Best Life

 We didn't win but we felt like winners tonight.  We placed 6 out of 17, with a score of 99 out of 135.  Not too bad.  (Actually I think this was our best score to date!)  Ormond Garage built in 1904 by Henry Flagler housed cars and mechanics that participated in the beach races.  A cool place filled with history, good fish tacos and churros and trivia! If for some reason we are still here next week, the Garage is on the list. Friday morning we are headed back to the boat.  An engine with the parts we need has been located in Stuart.  A gasket has been ordered and hopefully will arrive by Friday.  Jack is adamant that he will succeed.  I cannot hold my breath anymore.  We have a few tasks of our own on the boat to accomplish and are headed to Miami on Sunday to meet Scott and Rebecca.  So even if Jack is not successful, I am looking forward to the weekend with anticipation!

 What to do when it rains?  A museum of course!  And there are so many to choose from in the area.  It was narrowed down to a few since only a handful are open on Mondays.  Narrowed down further by cost of admission.  The final decision - The Casements. (Free, donation requested) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Casements Originally built in 1913 and named after the many casement windows, this mansion is located just over the Granada bridge and sits on the Halifax River. John D Rockefeller bought it as a winter home in 1918 and threw lavish parties until his death (in the house) in 1937. Sold several times it was a girls' prep school, an elderly home and almost a hotel.  Bought by the City of Ormond  in 1974, it was meticulously renovated.   The gardens are of course beautiful and are used for morning yoga, scavenger hunts, movies, festivals and weddings.                     ...

 With stormy weather coming for the next few days, we heard the beach calling today.  Andy Romano park is just at the border of Ormond and the parking is free!  There were more people today with a few kids in the water (Brrrr!).   Funny how the pictures don't show the people.  There were actually areas we walked in the water to avoid both people and cars driving by us.   This morning Paul experienced his first estate sale.  Way different than a yard sale, I think he is hooked.  With everything for sale including the house, we saw a glimpse of a very interesting life revolving around American Natives.  

We headed down to New Smyrna today on a dedicated walking path.  New Smyrna Beach Pedestrian Trail was an easy walk with lots to see and few people.  An easy 4 miles with the sun peeking out occasionally.                                                                 Otter Lake There was disc frisbee scattered on either side of the walkway.   Concrete ruins from something that added to the eerie feeling of the woods.  With signs warning of snakes and the primitive atmosphere of the woods, we walked carefully on the paths that led off the main walk.  (Especially since I had flip flops on again!)  However, we only saw a few egrets and turtle dens, no snakes or gators.  

 The weather matched my mood.   How can the pump we bought not fit?  Why don't people know the products they are selling?  Despite Jack's attempts there was no success.  Quiet Time remains quiet.  After Paul spent the remainder of the day researching and speaking to multiple dealers, we are no closer to a solution.  Many have gone out of their way to try to help us and that is very gratifying even without answers.  It is now in Jack's hands to locate the pump and accompanying parts.  Hopefully someone in his network has a part and a clue. Meanwhile we are back in Daytona and will regroup in the morning.  We need to figure out another short term plan.    

 The highlights of my day - Brianna and Lenni movies.  Brianna being gangsta and Lennie playing with her mobile. The two cutest girls ever! My walk today was short.  Paul worked with the mechanic on the engine with little progress.  Meanwhile I walked down to the park on the corner. Tonight we are staying on the boat.  Jack returns tomorrow morning and hopefully he is successful.  

Napoleon "Larry" Lajoie.  Paul's mother's mother's father's brother.                                                                             Nap and Myrtle Lajoie                                                    Joseph (brother), Myrtle, Nap, Clara (wife of Joseph) New and interesting facts I have learned about Uncle Larry: The phrase "knock the cover off the ball" was coined when Nap did it three times in 1899. Used the name "Sandy" when he played for the Woonsocket baseball team since his parents did not approve of the game. He battled with umpires and even managed being suspended once for spitting to...