I went to Silver Springs and look who I found....

You know you are a Floridian when you hear there is a hurricane coming, yet continue with your plans to travel south for a day at the springs! We headed out this morning with little regard for the forecasts....and ended up having a spectacular day at Silver Springs in Ocala. We had never been there before and let me just say, the best time to visit these popular attractions is when heavy rain and gale force winds are bearing down (or up as in our case) upon you. We were the first (and last) in line for most rides and concessions. It did start to rain while we were on the glass bottom boat ride, however, by the time we docked it was over and the sun slowly but surely began to peek out from behind the clouds.

Of course the reason the day was especially fun was because of the people we were meeting there. Did you check the pics? If not, I'll wait....go ahead....lol. I suppose only the "old school" journal group will remember Mrscheesestix! She and her family were vacationing here in Florida and I wasn't going to miss the chance to meet up with her.

Have you ever met someone and felt like you had known them forever? I just can't tell you what a great time we had. She and her family were so sweet. The kids got along great....running to each exhibit, holding the snakes and alligators (those pics will be coming as soon as I get them developed....my batteries ran out half way through our day!), and asking for money to buy pop and souvineers. But even better than the kids getting along....the husbands did too! LOL. We women know what that can be like, when you have a great friend, plan a get together and then the hubbies don't like one another. Not in this case. They talked like old friends the entire time.

We got to the park just as it opened, and left fifteen minutes before it closed. We saw everything there was to see, except one final boat ride that we didn't have time for. Afterward we went to dinner and spent time visiting. It was great....like a big family gathering. Good food and great company. While we were eating the rains came in with a vengance. One minute we were sitting there commenting on how it looked like rain....and the next we were watching horizontal showers pelting the windows! Luckily it didn't last long, and by the time we were ready to leave it had stopped. I have to say, I am sorry that we only had one day to spend together!

It's funny how having started my journal on a whim, has led to friendships that are just as strong and meaningful as any made during everyday life (even moreso in this case!).

Right now I am absolutely exhausted and ready for bed....however I am waiting for Betsy to call so that I can pick her up from work. Maybe I should call her and have her whip up something to help energize me while bringing her home....mmmmm, sounds like a plan!