Thanksgiving in Florida

     My friend Phyllis took me to the air port on Monday before Thanksgiving to catch a 10:15 flight to St. Petersburgs/Clearwater,  Florida.  I was one of the first persons on the plane and there was another woman in the same row.  I asked her if she lived in Peoria as well and she said no, that she was from a small town near Mattoon called Sadorus.  I was not familiar with that town but told her my mother was born in a little town near Mattoon called Rardin.  She said that her father was born in Rardin.  I asked her if she knew the name 'Hartman' - my mother's maiden name.  She said no, her family names were Stewart and Stiff.  "As in Clancy Stiff?", I asked.  "How do you know Clancy Stiff?", came her next query.  "Clancy Stiff was my uncle.  His wife, Laura was my mother's sister."  I told her.  "Clancy Stiff was my father's brother", she replied.  Shirley Goudie was her name.  She was a former P.E. teacher at Allerton High School and had been married to a farmer from Sadorus.  Small world department!  She made a comment about being on the same family tree, and I suggested that it wasn't maybe the same tree, but possibly the same forest. A  nice lady, and I enjoyed our visit.
       Judy  picked me up at the air port in Florida and our first stop was the Dillards store in Brandon.  The large woman's section at that store is amazing - the whole store is.  We then went to one of our favorite restaurants, "The Oaks".  Great atmosphere.....and food.
       We really didn't do a whole lot in Fort Pierce, just chilled.  Judy made pies and other desserts on Wednesday to take to David and Joanne's for Thanksgiving dinner.  There were probably twenty five people at dinner Thursday and a variety of food.  David and Joanie's house is a great party house.  A great kitchen/great room with a huge Florida room just off of it.  So there were tables set up outside, inside and I don't think anyone sat in the formal dining room.  David knows I like Ronbauer Zinfandel and he poured me a glass and every time there was a 1/2 inch in the bottom of the glass, he filled it up.  So I can honestly say I just had one glass of wine, but I never saw the base.  All in all, it was a good day, as usual with my siblings, lots of teasing, lots of laughter.
      Ryan and Tess Simpson were there.  Tess is expecting their first baby in April.  You often hear the expression that 'pregnant women have a glow about them' and Tess, who is very pretty is prettier now than ever and she does glow but the cool thing is that Ryan does too.   How wonderful to see this happy young couple.
     We spent the night in a Sarasota hotel and the next day drove to Cocoa and took and air boat ride.  Vern would have enjoyed it so.  He and I had stopped at a place somewhere in Florida to take one years ago but it was too late and the rides had stopped for the day.  Our guide on Friday was a good one, who took    

 us down the St. Johns River looking for wild life and we saw a lot and some wonderful views.   I recommend it to anyone going to Florida.  Great fun!
      Back to Fort Pierce for a couple of days and then  back to St Petes/Clearwater to catch Monday's 8:00 a.m. flight for Peoria.  Two hours and fifteen minutes later I was home.  Phyllis met me at the air port. 
      It was a good week and I have much to be thankful for.  I am so grateful for my life.  It is good!