The last evening of July 2010 turned out to be a beautiful one! Although it was hot, there was a little bit of a breeze, just enough to prevent you from passing out. I'm kidding of course, about passing out, not about the breeze. :-) I attended the latest Outings & Adventures event, an evening with American Stage.
I walked the block over to Joe's and Pete's and from there we walked down to the Vinoy. We went a little early to relax with a cool drink. I had a mango sangria, enough to cool me off, but not get too loopy!
The evening started with time to mingle and to enjoy a salad or a plate of various hors d'oeuvres. From there we walked to the American Stage Theater to see their production of The Seafarer. It was my first time in the new theater. I enjoyed the play; the acting was excellent, but I was expecting to get more emotionally involved, which just didn't happen.
Next up . . . this coming Wednesday, another event with O&A, Cyndi Lauper concert at Ruth Eckerd Hall!
Another beautiful Sunday in Paradise! I slept in a little later this morning. I wanted to get outside before it got too hot, so decided to take a walk along the Bay and into downtown, camera in tow.
First stop was Vinoy Park. My favorite park bench was occupied, so I sat in my second favorite. Beautiful sky today.
I then headed over towards Beach Drive. This was parked on 5th Ave NE across from the Vinoy.
The Chihuly Collection gallery opened on July 11. I haven't visited it yet, but hope to in the near future.
Looking towards the North, up Beach Drive from in front of the gallery.
This wall is pretty when it is backlit at night.
Front gate at Grayl's Hotel
Sidewalk cafe in front of the hotel.
Heading up the sidewalk towards the Bay, after having my iced coffee at Starbucks.
This view is from the stairwell of the Bay Walk parking garage. I noticed this a few weeks back and wanted to return to get a photo.
From the window.
The Ovation condo with Cassis restaurant.
I think most people who were out decided to eat in the A/C!
Heading back up Beach Drive to return to my apartment, I snapped one more picture. Vinoy is in the background there.
My birthday gift to myself from my favorite ride at Hollywood Studios at Disney World. My old terry cloth robe was a bit ragged, and I'm being kind there. So, here I am in my new exclusive robe. Dashing, eh?
I spent my 62nd Birthday at Disney World with my daughter Gina. What a blast! Stayed overnight on property and spent most of Sunday hanging around the pool and relaxing with Gina. While we were at Hollywood Studios, we got text messages from Adele and Mia wishing me a Happy Birthday and sending best wishes that we were enjoying ourselves. Gina snapped this picture with her phone camera and sent it to them.
We checked into the Pop Century Hotel just after 9:00 AM. Very gaudy surroundings, but fun! Room was nice and clean.
We were in the 90s themed area. Since Gina is a 90s baby, it was certainly appropriate!
I was branded for the day! But it was fun. Cast members wishing me a Happy Birthday and getting extra little treats and services throughout the day!
One of my toys as a little kid was TinkerToys. Loved them!
Taking aim on the Toy Story Arcade ride.
My mid morning Birthday Cake! Make a wish!
Gina getting her kicks on Route 66
My favorite! The Tower of Terror!
A picture of our picture on our first plunge of the day! We look pretty cool, calm and collected, don't we?
Outside the Great Movie Ride. Gina's home! "Is this a ride?" "What is this? A Chinese restaurant?" "Is this it? I thought it was a ride?!!"
Boba Fet goes Hollywood
If you want me, I'll be at The Plaza . . .
Gotta love that man!
The Block Party Bash
Frozen lemonade break!
Boo dancing at the party . . .
The dancers were pulling people from the crowd, and this dancer noticed my Happy Birthday button, so he came over and led me out. I figured, "What the heck! Nobody knows me, so I can't make too much of a fool of myself!"
We went thru a series of different dances
The MC Hammer shuffle . . .
Can't touch this . . .
whoa oh whoa oh, Oh oh oh . . .
Then we twist again . . .
Oh, you dancing fool!
I love the way this little girl was dancing!
How low could I go?
Around 4:30 PM we left the Hollywood Studios and headed over to the Polynesian Resort for dinner reservations at 5 PM.
Was nice and peaceful there!
Aloha!
Refreshments while we waited for the Kona Cafe to open.
Delicious bread with macadamia butter!
Lump crab appetizer . . .
Gina's pork chop dinner .
My jumbo shrimp and scallops.
Our waitress brought this Birthday cream puff. I'm glad I kept the Birthday button on!!!
Lilo and Stitch made out of chocolate, watching over the desserts!
After dinner we took the monorail over to the Magic Kingdom. Rode the Thunder Mountain Railroad and Space Mountain, then hung out for the fireworks. I can't believe that Disney did all this just for me on my birthday!!!
We took a ride on the People Mover to get some breeze. Sure was a hot day!
Got a fast pass and rode Space Mountain. This ride is always a blast!
Dusk at the Magic Kingdom
Several hours have passed since dinner, so there was some room for dessert. First stop, big cookie ice cream sandwich.
Think maybe I enjoyed this way too much?
Gina got the Mickey caramel and chocolate covered apple. For my birthday, the cast member gave me a chocolate covered marshmallow treat.
Enjoying dessert while positioned in the Rose Garden for the fireworks display.
Almost time . . .
And all this for moi! I'm totally farglempt!
Totally exhausted, we arrived back at the Pop Century. I liked the way this was lit.
The hotel windows in the rooms all had these little "Watch Dog" in them, made from a washcloth.
We spent Sunday just relaxing around the pool and hanging around the hotel. Was overcast on and off, and as we were departing around 2:00 PM, the rain came down! Only lasted for maybe the first 10 minutes of the drive back to St Pete.
Groovy Baby!
