Shanks mare

Dunedin, FL – The patter of raindrops on our RV rooftop told us this morning that we probably wouldn’t need the sunscreen any time soon. And the thermometer reading of 55 degrees nixed the shorts and sandals to boot! However, we’d slept soundly and in comfort, with nothing to complain about.

Our plan for the day was to get Val’s cellphone up and running with a U.S. SIM card from T-Mobile. Some years back we’d been stung by unexpected roaming charges from our Canadian service provider when we used our cellphones outside the country; a surprise we did not want to repeat. We decided to head over to the store on foot, for the exercise as much as to avoid unplugging the water and electricity which tethered the RV to our site. It wasn’t raining very hard by that point anyway.

We stopped in at the clubhouse first to post some mail and talk to the park manager, and as soon as we stepped inside we were greeted with cries of recognition and hugs from a group of park regulars! It was delightful! I just wish my mental databank of names was a bit easier to access after a year’s absence!

There were a few other customers at the cellphone store when we got there, but our wait to be served was short. Getting Val’s phone unlocked, its Canadian SIM card replaced with an American one, and a new account set up was not short – and there wasn’t a bench or chair in the whole place! We must have been there for the better part of an hour. Still, Val was delighted to have all his favourite apps at his fingertips once again.

Just before we left, a customer came in for some help with her cellphone, and then asked for her umbrella. Turns out it was T-Mobile Tuesday, when they give out free umbrellas! We asked if we could have one too, and they gave us one each – a black one for Val and a T-Mobile pink one for me! Perfect for today’s weather! I used mine all the way back to the park, once again providing free advertising for a U.S. enterprise. Well, the price was right!

Next to the mall as we were walking back, we noticed a line of small trees with plaques in front describing each one. It was a mini-arboretum of local trees, the most beautiful one bearing showy yellow blossoms. Unfortunately, it was the only tree without a plaque, so I still don’t know what sort of tree it was, but it sure looked pretty.

After supper this evening, we set about sticking up removable hooks in various strategic spots, so now we will be able to free up a bit more cupboard and drawer space by hanging some items on them. We’re gradually getting settled, and we’re also realizing how glad we are to be RVers once again.