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!

San Gennaro Festa

On Saturday Wayne and I met up with Joe at the San Gennaro Festa in Safety Harbor.  S.H. is just north of Clearwater near the northern end of Tampa Bay.  Upon entering the park and receiving our "Italy" beads, we were greeted by this scene.  This old gent was dancing along to the music.

I'm pointing out my pensione.

Sporting our beads.  Officially Italian.

 Lunch:  chicken parm, fried ravioli, and eggplant parm.

There was grape stomping!

Waterfront view.  Safety Harbor is a cute little village.

Listening to the music on the waterfront.  So far, none of the festivals that I've been to here in Florida, compare favorably to the ones up North.  :-(

It was a beautiful afternoon for a walk out on the pier.

Joe and Wayne smile for the camera.

Looking back towards the park.

On Sunday Wayne made these delicious popovers. Vanilla yogurt Amaretto custard, raspberries and raspberry cream.  Another winner!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I received a surprise delivery today!  I have a big smile on my face!  Thank you Wayne!

I put them in the wine decanter that Wayne made for me for Christmas.  Thought it could serve a dual purpose!  Heading up to Clearwater tonight to meet Wayne for dinner.

Death by Chocolate!

Wayne and I were invited to a death by chocolate theme party last night.  LOTS of chocolate there for sure!  Wayne made these Oreo cookie pudding chocolate candies.  Oh, yeah!  As good as they look!

One of the clever dishes there, though not too appetizing, was this kitty litter box and scoop.  Rice Krispies filled the box and there were Baby Ruths, Butterfingers, and the like, spread throughout the krispies.  Yum!  NOT!

A Visit from Bryan

My friend Bryan came to Florida to visit for a week.  He stayed with Janet in San Antonio for most of the week.  San Antonio?  Yeah, in Florida!  Who knew?

Bryan and Janet came down on Tuesday to spend the day with me here in St. Pete.  I gave Bryan a quick tour . . . around downtown St. Pete, Coffee Pot Bayou, the Bay, Roser Park, Gulfport and then over to Sunset Beach to watch the sunset.

Checking in on the elves in Gulfport.

On Friday Janet passed on our guest to me.  We spent the afternoon walking around downtown, had some lunch and followed up with some gelato at Paciugo.  On Friday night Bryan had his first visit to Georgie's Alibi.  Had a great time.  We met up with a bunch of friends and they all were trying to convince Bryan to move to St. Pete.  Maybe after he retires?

We Loves Us Some Good Food!

I hope Joe and Joy don't mind me re-posting this picture from Joy's blog!  Ruby began on solid foods in the beginning of January.  And it looks like she is enjoying it!



I wonder who she takes after???



A pic of me enjoying the ganache from the brownies we enjoyed in our Groundhog Day celebrations last night.


P.S.  Are retirees a stitch or what?