Sun and Renewal with Sista’s

On Friday I had the distinct pleasure to greet and pick up two of the best Sisters anyone could have at Tampa airport. Elizabeth and Miriam had arranged a visit to me in Florida for a relaxing; much needed women’s retreat, though we missed Ruth and Sarah. We drove directly to the rental home and relaxed in the sun for the afternoon hours, topped off with a nice dinner at a local restaurant.

Saturday began with delightful conversation on the lanai and the three of us decided upon attending the Sarasota Art Festival at St. Armand’s Circle. We were pleasantly surprised with the depth of talent in the displays by the hundreds of artists and enjoyed live music as we mused throughout the tented collections. Walking and shopping in the many unique stores around the circle made us crave a nice meal and after window shopping menus, we decided upon Tommy Bahamas. The three of us savored crab bisque, and crab and shrimp salads, and coconut shrimp…delicious! Our car was a mile walk, which we all needed after the delicious seafood lunch.

Awakened to sunshine on Sunday morning, plans were made to go to the gulf and bury our feet into the sand and warm ourselves in the sunshine. We drove to Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island, sunk our chairs into the white sand, and proceeded to enjoy the diverse beach goers and their activities. Elizabeth was not particularly fond of the aggressive seagulls that many were feeding, causing them to swarm and become attack birds. A late lunch of chicken salad sandwiches and fish tacos was our treat in the beach cafe', while we were serenaded by a local DJ and his eighty-something groupie line dancers. Pleasantly pink skinned, we drove home to relax over television and late snacks.

Monday was a dreary wet morning and cooler start to the day so shopping at the local outlet store became our amusement. Fortunately, some great buys were purchased, and we then met my parents for lunch.

Back at the rental home, relaxing conversation ensued with deep thoughtful discussions that were followed by a group prayer. God always blesses our time praying together in the most amazing way! We felt His presence so intensely, we all were moved to tears. It is such an honor to pray with close friends.

Miriam’s last day in the sunshine state was Tuesday, so we again ventured out for some fun at the beach, this time at Siesta Key. Elizabeth was amazed at the size and depth of the famous, Best Beach Award winner. We found our spots and enjoyed the sun and excitement of the children playing in the sand and waves. Elizabeth bravely tested the cool gulf and we all hummed “toes in the water, toes in the sand, not a worry in the world… life is good today.”

On the way back we found the local Jimmy John’s for a quick bite and relaxed on the lanai at the house. That night, we drove to Anna Maria Oyster Bar for great fresh oysters, salmon, king crab, and fresh Grouper dinner, Yum! What a nice send-off meal for Miriam, Elizabeth, and I to share together.

Unfortunately, morning came at 5:30 when Elizabeth and I drove Miriam to Tampa for her return flight back to the chilly north. Thankful for a renewed spirit in the company of amazing Christian women, we said farewell until Elizabeth and Anna return home. What a blessing it is to have friends!

God is good, all the time.

Blessing from the sunny south,

Anna