March 21, 2022

Perfect Convertible Weather covid-19: day 723 | US: GA | info | act

A beautiful, sunny 70° morning greeted me as I eased Kip’s convertible Benz out of the garage. I headed north today to visit two friends: Karen and Tom. I met Karen and her mom, my 7th-grade Algebra teacher, at Another Broken Egg Cafe for lunch just off University Parkway in Sarasota. We had a lovely lunch in their outside dining room and got caught up a bit. I haven’t seen Mrs. Shoop in probably thirty years and Karen in maybe twenty. Mrs. Shoop reminds me of my late Aunt Nancy—they are both sharp and always cast a dubious eye at my bullshit. She is older, but still sharp. Karen has always been a bit of a firecracker herself, and that hasn’t changed either. I really can’t believe how time is flying by. I’m not sure when I’ll see them again, but I promised it would be soon.

I drove over the Skyway to get to Oldsmar, still reveling in the almost perfect day. It was getting a bit warmer, but at speed, I still wore my hoodie. Tom and I hung out and chatted for the rest of the afternoon. It seems like time is getting away from us, too. It seems like yesterday that he and I were roommates, both working on finishing our Ph.D.s. Those were good days.

I drove the 100-miles-or-so back after dark, still with the roof down. The drive was almost as good as the motorcycle, but I was chilled by the time I reached the house. Still, it was a great day.