A Visit with Hal and Norma

We spent the better part of a few weeks visiting with a high school friend of Sam's near Dundee, FL. They lived on beautiful country acerage in the middle of several orange groves. Their modern contemporary home, built over twenty-five years ago, sits atop a hill overlooking a picturesque valley, complete with 20+ acre lake! This view from across the lake gives one a feel for this pristene setting!

The three of us spent many a morning roaming the twenty acre place, enjoying the smell of orange blossoms, and watching Hal's cattle graze slowly along the rolling hillside.

Every evening we were treated to a spectacular sunset behind the oak trees in their yard.

Their Frank Lloyd Wright style home was a treat to see. Hal designed it himself, and did most of the construction. Over the years they have added many improvements, and are collectors of Florida photographic art. We shared some great meals, reminisced about old times and learned about the new.

They generously allowed us the use of a nice apartment complete with a full bathroom and washer and dryer that Hal had added to the property years ago for his Mother, who was also a full-time RVer for many years! Sam & Dave ordered a new ham antenna, installed it on the rear ladder of our trailer and spent hours listening and talking to others worldwide. This peaked Dave's interest in the hobby, which he had oftened thought about over the years. Our second there, the boys ran off to the Lake Alford

ham club and passed exams, upgrading Sam to Extra class and starting Dave in the hobby as a Technician. Within a few weeks, Dave passed the General class...congrats to Dave!

We visited a few of the attractions in the area. Posts to follow on Bok Tower and Florida State University with it's collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture.

As we prepare the rigs for moving farther south, we reluctantly leave this beautiful country domain and bid thanks Norma and Hal for your wonderful hospitality!