SPACE CENTER FINAL NOTE

There was one room set up in 60's decor. All the furniture was original 60's vintage including the television and radio. Playing on the television was news of the 60's relating to the space program. It was in the 60's when the space program we know today started. One item on display was this lunchbox. Since I rummage every estate sale I can and sell these wonderful vintage objects, I especially appreciated this display. It just reminded me of how big this program was and still is and how important it still is. Just the technology developed through all the research and products developed for "space" use. When I hear people put down the space program or research, I cringe. I am taking this opportunity to show my support for the continuing support of our government to do all that is needed to explore space.

I'll post pictures of the launch if it occurs as scheduled.

SCARY ASTRONAUT AND SPACE CENTER CRITTERS

What's scarier? This vulture or this astronaut?

He looks scared of both!

I just thought this bird was cute. We have a smaller version of this bird in NY. The Cowbird.

MORE SPACE CENTER

There were many, many things of interest at the Space Center. Here are a few that really caught my eye. This silver color space suit reminded me of some early Sci-Fi movie character or one of Mike's grandson Andrew's toys. The space suits that they wear today are custom made for each astronaut and cost $400,000 each. I'd only wear that on special occasions. Very special.

Snoopy showed up. Cute astromut. (I just made that up).

This is the famous VAB; Vehicle Assembly Building. This is where the space ships are put together. It is the 4th largest building in the world by volume. We did not get to go into that building. They said the doors take 45 minutes to open completely and 45 minutes to close completely.

The device with the yellow tracks is simply the crawler-transporter used to move the Space Shuttle to the actual launch pad. Each crawler costs $14 million . It burns 125 gallons per mile; so stop complaining about your car or truck.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

We spent the entire day at the Kennedy Space Center. I've done a lot of touristy stuff and by far this was the best money spent but, I think it is expensive for the average family. It cost us $65 each to get in and do one of the bus tours. The Space Program is funded by our taxes. Without the space program, there would be no visitor center. Supposedly, the Visitors Center is funded by the admissions fees. To help promote the space program, I would think they would make it cheaper enabling for families to visit. The entire tourist program is highly educational, thought provoking, inspiring and just plain awesome. It's not like Disneyland, which is fun but in no comparison as educational as the Space Center. Just my thoughts.

As you approach the entrance to the Space Center you can see various tops of rockets to the left and at the gates at simulated astronauts hanging over the canopies of the main gates. Quite an awe inspiring approach.

MARKING YOUR TERRITORY

We all know that wild and domestic animals will mark their territory. Well, I'm convinced that we humans also mark our territory where ever we are. In all the RV parks, travelers have stuck whirligigs, flags, and plants to name a few in the area near their RV. They are all just saying: Hey, we are here! This is our territory! Take a look at the photos and tell me if you think I'm right.

U.S. flags of all shapes are very popular. They are always a sure thing to hang. These flowers look pretty everyday but I don't know where they store them when traveling.This parrot has a drink in hand and the plaque says: "It's 5 o'clock somewhere." We all know what that means. I'll drink to that!!!

THE PALM TREE

Palm trees are everywhere in Florida. I love trees so these caught my interest. These are called Coconut Palms. They grow about 50 ft tall and 25 ft wide. As the tree grows the old leaves fall off and scars are left.

It does look like the leaves are cut off but, they just rot and break off. I call these scales. They will eventually fall completely off.

You can see here where the leave has broken off and where the "scales" have fallen off leaving still a rough "fuzzy" ring. The "fuzzy" ring eventually falls off. I could easily just rub it off. Anyway, the trunk will finally be smooth.

I know you all wanted to know about palm trees.

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT!!!!

I've been delinquent with my blogging. We are still in Florida. We were in Winter Haven area for the last two weeks. Not much to do there. Our great friends are there and we did a lot with them. You know the dinners, golfing and movie scene. Too far away from the ocean for me. Of course we got together to watch the Super Bowl. Yahoo, the Packers won. Great game. Anyway, it seems everyone has dogs except for Mike and I. They are sweet and cute but, not for us.

THE KILLER DOG!!!

Spike is the Queen of all the dogs!!

Grandpa with the Princess!

Carol and I did go the the casino in Tampa. I actually won just a little.

Our friends own a storage unit business and they let me rummage through a few of the units that the owners left. I felt like I was on the Storage Wars. I only know the Storage Unit auctions take place in California. I have to remember, Florida is filled with seniors who have already downsized when they moved here. The rest are illegal or low income; moving here to cut down on heating bills.