The Traveling Saleswoman: To Florida We Go!

Mom hates winter in Indiana. For the last few years, she has been able to escape to Florida, for at least a month or two. This year they are moving, from the family farm, of over 60 years, to town, so they had to cancel their warmer excursion this year. I have joined them, if only for a week, the past two years, and had already purchased my plane ticket, before the sale of the house was confirmed, so I was "committed." I would be able to stay with my aunt, in central Florida, instead.

One Sunday evening, Mom called, and offered to pay for a hotel near the beach if I would take her with me. I knew it would slow me down a bit, but, after all, that is the main purpose in my January escape. It is a great time to REFRESH after the stress of December in RETAIL.

We were able to "roll" right on through the airports, grab a rental car and head to the coast.

That's Mom on the top left balcony

Unique on the Beach

One morning, when it was only 40 degrees outside, Mom saw wedding preparations taking place on the beach. I went out to get a closer look and grab a few pics. Someone standing near me said the young couple was probably getting married so early so they could get on a cruise ship in the afternoon and begin their honeymoon. The bridesmaids and littlest girls were barefooted and wore sleeveless dresses. The bride may have been barefooted as well. Brrrr!!!

Coming down the wooden and sandy aisle

The wooden sign behind the girls said, "Leave your shoes here."

I thought I heard the officiate talking much faster than normal.

Unique at Breakfast

The Best Western we stayed at was nice. We had to go to another building to eat breakfast. It was cold enough one morning that we chose not to, since we had left our winter coats with Dad in Indiana. We had good coffee provided in our room, and had bought muffins and other snacks at the grocery upon our arrival.

The unique thing about breakfast was the way the pancake machine "plopped" out its product.

Push the button once for one, and twice for two!

Thanks to my capabilities on the Smartphone, we were able to easily research local restaurant menus. We found a local diner that served "Crab Benedict" for breakfast and gave that a taste one morning.

Crab Benedict - okay.
Grits - "You can keep them."

We were able to spend alot of time in the hotel room, just taking it easy, since it was dark around 6 pm. I finally walked up the beach a mile and back, but regret I only did it once. We were right beside the Cocoa Beach Pier, so Mom and I walked all the way to the end of it and watched the surfers, birds and fisherman. I had walked out on Sunday afternoon, by myself for free, but when we headed out Monday, there was a man at a booth collecting a $1 fee, per person, to walk to the end of the pier.

Ready to "Roll!"

Bird "watching"

The walk wore Mom out, so I took off to the Brevard Zoo, about 30 minutes away, in Melbourne. I was able to see it all, at a fast pace, in less than an hour and a half, and head back just prior to dark.

Slow and relaxed pace

"I could nap if people would quit snapping my picture!"

"Hey, lady! How close are you going to get?"

"Keeping an eye on things"

I wanted to try to watch the cruise ships leave Port Canaveral on Sunday afternoon. We were less than ten minutes away, so found a nearby park to sit for a few minutes. The entry fee was $10. That was the most expensive ten minutes of the trip. Even our flight was cheaper than that. You all probably know which cruise ship is which, but I will label them anyway.

Disney

Royal Caribbian

Carnival

On the last day, Idris and Ron joined us on a Casino Cruise. I wanted to at least make an attempt at a cruise, as it is one mode of transportation I have decided I don't have to experience. This cruise convinced me of my decision. Mom tried to say that I wouldn't take a cruise because I would be without my cell phone for too long a period of time. I finally decided that I don't want to do it, probably, because I would not be "in control" for a long period of time.

Ron had the best day. Mom came in second. Idris enjoyed the breeze and scenery of the upper deck. I couldn't win anything, anyway. What Quaker can come home and boast of gambling winnings?

Great trip, Mom. Thanks for coming along with me!