We had a nice Valentine’s dinner at Rosebuds last night, along with the company of my brother-in-law and wife’s sister. It was not as interesting as our visit to Snook Haven in the afternoon while the wives napped in the sunshine. I was surprised at how busy they were on a chilly Monday. Groups dined at picnic tables while listening to Steve Arvey sing and play guitar. There were no boat tours on the Myakka River happening or motorcycle activity that surely a bar of this nature attracts off the nearby highway. Yet, it was a good people watching crowd – some danced or sang along. Spanish moss hung from the trees, reminding me of a Bayou setting.

Fifty years ago today I was in New Orleans for the start of Mardi Gras. This year the date is February 16th – tomorrow. I’ve long lost track of the college roommate that accompanied me on the drive from the Bloomington campus. He was from Boonville, Indiana and a fast talker. I hooked up with a woman that would become my first wife and the mother of my son. We don’t communicate any more during my new marriage of soon to be 21 years. However, my son lives nearby and this morning I’m babysitting for my granddaughter for a few hours.

Instead of New Orleans, we’re headed to another party city this weekend – Key West. A high speed ferry runs from Ft. Myers to our Marriott resort. We’re looking forward to seeing the nightlife, Hemmingway home, Butterfly Conservatory, and Hoosier-born Mel Fisher Museum that houses some of the treasures found in the 1622 wreck of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha.

My home office is under construction, so I’m writing this on my phone at my son’s home. New cabinets and shelves are being installed around my sole office window, and I’m glad to be away from the dust and noise. Once my duties are done here, I will stop on my way back home for a carwash, Diet Coke, and a haircut. It will be nice to once again have the house to ourselves, despite enjoying the company.