Orange Beach Alabama

We packed up yesterday and headed back towards the west to spend the night with my sister and husband Bruce.  Sure seems funny to backtrack when you are on a 1100 mile journey, but it was for a good cause.

Their condo is just on the far side of the pass.  Lots of boats go in an out.  Parasailing is going on all day just off the beach.  It was a good day to sit out at the beach and visit.  We all got a little sun.  What was so nice is that the breeze was strong all day, which kept us from feeling like we were baking in the sun.

After beach time, Cool Pa and Bruce enjoyed a vacation cigar.

Joni and Bruce treated us to dinner at Franco's Italian restaurant.

Dale wanted to pay for dinner as J & B were kind enough to give us a nights lodging, but there was no mutiny allowed.  Dale was told this was his Happy Retirement dinner.  What can you say to that.... nothing but "I'll have the grouper piccata ".

Bruce had a similar dish to the piccata, but his included crab meat in the sauce.  It seemed like the Papa Bear version of grouper Piccata.  JONI, BRUCE AND DALE got clean plate awards.  I am not even sure the dishes would have to be washed...they ate every last drop of food and sauce.

I had the Franco Platter, pasta, Lasagna, and chicken Parmesan.

I DID NOT get a happy plate award.  I ate the pasta.  Cool Pa and I will be having Lasagna and chicken parmesan for lunch today as we head out.

J & B went on for the gold and had a slice of Orange Sunshine Cake.  I love sweets, but I couldn't even try a bite.  I was so full, I was sleepy.

It was a late dinner, so we came home, Jammied up and went to bed shortly there after.

All are still slumbering this am.  I got up at 5:45 and the sun had already made daylight.  I fixed a strong cup of coffee and enjoyed their deck and the solitude.

Today CP and I pack-up and do a little hard driving.  We have to make up the hour we back-tracked.  We also have to add the miles we would have made traveling yesterday.  Son Dylan and grandchildren Brittany and Brett are leaving Texas this am.  They should catch up to us some time tonight.  We hope to make it some where just north of Tampa-St. Pete today.  That will give us a short drive tomorrow on into Sanibel Island.  CP is looking forward to this stop the most.  We sit still for a week.  We will have family to visit and catch up with.

Today will be just a travel day... but there is one big thing today.   HAPPY BIRTHDAY shout outs to Cool Pa's oldest son JOSH.  We wish him a great day!