Adventure Logan

Settling In

We have been here for almost 2 weeks and are slowly getting into our Florida routine. The weather has been super – most days are high 70s to low 80s. While that is great, it has impeded some outdoor work plans. Dave and I got rid of all of the overgrown plants out front – thinned them out, gave some away and replanted for a fresher look.

Then we disposed of the 6 large planters on the side which were also very overgrown. In their place Dave laid a row of patio stones which has cleaned up the side considerably.

I rearranged the patio area – bringing 2 chairs out from the lanai and moving the other things around.

Dave has  bought 8 lawnscaping timbers which were needed between our property and Dottie’s next door – the ones we put there 7 years ago are rotten. We need to work on the back yard yet but that is really just some weed killing and furniture placement.

I have gone to one Red Hat lunch – the gals range in age from mid 70’s to 90’s – so I get to be the baby of the group. They were so excited that I was back for the winter and are anxious for Liz and Marilyn to return too. They are all very busy ladies and certainly remind me that I should be more active.

Dave has been golfing with his guys at Lake Venice Golf Club. He wears his boot and manages quite well – rides the cart as per doctor’s orders. He has had the boot on for 28 days so the end is coming up. I am impressed with how compliant he has been.

We also got together with Carol and Stephen Hiltz for lunch – finally! It was great to catch up and have sometime for ourselves. Hopefully we will be able to meet many more times in the new year when they return after Christmas. There is a golf game and shopping in our future. Guess which Carol and I will be doing!

After nearly 2 weeks (and the weather has been fantastic) , we made it to the beach. There were lots of people around town for Thanksgiving so we weren’t going to come over until they had left town. So we made a plan the night before to go to the beach no matter what. It never disappoints.

Last night we finally made it to my favourite pizza place – Ntinos. The pizza was worth the 6 month wait for sure.

Happy Birthday Dave – Day 1 in Florida

Our first day has been a busy one – first it was Dave’s 68th birthday so he was happy to be in the sun. He is wearing a walking boot as he has a stress fracture in his right foot ( 2 bones) and he was getting annoyed with the pant tucking he had to do in Nova Scotia – so the shorts are a blessing. We spent the day getting some of the many set-up tasks done. First on the agenda was the outside as we had our car stored under the carport which is actually our patio. Dave sprayed for weeds – they grow like wildfire during the summer and we dragged all the outdoor furniture out. Tomorrow we will work on the planters which all need to be reworked. So we saved the best for last and went to “our beach” to celebrate tonight. The temps were around 81 F (27C) today so it was a perfect sunset and supper at Sharkeys.

Happy Birthday Boot Boy

So much sand so little time

On Venice Pier waiting for our table

First sighting of the beach

Venice Pier – Feels like home

Beautiful sunset

Enjoying the first mango bango of the season

Annual Trek South

Yesterday we headed South for the winter. While we are happy to return to our little beach house, we will miss family and friends who are staying in Nova Scotia this winter.  Our flights were on time and we had no problems in either Boston, Atlanta or Sarasota. Since we left at 1PM we arrived here later than usual – although I really preferred the late start. After arriving here at 9 PM we got our rental car and headed to Venice. Things all appear to be good – we will see if our car works tomorrow when we reconnect the battery. After a quick trip to Walmart for a few groceries for the morning, we watched the news and Dave headed to bed. I will follow shortly! Glad to be here and looking forward to getting into our routine. The forecast for the next week is for 75-80 degrees. Today (it is already Wednesday) is Dave’s 68th birthday so hopefully we will see the beach and celebrate a little!