Thurs. AM leaving Venice toward destination 12-15-05

1) Larry and Lenore in front of SouthBay Clbhse

2)Larry playing a conch shell

3)SouthBay Clubhouse

4) Brittany picking oranges

5)Larry and Lenore checking out the boat(Lenore rode her bike to the marina..what a pip)

6)Larry and Lenore on the Victoria

7) Misty supervising from the fly bridge

We pulled into SouthBay Marina,in Venice, around 5 ish. With Misty up on the flybridge to supervise (I think she's getting a little too comfortable) we were all set. All of us exhausted. I think I'm fighting something off. I took my "Acute Cold and Flu" 4 or 5 times yesterday and am feeling better. We need a good nights sleep. Thanks to Larry and Lenore
we got that. As soon as we pulled in Larry drove up in his car to meet us and was directing Gary where to dock. We were introduced to a couple that had lived in Bermuda for 10 years and would go back in a minute. After chatting a bit we had to get going because Lenore was waiting dinner on us. She had everything ready when we arrived and it was wonderful. We started off with spiced pecans and cheese and crackers then chicken pot pie, fresh squash, and salad, topped off with a choice of either cookies, mince meat pie with ice cream, or tiramisu. Everyone helped clear the table. Larry handed us the key to the car and gave us directions to CVS. When
we got back we sat in front of the computer for a slide show of the trip. Larry knows the ICW
like the back of his hand. Very informative. He also plays a mean Conch shell. Although the pic is foggy you can get the idea. After long hot showers , it was about 10 when we all went to bed. The camera was having battery issues so some pics came out better than others. They have a beautiful house (sorry no pic Mom) with an attached, screened in pool and of course it is decorated just lovely. They have some pictures that were painted or drawn from their sons around too , very talented family.

We woke up to the smell of coffee and scrambled eggs cooking. I never tasted eggs so moist and so I asked her how she did it. Sorry Lenore but I've gotta tell. She adds micro heated (20 sec) cream cheese to the eggs ! ! ! Amazing texture. Doesn't change the taste either. Also had the first comquat of our lives today. Lenore loves the bitter taste and eats the rind and everything.
Larry doesn't eat them and I'm with him on that one. She only buys them around Christmas.

Lenore invited Brittany outside to pick her first Florida oranges off their tree. I'm sure we'll enjoy them later.

When we left Venice this morning it was threatening, then gorgeous and hot and now, its 1:15 and as par for the course we are in 30 knot winds and a following sea of 2-4 with threatening showers and thunderstorms. Thankfully we are approaching Regatta Point Marina in Palmetto on the Manatee River. We should be there in about... .hold on................. under an hour!!

Keep us in your prayers, your in ours
XXOO
Victoria's Perspective