Mizner Place, Weston, Florida 12/09/2013

DECEMBER 9, 2013 (Monday)

Well we didn’t get to see The Good Wife as it wasn’t on last night. We did get to watch The Mentalist though. Also got to watch The Amazing Race finale. Hadn’t seen any of it this season. Usually glued to the TV when that’s on but since Michael and I are on our own Amazing Race, guess I don’t need that added excitement in our lives.

Michael and I got up early to go to the meet and greet. It was by the pool, lovely setting. They had coffee, orange juice and muffins for us. A sweet little lady named Bernice talked to us for an hour about what there was to do here, the tours offered, and answered any questions. Was nice but Michael found it boring and said he would have rather slept. We’ve decided we’re going to sleep in tomorrow.

Early attendees at the Monday morning meet and greet.

Bernice told us all the exciting things to do.

Around 10:30 AM, we all left to go to the beach. Michael drove and we ended up in Fort Lauderdale. We got to see where all the huge ships are docked. We also drove along the road right next to the beach. Lots of people on the beach but not a lot of people in the water as it was so windy. Was surprised at the number of older people walking around unashamed in their bathing suits. Good for them but I’d have my cover up on to cover all my wrinkles and saggy parts.

Beautiful neighborhoods everywhere. Get the sense that Weston is a very young town.

Bernice told us this was the largest Volkswagon dealership in the US or maybe the world. We agreed it was big.

A lovely Mormon Temple. We were struck at it's cream color, the ones we see out west are almost always a brilliant white. — A lovely Mormon Temple. We were struck at it’s cream color. The ones we see out West are almost always a brilliant white.

There were so many ships, Lex observed, "it's like an airport for ships!" — There were so many ships, Lex observed, “it’s like an airport for ships!”

The east coast is so developed compared to the west coast. — The East coast is so developed compared to the West coast.

We drove for several miles along the main drag near the ocean, and then put into the Garmin the nearest Cheesecake Factory. While we were driving there, we all decided we wanted something authentic to the area (hopefully). As Michael was driving, Lexi and I were on the lookout for a Cuban or Mexican something. We ended up at a wonderful place called Patron Azteca. Really good food and great service.

Warm chips, a great mild salsa and a killer plate of refried beans with cheese sprinkled on top, all good signs of what else was coming out of this kitchen.

Edie won, she ordered the Carnitas, she gave me a bite, wow. It was so flavorful. — Edie won. She ordered the carne azadas. She gave me a bite, wow. It was so flavorful.

First new modern juke box I have seen. Lex informed me that I may be somewhat behind the times and they are common.

After lunch we went to Publix Supermarket. While we were getting all the things we wanted and needed, I saw the cutest pink Christmas flamingo. I thought it would be perfect to sit on the dashboard of the Prius for our Florida Christmas. I named her Francine and fell in love. She sings and kinda sways as she’s singing. She is too funny and cute in her bikini top and Christmas hat. Michael wasn’t thrilled but it’s my Christmas present and I love her. Thank you dear. Now I need to figure out a way to secure her to the dashboard. Michael said no to my gum idea.

It has been awhile since we have seen star fruit in the grocery store.

This store has such a horseradish section, like I have never seen.

Not sure how this got here, but I liked seeing it.

Grrrr, Arghhhhh, This is not a safety feature of any car! (Meet my little friend Francine.)

We drove through Hollywood, Florida and then into Pembroke Pines, Florida. Michael returned the book on tape called “The Longest Ride.” We got it in Louisiana and have enjoyed it. We like listening to the books for our long travel days. We’ve decided when we head back West, we’d get another one. While we were driving we noticed lots of different types of exotic birds.

We all really enjoyed the story and were sad it was over. Highly recommend "The Longest Ride" by Nicholas Sparks — We all really enjoyed the story and were sad it was over. Highly recommend “The Longest Ride” by Nicholas Sparks

Michael and I are debating whether to take a nap or go swimming. That was our day.

Saw a really pretty woman at the pool tonight, braving the cold.

It is a big pool and not too bad once you got into the water.

Hope yours was great!