Awake: 7:00am Temp 48 sleep 6+35 sunny overnight @ Punta Gorda, FL.
I Send my buddy Ray “Happy Birthday” wishes on the occasion of his occasion.
Mid morning we motor to Saratoga (50 min+) & visit ole friends who live in Ohio & spend (6) months each winter @ their home in Florida. Their gated community has over (600 homes); all 93 acres are owned by the residents & share the expenses of operation.
1st of all, Helen & Walt give us a tour of their winter home which they purchased (14) yrs ago; then we go on a tour of the community amenities: large outdoor swimming pool with indoor Jacuzzi, covered & screened bocce ball court, large clubhouse, workout room, pool table, kitchen, etc. The (4) of us played one game of Bocci Ball, guys against girls, of course; the guys got lucky & won
Back @ their home, Helen prepares a lunch of: beef stroganoff & noodles, freshly made bread with vinaigrette oil for dipping & a spinach salad with fresh strawberries & candied pecans; very tasty.
Next, with Walt driving, we motor west toward the Siesta Beach in Sarasota, FL., where the sand is so white & smooth; it is literally cool to walk on & walk we did, about (2-2.5) miles; such a beautiful day & a fantastic white sandy beach to enjoy. Not many bathers were in the water but many were content to have their beach umbrellas shading their bodies.
At the beginning of this adventure, Helen told us she had a surprise to show us @ the end of our tour today. “Is it picture worthy?” I ask. “Oh yes!” she tells me with a nice smile.
“Unconditional Surrender” they call it! The other version I’ve heard was: Victory Kiss or The BIG KISS: VJ day 1945. Times Square, a happy sailor grabbed a winsome nurse & planted a never-to-be-forgotten kiss. The big statue we looked @ is (25) ft tall painted aluminum. Just looking @ it was marvelous. Helen took our picture @ the base of the statue trying to emulate that big kiss; then Helen & Walt showed us how it should be done.
Back @ their place, Helen served us some homemade lemon cream pie & we continued our gabbing. All too soon it was time to take leave; we thanked them for their hospitality & the terrific touring adventures. We hope to see them again, if not in Florida, then Ohio perhaps this summer.
Back in our motorcoach, we Skype Nick in Seattle; we talk & watch each other for about an hour. Jerry called us by name but mostly was busy playing with cars & trains; Eriko busy preparing dinner.
Evening movie: “Tom Jones.” We watch ½.
Lights out: 12:02am
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