Party, Party, Party

The birthday party on Saturday was a huge success! At least 200 guests came to honor Mrs. Dozier, Janice's mother, on her 100th birthday. Her grand daughters Karen and Amy entertained: Karen sang several songs and Amy accompanied her on the piano. The highlight of the party was when Mrs. Dozier told the guests what it was like to attain her age. In a brief yet powerful testimony, she explained how her relationship with God through His Son Jesus has sustained and strengthened her since she was a young girl, that He not she deserved all credit for her reaching 100 years, and that everyone can have the relationship she has had by accepting and following Jesus.

The celebration continued Sunday as our family attended church together. Mrs. Dozier was recognized by the pastor at the beginning of the service. Many church members had attended Saturday's party. Those and others came by to offer congratulations and best wishes. The excitement of the weekend carried over. By Wednesday, the actual birthday, the last celebration event took place at the local Marriott Hotel. We gathered for lunch with balloons, gifts,and family. We had a great time and good food. Later that afternoon we said our good byes, as we were leaving early Thursday morning.

Temperatures were between 10-15 degrees Thursday morning. Disconnecting water, sewer and electric was hand-numbing. One window awning refused to lock in place because of ice; only the sun could free it for travel. Hooking up the car to the coach was not much better. We set out much later than expected.

Our destination for Thursday was a Flying J travel center in San Antonio, FL. This is near Dade City and had RV overnight parking. We arrived about 5:00 PM to find the RV spaces were too small for our rig and the truck spaces were full. We took on fuel and headed south to Zypherhills and found a spot for the night at Quail Run RV Park in Wesley Chapel, FL. We had been here before, and recommend it.

Friday was another sunny day and perfect travel weather. The trip from Georgia was smooth all the way until the last few miles. There was a wreck about 11:30 AM on I-75 south. When we reached Estero at 2:30 PM, traffic was backed up over 10-miles. We crept along until we reached our exit about 45-minutes later.

Crystal Lake sure looks good. As soon as we drove in, neighbors came to greet us. It is good to be back among good friends. We look forward to getting into activities and enjoying winter in Florida. Tonight we are too tired to do anything. Our "party" begins tomorrow; tonight we rest.