We returned from Florida last night to small snowfall but drive-able road conditions. Had a great time in Punta Gorda FL for the week with good and generous friends. We stayed in a gated senior community for the week. To say the surroundings were pristine would an understatement. The palm trees were swinging in the breezes and the golf carts were rolling by. There was a lovely pool and hot tub mere steps from our dwelling. I did learn a new word, "lanai", which is a covered porch or pool area. In pedestrian Michigan we would call it screened in porch, [much less sexy]. I thought it was a skin condition or a tropical drink. Our rented dwelling was a third floor condo with this lanai porch at either end of the floor. There was a pleasant breeze blowing through the place all the time. Temps were in the mid 70's to 80 all week with mostly sunny conditions.
Eating out for all the dinners, except one, I added about 5 lbs to my middle, even with walking a good distance with the dog. I ate with complete abandon at every meal like my father in law used to say "like he was going to the electric chair".
Now bearing in mind that this is a setting for people over 55 years old, it is all and only people of this age and older in the environment. Everyone is smiling and cheery, but there are no young faces to see and it is too quiet for me. This indeed is a lovely place for a vacation, but living in this type of place is not for me at least at this point in my life.
We dined in a number of nice places, all casual and not to steep in price. One stands out in particular. It is called "The Blue Dog". This is a seafood place with all local fish and it looks like members of Jimmy Buffet's band would eat there. It was loud and lively. The staff couldn't have been more welcoming. And typically, I ate my brains out on every thing and always left with smile. Also had ice cream (a no no for me) at a local stand "the working cow" that was a hit.
However, we did have one somewhat disquieting incident. My friend and I took our morning walk, maybe two + miles with the dog Buddy, a friendly spaniel kind of dog with an easy disposition. Anyway we are ending our walk and my friend always is prepared with bags for the doggy droppings which he collects promptly. We found a dumpster in a different condo complex, which was used as a depository before. We placed the bag in the receptacle, when we were assailed by an elderly resident of the complex, accosting us that this dumpster was for residents only and that they paid for it. She stated this twice walking her snippy little white dog angrily tugging on the leash. My friend just said yes, when she pointed out the error in his ways. I am sure this will be a hot topic for discussion for next board meeting and and least a days worth of pronouncements to her friends and colleagues.
all for now
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