Days 194 - 196 - Clearwater

Bob and I toasted sunset with a glass of merlot on the bridge, under the watchful eyes of pelicans who were guarding the pilings nearby.  Rain, winds, and cold have suppressed our sunset ritual for awhile, but we had to enjoy the 65 degree, partly cloudy weather, even if I had to wear a hoodie with the hood up and my back to the wind.

The past two days, we were visited by Carl and Judy.  The boys spent a lot of time collaborating about matters of mechanical maintenance in the engine room with Carl and Judy's dog, Darby, and Riley offering their input.

Judy and I walked on the beach and looked in a few gift shops.  During lunch at Crabby's we were trying to take our pictures with the zebra head on the wall when a woman offered in a beautiful, Slavic accent, to take our photo for us.  She had us in stitches with her, "Work it, girls.  Work it!"

The lady at the next table suggested we stop by the imposing new Aqualea condo/hotel which she said was having an open house.  We had vast views of the Gulf, the Intercoastal Waterway, and Clearwater from the pool deck and the terrace.  We thought of many reasons to have a party in one of the cabana rooms that open to the pool and have a living room, kitchen, and bathroom.  They can be rented for a day or afternoon.  We also toured a luxurious hotel suite, with two queen beds, granite counters in the kitchen, large balconies, etc.  These can be purchased for $500,000+, but the owner can get help meeting the mortgage by letting the Hyatt rent it out.  We didn't see the residences, which go for $2,000,000+.  The place is impressive.  I wonder how it will fare in this economy.















Today began with two repairmen taking a look at my non-working Seaward Princess stove, aka Lemon (which we bought for an arm and a leg in Grand Haven, Michigan, in August and hasn't worked properly since).  Bob has been communicating with the seller, West Marine, who didn't want to be involved, and Seaward all along.  Parts were ordered, but never arrived . . . and so on.  We want a replacement, but they only want to repair it.  That's supposed to happen when the parts arrive Monday or Tuesday.  We're skeptical.

Sharon, aboard Stevedore, told us there was a farmer's market in Largo, so Carl drove us over there and we bought farm fresh, produce.  We haven't seen produce markets since Michigan.  I didn't realize what a luxury they are.  I miss Vince and Joe's!

We found a small restaurant, La Pizza Mia, for lunch that was decorated like an Italian Grandma's house with food to match.  The tiramisu was delizioso!

Bob's putting out the big fenders to keep us rocking softly.  Storms are forecast for tonight.