Sunday, not stealing....

Our dear friends left this morning.  The house feels empty, as it always does when loved ones have been visiting and good times shared become memories.

I am so far behind on blogs, since our internet has been down for a few days, and we have been enjoying our company (anyway!).  There are over 50 of your blogs waiting to be visited.  Forgive me for missing the oldest ones.  I'll try to catch up on the most recent postings.

Our weather has gone from too cool to leave the doors and windows open, to glorious sunshine, and temperatures back up in the mid-70s.  I am happy to have the fresh air flowing through the house again, though I have been enjoying wearing long sleeves and a few of my sweaters over the past week or so.

I took Thursday and Friday off, from work, to have some play time with Jim and Elaine.  We went to Solomon's Castle on Thursday.  I posted about that "weird Florida" location awhile back.  They seemed to enjoy seeing the found-object folk art.  Friday, we went to Mazzaro's Italian Market, then on over to St. Pete Beach, so they could say they made it to the beach.  Of course, it was much too cold for swimming, but it was fun being there.  We had a lite lunch at Crabby Bill's seafood restaurant.  Soup and a couple of appetizers filled us up.  We intended to have fish at our church that night (fish fry on Fridays during Lent).  When we arrived, there was a very long line and what appeared to be at least a 45 minute wait.  We decided to go to Fish City Grill, instead, and we were seated right away and had a delicious shrimp dinner.  Saturday, we again went to the downtown Farmers' Market (see photos from last Saturday!).  After we shopped there, we went on a little tour of Lakeland,  Jim wanted to see the baseball stadium.  The Detroit Tigers have started their spring training, and the stadium was buzzing with snow-birds from Michigan.  Pitchers and catchers are here first, and they were drawing a crowd.  We didn't stop, but did tour around a bit.

It was a great time having our friends here.  They are like family, so it was very relaxed.  (They are also excellent guests, and even cooked dinner for us on Thursday night!)  The week went by much too fast.  Here are some photos from Thursday and Friday.

Jim and Elaine, outside Solomon's Castle

 Elaine and Jim, outside the replica of The Alamo, at Solomon's Castle

 Terri and Joe at "the Alamo"

 Elaine & Jim, being good sports at Mazzaro's photo spot...

 Jim and Elaine, St. Pete Beach.  The sand is like powdered sugar!

Terri and Elaine, at the beach.

Since it is Sunday, I am doing laundry! Ha!  I also vacuumed up some cat hair.  The house is presentable, if not spotless.  That's all I'm doing today.  Back to work tomorrow.

Thanks for your visit!!  Peace & hugs!