Last Trip to the Beach

Well, finally, the "Farewell Tour That Never Ends" has . . . ended. The Dischers are safely in Missouri, and the Florida family is "Discherless". Before they left, they wanted to take one last trip to the beach. Although we live within one hour or less from either coast, we seldom make it to the beach. So Granddaddy said, "Pile into the RV, and let's go!" Never mind that it was winter in Florida, which, believe it or not, does occasionally resemble winter elsewhere -- and that day was cold and windy. But off we went!!

Gracie and Kitty -- " Hmmm, was this a dumb idea? Nahhh, the beach is the beach! It will be wonderful!"

Chipmunks. (This was actually staged. When the RV is in motion, they are much more safely seated!)

William and Emma Jane explore the old well at the Gamble Plantation.

Along the way, we stopped at the Gamble Plantation in Ellenton. This is from the state park website:

"This antebellum mansion was home to Major Robert Gamble and headquarters of an extensive sugar plantation. It is the only surviving plantation house in South Florida. It is believed that Confederate Secretary of State, Judah P. Benjamin, took refuge here after the fall of the Confederacy, until his safe passage to England could be secured. In 1925, the house and 16 acres were saved by the United Daughters of the Confederacy and donated to the state."


Danny and his "girls" in front of the plantation house. We are always amazed at the ingenuity and creativity of the folks in times past. They may not have had electronics, but they had real creativity in solving day-to-day difficulties.

Musing on the second story balcony.

At the beach near Venice, FL. The picnic areas were secluded in the palmettos. The day was quite chilly, so there were very few people there anyway! My kind of day at the beach!

Granddaddy and Grandmama doing their favorite thing -- spending time with grandchildren!

Little Paul preparing for life in frigid Missouri! He doesn't care -- he's just happy to be outside!

Kitty and Mary, contemplating getting into the icy waters of the Gulf.

Beth and her grown up girl Sarah.

Cheery Abigail!

So far, the rocks are warm enough.

Molly and Beth, sharing time in the sun. Sarah: "Something tells me a camera is nearby! Hey, there it is! "

Little cousins Rosie, Margaret Anne, and CJ snuggle up.

Kitty and the Big Blue Sea.

Gracie loves it, too.

We took another route home and went through Arcadia. We met sweet friends, the Franklins, for dinner at a local, small town restaurant. Much more picturesque and interesting than a fast food chain.

KelliPaige and Patrick and children were pleasant dinner companions. They are "Discherless" too!

Poor little Wills! A long day comes to a pleasant end! It was a different day at the beach, but I am sure it sent the Dischers off with good memories of living in Florida! Thank you, Lord, for our family and the many good times we have had together.