I was off to yet another Red Hat event. This time I was with the Red Hat Flappers and we met for lunch and a gift exchange at the Jacaranda Golf and Country Club. The nice thing about the red hat meetings is that I get to try out lots of interesting eating places.
Since 2 couples were headed home for Christmas (Molly/George and Carol Ann/Charles) we all went for a group dinner out at the Saltwater Cafe. They have a great private room that held us all (and is even big enough for the larger gang who will be here in April). For the first time we went for the “early bird special”. Imagine drinks 2 for one and great price deals on the rest of it.
Justin was teething so the first one finished (Dave Logan – always first) got to walk with him outside and then as we finished each of the others took their turn so Janet could tend to John and finish her own supper. When I was out on the patio with him, a group of ladies out there at a table were discussing Justin and wondering if it was the same baby. I assured them it was the same baby just lots of different people taking their turn with him.
A really fascinating place to visit this time of year is a home on Mission Valley Road. It is actually an acreage where a family sets up a huge light display. The moving pieces are life-sized and contain over 180,000 lights. They are something to see. The gang (Molly, George, Gus, Mary Evelyn, Janet, Glenn, Dave, Jan, Dave, Carol and the 2 kids went). It was especially fun to see John’s reaction to it all. If you look closely, you will see that someone is standing in front of this which will give you a good idea of its size.
Bocce on the beach is a great way to spend time. We introduced the game to the gang today. The weather was wonderful, the beach area perfect for the game and the guys were the winners!!
Because two couples are going home for Christmas (Carol Ann and Charles/Molly and George) we had a brunch for the gang. The menu included eggs, pancakes, sausages, bacon, cornbeef hash, beans, fruit, toast and juice.
Charles, Carol Ann and Janet
Carol, Jan, George. Dave, Mary Evelyn and Molly
Dave, John, (Justin in stroller) and Gus
This evening we finally made it to Sharkey’s on the Pier. The weather was glorious – about 75 degrees and no wind so those of you who have been there know that it would be wonderful. While we waited for our table, we (Mary Evelyn, Carol Ann and I) enjoyed a Mango Bango – yippee!!
The six of us enjoyed the annual Christmas special menu called Hook Line and Sinker. For $20 you get an appetizer, entree and dessert. I had a large garden salad, a shrimp platter which included 6 fried shrimp and 6 grilled, and a key lime tart – delicious!! The band was great and we enjoyed the music and the people dancing. Just watching the ocean and the sun setting behind the pier was good enough for me.
Life wouldn’t be interesting here if there weren’t lots of projects to attack. This week we started and finished 2 medium-sized ones. I guess we are saving the large ones for the new year. Dave and I cleaned out the shed and laid vinyl on the floor that was left over from the lanai – pretty fancy floor for a shed. Bob Daniels – it was all for you so that your golf clubs will have a great place to be stored. The second project was an addition to the front steps. Last year we built the center section with steps and this year we added the two sides with compartments for storing the recycle bins and sand chairs. I got the task of staining it. Great addition to the front entrance!!
We have decorated the “tindominium” for CHRISTMAS!!!
This evening (4:30 PM) we all went to Nokomis Beach to have our first beach BBQ. [Mary Evelyn & Gus, Jan & Dave, Carol Ann & Charles, Molly & George, Janet & Glenn and their children John and Justin]
The biggest laugh was the flame when the guys lit the charcoal. We usually use a small portable gas BBQ but after 5 years of use it was put in the trash this week. So we will have to get a new one to prevent the flash fire that comes with charcoal.
On Wednesday and Saturday nights there is a drum circle at the beach in Nokomis. The group that drums down the sun to sunset was there and the following that they have danced and drummed for quite a while. One really interesting participant posed for a picture with Glenn, Janet, Justin, John and Molly.
I attended the Christmas Luncheon with the Queen Anne Red Hat Group. It was held at a member’s house and was potluck. Her house was decorated to death – all surfaces, walls and shelves in 4 rooms – amazing and overdone! Lunch was good though.
Adventure Logan 