Charlie & Nancy Holt Family: April 2015

Smithville Annual Garage Sale

Once we arrived home on Monday from Blacksburg, we went to Owen's track meet at Rittman. Owen is doing high jump and he did the 800 meter relay. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday I worked to get ready for the annual garage sale. I opened for business on Friday and we did almost $400. Keith, Natasha, Ammey and Rod had the majority of the treasures to be sold. I baked a texas sheet cake, sold water and dish cloths for the Grandkids. Keith, Natasha, Easton and Savena came in Friday night so they could help with the sale and go shopping at other sales. Natasha scored clothes for the kids and Easton found some treasures. Easton specifically was looking for a rolling suitcase, which he did not find. Our two day total was over $800. On Saturday, Jackson and Owen came over and we enjoyed Coccia House pizza and ceasar salad for dinner. On Sunday, the Goodwill had a truck at Smithville High School, so we took donations to them and got all the tables put away and the car back in the garage. It was GREAT to have everyone together.

Savena's 1 year old

On Saturday, April 18th, we celebrated Savena's birthday. It is hard to believe she is a year old. Natasha made the cakes and she and Keith put on a spread of food that was endless. Natasha had pictures of Savena with family members decorating the living room along with large pink, silver and white tissue flowers. She made a flag banner with Happy Birthday Savena. A great time was had by everyone.....especially, the birthday girl.

Easton's soccer game

On Friday, April 17th we was able to attend Easton's soccer game. It is so fun to watch the kids learning the basics of the game. Easton is a competitive player and scored several goals. He plays hard when he is on the field and puts his heart into the game. Rosina was able to attend also. Savena enjoyed playing in the grass while her big brother played soccer.

Greyhound Bus adventure

On Thursday, April 16th at 10:20am, I boarded a Greyhound Bus in Islamorada FL, enroute to Roanoke. After making 12 stops and 2 bus transfers, I arrive in Roanoke at 4:00pm on Friday, April 17th. I choice Greyhound because of the cost. I wanted to be in Virginia to celebrate Savena's 1st birthday.
PROS

Cost
Leave to driving to them
Wireless internet and AC outlets

CONS

Difficult to sleep on the bus
Bus terminals attract 'interesting' people
Food options are limited at the terminals

It was an adventure.....one that I repeated on April 28th traveling from Fort Lauderdale to Islamorada. Much shorted trip for $20.

Location	Arrives	Departs
(START) - ISLAMORADA (E), FL		10:20 AM
KEY LARGO (E), FL	10:55 AM	10:55 AM
MIAMI CUTLER BAY, FL	11:45 AM	11:45 AM
MIAMI ARPT (E), FL	12:20 PM	12:20 PM
MIAMI, FL	12:30 PM	(TRANSFER)
(TRANSFER) - MIAMI, FL		1:00 PM
FT LAUDERDALE, FL	1:40 PM	1:55 PM	:15
ORLANDO, FL	5:25 PM	7:00 PM	1:35
JACKSONVILLE, FL	9:30 PM	10:45 PM	1:15
SAVANNAH, GA	1:00 AM	1:30 AM	:30
FAYETTEVILLE, NC	5:30 AM	6:30 AM	1:00
RICHMOND, VA	10:00 AM	(TRANSFER)
(TRANSFER) - RICHMOND, VA		12:05 PM
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA	1:20 PM	1:30 PM	:10
LYNCHBURG (E), VA	2:45 PM	2:55 PM	:10
(END) - ROANOKE, VA	4:00 PM	(END)

Boarding the bus in Islamorada

Miami terminal

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Orlando FL

Flowers in Virginia

Beautiful weather

The only time it has rained was on Saturday March 28th. The locals say it is getting warm, however, I think the weather has been perfect. OK....so it might get a little hot in the middle of the afternoon. There is usually a breeze blowing. I have enjoyed walking in the water and I got to see a couple dolphins. Linda has a membership to the Moose and the club here is called the Gucci Moose. They have a chef and last week on the menu was Tuna Steak on a ceasar salad. It was the first time I had Tuna steak and we had it cooked rare, it was delicious. On Monday we went to Theater on the Sea. It is a Parrot, Dolphin, Sea Lion show with a Nature walk and boat ride in the lagoon.

Mangroves

Fun in the Florida Keys

On Easter Sunday, we went to The Turtle Hospital in Marathon. The hospital has a variety of turtles that have been rescued. Most of the turtles are Green but they do have several Leatherback and Loggerhead. The goal is to release all the turtles after they rehab, however, several are permanent residents at the facility. After the visit to the Hospital we stopped at the Keys Fisheries restaurant and enjoyed a meal of HOG fish, french fries and cole slaw. Then, we purchased two lobster tails to enjoy for dinner on Monday.

On Wednesday, we got up early and was on the road at 7am headed to Key West. We purchased a ticket on the Conch Train and took an informative Old Town tour. Then, we met up with a friend of Linda's who has a boat docked in Key West. We went to Blue Heaven for lunch. I enjoyed a lobster, bacon, tomato and cheese omelette....it was delicious. Then, we walked Duvall Street, stopping at some eclectic shops for some retail therapy. On our way home we stopped in Big Pine and went to No Name Key Pub. This pub has the ceiling and walls 'papered' in $1 bills. Big Pine is famous for the Key Deer.