December 2011

Text Box: Smith Family Newsletter
December 2011—Page 1

Text Box: Well, here we are in Tampa East RV Resort in Florida, where Henry & Anne and Bob & I spent the month of December together. After New Years, the Goldman's will be heading West and we will be heading North to Myrtle Beach. We all used the month for some down time, while looking forward to celebrating the Holidays together. Anne was glad to have the time to get her files and coach in order. I too got caught up on some tasks and enjoyed having full hook ups again.

We even found time to do a little touring in the area. Henry and Bob wanted to see the Raymond James Stadium in the Tampa area, so off we went one day. We were delighted as we went through the gate and the guard announced that we were just in time for a guided tour of the stadium. Now, how good is that timing? See pictures on the right. Henry was anxious to see the Ringling Brothers Mansion. Bob & I had rode around the property a few years ago when we were in Florida but no guided tour. So, off we went on another day. This turned out to be another great day all and well worth our time. Towards the end of the month, I suggested we take a day and visit the Myakka River State Park, where we could take advantage of an airboat tour as well as a tram tour and a canopy walk. This is one of Florida’s oldest and largest Parks. We all enjoyed this as well. The view from the canopy was magnificent, including the 70 foot tower. We visited Lazydays, which seems to be doing well despite changes in the industry.

Then at the end of the month the four of us had a fun time celebrating Christmas and then New Years. Anne found a local Christmas light display which turned out to be quite amazing. The light display is known as Christmas Lane, located a few miles away and well known in the area. A local farmer turns part of his field into a Christmas display because he just loves making Christmas special for the local children. Bob found out that down town Tampa Bay was having a New Years fire works display which was to include the dropping of a ball to bring in the new year. Well, after attending a similar event in South Texas last year, we decided to go. Last year was very much a family event, but this year, the Tampa event was clearly more for the single set. While waiting we decided to go to a movie which was conveniently located in the plaza. We came out at 11:30 PM which was perfect timing to bring in the New Year.

The first two pictures on the right are of the Stadium. The next picture below is the front of the Ringling Brothers Mansion.

On page two the first picture is inside the Ringling Mansion. In the next picture, Henry is walking across the Canopy. Four people at a time can cross. The next one is another picture from the ground.

Text Box: The last picture on the left is of the lake with some flowers, and the next one is of one of the tour boats. The next three pictures are from the Holidays. The first one is our little Minnie snoozing on the dash with Christmas decorations. The last two are of a Christmas Lane display and of Tampa Bay with 2012.