Florida!

 Secret To Summer Happiness

The most beautiful things in life are not things. They are people, places, memories, and pictures. Feelings and moments. Smiles and laughter. - Anonymous

Our family celebrated one such memorable time this year at Grandson’s AAU Boys Volleyball Nationals which ran July 3-10 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. 

All our bags were packed.

We were ready to go.

Florida mode: activated

Stunning Sunrise. Photo: I.T.V. East balcony of south concourse of Convention Center

It might be fun to do a FLORIDA ACROSTIC to capture the moment, so here goes.

F - is for FANS who remain loyal whether the game is a loss or win.

 

Being loyal is simple if you genuinely love someone.

L – is for LOADING UP on food.

As Virginia Woolf alleges, one cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.

FORD'S GARAGE is a neighborhood burger and beer joint. Inside the Garage is  a 1920's service station vibe which includes vintage Ford vehicles, gas pumps, prohibition-style elements of old brick, rich wood, and hand-hammered copper bar tops. 

Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.

So are we eating our feelings or drinking our feelings today?

CHEDDAR'S SCRATCH KITCHEN is all good food, made well. Its secret ingredient, cooking from scratch, makes for great tasting food. 

Where there is food, there is love.

SHAKE SHACK serves elevated versions of American classics using only the best ingredients. It's known for its delicious made-to-order Angus beef burgers, crispy chicken, and hand-spun milkshakes.

My mind says ‘abs,’ but my heart said cheese fries.

O – is for ORDINARY DAYS made extraordinary…

... By little girls who fill life with sunshine and your heart with love.

... By Grand/Ds taking in the sunshine and lake water.

... By a hunk of a Dad.

How long do you actually have to wear a muscle shirt until you get muscles? Photo: A.V.H.

R – is for our REIS, athlete extraordinaire!

What an incredible reach! Photo: A.V.H.

I – is for the INCREDIBLE sights of the sunshine state.

Weather forecast: 100% chance of fabulous.

WEST CONVENTION CENTER. Photo: I.T.V.

It’s all about the palm trees and the 80 degrees.

When life gives you rain, demand a rainbow.

D – is for team SAS’ DAZZLING teamwork

The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team. – Paul Jackson

There is no “I” in team.

Coming together is the beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.

Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.

A – is for an AMAZING time with ohana (family) where nobody gets left behind or forgotten.

We passed our driving test.

Shell-abrate the good times!

 The time we spent together was a party, like confetti for the soul, adding bursts of joy to life.

 FLORIDA, you had our heart. You croc our world!

Beach, Etc.

Secret To Summer Happiness

Dance with the waves, move with the sea. Let the rhythm of the water set your soul free. – Christy Ann Martine

The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul. Its sparkling waters can make even a grumpy octopus crack a smile. 

Photo: V.E.V. Pamarta, Bali Beach Resort. Morong, Bataan. February 2024

On the beach, you can live in bliss. Sky above, sand below, peace within.

The most affectionate creature in the world is a wet dog.

Some beach somewhere, there’s a big umbrella casting shade over an empty chair for YOU.

So over the beach?

Ride the wild tide at Zoombezi Bay Waterpark’s wave pool.

Or just go with the flow. Waterfalls are nature’s way of showing off its plumbing skills.

                                       I’m falling for you!

How about simply messing about in a canoe?  Explore the stillness of a lake. Wherever there is a channel for water, there is a road for the canoe.

We told the boat it was time to row, but it kept floating around like it was on vacation.

We’re all in the same boat. Best to keep rowing.

Life's short. Paddle hard. 

Good things come to those who paddle. 

Or when all else fails, here’s a hydration tip. Happiness can come in rushes from park fountains. After all, what is an ocean but a multitude of drops?

Someone: Who’s the dude?

Me: We’re not related!

So, water you waiting for?

Let’s go slide into summer and make a big splash.

Taste And Tour

Helping Hands Health and Wellness Center

The invitation for a Guest+1 at the Taste and Tour event sponsored by Helping Hands Health and Wellness Center indicated it was an exclusive event.

It was a Donors Only Event for members of Friends of Helping Hands, Directors Circle, and President’s Council.

Many years ago, I volunteered for the intake process and maintained files. I suppose I am a friend, the +1 and, therefore, qualified to be there.

Here are foto features of the event.

The simple act of caring is heroic. Every patient is a story you get to change for the better.

Left: Founder of Helping Hands  |  Right: Staff and volunteers

Check this out! 

A blue glass plaque of the Directors Circle featured, among others, Dr. V.

And this one! A dedicated volunteer for 10 years, though Dr. V alleges it has been 14 years.

 

Being a doctor is like being a chef.

But instead of cooking up a storm, I cook up cures.

I’m a doctor. To save time, let’s just assume I’m always right.

DOCTOR V!

Because Badass Miracle Worker is not a job title. 

Ice Cream And Popsicle

 Secret To Summer Happiness

It’s summer.

Another sunshine-ready secret to summer happiness?

Ice cream and popsicles.

Pops of happiness. They are a food group.

Most-Beloved Grands

But first, popsicle.

Favorite Grand/D celebrates 8^th birthday with patriotic popsicle. August 4, 2020

Emotionally attached to ice cream

Left: Michigan, 2025

My brain said “salad,” but my stomach autocorrected it to “ice cream.”

Right: Birthday treat from Second Daughter. Columbus, March 2026

There’s no such thing as too much ice cream. It is happiness in a cone (or a cup). Me + ice cream = Together Forever.

Life is short.

Eat more ice cream.

Gals' Trip: No Guys, No Stress, No Rules!

 Secret To Summer Happiness

In life, it’s not where you go - it’s who you travel with. - Charles M. Schulz

Second Daughter had Favorite Grand/D and me at Gals’ Trip!

It was bad manners to keep a vacation waiting, so off we went on a four-day road trip to Ontario.

Here are pics to document our adventure.

Life is short, the world is wide. We better get going.

Good company on a journey made the way seem shorter.

Favorite Grand/D had a way of turning our trip into a fun adventure.

I believe in manicures, I believe in primping at leisure, and wearing lipstick.

To travel is to evolve… into a master of napping anywhere.

Waiting at the Canadian border was like a bad relationship: long, tedious, and full of uncertainty.

But we made it.

BONJOUR CANADA!

FIRST STOP, ELORA

First panel: ELORA, one of the many small villages located along the gorgeous Grand River in Southern Ontario, has been called Ontario’s Most Beautiful Village.

Second panel: Former VICTORIA STREET BRIDGE, primary crossing over Grand River in Elora, Ontario

LODGE CAFE serves coffee, matcha, and fresh food in a wood log cabin.

NEXT STOP, FERGUS

FERGUS is approximately three miles from ELORA.

Nestled on the banks of the Grand, historic FERGUS embodies its rich Scottish heritage through its natural limestone buildings, parks and public gardens, trail network, unique shops and excellent restaurants. 

Picturesque Views From Second Daughter’s Morning Walk

First panel, top: LAKE HURON, the third-largest inland lake in the world, boasts of wildly wonderful stretches of pristine coast looking out into the endless blue horizon.

First panel, bottom: BRIDGE MENESETUNG (Laughing Water), formerly a railway structure built to serve the CPR line between Goderich and Guelph, spans the Maitland River near the mouth as it flows into Lake Huron. The bridge stands 60 feet above the river, and its span is over 700 feet.

TEMPLIN GARDENS, located in downtown Fergus, feature a beautiful garden display. A large historical set of stone stairs spiral down the gorge wall to the river’s edge.

FINAL STOP, GODERICH

GODERICH is a small coastal town overlooking Lake Huron, known for its gorgeous turquoise shorelines and historic downtown district. 

Home away from home was HOTEL BEDFORD, a century-old three story walk up offering 35 rooms, dining, and old-fashioned charm.

No amount of smiling at the three flights of stairs made them into a ramp.

A must-visit in GODERICH on Second Daughter’s list was HURON HISTORIC GAOL, a unique octagonal building which served as the County Jail from its opening in 1841 until closure in 1972. 

When one door closes and another one opens, you’re probably in jail.

Sorry, I’m all booked up. Help!

Get me out of here! 

Mama to the rescue! Powered by love, fueled by coffee. Sustained by wine.

Busted out: escaped from jail.

Whee!!!

So, what was to do in-between touring times?

Left panel: Eat. Sleep. Makeup. Repeat. It’s a girl thing.

Wax on. Wax off.

Right panel: There are Brazilian reasons to get waxed.

Razors – eww! Just wax it.

This won’t hurt, right?

No, it will be fine.

GAH!

Oops…

A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it.

SHOPPING

Of course! To shop or not to shop. That wasn’t even a question.

Shopping is an art. I’m an artist. Respect me.

We went. We saw. We did a little shopping.

First panel: Men go shopping to buy what they want. Women go shopping to find out what they want.

We could give up shopping, but we’re not quitters. Just let us shop and no one gets hurt.

Second panel, bottom: VINTAGE shopping. Why buy new when you can buy someone else’s old mistake?

Third panel, top: Shell necklace pendant find by Favorite Grand/D. Perfect for Florida trip!

Third panel, bottom: GOODWILL HUNTING! Life is better when you’re thrifting.

Last panel: DOLLAR HAVEN is proof that you can buy happiness, one cheap item at a time. Where you find a whole aisle of things you didn't know you needed.

FOOD, FOR SURE!

Reminder: food is fuel. Not therapy.

First panel, top: JOLLIBEE's chicken joy and mango peach pie with a side of rice and spaghetti for lunch never fail.

First panel, bottom and second panel: DINNER FRIENDLY SOCIETY is Elora's best-loved neighborhood restaurant. The decor is romantic yet rustic, the vibe is hip and comfortable, and the atmosphere is always welcoming. It is located on the river, steps from the Elora Mill.

Eat to live. Don’t live to eat.

Girl, I’m on vacation!

First panel: DOOR RESTAURANT serves a lunch selection of wholesome and healthy salads, sandwiches, paninis and wraps, and a perfect daily 'soup of the day.'

It offers a view of the beautiful Templin Gardens and Grand River from its dining room.

Second panel: PARK HOUSE BAR AND RESTAURANT offers a recommended fish and chips dish, alongside the highly-praised fish tacos, juicy burger with all the fixings. Its ribs and wings combo has been described as absolutely delicious, perfectly cooked, and tender. The atmosphere is warm and homelike, featuring a wood burning stove.

Last panel: Life’s too short to not eat dessert. CULBERT’S BAKERY is Goderich's oldest and most famous bakery.

Established in 1877, it is well known for delicious sticky loaves, old recipe cookies, tarts and squares, home-made chocolate, holiday foods, buns, bread and doughnuts done the old-fashioned way.

Boston cream pie is life!

First panel, top: BEACH STREET STATION, housed in a renovated CPR train station, is a family-friendly restaurant on the shores of Lake Huron, offering casual fare and breathtaking waterfront views and spectacular sunsets.

Second panel: PADDY O’NEILS RESTAURANT AND PUB is a cozy establishment known for its friendly atmosphere and diverse menu including fresh local fish, pastas, and spicy chicken wings. During warmer months, guests can dine on the patio, providing a pleasant outdoor experience. The establishment is part of the HOTEL BEDFORD.

Together is our favorite place to be.

Does anyone know which page of the Bible explains how to turn water into wine?

Wah!!! Last day already? Let’s live it up.

Yeah, working is great, but… have you tried traveling?

Too much of a good thing can be wonderful. That was how our adventure had been.

Much thanks to daughter I.T.V. for yet another successful, fun, and entertaining venture!

Away is a place where it’s not about the money you spend. It’s about the moments you share.

The secret to summer happiness is a vacation well spent.

Wander often, wonder always.