus and 11 deaths here.  Overall, Florida has 35,463 cases with 1,364 deaths.  So, when the rheumatologist in Springfield, Missouri (whom I was scheduled to see June 2) found out I was coming from Florida, they refused to see me.  Thus I will be staying here to get my infusion for my RA June 11th.  I have to say that the BayCare health system in Florida is way more accommodating than Mercy Health System in Missouri.  

Hope everyone stays safe as we begin to re-open our states and our lives!  💗💗 

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER LAUNCH
One of our "bucket list" items included seeing a rocket launch from the Kennedy Space Center near Titusville, Florida.  To fulfill this dream, George and I took a ride to the east coast of Florida yesterday, to see the launch of a SpaceX rocket.  Because of COVID-19, the space center was closed, but we did find a Walmart parking lot about 12 miles from there where we could view the rocket in the sky after launching.  The SpaceX program is placing satellites in low orbits to allow internet connection throughout the globe, even in remote areas.  This is a picture of the SpaceX rocket in flight, shortly after it was launched. 

To us, it looked like a candle in the sky. Pretty cool! 

We could see the rocket for about 20 seconds, and then it disappeared high above the earth.  Below is a video link from the Kennedy Space Center that shows the launch from a close distance; you'll also see how the rocket lands on a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean after the satellites disconnect.  This allows the rocket to be used again for future launches.  So far this rocket has been used to place over 400 satellites in space.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4vcREtkvlw

TORNADO
It was confirmed that a tornado touched down in Homosassa on Monday morning.  The neighbor across the canal from us saw it crossing the canal about 6 houses from us.  Luckily no one was hurt and there was no damage to anyone's homes.  There were a lot of tree limbs down and some electric lines were also down.  We lost electricity for about an hour. 

Here's a link to a video that shows the funnel cloud: https://www.chronicleonline.com/news/local/possible-tornado-passes-through-homosassa/video_445363a2-8320-11ea-b083-97807a477f45.html

We're all safe, thank goodness!

EASTER SUNDAY
This was an unusual Easter, as families that would normally gather together found themselves isolating from one another in order to "flatten the curve" of the coronavirus.  Instead of coloring eggs or making Easter baskets, we were making face masks.  My friend, Jan, from New Mexico, shared some creative masks donned by her family.

This is Jen,  Jan's daughter, who is a nurse caring for persons hospitalized during this pandemic.  She is one of the front-line heroes for sure!  Because of the mask shortage facing health care facilities, Jen is wearing a homemade mask, which provides protection from the virus and probably brings a smile to those she cares for.  It really is cute.  Thank you, Jen, for your expert, invaluable nursing care, especially during this pandemic!

Jan responded to the call to make masks at home.  She dusted off her sewing machine and relied on her talents to make this creative mask for Frank, her husband.  

I wonder where the material came from?  

I found directions on the internet on how to make a mask from fabric, without the need for a sewing machine (I do not have a sewing machine in our RV).  I cut up one of El's old tee shirts (thanks, El) and created this mask by folding the fabric lengthwise, then wrapped the ends over hair rubber bands that I placed over my ears to hold it in place.  It was a little bulky (do you think?) but I like the color.

Our Easter was warm and sunny.  El, George, and I shared a delicious dinner of ham, au gratin potatoes, deviled eggs, corn, and then we had dutch apple pie with ice cream for dessert.  Mmmm good!  Good food and good family.  

We also enjoyed some creatures of nature around us this Easter.  On our walk this morning we caught a glimpse of a tortoise who was beating feet--he was moving amazingly quick along the path. 

And this evening, we were thrilled to see several manatees swimming in the canal right by El's deck.

Such gentle giants.  It was awesome to see them gracefully float by in groups.

We want to wish all our family and friends spread throughout the country and the world, a Happy Easter.  We hope that next Easter families will be able once again to gather together for this special holiday.  

APPRECIATING NATURE
The "stay at home" order in Florida has given us the opportunity to pause and appreciate the beauty around us.  Today, I took the time to capture some of the magnificent nature displays right here at El's home.  Springtime is upon us and flowers are in bloom.  Hope you enjoy these sights as well.

FIGURING IT OUT
Now that the "stay at home" recommendations/requirements are in effect through the end of April, we are staying place in Homosassa FL until then; if those preventative measures are extended, so will our stay here.  Thank you, again, Eleanor, for putting us up.  We are figuring out how to "camp" in Eleanor's side yard.  We found out that most of our rig works while being plugged into her 110 house electrical outlet.  Our batteries are keeping charged, and we're able to use all our appliances, except we cannot keep both air conditioners on at the same time, and we have to turn off the air conditioner if we want to use the microwave.  We are running our refrigerator on propane, and our hot water heater is working via our 12 volt battery, rather than shore electric power.  We ordered a portable waste tank, (a "blue boy") on line and had it delivered to El's house; this has allowed us to empty both our black and grey tanks.  One of El's neighbors gave us permission to empty the blue boy into their septic system, which worked just like a dump station. Yeah! 

Regarding medical care, this past Monday I had a telemedicine appointment with the rheumatologist I was scheduled to see in St. Petersburg. Rather than driving to St. Pete's and seeing the doctor in his office, Baycare instructed me to download their app, Baycare anywhere, on my phone, and my doctor's visit was conducted over my iPhone.  That worked out perfectly.  It saved me from possibly being exposed to coronavirus on the medical center's campus, and it also saved a 3+ hour drive time.  I discussed my rheumatoid arthritis management with the doctor, who addressed all my concerns and answered any questions I had, with expertise and compassion.  His office will be arranging for me to get my IV infusion when it is due in mid-April.  He reassured me that the global rheumatological database has shown that the outcomes of rheumatology patients who contact coronavirus are similar to outcomes of the general population.  Because I am in the "high risk" category for severe complications if I contact the coronavirus, he instructed me stay home, but if I need to go out, then I must wear a mask and gloves, and wash my hands frequently or use hand sanitizer.  

If the "stay at home" recommendation continues into June, I will again be able to receive my IV infusion through Baycare.  The doctor also asked me if I had any other physician here in Florida.  When I said "no", he told me to call his office for any medical needs I may have.  I feel so much better knowing that I now have a caring, competent medical professional available to me if I need something during these uncertain times.  

So as you can see, we are figuring things out, as all of you are doing, adjusting to this "new normal".  One positive in this situation is that we are all truly re-connecting with one another as we stay home.

HUNKERING DOWN IN HOMOSASSA
Due to the recommendations to restrict travel to help contain the coronavirus, and based on my rheumatologist's advice to isolate myself as I am at high risk for complications if I would get the coronavirus, we have decided to halt our travels and hunker down in Homosassa, FL.  Thank goodness we have a safe place to stay, by George's sister's house.  Thank you, Eleanor, for your gracious hospitality, opening your home to us, and letting us keep our rig in your side yard.  We have a beautiful spot under spectacular shade trees, along the Homosassa River.  Quite a nice place to ride out this storm.  We'll be here until at least mid-April.  Stay safe out there and stay healthy!

FLORIDA STATE PARKS CLOSING
Due to the corona virus, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has decided to close all the state parks in Florida for camping for two months.  Since most of our camping reservations were in those parks, we will be developing a different plan.  We will keep you posted.

SOCIAL ISOLATING IN PARADISE
With the Coronavirus precautions going on. some of the places we were planning on visiting are now closed.  There was an intriguing local market we wanted to go to yesterday, but it was canceled.  The Naval Museum is now closed.  The Blue Angels have postponed their practices and shows.  So we are "isolating" ourselves in the campground and on the beach.  It gives us the opportunity to slow down, pause, and appreciate the beauty all around us. 

Flowers are blooming

Herons are fishing

Osprey are singing

 The sunsets are breathtaking

A pretty nice place to be in these crazy times...

NEWS FROM FLORIDA
Our house closing was today, and everything went smoothly.  So now we truly are official full-time RVers, as we no longer own a stick and bricks house.  We are free!  We celebrated by taking a long walk on the beach, under the warmth of the sun and the waves flapping at our feet.  It was a gorgeous day today, in the 70's and crystal clear blue skies. 

The National Park we are staying at, Fort Pickens, is a pristine place of sand, surf, and interesting wildlife.  As we walk the trails around the campground, we are seeing a lot of ospreys. They are nesting now.  Both parents raise their young.  Yesterday our walk took us exceptionally close to an osprey nest.  We could see some movement in the nest--a hint of babies there!  Both parents were guarding them.  One of them was perched on the nest itself, the other was watching us carefully from a nearby tree.  I thought this one was going to dive-bomb us, but he/she just followed us intently with their eyes.  They are such protective parents!

We took a tour of the actual fort of Fort Pickens.  It was built in the 1820's on the barrier island of Santa Rosa to defend Pensacola Bay and the Pensacola Naval Base against foreign attack.  During the Civil War, Florida seceded from the Union, and the Confederates fought the Union soldiers that occupied Fort Pickens.  The most horrific battle took place in the middle of the night and it involved the Confederates' surprise attack of the Union soldiers camped out in tents on the land just outside the fort.  The Confederates lit the tents on fire which results in many casualties.  The site of this battle is now the campground where we are currently camping.  Sacred ground!  There were several more battles that took place here, some were won by the Confederates, and some were won by the Union troops.  Eventually the Confederate troops were called back to defend territories more north of this area, and the Union gained back possession of Pensacola.  Here are some pictures of the fort:

No, George is not in jail.  The bars were added to the fort to enhance security.  

Another interesting fact about Fort Pickens is that Geronimo and about 400 Apache tribesmen and women were imprisoned here for approximately 18 months.  Their time here was spent taking care of the land around the fort to grow gardens.

After we toured the fort, another park volunteer presented a program on medicine during the Civil War.  Of course, being a nurse, I was interested in this program, so George and I attended it.  These were some facts we learned: Prior to the Civil War, there were about 500 doctors, some with formal training and some without.  During the Civil War, the surgeon general instituted standards for medical education, and 10, 000 people passed the certification test to officially be certified as doctors.  Prior to the Civil War, there were also no standards on how to care for the wounded on battlefields.  The mortality rate for wounded soldiers was about 35%,  During the Civil War, Dr. Jonathon Letterman developed standards for triaging the wounded and setting up medical units to provide care for the wounded.  Due to his efforts, the mortality rate for wounded soldiers dropped to approximately 10%.  Dr. Letterman's standards formed the foundation of battlefield medical care and they are still followed today; he is thus considered the father of battlefield medicine.  These are some surgical instruments that were used during the Civil War:

The knives and saws on the left side of the photo were amputation instruments.  The knives were used for smaller extremity amputations, like fingers and toes.  The large saws were used to amputate larger extremities, such as arms and legs.  The instruments in the middle were used to extract bullets.  The instruments on the right of the photo are scalpels and forceps.  All these instruments fit into a wooden box that medical personnel carried with them to the battlefield.