Tuesday-Thursday, March 8-10

 We are back home from our little getaway up north.   It was a great time with family/friends and of course, plenty of good eating!

Tuesday - we were off to 7:30 Mass at St. Francis and then Peter's for coffee/breakfast.   Then to St. Petersburg with a few stops along the way.   We had not been to St. Pete since our accident (3/3/2010) and so today, 12 years and 5 days later, we drove past the restaurant where we had dinner, thee intersection of accident, hospital, marina and walkway on Pasadena Boulevard where they wheeled me back to Catrina 2 weeks later.   My oh my.............all the memories!

 Arrived at our friend, Mike's condo at 12:40.    We met in 2018 in Brewerton, NY and he was preparing to do the Great Loop (solo) on the new boat he had purchased.    Unfortunately, 2 locks later, he fell on the dock and injured his back.    This resulted in his selling the boat and eventually buying a condo in St. Pete.    We had wanted to get together last year but Covid???    He is from Greece and loves to cook.    He wanted to prepare a meal and catch up.....so today was the big day.    And he also invited other friends, Seward and Meg (+Phoebe) from CT (have their boat in Brewerton) who are spending several weeks in St. Pete in the same condo complex (what are the odds....total coincidence)!    So, Mike invited us all for lunch and we opened the door to welcome Seward and Meg - talk about a total surprise.    And then it was non-stop chatter over a delicious lunch.............soooo fun!!!!

Here we are with Mike
Seward, Meg and "Phoebe"
Pat and Betty

Later we went to Meg's Mother's condo (where Meg and Seward are staying).    3 years ago, we met Betty in Brewerton - what a delight at 92!    We all had another visit with Betty who is so sharp and fun and spry!!!    And then it was time to say good bye.     Hoping Mike can come to Fort Myers sometime before we leave?   🤞🤞🤞

Off to Lakeland with awful traffic around Tampa......45 minutes later than originally predicted, we arrived at my brothers.    Glad to be here and of course, left shortly after for dinner at Harry's (a favorite for all).    We had a wonderful table outside on this gorgeous evening looking at all the lights on the trees - absolutely magical!     Food and drinks were sooo good.    We are staying with Ron and Vicki for next 2 nights.    Visited for a short time and then off to dreamland - been a big day!

Wednesday - Vicki had a light breakfast and then off we went to see Bob and Linda's new home in their park.    It's a double-wide mobile home - really nice and they hope to be totally moved in by this weekend - so much more room and a water-front view!!!

We went to Tarpon Springs with Bob and Linda - Mark and I hadn't been there since 2016....always enjoy this neat town on the water full of sponges, soap and oh-so-good Greek fare.    We decided on an early lunch at Hellas which is where we always eat and of course, just awesome    We each had a gyro and shared a big Greek salad....yum, yum, yum.    What are the odds, 2 terrific Greek meals 2 days in a row!!!    Linda and I enjoyed some retail therapy (lots of touristy shops) while the guys sat in the courtyard - beautiful day!

THEE best gyros anywhere!!!!!!!!!

Back to Lakeland and stopped at Dan and Sue's (Bob and Linda's friends/neighbors) to meet other friends from Mendota.    We sat and gabbed over a glass of wine and other drinks.    Fun and nice meeting Ken and Lori.    Then onto Ron and Vicki's - changed clothes and before we knew it, it was time to eat again..............oh, the tummies are feeling abused!!!

But another wonderful meal at a new place to the brothers/girls......"Frescos Southern Kitchen" downtown.    It was sooo good!     Ended the day with a short visit and time for bed.

Thursday - Vicki made this beautiful breakfast 

Very berry French Toast

Said our good byes to Bob and Linda, Ron and Vicki and we were off again.   GREAT time with my siblings and the gals!!! 
Vicki and Ron
Linda and Bob

Next we were headed to Lake Wales and lunch at Crazy Fish with friends, Butch and Joyce who drove northeast from Frostproof.    Always have so much fun with these fellow RVers from Champaign, IL (met in Okeechobee several years ago.)     Lots of catching up over another wonderful lunch (love Crazy Fish) and then we drove to The Ranch Coffee Shop and Tap Room.     What a neat place downtown serving breakfast, lunch, coffees and beers (opened in 2020).    More visiting over our coffees and then time to say good bye.....
My seafood (shrimp, scallops and calamari) salad

I love shrimp in any way, shape or form.....Mark and I agree that of all the shrimp we've had around FL this winter, Crazy Fish has THEE BEST!!!!

Butch and Joyce at The Ranch

Next and final stop was in Arcadia at the Ranch at Arcadia Palms RV Resort to see Mark's sister Joan and Joe.    Sat on their picnic table and of course, lots of laughs.    We are so happy that they are having such a fun winter in FL and getting out and about doing and seeing so many things - good eating, of course, too!

Joe and Joan

Home at 5 - tired but happy campers!    Great little getaway!!!

 

No comments: