Christmas on "The Loop" - Day 83 - Sarasota, FL

It's a beautiful, sunny day in Sarasota -- the water is sparkling like diamonds.   While Floridians seem to think this 60'ish degree weather is cold -- well, for Chicagoans it's lovely.   The marina staff leaves a newspaper next to each boat (like in a hotel), which I think is a really nice touch.   So we are sitting here reading the paper, having lunch and enjoying the moment.  

Marina Jack's fountain

It is different being away from home for the holidays, and would be wonderful to see friends.   However, we are on this adventure to complete the Loop and find that people are very welcoming.   Last night Ron and Linda Markovitz invited us to their yacht club (Sarasota Yacht Club), which is absolutely gorgeous!  It has a heated outdoor lap pool, fitness center, restaurant(s), lounge(s), fireplace(s), etc.  A real "Wow!"     Tonight Ron and Linda graciously invited us to their house for dinner.

Tomorrow, Saturday and Christmas Day, Brittany and Scott (who left Chicago/Belmont Harbor on Sept. 27th on their 35' sailboat and have traveled 2,900 miles going the eastern route to Florida) are picking us up to go to spend Christmas with them and Brittany's family (Jim and Sue Steven are also our boat neighbors in Belmont).  How lucky is that!   We can't wait.

Today we had a remarkable experience.   A few blocks from the marina on Pineapple St. (many of the streets are named Pineapple or Coconut or Palm, etc) there is a store with a sign "come in and hug a puppy".   Well, how could I resist!    It is, in fact, the Southeastern Guide Dog group that breed, raise and train dogs for the blind.    Today was our 2nd visit to "hug a puppy".    We bring Kodi with us of course.    Talking to coordinator, Marjorie Singer, about the program we realize that bringing a dog from birth to becoming a trained guide dog is a big investment in labor and love.    Majorie has also extended an invitation to her home to let Kodi play with her two labs in her large, fenced yard on Bird Key.   She realizes that being a doggy "Looper" rarely gives Kodi the opportunity for an all out run with other dogs. 

Not that she doesn/t get enough exercise

We are thinking of all of our friends in Chicago, and making some new ones along the way.    This Looping thing is getting better!    I may even recommend it by the time I get back!!  

 

Meanwhile, we want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas.    We hope you continue to join us on our journey (and for anyone so inclined, we love visitors!)   Your support has truly been wonderful.

Written by Diana (edited by Les).