Happy Feet

OK.  I did it.  About a month ago Wayne and I met this doctor who was wearing these funny shoes.  Not this model, but ones that looked crazy like these.  He swore by them, saying they were comfortable and he wore them to work every day.

When I was at Disney Studios last week, I saw a guy walking around with these funny shoes on too.  So after my walk this morning, I went online to do some research.  Most of the reviews were excellent.  I shopped different styles and when looking for what was available in my size, it cut the field down substantially.  It seemed a little tricky as to determining which size to order so I thought maybe I'd check to see if there was a nearby store that carries them.  So I next went to the manufacturers web site and did a search.  Lo, and behold, there is one within walking distance.  I went for an afternoon walk. I'm glad I did.  There were not a lot available in my size, but I did have several styles to select from.

I thought back to when I was a kid and the shoe salesman would ask if you wanted to wear the new shoes or have him put them back in the shoe box.  I  commented that I felt like a little kid and told him I would like to wear them on my walk back to my apartment.

After I left the store I walked a couple blocks over to Starbucks, got an iced coffee and sat outside and talked to my friend Ray on the phone.  He was huddled at home while it was snowing outside.  I hesitated to tell him that I was sitting outside in shorts and short sleeve polo, under a blue cloudless sky with the temperature somewhere around 80 degrees.  I hesitated, but I told him anyway!

A Foggy Morning in St. Pete Town

I am in my fifth week of "retirement" now.  I haven't developed any sort of routine yet, taking the time to let whatever will be, will be.  One thing that has been fairly well consistent, is a morning walk.  Dave meets me at 9 AM and we head off in a different direction depending on the whim of the day.

This morning there was a fog hanging over Tampa Bay and over downtown St. Pete.  As our walk progressed, the fog was lifting.

I still find it hard to believe that this is February and I'm living here.  So much of "winter" is a distant memory.  I forget what time of year it really is.

One of the things I am enjoying, is having time.  It sort of reminds me of when I was a child.  Especially thinking back on summer days when I was growing up.  I got up in the morning. Had breakfast.  Went out to play with my brother and sister, and/or cousins and/or neighborhood friends.  There was no set schedule.  We played until we were called in for lunch.  Then played some more until we were called in for dinner.  A clock wasn't necessary.  It's pretty much like that now.  Only my playtime is not quite the same, and no one prepares my meals and calls me in when they are ready.  (Shout out to Ma!)

Caught this school of fish under the dock on the way back.

I'm glad I live in a place that is perpetual "summer".  It always was my favorite time of year!

Left Center Right and Lasagna

I attended an "LCR Casino Party" on Saturday afternoon and evening.  It's a simple game which we played with nickels instead of chips.  Low stakes, but fun.  We had three tables of seven players each.  After a while it does become a bit 'tiring' so we doubled the stakes to two nickels per 'chip'.  Living life on the edge!

It was a beautiful afternoon to be outside!  I still have to remind myself that it's February!

John had set a beautiful table for our dinner.  Lasagna, salad and chocolate pudding and carrot cake for desserts.  It was a fun time!

I think 'Shut the Box' would lend itself to this party.  When we played on Thanksgiving the stakes were higher - $1 per round.  A little more incentive, I think!  Maybe next year?

Meeting a Friend and A Different Point of View

I was supposed to meet my friend Chip at Disney's Hollywood Studios on Friday, but as it sometimes happens, something came up and plans had to be modified.











This is my other friend that I met there.  Located right in the middle of the photo on the right, blue torso, green appendages.  Lighting was not the best, so it's all a blur . . .

I've been to Disney many times with my family in the past.  I enjoy walking around at a leisurely pace now with no 'must do' items.  So, this photo essay is mostly about a different point of view and some of the architectural detail and designs.

I enjoyed watching this show where young Jedi Padawan were beginning their training.  I could picture my son Joe, waaaaayyyyy back when he was little.

It was cute watching these young kids . . . soooo serious!

Then off to the Voyage of the Little Mermaid to see my friend Mr. Turtle.

They say the devil is in the details.  This devil looks like a wall eyed salmon!

I met Adele for lunch at the Studio Catering Co.  Grilled veggie sandwich.  

Our lunch neighbor lady recorded this picture for posterity.

After lunch I caught the Pixar Pals Parade.  Much of the parade was dancing to "Bang on the Drum All Day".  I used to hear this song every Friday morning on my way into work back in the 80s.  That was a (Buzz) Lightyear ago.  OK.  I'm sorry.

Missing Gina!

My pass.

Looking towards the Prime Time Cafe where our family had many a "home cooked" meal!
 

Met Adele again during a break.  Frozen drinks (Pina Colada and Mango Passion).  Many times we'd see park goers eating these ginormous turkey drumsticks, so I finally figured it was time to try one.

The gift shop entrance (exit?) at the Hollywood Towers Hotel.

This poor guy was struggling against the wind to walk up Sunset Boulevard.

Almost took him down!

Getting towards Sunset on Sunset Blvd.

Near the Brown Derby.

I had some time so I went on a Star Tour.  Walked right up and the doors opened for boarding.  Didn't even have to slow my gait!

Mia's friend Jamie use to play in Mulch Sweat and Shears.  And the lead female singer was named Mia.  I took a pic with my cell phone and sent it to Mia.  I miss you!

I took this shot from behind the band at their finale.

That larger glow is a crescent moon.  

While I was waiting for Adele I was struck by how deserted and peaceful things were after most of the visitors had left.  A bit eerie!

Now our finale . . . dinner at Sweet Tomatoes!

I had a fun day with Adele and Mr. Turtle!  Now, hopefully, all will work out well for meeting up with Chip next Friday!