Switching Gears November 3, 2019
Posted by nrhatch in Humor, Life Balance, Mindfulness, Travel & Leisure.comments closed
Yesterday morning, we planned to go to the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. In addition to the Mosaic Backyard Universe (opened this fall), we wanted to enjoy a special exhibit from the American Museum of Natural History in NYC ~ Giants, Dragons, & Unicorns (The World of Mythic Creatures).
After touring the museum, we planned to visit the Bradenton Farmer’s Market to get some fresh local produce.
Of course, life is what happens when we’re busy making plans.
Just before leaving, I checked the museum’s website to confirm the time it opened . . . and learned that it was closed all day in preparation for a fundraising gala that evening.
OK. Plan B. We’ll go to the Farmer’s Market, get some produce, stash it in the car, and then enjoy a walk along the Riverwalk.
When we arrived at the Farmer’s Market, our favorite farmer wasn’t there. Greens On The Go was a No-Go. We walked from end to end of the market without making a purchase because the produce didn’t look appealing. Or local. Instead of small farmers selling their current harvest, the vendors looked like they grew everything under the sun . . . a sign that they didn’t grow anything at all.
So we enjoyed our walk along the Riverwalk, made a couple of pit stops for provisions at Panera and Fresh Market, and returned home for lunch.
After lunch, I looked through the island papers and saw:
The Sandblast sandsculpting contest will be 9 am – 1 pm, Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.
BFF and I agreed to head over there for a pre-sunset stroll to see the sculptures. When we arrived at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach at 5:30, we saw No Sculptures. Not one.
If you’re feeling gypped too, type “Sandblast” into the search widget (upper right) to see past sculptures, like this one:
OK. Plan B. We drive up island to the Art & Culture Walk on Pine Avenue to see the featured artwork at the AMI Historic Museum and a sprinkling of area stores ~ Three Island Monkeys (featuring the work of the Florida Audubon Photographer of the Year, RJ Wiley), Emerson’s Studio, AMI Accommodations and the Flip Flop Gift Shop.
Since the event ended at 6 pm, and we didn’t arrive until 5:45, our quick tour of the paintings and photographs was more “whirlwind walk” than “studied stroll.” That’s OK:
Do What You Can With What You Have Where You Are.
Heading home, I thought it would be nice to stop in and pay G & W (two nonagenarian friends) a visit. I reached for my flip phone to give G a call and see if the timing was convenient. Oops. No Phone. How inconvenient.
Ok. Plan B. We decided to chance it, arriving at G’s door just as she’d started dinner preparations. Imperfect timing. Nonetheless, she invited us in for a quick visit and a few laughs.
Aah . . . that’s better!
Spirit Lights The Way 