Dateline Dayton — Our Florida vacation was different this year because we were off our cruise ship early for some reason.  Normally we choose the time. Mysteriously, ot was assigned on this cruise.

After leaving the port, we headed out of Tampa, towards Venice.  Since we hadn’t eaten, Pauline and I stopped for breakfast, which turned out to be in Sun City.

By noon, we arrived at the home of our friends Ray and Darlene.

After unloading our car, we were on our way to the jetty for hot dogs.  Later we visited downtown for ice cream.   Thursday evening dinner was at the house.

Neither Ray nor Darlene is in the best of health, so our St. Patrick’s Day celebration was low-key.  We did go to a nice place on the water for dinner. Everyone was there only for a meal. No music. No celebrating.  Many didn’t even wear green!

After breakfast at home Saturday,  we visited the outlet mall so I could buy a couple pairs of shoes.  This excursion takes place every two years.   After my shoes, the girls purchase some clothes and I get a popcorn popper. Finally, we were on our way to find food.

We ended up at Hooters in Bradenton.  Our evening meal was at home.

Sunday we went to church. They were going to have a retreat and the priest who was giving the retreat spoke at Mass.  He was wonderful, a down-to-earth speaker.

We all agreed we would attend the retreat.  Darlene cooked a tasty breakfast, and we went out with our friends Joe and Pam in Venice for dinner.

Favorite Pastime

Monday always is Shopping Day because it Senior Day at a local store.  After our shopping was complete, back to the house for a light lunch, a rest, and then we headed for the retreat. Church was packed. We settled for a seat in the last row.

Tuesday was a home day, relaxing by the pool.  In the evening we were at church. We left home much earlier to get a better seat.

Wednesday we ventured out for lunch at the Old Salty Dog, another must on our Florida visit.  Again we left for church early, for the final night of the retreat, which was excellent.  We were all glad we took time out of our vacation to attend.

Thursday was our final day in Florida. We went to Snook Haven for banjo music and an excellent meal.  Ray ordered ribs, which had the most meat on them that I ever have seen.

We started back to Ohio on Friday, and we  decided to take the long way.

Next week: The trip home. Back to reality.

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net