Rudy's

                                                                  

Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got. 

Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot.
Wouldn't you like to get away? 
Sometimes you want to go Where everybody knows your name,
and they're always glad you came.
 You wanna be where you can see,our troubles are all the same
You wanna be where everybody knows Your name. You wanna go where people know, people are all the same,
 You wanna go where everybody knows your name.

Once upon a time there were two creative, successful and happy ladies from Colorado.  One day, after shoveling the snow off the driveway for the hundredth time in one season, they looked at each other and said, " Isn't it warmer in other places in the world ?"  So the hunt began for a sleepy little island town to have their restaurant.

Sally and Julie

Luckily for the locals on Anna Maria Island this is where they landed !  Breakfast and sandwiches , delicious cupcakes and muffins.  Oh Yes, the best pie on AMI !!!    You won't forget the feeling of complete welcome when you enter the door, if they don't know your name when you arrive, they will before you leave.  

The newest bobble head holds the shelf of distinction before it is added to the collection.

No, Rudy is not some secret male partner, it is Julie's lovely dog (pictured above) and she is a girl too !

So these lovely ladies spend their days feeding locals and vacationers alike, driving about town in there souped up golf cart, and return home to their polka dotted house each night.

 Life is Good 

0

Wordless Wednesday

0

The Pinellas Trail

Here is another gem we have found in our winter home, part of the rail trail system.  The Pinellas Trail runs from St Petersburg to Tarpon springs at least 50 miles one way.  This beautifully maintained paved bike route runs through city and rural settings.  We enjoyed a 40 mile round trip ride, followed by lunch on the water in St Petersburg, some of the coldest beer I have ever enjoyed !

0

Some of my bliss...........

0

Piazza del Anna Maria Island

Finding ones way in a new community is the key to plugging in and meeting new people.  I have enjoyed this process, taking my time, mapping out  the spaces on this island , slowly unwrapping the layers to find a new delight under each.  All the places in the world have their own vibe, their own sort of pulse, the magic begins when you find that place that meshes with what is in your soul.  For those of us that like the quirky, artsy, and eclectic things in life Anna Maria Island fits the bill and then some.  The feel of this gulf coast gem is easy, unrushed and casual, add to that a creative group of year round residents and you have a place to escape to that also has a real feeling of community.

This is one of the gems in the crown of Anna Maria Island.  Brian and I are frequent customers, the food is a huge draw, but the atmosphere is also very important.  This lovely eatery seems to be at the center of a lot of activity on the island.  I would refer to it as the Piazza del Anna Maria.

Come early during the tourist season, the line forms quickly, but also moves quickly as well.  Besides the delicious breakfast and lunch menu, Ginny's and Jane E's is also a gift shop.  Browsing here could take you much of the morning, which is what makes the shop so much fun,  the whimsical, quirky and very comical items found throughout always leave me with a happy little glow just around my heart.  I have been here repeatedly and I still find something  new each time I venture in again.

 

Great selection of vintage table clothes and aprons, just like Meme use to wear !

There are tables placed throughout the shop for eating or whatever!

One of the proprietors (behind the counter) and a local Maineiac  snowbird Diane Linscott.  When I asked the owner which she was Ginny or Jane E she answered....................."Bert"

0