Frozen Florida

Rodman, I'm pretty sure you're the only follower of this blog, so here's an update for you!

We just spent a nice long weekend in Tampa, FL, where the temps hovered around freezing the entire weekend and we witnessed the natives in ski-masks and parkas. Not quite what you would expect in the Sunshine State! We had hoped to visit with the Creedican family, Florida Branch, who reside in Tampa, but they were back in the Northwest for Grandma Betty's funeral (may she rest in peace--a beautiful woman with a heart after the Lord!). Then I remembered that my Franciscan University neighbor was from the area and set to track him down. We were able to touch base and enjoyed a few meals together (including a Tampa staple: La Teresita's lunch counter with the best black bean soup I've ever eaten and some fantastic Cuban flatbread). He drove us around the "old" Tampa, Ybor City, along Tampa Bay, and through downtown. We also were able to attend Sunday Mass (Baptism of the Lord) at St. Lawrence. The choir sang all the Mass settings in Latin; it was pretty close to heaven :-). Thanks, Jeff Lambert, for your company and showing us around!

Because of our layover (freight in Florida just doesn't pick up the way it does in much of the rest of the country), we were able to watch the Cowboys/Eagles and Packers/Cardinals games at a local pub. Normally the truck stops would air the games but they didn't have any local channels. Instead, we enjoyed pub food and even sang some karaoke songs. Good times were had by all!

Presently we're in La Salle, Illinois and will be heading west toward the Reno, NV area tomorrow. It is still cold up here, and we look forward to seeing what I-80 west will look like.

Please keep our safety in your prayers, and we will do the same for you!

God bless,
deb