The Comings and Goings at Sanlan Ranch



Our Sanlan Campsite



We are quickly coming to an end of our time in Sanlan RV Park. We have spent so much time here this year that it is actually beginning to feel like our home. Of course it helps that we have been literally surrounded by friends and family the past 10 days or so.

It started with the arrival of our friends the Russells. We have missed them so much this winter as it is the first winter our of the past 6 that they have not travelled every step of the way with us. We had them for a few nights in the coach. Nancy was so delighted to be inside the RV experience once again she didn't even notice that it wasn't her own Baby.

Jacob enjoying a slice of birthday cake



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Robbie too

They vacated the coach to make room for the arrival of Bob and Gretchen and their twin boys, Robbie and Jacob. Fortunately they were able to stay on in Lakeland with Larry and Sue for a few more days joining us for the big events of our winter; Robbie and Jake's first birthday party and our annual St. Pat's Day Corned Beef Dinner.

The birthday celebration was enhanced by the presence of our Woodridge friends. They didn't seem to mind that all of the guests at their birthday party were grammas as long as they brought presents wrapped in krinkly paper.



The Minnesota Chilsons arrived without incident for Spring break. Bob immediately removed his socks from inside his sandals, a fashion fopaw he was ridiculed for by one of Tampa's finest as he emerged from the airport terminal. They fell right into motorhome life unloading their gear which included  two pack and plays, a double stroller, and two high chairs. All we needed was the couch and washing machine in the front yard to complete the picture.



Our early St. Pat's celebration



It took the twins a day to adjust to the time changes and unusual sleeping arrangements and it was smooth sailing after that. Gretchen and Bob both got an opportunity to explore our beautiful trails by bike and  our favorite place here, the Circle Bar B preserve. Robbie and Jake enjoyed the swimming pool and exploring the inside of our Bertha and rearrange my kitchen drawers.

It seems that as soon as they all began to arrive, it was time for them all to begin to depart. Once again we are alone in our little house on wheels enjoying the last lazy days of our summer (er winter) in Florida,

As much a I enjoy our travels, it is always great to click the heels of our shoes together and chant "There's no place like home. Wherever we wander we still have our roots firmly planted in Woodridge.

I will miss a few things about this place though;

• The grand Live Oak trees adorned with mysterious Spanish moss
• The hiking trails. I have been clocking 5.5 miles on my pedometer on most days.
•  The exoctic birds which have been gracing our backyards and their hooting at their mates.
• The sandy dry golf course which allows even a missed hit to travel forever, with berns which steer a wayward  ball back into the  fairway, and  beautiful of  plants and wildlife.
• The friendly neighbors
• The bike trails which we have now discovered lead to the Circle Bar B preserve.
• The Circle Bar B bird sanctuary.
• The Auburndale Flea Market
• Cocktails on the patio while watching amazing sunsets.



The view from our patio