Food!

Frank and I ate at "Cantors" which is a local institution reminding me very much of Reins Deli. I took a picture of the pickles for Savta because they instantly reminded me of here. Oddly enough the restaurant is down the street and 24 hours and a year and change being here and this is my first time! Zachary Quinto is sitting next to us ( for mother, that's spock in the new star trek movies)

Love ya

Mike

Zavi

January 7th saw Rendi and Joe pick up the newest addition to the mountain crew:  Zavi. She's a Field Golden Retriever from the same bloodlines as our friends, the Langguths, have had ever since we have known them.  The trip TO Birmingham, Alabama area was much faster than the RETURN--but worth it.  We think Zavi will be a good fit for the mountains--most definitely high-spirited and, so far, pretty smart. Postings of her growing up will be a regular occurrence. 

M-S Sanibel

Sanibel was, as it has been over the last 12 or so years, the perfect end to another great year.  Of course, this year was a special one with Chailee and William getting married. 

The M-S parents began with the usual driving trip on Thursday, 12/22, and made it to Ocala from Asheville. Ever mindful of our commitment to good nutrition, this year there was no stop at “Five Guys” in Ocala (you have to admit though, that s—t is GOOD! By Friday, after the obligatory stop at Ellenton, we made it to Sanibel.

The weather this year was perfect—around 80 all week, excepting one day.  Lots of beach walking, bicycling, a little golf, fun eating at the local haunts—all the regular rituals that never seem to get old. 

Maris and Cole landed their rental car, after 22.5 hrs from Hartford, at Ft. Meyers airport on Tuesday the 27^th. Their team driving this year was pretty evenly split as they pushed through the night after a 6pm departure from the northeast. 

Chailee and William arrived Wednesday, flying into Tampa, driving the rest of the way to Sanibel in a very specially designed Ford.  This vehicle had a very clandestine cruise control unit. Everyone had a turn in hunting for it.  No one ever found it. 

We did do the Latke Dinner on Thursday with steak and swordfish grilled by the guys.  Maris and Chailee handled the latke frying duties.  The Chanukah calendar, as is the custom, was shifted to match the time at Sanibel.

Friday, Dec 30, we all did a sunset cruise between Sanibel and Pine Island. Fun, Food, and dauphins for color--coupled with a super sunset!

The parent crew could not have been more honored, than to have been surrounded by these four!  It is just plain great.  Talk about GREAT.  This year each of the younger set couples, separately out-wrestled Joe for a dinner tab. He, of course, was indignant, as he was out-smarted in each instance—well at least surprised.  It is a surprise he could get used to—as he left for the restroom as the check came for subsequent meals.  Kidding aside, we are very lucky as a family.  Sanibel gives a good time out every year to reflect on that fact!  Thanks Chailee and William, and Maris and Cole for the efforts to join us at year’s end!!!!

New Year’s Eve saw Chailee and William depart before noon for their return flight.  The remaining four bicycled to Captiva (24 miles rountrip) for lunch water-side at the Mucky Duck.  Maris and Cole decided on a tandem bike for the excursion.  They got the hang of it very quickly and progressed to where Cole could go “no hands!”  That woke up the Mel Woman—big time!  We were graced with a Rosanne Barr look a like waitress from hell at the restaurant.  Rendi guilted Joe into leaving a tip. We have to admit, though, Joe was extremely tolerant of this b----'s p-ss poor bald brain numb skull approach to good service. 

 

We celebrated New Years with a little TV, Bowl game, poor Dick Clark, embarrassingly pathetic Anderson Cooper, a card game, cheeses, prosciutto, salami, fruit, wine.  After the ball dropped, we looked at the Florida coast fireworks from the roof deck of the condo, and finished off the wedding sparklers without having to employ a sprinker or dial 911—close there. 

Thanks to every good grace of 2011, and a hearty welcome to 2012!  In Savta’s words, “May we never have less!”