The Old and the Restless

Before Christmas Margot, Mark, Joshua and Ella were able to come to enjoy some warm weather. December 22 … Getting ready for the beach. December 24 … Colder today but not like Toronto. We have electricity! Jogging on the beach. A Christmas dinner on the evening of the 24th. Next day the Hamiltons flew back to have a Christmas dinner with Mark's family.

This year, in early December, we went to the Sebring Winter Bikefest about a 2 hour drive south of Orlando with our friends Carole and Roy Hill from the Toronto Bicycle Network cycling club. We were joined there by Dinsmore, also from TBN, who had first been to Sebring a couple of years ago. Each morning, the cyclists gathered in front of the historic, almost century old, Kenilworth Hotel to start their rides for the day around 8 am. There were two short rides of 10 and 20 miles and 3 longer rides in the 35 mile, 60 mile (100 km) and 100 mile range. Sandra and I started with a 20 mile tuneup and finished with rides of 38 and 36 miles. Carole and Roy started with 38 miles, increased to over 60 miles and finished with the same 36 mile ride as us. Dinsmore took rides of about 60 miles each day. On our second day, we rode to the Highlands Hammock State Park (which was the medium distance 38 mile ride done by most cyclists on their first day). The terrain was interesting; but wild...

Tom and Megan made a police car for Hallowe'en. With all the lights in the dark, it was quite a success. Tom told me that even when they went into the pizza place the woman had a bowl of candy for him. He was surprised that everyone was so friendly.

For our October 2013 bike and barge trip, go to: http://stilloldandrestless.wordpress.com or click on the link on the side bar. The post begins with us in Bamberg as we try to get used to the time change. All of old Bamberg is cobblestoned...except for the numerous bicycle paths which are paved.

Megan arranged to have Tom's 4th birthday party at a local store which caters to events. Waiting for everyone to arrive. Tom was excited to see Annike. "Stop the Music and Freeze" is a lot of fun. They always enjoy playing, "Pass the parcel". Ella's decorated hat is beautiful. Is the cake coming soon? Happy Birthday, Tom. Back at the apartment. Which do I play with first?

On August 10th Joshua was 7 years old. The birthday pie made by Margot. Tom and Ella cutting up. Letting off steam. More sedate?

Brandon brought presents for everyone (adults included). Tom is opening the toy airplane Brandon brought him. This is what you do... With Brendan, who lives next door, we went to Wonderland. Going up the tower. Grandma didn't think she could try even this. This ride is easy... ...but you do get very wet. They were soaked. Nevertheless, they wanted to go on the Leviathan again. It is the roller coaster in the background. Because I bought the quick entry pass, they went on it five times in a row. Feeling rather ill after the repeated rides on the Leviathan, they had a rest in the theatre and watched the acrobatic show before we returned home. Brandon did 3 bike rides during the week. The first was a 32 km ride with a group that I led, the second was a ride I had to check out to lead after he left. We didn't finish it because Paul had a blowout. The above photo was taken just before a Thursday night ride. How to look t...