Cindy and I have been friends since we were nine. Her Dad had a job at Honeywell and was transferred to Minneapolis from Florida to work on a project. Her family came to stay with us on our farm through
Farm Vacations. Our farm was listed as a working farm that would accommodate guests during the summer months. Cindy and I were inseparable during that summer. I have so many fond memories of doing things with her. We became pen pals, although we weren't very good at writing some of the time. Our family was pleasantly surprised when they got in touch with us 7 years later and wanted to spend the summer again! It was another wonderful summer with the two of us doing most everything together. Since the summers of our childhood, we have kept track of each other. Cindy has been up to visit me and I have been down to visit her. Although we no longer write, we do call or send cards. It is like we have never been apart, picking up right where we left off.
I really wanted to surprise Cindy for her birthday, so I got in touch with her Mom who lives close to her. Helen got in touch with Jack (her husband) and they helped me to plan the surprise on that end. My plane was almost an hour late leaving Minneapolis and I missed my connection in Atlanta. I was on the next flight out an hour and a half later. Cindy and Helen were waiting at the airport the whole time. Cindy was so shocked to see me, she was speechless. The surprise was a success. It was wonderful to go from 40 degrees to 80 degrees. The sunshine was the best thing. It has been so cloudy and gloomy in Minnesota. Clearwater Beach is so beautiful, pure white sand and turquoise blue water. We had a late lunch on the beach and I got to walk around bare foot! It was quite a treat for this Minnesotan gal. I had a great visit with Cindy. It was so nice to see her and get caught up with the goings on in the families. We talked, shopped for my kids, hung out, and even played some ball with her son. Did I say how great it was? I have to thank my kids for buying me the plane ticket as a Christmas present and thanks Jenni for watching the Daycare kids. Did I say yet that I have great kids? Well, I think they are terrific! Saturday evening we went down to the beach to catch the sunset. We were treated to one of the best sunsets I have seen in quite a while.
Sunday we went to a county park near her house. I spent time exploring in the warm sunshine, Cindy hung out near the playground so Michael could play. It was a great day walking around in the warm sunshine. I saw turtles, ducks, butterflies, a snake, and lots of different flowers. Shadow (their dog) even got to play in the dog park. Sunday evening we were invited to Helen's for a birthday party for Cindy. The food was excellent and so was the company. Another surprise for Cindy. We had Strawberry Shortcake for dessert, Cindy's favorite.
It was so great seeing Cindy. I hope that I don't take so long to do it again. Her family was so gracious to help me out with this and to put me up for three days. Thank you! It was a treat for me to get away too. Things have been stressful and the break was just what I needed. Another item I regrettably cross off my list. Oh, the letter that I couldn't send (from my 40 cards in 40 days) was to Cindy. I didn't want to tip her off that I was going to come down to see her.
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