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| Picture Taken At The Northeast Tip Of Anna Maria Island, Florida |
.....as seen through my eyes!
By: Jacqueline E. Hughes
Dan and I have always let family and friends know that our home is open to visitors anytime....as long as we are not out traveling ourselves, of course! When our offer is acted upon, we are like little kids anticipating an exciting time in Paradise and, neither our visitors nor ourselves have been disappointed in all our years in Florida!
The past several days have been no exception! It's been what I affectionately call a mini-family reunion with brother-in-law, Chris, driving down from Georgia on Friday evening and Leo and Susie, brother-in-law and his lovely wife, arriving a few hours later on a late flight out of Detroit.
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| Susie And Leo Soaking-Up Some Rays! |
So, with the 'lipstick pink' azaleas blooming around the perimeter of the house in the front yard and the sweet olives alive with their tiny white flowers and orange essence surrounding the pool area in the back, the adventurous, long weekend begins. Main objective being that of rejuvenation, relaxation and reconnecting, the three 'R's' that help to 'educate' a happy adult lifestyle.
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| Three Brothers, Their Cigars And Many Stories Shared! |
Now, I believe that there is an art form to enjoying the swimming pool in the middle of the winter....especially in Florida. Plunk down and absorb the Vitamin D, add a liquid refreshment in any category to the mix and proceed to communicate with one another. Laughing over uncomplicated stories that have resurfaced from the distant past is a convenient ice breaker and plenty of that had been going on the following morning. When three brothers get together to reminisce about their past, it always makes for an interesting time.
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| Susie And I Soaking In The Vitamin D? |
Unfortunately, Chris had to cut his visit short and head back up to Douglas, Georgia early Sunday afternoon. I loaded him up with a container of my homemade turkey chili, fresh bread and other various goodies to take back home and enjoy a hot, home-cooked meal that evening. I know it's an old cliché, but making sure everyone is 'fed and happy' makes me feel like I'm doing something positive for all....
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| The Warmth Of Cocoa Beach And Sand Between Our Toes |
Since 'Fun in the Sun' with sand between our toes was a main attraction for all of us this visit, we donned shorts, sandals and grabbed our sunglasses before heading for the shoreline at Cocoa Beach....a mere thirty-minute drive away. The gentle waves skimming the Atlantic waters greeted us as the sun kissed the top of our heads with its golden warmth. Walking towards the popular Cocoa Beach Pier in the distance, we held our sandals and felt the cool sand beneath our feet.
What a magnificent afternoon......and, five miles later, we tumbled back into our car wearing happy faces and anticipating tomorrow's visit to the Gulf coast via Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key!!
It is said that a picture can be worth a thousand words......
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| Risotto With Leeks And Asparagus |
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| Three Bean Salad With Turkey Sandwich |
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| Lobster Bisque And Caprice Salad |
Enjoying a very delicious lunch at The Waterfront Restaurant of Anna Maria Island. Our compliments to the chef!
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| The 'Rod And Reel Pier' Of Anna Maria Island |
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| Ready To Walk The Beach At Longboat Key |
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| Dan And Leo On Longboat Key |
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| The Beauty Of A Gulf Sunset |
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| Bracing Imbibing Pleasures At St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL |
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| Our View From The Second Story Bar At St. Armands Circle And Lido Key |
Like everything else......all good things must come to an end. Fortunately, we will always have our own personal memories to remind us of our 'Fun in the Sun' weekend, as well as the many photos taken that captured the beauty of the Floridian Paradise we live in and always desire to share with family and friends.
Until next time........!!!
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story is dedicated to the memory of Ed Williams who passed on Valentine's Day. He and my cousin, Linda, married for over forty years, enjoyed their time together vacationing at Cocoa Beach, Florida, each year. My heart and love go out to you, Linda, at this very sad time......
Copyright © 2015 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved
