Dateline Dayton — And now for the final installment of our Florida vacation.
On Friday it was time to start our journey north, although we didn’t travel far because we were spending the weekend visiting our son in Tampa,
After breakfast with Darlene and Ray, getting the car packed and saying our goodbyes, we were on our way. We had told Chris we should arrive at his office about noon. At 11, he was on the phone asking our wherea-bouts. I told him we should be there about 11:30. Just made it.
Chris had taken the day off. He was going to give us a tour of his office. However, Lisa, his supervisor, agreed to do the tour. Afterward, we headed to his apartment, stopping first to make accommodations for Friday and Saturday nights.
I suggested something to eat, reminding him that we would need fish. He was trying to think of a place when I suggested Chinese. That made it easy. The perfect place was right down the street.
No atmosphere and the service left something to be desired. The food, though, was great. Chris told us it’s difficult to get in at dinner time and that you never know when or how your meal will be served.
As expected, Chris didn’t have anything planned, so we ended up going to a movie. A beautiful sunny day in Florida and we’re in a dark movie theater. Neither Chris nor I had seen “The King’s Speech.” Pauline had, but she was willing to see it again, a great movie.
It Is Tampa Time
When we were now able to get into our room, it was time for supper. We went into Tampa and had a lovely fish dinner on the water.
Saturday, although Chris spoke as though he had something in mind, upon his arrival at our hotel, he began asking us what we wanted to do. I suggested the pier in St. Petersburg and the harbor in Tampa . He agreed.
The pier is a unique structure, shops and restaurants, which of all things they want to demolish. I was thinking at least they won’t be able to make it a parking lot, but they could; only it would be for boats.
The harbor area in Tampa is where the cruise ships arrive and depart , with many shops and restaurants. After visiting the harbor area we had a sandwich at a small deli in downtown Tampa, which was really great. From there it was back to our hotel to get ready for church. After church, we were on our way to pizza at a small shop near where Chris previously lived.
Sunday morning, we were to meet Chris for breakfast. However a friend of his was ill and called and asked if he would take him to the hospital. So we were on our way to home, stopping at two antique stores in Georgia that day.
On Monday, we made another stop at the Mast General Store in Knoxville, purchasing a few items. We arrived home safely about 5, and fortunately, everything was in order.
We are already looking forward to next year’s Florida trip.
Mr. Hennessey, who is celebrating St. Patrick’s, may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net
