Florida Vacation 2012, Part 2, Monday

Connie took the week off, but because of her work, still had things that needed to be done at times.  Monday was open.  Neil had to work, but Marisol was off, so we three decided to go visit my Aunt Audrey, my Mother's sister, over by Daytona.

We took the long way out, going SR-40.  It went through one of the various forests.  Pretty drive. 

When we got to Audrey's we were greeted by Barb, her daughter, and Barb's husband Lou.  It was good to see them again! 

Connie had planned on us going to "Over Under Sideways Down" for lunch, but due to circumstances and time decided to go to "Pickles".  "Over Under Sideways Down" is what Connie called the place, since I don't think she can actually remember the name of it.  Pickles was cool.  They have a salad bar with quite a variety of pickles.  The meal was excellent, and the portions were HUGE!  Great place to eat. 

Audrey had asked Connie for something of Mom's that she held near and dear to herself.  Connie and I wracked our brains trying to figure out what to take to Audrey.  A sweater?  No, Connie had told the nursing home to dispose of all of Mom's stuff.  A book?  The Scrabble game?  We had even considered jewelry, but Mom wasn't one to wear much, if any.  There was nothing we could think of.  So at lunch Audrey asked Connie again if she had brought something of Mom's, and Connie told her "Us"!  What else is there?  Audrey looked forlorn, but I piped up and told her that Connie had intended on leaving me there with her.  That broke the mood, at least for the moment. 

Barb and Lou had to leave, and we did shortly thereafter.  We drove out to the beach in Daytona, and I went wading in the Atlantic.  I wanted to go swimming, but we didn't have time.  We then went back to Audrey's and visited for a while, looking at olde pictures of her and her sisters. The older sister, Flo, died a number of years ago.  Now Mom.  Audrey is the last one. 

Audrey has a cat, Tootsie, that she dotes over.  "I brush her every day", she proudly told us!  Cute and soft, a real companion to her.

We had to go as it was getting late, and Connie took us back via I-4.  Lots of rain along the way.

The visit was nice, and we fulfilled our family obligation, so to speak, but bitter sweet.  I couldn't help but notice how lonely and sad Audrey looked as we drove away.