We're Back !!

We're back.  The last few days have really flown by.  Tuesday morning started with PJ having breakfast with his friend Chris in Naples.  PJ enjoyed re-connecting with Chris and catching up on all the gossip about Naples Community Hospital and their other co-workers.  PJ said Chris really looks good!  She is now working for the school district in Naples.

We went to Nanna Vetta's for lunch so Marcella could experience some great home cooking in a restaurant frequented by laborors and workmen who know value and value quality.  This family owned and operated restaurant is always full (even on weekends by the fishermen) although they are off the beaten path. 

After lunch, we said goodbye to Naples again and headed north.  We took a driving tour of Sanibel and Captiva islands, driving over the bridge we had boated under the previous day.  Good memories.  As we headed towards Sarasota on I-75, the long drive home began.

Arriving in Sarasota, we toured St Armands circle (one of the places we might want to relocate to) and other interesting spots in Sarasota.  Up the coast to the Skybridge over Tampa Bay.  As PJ drove over the Skybridge, the lanes were reduced to a single lane (the outside lane of course) so Marcella and I closed our eyes for the trip up so high. lol  It was over soon and we were in Gulfport, St Petersburg, St. Pete's beach, Reddington Beach, Largo and Clearwater for the rest of the day.  We resorted to eating at McDonald's (salads) and spent the night in Clearwater.

Wednesday morning, we started meandering north again and wound up in Pensacola Wednesday night.  We went back to Pensacola Beach for dinner and tried to eat at Peg Leg Pete's, but the wait was about an hour.  SO, we reverted to the old standby - Flounders.  It was really good.  PJ & I had the seafood nachos (I know, sounds 'different') and Marcella had baked orysters.  (She did share with us, and they were delicious.)

Spent the night in Pensacola.

Thursday morning we explored more of downtown Pensacola (the other area we might be interested in relocating to).  The downtown is very nice and is reminiscent of New Orleans -- living quarters over the 'stores' and bars, filigreed wrought iron balconies.  It was very clean and there is a lot of 're-development' going on.  There is an area of all new single family homes that looks a lot like Key West -- the bright colors, close to each other, walking friendly, etc.  Reluctantly, we left Pensacola and drove towards Memphis thinking that we would stop there for the night.  However, we passed thru Florida, Alabama, Missisippi, Tennessee, Arkansas and Missouri before stopping in Sikeston, MO for the night.  It was a long day of driving. 

Friday, we faced about 7 hours of driving -- not much left.  We made it to the house about 3:30.  PJ gave us 30 minutes to get the car unloaded because he wanted to return the rental car yesterday and sleep late today.  We got it turned in by 4:30 (beating his deadline).


It's been fun.  Thank all of you for your comments and I hope you were able to 'tag along' for some of the fun.  We drove about 4,300 miles in 14 days, saw a lot of old friends and had some good times. 

It's good to be back.


p.s.  PJ said to tell everyone he is fine!
p.p.s.  Marcella and Bob are fine, too!