HI HO, HI HO, It’s off to work we go!!!
After 9 years, Mike and Francie return to school!!
Starting on November 6th, we began a new chapter in our travels, volunteering at the Franklin Locks and Recreation Area for the Army Corps of Engineers. The lock is part of the Okeechobee Waterway that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. It is the last lock as a boater is going west.
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Our primary responsibility is to teach water safety to grammar school students in Fort Meyers and surrounding towns. Mike is very grateful for Francie’s primary school experience; Mike has always claimed that the little kids scare him. He has always taught junior high and high school students, but he is adjusting quickly. We created a program around the Army Corps’ guideline. Neither one of us knew what to expect, but we have had a good time.
When we are not in schools, we are working in the recreation area. Greeting people (possible job training for Walmart) talking to visitors about the locks and picking up litter are our duties. The park is a beautiful place to live. We see eagles, Florida Sandhill Cranes, and manatees. We are told that we even have a couple of alligators living somewhere on the grounds. It is certainly easy to get our 10,000 steps in.
When we are not in schools, we are working in the recreation area. Greeting people (possible job training for Walmart) talking to visitors about the locks and picking up litter are our duties. The park is a beautiful place to live. We see eagles, Florida Sandhill Cranes, and manatees. We are told that we even have a couple of alligators living somewhere on the grounds. It is certainly easy to get our 10,000 steps in.
We have to work 25 hours per week between the two of us for our beautiful site in Volunteer Village. There are 9 sites; plus one in the recreation area and two on the other side of the river in the RV park. It has been fun to be part of a community; it has been a long time.
Our site in Volunteer Village
Christmas week is a monumental time for both of us. Christmas Eve Mike will celebrate his 70th birthday and 5 days later and Francie will be officially embraced by Medicare.
This Christmas will be our 9th year of what Mike’s Mother described to people as her “homeless children.” All of you have been our community as we have moved from place to place.
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a joyful Holiday Season!
This Christmas will be our 9th year of what Mike’s Mother described to people as her “homeless children.” All of you have been our community as we have moved from place to place.
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a joyful Holiday Season!
