March 14th, 2019

I believe that yesterday I got half way through our adventures with Hurley and Jessie (where apparently I had 4 terrible hair-days. Looking at the photos now my first thought is...yay...the kids!  My second thought is...yuck...my hair)

The last two days were a lot more low key.  We spent a lot of time on the beach.  Well who wouldn't?  I mean, really.  It's right there and it's gorgeous!  There was a lot of exploring, wading, re-applying sunscreen (play smart!), relaxing and even a little napping.  There is just something so soothing about the combination of the soft sand, the warm sun and the sound of the waves....  None of us are immune to it and it is addictive. 

We did some local exploring, checked out a few open houses (why not?) and little local shopping.  In the evenings we talked and laughed and played some games and worked on a massive jigsaw puzzle and even watched a tiny bit of TV.

They introduced us to a great Mexican market and restaurant that is right around the corner from us that we had no idea even existed (!!!).  We took them for a wonderful brunch at a terrific french restaurant that we enjoy from time to time.  It was a hit by the way.  But we also ate at some existing favourite places that Hurley and Jessie had already visited and enjoyed at previous visits.  In fact there are now enough places here that they already know and like, that we didn't have time to grab a meal at all of them!   

We talked about places to go, places to eat and things to do at future visits. The keys, the Sugar Festival, the east coast, the Tampa area, just by way of example.  We rated everything "best meal", "worst meal", "biggest surprise", "best ride", etc.  And we talked and laughed some more.   We told funny stories, shared crazy opinions, asked interesting questions and ate more cake and more cookies (and despite our best efforts still didn't finish either one!) and tackled the puzzle yet again. (it's still not done but it was a valiant effort and a noble beginning!).

All too soon, it was time to take them back to the airport where, naturally, we stopped at a coffee shop that has now become a traditional on-the-way-to-the-airport spot.  The Sarasota Airport is small but we wandered through both of the little shops and admired the fish in the giant aquarium before lots of hugs and and thank you's and  good byes and a few tears.  We are always so sorry to see them go.

But we had a terrific time filled with adventures and explores and good food and even better conversation.  We managed to get in some relaxation as well as great fun. And we cannot wait until we get to do it all over again!