Christmas Lights, An Engagement and Wildlife

December 7th - Pearl Harbor Day  Today we were anxiously awaiting news from Ryan but we knew we wouldn't hear until later tonight so we just had to be patient. We decided to go to the lighthouse as they were lighting the Christmas lights tonight and had free hot chocolate, cider and cookies and tours of the lighthouse.  We decided to walk as it would only take us ten minutes going along the roadway between the campground and the lighthouse. On the way a trailer came by giving hay rides to people and they were singing Christmas songs.  They asked if we were from the campground and told us they could give us a ride back when we were ready.
We arrived just as a local school choir was starting carols.  Here is a VIDEO of a couple of the carols.  Sorry, again it is not brilliant.

Singing Carols

We waited in line to go inside the lighthouse and got talking to a couple and their daughter.  They were  camping in a fifth wheel although not at our campground and we chatted about the lifestyle.  They only travel for short trips at a time as she is scared of committing full time because of the weather, mainly tornadoes.  I was a little surprised by this although I have to admit that we wouldn't want to be in the motorhome during a tornado.  I get some comfort in that the motorhome is mobile and we can hopefully escape any bad weather. However, we hope that we can avoid tornado country when they are likely to be tornadoes, much the same as avoiding hurricanes.  Most places that are prone to tornadoes have shelters if needed.  And as I have said many times, when it is our time to go it is our time!!!  We will obviously do everything we can to avoid dangerous weather conditions.  So far we have been fortunate, missing rain, snow, ice etc. Hopefully that will last.

As we waited they lit the lights.

This pelican was waiting to greet us complete with Santa hat. 

There were  177 steps to the top of the lighthouse and we decided not to do that, especially as it was crowded, but just look around the house.

In one of the rooms a trio were playing Christmas hymns. It was lovely.

We walked around the house, the grounds and shop and eventually decided it was time to go home.  There was a long line waiting for the hay ride so we decided we would walk back and off we set.  

Not long after we arrived home we got a message from Ryan that Christina had said Yes, so we were happy for them both. 

December 8th - Stayed around the house cleaning up and getting ready to put the Christmas decorations up.  When Bryan took CoCo out for her late night walk they came across this armadillo looking for food in the campground!! 

December 9th - December 12th  

We spent these days shopping, rearranging our furniture, putting up Christmas decorations, cleaning, laundry and walking on the beach. 

One day we were annoyed that there was one other person on the beach when we got there.  We laughed and said how dare they be on OUR private beach!! 

We purchased a wicker chest from Target to put our cooking pots and pans in and also as a side table for Bryan. 

It has been very cold all around the States including Las Vegas, getting below freezing but we have been fortunate that we have stayed in the high 50's/ low 60's during the day and high 30's and 40's at night.  Florida appears to be one of the only states that has escaped bad weather.

Ryan & Christina announced they will be getting married at the beginning of next year.  It looks as though March 7th is the date so far.  We have been discussing whether we should drive the motorhome back to the west coast or fly.  We'll let you know when we decide.

Friday December 13th - Today marks our 4 month anniversary of being "on the road". After going to the post office to mail the last of our Christmas greetings we went to the Nex navy store which is off base here and walked around.  My stomach was upset so we headed home. We arrived home and I started to catch up with our blog.  Thought about "Gonk" as he travels from UK to Canada to spend Christmas and New Year with his mum & Ian.  Enjoy your time together.  We ended up having a safe, quiet Friday 13th and were happy to see that "Gonk" arrived safely!!

Saturday December 14th - Staying home today.  I took some pictures of our Christmas decorations. 

We added some icicle lights along the top of the windscreen

Our Thomas Kinkade Christmas Tree

Mom gave us a laptop table which we decided to use as a table for our refreshment center, the coffee machine takes pride of place.  We put it on top of the storage box that Bryan bought home from Desert Storm. This really helps as it gets this stuff off of the counter space and frees that up for when we cook.

It was overcast today but the temperature was still good and we went for our walk on the beach.  The water was rougher and the tide had come in a little more than usual but it is just so relaxing.  We really wish they had benches down there to sit on and just watch as we always forget to take a blanket or chairs with us.  Today was one of those days when I could have just sat and watched the surf. 

This boat arrived while we were walking, it had a crane on it and we think it may be a salvage barge. It seemed to stop here just as we were leaving the beach.

Co-Co has been getting braver, this is the closest she has been to the water and you can tell she is thinking very carefully about going in.  I would love to see her enjoy the water but she has always been afraid of it. 

This boy is the only person who is ever on the beach at the same time as us.  He is staying at the park in a camper with his mom & dad.  

We stopped to talk to them one day as they have added a camper shell on the back of their Bronco,  and pull a travel trailer. They are going to be traveling down to the Keys and then head up to Alaska.  They are a couple, their son and two labradors and are taking a year out to travel.  They started in Colorado.  We took a picture of the Bronco to send to Ryan, to show him as it is the same year as the one we had that is now his. 

At the end of our walk we sat on the boardwalk steps that go onto the beach.  I attempted to get a self picture with my camera.  Here it is.  I obviously need more practice at this. Ha!! Ha!! 

Here is a picture of the cottages that are available to rent here.  This was taken as we were walking back from the beach through the trees. 

That's about it for today.  Earlier this evening we watched the Pensacola Christmas Parade on TV and are now watching and listening to a Country Christmas show with lovely Christmas music.  It's beginning to get a lot like Christmas around here, without the snow.

Take Care