7 May 2024
I was very tired last night. I went to bed around 8:30 pm and slept for 9 hours – with the exception of 3 pee breaks. I was just beginning to stir after coffee and oatmeal when I noticed a voice mail on my phone. My Jeep was ready to pick up. Honestly, I didn’t expect them to call me until after noon sometime.
I quickly packed up Tanis’ car and drove to Brandon. I hugged Tanis goodbye and Archie let me drive to the Jeep place and I paid for the repair. It was just a little over $830 even with tax. Apparently, one of the parts was cheaper than they anticipated. I tipped JoJo $40 for expediting my Jeep. Then the person they sent to bring it up couldn’t find it. After a while, he drove up in it and I parked beside Tanis’ car and transferred my junk from her car to mine.
Archie and I get emotional when parting. I told him that we are of the age that there is no guarantee that we’ll see each other again. That was certainly brought home by my cancer diagnosis in January.
I headed south and east via various roads and interstates until I reached Pensacola. I’m staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Gulf Breeze. It’s a pretty amazing bridge crossing to get to Gulf Breeze.
After unpacking what I needed from the Jeep, I searched for some place to get a meal. I settled for a Hawaiian restaurant, the Papa Nalu Aloha Grill. I was the only customer even though TripAdvisor said it was the #3 rated restaurant in Gulf Breeze. It was over 6 miles from the hotel and in heavy traffic to get there. At least the food was good. I had two appetizers: coconut shrimp and pot stickers.
I’m now back at the hotel, showered and sleepy. I plan on getting to bed early tonight and getting up very late. My next stop is in Gainesville, about 5 hours away. Another Hampton Inn.
Stay tuned!
