Adventure Logan

Sharkey’s was a great destination for supper – great temperature and only a slight breeze. I had my third mango bango of the season (not a big drinker eh).

For those who have requested here are some beach shots to remind you of the summer days we hope you will have this summer. It has been very warm (80’s) this month and we make a point to go to the beach most days.

Dave and Earl

David, Danny and Garth

Marilyn, Carol and Florence

Carol and Liz

Every Saturday on Nokomis Beach (near Venice, Florida) around dusk you can observe a drum circle. A very interesting experience. Many of the participants are doctors, lawyers, accountants, teachers, engineers and other professionals. And then, some are just “mature” hippies. Whatever the profession or economic status, they all come together to fuse their drums and cymbals into one rhythmic beat.
We have attended this rather interesting drumming down of the sun many times this winter. Early on it was cool but people still braved the weather to see the spectacle. There are belly dancers, hula hoops, lots of drummers and many participants.

Since my birthday, we have been so busy that posting has been more than slow. I hope it is not a sign of the advanced age! Florence & Garth and Marilyn & Danny arrived on the 30th. Mary and Bob left on April 1st after our goodbye/hello party. We have all played dominoes at least once a week, several happy hours, 2 visits to the drum ceremony at Nokomis Beach, had a Masters party and a large potluck at the Gallant’s – Harry and Nancy from Daytona were here for some of that. Garry and Marlene Burke from the condo home were here to visit along with her sister Ann and husband Jack. The gals have done the big Goodwill shopping sprees as well as 2 weekends of yard sales. Easter the large gang (20) went to Ophelia’s for dinner. Of course Liz and I continue our weekly card course. When the sun shines, we manage several hours at the beach. It is amazing that the six months is almost over.

Liz and Earl’s son Bryan is the executive chef at Fox Harb’r – he treated us to a gourmet meal while he was here. To say it was fabulous is an understatement! He was so generous to do it while on vacation. The appetizer was seared scallops with carmelized onions, apple balsamic beet reduction and juliened cajun apple sticks.

Main course was bacon wrapped filet mignon with vanilla scented sweet potato puree, herb roasted cherry tomatoes, asparagus and sauteed bell peppers, roasted mushrooms and red wine espagnole sauce.

Here I am with Liz, Bryan, and Liam.

I received 4 bouquets of flowers (from Mary, from Valerie, from Tara and Trevor and from Janet/Glen/John and Justin). It was quite a surprise to have them all arrive and be such a highlight of the day. Since I am writing this 2 weeks later it is good to mention that they all lasted until mid week this week (except Val’s which are still very nice). Notice that the flowers all bloomed more and more each day so it was interesting to see the changes the days brought.

The raspberry cake was beautiful and delicious. Mary Evelyn had it made for me and added the Belgian chocolate shells that Valerie had sent me.

My birthday wish was for a BBQ at the beach so it happened with the help of the gang from Nova Scotia. Dave and Bob dragged stuff to the beach and the gang found space among the dunes where the wind wasn’t too cool.
Although it was a windy day, the guys ventured to the shoreline to play some bocce.

To begin the celebration of my 60th birthday Mary treated me to a great pedicure (along with flowers, balloon and a cooler). It was lots of fun and we laughed lots while we were being pampered.

Our annual St. Patrick’s Day party was a success. Over 40 people attended and the weather was ok for sitting out. It was our 3rd annual and it grows larger each year.

After a long wait, we finally managed to make it to the beach for a BBQ. It was a goodbye for Shirley Landry and a hello for Mike and Judy. It was cool as the sun was setting but food always tastes good by the sea so we were all happy.