Friends and Art Fairs

My friend Bonnie's journey to Florida took a little longer than she had anticipated because the weather in Florida caused her plane to be delayed coming into Milwaukee.  She took off 2 hours and 40 minutes after the original departure time, but she made it here to Florida safely by 10:25 p.m., so we were home well before midnight.

Friday was a day for us to all get reacquainted and for Rick and I to show her why we love to live in Dunedin.  In the morning light, we showed Bonnie what we have done with Gladys.  The "morning light" was not great since it stormed most of the early morning, but as most old ladies know, being seen in a soft light is not necessarily a bad thing!  Bonnie seemed to approve of what she saw, so we are glad that she likes our snug little home.

After the weather cleared, we went downtown to look over Dunedin.  Since Bonnie and I always celebrate our birthdays (March 19 and March 21) with dinner together on March 20, we had a delayed birthday celebration by going to Eli's.  The smell of barbecued chicken and beef met us a block away from the smoke-shack; sometimes I find it hard to order when my mouth is watering that much!  Bonnie chose the pulled pork, Rick chose the roast beef, and I selected the white chicken.  When we got home, both Bonnie and Rick had sandwiches heaped up with meat.  I opened my carton and found a huge chicken breast and wing slapped between two pieces of bread. I had enough food for two people! Eli's mild barbecue sauce was just the right touch for a delicious meal.

Bonnie and I went back downtown after lunch for a day of shopping.  Bonnie bought two candles that she needed for a very unique candle holder she owns, and I had a great time re-exploring the quaint shops of the downtown area.

One of the places that we visited was the Art Studios of Dunedin.  One of the artist there told us that on Saturday Tarpon Springs was hosting the largest art fair held in the area.  Since we wanted to go to Tarpon Springs anyway, we decided to make a trip there for the day.

On Friday evening we returned to the downtown Dunedin after dinner for a walk on the pier at the Marina and for an ice cream treat at Strachen's Ice Cream shop. After the ice cream and walk, we returned to Gladys to relax and to read.  Rick worked on the computer, calculating taxes. Some people just do not know how to relax.

Today started out windy but bright.  We packed a picnic lunch for the day with delicious sandwiches from Publix Grocery Store, and then we were off to Tarpon Springs.  We arrived early which was a good choice since the Art Festival was reported to attract 20,000 people.  The Art Festival was held in a park around a series of lagoons, so the setting was almost as interesting as the art itself.  Rick and I tried very hard to find some art at a reasonable price that we could hang in the kitchen, living room, or dining room.  He seriously considered two pieces but ended up not buying anything.  Bonnie tried very hard to buy some jewelry, but she also walked away empty handed.

Bonnie poses by one of the lagoons in the
park where the Art Fair was held.

At noon we left the Art Fair and went to Fred Howard Park which is a fabulous wooded park and beach.  The beach is located by going over a causeway to an island which, obviously, has a beach on all sides.  We spent a relaxing afternoon lounging in lawn chairs, walking the beach, and reading books.

Bonnie relaxes on the beach.

Today was, on the whole, a very fun, relaxing day.  We are glad that we have the time and the sunny weather to show Bonnie why we love to live in Florida in the winter, and why we have worked so hard to make Gladys a comfortable home.