Florida Mike

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 23 May 10 - 10:28 AM

Thanks Susan, we will certainly take advantage of your offer. After the Getaway in October we will head up to the Great Lakes to see our kids. If I remember correctly, your place is on the way. It will be nice to share a song and a crock pot. See you in the fall.

Mike

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 May 10 - 10:50 AM

To Mary in Maine, we plan to get a little travel trailer and roam around like gypsies once we get the house and yard set up.   So don't be too surprised if we roam around in your direction.

And we have camper space for a way-station! WITH hot showers and a fresh crockpot-full.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: Charmion
Date: 20 May 10 - 01:05 PM

You could also get yourselves a pair of passports and visit Canada, the World Next Door.

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 20 May 10 - 05:27 AM

Congratulations to you and Susette, Chance. I had the old countdown clock on my computer too. And Charmion, we do feel like we are back on the planet. Alaska is a great place, but it is so freaking far from everything. We are also very happy to no longer worry about ice and snow and darkness for those long winters.

To Mary in Maine, we plan to get a little travel trailer and roam around like gypsies once we get the house and yard set up.   So don't be too surprised if we roam around in your direction. I've got grandchildren and children in Florida, Michigan, Indiana, Boston and Colorado, plus all the really old relatives in Arizona. We drove 5,137 miles from Anchorage to Florida, so a thousand miles or so to visit friends is inconsequential.

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: Charmion
Date: 19 May 10 - 11:41 AM

Whoopee! You're back on the map!

Edmund and I will be delighted to see you at the Getaway, assuming we all haven't been swept up in the Rapture by then.

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 19 May 10 - 06:48 AM

that's really counting! I just counted days when I was on my way out

sandra (3 years, 3 months & 8 days retired)

ps. wishing you a very happy retirement, Mike & Tawmmie

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: Fortunato
Date: 19 May 10 - 06:33 AM

Congratulations on your retirement. Susette and I have 42 days, 9 hours and 27 minutes to go.

cheers,
chance

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 19 May 10 - 05:21 AM

Thanks Wesley, I'm actually in Sarasota County. I know some of the folks at "Friends of Florida Folk". Nice people. I'm going to a music get together tomorrow at Gilcrest Park in Punta Gorda. The big folk festival on Memorial weekend is out for this year. I've got to help my daughter's family move from this house to their new home in Michigan. But I will try to get up to it in 2011. We've only been here 1 week and I've got more unopened boxes than I remenber packing. Once my daughter's family moves out, there will be plenty of room though.

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: Wesley S
Date: 18 May 10 - 09:43 PM

Here you go

www.foff.org

And it looks like they're located in Sarasota. You can't be too far from there - right?

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: Wesley S
Date: 18 May 10 - 09:37 PM

So two states had an increase in their total IQ at the same time - cool.

I grew up just west of Tampa over in Largo. You'll know you're a real Floridian when you start getting pissed off at the out of state license plates. Practice saying "Damn Yankees".

I understand there is a group called Friends of Florida Folk that has a website listing many of the music events that you might find interesting. Check 'em out.

We're just finally getting settled in our new house in Georgia. Just north of Atlanta. We moved in about 4 weeks ago. Still lots of boxes to unpack - right?

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: open mike
Date: 18 May 10 - 07:27 PM

this event looks fun..
2010 Florida Folk Festival
May 28 - 30, 2010

http://www.floridastateparks.org/folkfest/Highlights.cfm?PageID=12

you should be performing there!

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 May 10 - 02:23 PM

God's Frozen People It's no longer the E'copalians?!?!?!?

Mike, if you pass this way, we still have your bed, but now it's a kingbed for two.

~S~

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 May 10 - 09:41 AM

Are you going to introduce the Iditerod to all those grey haired Floridians? I see it done with poodles and Cackapoos. LOL
Enjoy, Mike and Tawmmie.I am shocked. I never thought you would leave Alaska.
Mary

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: MMario
Date: 18 May 10 - 09:16 AM

okay - my family had better not screw up my plans for getaway this year.....

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 17 May 10 - 11:56 PM

I'm gonna miss you two when I'm up among God's Frozen People again, big fella.
Congratulations on the move, and I sure hope to see you both when I head down to FL for the early-bird beer specials.

Stay well Mike and Tawmmie, and take advantage of all the AARP goodies.

Seamus

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: GUEST,hg
Date: 17 May 10 - 11:16 PM

You might want to try Skipper's Smokehouse for bay area musicians. Lots of the Florida Folkies will be here over Memorial Day weekend:

Florida Folk Festival 2010

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: open mike
Date: 17 May 10 - 09:17 PM

are you gonna change your "handle" from Alaska Mike??

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 17 May 10 - 08:26 PM

Wow, its great to hear for so many friends. The heat and humidity would be a problem if it wasn't for the lovely swimming pool in our backyard. We had a huge thunder storm yesterday and had to cook the steaks inside instead of on the Bar-BQ, but there simply was not enough space between the raindrops to keep the grill going. Hope you all are well and happy. We can't wait to visit at the Getaway again.

Mike

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 17 May 10 - 07:59 AM

I don't know why I opened this thread - I don't know anyone called Mike from Florida but I am glad I did if only for We get to P-cola pretty often.

I guess it may be coz you drink to much of it?

:D (eG)

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: Deckman
Date: 17 May 10 - 07:13 AM

Congrads Mike ... Shillshow (sp?)Bay won't be the same without you! bob

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: Micca
Date: 17 May 10 - 05:36 AM

Hi Mike, enjoy your "new" environment, of course high winds won't bother you after your trips out to the Aleutians!!!, probably feel like a gentle breeze by comparison!!

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: GUEST,Noreen
Date: 17 May 10 - 05:31 AM

Good to hear from you Mike, and that things are going well for you and Tawmmie.

Hope to see you at another Getaway, but unlikely to be this year.

Keep us posted with how things are going, now that you have got so much time on your hands! :)

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 16 May 10 - 06:35 PM

I note that Art Brooks is, even now, on his way to Alaska.
Is there any connection?

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: open mike
Date: 16 May 10 - 04:05 AM

ah...was just asking if anyone knew what had become of you.
You might want to check out this florida performer..Doug Spears www.dougspearsmusic.com ...Florida's Native Troubadour...Acoustic folk music in the style of Gordon Lightfoot and John Prine, with smooth vocals reminiscent of John Denver. (says his web page)
this year's national cowboy gathering featured Seminole and "cracker cowboys" from florida, (where they say they have been herding cattle since 1493) and Louisiana swamp cowboys.
http://www.westernfolklife.org/site1/index.php/25th-Gathering.html

enjoy the warm weather, and let us know how you are, and what you are doing musically!!

Laurel

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 16 May 10 - 03:39 AM

The house is located in North Port, about 1.5 hours south of Tampa. We are 20 minutes from the gulf, so when the latest oil company boondoggle finally gets here, we will have to scoot over to the other ocean if we want to be shark bait. We are very willing to put up with all the bugs and heat and weather as long as we can be closer to family. We managed to visit all 8 of our grandkids on our transcontinental drive this month.

I don't know what the music community is like around here yet, but I plan to weasel my way into their hearts before too long. I'm already working on a couple of new songs. Now that I no longer punch a time clock, I plan to get back into writing and performing. Life is good, lovebugs, rain squalls, oil spills and all.

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: Amos
Date: 15 May 10 - 08:53 PM

O, and those brief delightful afternoon showers; the squall lines appear like magic, and before you can say wish-I-had-an-umbrella you are swamped with raindrops the size of golfballs. Florida is the only State where you can get serious bruises by being caught in the rain.


A

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 May 10 - 07:51 PM

Well Bill, hurricanes and tornados are every now and then, but Florida does have some lovely mosquitos on the large side.....like about the size of a Cessna......plus all sorts of snakes and gators. But these aren't all that scary once you meet the gigantic fire ant population. If you are barefoot in the grass, RUN LIKE HELL!!!

And what about those cockroaches down there? Some are the size of a Toyota Camry........and of course no car windshield is complete in Florida without an encrustation of Love Bugs..........

Did I mention Wolf Spiders (which kill the cockroaches) or the jellyfish?

Spaw

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: GUEST,hg
Date: 15 May 10 - 07:47 PM

Where did you retire to in Florida? Hope you aren't on the gulf...

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: Bill D
Date: 15 May 10 - 07:23 PM

*grin*..FLO-ri-da? Not much ice there, except in the drinks. You really think you can tolerate that? ..Oh...I see...

Well, Florida has its own 'special' weather...so take care...and looking forward to seeing you both this Fall!

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: Amos
Date: 15 May 10 - 07:20 PM

Well done. Sir State! See ya there.


A

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 May 10 - 07:18 PM

Or wait each day for the PM storm to pass over! Stay away from the sand fleas and no-seeum bugs.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: Phot
Date: 15 May 10 - 07:16 PM

Way to go mate! Break out the 57 Chevy drop-top, pour a large gin and tonic, and watch the sun go down over the ocean!

Wassail!! (You deserve it!) Chris

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: Leadfingers
Date: 15 May 10 - 07:16 PM

Good Luck Mike ! I hope to make Getaway this year too .

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: KT
Date: 15 May 10 - 07:06 PM

Alaska's loss is Florida's gain!
Maybe now that you're retired you'll be able to make it to the Alaska Folk Festival once in a while!

Best to you and Tawmmie in your new home!

KT

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: Crane Driver
Date: 15 May 10 - 07:00 PM

Congratulations on reaching retirement - best day's work I ever did was the last one. Now, we're so busy we can't see how we ever found time to work. Enjoy your new home.

Andrew & Carole

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 15 May 10 - 06:29 PM

Well good luck in you new home Mr C, and the lovely Tawmmie.
Pity your trip to Scotland didn't happen.

Subject: RE: Florida Mike
From: artbrooks
Date: 15 May 10 - 06:11 PM

Where in FL, Mike? We get to P-cola pretty often.

Subject: Florida Mike
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 15 May 10 - 05:38 PM

Well boys and girls, I have officially retired and moved to Florida. We arrived at our new home on Thursday, We've been busy setting up the house and finding out where the good beer is sold. The swimming pool is great and we hope to get some visitors before too long. Tawmmie and I plan to attend the Getaway this fall and reacquaint ourselves with those in attendance. Now that we are closer to the known universe, we hope to see many of you more often.