Dateline Dayton — On Wednesday, March 9, Pauline and I left on what we hope is our annual trip to Florida. We were invited by our friends Darlene and Ray to spend a week with them, in a home they rent for a couple months, in Venice.
Leaving a day earlier than usual, we wanted to arrive at their place on Friday afternoon and we were going to visit my aunt and uncle in Sun City. For those reasons we felt a two-night trip would be easier. That would allow us to take Jake, our dog, to the kennel in the morning, one less night he would have to be there.
The arrangement worked because I was able to make a couple favorite stops along the way, the first at the Mast General Store in Knoxville, a great place to visit. There are other locations, one being near the Biltmore Estates, where I became familiar with this store. I like circus peanuts, and the Biltmore has them individually wrapped. That is great because they stay fresh longer. I also bought candy to take to Darlene and a few postcards for my collection.
Collecting Evidence
The other stop was at Smiley’s Antique Mall, just south of Gainesville, right off I-75. I found a mug from the Sand’s Casino and a metal car, another of my collectibles.
On Friday morning we visited my aunt and uncle in Sun City, and they are having health problems. Uncle Dick was in a rehab facility near their home. We visited with Aunt Alma in the lovely home they purchased last year. And then we went to visit Dick. For a rehab facility, it wasn’t bad. But neither one is happy because they don’t know what is taking place and can get little information.
After three hours with them, we went across the street to get something to eat prior to heading on to Venice. In the evening, we went out to eat with Darlene and Ray, enjoying excellent Florida seafood.
On Saturday morning Ray and I went to a flea market at the Dome, which was nothing. We ate at the house, and in the afternoon we met up with another couple, Nan and Gale, Nan being one of Pauline’s and Darlene’s stitching buddies. They had invited us to their community center, for a jam session.
The Sweetest Music
All of the musicians are retired, from various walks of life. Every Saturday they play for almost two hours. It’s a well attended event, so you better get there early, if you want a seat for this outstanding musical event.
Afterward, the program we went to the Island, downtown Venice, visiting some of the stores where I purchase postcards. We had an early supper at Luna’s, where Pauline and I shared a lasagna dinner. That evening we went back to the beach to view the sunset. A number of people were there, some with drums, a few dancers, and a beautiful setting sun.
Sunday it was church, and again this year, the Knights of Columbus were sponsoring a pancake breakfast. We did our part to support the event. In the afternoon we went to the beach, and the weather could not have been better. That evening we went back to the Island, meeting Nan and Gale for supper. After a delicious meal, we adjourned to Darlene’s and Ray’s for a heated card game. I was able to win, , with help from Ray.
More next week.
Sweets for My Sweet?
One sad note: The one-eyed Dolphin, which I wrote about last year, supposedly has died. The story is, a drunken lady fed him too many Twinkies. Being diabetic, the sweets overload was more than his system could handle.
Mr. Hennessey, who is celebrating St. Patrick’s, may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net
