A Day on the Bay

Post by Loretta

Henry’s younger brother, Ed, now lives in Florida and is in the process of building a house South of Tampa Bay.  We were recently invited to meet him and his wife, Terry, for a tour of the construction site and also got to enjoy a nice meal and relaxing sailboat tour in Sarasota Bay.

We arrived at their house and were warmly greeted and were taken on the grand tour of the expansive, spacious, modern home under construction.

Under Construction

They have incorporated a number of uncommon ideas, including a very large salt water aquarium that can be viewed from the living room or master bedroom,

Salt Water Aquarium under Blue Tarp

as well as a koi pond with hand picked Arkansas river rock.

We strolled to a local eatery and enjoyed a seafood lunch overlooking the bay.

Restaurant overlooking the Bay

An appetizer of calamari was shared and we each had a bowl of their famous lobster bisque. And this was all before our main meal!  Whew!

We paused for a quick photo outside the restaurant.

Loretta and Henry

 

Then, to top off the day, we were treated to a sailboat experience around Sarasota Bay.  The sailboat is a forty-four (44) foot catamaran

Let's Sail Away

and Ed maneuvered it expertly, with the assistance of Terry, as they deployed the sails and followed the rules of the sea.

Captain Ed

First Mate Terry

The boat has all the features of a home, a full kitchen and living area as well as three bedrooms, each with a full bath.

Galley Area

Our Hosts, Terry and Ed

We viewed The Ringling mansion from the water.

The Ringling Mansion

The Ringling is an Italian inspired mansion built by John and Mable Ringling, of Ringling Brothers Circus fame. You can read more about it here:
Ringling Mansion

We had a few dolphins surface and put on their own little show, and pelicans, of course.

Pelican at Rest

The weather totally cooperated and we had sunny skies and warm sunshine as we sailed around the bay.  I could get used to this!

Brothers

We finally said our goodbyes and made our way back to our home on wheels.  It was a wonderful day and hope it isn’t so long before we see them again.