Reminiscing--the First Leg of Our Trip

Our RV trip to Florida was wonderful on so many levels. We camped at Lazy Days RV Resort in Mango, just outside of Tampa. This park has it all. Lazy Days is huge and offers lots of amenities. One of the nicest perks was free Breakfast and Lunch. It is a large park and I got lots of walking time in. During our stay, we took a side trip to Sarasota to see a Spring Training game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Minnesota Twins. At Spring Training games, spectators are so much closer to the game, and the players. We had lots of fun.

Pirate Fans meet their mascots

The Parrot Does the Pledge

Pre-game lineup

I had worked in a school not far from Lazy Days for many years, and we had lived in the nearby Brandon area for over 20 years. After being away for several years it was fun exploring our old stomping grounds. Going 'back home' is always fun and there is a sense of excitement and curiosity driving around a town one hasn't been to in a while. First, we had to identify changes.... Where's Shelton's? There's a Dunkin Donuts there! Look, the Elephant is gone (a landmark statue that had stood for years).

Then there were the must-do's. Before we even got to Brandon we had identified the restaurants we would have to visit while we were in town. There was  a panic-stricken moment when we didn't see Jesse's. But there it was, and I started salivating as I dreamed of the prime rib I would order. We met friends, Jill and Dennis, for dinner which was so much fun. Jill and I worked at the same school for many years, and were cohorts in the Media Center for several. We won't talk about the glass of Merlot I ordered. Jesse's idea of a 'glass of wine' pretty much blows the idea of a "serving" out the window. And we were there during happy hour. You know the old 2 for 1 deal. Yes, I was exceedingly 'happy' as we left dinner that night.

There was the Ale House, which had been a tradition for us over a few years. Miller's Ale House was one of the few places where I could order steamed clams. We both ordered our favorite dishes, but the steamed clams were mine, and while I have had them other places, none were quite as good. There was one other memory that came to mind when we thought of the Ale House. Years ago they offered 'Bucket of Beer' night, on Thursdays. There was one year in particular, when both of us found ourselves in difficult jobs. There were many Thursdays, when as we were leaving work, one of us would call the other and say "meet you at the Ale House!!!". No other explanation was needed. It was a haven that year.

Of course, we couldn't visit Brandon without stopping for wings at Beef O'Brady's. Beef's started in Brandon and all other wings will forever be compared with Beef's.

Driving those roads brought back so many memories. But the most fun was when we linked up with old friends. We visited our old Sunday School class and lunch with many of them. And some friends stopped by the RV. Old friends are such a blessing. I think they are one of the great benefits of moving.

After we left Brandon, we headed to the east coast to stay at Wekiva Falls RV Resort, located close to our daughter and her family.

This park was located on a natural spring that offered a cool swim (72 degrees year round) in a lovely setting. It was also a large park and I walked it most mornings.

The nicest perk at Wekiva Falls is that it is located on a river and offers canoe rentals. Jen and Nicholas came over one morning and we took out two canoes. It was Nicholas' first time in a canoe and he handled the paddle really well. Jen rode with Larry so she could take photographs.
























There were lots of baby alligators sunning themselves on logs. I didn't mention to Nicholas that where there were babies, Momma and Poppa weren't far away.

But sure enough. One showed himself, just to drive the point home.

Hmm, Is it Momma or Poppa? Who cares? It's BIG!

Jen's Selfie with Dad

It was our last day in Sanford, so after our canoe excursion, Dave and Zachary joined us for lunch at the RV. The kids thought Granberry's and Paberry's 'home' was pretty neat. It was a nice way to end our visit.

After two weeks on the road, it was time to move on. This time it was to Savannah. I always hate leaving the kids. We had such a great visit with them and I always love seeing those boys!

But I found as it was time to pack up and move on, I was excited. More about that.... next time.