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

A Day At Sea

The Atlantic Ocean, International Waters, and views that I have never seen before.  While in Florida, we surprised my sister with a day trip to cruise around the Atlantic, do a bit of gambling, eat a lot of food, and enjoy top deck views as far as the eye could see.  I had never been on a cruise ship before or that far away from land surrounded by the ocean blue, but I am ready to go back!  The ship wasn't a massive one, definitely tall enough to keep me from getting to close to the edge, but rather the perfect size for a day at sea.  I really wanted to take the role of Captain, but I figured that wouldn't be allowed.  I did get a pic of him scoping out the waters with binoculars, I am guessing he was looking for icebergs.  I am so bummed I forgot to take my spyglass...

We boarded the ship and started the day by touring the four different levels it had to offer. We found the top-deck bar...of course, and then headed to eat lunch.  It was buffet-like but they served you and when I say served you, they did not skimp on food.  Pasta, fish, bacon...I am sure I had at least a pound of it, potatoes, rice, vegetables, salads, and desserts...which I had two of.  We found our way to the gambling sections of the boat and with using only the money that we received with our tickets plus a bit my Mom and Phil surprised us with, we set out to win.  And were we ever lucky...we all came off the boat ahead and took home some extra cash!

We spent the last hour or so on the top-deck, it was hot but we had some cocktails, and with the sea wind blowing across the stern, it was a perfect ending to the day.  As we watched the storm clouds roll in about the time we were getting ready to dock, we headed inside to avoid getting drenched.  A typical time for rain to hit the area, but it was a cool site seeing the storm coming towards you and many other fishing boats racing to get to harbor.

Thank you Mom and Phil for the amazing day!

A Day at Sea is the Life for Me. 

Shona

Sun, Sand, and Dive-Bombing Seagulls

I'll do just about anything to get to the beach...a two hour drive with two of my favorite people just to see and feel the salt filled ocean and sand between my toes.  We decided on Clearwater Beach since neither of us had been there and since it's supposed to be one of the best in Florida, we headed out early to spend the day soaking up the sun.  Besides, I had already checked out the places to eat and found the cutest little joint just two blocks off the beach.

After finding rock-star parking, we found our perfect spot for the day and set up. Three beach towels, one umbrella, lot of sunscreen, snacks and water...because they don't allow "drinks" on the public beaches. But don't worry, we took care of that beforehand.  The water was the perfect temperature, not too hot or cold and I found that most people spent their time there.  It was nice to lay out for a while but the salt water was too nice to pass up...and the views of passing sailboats was just the view I needed.

But then this happened.  As we were eating our cheese, crackers, grapes and pineapple...because I can't imagine eating anything else at the beach, the seagulls started to surround us.  Almost as if they were talking to each other, like..."these people have food, get here quick before it runs out."  At first, no big deal...and then it happened.  Out of no where, one dive-bombed down and took the cheese right of Shelli's hand..as in beak-to-hand and I have never seen her jump up so fast in my life.  Apparently there was one hovering over my head but I was laughing so hard at what had just happened I had no clue.  Literally one of the funniest things I have ever seen in my life and apparently everyone else around us found it just as funny.  And so that was the end of lunch...it was either that or Shelli wasn't going to return to the beach towels...she hates birds.  

After gaining our composure and spending a few hours at the beach, we wandered around the local shops before hitting up Pearly's, which was perfect timing too...as it started to downpour right when we got there.  Seriously the cutest little beach bar, all outside seating, surfboard tables, bright orange and teal chairs and serving local beer.  We opted to share the Gnarly Nachos and a Blackened Fish Taco and I tried the Clearwater Honeycream Ale, which was perfect for a sunny/rainy/humid afternoon.  On the way out we stopped by Whiskey Joe's, it was Happy Hour...and enjoyed a few cocktails on their outside patio before heading to their Beach Bar where you could enjoy more ocean views with your feet in the sand.

A day on the water is always a good day.

Until next time Clearwater Beach...keep the seagulls at bay. 

Shona