Phew...now THAT's a catchy title for a blog.....NOT! LOL! But the day was terrific. We headed out on the motorcycles shortly after 10 am, leaving Sadie secure in the garage of the rig. Stu took her out for a bicycle ride to burn off a little energy. We knew folks would be disappointed that we didn't bring her but knowing the lunch would probably last 2 hours, we didn't want to leave her outside that long, especially since chances are that we wouldn't be able to see her through a convenient window.We had a gorgeous 50 mile ride to Lakeland, nice back roads and little traffic mixed with lots of sun and no wind. What more can you ask for?
As we pulled in we saw folks already congregating. We milled around the parking lot for a few minutes making quick introductions and then moved inside. Even though I had called twice to arrange for our group, they said they didn't have us on the schedule. But no matter, in less than 10 minutes they were set up for 29 people!
By 11:40 we were all seated, everyone had arrived and introductions were done. A few of us had met each other but for the most part, we were only blogging/Facebook friends. I asked everyone to be sure to sit next to someone they didn't know. We had full-timers, part-timers, snowbirds, temporarily grounded and hoping to retire soon folks. Great group!!
The next 2 1/2 hours passed in a blur of good food, great service and wonderful conversations with new friends. Every where I looked folks were talking to those sitting close or wandering around mingling. We definitely recommend Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill in Lakeland....if you are ever in the area!
Here are some shots of the folks....
Here are some shots of the food....
Here is the list of attendees with links to their blogs where I know you will find more photos...THANK YOU TO EVERYONE!!!
- Donna and Stu (duh!)
- Debbie and Duane
- Dee and Jim
- Donna and Ralph
- Gail and Dan
- Karen and Ed
- Barbie and Jeff
- Karen and Al
- Margie (hubby Roger was working)
- Carolyn
- Helen and Paul
- Sharon and Charley
- Paula and Tom
- Patty and Russell
- Nancy and Jim Leivas
- James Galbavy
Stu and Donna
Great luncheon, great food, and great fun meeting all the new friends. Hope we can do it again soon! Thanks so much for all your work planning this... OH and GREAT pictures
ReplyDeleteHave fun & travel safe
Donna
Wow...that really looks like lots of biker fun!...Good food and good friends...you cannot beat it...wish we were in that warm weather...
ReplyDeleteLooks like you all had a wonderful time! Hoping to be in the right area to enjoy the one of the next get together's. Looks like a lot of fun!
ReplyDeleteTHANKS again for putting the event together! We thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone and putting faces with the names we knew. We look forward to seeing everyone again down the road. Speaking of which, when and where is the next gathering? LOL
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a great time. Wave to my son next time you are going through Clermont!! I hope one day we can do this too!
ReplyDeleteThanks so very much Donna. It was great meeting people from blogs and see those again that we knew. I can't wait till next time.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful time. Ayo just tonight went to a restaurant called Smokey Joes, so it half-counts as though she was there, right?
ReplyDeleteLooks like you all had a great time, I see Paul& Helen, and also Jim & Dee who we have met were in attendance, wish we wern't stuck in the snowy north,Hope to meet up with you guys one of these days , let us know if you are passing through I-70 in the St Louis area. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna.
ReplyDeleteDonna and Stu,
ReplyDeleteGreat lunch and wonderful company. I'm not a blogger. ....just a reader, but had a ball
meeting and talking to ya'll that I have been reading all this time. Who knows maybe me and my '73 GMC (ANNIE) will decide to "full time it" now that I'm retired.
Hope to meet up somewhere soon.
jim galbavy
President / GMC Tidewater Crabs
'73 x-Canyonland (ANNIE)
Chesterfield, Va / Lake Mary, Fl
We really enjoyed the get together yesterday. Thank you so much for arranging it!! Hope we can do it again soon!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful time! Maybe someday we will meet along the road. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for getting us together. It was a great outing and wonderful to meet you & Stu in person and all the other folks. We need a happy hour(s) next.
ReplyDelete