OBSERVATIONS - IN RANDOM ORDER

We are BIG lovers of the Maggie Mae's across the street from us.  Larry loves the spongy(in a good way) pancakes and accompaniments!  Every meal here has some moments where  we discuss what we have previously eaten and what we plan to eat next. Amen!

Among the pricey stores in the tiny mall across the street is a t-shirt shop that will guarantee to insult or embarrass anyone.  Here are this year's favorites....

And here we have the beginning to dinner at Cody's Roadhouse!  Happy Hour is 2 for 1 - So you wait to be seated on Wednesday, fajita night - another 2 for 1 - with a drink in both hands!!!  We don't plan to miss a Wednesday.

AND FINALLY - MAN VS DOOR

The door has taken a distinct dislike to Larry's way with a key!  We lock and unlock that door at least 4 times a day.  So far Larry has 2  times opened it on the first try.  Door 30 - Larry 2

REROUTED

It is cool and breezy today so we decide to head south to the 'Big Cat Habitat' to help round out our Florida experience ( no physical rounding out needed for us).  If you travel with Larry, you soon realize that there is a zoo or aquarium in your near future.  It may start like this..."What would you like to do today?"  "You mentioned the Big Cat Habitat..." and we're off.

But today is Tuesday and as the sign above declares - THEY ARE CLOSED!  Never fear 

 The Mote Aquarium is near!

 We visit Nemo and the largest display of Jellyfish I have ever seen--- all this and more, in the Florida waters you will be swimming in!

 Larry's favorite - the Lion Fish.

 And I love the various Sea Urchins - seen here being prodded by me.

The aquarium does not disappoint.  It is an excellent display of Florida sea creatures and probably will be on your 'Larry' itinerary when you come to visit.  "What would you like to do today?"

We head back to our favorite sunset spot - just in time to catch the evening display.

Saying THANK YOU for all the years - and the gifts that are OUR CHILDREN!

BUENOS NOCHES!

The Sun Did Not Shine - It Was Too Wet To Play

Knowing a storm was on the way, Larry and I head out to power walk before it's too late.

As we round the bend, this gentleman appears in the typical Florida senior with a dog gear.  Don't bother to check the stroller for the cute baby - it's for the comfort of the dog only! I laugh to myself but realize that soon - very soon - I will probably be having my picture taken. 

  On the way back, I am reminded how lush and green Florida is!  I have been missing leaves on the trees and flowers.

Home before the rain.

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY!!!

Before the day begins, I must pay tribute to last night's sunset.  Larry declares that it is the most spectacular one yet.  

No matter where we are, we always plan to stop and enjoy the sunset.  

Sunday begins with  the first shelling of the season.  The beach this morning is a treasure trove of color and size.  Larry believes I will pick up just about anything and tries to help me find the best shells.  After rinsing and sorting, our cache is on display.  Our joint effort is below.

 Larry's masterpieces have their own plate!

Then, it's off to breakfast at Maggie Mae's - the local version of I-Hop - I'm happy.  Unfortunately, it is not the hidden gem we hoped it was.  Ugh!  The wait is about 45 minutes long - time to check out the expensive stores nearby - this is the door to what I call the second wives shop - stuff I would never consider spending money on but know a second wife will load up on!

 Finally, we are called for breakfast!  Porky and Petunia are seated!

 As we make the difficult choice of pancakes or biscuits, sausage or bacon  - our days down here are full of such choices - we then tackle what will complete the SuperBowl spread we are building around pizza.  Yowza, there should be Plus size store close by.













After breakfast, we decide to power walk and then read books by the pool.  Some things here never change - owl that guards the pool and.....

the cool crowd that snub us by the pool.  I kid you not - these people circle the deck chairs around 10am and hunker down for the day.  Guy in the far right of picture is giving me the stink eye. I may have to throw Tootsie Rolls in the pool before we leave!

Huzzah! We arrive!

The sun is shining and the sky is bright blue as we cross the bridge into Clearwater Beach. Thank goodness we arrive in time to get the essentials purchased before sunset.

Success - we are ready to take possession of the condo.

our first power walk!

Spoiler alert - our condo!  The whole wall in the main room is mirrored- so double us - ick!!! Every time we look around - there we are.  

Even the bedroom is mirrored!  We are NOT those people!  I feel us being altered already.

But sunset rights all wrongs! 

Ha Ha - we can't selfie!

But there is no one else on earth I would rather share a sunset with!

Is it too early to pick out your spot for Super Bowl?????

On the road again

Car packed with most of the essentials  -  wine for me  -  twizzlers for Larry - we head off to Clarksville and the Quality Inn.  I smile as I think how happy "Quality" makes Larry.  But we have become Porky and Petunia Pig as we head to the breakfast  bar! As pilot and co-pilot/navigator we need nourishment!

I guarantee you this is more fun than it looks!

Hold That Smile - We Haven't Left Yet!

Here we come again, mmmm-mm-mm
Catch us if you can, mmmm-mm-mm
Time to get a move on, mmmm-mm-mm
We will yell with all of our might

Catch us if you can
Catch us if you can
Catch us if you can
Catch us if you can