Florida Days, Florida Nights

My last few days in Florida meant taking in family time, relaxing pool side, filling up on German baked goods and coffee and nights of live music and cocktails lakeside.  Wednesday morning, I spent time reading in the sun-room before hopping on my Momma's bike to explore a bit.  I rode around their neighborhood and stopped into the diner for coffee and Floridian waffles.  By the way, it took me fifteen minutes to find the brakes on this bike...think old-fashioned bike with the cutest basket on the front, but no handle-bar brakes which had me totally confused.  Finally, I pedalled backward, accidentally, and hello brakes.  I was thinking the whole time, this is unsafe! But, got a good laugh anyway!

That afternoon, the three of us decided to spend some time at Lake Sumter Landing in The Villages.  Think quaint seaside village with a colorful waterfront, boats running on Cherry Lake and people gathering to enjoy a night on the square.  The famous lighthouse and sunken boat are two landmarks you don't want to miss.  We made our way to grab a bite to eat and enjoy happy hour and live music with a gorgeous lake view.  Lake Sumter offers many dining options, boutique-style shopping, and nightly entertainment all year long.  There is a reason The Villages is one of the fastest growing cities.  After filling up on coconut shrimp and fruity cocktails with oranges...because in Florida, you have to have oranges...we wandered around enjoying the perfect evening.

The next morning, and my final day in Florida, I had to make the usual stop at Yalaha Bakery.  The patio is always open here so we enjoyed iced coffee and baked goods, with a box of cookies to-go.  A quick stroll through downtown Leesburg before hitting up the pool for a little sunshine and relaxation.  Views of palm trees and marshland make this saltwater pool even more enjoyable.  A few hours of sun and we made our way one last time around the Plantation via golf cart, because that's how you roll here.  I made sure to have one more helping of my Momma's lasagna before I was packed up and headed back to the airport to catch my flight home.  

As I sat in the airport I had time to really think about this get-a-way.  Of course I enjoyed the day at the beach, hiking, and taking a swim in the springs but really, just time with them was the best.  Our nightly golf cart rides around the Plantation, taking Dodger on his morning walk, breakfast and dinner together, mornings and evenings in the sun-room or just being lazy watching a movie.  And it hit me, I was sad to leave but I'll be back Florida.  Flight already booked.  

See You Soon Florida Oranges 🍊

Shona

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Sunday In The Sunshine State

On our final day in Florida, the weather was a bit dreary, so we decided to just take it easy.  After a lazy morning lounging around, we ventured out for lunch to try a new Mexican place where the margaritas may have been flowing and decided to hit up a local German bakery as we made our back to The Plantation.  Yalaha, meaning "yellow orange", Bakery was filled with homemade pastries, so many it was hard for me to decide, I wanted them all! I opted for two sugar cookies, two hazelnut cookies, and this amazing dessert called the Sinkhole.  I had already tried their almond croissant and scone, which were nothing short of delicious.  Besides, they have the cutest little patio to hang out on!  While waiting on my Mom and Sis to finish ordering, I decided to step outside.  And unbeknownst to me, they snuck out the side door, hopped in the car and preceded to drive off, waving and videoing my reaction. Hilarious, I tell you.  I was totally distracted by the little older Italian couple that had just passed by me, saying hello, and I immediately wanted to engage in conversation with them.  Instead, I ran down my ride home.  Check them out at www.yalahabakery.com.

After having a food coma from lunch and baked goods, we hung out relaxing before heading to the pool.  Even though it was cloudy and a bit rainy off and on, we made our way via golf cart to enjoy the pool and views of the Plantation and marshlands behind it...I was hoping to see some gators, but maybe next time! The pool was a tad too cool for me but I managed it for a while before we hopped into the hot-tub. And did I mention, we had the whole place to ourselves.  As it started to rain, we headed back to the house, this time I was driving the golf cart and I am definitely a better driver that my sister, although I am sure she would disagree.

That evening we prepared to head home the next day, I always hate having to pack to leave.  And after having a light dinner, we moved to the sun-room and while Phil played guitar. My sister and I joined him in singing a few tunes ranging from Baby's Got Her Bluejeans On to I Think We're Alone Now to Walking After Midnight...it was a fun way to end the night.  The man is a genius too, his guitar playing and singing skills are like none I have ever heard.

We took off early the next morning and as we made it to the airport, we sat down for breakfast and two overpriced drinks before boarding the plane.  A quick flight back to KC, an Uber ride from the airport and my sister was headed home to see her family.  I feel so lucky to have been able to travel with her, much needed sister time for sure. Happy Mother's Day Shelli, I hope you enjoyed the trip!

Another successful trip to The Sunshine State!

Shona