HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY MAMA

This past weekend we took the drive to go see my Mama, who turned 50 Sunday! 50 is not old by any means but it is yet another reminder that time does not reverse, only speeds ahead at warp speed. Thankfully, though we do have our many, many, MANY disagreeable moments, my mother and I are at a much better place in our lives now. In my angry , know it all, teen angst years I wanted nothing more than to get away from her. That I did, moving away at 17 and really on my own for the most part ever since. During my teen years I had this horrible anger held directly for my mom. It was a rage that burned through my soul and has since dissipated. I was awful to her on so many accounts, as a mother now, it shames me. At this point we could probably never live under the same roof without wanting to attack each other like rabid animals, but would do so if the need arose because we love one another. That is the power of love, and the unconditional love that a mother has for their children despite any differences or views each may have. I feel I have made right my wrong doings and now being a mother can understand my own a LOT better now.

Our car ride was about 3 hours to get over to the West Coast of FL. The small quaint little city of Port Charlotte, not too far from where my mother resides in Englewood. Whenever I go back home I am usually squeezing in more than time allows to visit with people I care about and never get to see. Well, at least not as often as I would like. This weekend however, was devoted to my mother and my mother only.

Going home sends me mixed feelings. In one perspective, I want to be there again because friends and family (My side) are there. I also know that when the time arises we could purchases more of a home and land for less than on the East Coast. Then, all the other factors weigh in. There is
NOTHING to do in Port Charlotte. Teenagers used to and probably still do hang out in the Walmart parking lots. Yup! Big Fun! Then there were those football and cheerleader led "Woods Parties" with the equipped bonfire and keg in tow. Car by car would follow into the deep back streets surrounded by nothing but woods. (Now that I think of it as an adult. That was probably pretty dangerous for multiple reasons) There are a lot more residents after Hurricane Charley. I guess it put P.C. on the map for builders and the residents of Arcadia who lost mostly everything. In comparison to the East Coast, P.C. in this little back woods city with a slower, much slower, pace and a retirement count that is rising. On the flip side this little city is where I had my first boyfriend, first dance, first kiss, met my first Best Friend, was introduced to the theater world, was a cheerleader, made enemies, made Lifelong friendships, had my first job (Taco Bell...well if you don't count babysitting, that came first.) Among many other memories this little city is where I GREW up. Everything after the stepping stone of growing up in the city of P.C. has been Amazing. When I look at where I am and who and what I have in my life now, I am glad I no longer reside in P.C. It is still nice to visit every once in awhile, though. It always slows us down. Sometimes in life that is exactly what you need.

We started off our weekend with dinner with my mom. This was a success due to both kiddies being sound asleep at the time we ate.

Saturday, we headed to the beach after a lazy day of relaxation. We attempted to check out the much talked about historic Dearborn street. To my hubby and I  it honestly looked more like a small dead town from a horror movie. For us having, Las Olas, Riverwalk, FTL Beach etc. It didn't leave us with any desire to stop or even revisit. From what locals say, it gets busy and ALIVE during block parties or special events. Saturday late afternoon Dearborn street didn't leave much to anticipate. We then headed to Manasota Beach. It was Starr's first trip to the beach. It was later in the afternoon so the weather was ideal. It was relaxing and fun to watch G-Man kicking at the shoreline and throwing shells into the ocean. Though, he had the most fun splashing in the showers afterwards. I became nostalgic because Manasota Beach was a beach I visited often by myself to write. Also, a beach where some of us went on school skip days. Wait.............I NEVER did that!
Watching G-Man delight in deep belly laughter we headed home to have Chinese take out and watch a movie.

Sunday, we had breakfast at Spinnaker Cafe, a small local heirloom. Funny, all those years I lived near Englewood, traveled on the same road it exist on, and have visited my mom, we have never been there. It really is a Diamond in the rough. Local owners apparently sold to a family from Connecticut and the restaurant has withheld and even taken off, with an expansion. Though we waited a bit, service was friendly, quick and the food was Yummy. The best part was how reasonably priced they were. After breakfast we headed back to my moms so G-Man could play in the inflatable pool I blew up Saturday. Yes! I blew up all by myself! My mom always said I was full of Hot Air! We finished our visit with a relaxing afternoon of pool play, conversation, and relaxation before taking our 3 hour car ride back home.

Daddy and G-Man have some Motorcycle Fun

In the words of Grayson - "Vroom Vroom!"

I didn't have the money to take my mother to a spa or buy her fancy jewelry or really fancy anything. I gave her the next, or really better present. Our Presence, time with her daughter and grand children, relaxing, lazy days to unwind and enjoy...Pure TIME. In my opinion there isn't a better gift.

So hard to get G-Man to cooperate for organized photos