Catching up with Torrey

One of the hardest things about months and months of travel is not being able to see our children, grandchildren and friends face to face for long stretches of time.  So when Katrina (Tone's daughter) called to say that she would like to send Torrey (our oldest granddaughter) to Tampa for a visit with us, we were thrilled.  Our vacation time was up in the Keys so after our departure from Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge, we planned a visit with Pat and Jean (friends who live near Tampa) for a few days to scope out the hotel and airport location.

Katrina is an amazing planner and could have been a travel agent, professionally.  She booked us right beside Busch Gardens in a lovely La Quinta motel (translated means the fifth).  A big worry for us was  what a fourteen-year old would enjoy with a couple of "older" folks like us for 5-6 days!  Not to worry.  Torrey always has ideas and plans!

Our hotel

Our room window right beside the pool

After Torrey arrived, we asked her what she wanted to do on her vacation.  She had lots of ideas and wanted to see Busch Gardens, shop at mall in a big city, and visit the historic section of Tampa called Ybor City.  She had already been on the Internet and researched the area.  In addition, a friend of hers would join us on Friday for the long weekend and would add another level of fun for her on her visit.
















Tone and I had visited Busch Gardens years ago but really looked forward to another visit.  We took the train around the "Serengeti" while the "kids" ventured off on their on.  It was wonderful to have our cell phones and could stay in touch.  That made us feel better knowing the responsibility we carried.

(Lots could be said about this kind of setting for some of the animals, but needless to say there are things to enjoy as well.)

Latona and I always are on a steep learning curve it seems.  This makes our life full of adventure, excitement and sometimes stress.  Watching teenagers get ready to visit the city was an adventure in itself.  When we went  to Ybor City* we walked with them from only 6-8 feet behind like watchdogs.

(*Check it out on Wikipedia) 

Fun to pose with woman who came from Cuba and has this...

beautiful cigar shop where Torrey bought some gifts for her father.

The girls buying bracelets from a disabled man on the street.

Mural of historical images

Some of the wave of new life near 7th Avenue


As you can see, we had six days of fun with Torrey, while trying to be a responsible Meme and Nanny.  I am excited to share these good times.  We love ALL our grandchildren, miss them and can't wait to spend time together in the weeks ahead.