How to take a Vacation

Step 1: Pick the day(s) that you would like to vacation and schedule that time off from work.

Step 2: Buy any needed tickets (plane, train, boat)

Step 3:Pack for said vacation

Step 4:Board plane, train, or boat

Step 5: Arrive at vacation destination

Step 6: Relax!

I succeeded at accomplishing 5 out of 6 of the above steps on my first vacation. Any guesses at which one I had the most trouble with? If you guessed step 6, give yourself a pat on the back.

I left for Venice, Florida on Friday morning to visit dear family friends, Helen and Jim that have been like grandparents to me and my brothers. After landing in Ft. Myers and driving the 1hour and 15 minutes to the Venice area, we stopped off at Englewood beach for lunch at the Lock and Key restaurant. We arrived home in Venice and I headed out to the pool for a few hours. All the while I could not make myself believe that I was in the Sunshine State. The next full days were filled with trips to the beaches, Venice, Siesta Key, and my favorite, Manasota Beach. I finished 4 books while in Florida. Cross, You've been Warned, another James Patterson book and Dinner with a Perfect Stranger by David Gregory; I highly recommend reading this book.

We dined at many restaurants during my stay. Turtles, Sam's Steakhouse, and an Amish restaurant were a few. Turtles sat on the water and overlooked Little Sarasota Bay. Every so often you would see fish jump put of the water. We were told that just before we arrived dolphins and manatee's were in the area. What a sight that would have been! Here we are at Turtles after dinner. (The talapia was amazing!)

There were many times when we would start a conversation with "Remember when..." Jim brought out a 20 year old VHS tape of my first dance. A video I had never seen before and had only heard of in dialogue with family. Uncle Ron and I danced to the song "Rainbow Connection" from the Muppetts. Here is a picture:

On my last day, Helen and I broke out my old domino set and played a few rounds.

I was definitely a little rusty. Helen won the first 4 games right off the bat. After a few games though, I was back on track.

I particularly enjoyed walking the shoreline and hearing the tides roll in and out, looking for interesting shells, and just being amazed by what was in front of me. It was a great visit with two very special people and time well spent.

Now, grab yourself a drink with an umbrella, sit back, relax, and imagine hearing the sound of the ocean waves.