Do I have to come back?

Cedar Key was maaarvelous. If you're not from these typically tropical parts of the US, you can ID its location by picturing it hanging out in the Gulf of Mexico just south of the western bend in Florida. ...Just far enough to make you feel like you're nowhere close to the reality of life.

Yes, it was colder than a well digger's ass, but the rain shuffled off after 10 am and yielded a blue sky we welcomed like the last piece of Elvis Bites on earth. 

New paintings, pottery and potbellies from margaritas were the take home prizes. Throughout the weekend of eating (and eating and eating), we also chewed on well-endowed discussions and scenic stories, driving around with six of us happily packed in one vehicle. It was fun to be crammed in the back. With good company, anything is fun.

At the top of the edible highlights list were Elvis Bites (fried bananas with peanut butter ice cream) and fried green beans at Tony's.  For all of you strange vehicular obsessives, here's a good find, all decked out for Christmas. Bonus: it's for sale.

I bought a killer painting of thunderclouds that Husband hates (Gropius predicted!!), but we both agree that this special find takes the cake. It's a mosaic shelf for the...ah, not sure which room...but now that it's securely home, I can figure that out later, right?

Check out my Flickr feed on the right for the full scoop of nature photos, group shots and other fun stuff.  The real darling of the weekend was discovering the ladies I thought were talented, kind and funny are actually talented, kind and funny, even when spending every waking moment of 2 days together.  It was a trip. And there were plenty of wedgies for everyone.

Sadly, it's always true--just when you get in the ultimate relaxation mode, there's a day called Monday that threatens to bring you back to life-as-you-know-it.