All last week I struggled with a spot to spend the upcoming weekend. All forecasts pointed to a rainy weekend along the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. We've been landlocked for most of the season and I was itching to get out to some water to kick back and soak some rays. Unfortunately, all my attempts to put together a nice spot somewhere along the panhandle failed. No hotels. So I opted for maybe a total change of venue.
New York? Las Vegas? San Fran? Seattle? Raleigh? Either there was no hotels available, no inexpensive airfare or the weather wasn't permitting. Oh well.
In the end we went to Bradenton Beach along the Gulf of Mexico. The day started out clear and sunny. Perfect beach weather. Rachel, El and I packed the truck up for the trip and we were off. It was a little bit of a haul past Clearwater Beach, but my stipulations were simple - white sand; clear, warm water; no traffic; and no tourists. The opposite of Clearwater Beach (which is closer to us).
I tell you what - Bradenton Beach and it's surrounding beaches (Coquina and Anna Maria) may notbe the most well known, but that's a good thing. When we arrived we pulled right into a parking space. I parked right next to a beach walkway which ended right at a perfect spot. Plenty of room on the white, soft sand and it wasnt even remotely crowded.
I spent plenty of time laying out and slipping into the warm water for a swim. Now I remember why we wanted to move to Florida in the first place. Alot of family and friends think that we are a hop, skip and a jump from all the beaches. Not so.
I've always lived no more than 20 minutes away from the beach (yes, even in Savannah) and kinda took it for granted. But in Orlando we are easily an hour and a half away from the nearest beach. The drive is definitely worth it, though, if you go to any along the Gulf of Mexico. There the beaches are the best I've seen along our travels. El and I made a vow to try to make it out further along the Panhandle towards Destin and Seaside this season (I think they filmed Truman Show, with Jim Carrey, out there). And don't let the shark attack stories scare you - they aren't as often as you would think considering all the publicity they've gotten in the past few years.
Monday, June 27, 2005
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Father's Day Special
Welp it was done. The Ultimate Father's Day Gift. Cher did one none of us have been able to do yet. None of us were able to make it to Charleston for Father's Day, but Len was able to take them out during the weekend to celebrate. During dinner at Carrabba's she gave her his gift which didn't leave a dry eye at the table apparently...she was to have their first grandchild. Whoa. That's pretty heavy stuff. Thinking on it that's quite an accomplishment. Cher has definitely come a long way by leaps and bounds. Me and El are very happy for her! It's funny to think that she's expecting a package from the stork - the same girl in her Holy Spirit Day School t-shirt, white skirt, drooping eyeglasses and black (HARD) patent leather shoes kicking you in the shins (or the next available closed door). Pleng Pleng. February is the due drop date and we'll all be hanging on to the edge of our seats. Congrats - but you're still a little brat!
Saturday, June 18, 2005
No Rest For The Weary
Wow! Back-to-back visitors hit us last month. Right after my family visits for a few days we had more people come out and hang for almost a week. Joe and Lalaine came out East from San Fran and Jen from Virginia. It was cool to see more friends, but damn were we beat up tired!
What did we do all week? Welp the girls made it easy on me and did lots of shopping, spa treatments and chick flicks. Hopefully that'll hold El for awhile and I won't be forced to watch any.
Finally the weekend rolled in with Joe and we took them out downtown and to some of our fave eats and a couple of bars. It as good fun, but I'm looking forward to a weekend of laziness without having to cook for large groups anymore.
What did we do all week? Welp the girls made it easy on me and did lots of shopping, spa treatments and chick flicks. Hopefully that'll hold El for awhile and I won't be forced to watch any.
Finally the weekend rolled in with Joe and we took them out downtown and to some of our fave eats and a couple of bars. It as good fun, but I'm looking forward to a weekend of laziness without having to cook for large groups anymore.
Saturday, June 04, 2005
Saturday Memorial Weekend
Rick and Donna decided to sleep in and bypassed our visit to the Winter Park Farmer's Market. Cher, Rachel and dad headed out early to Canaveral to jump on the Casino Cruise. Meanwhile I took madre with El & I to shop for the week's produce and get a jump on the weekend.
This mini reunion meant alot to me. Not because it was my birthday weekend (why else would they call it Memorial Weekend?), but because the past six months had been stressful on everyone. A change of venue to destress was what everyone needed. Although I knew it would be a good bit of work, I was looking forward to seeing everyone.
El and I picked up Ricky and Donna Friday afternoon from the airport. Mom, dad and Len came early(!) at 9pm. Just enough time to do a quick dinner Friday and let everyone relax a bit before we got our weekend underway.
This mini reunion meant alot to me. Not because it was my birthday weekend (why else would they call it Memorial Weekend?), but because the past six months had been stressful on everyone. A change of venue to destress was what everyone needed. Although I knew it would be a good bit of work, I was looking forward to seeing everyone.
El and I picked up Ricky and Donna Friday afternoon from the airport. Mom, dad and Len came early(!) at 9pm. Just enough time to do a quick dinner Friday and let everyone relax a bit before we got our weekend underway.
It was a hot ass day at Epcot. Any shade was welcome. Mom and I catch our breathe at Mexico. Earlier I bought a round of Tangerine Cocktails which no one but me liked. I was pretty hammered by the time we got to Japan. AWESOME.
It was my mom's first time to Epcot so I hope she enjoyed it. Unfortunately we didn't even get to see half of it - so hot and so much to see! We finally left around 6pm. The best ride of the day was the tram taking us back to the truck...
It was my mom's first time to Epcot so I hope she enjoyed it. Unfortunately we didn't even get to see half of it - so hot and so much to see! We finally left around 6pm. The best ride of the day was the tram taking us back to the truck...
Busy day! As soon as we got back from Epcot I got started prepping food for the dinner cookout. Whew! I had a hot date with Sandman as soon as dinner was put away. Ribs, steak, grilled corn, veggie kebobs, asparagus, and fresh fruit was served. Some easy music was played outside as everyone chilled out watching the sun dip down at the end of the day. Leftover day on Monday!
A Rare Shot of The Family
Taken at Celebration right after brunch. I never realized how rare it is to have a family photo where everyone is present.
Sunday
Sunday morning was spent heading out to the Celebration Farmer's Market and having brunch at the diner. The weekend had been extremely hot and I didn't think my pops was up for another cruise out to sea deep sea fishing so I cancelled late Saturday night. Just as well - the captain said the boat was jam packed and the fish weren't as active because of the heat. Oh well - we were able to spend more time together.
It was a great ending to a great weekend I think. We haven't had good laughs like this in a long time. Most of the end of last year and the beginning of this year was very stressful for everyone and I think it helped everyone relieve some stress. I realize it was a lot of work, but it meant a lot to me to have everyone together having a good time. Thanks everyone for making my birthday so memorable!
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