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Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Our Celebration in Disneyworld


Friday was spent in EPCOT


Wednesday - Lulu taught her last class at FSU for the semester. When they ask the famous athletes after the Super Bowl - what are they going to do - they all say - I am going to Disneyworld. So Thursday morning we woke up early - piled into the red car - and drove to the happiest place in the world. 

Lulu always wanted to stay at the Grand Floridian Hotel - so now she had her wish. With the Florida resident 30% discount - we spent two nights there - and enjoyed a day in Epcot. 

Lulu was considering retiring as a professor - her problem is - she loves her job. Thanks to FSU - we have been able to travel all over the world. So many doors - including China - Australia - England - Germany - have been opened for us. In Africa - it has been Egypt and Morocco - in Asia - it has been Japan - Hong Kong - Vietnam. In South America - Brazil - and Columbia. In Europe - Norway - Sweden - France - Italy. Don't forget Australia and New Zealand. You can see why she is so hesitant to pull the plug. 

Lulu taught 8 years at Tamaqua - 8 years at Freeland MMI - 10 years at St Johns University in NYC - 22 years and counting at FSU. Throw in teaching 8 summers in Hawaii - 8 summers in London - 2 summers at the Univ of Ariz - 1 summer at UNC - 1 summer at UGA - the girl has over 50 years under her belt. Top that off with raising two fine sons - and building two special homes. She was also a life guard at the Bungalow where we met. You may be wondering what she does in her spare time. 

She has decided to take a leave of absence for 16 months. Then she will decide at that time to retire or go back to work. We are all taking bets on which one it will be. So we are celebrating a milestone.

We honeymooned in Florida in 1971 - the same year Disneyworld opened. I think we have been there almost every year since. One time we owned a bus and we would take groups of students to Disneyworld and Cape Canaveral. What joyous memories we have!

We loved our room in the Grand Floridian - but most of the time was spent at the attractions. When Epcot was being built in 1980 - I was employed as a cop at Disneyworld. Lulu was getting her masters at UCF in Orlando. In 1988 - we lived in Tallahassee for a year while she got her doctorate. So this was indeed the place for us to celebrate. 

Weather was perfect - warm and low humidity. Crowds were moderate. Lots of nice things to eat - and plenty to do. 

Lulu was invited by a former student to visit the Disney Employee Store. It was a highlight for my bride - she loves Goodwill Stores - and this one is very exclusive. 

We stopped in Gainesville - both ways - to charge up the red car. While I charged it - she shopped - we ate. Saturday evening we were home. 

Another big adventure is commencing in the Everhart household. Lulu is a dreamer - and you don't stop believing. All options are on the table. 


We sadly spent any time in our 
Grand Floridian room

 

Shopping for food at the Disney Company Store.

Paris France in Epcot

Ford Garage in Gainesville

Our future includes Japan

London in Epcot

Cool band in Canada

World Showcase in Epcot

Epcot Gardens

everything for sale in Disney store

English Garden in Epcot

Our view of Magic Kingdom for hotel

Family favorite Disney movie

Norway in Epcot

Lulu has special spot of China

We were there in 2020

Disney Employee Store

Welcome to the Grand Floridian

Charging car for trip home



Our bedroom

Disney Store



The Circle of Life

Tuesday, April 08, 2025

A Weekend At Grayton Beach

Our camper at Grayton Beach State Park

This weekend we took a short trip to Grayton Beach - about 150 miles west of our home. We wanted to test out our new lithium battery and DC to DC charger. The lifeblood of a camper is its battery and the ability to keep it charged. On our first trip to Key West - we thought we experienced a battery failure. It turned out our problem was just a circuit breaker that needed to be re-booted. 

Grayton Beach has pretty white sand. Because of the storm moving thru - we had high waves and winds. There were 2 red flags out that meant no swimming. Water was 71 degrees and I did not want any of that. 

People reserve campgrounds way in advance. There is also a deep discount for Florida residents and old people. Lulu got on the computer and got a nice spot for $30 total - that included reservation fee and utilities. We had a nice spot right by the water. Nice bathhouses too. It rained most of the night - we had no leaks but ran the AC all night because it was very humid with the windows closed. It was not a good test of the battery because we were hooked up to 110 volt shore power. 

We also visited Seaside and Panama City Beach - two of our favorite places. We had a nice dinner and watched the tourist strut around town. 

I drove the way over on Sunday morn - Lulu drove the way back Monday evening - arriving home at 6 pm. Our test was a success - everything worked. Nice cold fridge. Good AC. Good hot water. Really nice bed with soft linen. Lulu also had a few hours at her favorite - Destin Outlets. 

Our camper gets 17 MPG x 31 gallons = 527 miles of range. So we did not buy gasoline on the trip. We ate 4 meals in and 1 meal out. 

Our next trip is planned for May. We will not take the camper. We will be in Europe 3 weeks - which includes an 11 day cruise - which includes Egypt - Greece - Italy. Also a convention in Croatia.