Pensacola 2.0

The water was beautiful yesterday.  This picture does not do it justice.  It ran from a lovely royal blue in places to a BEAUTIFUL emerald-turquoise.  I got out there early and had the best time soaking up the sun then floating in the cool water.  I dug out the Ipod (a sweet sweet gift from my sister), that we had loaded up with new songs.  After days (weeks actually) of running and traveling to and fro it was Nirvana to sit still and listen to a little Ben Harper and Big Head Todd in quiet peace.  IT WAS HEAVEN.  All that was missing was a frozen boat drink.

Cool Pa woke up today and felt energized, which was a good thing as my sister Joni and her husband Bruce came and met us for lunch.  It was great to see them both.  Dale met my sister for the first time last year in the ICU unit where I was touch and go.  Dale said he loved my sister from the start, but looked forward to seeing her under different circumstances.  This 2nd meeting went much better.

Joni (sister) and Bruce (BIL)

We went to a very casual place for lunch called Shaggy's.  It seems silly to go to some closed in, full wall kinda place when you are in a coastal paradise

The food was excellent.  BIL Bruce said that the food was actually at a level much above the Atmosphere.  So Shaggy's had the great beach vibe and rocked the food as well.  We have picked another winner!

Joni and Bruce started with an appetizer of slices of fried green tomatoes layered with crab cakes and covered with a Creole sauce.  Everyone had some jalapeno hushpuppies.  CP and I had fried green tomatoes and split a burger and fries.  Joni and Bruce had Fresh-Off-the-Hook selection.  Everyone was happy and full. 

Phinn went with us.  He was in my boat drink.

Then he almost got hooked by a fisherman

After lunch we decided to do a little exploring and walk off our meal.  We headed down to Fort Pickens.  It was a beautiful drive.  That end of the island is pretty much preserved in a natural state.

Cool Pa got excited at the entry gate.  Since he is at LEAST 62, he was able to purchase a pass for 10$ that will get him and everyone in his car into any national state park for free.  He let me know this was a real prize and that I have hooked my wagon to a man who can provide for me!  LOL he is a catch!  Joni suggested Bruce might need to step up his game if he is going to hang with Dale.

CP and I love the John Prine song, In Spite of Ourselves.  Take a listen.  With this new pass, he is once again "the BIG door prize".

After lunch and hiking we headed down to the beach.  The breeze was great.  We sat and had a good time chatting with our visiting family.

Out time visiting came to a close so fast.  Joni and Bruce headed back to Orange Beach.  CP and I went back up to the room.  Here is CP out on the deck.  He is chatting with dear friend and co-worker Kay.  I think she is what he will miss most about working.

I settled in on the bed to chill out.  I was a little bummed my visit with my sister was already over.  THEN THE PHONE RANG... it was my sister saying she missed me already.  I had to agree, I was missing her too.  BUT then the good part of the call came.  Seems she and BIL have a 2 bedroom/2bath condo and why didn't we come and spend a night with them before we head south.  We have some flexibility in our schedule at this point.  Cool Pa sealed the decision by stating...this is your sister, lets go for it.

So tomorrow we have an unexpected stop.  I am looking forward to it.  I am going to make my sister get up and do something with me in the morning.  CP doesn't get up until about 1 PM.  I have spent my mornings being quiet and still.  I love mornings.  I love my sister.  Tomorrow I am going have both.