Our Short but Sweet Trip to Florida

Cher's sweet dog, Mitzi


Cher and her puppy, Mitzi



Mom and Rich in the pool



Rich, Mom, Denise and John by the restaurant on Anna Maria Island



Mother sharing her dessert with Rich



A week ago, John and I were in Florida visiting my mom and Rich. We had such a wonderful time so I wanted to share some photos with you.
We left on Thursday, the 18th and flew from GR to Tampa. We spent most of the day in airports and airplanes. By the time we got to Tampa, we were tired and hungry. We ate at one of our favorite restaurants, Sweet Tomatoes (Thanks Dan and Michelle!) and checked in to the Country Inn at 6:30 pm. We watched an in room movie and then slept 12 hours! It was great!
On Friday morning, we left Tampa and went South to the famous Outlet Mall. We spent most of the day there, where John went on his semi-annual shopping spree. It was fun to see him shop. Each time he went to the restroom, he came out wearing something new!
When we were finished there, we drove to Mom and Rich's house, our home away from home! The greatest accomodations anywhere! They are always so welcoming and fun to be with. We enjoyed some great meals at "The Club", breakfast on Anna Marie Island, golf, swimming and lots of R & R. We arrived back home late Tuesday night and were well rested, which was a good thing, because there was much to do when we got home!
Thanks to Mom and Rich for the much needed respite. We love you both!

I've been tagged - 3 Times!

Okay, I'm it I guess. Michelle, Katie and Lia have tagged me. Just when I was thinking I'm not really very good at this blog thing and I might give it up, I've been pushed to post. I know why they tagged me.
1) to get me to post on my blog
2) because they want the world to know my middle name
Well, I am not ashamed of my middle name and I will gladly share it with all who will read this, but first of all, I must pass on the rules of this game.

1) You have to post these rules before you give the facts
2) You must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had.
3) At the end of your blog post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag. Don’t forget to leave a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog for the rules.

My middle name is Gay. My mother always told me it meant happy and that she and dad were so happy when I was born that they decided to name me Denise Gay. This world has somehow given this name a derogatory connotation. Oh well, John didn't always mean "John" either.

G - Gay. No, no, like that. Webster defines gay as:
gay /geɪ/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[gey] adjective, -er, -est, noun, adverb –adjective

1.	having or showing a merry, lively mood: gay spirits; gay music.

2.	bright or showy: gay colors; gay ornaments.

3.	given to or abounding in social or other pleasures: a gay social season.

(If you want to see the rest of the definition, you'll have to check Webster yourself)
A - Active. I am active at home, at work, with my family, at church and with school activities. I have also been actively exercising lately, trying to lose the pounds I put on this past year.
Y - Young at heart. I have always felt young for my age and yet I think I'm the oldest mom
of Johnny's friends parents (does that make sense?) Oh well, the old saying is true that you're as young as you feel and I pray God continues to bless me with good health and I thank Him for my loving husband, children and grandchildren who keep me young.

Now, I tag La Familia Magee, Just News from Joan and Laiya. Have Fun! You're It!