My Dunedin, FL Journey!

A Painting by my Cousin, Andrea

Sorry I've been remiss on posting to my blog, readers!  

Last weekend I flew down to Tampa, Florida, with my son, Angelo.  We went so I could finally meet my Aunt Josephine and my Cousin, Andrea, who live in Dunedin, Florida.  (Angelo's great-aunt and second cousin)...Aunt Josephine is a sister of my mom's, and since she moved from the lower east side (New York City) probably before I was even born, we lost contact over the years.

Arrived in Dunedin, FL

The time just flew by!  Not only the weekend spent in Florida, but even the days this week after I came back.  Exactly this time, last Saturday, I was in the plane, all excited and getting ready to land...now it's Saturday again and I'm wishing I was back in Florida spending some more time with my cousin and aunt.  We had a blast and it was so much fun to reminisce about the old days.

Saturday night, after we landed and rested up a while, we all went out for dinner at Bon Appetite in Dunedin.  The food was excellent and everyone enjoyed what they ordered.  After dinner we took a walk along the docks, talked, took some photos and shared laughs.  Then we all went back to my cousin and aunt's house for Key Lime Pie, fresh fruit and coffee...Yum!  Everything was delicious.  We looked at old photos and talked about the old days.  My aunt and I laughed and laughed as we both shared stories about our squawking Cockatiels...LOL

Aunt Jo, Me, Cousin Andrea

My cousin Andrea works at a V.A. Hospital with our injured soldiers, helping them to recover from awful injuries.  She is an amazing person to do this.  Andrea is also an artist and her home is filled with her beautiful paintings.  I finally got to meet their adorable cats, Picasso and Muse.  They were quite shy to approach, but did pop in and out and show themselves.    

Sunday morning we went to a New York-like Greek Diner for breakfast.  Then it was off to Tarpon Springs to visit the Sponge Docks!  We ventured into several Sea Sponge gift shops and even watched a short film about the history of sea sponges at:  Spongeorama.  The weather was good and warm and I enjoyed spending this time with my aunt, cousin and my son.    We took a break after walking and shopping and went for Greek food for lunch.  I loved the Saganaki, which was presented to the table aflame.  Before heading back for a rest, we stopped at the beautiful beach at Honeymoon Island State Park.  

We all loved it there!  We saw flying Pelicans, picked up shells, and tested the water, which was quite warm and very clean!

Sea Sponges for Sale

The Sponge Docks at Tarpon Springs

Seagulls on the Beach

Sunday night, our last night, we all went out for great pasta at Macaroni Grill.  
Angelo and I flew back to New York Monday morning.  I miss my Cousin, Andrea and my Aunt Jo and I'm already contemplating the next trip to see them!    

Love You Aunt Jo and Cousin Andrea!