Final Entry and Observations

We've made it home...
 In the time frame between the last post and  now we spent a lot of time on the beach

We spent time celebrating Birthdays

and a lot of walking.

We even found a great supply of fresh fish called Captain Anthony's. where we had a long chat with his wife and grilled some great fish:

Now for the trip home... Sadly the last look at  our beautiful  room

The Drive:

We planned on a  two day trip instead  of our usual 3 day leisurely drive for a couple reasons.  First, we've been on the road for almost 3 weeks,  secondly we  have commitments for  meetings and singing.
We left Saturday morning.  MA took first driving shift .... after about 45 minutes I took over.  We ran into a HUGE traffic backup that took 2 hours to break.   We also hit backups in Atlanta.  After 11 hours on the road we stopped in Chattanooga.   We were both quite burned out.  Asked for a good place to eat and the desk clerk suggested a hole in the wall BBQ place.  We went and it was a hole in the wall, but the BBQ was excellent.

Sunday we hit the road and it was clear sailing.  Got home about 4:30, perfect timing to recover from the road burn and go to our meeting.

Our friends that we were with in Florida aren't leaving until Monday..... we should  have done that ... in retrospect.

Another trip is over,  photos uploaded, suitcases emptied, clothes washed.  I am already missing the call of the road...... the waking up in a different place each day, checking the weather maps and hitting the road to see new vistas.

This trip to Anna Maria gave me a lot to think about.  Mostly about the people on the road that we meet, the direction of our society, and life in general.

One recurrent thought is about one of our favorite dives on the island; Skinny's. Here's this burger place,  kind of a beach bar that accepts only cash.  Fantastic burgers and onion rings.  It was established in the early '50s by a young couple from the east coast.  They vacationed on the island and ... essentially never went home... the place has been in their family since and it is a very popular place on the island. 
I see that and wonder, what would have happened if I had visited Anna Maria in the '70s????   What a life!

As I told MA, I feel blessed with the life we have, and very happy with our lives, friends and family.... but there's always that 'What if'.......

Now about the fellow travelers on the road.  MA suggests that they shouldn't be referred to as 'Road Warriors' because that connotes people at work on the the road.... traveling sales, truckers etc.  Can't call them weekenders because we do more  than weekends.   Alas I am at a loss ... but will come up with a catchy phrase soon.

These people are sometimes easy to identify on the road.  Shirts/blouses hanging across the backseat, the passenger, with feet on the dash, reading to the driver with map in hand.  The kind of transportation is varied.  We travel in an Accord Coupe.  From sedans to mini vans to fully decked out full sized vans to RV's and campers.   These fellow travelers are usually friendly, outgoing and helpful with suggestions about routes, sights and dining.  I will be writing more about our fellow travelers and observations about life on the road in an upcoming blog.

Until our next trip; may the wind be always at your back,  the sun not in your eyes and may you always reach your destination(s).
 Safe Travels to All
and thanks for reading our blog.


Peace 

Getting used to this living!

In the past when we took vacations, we would sometimes opine that it takes  a least a  week to forget work and get into the groove of 'vacation living' (what ever that means).  I guess it still holds  true now that we're retired.  Even though we're retired, this is still a vacation because ... it's warm out..... we're  almost right on the ocean.... and there are days I don't get out of a bathing suit.

Our days usually start with a long walk on the beach.  Typically 2.5 miles one way.  If we head south on the beach we  end up  a the Bradington Beach  and Beach Bistro.  If we head north we pass the 'Sandbar Restaurant' 
Once we return, we clean up and get on with the  day.  Which for  the most part is either hanging on the beach or at the pool with books (kindles) and wine  or beer.  Of course we discuss  what's for dinner, whether we  eat in (see previous pictures of MA grilling) or out.

One indication that I'm getting comfortable here was two evenings ago.  I broke away from the pool to  play guitar in the Orchid Garden alone.  This is a secluded place here at Haley's.  While playing, some people from Chicago dropped in.  Not wanting to be a  burden  I suggested that I stop playing... they were quite convincing that they wanted  live music.   I ended up playing about 1 hour to 10 people.... something I don't normally do, outside of church.  Very fun.

Of course the other indication of being on vacation is that we go out to eat more.   One of our guilty pleasures is  a dive called  Skinny's.  They have the island's best cheese burgers, and hamburgers.  You walk in, place your order at the bar (note: they only take cash)  they draw your beer in a frosted  mug and then you wait for your burger (oh and the onion rings are great too).

We do go to nicer places... but sometimes you just  have to do what you have to do......

So to sum up today's thoughts One can be on vacation even being retired.....  secondly it still takes  a  little time to get in the groove.

Now I have to end this.....for today as a glass of wine is calling my name, as is my guitar ... next concert in the Orchid  room coming up!

next... some thoughts on the rich, the middle class and  poor....

The Fisherman and his Wife Pictures

Thought  you would enjoy seeing the offerings of the great place to get fish....
Note on the sandwich sign their web  site info .... yes they ship!!

The top fish is ours!!

Where they filet the fish

the fillet as  well as potatoes and onions

The Fisherman and His Wife

It's Tuesday and it rained most of the day yesterday but it wasn't cold so it did not dampen our spirits as we celebrated my birthday.  Nancy and I went to a yoga class instead of walking on the beach yesterday, so today we decided we needed to walk.

It was sprinkling off and on but it was warm so we walked down toward the Sandbar - about a mile away.  As we approached the one mile mark, we decided to walk up to the street side and go to Rudy's for breakfast and then walk to the Anna Maria Island Museum.  It was raining again and we thought that would be a good way to stay out of the rain.

As we walked around the Sandbar toward the street, I spotted a sandwich-board sign across from the parking lot on Spring Street.  I reminded Nancy about the woman we met at the yoga class who had told us about this place to get fresh fish.  Her description indicated that this was the place: Captain Anthony's.  We walked toward the place cautiously since it wasn't yet 9:00 and we weren't sure it was open. 

There was a woman working in a screened in room who waved and said "Hi."  When we asked about the fresh fish, she invited us in and showed us the fine examples she had - red grouper, brown grouper, wahoo, red snapper, and tuna.  She had several ice chests with all of the fish kept covered in ice.  Her name was JoAnn and she told us all about the fish her husband, Captain Anthony, had caught yesterday.

We talked for several minutes about the fish and I asked which was the best to cook on the grill.  JoAnn recommended the red grouper.  I told her we would be back later to buy.  She said she would be here all day unless she was eating ice cream on the beach 100 yards away.  It was clear to all of us that she loved her work.

We ate breakfast and went to the museum (tiny!) where we learned the history of Anna Maria Island.  The land boom here began in the 1950s when, as the museum volunteer explained, air conditioning became popular!  The aerial photos of the island in the mid-fifties, mid-sixties, and mid-seventies told the story.  This island that was once deemed too much trouble to settle is now packed with people and houses!

We walked back to Captain Anthony's and waited while JoAnn took care of other customers.  I asked for 1 1/2 lbs of red groper - she had a large fillet that weighed slightly more - and 8 ounces of smoked fish spread.  We got to talking and JoAnn showed us the large smoker for making the smoked mullet and the large walk-in freezer where the stone crabs that are shipped out are kept and the fish bones from filleting.  Captain Anthony (Tony) uses the fish bodies as bait for the crabs.  They don't waste anything.  Then, she also showed us the processing kitchen for the crabs and told us all about the many photos and prize winning fish she and Tony have caught.  Everything was spotlessly clean - they are very careful about food safety.

We asked about the three large grills out in back and JoAnn explained that those were for family cooking.  Everyone gathers on Friday night and she cooks for them - the family includes about 14 people.  We asked if Tony had any crew men on the boats when he went out and JoAnn said "No, they would just get in the way."  She is only allowed to go with him when he fishes for mullet!  They are a real life example of a self-owned business - they do it all themselves.  Tony has been a commercial fisherman for many years and they supply restaurants and grocery stores with fish and smoked fish spread.  This year they decided to sell to individuals and put up the sandwich-board sign, and, from what we saw, they are very busy.

JoAnn explained that the large commercial fishers go out to sea for 10-14 days and catch and fillet onboard and then bring the fish back in for grocery stores and restaurants.  So, the fish we buy is always about 14 days old - held a proper temperatures and so forth, but not as fresh as what she and Tony sell.  Tony goes out fishing every day.  The fish are plump and fresh-smelling and we cannot wait to grill some up for dinner tonight.

It was great to talk with her and listen to the story of their business and see someone who cares deeply about the product and about giving her customers the best.  One of her funniest comments was that they look forward to rainy days because they get some time off!  That made me feel better about the rain.  They work so hard and really deserve some time off.

A rainy trip to Florida

OK... I am going to bring this blog up to date  by finally recapping our  Monday drive from Macon to Anna Maria.
MaryAlice took the wheel for the first part of the trip.  We were watching the weather because the forecast for later in the day was rain snow  mix.  It was cloudy but no rain at first.  It started  sprinkling just as we crossed the Florida line.  I took over the  wheel and we were cruising at  ~ 80 mph.

All of a sudden the heavens opened up and we were in a serious deluge.  The funny thing about Fla drivers is they don't slow for the inclement weather.  I slowed to 65 mph and people were blowing by me, especially the semi's.  So I kicked it up to 75

The intensity of the rain varied and by the time we hit Tampa flooding was prevalent and people driving with flashers on. 

We crossed onto the island  ~4PM.  I got a little concerned because the Honda is  very low slung and we were pushing  water with our bumper.   Got to Haley's, checked in and Gary and Nancy helped us  unload.
The room is perfect!  A great table for euchre and dining.  Gary and Nancy's room is on the pool.

After settling down we  headed to the Sandbar.  It's a very popular restaurant and Gary expected that we would not be able to be  seated due to the fact that it was raining and no outdoor seating.  We  were seated  immediately.  The food was excellent, we headed back to Haley's and played cards.

Tuesday we rose to a little chill in the air, we walked the beach in the  morning (~ 4 miles) returned and  after freshening up hung at the pool. 
That evening we went to Rods' and Reel on the Pier.  What a great place!  We hung in the bar for about a half hour and were seated on the deck to a beautiful  sunset  and GREAT food

OK... this brings us up to Wednesday and that is what  MaryAlice wrote about.  So I now  deem we are current and now it's time to celebrate Nancy's Birthday  today....

More sordid details to follow.

Thursday Morning

We went for a walk on the beach this morning and I was struck by the large number of people walking who had smiles on their faces.  And it wasn't just because Dennis was wearing his I love Michigan T-shirt.  Then I thought, "what is not to smile about?"  It was sunny, in the mid-sixties, the ocean was right there with calm waves.  It is a beautiful day.  

I love Michigan, but I am so relieved to be out of the snow and cold.  I'm sure that it would be hard to live in Florida year round.  The humidity in mid-summer would be uncomfortable and there are large insects that don't die off in the winter.  There are alligators, snakes, and hurricanes to deal with.  The most beautiful places in the state are packed with people and really packed during the winter months!  But it is nice to be here for a bit of winter respite.

We had a beach day yesterday and today it looks like we may do that again.  We ran errands, so we're just hanging out.  I've been reading a good book and practicing music and keeping in touch via email and phone.  The distance is a stress reliever too - not just the weather.  I know I cannot jump into action at the drop of a hat.  Maybe that will teach me patience and teach me to consider things before I respond.  I'll mull it over some more...maybe on the beach.

Hanging in Cincinatti

Friday Emily informed us she wasn’t feeling well.  Probably too much activity on Thursday.   We changed the schedule because Emily wanted to see the Natural Museum and we had planned to see it Friday, we delayed that hoping that Em would feel better the next day.  We drove into town to see the Khrone Conservatory.  We found it with no trouble.  The place was abuzz with activity because of everybody setting up for the next day’s show displaying orchids.

This is a must see.  The building was set up with different environments; desert, jungle and of course orchids.

Check out their web site:  http://www.cincinnatiparks.com/krohn

We then hoped to tour the Rookwood Pottery building.  What a trip.  MA Googled it on her phone, then we went on an adventure experiencing parts of Cincinnati most people never see.  We then found out that the Rookwood manufacturing did not have tours (and it was in a pretty rough neighborhood).  We decided to find the original Rookwood building that is now a restaurant.  After some harrowing turns and avoiding expressways we found ourselves at the top of the hill and walking into the building.  This is also a must see.  We ate a snack and then walked around to see the building.  There are still 3 large kilns standing; now they are private dining rooms.  Very cool.

We returned to see how Em was feeling and found that she was on the upswing.

Saturday all was well and we toured the Natural Museum which is housed in the old rail station built in the 1930s.  Very art deco.   Very cool.

We then ended up downtown for cocktails at the Netherland Plaza.  More Art Deco… great live guitar… perfect way  to end the day.

Sunday rolled around too fast, we bid our adieus to Emily and headed to phase 2 of our trip:  Florida.  We drove to Macon to spend the night then hit the road early to make it to Anna Maria.  In Macon MA asked the desk clerk where we might find great fried chicken.  He paused and asked ‘You’re trying to avoid national chains… right?’  When we said yes he told of S & S Cafeteria.  We found the take out door and went in to order.  The place was filled with locals.  The food smelled great and looked better!  We headed to our room with our goodies.  The chicken was great, the sides were great.  We will remember this for a long time.

On the Road Again

We just returned from our Mexico trip 3 weeks  ago,  and now  we’re headed to Florida for a couple weeks.  It has been a  brutal winter and it is fortuitous that we planned these two ‘spring’ trips.  Of course this will crimp our budget for 2014 travel so we won’t have a  mega road trip in the fall.

This time we’re dove tailing a spring break with Emily in Cincinnati Oh.  

We left for Ohio on Thursday 3-13.  On the day before we left, we got hit with at least 7 inches of snow. We are so glad that we didn’t have to leave during the storm.  When we left, the roads were almost clear but the temperature was   -7F.  US23 was clear after Ann Arbor but once we got to Toledo there was ice encrusted on the left lane making the drive feel treacherous.  The roads cleared the farther south we drove.  Once the roads cleared we got breakfast and I got into the groove of another road trip. 

I love being on road trips.  Since our retirement we’ve driven Route 66, to the coast in Maine, to Glacier National Park and to Florida, including Key West.  It’s not only the trip or location,  it’s the vibe.  You get up in the morning knowing you will see things  you’ve never seen before, meet people and experience history, lore  and life differently.

It’s also interesting to observe and meet the others on the road that are traveling.  That said, I’ll need a term to refer to them.  I once called them Road Warriors, but that connotes more of a  traveling  sales person or a corporate trouble shooter.  This is more  of a personal conviction…. guess I’ll refer to them as roadies….. you know, not just flying from here to there but experiencing the rubber on the highway, the leather on the ground…. The dust in your face.  Some roadies have customized  vans with clothes hanging across the back.  Some are in SUV’s.  Some have station wagons…..  We travel in an Accord Coupe. 

I notice this year that T\the farther south we travel the more it’s obvious there are more recreational travelers on the road (along with the semi’s and worker trucks).

What a world of difference from the work a day world.  We, of course, are retired….. yet still it’s a large change in perspective when we travel versus staying home.  There’s a certain positive buzz to rolling across this beautiful country, seeing people’s houses, expression of art and communities across the country.

Our first stop is Cincinnati where we have reservations at Drury Inn there, and are meeting Emily  there at noon.  All went well and we checked in and Emily was here right after us. 

We then headed into town to see the New Port Aquarium   check http://www.newportaquarium.com/What-to-do-in-cincinnati/Aquarium-Events/Turtle-Canyon-Preview.aspx .  It was stunning.  Lots of families and couples visiting.  The Shark display   http://www.newportaquarium.com/Things-to-do/Animals/Sharks.aspx    and  the Croc display were worth it and there was so much more.   This Aquarium is world class!  I can not express it more strongly… what a great place to visit!

After the Aquarium we had snacks at a nearby place on the river front.  I can only imagine the crowds at this place in the summer!

We headed back to happy hour at the Drury .  MaryAlice and Em stayed up late talking.

Tomorrow we are scheduled to check out other downtown sights:  the Rookwood Pottery and the Krohn Conservatory.

Pictures to follow!!  Now to bed.