Cortez Florida – Part Three & Goodbye

We ended our month long stay at this popular winter resort destination in Cortez Florida. It has been a wonderful location. Close to family and walking distance to a dozen restaurants and bars. And we had a great visit from our three kids just before Christmas. It is hard to say goodbye, but it is time to move on to the east coast of Florida and a vacation. But, before we go there, here is a wrap up from the final two weeks at Cortez Florida – Part 3 of 3.

Anniversary Dinner

Pat and I went to a local favorite, the Blue Marlin for dinner on the 23rd. It has been 47 years since we were wed, back in December of 1972. It seems like yesterday in some ways. I am very blessed.

The Blue Marlin is probably the nicest joint on Anna Maria Island. Great seafood and service. The only issue is a lack of parking around Bridge Street. They will park you at a local church a few blocks away and use a golf cart to bring you back to the restaurant.

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Kayaking

Tom and I went out for a couple of hours around the bay shoreline. I had a great time seeing the mangroves up close and getting some exercise in the process.

John & Cindy’s New Home

Pat’s brother John and his wife Cindy were in town for the closing of their new home in Parrish Florida. We went over a couple of days to see it and do some painting. A beautiful home in a great, quiet subdivision. About a 45 minute drive from Anna Maria Island.

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Christmas

Our whole family group of seven of us attended Tom & Ginny’s church for the special Christmas Eve candlelight service. An excellent sermon and the beautiful scene in the darkened church as everyone lights their candle. And more Christmas music to top it off!

I remember last Christmas Eve, we were at our Winter Texan home in Mercedes Texas and had a candlelight service at the RV resort’s rec center. A sermon by Tom Medlin, I think, and good Christmas hymns. Of course, prior to our retirement and RV travels, we enjoyed the Draper’s Valley PCA services over the years.

On Christmas Day, we were invited to Tom & Ginny’s condo for a big feast along with John & Cindy and local friends Robert & Kim.

Goodbye Kona

During our last few days here, Tom and Ginny’s black lab, Kona, died after living a long 12 years and providing much enrichment to their lives. Kona was a very well trained and happy dog. He would come up to you and patiently wait to be petted. And always eager for a treat or go for a walk. It is difficult to lose a pet after so many years. Goodbye Kona.

Other Photos

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Wrap Up

Thanks for following along. We’ve had a fantastic time in Cortez, Florida, staying at the Buttonwood RV Resort. Thanks again to Mike and BJ for helping us get in to this very cool and unique location. We’ll be back! Make sure to sign up for the email update notifications for blog updates.

We are currently in Cocoa Florida for two more weeks.

Take care and God Bless.