Renewal Leave - Part Four - The Bay Park Downtown Sarasota

This park is right near the Van Wezel and is fairly new. It includes the property for the Sarasota Garden Club and goes right out to the water. 

They have a tent set up in the regular parking lot and they are playing World Cup Soccer on the two big TV screens in the park all day every day through the tournament. 

There's even a little mini beach at the water's edge - especially nice for all the people who live in the nearby condos. 

And then there is a trail and bridge through the mangroves too. 

I sat for a bit on the metal swing. 

 

We Have a 16 Year Old!

Davis turned 16 today!! Where has all the time gone? 

He got to spend the day practicing driving, and going to the gym with his friends. For dinner we had Asian Beef Bowls (his request) and then it was time for presents and dessert. We found this decorated cupcake at Crop that was dairy free for him. 

It's been 13 wonderful years with Davis as our fifth Allen. So grateful for all of these years with him! 

 

Debbie Birthday Weekend

My 50th birthday was last Friday. It started with a walk at Siesta Key beach with Parker and Daryl and then we went for Parlor Doughnuts (vegan!) and coffee. 

Later in the day, we drove over to Orlando and checked into a condo for two nights just off Disney property. Then we headed over to Beach Club for dinner at Cape May Cafe. We popped into Epcot for a few minutes and some pictures. 

Cape May is a buffet but they do such an amazing job on allergy food. They even brought me a special birthday dessert. 

Saturday morning, Davis and I woke up to work out in the fitness center. He put me through my paces on all the different machines. 

We had a great day hanging out in Epcot as a family. It rained a bit but we were able to stay dry in a building. 

Daryl, Wesley and Davis went home on Saturday night while Parker and I stayed in Orlando. On Sunday morning we visited the Magic Kingdom to ride Tron and also the Carousel of Progress. The Carousel of Progress is going away in its current form next month and we wanted to see it one last time. 

 

Renewal Leave - Part Three - Sculpture Garden

I've driven past the Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Garden in Punta Gorda several times when I've been at work. Today I took myself there to play tourist. It is two miles of trails spread out on both sides of the road near the Peace River. The sculptures are beautiful and very cool and I loved the boardwalks along the mangroves.