From "The Sunshine State"

Hi everyone!
Greetings from the "Sunshine State of Florida". Bob and I are having a wonderful time with our friends here in Sarasota! Sarasota is a beautiful city, everything we've seen so far is beautiful and green. Water, lots of water all around. Sarasota is on the gulf. Our time is going fast. I can't believe we only have one full day left, (we return home Saturday afternoon). We haven't the time to do all the things we wanted to do, there are two things that we need to eliminate as we only have one day left.

We have had very full days, sight-seeing, swimming, cruising, golfing, etc. On Monday we spent the afternoon at the beautiful Siesta Beach, world known for its pure white sand. We hoped to go back one more time, but won't make it. We drove north one day to Dunedin/Clearwater area. Our neighbors in Duluth winter there, and we visited them and spent the day with them. They showed us around their beautiful city, and we swam in their pool. We walked a beautiful nature trail in one of their state parks near their home. They told me that their mobile home there had more space than their home in Duluth. I couldn't believe it did, until we saw it. They have a lot of space and a beautiful Florida home. Our friends, Bill and Linda have a beautiful home here in Sarasasota too. We can certainly see why both couples are happy with their winter homes away from the north. Both couples will be making their way back North to Duluth in the next few weeks. They will be out of the state before the heat and humidity sets in.

Today we went on a boat that cruised out into the ocean. We left from Maderia, about an hour away. It was a lot of fun, and then we ate at a restuarant there by the water. Yesterday our day was so full that we came home and crashed to bed early!

Our hosts are showing us all around and telling us all about the area and the state. We saw the temperature in Duluth was 53 today, it was 83 here. The temperatures have been in the 80's everyday. AND SUN!

We are walking, biking and swimming in this beautiful weather. Having a wonderful time.
Tomorrow, a trip to a beautiful state park that promises wildlife and to get a sight of what Florida is really like away from the cities.

We thank Linda and Bill for giving us a wonderful visit and a wonderful vacation! Talk to you again, when we reach Duluth.

Until then, we wish you sunny days! - Linda and Bob