Visiting my Florida Girlfriends! 

It’s been almost a month and I like this gypsy life. Besides a few burned out lights our rig has made a good home on wheels.  (I’m saying this with my fingers crossed) Our friends and family have been very gracious about us using their electricity and water, and using their laundry facilities. Yesterday was the first time I had to use coin washer and dryers. I was anxious about the process since I haven’t done it in many years and I arrived with my load of towels only to have both the available washers full of clothes with no one around. I had questions about laundry etiquette and even googled it on my phone (LOL) wondering if I could put them in the basket on top of the washer if no one showed up in 25 minutes and even started the timer on my phone. Patience is not one of my best traits but I’m working on it! Within about 10 minutes the missing laundress came and I’m sure the look on my face was not pleasant but I lied to her and told her it was not a problem and we quickly became acquaintances.

Tim has updated everyone on our Iowa trip and I don’t have much to add except for saying how special it was to spend time with my girlfriend Corky. She operates a vintage country shop on her property that was a former chicken coup and even though she has a lot of items they are organized and staged in wonderful displays. It takes hours of shopping to “take it all in” and it is a special reflection of her talents. So, if you are in the Dumont, Iowa area you should stop by Country Collections on Route 3 on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. Corky insisted I pick out some treasures for the rig from the store. Reminders of our “Iowa” visit. Her home is full of special antiques, memories, and family treasures that reminded me of my childhood. I had the privilege of meeting her 91- year -old mother that is active, interesting, and beautiful. All these memories will make great “Florida patio conversations” in the winter months.

I have only 2 short stories. Although I love bike riding, Corky prefers walking so we met in the driveway at 8am for a walk. It was warm summer day and we are in the middle of the country and there are no sidewalks so we started off walking on the side of Highway 3 then turned on a road that eventually turned into a country gravel road. We were having fun chatting and eventually passed by a cow pasture and barn with a bridge that went over a creek. The cows were cooling themselves by wading in the creek and their aroma filled the air. After we went over the bridge Corky suggested we walk down a path that was used by the railroad years ago. It had some gravel but weeds had grown over the gravel and I must admit I was skeptical but I am on an adventure so off we went strolling down this weedy road. I was hoping there was no poison ivy but she reassured me not to worry. We saw 2 bucks crossing the road in front of us with racks but what came next was more mosquitoes and bugs than I have ever seen. We laughed about the fact we forgot bug spray and I reassured her it was fine but I was starting to wonder if the path had an ending. We started jogging flapping our caps in the air trying to get through the fog of bugs and laughing so hard at our crazy situation that was no one’s fault but our own. When we arrived back at the farm we had walked/jogged over 5 miles. I used her shower, then went to my rig to relax. When Kurt and Tim returned home I was sitting on a chair outside the rig fast asleep enjoying the sun. Kurt asked Corky what she had done to Georgann and we both laughed!

When we left on Friday morning Kurt and Corky made us pancakes and sausages with warm syrup for breakfast. I told Tim “Wow, this is like Cracker Barrel” he responded “Yes, and you can even go shopping” (because her shop is next to the house). Kurt was more than willing for us to take whatever we wanted. We all laughed so hard. And off we went to our next adventure.

The Iowa blog would have included our friends Tom and Jayne Johnson because the six of us are all good Florida friends but the Johnson’s made the decision to sell their home in Champlin, Minnesota this year and have been slaving to get it on the market. They did a fantastic job because they only had it on the market 2 days and it was SOLD. Unfortunately they could not join us in Iowa since they were preparing to close on the house they have had for over 30 years by the end of July. We were disappointed but understood completely their dilemma. Tim and I were invited to their home for a short overnight visit and were invited to a food truck event in Anoka, which is only a short bike ride from their home. We had such a great time!  They have a beautiful home with a pool and it was sunny warm day so after the event we jumped in the pool. They also had some friends joining them from Iowa, and it was a real bonus meeting Chris and Al. We parked in the driveway of their detached garage and made some great memories to discuss over drinks on the patio in Florida. Tom is the Head Happy Hour Locator and Jayne and I love our bike rides and yoga in Florida. We are so blessed to have them as our friends. Minnesota is breathtaking especially in the summer and we are enjoying our stay here in Duluth. There will be more to come. Thanks for sharing our adventure. Did I mention Corky, Jayne, and I sell jewelry at the flea markets in Florida in February. Look for Beachy Keen Jewelry!

Until next time,

Georgann






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