Tuesday, Feb 2

Today we are going to meet Max's friend Frank and his wife Pat. They live on the east coast and are driving over to Naples while we drive down. Frank came  from Peabody and met Pat (English) down here. . 
Half way there and we hit a speed trap. Ten miles over limit...$109.00! We got nailed by an airplane. Max was cool - didn't let it spoil the day.Thank god Brenda had told us about the seat belt laws, we were both buckled up. Way to go Brenda!

At first Frank didn't recognize Max...had never seen him with a beard. After introductions we crossed the street to "Tin alley Market" where Pat spotted a shoe store having a sale. Pat told me "she loves  shoes". I told her that we might come back after lunch. 

Lunch at "Merchants Row" on the Inter-coastal waterway. We got a table overlooking the waterway. Seafood all around. 

Since Max seemed intrigued by the pelicans I suggested that he go back and get his camera while Pat and I hit the shoe shop. No luck for Pat but I found some flats, a pair of sandals and a HAT. In the next shop pat "convinced" me that I needed a cotton blazer because it would look good with the outfit I was wearing. It fit and it cost $10.00, mine! Found the guys and hit a couple more places. One was hats, where Max had to try every one...no sale! But fun. Max does have a way of making the simplest things fun (I guess I'll always be a kid...Max).

Frank and Pat are really good people. I'm constantly amazed by the quality and friendliness of the people Max has known and maintained friendships with over the years. They all seem happy to see him and accept me into their space warmly.

We ended the day with Frank and Max playing pool in an English Pub. I invited Pat and Frank to visit us when they came north in the spring. I will prepare an Italian feast. Hugs and we are headed home.

Max stops for gas and comes back with a couple of CD's and an energy bar...ice cream. Three hours and we are back to a kitchen in shambles. (OK everyone, Grace called this one, can you imagine?). Seems Stacy and a friend had been doing something but the TV got in the way. Chicken over rice, bed at midnight as Stacy attacks the kitchen.

I can't believe how fast this week is going- we'll be heading home soon. 

BUMMER!