December 2023

Generally this post is Christmas 2023, once again we traveled to Daytona Beach Shores, second year staying at The Max. Resort was relatively quiet again this year, only a dozen or so rooms booked, since the beach is mostly washed away. (Good staff, but they're no wiser than a year ago, which makes one wonder.) But I'm all for fewer people, and weather was considerably warmer this year, upper 60s to 70F most days, and only rain a couple of the days.  We walked the beach every day until I had blisters on my feet, down the pier, and once we dragged Nick down to Crabby's (if he didn't come along, he didn't eat.) Nick and I played billiards upstairs one evening, he got multiple stops at Buc-ees including Christmas Day, and we returned to our favorite Mexican joint, Seniorita's..

Highlight of the trip was an afternoon tour of St. Augustine by sailboat.  It was a private charter, brand new 38' sailboat, Dale the captain was an incredible host, teaching Nick some points about sailing and letting him sail it relatively independently.  It was a joy seeing the fort and lighthouse from the bay without being near all the tourists. Weather was cool but perfect, Brandi even saw dolphins along the boat.  Makes me want to take sailing lessons, would definitely do it again.  Our best meal of the trip was probably there near the docks at Beaches at Vilano.

Before turning for home, we drove across the state to Sebring to see Earl and the family for a short visit, first time to their place in Maranatha.  They took us on a tour of the resort on golf carts, to see the make-shift golf course, pool and all the activities. Jessica is settling in and dating, and Carrie and the boys are doing well (they are relatively self-entertaining at this age.) The visit was nice, the drive out of the wilderness in the dark and rain was miserable, but we made it.

Earlier in the month we celebrated Matilda's first birthday with Haleigh and the family.  And Nick is now driving us most places, like school and piano, although I didn't have him drive on the FL trip, what a mess of people that was.  Of course there was a quiet Christmas at home, too, with gift opening before we left for the trip. (Shopping is all via Amazon anymore, and my father couldn't figure which was to stage the incoming boxes because there's arrows on every side... it's the Amazon logo, not 'this side up'.)

 Pics here.