Adventure Logan

Thie year we opted for an outdoor dinner – so we set up 4 tables in front of the Gallant’s trailer. Judy and Mike brought corn casserole, Marilyn and Danny brought peas/carrots and rolls, Earl and Liz brought sweet potato casserole, Gerrie and Dennis brought the dessert and we brought potato scallop. Each couple brought something to BBQ and the guys played chef. The weather was spectacular and we sat out until after 9.

Happy Easter Dinner

Our tables were set up under the Gallant's canopy - thought you might enjoy seeing the table sans the eating !

Easter dessert table - no calories there!

The guys did the cooking - Mike, Danny, Dave, Earl and Dennis

This is a super time of year here – we spend a lot of time at the beach!

Life Guard notes for the beach - love that 80 degree water !

Carol and Liz in their favourite location at Nokomis Beach

Liz and Carol at Nokomis Beach

Carol at Service Beach

Dave at Service Beach

Another beautiful site from the beach

Danny and Dave

Dave enjoying the warm water at Nokomis Beach

Kite boarding - fun to watch

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!

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!

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.

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.