We aren't sunbathing in Florida yet, but we are getting ready to go for a swim.  We went to Weeki Wachee yesterday which is one of three parks which I consider to be 'old Florida attractions'.  Weeki Wachee, Cypress Gardens, and Silver Springs have been here since way before Disney World and all the assorted attractions that have been built out of the swamps of Florida.  And I know that because, one of my Grandmothers, my Dad's Mom, would come down here to visit with her brothers, and these are the places she would visit, send postcards from, and tell us about.  Silver Springs has, or is being taken over by the state, has glass bottom boat and a jungle cruise with real animals; Cypress Gardens had water skiing show and beautiful gardens, with ladies walking around in the big hoop skirted dresses; and Weeki Wachee had the mermaids.  Now Cypress Gardens has become Legoland, and 'WW' still has the mermaids.  Very few of them, but they still have the mermaids.  I'm glad we went, but after seeing the pictures that Russ posted......
We then went to Brooksville to get together with high school classmates for Russ's.  We were at Hooters in the next picture, as you can tell in the picture of Russ and the two young ladies.  I'm sure he's not the only Grandfather who has had his pic taken with a couple of Hooters!  It was a fun evening, with Kevin and Beth French, and Don and Darlene Marshall.  I have met Don and Darlene before, but it was the first time that we had visited them in FL.  Kevin and Beth have just moved down to FL.  We are headed back over to their home at some point today.
Looks like rain here, but the 'natives' say it looks like rain alot, and doesn't.  We are hoping for warmer, and sunnier weather once we hit the beaches on the Panhandle, but time will tell.
Having fun and enjoying each others 'undivided' (almost) attention....
Enjoy your days......love, linda
hey, it's me and now it is Wednesday evening the 30th.
 we ended up going to Tarpon Springs with Darlene B. Marshall and Beth French. What a wonderful day with friends. We were sorry that kevin didn't feel up to all the walking so didn't go with us.  Tarpon Springs is where they have been bringing in sponges for years. we actually saw them washing and unloading them onto the docks.  Lots of great shops and Greek eaterys.  we ate a Rusty Bellies which is a great place on the pier overhanging the waterway, good food and drinks. we wandered all over and checked out all the shops. Fresh sponges in every place but we didn't buy any.   tomorrow we head for St, Georges Island further up the west coast. today and this evening they are having super high winds and rain but it is expected to be better before we get there. the cold front is coming down from Canada and it predicted to be in the 60's along the gulf coast. I know for our friends at home, that sounds hot, it isn't compared to the last two days here that have been close to 80. We will have fun relaxing on the beach and just hanging out together. I hope!  haha    Love and miss ya all. me