“Drops of Jupiter”

Palmetto, Florida – January 1, 2023 – January 2, 2023
Jupiter, Florida – January 2, 2023 – April 8, 2023
Pembroke Pines, Florida – April 8, 2023 – April 13, 2023

We left Panama City on January 1st to head south for a family emergency in Steve’s family. We canceled our plans to visit the south west and planned to spend at least 4 months in south Florida. After that – who knows?

Our first stop was at The Surf RV Resort in Palmetto, Florida. This was a good halfway stop and our friends (Brian and Bettie Boyd from Birmingham) were planning to stay a month at this new park. The park was beautiful. We went out to dinner, but then packed up and left the next day for Jupiter, Florida. We had a great time with Brian and Bettie Boyd even though the visit was short.

The Surf RV Resort
The Patio Pier 22 in Bradenton

If you have never camped or tried to make reservations for camping in an RV, you problably do not realize how hard it is to make a reservation in South Florida for the winter. We tried to find a park close to Steve’s parents in Hollywood, but no such luck. We were able to find a spot in Jupiter, Florida, which is about 60 miles north. So, Steve traveled south and stayed several days a week and I hung out in Jupiter.

West Jupiter RV Resort had lots of activities. I went to a walking class, three days a week. Steve and I played poker once a week. Steve won twice, I came in second twice and fourth two times. We played in the cornhole tournament. I lost in spectacular fashion. Steve did better, but neither of us won. The resort had a band come in once a week which was pretty nice. The pool was great, and the resort had a couple of pool parties.

Music at the RV Resort
The Leafy Greens Band playing at the Resort. They were awesome!
Steve at the Cornhole Tournament
Steve in action at the Cornhole Tournament
Me at the Cornhole Tournament
Cornhole at the pool
Pool Party at the Resort
Pool party at the Resort
Pool Party at the Resort

Ziva and I hung out together in the park. I have not posted about her in a while, but here are a few pictures from Jupiter. She loved the park.

jupiter ziva
jupiter ziva one
jupiter ziva four
Ziva (our neighbor brought these boxes for Ziva to sit on) She loved them.
Ziva on the prowl

The St. Louis Cardinals are located in Jupiter for spring training. So, we went to a game at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. I am not a huge professional baseball fan – I have only been to one game and that was in Milwaukee – but it was fun.

Right side of the stadium
Willie McGee
St. Louis Cardinals before the game
Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium during the game

The campground was close to Riverbend Park which had lovely bike trails. We were about 5 miles away and were able to ride our bikes to the park on a bike trail next to the road. We rode down the road and through the park several times. We usually packed a lunch and sat by a small pond and read. I guess this is what retirement is all about – a lot of relaxing!

Bike trails at Riverbend Park
Bike trails at Riverbend Park
Bike trails at Riverbend Park
A little alligator in the park
A much larger alligator in the park
Where we stopped for lunch. It was heaven!

Since Steve was not in Jupiter full, time we did not eat out much, but we did hit a couple of restaurants.

DiveBar
Taylor Farmhouse Cafe
The Nook (My birthday breakfast was delicious!)

We celebrated the “Week of Monica” while in Jupiter. I had a pretty good week. I received the normal stuff like a card, flowers. I also got a bracelet and sunglasses. I did not get banana nut pancakes but we went out for a delicious breakfast. Steve made cupcakes with almond flour and stevia. They were very tasty. On my birthday, we went to dinner at Taylor Farms. This is a pretty nice restaurant with live music every night. Very Fun!

Some carnations for the birthday.
My birthday cupcake (Steve is not great at frosting)
Taylor Farms Restaurant
Music at Taylor Farms Restaurant

The highlight of the “Week of Monica” was the “Train” concert at the Hard Rock in Hollywood. Train is one of my favorite bands and I loved it!!

Hard Rock Casino
Hard Rock Casino
An Old Fashion and video poker before the concert
Hard Rock Casino
Train
Pat Monahan of Train
Train

We also went to Fort Lauderdale and saw Ken Block and Andrew Copeland (main guys from the band Sister Hazel). The venue was small and we were in the first row. It was pretty cool.

Dinner at the Quarterdeck before the concert
A little libation before the concert
Andrew Copeland and Ken Block
Andrew Copeland and Ken Block

For Easter, Steve took me to Louie Bossi’s located on Las Olas in Ft. Lauderdale. We had great seats on the patio out front and the brunch was fabulous. I really liked the endless bellinis.

What is Easter without a few decorations?
An Aperol Spritz from Louie Bossi’s
Our delicious charcuterie plate
A mimosa and bellini and a little view from our patio seats

While in South Florida, Steve was able to meet up with friends.

Steve and Amy (friend from Law School)
Steve and Jeff (friend from grade school)
Steve and Norman (a friend from high school)
Jeff, Steve, Norman and Billy (a friend from high school)

Up next is a short stop in Jacksonville, Florida to see friends.

“Drops of Jupiter” by Train. I love this song, and we saw Train while here and heard the song!

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