Paul and I got back on Saturday night from an overnight trip to Daytona Beach for my annual high school class reunion. We left Venice on Friday morning and took our time getting there. I75 traffic was okay, but I-4 was ridiculous going through the Orlando area both coming and going. It was bumper to bumper for miles. Next time, we'll go another route.
It is always good to get away for a while.
Paul signed us up for a room on the ocean side, king-size bed, at the Days Inn lodge. We got to our room - on the ocean - 1st floor - right in front of the pool. Old hotel. Two full sized beds. The desk manager said we asked for full beds, (we said no, we did not. ) Besides they were full up. Paul took down our confirmation sheet and low and behold, we got a 7th floor room - oceanside. And a reduction in price. They didn't have any king-size beds left, but we could see the ocean -it had a beautiful view.
There's something really special about a class reunion at our age. Everyone greets you like long, lost cousins. Lots of hugs around. Lots of reminescences - 26 of us. Of course some were spouses, but we are getting to know them too and they feel like classmates. It makes you feel so good. The reunion was at a beach restaurant. We had an area under cover, but outside - so the dress was casual.
Afterwards, toward sunset, we were invited back to one of the reunion-planner's home for drinks, coffee and cake. We used our TomTom to find the place. An interesting experience - it was dark - we had no idea where we were. . .but we got there! I don't think it was the quickest or easiest way, but the main thing was - we got there. We sometimes turned early, or late, but that was okay. We were learning. It was our first practice session on a route we didn't know, but it turned out fine.
Saturday morning we had coffee out on our veranda overlooking the ocean and watching the people walking the beach. And the cars driving on the sand. We had hoped to drive our car, but it didn't fit in our schedule.
No breakfast at the hotel - another negative for them - so we looked for a place to have breakfast - The Cracked Egg (what better name could there be?!) turned out to be an experience in itself. As we were walking in this diner-type place - one booth left - it was filled to the brim - the owner was leading the customers in the Funky Chicken hand movements. Everyone was smiling, laughing, enjoying themselves. Even the help. Unfortunately, the food wasn't as good as the ambiance. But we were glad we stopped.
We were to meet everyone back at the restaurant at 1:00. (We had permission to sit on the beach.) The water was cold. It was too cold - 58 degrees - no thank you. But when the sun was out - it was partly cloudy - it was very comfortable. We only stayed an hour because we wanted to get on our way.
We got home after dark Saturday night. We stopped at a new Venice restaurant (to us) that Paul had been wanting to try, called Ivy's Steak House. It was expensive, but the ambiance and food was delicious. It reminded us of the closed Sam Seltzer's in Sarasota. I wouldn't mind going back - for a special occasion though.
We're back to going to the later church service at Trinity Presbyterian. We find we like the traditional service best. Bob - almost - at the last minute - went with us. He came for coffee in the morning - But he had work to do at his house so he cancelled out. Perhaps next time.
Carol O. has a friend, Pam, from Bath staying with her until Thursday. Very likeable. She had been a neighbor of mine so we knew each other. Her first day, she lost a toe ring in the deep end of the pool. A kind man persisted until he was able to dive and grab it. It would have put a damper on her vacation if not for him.
Paul talked with Sharon last night. Ida had been sick -she still isn't back to normal. I wish she/they could come down and just sit in the sun, but that's not to be. Her eighth birthday is coming up at the beginning of March. Wow. That doesn't seem possible. Lee's winter break is next week. Not sure when the rest have time off. BTW - We're not having any visitors this year. All different reasons. Perhaps next year.
Next weekend is Showtime, which means this week there'll be lots of practices. I'm accompanying 5 groups, plus a magician - that needs background music (I have yet to locate in my repertoire.) It certainly keeps me busy. I'm happy.
Jil had a wonderful time seeing the space shuttle last Thursday. His blog has a video of his experience. http://www.junglejil.blogspot.com; It's good he could take advantage of it.
Friend Marcia had a birthday last week. Happy Birthday, dear friend. Sorry we didn't speak, but from your e-mail it sounds like you had a good time dining out.
Talked with daughter Nancy last night, and everything seemed to be going along as can be expected with a four (almost five-year old) and four month old at home. Very very busy. I don't know how these young mothers do with working and all. They all seem to do it though. Facebook keeps them in touch and they can relate with similar experiences. I enjoy reading about them and their comments.
All the news is done from this end. How're things goin' in your neck o' the woods?
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