It was an overcast morning, with a little relief from the heat. I live in a neighborhood without mature trees so shade is hard to find. My morning run is strictly asphalt and sidewalks with the half-way point being a Venetian bridge that spans the man-made canals that give our neighborhood some character. The Italian influences are numerous with even a night of homemade meatballs, sausage, pasta, and bread that we will participate in for the first time during the upcoming week. We were also at the Cafe Venice last night for dinner. There are times we you might even think you’re in Italy rather than Florida. 

My wife has a first time Yoga class this morning once she gets back from the Dog Park. This is where she got the scoop on Italian Night and met one of the volunteer chefs. We also made arrangements to join a couple of our new friends in the neighborhood. Their schnauzer, Sophie, and our Tally are good playmates. My wife has gotten lots of good advice from these folks including dog sitting, grooming, dining, and home improvement contacts. They have been a valuable resource in our relocation process. The Dog Park is a gold mine for neighborhood gossip and potential new  friendships. 

I passed on the opportunity to go to Toy Con in Tampa with my son’s family this morning. I did however make arrangements for him to join me for Rookie ball at the nearby Braves stadium and a trip to Tampa to see the White Sox. This will also be an opportunity to renew another old friendship dating back to my radio days in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I haven’t seen this WMEE-97FM buddy in fourteen years when we also got together for a White Sox game in Chicago. He’s also on my list or next year’s return trip to Bloomington for an IU Football game. We used to be co-season ticket owners for many years, so we’ll have a lot to catch up on. I will call him this afternoon to confirm the Sox game against the Rays later next month, since we’re now both retired Florida residents. 

While I was looking up dates for Braves Rookie ball, I also noticed that there was a concert planned for the neighborhood stadium. A Styx/Journey cover band called Majesty of Rock will perform the night before I travel to Tampa for the ballgame reunion. The septuagenarian birthday month ahead is bustling with activities including the Santana/Earth Wind Fire concert also in Tampa. We also have plans to travel to Jacksonville and then Singer Island during this August celebration. August is Active with Activities!