Happy New Year Everyone!

Oh my...has it really been since mid-Oct that I last posted? And...are we REALLY retired yet? To recap our exciting adventures (sorry to bore those of you who've been "journeying" along w/us), after I retired on Oct. 15, Tom and I headed to Hawaii for 10 days. Had a great 2 days at the beach in Waikiki in Honolulu then boarded the NCL ship for the next 7 days.
Even though the weather wasn't the greatest since their winter weather was moving in (certainly not sunny and pristine like you see on TV or in the postcards), we still enjoyed our time there and brought back many fond memories of things we were able to see and do.
Should we ever go back, we will just pick a couple islands we want to spend a few days at and do our own thing. Lots of beautiful scenery, history and culture in our 50th state.

After returning from HI, it was off to AZ so I could spend a week w/my baby sister. Micki and I had a great time together and I wish it could've been a longer trip. I certainly miss her and can't wait for her to move back to the Spfld. area, hopefully, this spring/summer.

Tom and I got to spend several days w/Clay, Kim and Kenley before hooking the camper up and heading to TN where we spent an afternoon w/our friends Wayne & Twila. They moved to Crossville to have milder winters than in IL but aren't real happy right now as they've been getting slammed w/cold, nasty weather. But, it was nice visiting w/them and seeing their new home. Twila has a knack for home decorating and it looks very lovely, warm and cozy.

After leaving TN, we headed to Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, AL. Much warmer but still a few surprisingly chilly days. However, we aren't complaining, especially when we see the central IL forecasts. Brrrrr!


Thanksgiving week we moved to a nice campground (cg) in Navarre, FL, which was about 10 miles west of Ft. Walton Beach.
We had a fabulous time there for about 1 1/2 months. All 8 of us were able to gather at Val & Scott's for a wild and crazy week. Highlights (and a few low lights) included: celebrating Sophia's and Kenley's 1st birthdays. What a riot watching these beautiful little girls tear into their presents and, of course, their cupcakes. We also got to celebrate Scott's b'day mid-week, a delicious Thanksgiving
dinner and even a family Christmas. All of this was interspersed w/the entire young Brockman family making several trips to prompt care places for various reasons (there's the low light!) They distributed new trash cans while we were there. What does that say on the can?

After C, K and K headed home, we stayed in FL except for several days when we flew back to Spfld. for our last Company Christmas party. It was really great seeing all of my co-workers and some of our camping friends again but the blizzard we experienced while in Bloomington was enough bad weather to last us forever! BTW...GIRLS STILL RULE ON P&J!!!


Christmas was a beautiful day in FL w/V, S and S. We had fun watching Sophia open her Christmas gifts, especially the $1 pet toy for Chibi that she latched on to!
Val and Scott were gracious in inviting several of their friends over for a delicious meal that afternoon. I think everyone went home w/full bellies. V&S are great hosts and certainly love to entertain.

On Dec. 29th, Mr. B and I headed to our current spot in Moore Haven, FL where it is A LOT warmer...woo hoo! We've been IN SHORTS the last few days, which is AWESOME!!! Highs have been in the upper 70's w/lows in the low 60's. Supposedly a couple of alligators and a couple otters have taken up residency at this cg, but we haven't seen them yet. You can bet we're keeping our eyes open w/camera in hand for those fantastic moments!

Now that we're not close enough to be w/family or friends, we MIGHT start feeling retired. Up to this point, we've been in "vacation" mode. I'm hoping our next "vacation" will be a 2-day trip to WDW next month IF I can find us a good deal. Keep your fingers crossed because I REALLY want to go to DW since we're T H I S close!

So, that's the last quarter of 2010 in a nutshell. Our wish is that all of you will have a safe, healthy and happy 2011. See you in a few months. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go put on some shorts and head outdoors!