SATURDAY FEBRUARY 27TH

Cold and rainy.






The guys dropped Tami and I off at the Farmers’ Market. The cold and rain had kept many people away, and I think vendors too.


Tami and I noticed this weird looking plant. Tami picked it up and said it felt spongy, and looked warty. We asked what it was because neither of us had ever seen anything like it. We were told that it is bitter melon. Ok. So what's that?


The gal at the market split one open and showed it to us. She said you threw away the seeds. She had never eaten one, or prepared one. No help there. So we took a picture and checked it out on the internet. It's eaten in places throughout the world and is believed to prevent malaria. Laboratory tests have shown it has compounds in it that could be effective in treating HIV infections. Tests have also shown it is helpful in regulating diabetes.

We didn't buy any, but still found them curious.



We picked up a few veggies and called the guys for a pick up as it was starting to rain in earnest at this point. Several of the vendors decided to call it a day and began packing up to leave.

We have rented a car for a couple of days so drove Mark and Tami to the airport. The airport is just across the street from the Daytona Speedway where the Daytona 500 takes place each year. This is the speedway where the famous NASCAR racer, Dale Earnhardt died. Today we could hear motorcycles on it. They were either practicing or doing qualifying races. There will several motorcycle events here this week. A major one is called the Dayton 200, a pro motorcycle race. Another is the Supercross. The supercross is where they build a dirt/sand track with curves and hills in. The racers go airborne over the hills trying to gain speed. I think it would have been fun to see it.

The remainder of the day was spent doing boat chores.

We have met some Loopers staying at the marina and they invited us to go along to dinner. Bill and Nancie from the “Watauga” and Brenda and Ken from the “Tellico Lady”. They are all from Tennessee.