Tampa, Florida

We arrived in Tampa early Friday evening to light rain and lightening. After driving from the Pacific Northwest to Florida, there's one thing I know for sure. Texas and Florida have the worst drivers I have ever seen. I have to avoid watching the road or I would vomit. Lucky for me, Carl is a fantastic long term driver. I drive the middle of nowhere roads and he drives the cities.

All of that aside, we stayed with my Aunt Kate. Walking up to her apartment, we saw little tiny frogs hopping around the blades of grass. Kids were running around playing in the complex while Carl and I walked up the stairs. We were both so exhausted from the day's drive that it's a slight miracle our eyes refrained from bulging out of our heads.

Walking into her home, I instantly fell back to my memories of Grandma Nancy. Grandma Nancy's paintings were hung on the walls, a few pieces of china on the bookshelves. Oh, how I miss her. Seeing Grandma Nancy's paintings and Aunt Kate struck a nerve and I teared up a bit. Grandma Nancy was a magical lady and she is dearly missed.

Aunt Kate looked as warm and friendly as she always has. Her carefree and relaxed persona haven't changed a bit! I simply adore her. I've always looked up to her and after fourteen years of not seeing her, I understand life more and can truly appreciate her.

After introductions, we went out for dinner and chatted the night away. Dinner was fantastic. We had shrimp and BBQ chicken wings (Carl says they were the best he has ever had) for appetizers I had Shrimp Scampi (Shrimp from the Gulf), Carl had Tomato Basil Angel Hair Pasta, and Aunt Kate had Chicken Marsala. A wonderful dinner, and just what we needed to relax. Thanks Aunt Kate :)

We left to head back home when suddenly, Carl realized he had forgotten his bag that contained his laptop, passport, and wallet at the restaurant, so we rushed back to see if it was still there. The employees had already secured it the office, what a sigh of relief.

At Aunt Kate's we chatted about family and our lives. I learned stuff I never knew about my grandad, my dad, and my aunts and uncles. For example, I never knew my grandad was a WW II B17 Bomber pilot and navigator. Seriously, who knew? He's such a smart man. The more I learn about him (which is not easy to do), the more interesting he becomes. After stories and hugs, we called it an early night so we would have energy for The Everglades, our next stop.

Staying with Aunt Kate was heaven for both Carl and I. She was such a gracious host and a charming lady. We'll have to visit more often.