Weekend in FL

This past weekend, I took a trip down to DeLand, Florida to visit my bro and his fam. It was my first experience flying Allegiant Air (a low-cost carrier), and it was interesting. They fly from Greensboro (GSO) to Sanford/Orlando (SFB) for the low summer price of $59 each way. Starting next week, the fair goes down to $29 each way. Of course, they make money on all the other additional fees - so watch out. Overall it was $160 round trip, no checked bags, no food or drink on board. Pretty good, I'd say. I was amused when I got to the counter in Greensboro to check-in and found no computers. The lady flipped through a file folder to the "P" section and pulled out my ticket, then marked through my name on another piece of paper. Then 30 minutes before the flight, the same group of three came to the gate to load passengers. The workers seemed fairly upbeat though, so I guess they didn't mind all the work. I didn't pick a seat because it would cost an extra $10 each way, but I was lucky enough to get aisle on the way there, and window on the way back. No center seat on the packed MD-80! I was in the back, so it took awhile to get off the plane after landing, but I didn't mind since I got to chat with the cute flight attendant.

Now about Florida. The trip was just what I needed. I great mix of down-time watching Olympics, and getting outdoors for fun. We enjoyed playing dodge ball, bouncing on the trampoline, throwing football, and walking around a park on Saturday. Let me tell you - trampoline is hard work - I was pouring sweat after a minute of bouncing. For food, we enjoyed a hometown Mr. Bill's donut and breakfast place in the morning, and a yummy Italian place for dinner. When you see the short, white-haired, hunched-over Italian grandma, and only understand half of her English - you know you're getting real Italian!

Sunday morning, dad flew in to Daytona bright and early to join the fun. I picked him up and we headed to church. My brother and SIL did a great job playing the organ, piano, and leading the choir. Both my brothers have such great talents they use at the church. I wonder if my church could use a good oboist. For lunch we hit Main Street Grill, and my mouth is still watering for that French Dip - and the 1/2 of my nephew's hamburger I ate - and the 1/2 of my other nephew's chicken fingers I ate - and... ok that's it. So much for portion control. YUM!


Image from Florida State Parks

In the afternoon we headed to blue springs state park. Here, the water comes up from underground (with a pretty impressive flow rate) at a constant 72 degrees year-round. It was cold, but made for a lot of fun swimming up and then down stream for about an hour. At the head of the stream, there's basically just a deep hole that's probably 15 feet in diameter with tons of crystal clear water shooting up. It was fun to try and swim down against the current.

That evening, SIL made a fabulous meal of pork chops, rice, cashew green beans, bread, and mac&cheese. We topped it off with homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Monday, I work up around 9, and before I knew it, noon had come and it was time to head to the airport. I said my goodbyes, and had a fine trip back to Greensboro.

Thanks again to bro and fam and dad for a great vacation!

This weekend, I'm staying in town to enjoy some down time, catch up with friends, and hopefully finish painting my office room.

Peace - and go USA!