Wonderful visit to Florida

Hello everyone - well, I got back yesterday from a 3+ day visit to Naples, Florida (actually, Bonita Springs).  My friend, Diane, invited me down for a couple days of warmth and relaxation.   Judy was supposed to go too, but unfortunately, work got in the way!  But we're going to plan another visit when Judy can go.

Anyway, here is what we did for those 3 relaxing days.  I left here on Sunday at about noon and drove to the airport in the cold & gloom.  Within a couple hours, I landed in sunshine at the Fort Myers airport.  Diane was there to meet me and we headed to our favorite place - Carabbas - for some pasta & sangria.  We then headed to Diane's place, where we spent some time in the new hot tub, which was so nice, as the air was cold, but the water temp was 104!  I love the hot water!!  Monday, we got up early and headed out for a run.  We ran 3 loops around her neighborhood - each loop was 2.4 miles so we got 7.2 miles in.  We then headed off on the bikes for a 20 mile roundtrip to Vanderbilt beach.  It was a little chilly out, but the sun was out so the ride was very enjoyable.  We ate lunch at La Playa - a wonderful place on the beach with great food and a really nice atmosphere.  When we got back to Diane's, we showered then ate some tostadas with a beer.  Yum - Diane is a really good cook!  We then headed to Naples to board the Naples Princess for a sunset cruise.  It was really nice to relax and look at all the beautiful, huge houses along the water.  And Lily Tomlin was on board.  I never went up to her to say anything, but it was definitely her as we walked by at one point and heard her talking about forgetting her lines.  The cruise only lasted from about 5:30 to sunset, so we were back kind of early.  We then relaxed for a bit and watched "Chelsea Lately" and then crashed for the night. 

Tuesday morning it was out again for another run.  It was sprinkly during this run, so we did 2 loops and just made it back before it really started pouring.  We decided to do some shopping and headed to Miramar outlets for the day.  We then relaxed a bit and then went to get manicures/pedicures and then to the movie theatre with our flip flops on to see Avatar.  All in all, a very fun time.  FYI - Diane said my feet look like Barney Rubbles feet, but I think they look beautiful after my pedicure!

Wednesday and it's already time to head home.  But not before another run!  We did 2 loops on Wednesday and I just love running in Diane's neighborhood.  The houses are beautiful and it's so nice running by the golf course with all the palm trees.  Diane got me to the airport by about 11 and I was on the plane by 12:30 and home by about 4.  The snow is still on the ground and it's as if I didn't leave.  But it sure was relaxing while I was there.  Thank you, Diane, for the invite down to visit.  It was so relaxing and exactly what I needed in this gloomy winter weather.  And, lo and behold, the sun shone all day today in Cleveland.  Too bad I had to work all day.  I wish I was out there running....