Oh, time flies when you’re having fun…
We’re heading back home tomorrow. The drive is daunting, but what can you do?
Yesterday, we stayed home and lazed around by the pool.
I planted myself on the wicker sofa and read some Pat Conroy. Don read and swam. We felt like we were at a spa.
Around dinner time, we headed to Frenchy’s so Don could sample one of their famous grouper sandwiches. Our plan was to catch the sunset over the ocean, but we were foiled by too much cloud cover.
These two continue to bond.
Meredith made this critter during our time here – Lovey Lamb. (Pattern by Alicia Paulson.) Adorable. It was originally for her, but…
Someone really likes it. (Is he not the most beautiful child?)
It’s a good thing Meredith is already starting on another Lovey Lamb. She’s had Alicia’s Maggie Rabbit kit for a good long while (I made her a few years ago) and she has decided I should make it for her. So, I will. It will be a good project to tackle when I get back home.
Such a lovely visit. I’m missing my cottage, though, and it’s time to head back. If only I could twitch my nose and transport my loved ones to my home as needed. Wouldn’t that be lovely?
Don has fallen in love with Dunedin and Safety Harbor and this beautiful neck of the woods. Universe: we’d love to find some way to spend a few months here every year. We’re turning it over to you.
Yes, I’m part Irish. And no, I don’t really give a fig about St. Patrick’s Day. Never have. But if you celebrate, enjoy!
Happy Thursday.
I think Little Z will miss you both very much! Have a safe trip home.
It sounds like you and Don have had a wonderful time with your family in Florida. I hope your wish comes true, Claudia. I miss some having family nearby.
I’m reading the Prince of Tides. Have you read it?
Sue
xo
I always hate the long drive home! I know this has been a wonderful trip and Little Z is truly adorable. Safe Travels.
hugs,
Linda
It is funny, I was thinking how much you would love it if you could live closer to Buddy and here you are perhaps wondering the same thing! I hope that the universe makes it happen for you! xx
The drive home is usually not nearly as fun as the drive to a destination. I think it’s the happy anticipation of seeing family and new sites. I am so happy you’ve both had such a wonderful time. Hopefully you will find a way to go back often. I think that little guy is going to miss you as much as you’re going to miss him. Alicia’s kits have certainly been popular. Since I’m not much of a seamstress I have never made any of them, but I sure enjoyed seeing the ones my friends have made. Love and hugs to Meredith and you two have a safe trip tomorrow.
Blessings, Betsy
Safe and uneventful travels as you head homeward bound. Sounds like you have had a wonderful trip. So glad you were able to spend a bit more time with Meredith. I’m sure the cottage has missed you!
I realize it’s a long drive home…but there’s lots to see along the way! I’m hoping the Universe shines brightly for you. That’s basically our goal/dream too…to be able to go some place warm for 6-8 weeks every winter. From what I’ve seen of Meredith’s home…it’s looks like the perfect retreat! Wishing you safe travels! ;)
He certainly is a beautiful child…those big brown eyes just melt my heart…I don’t blame him for snitching that cute little lamb…Tell Mere her home looks so nice…I think it would be wonderful if you two could spend a few months there every year…I bet a certain little guy would be happy for that too…Have a good trip tomorrow…
What a wonderful time!! Safe travels for you and Don and may all your wishes come true.
Have you looked into the theater scene in that area of Florida? Perhaps you can find a theater gig…yes, work, but being paid to be there. Or Don can find a singing gig? Safe drive home. I’m happy for you that the visit was a huge success…leaving is always difficult.
Those eyes! Little Z’s eyes are beautiful. It looks like you have had a wonderful visit.
If that area does not have an active theatre group maybe you could get something going. That way you would have a working reason to visit more often.
He is indeed a beautiful boy [not to mention a lucky one to be part of your family]. I’m lovin’ those polar “bar” pjs of his too. Really cute. Partly-Irish me wishes everyone a wonderful St Patrick’s Day. Lots of sun here – ? – and VERY windy. And I haven’t a clue why, but I LOVE windy days. Always have. And I just got a car wash coupon online so I’m going out now to enjoy this sunny, super-windy day. Be safe getting home – and don’t hurry if you don’t need to… ???
In reading your posts, it is obvious you have both had a wonderful vacation! Your nephew is a very handsome boy and it looks as though he has really enjoyed having you both visit.
Have a safe journey home.
Yes, Z is THE most beautiful child. Meredith and her family are wonderful people.
I hope to see you the next time you head down to Florida. You are always welcome at out home.
I think you are beginning to see the appeal of Forida even with all it’s flaws
Kay
Claudia,
Those pictures of Don and Little Z are so heart-warming. Little Z has an angel’s face.
Enjoy your trip back. If you take 95, I would caution you to try and bypass Jacksonville as it has bad traffic, and at rush hour it is truly awful. I-295 can take you around the city and will put you out on 95 north of the airport. There is also a road called 9-A which also gets you around downtown Jacksonville, but people drive like flaming maniacs on 9-A.
There is a Whole Foods just off I-295 at the San Jose Drive exit if you want to stock up for the trip home.
I pray you can work it out to come to Florida for the winter. That would be great!
Safe travels…
xo
Sheila
Claudia, Your sister and little Z is going to miss you and Don. What a fun time you all had. It was nice that this trip could happen. Wishing you both a safe trip home.. One day you may be able to spend a month or two in Florida . Blessings, xoxo, Susie
Safe travels home, even though it will be sad for you guys to go (all around). Yes, Little Z is indeed a beautiful child.
I love Alicia’s blog (Posie Gets Cozy).
I’m in the middle of The Great Santini. Wonderful read.
Happy welcome home! No matter where you have been, across town or across the country, it’s always a wonderful feeling to get home.
Your adventure was fun for me too, as I loved reading about it and seeing the pictures, so thanks!
Thank you, Kelly. It was a pleasure!