Saturday, February 12, 2011

Greetings my chilly friends, from a rather nippy paradise


It's a little frosty in the Sarasota area tonight. While the temperature states it's a balmy 51 degrees, I can tell you that the "real feel" temp is quite different. Tomorrow may have to include a trip to Marshall's to buy some socks.

What? I packed one pair of shoes, one pair of socks, and I won't admit to how many pairs of flip flops may be residing in the closet right now. Given the current temperature, it's certainly more than I need.



We had an action filled day beginning with what should have been a one hour trip to the airport, but took two because of a surprise snowfall and icy road conditions and all at insane o'clock. To avoid missing our trip out of hell save time, we had to park in the extortionist long term parking deck at the airport. Still, we persevered and made it safely to Siesta Key by noon, had a late, and delicious breakfast (al fresco) at The Broken Egg, followed by pedicures and a little shopping to stock the fridge and vodka cabinet. By 6PM, we were spent, but somehow managed, wrapped in sweaters, jeans and blankets, to watch a glorious sunset on our first night here.



When we parked in the long term lot, I had the presence of mind to leave my ticket in the vehicle. Sometime tomorrow, my husband and son will fetch the car from that lot that's charging $20 a day to park so close to the terminal. Bless them both for saving us from that obscene rate. I think I owe them, but now I find myself wondering what I should do with the savings. Perhaps I should buy a down coat.


A down filled sky. Too bad it's so ccccccccold.

Do they even sell The North Face products down here? Perhaps thermal under armor is in order.

I jest with you though, because while the low may be 44 degrees here tonight, it's highly unlikely Detroit would even hit that as a high temperature on Sunday. It's beautifully warm enough for me when the sun is shining in the afternoon. In fact, while at breakfast, it was so warm in the sun that I broke into a sweat.


And yes...the sand really is so white it looks like snow. Unfortunately, it's so chilly, it sort of feels like that, too. This really is the most beautiful beach I've ever seen. It's so white and feels like powdered sugar, or at least it does when the sun is shining.

Sunday's agenda? Dinner at the Columbia restaurant on St. Armand's Circle in Sarasota, which will include the sangria and their very famous 1905 salad, not to mention the utterly delicious black bean soup, and finally, a trip to the theater to see, The King's Speech.

For the rest of the week, we are mulling over a trip to Captiva & Sanibel Island, the Florida Everglades, and possibly, a trip to Universal Studios. All is up in the air, but for right now, we're chilling, sipping vodka cocktails and snacking on pizza.

Weather aside, it's a perfect beginning.

18 comments:

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

oh, nice toes! sorry about the chilly air. i always feel like i have to apologize when someone comes to florida and it's cool. but this winter has been much milder than last! we have in the 70's this week, cooler at night.

have fun anyway!

smiles, bee
xoxoxoxoxoxo

SkippyMom said...

As much as I love hearing from you, as always, if I catch you posting one more time while on vacation I am coming to Detroit [when you get home] and kicking your behind.

We love you, will miss you - but can wait for updates until you get back.

Enjoy yourself. Nice toes. Gorgeous sunset.

GO RELAX!

Rose said...

Love your toes; is that your daughter with you? Have fun!!!

sandy said...

Oh wow, have a great time! So glad you got away from the cold (even though it's somewhat cold) to some relaxation where it's warmer...good for you!

Rositta said...

Hopefully those toes will enjoy the sand. You're right, it's probably in the high 20's in Detroit. Knowing me, I would have packed some woolies. Heck I even take the to Greece and it's really hot there. Have fun...ciao

Jane said...

What glorious skies and sand. Looks fabulous, enjoy your Sunday

Jeannette StG said...

Can see you are enjoying it! (except it could be a little warmer) -beautiful beach fits with beautiful feet:) Have fun!

Gail said...

Leave the call winter behind and bask in the sun's light...have a wonderful week.

unmitigated me said...

The weather report looks warmer for the next few days, and I can't recommend Captiva and Sanibel highly enough! I'll be headed to the South Seas Resort, which takes up about 1/2 of Captiva, at the end of March. Sanibel has a sweet little outdoor mall that I think is called Periwinkle Place. And a great nature preserve. The Ford and Edison summer homes are in Ft. Myer, which is where you take the causeway to Sanibel, too. Have a lovely time, Rudee!

Catherine said...

Hi Rudee, hope you are warming up - love that the tropics can get chilly at times! So to cheer you up I left an award for you over at my blog. Hope you enjoy it. a new challenge to write stuff about yourself is always good! Hope you are knitting in the chilly sun!
Catherine.

Celia said...

50s is still better than the temps you left. Looks like tons of fun.

Stephanie V said...

Heat is relative...there's palm trees! And your feet are bare - always a good thing.

Unknown said...

Yep nice toes. I would take it even with the cooler temps. Sounds like fun all around. Beautiful photos too.Lucky you got the car out. Safe trip.
QMM

Darci said...

Beautiful photos!

The Bug said...

I'm still jealous :)

Unknown said...

Enjoy the holiday and I am sure the weather is better than your hometown.T-14 and counting here..
Hugs Birgit

Brenda said...

Oh how wonderful! Have a relaxing vacation Rudee!

Joanna said...

Looks like fun in spite of the cold. Have a wonderful time Rudee.