Wintering in Florida

Although I'm missing the mountains I can't say I miss the cold weather everyone seems to be getting these days!  It's strange to be in an area that is so flat (and low elevation!) after living at elevation and climbing mountains for so many months this year but we're soaking up the sun and enjoying some "down" time.

On one of our morning walks we were pleasantly surprised to run into an old friend, Jennifer, we met here almost 2 years ago.  We lost touch as she had lost her cell phone and had to get a new number (what would we do without these things!).

Cheers!  Becky and Jennifer

We've also run into some friends from out west and enjoyed an evening at a dinner show.

Matt & Connie with our awesome host for the evening

Thanksgiving used to be "our holiday" back home so it's always strange to not be busy in the kitchen all morning preparing a feast.  We did get to spend the day with family in Largo with Michael and Sharon, Tom's cousin and wife.  We took a drive to the beach before feasting on turkey and tofurkey.

Thanksgiving day with Sharon & Michael

Michael and Sharon showed us Ryan Howard's (Philadelphia Phillies - 1st base) new home (mansion!) he's building on the beach.  I wonder if he'll invite us over for the grand opening since we have season tickets (to sell - sales pitch for Tom).

A friend from where I used to work in PA was in Disney with her mom and son for Thanksgiving week.  It was so great to see you Susan, Nicholas and Mrs. Sherr!  We had a great time at T-Rex Cafe and walking around Downtown Disney.

Legos!

Susan and Nicholas

Nicholas and grandma (Mrs. Sherr)

Nicholas with lego Hulk

Lake Louisa State Park is just up the road from us so we spent a few hours checking it out.

I don't think we'll take our inflatable kayaks here!

Tom's niece and here mom, Bri and Kim, were down from Ohio for a soccer tournament in Sarasota so we met them for dinner in Anna Maria.  We enjoyed a beautiful sunset on the beach before dinner; our first gulf coast sunset in a few years.

Bri and Kim

On Monday we head further south to Wachula for 2 weeks and then to the Punta Gorda/Port Charlotte area for 5 weeks.  If you're sick of the cold up north, come down to visit!

Til next time...Happy Trails!