St. Augustine-my time here.

posted by Patty James @ 12:52pm, Thursday 17 June 2010.

Before I left on this journey, I told my kids, family and friends, that I knew I would spend some time in St. Augustine, but I didn't exactly know why it was drawing me. Well, a lot happened here; attention must be paid.

It all started in New Orleans actually when I pulled in the French Quarter RV Park under Marlin's billboard.



Quite oblivious to the RV beside me until one day I met Maddie, the owner's sweet black doggie, and then her owner, Gary. We chatted in the empty field next door, while our dogs ran around, and after a couple days of this, we went to the French Quarter on a Sunday night until almost 3:00 in the morning, talking, listening to music and enjoying each other's company. I hadn't had that much fun for years-if ever, actually.

He continued on his journey traveling around the country and I did the same. I still didn't know his last name, interestingly enough, but after a week or so of some flirty emails, we met again..in St. Augustine-and I knew his last name-he let it slip...I was sorta' having fun not knowing much. Weird, huh? Anyway...

We met on the beach with our dogs in tow and it was great to see each other in person again. Walking and talking along beach. We went out to dinner that night and well,...you don't get any more details, but suffice it to say, we had a wonderful week together. Quite incredible actually and very unlike me.

Gary
 

 One of many great dinners...Risotto, Salmon and a Salad. Great music, dancing and cooking. Mostly, we had fun. Easy, comfortable fun together with an amazing chemistry. I now know that chemistry can not be underestimated. Who knew?


I don't have any photos of Maddie to post. Maddie would never tire of fetching the ball and swimming.



So, 6 days later, Gary pulled out. It was tough. Way too much emotion for such a short time together.
The next day it rained and I pulled out, upset, but happy that I was able to experience such a wonderful week. Well....a tree branch changed my plans....





So, it's towed to Camping World. Now let's fast forward to June. You know where I've been since then in my rental car with two very adaptable doggie pals.

So I'm back here at a place that I will always associate with Gary. I have to tell you, I have gone through every emotion possible to woman. I have learned so much about myself these past months. I am more confident, more loving -well, I was always pretty loving- but now that's tempered with such empathy for others. I have learned to speak my mind and not stuff what I am thinking and feeling. It's so much easier that way. That's a big deal for me. I'm more grown-up.

In case you're wondering, Gary and I still chat and I'm sure we'll always be friends. We wish each other the best and well, I don't know what else....This is new to me. I've said this before, if I never speak to him again, I will always be thankful for everything he did for me.

So, I have tried, I admit, quite a few tropical drinks while here. I live in a place where I can always have some of the best wines on Earth (yes, that's right) so while here, tropical drinks it is...
Sangria, which generally isn't my cup of tea, but this one was good and was actually made with Hibiscus Tea.



Here's the Voo Doo bucket you've heard tell about...5 kinds of rum and pineapple juice.



I love all the boats-this one looks fun...



I really like catamarans. This is a nice one...





This is the Kingfish Grill, where I have spent some time :) See those colorful Adirondack chairs? The blue one is mine...



I am really not a lush..I was here for 10 days after all..This is a Mojito Margarita....


Wow....how great is this?


O.K., some of these might be a bit odd, but they struck me. The more I paint, the more of an artists eye I am developing. The oddest things have an appeal...I wonder if they appeal or interest you...
I make up stories to go with these people...






Mr. Bojangles, danced....
She was good...


They were each doing tricks and taking photos of each other...See the one on the right has a camera.



Little boys and swords....it's simply the way it is....

St. Augustine. Our nation's oldest settlement. 1565. The First Coast. (none of the other coasts count if they weren't 'discovered.') O.K., cynicism is not attractive...







A fence made with sea shells.

Above ground coffins like in New Orleans.


A Place to Gather...isn't that nice?



Well, everyone, there you have it. Not much else to say.....I'll be happy to leave and sad to leave...