Happy 50th Birthday Karen

Our next event in March was a visit from two friends...Karen and Kathy...and it just so happened that Karen was turning 50 while she was here. They were going to be here for 5 nites and we had plenty planned. They arrived late on Fri, so not much happening that night....Saturday we went to see the Lipizan stallions....I've been before, but they are always nice to watch. Sarasota is their winter home, so you can watch training sessions for $5...

After the show we went to Woody's River Roo on the Manatee River for lunch...it was a bit windy, but nice outside. After a Wal-mart stop we headed home. Saturday nite the girls went to a Publix Cooking school...so much fun and the food and wine are always great.

We had Salmon/Duck/ and lamb sliders...then a chocolate dessert that was being made in the ramikin you can see next to the stove...it was all wonderful ....This was California Cabernet nite and the wines were all very good too. Headed home afterwards....church the next day.

After church we headed to St. Armand's Circle to The Columbia for lunch, then to a free Ski-a-Rees show. This is also their winter home and they do practice shows for free....love this city.

The jumps were amazing...they also did the very tricky "ski around the boat"...was so cool

Some doing a bow as others skied by....

These guys were really good.....

After the ski show we hurried through Mote Marine before they closed

Checking out the critters......

The manatees are so sweet......

Hello Crush!!! Where's Squirt and Nemo???

After this we headed home, had been a full day. Chinese for dinner and then a movie, easy evening.

Monday we decided to head back to "the circle" to do a little shopping and then beaching on Lido Beach....the weather was perfect. Got home about 6p after a Publix stop to buy some stuff to grill dinner. Had a nice grilled dinner and roasted veggies we learned about in our Publix class. We sat outside on the lanai...was a great evening. 

Tueday we headed south to Venice...had lunch at Fins on Sharky's Pier...was delish...my soup was served beautifully...love the Paprika shark!!!

Then we did a quick drive to Casperson Beach and then to downtown Venice for some shopping. Had to head home in time to dress for the big birthday dinner at The Melting Pot..

All dressed up and ready to go.......

The Melting Pot was wonderful. A 3 course dinner....cheese fondue, salad, meat selections to cook in hot oil...then the chocolate fondue...we were stuffed, but it had been a really nice evening. Then we got 6 chocolate covered strawberries to bring home....YUM-O!!!

The next day they had to head home and I had to work...so the party was over but I hope you guys had a good time and I hope Karen enjoyed her birthday....I did!!!

See ya next time ladies.....

March was a busy month...April looks a bit slower...but ya never know!!!