December 6, 2005 to January 5, 2006

Happy New Year. We spent one month in Florida. Our campground was near Starke and was about a half hours drive from Gene’s brother and wife, Ron and Olivia Feltner. Their daughter and family has been living with them since Huricane Katrina. They were unable to return to New Orleans until after Christmas. There son and family were also there for several days so it was quite a full house. Ron and Liv are great hosts and even greater cooks so it was so much fun spending time with them for Christmas. We spent one day in St. Augustine. It is a very old town with lots of history. We walked around the very old St Augustine district, ate dinner there and then enjoyed the Christmas Lights. On Tuesday after Christmas we went to Kennedy Space Center. As we arrived I overheard a worker there say the week between Christmas and New Years is the busiest week in the year there. We can attest to that. We actually spent much of our time in long lines waiting for a bus to take us to the next stop. However it was very interesting and we learned much about the space program. There were several films to explain and even an IMAX movie about the International Space Center. It is a trip we would encourage everyone to go on. I have developed a new hobby, beading. I am enjoying making jewelry and hope to maybe be able to sell some to people in the campgrounds we stay in. We are hoping this won’t be wishful thinking as we will have lots of jewelry hanging around. It is a fun hobby. Our daughter, along with Gene’s encouragement got, me started. Gene seems to always find something that needs to be done on the motor home. Anyway, between our projects and visiting relatives, we kept very busy while here in Florida. After Christmas, the families had gone home, and we were able to spend time with Ron and Liv. We walked along the beach one day and also toured the Budweiser brewery in Jacksonville. We played card games, and just enjoyed being in their home. We also enjoyed eating out several times and the great meals they prepared. We enjoyed our time there so much and appreciate their hospitality. We are on our way to Gautier, (pronounced Goshay) Mississippi, to do volunteer work for the Hurricane Katrina relief. We are not sure exactly what we will be doing there but it is something we have anticipated being able to help with since last fall. We will be there one month.