I had a phenomenal weekend. It started last week before Friday even arrived when I learned that David Johnson's surgery had been successful. Then I heard that despite the flooded roads through-out the south especially in the Nashville area,
Lt. Col. Jack Peavy (US Army Retired) made it successfully to his Army Reunion in Columbus, Ohio. My grandson Jake sold his rock for $31 on e-bay. It was all good news.

Feeling especially blessed it was nice to join with friends on Saturday to pray for Juarez. The violence there is frightening. My son Tom was part of the Prayer Meeting at Chamizal Memorial and I understand that it was a beautiful day. People came together to join in unity praying for Juarez and praising God. For updates on the situation there you can follow my son, Tom's blog at www.prayforjuarez.org

Saturday we also went to the St Pete Dog Track and bet on the Kentucky Derby. I like to do that every year because it makes me smile thinking of my Mom. She liked to predict who would win. I don't think she ever bet. She would select a horse at random and was often right. My horse, Ice Box, came in second. Happily I bet $2 on him to show so I will win something. Maybe my $2 back..LOL I'll have to take my ticket in later this week and see.

Saturday night we went to the South Florida Museum & Bishop Planetarium. They are located in Bradenton, Florida. It is quick trip across the Skyway Bridge. They are in the same building. They had a Cinco Di Mayo Celebration. The fourth Saturday of the month they always have something. A gentleman by the name of Howard monitored the Planetarium Show. He was fantastic! I never thought about using binoculars to look up at the night sky. You can actually see the rings of Saturn. There were 2 back to back shows about the stars and galaxies and then a Rock Fest. It was the first time in years that the word psychedelic came to mind. They played loud rock music from the 60's and 70's while overhead was an incredible show. part of the time I felt I was trapped in a lava lamp and the rest as though I was inside a Kaleidoscope. It was amazing and fun.

Sunday was the adventure to find the Skunk Ape of Florida. We drove down to the Everglades to the Skunk Ape Research Headquarters in Ochopee, Florida. It is a little place. Definitely a crazy tourist attraction. Adjacent to a camp ground the place not only includes memorabilia for sale but in the back a host of cages with huge python snakes, assorted tortoises (what is the plural for turtles..LOL), a cockatoo that will get on your arm and an alligator you can pet (no thank you). It was truly weird but fun. About a mile from it is the United States' smallest post office. There were lots of photo opportunities.

It is fun to play tourist in your own state. Florida is overflowing with a wide variety of things to do and many have little or no charge. The only disappointment in the weekend was that the detour we took to LaBelle, Florida didn't result in pie. Flo & Ellen's is a famous place for succulent pies. We decided to take the detour and give them a taste but they are closed on Sunday. Maybe the next time I go to South Florida it will be Monday through Saturday.

It was a true blessing to feel healthy enough to enjoy this weekend adventure. To many such crazy long day trips would seem out of the question. Happily, I got the opportunity. I don't take a moment for granted. I realize how fortunate I am.

I pray for all those who were effected by the frightening and damaging rage of Mother Nature this weekend. It could have been us.

Wishing each of you a wonderful week.