Monday's Weekend Recap...

 

Starting back on Friday, things were hectic at work (all week, really) getting ready for the Kids' Fishing Derby on Saturday morning.  I stuffed 100 "goodie bags" with a coloring book, fishing information, bookmarks, fishing towels, a ruler to measure your fish, and fishing lures. We expected to register 100 kids and ended up with 118, including a few walk-ins. There were a few no-shows, probably because of the storms blowing around us. However, the weather was perfect and the storms didn't hit until a couple of hours after the event ended.

Counting parents, volunteers, and staff, we estimated around 240 people there on Saturday morning. It started at 8:00 a.m. and most of the staff were there at 6:00. I arrived around 6:30 and stayed until it ended at 1:00.  It was a very fun morning.  We fed everyone with hotdogs on the grill, a bag of chips, and a beverage (water or lemonade).  One of the charter schools had their fishing team there to help with lunch.  The Police Athletic League (PAL) brought 25 kids.  The weather was great and when things quieted down (I was at the registration table, checking people in), I took a few photos and also visited...

Goodie bags were handed out as people left and most were happy with their "catch".  Staff had stocked the lake with 3,000 channel catfish two days before the event and we also had automatic fish feeders dropping food that brings the fish to the surface.  Trying to make it a fun experience for the kids and there were lots of smiling faces on the way out.  We also had a casting contest that seemed to be fun. I didn't go to watch that.  I am just glad it was a success for our staff who were so invested in making it so. My part was minuscule compared to the Fisheries Biologists who did all the leg-work and got it all organized.

I went to Sunday school and church yesterday and then headed south to Punta Gorda. I was meeting my grandkids and their mom for lunch at our favorite Captain's Table restaurant, in Fisherman's Wharf. I was heading into Ft. Meade when I got a text from my granddaughter, Lauren.  This came through my car, synced with my phone.  She texted that she woke up sick with a fever and a cold. Sure it is just a cold (that means not covid) but she couldn't go to the restaurant.  If I wanted to reschedule, to please call her mom or Tristan.  I pulled over and called Kathy. She was on her way to Lauren's condo with cold meds. and to check on her.  I told Kathy we would just reschedule when everyone could be there.  Kathy agreed.  My main concern is to see Tristan before he moves to DC.  His work is calling everyone to the office.  Tris has been working from home for two years now.  They think he will be moving by the end of April.  Kathy assured me that I would see Tristan before he moves so the new date is TBD.  

My trip to Punta Gorda is about 45 minutes longer than theirs, from Naples, so I was already on the road and they hadn't left yet.  Ft. Meade is only 10 miles or so from Lakeland, so I wasn't too far from home.  It all worked out fine.  I had a quiet and lazy afternoon, after all, and was able to catch up on blogs that I couldn't get to Saturday.

My covid test on Monday was negative, as expected, so the colonoscopy this Friday is a go. Fun for me on Thursday (not). I already told the Mas Verde gang that I won't be eating out on Thursday evening.  I have an eye doctor's appointment at 4:00 this afternoon.  My eyes have changed again, quickly. I think my cataracts are getting worse.  I will find out. 

That's enough. Thanks for getting this far!  

Peace & hugs!

God's love is steadfast

and unchanging!