About ten years ago, an acquaintance from primary school was moving into our condo building and I chanced to recognize him. He was still taller than me and there were other signs of no longer being a teenager, but his eyes didn't change much even though I'd be hard pressed to tell you what colour they are. Whatever, we had an old-standing [fifty years old or so!] friendship to renew, so we did.
Turns out Richard is an outstanding Bridge player and his wife Terri wanted to learn and practice. An ad on the condo board requesting Bridge partners brought us together and the rest is history: we're good friends and have a very good time together.
Terri and Richard have a house in Florida and after a few missed opportunities, the stars lined up, calendars were coordinated and we drove down to see them earlier this week. Much laughter, more Bridge, some wine and food, and we had a great time. We walked Jensen Beach, looked at properties for rent and for sale, and played more Bridge. [Did I mention the guys won? that's another story...] Joan and I will be looking for a place to rent nearby for January / February next year when temperatures should return to their normal pleasant levels. What fun! a new adventure.
Terri and Richard live almost half the year in a wonderful gated community where golf is well favoured with contract Bridge not far behind. Actually, just about every activity you can think of interest to 55+ types is available at the club-house. Their house is on a small street of dozen or so houses and this is a picture of the front.
Once in the screened front door, you're faced with a few comfortable chairs to bask in the morning sun behind screening that keeps the critters out.
Out back, a screen and glass lanai allows comfortable enjoyment of the backyard; a little lake often visited by sand-hill cranes. Just how cool is that?
Of course, had it been a little warmer, we could have played bridge at the table above, but played in the kitchen instead.
Here's the other end of the lanai where a large TV shows sports, olympics and stuff like that, in air-conditioned comfort.
My picture of our hosts didn't quite make the 'cut' so I'll have to go back and do it over again...
We drove back to Grayton in time for supper and we're now settling in to our place-for the-next-week.
Today, we drove to Eden State Gardens and were very enthusiastically encouraged to return and volunteer next Tuesday. With a warm welcome like that how could we say no?
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