The past few weeks have been both busy and fun. The first week was just a lot of planning..... for what to do, and where to go when our son Dennis arrived from Iowa..... But the weather was beautiful, and we enjoyed watching all of God's creaters that visited. We have found three different Pine Trees in three different areas where the Blue Heron are building their nests. Always enjoy them searching for branches, working hard on the construction of their nest...........and waiting for the babies to arrive. Sitting on the lanai the other day we were watching an otter sunning and cleaning himself on the dock across the canal. And back again was one of the local Iguana down by the boat dock. And of course there was Valentines day..... No dinner out this year.........but the heartshaped chocolate chip cookie was excellent!
And on Sunday the 16th, we hejuaded to Punta Gorda to pick up Dennis at the airport. We headed over to the Fisherman's Village for lunch. Had originally hoped we'd be able to hop on the the Harboube Tour, just did not have enough time to go to airport, drive to the Village and grab some lunch before the boat departed. Had also read that there was a Military Museum at Fishterman's Village - but it seems it recently moved to a nearby location, but was not opened on Sunday.
So................... we wandered around a bit and then stopped at Harpoon Harry's for lunch! Being a holiday weeken - the Village was packed, as was all of the restaurants. But, surprisingly, we had a table within about 10 minutes of our arrival at Harpoon Harry's with a great table overlooking Charlotte Bay. Service was a bit slow ( because of the crowd), so we enjoyed an adult beverage while we waited. The food was awesome!!! Dennis enjoyed the blackened grouper, Rich the Roast Beef Sandwich, and I had a monster hot dog, with fries and slaw! Such a beautiful day.... and the food was Excellent!
And so we headed for home. After the big lunch, no one was real hungry for dinner...........So the guys ate a Turkey Pot Pie............and we finished the Valentines Day Chocolate Chip Cookie!
Monday was Rich's 71st Birthday. The only thing Rich knew...... was that he was getting a birthday cake.............because I asked him a few days prior what kind he preferred. So we left him hanging in the morning...... no presents out, no birthday cards....... I'm sure he was thinking that the cake was all he was getting. But Dennis and I headed for Publix, picked up the whipcream cake, with strawberry filling.........................AND some cookies and cream ice cream...........AND a birthday baloon............ and while Rich was out on the lanai - we brought out his cards, the cake and his presents. I think he was pretty happy and quite surprised. He loved his new pellet rifle! Great picture of him and his son Dennis. We headed for Sebring to his FAVORITE restaurant, the Hibachi Grill ( Dennis is a Chinese Buffet fan as well) and as usual the food was hot and excellent! And it was cake and icecream for dessert when we got back home. I love the picture of Dennis and Rich scooping out ice cream..... it was soooooo hard.............we all got laughing about that!!
On Tuesday, Rich and Dennis checked out the new Pellet Gun.............and set up a target for some target practice............... While Rich's shot was the closest to center..............they both got Bulls Eyes!! A couple of sharp shooters!!!😝
Later in the afternoon, around 5:00 PM - we dressed and headed for the Visani Theater and Restaurant in Port Charlotte to see the Super Starts of the 70's & 80's. The Edwards Twins were absolutely awesome, especially the guy who did an outstanding rendition of Michael Jackson. The show was very very good.................the food was excellent! It was a fun filled evening for all. Happy Birthday...... Rich Donald!!! AND---- with just minutes to spare - we made it in time for 2 for one adult beverages....... Beer for the guys..... gin and tonic for me!!
It was well after 11:00 PM when we arrived back home from Port Charlotte. And the next day, Wednesday was our last full day with Dennis. Pancakes for breakfast...............and then we headed to Gatorama, a Nature and Wildlife area in Palmdale, Fl........ about 25 minutes from home. It was a great time, and we arrived in plenty of time to see the gator feeding...... and then met up with the guy who does the feeding...........while grabbing a little gator meat for lunch! It was a really fun day!
WeWe headed back home.............and then made Chicken Quesidillas for dinner! They were very good!
This is like a team challenge..... Rich and I working together to create an awesome Chicken Quesidillas!
Quesidillas were awesome!!!
And then it was Thursday morning and time to say good-bye..... Jack (Dennis's step dad) came to pick him up on Thursday morning. We enjoyed a great conversation, coffee, and goodies from Publix.............................and then we said our goodby's. We had such a great time with Dennis..... and it's always so hard to say good-bye................... But we'll be visiting the family in May for Dalton's college graduation! Love you to the MOON, Dennis Donald.
And....... so Rich and I will be celebrating our anniversay in just a few days....... and Denns's birthday on the 25th Miss you so much Dennis Donald....................we will see you again in May!
