Wendy May's Journeys

Today, we just relaxed while Jackie and Ed awaited the delivery of their new living room furniture. Of course, we had to play with the electric reclining couches before we headed out for dinner. We met an old friend and his wife for dinner at the Texas Roadhouse. Tommy was a regular at the Americade motorcycle rally every June, in Lake George, NY. A Bronx native, Tommy worked for Con Ed for forty years. They still have their home in Duchess County, NY but they also used to own a winter home in West Palm Beach, but sold it last year and have built a new home, right here in Palm Coast. It sounds like Tommy may start pitching horseshoes sometime, with Ed. We enjoyed a nice dinner together, with lots of laughs and plenty of stories. When I think back on all of the adventures Brian and I enjoyed over the past 31 years, our annual trek to the Americade motorcycle rally, are memories that shine. My aunt Jill and uncle Mike introduced me to Brian just two weeks after they all returned from Bri

 Ed, Jackie and I went to St. Augustine today. We climbed the 219 steps to the top of the St. Augustine lighthouse. The views were spectacular. Next, we toured Castillo de San Marcos. What a relic. It's been standing since year 1695.  I really wanted to try the Fountain of Youth, but Ed suggested I not bother. He drank from the fountain years ago and reported no change in his youthfulness. He still acts juvenile from time to time, but I don't think that counts. We enjoyed a nice dinner at Aunt Kate's, overlooking the Tolomato River, before heading back to their home.

Today I left Winter Garden, and Linda & Steve. I had a great time being there with them and having some family time with Craig, Ali, Liam and Avy.  I stopped in Lake Nona for a visit with my Uncle Clare and Aunt Karen. Clare is my mom's older brother, he'll be 89 years old in September. He's been blind since birth and is an accomplished musician. He remembered my favorite songs, "Everything I have is Yours" by Billy Eckstine and "Snowbird" by Anne Murray. Uncle Clare is still a wiz on the keyboard. After thoroughly enjoying my visit and the music with Uncle Clare and Aunt Karen, I headed back to Palm Coast, where Brody has been pampered for the last ten days, at the "Lindaberry Spa." Jackie and Ed probably spoiled him rotten while I was gone. They reported though that Brody would sit outside their bedroom door and meow, starting about 6 a.m. I guess I'm the early riser!

Linda, Steve and I drove to The Villages to spend the day with Brian & Linda's favorite cousin, Bette Ann. Her father used to own a dozen or so cottages on Long Beach Island, NJ, back in the 50's and 60's and Brian and Linda would summer vacation there. I brought Betz, as we call her, a 1961 or '62 menu that Brian had saved from his youth, from Surf City Hotel restaurant. A jumbo shrimp cocktail could be had for just 90 cents, with Prime Rib of Beef for $4.50.  If the kids wanted spaghetti and meatballs, that was just $1.65. A slice of homemade pie for dessert would set you back 35 cents. Heck, a whole family could dine like kings and queens for under 10 bucks. Those were the days, eh? Betz winters in the Villages, and spends her summers on LBI in one of her dad's remaining properties which she had converted to side-by-side condos; one for her, one for her sister. They're just a block from the ocean.  Her home in Lady Lake, Florida is adorable. She painted a

Saturday, February 17th was family day. Linda, Steve and I met nephew Craig and his family at the country club for brunch. Liam and Avy brought me up to date on their hobbies, sports and school activities. Next, we headed to Avy's school to watch her basketball game. Avy's speed and agility is a sight to see, she moved on the court at lightening speed. She's very light on her feet. I'll bet her love for running and racing gives her an advantage some of the other kids don't have. Craig, Ali, Liam, Avy, me, Linda & Steve A few pics from our evening of playing cards: Steve is serious about the game!

Today, Linda and I drove onto the Disney property to have lunch at her favorite restaurant, The Grand Floridian. It certainly was a beautiful facility and our salads and quiche were delicious. One dessert sounded more delectable than the next, but we settled on sharing a slice of cookies and cream layer cake with chocolate ganache and a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which tasted fresh-churned. It was worth every calorie!  Steve and Linda came to my apartment this evening and we polished off the leftovers from last nights dinner, also at "my place." Tonight, we played a few hearty rounds of Rummy 500, and then decided to call it a night.

Yesterday we had a private boat ride around the Butler Chain of Lakes in Windermere. Our guides, Rick and Jerry, were the best. Young, humorous, knowledgeable and hip. They pointed out the former homes of Tiger Woods, Wesley Snipes and Shaquille O'Neal. Shaquille's home was 30,000 square feet, including a full-sized basketball court. Of course. The current homes of professional sports players, like Johnny Damon, dotted the lakes. The home of Lou Pearlman, manager of the Backstreet Boys, was quite elaborate, as were the homes of  Larry the Cable Guy, The Queen of Versailles (home is still a work in progress), and West Gate hotel tycoon David Seagal. In his divorce settlement, Mr. Seagal's former mansion on the lake was given to his ex-wife, along with a $200 million dollar award. The inventors of "Tupperware" and  "The Ab Roller" also sported compounds that were over the top. Shaquille O'Neal's former digs We not only saw mega mansions, but some a