Sunsets and friends

 While searching for our dream boat, we got a little distracted with side attractions such as a disc golf game....Florida style....lot's of Spanish Moss and palms everywhere....all the while looking for that lurking gator.




One of our main goals once we landed in the Tampa Bay area, was to have Tim's bad shoulders taken care of through the VA Hospital here.  As it turns out, the doctors can't diagnose any specific problem through the MRI's and examinations, so we've decided to wait further on any type of surgery (and hence possible long recovery), but rather combat the inflammation and pain with good old "Vitamin I" (IBU Profen)....a miracle drug in it's own right.  Onward thru the fog we go......

......with another fun stop at a large sand sculpting contest on Siesta Key near Sarasota, FL. 





Did you know that they spray a water downed Elmers glue all over  the sculpture to hold it together?  Quite a lot of talent in something that is so temporary....more time than money for sure.

It's me, Al 

And then one night, we finally rendezvoused
with Alison---Leslie's first room mate in college 1977....once again, without skipping a beat---we picked right up where we left off about 30+ years ago......except we didn't stay up all night like those good ol' days.....
"ah, ha, ha, ha, staying alive....staying alive"  (yep, the Bee Gees---lots of disco I must confess----it was the era---along with the Rocky Horror Picture Show------geez, I digress)

wow, man....$1.50 drafts...

So anyway, we have had a wonderful experience playing...... and then playing some more all around the mid-west coast of Florida----life is not only a vacation, it's a total beach at this point.

Sandhill cranes on the golf course behind Mike's house where we've stayed for a month now.....really cool bird watching.

Our deepest gratitude to Mike for many things, including his extensive knowledge of sailboats---but mostly for being a good friend

And speaking of good friends.......

 this beautiful sunset memory is dedicated to our dear friend in Santa Fe, 
Steve Bailey.....
rest in peace.....we'll miss you    







Coming next-----our new sailboat, "Fiesta"---
an Island Packet 35 :)