~ Stay in Fort Pierce ~ Week 7

Sunday, 12/29/19 ~   After a few days of beautiful sunshine and mild temperatures, the weather turned raw with heavy rains this morning.
     We had put all the car stuff into laundry baskets before taking it for the detailing yesterday.  Now, we need to put it all back into the new car. You know, the important things like: flash lights, tool bag, tissues, paper towels, dog's travel bag, eye glass cleaner, emery boards, Skittles.  They all need to be in logical places.
    Simultaneously, I also did a load of laundry prior to packing to make things easier once we get back to PEKABU.  So we also packed up our bags and loaded everything we could in advance of our 2 AM departure tomorrow morning.
     Once back, Chris, Kel and the kids headed out to a neighbors to watch some of the football post-season games. We watched the game while I made meatloaf dinner.
     The Crew came back around 6. After dinner, the girls had their baths and headed to bed.  We also headed up early and gave our good-by hugs. We will be gone when they wake in the morning.
 
Monday, 12/30/19 ~  The alarm went off at 1:30 AM as planned. I got up to go to the bathroom. As I opened the bedroom door Rubble rushed into the room. In the process he pushed the door so hard it banged. I though for sure the whole house would wake.  Thankfully, they didn't.
     We were out and on the road at 2 AM.  We never drove home from PA wanting to get on 95 so we were relying on GPS taking the most direct route.  We hadn't taken into consideration the fog, rain and the winding, back roads.  It was a slow 50 minutes to get to 95.  It would have been easier, faster and safer to take Rt. 896 South to 95.  Easier to see deer, too!
     There were only a couple of dense, heavy, fog patches along 95, but the rains were pretty heavy until we were south of Baltimore.  From there to about Richmond there were intermittent showers.
By the time the sun rose around 7, the showers had stopped and the trip continued with heavy overcast.  In North Carolina, we got stuck in 2-45 minuted delays due to minor accidents, but traffic was heavy.  For the rest of the trip, traffic remained heavy, but moved at, mostly, a decent pace.
    It was closed to 8 PM when we were approaching Ft. Pierce.  We decided to head to the next exit and grab Chick-Fil-A for dinner before unloading the car.
     Once back at the marina, the car was unloaded, placed on board where it would not interfere with or getting to bed, and then into the showers for us. We are tired, but have a week full of great memories heading to end 2019.
   
Tuesday, 12/31/19 ~ We were up by 9. After breakfast, all that stuff we schleped onto the boat last night needed to be put away.
     After chillin' for some of the afternoon, we dressed and headed to Ann and Howie's.  We were joining them for dinner and a Casino Night.
     Dinner started at 8, with waiters bring around appetizers of Tempura Shrimp, Beef Enchiladas, and Bacon Wrapped Scallops. Once drink orders were taken, we went over to the buffet. The variety and preparation of the "Tapas" servings was fabulous. Soups, salads, Shrimp, Scallops, Sea Bass, Beef Tenderloin, Lobster, along with delicious sides.  Then there was the desserts!
     After dinner, there was music from a DJ and a dance floor with cabaret seating on part of the floor, while other areas hosted Black Jack, Craps, Poker and One-Armed Bandits. Only fake money was used, but a good time was had by all.

It is hard to get photos of fireworks
when traveling at 70 mph on 95.

      Tiredness was catching up for Howie, Ann, Pete and I by 11 PM. We opted to head back to Ann and Howie's for a short while, but decided at 11:30 to head back to Ft. Pierce.  It is an hour and a half ride.   As we traveled along 95 north, the closer to midnight we got, the more we saw fireworks here and there, on both sides of 95.  At midnight, the most spectacular display of fireworks erupted on both sides of us, it seemed from every other house for miles.  The amazing display lasted about 20 minutes and 25 miles! I even spotted a number of drones, which I am sure were filming the show from above it.  Even though they were illegal, I would love to see the video.
     We finally were settled in for the night at 2 AM.  That's when it dawned on me that 24 hours ago we started our drive back to Florida.
     Well, it is now 2020. Our New Year's wish for all is that this year be best year yet!

Wednesday, 1/1/20 ~ Today was a scheduled "lazy day."  I got to watch the Rose Bowl Parade while Pete picked up a few necessities from the grocery store.  Then it was time for the football game.  I don't remember who played as I drifted to sleep before it started.  The nap was great.

Thursday, 1/2/20 ~ Pete had work so I was able to get in my exercise.

One of the regulars
 on the dock.

     He contacted the mechanic, who is still waiting on the part.  After a call to the supplier, the mix-up was identified and the part was shipped.  It should be in tomorrow.
     One thing Pete has been monitoring carefully, is the house batteries.  About 3 weeks ago, he noticed that the locker containing the batteries was warm.  It shouldn't be.  He checked the cells and found one cell was almost dry.  Not Good!  He has been monitoring them ever since.  They are loosing a charge faster and faster, even with the load reduced. Currently the only things using battery power are the water pump, shower pump and sump pump.  Everything else is on shore power.  We will need to purchase new ones before we leave here.
     While sitting up above, Janet stopped by as she was heading down the dock. As we spoke, I asked what boat was she on.  Her response was: SV EMERALD DRAGON.  I knew she looked familiar!  I told her that we had meet in fall of 2017, while docked in Morehead City Marina, NC in the laundry room.  They had reserve the loaner car and it was doubtful that their laundry would be done in time.  I offered to fold it once it was dried. She asked if we needed anything form the grocery store.  I asked for a hand of bananas and fresh basil.  She remembered.  We had a good visit and decided to get together on Saturday for dinner.  I offered to make something.  This is one of the reasons we love cruising!

An unwanted visitor
 on our mast.

Friday, 1/3/20 ~ Pete had a full day of work, so I headed down to Ann's to help with the Baby Shower preparations. This will be Ann and Howie's 1st grandchild.   Rich and Carol are to be come parents in March. After grabbing a bite to eat, we settled down to baby shower work.  We make a good team.
     I got back around 5 and already parking was at a premium.  Tonight is First Friday Fest ~ with food trucks, bands, crafts and activities for the kids on the square by the marina. After buying our $1.00 chips, we checked out the foods. Pete decided on Sausage and Peppers while I had a gyro.  Both were delicious.  The Band was great and a good time was had by all.
   
Saturday, 1/4/20 ~ Back to the square we go as Saturday mornings is the Farmer's Market. Some of the same venders are here from last night, while there are a number of bakers, organic farmer, and fresh squeezed orange juice stands, as well as home made spice mixes, granola, jams, soaps, lotions, etc. Oh yea, local honey, too.  Across into the parking area, are the arts and crafts. There are easily 50 tents with all sorts of crafts.  We checked them out as we ate our huge Bear Claws and fresh squeezed OJ. Before we left I picked up red peppers and onions to use with dinner as well as a loaf of French bread.

         
     After getting back to the boat, I straightened up inside while Pete washed the boat. I also had everything prepped for making dinner. Janet and Robert, Pete and I enjoyed the company, dinner and the great dessert Janet created:  Carrot cake with fruit and granola, Yum!
     Robert and Janet are in the process of purchasing a condo in the area.  We hope it works out for them. We definitely plan on keeping in touch.