Visiting Trudy and Ed

...in Englewood, Florida -- about 2/3 of the way down Florida's Gulf Coast -- just south of Sarasota. They are on a peninsula forming one side of the immense Charlotte Bay. We enjoyed a delightful two days with Trudy and Ed, staying in their beautiful new home they retired to about 15 months ago. They've been hard at work with all the usual move-in chores requisite with a newly-built home -- landscaping, window coverings, moving into drawers and closets, organizing the workshop, etc....



...and one additional project...



Their screened-in pool/patio is a delightful place to eat, converse, or just relax and allows you to take advantage of Florida's wonderful temperatures year-round, even during the bug season. And speaking of conversation -- it was non-stop as we got caught up on each others' kids, the relatives, fondly recalling numerous stories of family history and of our parents and cousins and relatives no longer with us, and reminisced our formative years when we all lived in the Chicago area and got together regularly.

We also got outside to avail ourselves of the sunny, upper 70 degree temperatures, by hiking in the nearby Myakka River State Forest...


... and we also explored the neighborhoods on bikes, and we also biked a bit in the state forest...


Trudy prepared a spectacular pot roast meal the first night, and the second night we enjoyed a delicious Italian meal at Carrabba's Restaurant. And when it was time to say good-bye, we all knew we'd have to get together again next year when we escape Chicago's winter down in Florida once more. There's still plenty to do down here and many more stories to tell!




Thanks, Trudy and Ed for your hospitality and friendship!