Florida, Friends, and Fried Shrimp

Most of you know that Dillard and I spent a few days in Florida last week. He was invited to lead a conference at a Jacksonville church and I went along. While he led the conference on Saturday, two of my childhood friends and I spent the day together in St. Mary's, Georgia. This beautiful, quaint town is located on the Georgia/Florida border along the St. Mary's River.

My friend, Ashley, lives in Savannah. She traveled down the coast to meet us. Susan lives in Jacksonville. She picked me up at the motel and we traveled northward. It was a fun filled day as we toured the small town, had lunch at a tea room, and shared old photos and memories from our past. We three grew up in Blue Ridge and attended school together up through the twelfth grade. After high school graduation we went our separate ways -- off to college, then marriage. We managed to stay in touch through birthday cards, Christmas cards and letters. When email came along it brought us much closer as we communicated more frequently. Our visit was a special time and we hope we have begun a tradition of meeting once a year.

Another treat was to spend time with Susan's son, Tom, and his family. I had not seen Tom since he was a baby but had kept up with him through Susan's emails and pictures. He has a beautiful, precious family. We all ate dinner (fried shrimp, of course) together and Susan's sister, Frances, and her husband joined us. It was our first time to meet Susan's husband, Jerry. I felt as if I knew him already since she had told me so many good things about him. It was a great evening! By the way, I ate shrimp four nights in a row!

On Sunday Dillard and I headed down to New Smyrna Beach. There we met up with our sweet friends, Charles and Margaret Carter, and spent a few days at their beach condo. This was our second visit with them at the beach and we appreciated their kindness in allowing this relaxing, mini-vacation. All of you know how much I love the beach and ocean! While there we had a short visit with Truett and Jeanette Cathy (Chic-Fil-A founders) and we took a tour of their private jet. The Cathys are such godly people and have allowed God to use them (and their money) in gracious and helpful ways. Only eternity will tell how many lives have been touched by their generosity.

On Monday evening we and the Carters took a water taxi (approximately an hour ride up the river) to Inlet Harbor, a restaurant near Daytona. We ate at this restaurant together two years ago and this is the second picture of us with the pirate, another fun tradition.

We returned home to Texas on Wednesday evening. On Thursday, two of my Dallas friends came down for haircuts (yes they drive all that way to go to my hair stylist!). I enjoyed having lunch with them and then it was time to leave for Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine where Dillard was to lead another conference.

This was our first time to a Great Wolf Lodge. It, of course, is decorated with lodge decor and replicas of wolves at every turn. It has the largest indoor water park anywhere and it's a great place for families. I kept wishing my kids and grand kids were with us so we could enjoy all the amenities together.

When we arrived home on Saturday evening I was welcomed by Mother's Day cards and gifts from my children who make me proud. I love each of you!

Whew! What a whirlwind of a week! It was fast and furious but enjoyable. I'm forever thankful for good friends; a Florida vacation filled with sunshine and shrimp; and the love of my children.