Warm and sunny days mid and upper 70s and lately mid 80s- ahhhh warmth - Still!!
The weather has been outstanding!!
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Time to update the blog - and get into the rhythm of doing the blog - because we are leaving this wonderful place here in Longboat Key next Thursday - only 5 days away!!
In our last post we noted a visit with the Eagle One (thing after another) crew Rick and Kris. They moved to Marina Jacks in downtown Sarasota. We visited with them on Saturday - had to smile at the name of this boat - even the big boys have to pay to play.
We had lunch at the marina and then strolled uptown to wander the art show all along Main Street - it was impressive in its size.
On Monday night we attended a SRQ Ensemble concert celebrating 150 years of railroading - how appropriate given my career in railroading. The pieces were extremely varied. From Scott Joplin's ragtime piece about a real staged railroad crash to some eclectic pieces and one very poignant piece depicting the use of railroad cattle cars to move Jews to concentration camps
Tuesday we visited again with Rick and Kris. Had to smile at this size range in yachts.
We all "enjoyed" a round of Mexican Train - a domino based game. Kris and Faye accused the men of getting grumpy when they aren't winning - why would they say that Rick?
On Friday 2/15 we drove to Northport to visit Maine boating buddies, Bob and Paula and Scupper.
Some cute, eh? Sorry Bob I was referring to the dog.
Scupper wants to be part of every group!!
We drove to Punta Gorda for lunch at Fisherman's Village. It is a tourist mecca and adjacent marina, but I wonder if it was really a fish pier in its early life.
Back on the boat I still need my coffee and half a bagel to start the day - yum.
On 2/19, a trip to Ulta to stock up for the ride home was in order
Later that night we had a game of Mexican Train for two - remember the comment about the men getting grumpy when they lose? When let's just say I am not happy. Good job Admiral Faye!!
A walk around the marina is really wonderful and always a treat.
Well as our time here is drawing to a close it is time to ship the car home. My car guy asked if I could bring the car to near interstate 75. Neighbor skipper Dick was kind enough to give me a ride back. We ended up loading on the approach to the on ramp - not my idea of a the perfect spot - but it made it home apparently in one piece.
St Armand Circle is a wonderful spot at the south end of Longboat Key. There is much shopping and eating. We had not eaten at the historic Spanish based Columbia restaurant. We decided to stop after church and give it a try. It was great and most appropriate as our granddaughter Maddy and father/son Rob are traveling to Spain for a two week exchange trip with their school, Brewster Academy.
On Monday we got to go to a Red Sox pre-season game in Brandton. Ed and Diane, fellow boaters at the marina, and New Englanders, were kind enough to drive us.
It was a great day for a ball game - and great fun.
But alas the Red Sox could not hold on to their lead over the Pirates.😢
Diane's brother and his wife joined us for dinner - but look closely at that sweatshirt. That's hilarious.
You can get them at https://www.woodsandsea.com/
We ate at a nice place at Bradenton Beach
Rob - check out the "Moose" lodge
Wonderful evening to enjoy being outside
On Tuesday February 26 it was time to see Sarah McLachlan at the Van Wezel Auditorium.
OK my "Blues Clues" fans what is it?
Clue one: Many doors on the sides
Clue two: No other doors
Clue three: No Aisles
Very Good - you guessed it. Everyone has to enter at one end of their row and slide across to their seat. Not very convenient for late comers or those in need of a break. Never seen a theater like it.
But the show was wonderful. She played piano and guitar and had a women accompanying her on the cello or guitar. She played all her famous songs and the renditions were much more dramatic than the production versions on her albums. She has a wonderfully distinct style of singing that is even better live. So glad we went.
Took a ride to Sarasota to play pickleball with a fellow from the marina. We parked near an interesting war memorial. I had not been through this particular part of town walking so it was the first time I had seen it. It span wars from WWI to present.
Most moving was the photo placed of a solider, SSGT Peter Woodall, killed in 2007. His dog tag was even left on the small memorial. Thanks to all who serve or served, and to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Let us all remember we still have the greatest country of all, and servicemen and servicewomen who are willing to defend it and our allies.
On Wednesday 2/27 friends Richard and Betsy were kind enough to take us to Steak and Shake - a very good hamburger place - and then for shopping to stock up for our trip home. Richard is trying out the very comfortable chairs that those that don't need to shop find very appealing.
The sunset presented a wonderful wash of color around the marina
And today was the last "pickleball" day here at the marina. Fellow player Wendy, a Patriot's fan and a fun and energetic lady, was so kind and gave us this "pickle" ornament to remember our time here.
Some more boat maintenance to come - but oil and fuel filters are changed, boat is washed and waxed, and the bottom has been scrubbed by divers - so only a few more items and we will be good to go!!
And as we used to say to the kids when they were waiting for a big event, "Only a few more sleeps!!"
So I will thus say..........................
Good Night and May God Bless
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