Florida 2010 - Trip Journal

I was up early to be at the airport by 6 a.m. Cleared security with no problems and met my friend who had to fly from Edmonton.

Our flight left on time Calgary-Denver. Scattered clouds part over the mountains. We fly parallel, the eastern sun rises on the far side of the plane and I am grateful for a window on God's glory. We bank east. The blue topaz heavens feather down and fade white into thin veil of cloud.

Melora works a puzzle. I inflate a neck pillow, plug earbuds into a Bebo Norman album and relax into slumber.

Oh wait. Snack first.

Denver-Tampa leg totally booked. Due to length of flight, I upgraded to Economy Plus on the aisle right beside the main exit.

Melora closely examines the inside of her eyes.

Arrive without incident in Tampa, obtain rental vehicle, program the GPS and head for the condo. We stop to have supper, then buy groceries. Condo is comfy, 2 br, 2 bath, with its own pool inside a gated community in Seminole, FL, 5 minutes from the beaches of Indian Shores.

We began our first day sharing about faith and doubt, struggle and surrender. We then walked the beach, visited the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary and did a little bargain hunting. Had a late lunch/early supper at Bubba Gumps at John’s Pass Village, Madeira Beach, drove some more, laughed a lot, had a light snack and watched a movie at home.

Day 2 we both slept in. It’s Saturday after all. I finished some promo work for the Beth Moore simulcast advertising then we shared breakfast and devotional time. Melora and I are wired so similar, we are able to share much about God’s working in our lives and about our own “kicking against the pricks” of his Spirit.

We went back to the beach, took a long walk and did some beachcoming – it’s so warm with the sun today. We then drove over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge toward Sarasota but took our time, stopped when we wanted, wandered around the fishing pier, stopped for Starbucks and only made it to the beautiful island of Anna Maria just in time to watch the sunset.

We returned to Indian Shores to an absolutely amazing dinner at Tapas Garden restaurant. Started with fresh baked foccacia and hummus, a lovely Pinot Noir, Fresh Beet Salad (w/cucumber, asparagus, Heart of Palm and sweet sherry dressing), then Filetito (small filet mignon) with portobello mushrooms and bleu cheese butter, finish with Mango Creme Brulee. Ahhhh.

Tomorrow, we’re up early to head for church and then hopefully will enjoy the Canadians beating the Americans in ice hockey at Vancouver 2010 Olympics.