Florida Trip/Vacation

From the coolness of Fort Worth to the muggy 80s in Tampa, Florida, we made our trek to visit my Mom and Dad yesterday. We burned up our AAdvantage miles and came first class. The trip was the smoothest ever with the exception of Vicki "hiding" a can of Diet Dr. Pepper in the backpack I was carrying through security. Well, it was discovered! The inspector asked if I wanted to drink it outside the security area...like I really had the time to just get out of line and have a soda. Anyway, another item "confiscated."

Got the rent car from Alamo. After completing all the paper work they sent us to the car lot with instructions to just "pick out a car." The keys are in the cars, so we just picked one from about a five or six different models. We ended up with a Dodge Charger...big enough to carry everyone (Mom, Dad, Dave, Vicki and myself).

Headed for the Holiday Inn @ River Ranch in Sarasota. Checked in, took a short nap and headed for "Il Villaggio", formerly known as Bradenton Missionary Village in Bradenton where Mom and Dad live. Village owners changed the name to attract rent paying residents. The primarily missionary residents do not pay rent, only utilities, hence making it affordable.

Visited with Mom, Dad and (brother) Dave for awhile. We had not seen Mom and Dad for more than two years. Both are doing well. Dad is two months into knee replacement surgery recovery.

Took everyone to dinner at The Outback. Celebrated Dad's 82nd birthday. After dinner went back to their place and watched some of the first game of the World Series - Phillies vs. Yankees.

Back to the Holiday Inn. While getting ready for bed Vicki managed to drop her ring (not wedding ring) in the toilet. Just know that it was not worth fishing out. Use your imagination to fill in the details or ask her about it. :)