Florida and Friends

The past two weeks included stopovers with several old friends in various friendly places in Florida.  Our homes were in two Elks lodges, a beach resort and now at a casino near Miami.   Reminiscing and sharing new experiences with these folks is good for the soul.

Our spot at the Brandon Elks had full hookups at a cost of $15.00. The location is off the busy roads and  pleasant, even if there is a train that runs occasionally next to the park.  It was a nice place for Jerry to hang out while I had a girls getaway with my good friend, Karen. There aren't too many chances for the two of us to get together in our current lifestyles. So we have a lot of catching up to do when we can. Karen and I went off to the Tradewinds Resort in St. Pete Beach for a few days. And luckily, we had lots of sunshine and temps in the low 80s.  We walked the beach, relaxed in the hot tub, enjoyed a Christmas parade on the water, and reminisced a lot. Closing down Sculleys restaurant and the Hilton Christmas party will be on our list of new memories. Thanks Karen!

Then we moved about 130 miles south to the Elks lodge in North Fort Myers, where parking is available to members without charge.  We boondocked at this location with rving friends Mary and Elaine.  The surroundings are safe and quiet and there's plenty of space.  Bob and Nancy have a winter home nearby. Gathering with the four of them was a bonus for us.

We've tried to cross paths with these folks this summer without success.   It's been about two years since we shared walks, talks and more in the deserts of the southwest.  What a group!  We can always count on sharing good stories, laughs, food, drink and advice.  For instance, how about escargot stuffed mushrooms for lunch courtesy of Mary and Elaine? Or Nancy's double chocolate brownies? Or Elaine's guidance on the local thrift stores? Or Bob's assistance with our fridge?  There's never any lack of stimulating conversation and smiles while around this group.

And the other day we made a new friend who is an old friend of Mary and Elaine's ..... Alma.  Here she is with the girls.  What a fun experience talking with Alma for the evening as we had hamburgers expertly grilled by Mary.  Alma has entertaining stories of her life, growing up in London, living in Cypress as a young married, and then on each coast of the U. S., until she is now settled in Florida.  Alma's knitted creations are yet another tale that the girls have touched on at their blog in the past. (www.cannellane.blogspot.com) We all had a great evening with her.

And now we're moving further south in the state of Florida, situated at the Miccasukee Casino near Miami.  The six of us are parked in the lot, sharing meals and telling lies as we all meander our own ways in southern Florida.   It's on to the The Keys for us from here.  Good wishes to all our friends!