Adventure Logan

Patio Party

On the 23rd we held the third annual Patio Party here at the Venice Municipal Mobile Home Park (VMMHP). The Canadian residents are the hosts and we plan and execute the event. Dave and Dennis were up at 6 AM to put the 6 pork shoulders on to cook. The guys and gals gathered mid-morning to make the pasta salad and coleslaw, to organize for the bingo and to decorate the outside patio space by the hall. At 4 PM we began with bingo (Earl does the set-up, planning and calls bingo), followed by a trivia sheet, and then on to the meal (pulled pork on a bun, coleslaw, pasta salad, potato chips and a cupcake). There is a 50/50 draw and lots of bingo and door prizes. It was a great event with 88 attendees and at least one who said that the pulled pork was better than the one served at Bogies Restaurant (which boasts the best sandwich in Venice) – good for us!

Patio Party Pics

Earl calling bingo

Judy did the ticket sales

Dennis did the 50/50

Mae and George

Mary and Carol

Liz and Marilyn

Charles and Carol Ann

Bob and Mary

Mike and Judy

Dave and I waiting for the bingo games to finish.

The Canadian Gang poses after the patio party

Birthday Bash

I had a truly wonderful birthday here at the beach. At this point in my life I am just happy to be here so the number doesn’t really matter (even if it is 62). I spent the afternoon at the beach with Dave, Mary and Bob, Claire and Ron, Liz and Marilyn. The weather was super and the water warm enough for getting in comfortably. After the beach, we came back to the trailer and had a BBQ with the Daniels and Greenans. The best part was the sunset and cake party when all 22 of us enjoyed a delicious cake called Raspberry Elegance at the beach by Sharkeys. I feel especially blessed to have had the chance to share this day with my closest friends!

Birthday Pics

If you are lucky enough to spend your birthday at the beach, you are lucky enough.

The gals at the beach - showing off our Angelina Jolie legs

Birthday BBQ - as usual I am taking the pic LOL

Liz, Carol, Claire, Judy, Mary, Carol Ann, Marilyn, Mary Evelyn, Molly and Gerrie

Bob, Ron, Dave, Mike, Gus, Charles, Danny, Earl, Dennis, George and me

Raspberry Elegance birthday cake - YUMMMY!!!!

Birthday sunset

Birthday sunset

St. Patrick’s Day

Our usual St. Patrick’s Day party was cancelled this year since there was a state dinner at the hall and we didn’t want to interfere in it. So with that in mind we headed to Nokomis Beach for a BBQ, bocce game and drum ceremony. It was a busy place and we set up on the upper boardwalk in the picnic shelter. The guys played bocce, the gals went to see the craft show in the parking lot and then we had the BBQ. Following that we drifted down to see the antics at the drum ceremony. Although we had lots of fun, we hope to return to the usual party on our patio next year.

St. Patrick’s Pics

Dave and Carol

Judy and Mike

Mary, Carol and Bob

Bob

Daniels/Greenan Visit

We were thrilled to have the Daniels (Mary and Bob) here for their annual visit – and the Greenans (Claire and Ron) for their first time together here. It wouldn’t be Venice if the schedule wasn’t packed. Somedays we wonder how we ever had time to work. We did a beach picnic for St. Patrick’s Day, dinner out at Pops on the water by Nokomis Beach and a trip to the Red Lobster, dinner here 3 nights (lasagna, steak, pork roast), dinner at the MacIntyres (turkey- my favourite), several trips to Panera Bread and assorted other meals. Both Thursday nights we played dominoes in the hall and of course lots of golf for the guys. There was shopping both high and low end and I am pleased to report that both gals have a “Goodwill” item added to their wardrobe. For me the big bonus was that they were here to celebrate my birthday with me at the beach. It was a super 10 days with Claire and Ron and we are sorry that their trip is over so soon and that they had to leave. Mary and Bob are here for 3 more days and we are filling them up as I write.

Daniels/Greenan Pics

Ron, Bob and Dave on our way to MacIntyres for dinner

Carol, Claire and Mary as we left to go to the MacIntyres for dinner

Carol and Dave

Mary and Bob

Claire and Ron

Dave and Ron at Pops

Gang at Pops

Boat along side at Pops

Mary and Bob at Pops

Boat on intercoastal as seen from Pops

Earl, Liz, Claire and Carol at Pops

Mary and Carol with tropical drinks at Red Lobster

At the Beach

Life continues to be super at the beach – here are some pics to remind you of why we love it here so much.

Venice Pier

I love watching the birds on the beach and can't resist taking pictures of them.

A day at the beach is a magnificent treat.

Dan Thornham (Liz Corkery's brother) was here for a week and loved the beach as much as we all do.

Tara’s Visit

Tara spent the post marathon week with us. For three days we did lots of beach time and enjoyed the fabulous weather. After two beach outings we went to Nokomis Groves for an orange ice cream. They have been in business for 63 years and it is a very busy spot after a day at the beach. Tara wanted to spend her last night at Olive Garden so off we went with her and the Munroes (who she has known for most of her life). We really enjoyed having her with us and hope that the next trip will be even longer as there are lots of things we want to do.

Tara at Service Beach

Tara with Venice Pier in the background - also a neat motorized para sailer

Arriving at Nokomis Beach for first time

Tara and I having our first orange ice cream at Nokomis Groves.

Snorkling on Nokomis Beach

Another gorgeous day on Nokomis Beach

Nokomis day 2

Tara Day 2 on Nokomis Beach

Looking south on Nokomis Beach

Dave with Day 2 cones at the Grove - yum!

By mural at Nokomis Groves

Tara with Dan and Marilyn at Olive Garden

Last night with Tara at Olive Garden