Spring Cleaning and Surprises

I am sitting in our Florida room enjoying the cool air flowing down from the air conditioning vent.  We just returned from a humid walk, and Rick commented that we have reached the season where all exercise and physical activity must be done before 10:00 a.m before the heat and humidity get too high.  Actually, rain is predicted followed by a "cold front" that may drop temperatures "below 70 degrees" according to the weatherman.  What babies!  Anyone above the Mason-Dixon line would sell a kidney to have such wonderful temperatures.

The cool weather will be welcome this weekend since the Highland Games are in town.  This city is very Scottish, so the weekend will be filled with kilts, log throwing, parades, and lots of bagpipes and drums.  We missed going last year since the weather was wet, but the cooler temperatures this year should make the games and parades very enjoyable.

Rick took the Honda in for its first oil change this morning, and while he was gone, I started to work on scrubbing the main bathroom.  After using the bathtub and shower for the last four months, I wanted to really scrub it well and to polish the tile in the room.  After hours of labor, the basin shines, all of the tile is free of dirt, specks of paint left over from who knows when, and soap scum.  The bathroom gleams now and is ready for our guests.

Since tile surrounds three walls in the room, polishing all of
the tile is a bit more challenging than just scrubbing a tub surround.

Even our little Habitat for Humanity Resale $10.00 sink shines.

The tub surround sports a Gel-Gloss sparkle
in the morning sun.

When Rick came home, he printed the pictures of Stephanie's new floor plans which I am sure he will pour over until he knows the details better than the contractor does.  I really like the plan she developed with the builder, and I am sure that she will enjoy the house for many, many years.  She will have tons of space for visitors, parties, and just relaxing at home.  And the view she will have over a tranquil valley will add to the home's appeal.

Steph's floor plan (main floor) will give her plenty of space.  Her basement also
will be finished with a large family room, a bedroom, a third bath, and storage.

We made a quick trip to the Post Office to pick up some small boxes. (Sh-h-h... Easter is coming!) When we drove into the driveway, we were greeted by another sign of spring: a mama duck with ten ducklings.  Oy vey! The babies were all frightened by the car, so they all tried to hide behind mama next to our garage door.  After a few minutes, she waddled off, urging her brood to follow her over to the neighbor's shrubbery in their front yard.  The homes across the street from us border a lake, so the waterfowl usually stay on that side of the street.  I guess Mama wanted to take her brood out for a nice sunny walk... perhaps to tire them so they all would nap!

Ten ducklings total (some are hidden in front of Mama) try to
hide from us as we walked into the house.

Spring definitely has arrived in the city!

We brought our bikes down from their storage area in the rafters, so if we do not get too much rain tomorrow, we will actually get back on them and take them for a spin.  I do not know how far I will be able to go; if I never try, though, I will never find out.  My goal is to ride to the trail and down it a bit by the time we go north in eight weeks. That might seem simple to some, but my muscles will let me know how much they are willing to travel each day.  We are back to taking our usual walks, so I will remain optimistic about the bike rides also.

While we were gone north for the last three weeks, Steve generously came to our house to take in the mail each day and to check on the house. We are taking Chris and him out to dinner this evening as a thank you.  We'll go to Crispers for a relaxing evening in safety Harbor.