We could not have picked a better - or worse - time to be away from home
for two weeks! We left in the midst of a winter storm on February 4,
and spent a week on the beaches of Anna Maria Island, coming home by way
of South Carolina. It was so great for us to be warm and carefree, yet
we did feel bad knowing that Wyatt, Tyler and Travis were taking care of
everything for us at home in the worst weather of the year!
For us, it was a wonderful time. Our rental on AMI (Anna Maria Island)
was lovely and just a few steps from the beach. And two blocks from the
free trolley stop too! Although most everything we did was within
walking distance, we did take the trolley to the Anna Maria Pier a
couple times.
After our week on AMI, we headed north to meet up with Bob and Brenda
Hoffstatter on Edisto Island. Although it was their anniversary trip,
they graciously provided a great meal when we arrived, comfortable beds
for everyone, great breakfast, guided sightseeing, and just a great
time. We saw a bit of Charleston, and enjoyed Valentine's Day dinner at
the Galpao Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse. It was a new experience for us,
and the food was delicious. I especially enjoyed the roasted pineapple!
Who would have thought? Of course, the meats were good too, and they
just keep bringing more until you can't swallow another bite! After
dinner, we returned to their place and enjoyed the show their church put
on for Valentine's Day.... comedian Johnny W. He was really a great
comedian with no vulgarity. Thanks to the Church in Branson for
streaming it!
We didn't see any alligators, but we saw dolphins in both AMI and Edisto
Beach. Of course, by the time a dolphin breaches, and you get the
camera out...he's gone! So - no pictures of the dolphins. I should
explain the red lights in the night photo. We were all soundly sleeping
when the fire alarms in our unit went off. LOUD! We were sure there was
no fire, but the alarm told us C02 Evacuate immediately. So, we called
the emergency number and the fire department came to test our air. Turns
out, the alarm batteries needed replaced.
We did see a lot of snow and ice as we traveled back to Iowa. We caught
the ice of what the weather channel was calling Winter Storm Uri, and
then we got mixed up in the next one, Viola. We saw a number of cars in
the ditches, were stopped at one point for two hours for emergency crews
to clear up a bad wreck and another 45 minutes the next day. We were
blessed with safe travel and arrived home Tuesday night to find all was
well on the home place!
And, this morning begins a warming trend for our area!
No matter where you go, it's always great to get home! I feel like Dorothy....there's no place like home!
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Welcome to Florida
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| Shuffleboard! |
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Our kitchen area
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Late afternoon at the beach
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We had six bicycles to use all week!
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Pool time.
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Bocce ball at the beach.
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Manatee County Fire and Rescue and AMI Police
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After dinner at the Ugly Grouper. Scrap metal work of art.
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| Anna Maria Pier |
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Watching dolphins at Edisto Beach SC
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Missed the dolphins, but got the bird!
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Celebrating Bob and Brenda at a Brazilian Steakhouse.
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Fine dining at Galpao Gaucho
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