Bullock Tradition Continues

I walked down to the beach one evening to join those partaking in this spectacle

The Bullock family now has a three-generation tradition of spending winters in sunny Florida. Okay, we were only there for the month of April - technically not winter. 😆 But we did miss wintery April Iowa weather while basking in the sun. 

Momo and Bubba 

My dad's parents Wally and Zora Bullock spent winters in the St. Petersburg area for as far back as I can remember. They summered in our town, Atlantic - in Cass County, Iowa. Five generations of Bullocks called that place home. Momo and Bubba (as we called our grandparents) gathered with old friends and met new friends at their Florida hotel on the beach. They looked forward to going back annually to hang out with fellow retirees who enjoyed fishing, sunning, playing cards, and socializing over food and drink. 

A pic from a summer visit to Pops and Grandma in Dunedin, Florida

In the late sixties, my mother's parents, Bert and Nellie Morehead retired to Dunedin, Florida, just north of Clearwater. During two summers - 1967 and 1968, Mom bravely drove her four daughters to Florida in the family station wagon. Dad was busy in Iowa, marketing ladies' lingerie across the state. He flew in each year for a short stay with us.  

Those years are my first memories of the Sunshine State. We stayed at the Castaways on Redington Beach for two weeks after taking a week to travel south. I have great memories of those trips. Mom planned visits to Civil War sites, Ruby Falls, Lookout Mountain. We mostly stayed at Howard Johnson hotels - swimming pools were a necessity after all of those miles (not buckled) in the back seat. We had a stack of comic books and coloring materials. My love of car travel and the Florida Gulf Coast was born! The trip home wasn't nearly as exciting, but reuniting with our standard-size wiener dog Jud was sweet. 

Marco Museum Island map

Tan Mom and Dad at a Gulfview party

Fast forward to my parent's retirement. They checked out Arizona - a popular winter place for Iowa folks. But our Mom was always a water person, as are her daughters. Mom and Dad visited Marco Island, Florida in the late 1980s and fell in love with it. Marco was mostly a swamp until the 1960s when developers saw the potential. Our parents purchased a unit in the Gulfview, a highrise on the beach. Great view, lovely grounds, next to a public green/beach space. 

View from parking ramp - pickleball has taken over tennis courts

Mom and Dad loved Marco Life at the Gulfview. They invited us to share their sunny beach happy place many times through the years. We took both kids for the first time when Amy was five and Jud was turning two - introducing yet another generation to the beauty of Florida. My sisters and their children also visited the place often. 

After Dad passed away, we sold their unit in the Gulfview. We love the place but didn't want to be landlords from afar. Since then, except for the Covid shutdown year, at least two (Cindy and I) of us have rented a place in the building. Susi and Betsy have also vacationed there. 

Jud with cousin Colby and pal Connor

 

Amy and Jud with Kohan boys

Cindy, Paul, and I visited the Marco Island Museum this year. It's small, like the island, but filled with archeology, Native American information, and information on how the swampy place became a fabulous destination. We enjoyed a relaxing time on the island. Now...how to get the kids back down there - and the nextgen - grandkids? 

Recovery Time

If you know me well then you know that Marco Island is my happy place. Since the late 1980's Paul and I have been visiting the Gulf Coast southern Florida island. For the past ten or so years, we've rented a place in the Gulfview building that Mom and Dad owned a condo in. It's not the fanciest place, but it brings back many memories and checks all the boxes - pool, beach and functional living space.

It was a long winter in Iowa! Cold and snowy. Work has been busy and yes, a bit stressful. We've been updating our master bathroom - and I missed soaking in my tub since mid-February. I couldn't way to get to Marco on April 4th! Our partners in fun were again Cindy and Colby.

Don't we all look happy! 

First stop - as usual, Crazy Flamingo! Nothing like a pound of Peel and Eat shrimp to start the day. The group also ate what looked to be some of the best Oysters on the Half Shell - if one like slurping snot. We went to Winn Dixie for groceries after that - stocking up for the week of relaxation.

Paul and Colby had a couple fishing dates lined up. Colby does the honors of talking to the captains to set them - he loves fish talk as much as Paul enjoys talking to fellow hunters. For example, just this morning, we were sitting at the counter at the Waveland when I heard a turkey gobbler behind me! Paul's eyes lit up and he turned right around to talk to the guy who was listening to that on his phone. they exchanged turkey hunt stories joyously.

They caught some cool fish both days deep sea fishing and backwater. They had a blast - and the weather cooperated nicely. We took the fish to the Sand Bar for a feast - delish, cooked in a variety of ways: blackened, breaded, and Cajun.

Our fish feast - Colby/Paul

This year, the island was undergoing a beach reshaping project - pumping sand from the Gulf onto a large portion of the beach, adding 3 to 4 foot of height. The project will help reduce ponding with algae and improve sea turtle nesting.

When we arrived the crew was right next to the Gulfview at the Resident's Beach, piling up sand, to later push it out into a smooth surface. It reminded me a little of watching work at Iowa's landfills - with sand instead of trash. Large hauling trucks and Caterpillars pushing. I was amazed at how fast they moved - as they were down the beach in no time.

Cindy, Paul and I remember when Marco's beach first underwent a beach improvement project. The first time we visited, the beach looked nothing like it does today. There was even concrete walkway where the water lapped up near the condo properties. The massive project took place sometime in the late 1980's - adding 30 yards or so onto some stretches of beach out to the Gulf. Quite a change! We love the beach and are glad steps are being taken to manage it.

Walking on a beach is one of my favorite things to do. The Gulfview is situated near the middle of the beach. We alternative going north and south, depending on where we stop when we go north. It's about 9,000 steps each way - around 4 miles, some in loose sand, some uneven near the water. Some people walk barefoot - they are made of tougher stuff than I! I wear my tennies.

When Colby was in town (his vaca only lasted five days) and he and Paul weren't going on a guided fishing trip, he got up to fish off the shore up north by Tiger Tail. He never walks with the old folks. We always walk down the stairs - which isn't too impressive when we stay on the 4th floor. Paul goes with us - but always manages to go faster and Cindy and me. So she and I walk and chat - about everything. I love those talks with my sis. She just turned 65 y'all! I know - she's looking great for an old bat. haha

View from the south walk 

When the walk is done, we go back to the condo and hang out, eat lunch and get ready to go to the pool. It's important to score pool spots that have shade!

We went out for Cindo's bday to our fave restaurant the Little Bar in Goodland. Three orders of Grouper Almondine and Paul got Blackened Shrimp. The salad dressing and rolls are so delish. Plus Key Lime Pie for dessert - and best yet, Colby bought!

We always hate to see Colby leave, but he is a busy restaurant manager in Vail. Delivery day was Tuesday which started out rainy anyway! Once the precious baby boy was delivered (I'm sure Paul died a little - losing his fishing/guy pal) we decided to be tourists. We visited the Edison/Ford museum/winter home. It was very interesting. It was Cindo's actual 65th birthday. The tour guide was unfunny - which made us laugh.

Edison home

Bday girl - in her "the tour guide is a goof" pose

 The rest of the week was pretty uneventful - just how we like it! Usually, after 10 days, I'm ready to go home. Somehow this year, I felt like dragging my feet. Still - those plane tickets required us to show up. Iowa weather has improved - it's nice seeing the sun!

I hope everyone has a Happy Easter! We were able to get out in the kayaks yesterday and are heading to Webster City for a meal with some of the Goldsmith fam!

Tilted Tree Missing

Hurricane Irma hit Marco Island, Florida last September. Mom (well, her memorial tree, anyway) didn't make it. Over fifty trees around the Gulfview condominium had to be removed after the storm. The old girl (tree) was twenty years old- planted by our parents' friends after Mom's death in 1997. Another storm hit early in the tree's growth, as it always had a "tilt" to it. Thus our annual photos "holding her up".

The pose - holding the Mom tree up

In the spirit of our mother, my sis Cindo and I love Marco Island. We were so happy to see that the island has recovered well from the storm. Roofers are going nuts around the small spit of land. Windows have been replaced - with a few more to go. Other than that it seems to be "business as usual".

We arrived on April 5th for our annual post-winter get-away. Iowa didn't get the memo that winter is over, so Paul and I were glad to go south, where sunny Florida treated us right! Colby and Paul spent two days fishing. They tried out a couple new fishing guides and had a ball!

Papa brought home supper, whilst I guarded the pool

Besides boat fishing, Colby got up early and fished off the beach by Tigertail

Most mornings we walked about three miles on the beach. Often the tractor man had groomed the sand, so it was tougher going and a good workout. A couple mornings we walked to our fave breakfast places.

Walking pic

View from 4th floor

Cindy, Paul (when not fishing) and I spent our afternoons scrounging for shade! The hurricane took a toll on the tree-lined are by the pool. I am not a sun-goddess! I did read five or six books. Our condo was on the fourth floor this year. A big change from 21! When I got too hot, I could sit on our deck and feel like I was by the pool. One day, when Cindy and I huddled under a couple palm trees, we nearly saw the old card-playing guys get into a fist-fight. Isn't retirement fun?

Bday girl and son

Of course, we went to our fave restaurants multiple times. We hit the Little Bar for Cindo's birthday. They always ask us if it's our first time there. Ha! Try 50th. I did veer from the usual and tried the blackened scallops instead of shrimp one night. Grouper almondine is the best though.

The Crazy Flamingo is off the beaten path, but we love their peel and eat shrimp. While the others dig the oysters, I go with other stuff like onion rings. Joey's Pizza completes the usual spots - their garlic knots are to die for. The pizza is pretty good too. We like shopping at Winn Dixie for lunch stuff - they have great fresh bread.

We took Colby to the airport in Fort Myers on Tuesday 4/10. It was sad to see him go. The joint always seems empty after he heads back to Vail. I have so enjoyed getting to know my nephew as an adult. Fishing nut, innovative chef, restaurant manager - and an easy guy to talk to about anything. I love his deep hearty laugh. He makes me smile.

Once Colby left, Paul was stuck with the women. We planned a couple tourist things - visiting Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve one afternoon. It was super interesting. We walked a short nature tour around the area and saw a small alligator.

Mangroves

The other highlight was the Marco Historical Museum. It's around eight years old. I can just imagine our mother volunteering there - in 7th heaven. She was enthralled with the history of SW Florida. It was very well done - beginning with the Indian tribes who had initially lived in the area. Marco really wasn't developed until the 1970's. Back when Mom and Dad bought their place in the late 80's, most people still hadn't heard of the area. Now, most people know where Marco Island is - many have been there.

Mom's tree might be gone, but her real tree - her family is going strong! Oh, how proud she would be to see our family tree growing - this year adding Alex's soon-to-be wife Lisa. This summer we sisters will gather in Oregon once again - honoring our parents and our family. The love is strong.

But vacation is over for now. Coming back to Iowa sucked - it was snowing. Ugh. Odie's caretakers spoiled her and she's doing great. I do love my bed. Life is good.

For all the "Days"

Before I left for our annual Florida vacation, Facebook notified me that it was Crayola Day. Man, that brought back some memories. The 24  and 48 packs - new for school each year. Such potential! Worksheets and coloring contests ahead. How about the 64 packs with the sharpener in the back?

I lamented that though I was an eager colorer, I was not the best. Our artistic sister Cindo ruled in that department. Sister Betsy reminded me that, reminiscing about when we road-tripped to Florida a couple summers in the late 1960's - Mom with her four girls. Dad flew in later. The three of us younger girls were in the back seat while Susi and Mom drove. Armed with paper and Crayolas, Cindy made us paper dolls and colored them. #socool. She was ahead of her time - Etsy-worthy.

Gang's all here

Early in April this year, I was back in Florida and it was Sibling Day. And I was with my sib, the famous coloring artist, Cindo. Oh, how I look forward to that annual trek. It nearly didn't happen this year because the condo we've been renting was sold. Fortunately, our connection came up with another unit in Mom and Dad's building. Each year I appreciate it more - the opportunity to hang out with my sister, nephew, and husband on a beautiful beach.

Me and my sibling

Colby took this shot poolside

Florida is my recharge time. We don't do much while we're there. Paul and Colby fished a couple days. We walked on the beach nearly every day - #10,000 steps baby. To mix it up this year we visited the Everglades for an airboat ride and even saw a gator dozing in the sun.

Happy Place

My favorite thing, besides catching up with Colby (who brought us some of his newly developed product, Bold Hot Sauce, label designed by Amy Goldsmith) and Cindy, was sitting on the 17th-floor deck reading, overlooking the beach and pool. That is my happy place.

Paul and friend

A ten-day vacation was perfect as I was ready to go home. Cindy had the exciting ride with a plane with broken flaps - and emergency landing in Houston. All calm for us, except for one excited elderly doggy! It's always good to sleep in my own bed. Work awaited. And the whole politics thing...

Glad it's a weekend already!

Another successful Marco Trip

Thank Mom and Dad for introducing us this beautiful paradise! Paul and I first went to lovely Marco Island in 1988. We think. We're a little foggy on the year. Young parents a all that. Blame lack of sleep.

Dad retired at age 58. Gee that age sounds so familiar. Hmm, that must be because I'm 58 now. Yet the R word isn't in my vocab quite yet - except to say that Paul says that I'm a Freshman in my quest for retirement from DNR. I aim to retire at age 62 from that job. I'd still need to drum up income from somewhere to support my lucrative lifestyle in central Iowa - living large. haha.

Anyway, I digressed. As Dad approached retirement, Mom and Dad had scouted for a place where they could spend winters - to escape the frozen Iowa tundra. They checked out Arizona where several Atlantic friends had settled, but Mom need water - as in an ocean. So they headed back east to the state where both sets of my grandparents had spend time. Mom's parents actually sold their home in Cedar Rapids and moved into a retirement center in Dunedin, Florida. My Atlantic grandparents wintered in the St. Petersburg area each year.

My folks went farther south on the gulf side of the state, eventually driving over the Judge Jolly Bridge to Marco Island. Mom knew she was home. They rented a condo in the Gulfview a couple years before they purchased a unit. It was sometime in there when we were invited to visit - a year or so after we'd settled in Creston with our young daughter.

We weren't real sure about traveling with a baby, so we approached our fabulous care providers the Frank family about keeping Amy while we took a short visit to Marco via Miami. I do recall that it was a nice break from parenting, but we sure were glad to get home to our kiddo! In the meantime, we fell in love with that island just like my parents did.

Before the beach was restored - check out little Juddy!

That was before the beach was restored, and before many of the condos and hotels that are there today were even built. Mom and Dad enjoyed introducing us to their many friends. The next time we came back, We had both Amy and Jud with us - it was 1991. After that is was game on. We took many trips to see Grandpa and Gran at the beach. Good times!

The second time we took the kids - Betsy and Wayne brought the Kohan kids

After Mom passed away from evil lung cancer in 1998, Susi and I drove with Dad to Florida. It was sad to leave him there without his partner of 45 plus years. He sounded lonely when I spoke with him on the phone that winter. We spent Christmas with him - and that was strange! Palm instead of Christmas trees! In the next year, Dad reconnected with an old friend and fell in love with Pat2 (yep, that's what we called his second wife). She enjoyed Marco too - until her death, tragically another lung cancer victim.

Stormy and Amy with Kay and Dad

Dad suffered a stroke in 2002, and we weren't certain he'd be able to recover enough to live in his own Atlantic apartment, let along make it to sunny Florida. Thank goodness a good friend by the name of Kay Harris stepped up. Dad  had asked Kay on a date shortly before he got sick - and she liked the guy! He was pretty darn swell. Kay and Dad traveled to and from Florida each winter for the next few years until his death in 2006. Our last time with him in Marco was in 2004, when we took Jud and a friend down over spring break while Cindy and Colby were there.

This year, Cindy, Colby, Paul and I talked as usual about our parents as we stayed in the very building where they used to own a unit. Patty, who cleans at the building, still remembers us. Most everyone else is gone though - like Mom and Dad. It's not overly fancy, but has a decent pool, great grounds and is smack in the middle of the beach - right by the Resident's Beach, allowing for a great view.

We enjoy visiting many of the restaurants and haunts that our folks used to take us to. Plus we find new places to go. Colby and Paul like to fish - just like Dad used to - even though he'd often get seasick, poor guy. We love walking along the beach just like our mother did. It's therapeutic, you know. I sorely needed that this year after a rough couple weeks at work. (I've been told that I need to quit caring so much, but I guess that's just not how I am wired.) My sis, Cindo was therapeutic too. She's a good listener and advice giver when it comes to work issues.

Each year we stay in Marco for 10 days, including travel (which was delayed on the way there). By the last day of this year's trip, I was ready to go home, ready for my own bed and to see my puppy. Now that's a good vacation!

I returned from 10 days in sunny Florida to snow

Well kinda.

 

My office cubicle was covered with this snow-like stuff. All surfaces. A note on my desk said - "See What You Missed". Well played Jeff Fiagle, well played.

Oh how nice it was in Florida this year! The weather was fabulous - best ever I think - from the day we arrived to meet Cindy and Colby at the airport to the day we left.

When we arrived, we ate shrimp and drank beer at the Crazy Flamingo. It's tradition! During the week we walked on the beach - some 35+ miles. Colby and Paul fished. We even ate the shark they caught. We celebrated Cindo's birthday at Fin. It was fun. There was cake! No singing.

Birthday girl and son Colby

We cleaned up for the birthday extravaganza

Mom's tree - a bit more crooked every year...

Enjoying oysters our last night

Sisters!

Paul was proud of his shark

 

My favorite beach!

 

There isn't much else to write about our week. Rinse repeat. Beach walk, pool, drinks, supper - with people I love. It was just what the doctor ordered.