I’ve been doing some canal work here in Vero Beach, but nothing to do with the Erie or Welland. Canal as in “root” — two hours Tuesday and two more Thursday. But it is almost over and dentist Dr. Valme, arranged at short notice by Don and Carol from Turtle Kraal, our Key West neighbors, is very good.
In between sessions in the chair, we have been enjoying Vero Beach and some time with our friends Oscar and Marie Sales, and their two beautiful children Sebastian and Elissa. Today was John’s 19th birthday, so yesterday we celebrated with a boat ride and Italian dinner, complete with birthday cake, candles and presents. And here’s how I compensated today for last week’s week of pain.
— Awoke to a crystal-clear, 75 degree day. Had coffee in bed while finishing the excellent novel The House at Tynebourne, a sort of Downton Abbey set in World War II.
— Rode my bike six blocks over to the beach and the Saturday farmer’s market. Not only the normal produce, baked goods and local delicacies, but the local restaurants put up stands so you can have a cup of lobster bisque as you stroll.
— Breakfast on the beach purchased at the farmers market.
— Back to the boat to stash my purchases and check on John and Sparta, who spent the day exactly as the birthday boy requested, doing nothing.
— Rode over to the park south of the Marina, where they were having a huge antique car show. Saw two of my favorites, the 1955 Chevrolet model in which I learned to drive and a 1958 MGA roadster. In 1972 a friend of mine and I met up with his friend at the Naval Academy in Annapolis and drove to Daytona Beach in an MGA for spring break. Being the smallest, I was relegated to the trunk, with my head sticking up between the seats in the passenger compartment. This turned out to be a decent spot, since the car had no heater and the roof was full of holes, so my friends were subjected to freezing winds, while the exhaust pipe kept me cozy.
— Back to boat. Sparta gets mad when cocktail hour starts late.
Sebastian, Elissa and Marie.
Eliisa gets a driving lesson.
John demonstrating his maturity.
Sparta is very good with the kids.
The Vero Beach beach.
Car show in the live oaks and spanish moss.
How did three 20-year-old guys fit in this car?
55 Chevy. Parallel parking this beast with three-on-the-tree during the driver’s test was not fun. But I had short hair, so he passed me.
John’s 19th birthday.
Memsahib's Voyage 
Mar 17, 2013 @ 11:30:02
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday dear John (belatedly),
Happy birthday to you!
And be happy this was delivered in writing instead of of orally, as neither Bob nor I can carry a tune!
Paul, so sorry I wasn’t there to deliver an icy Bloody Mary when you got out of the dentist’s chair. : – )
How long will you two be in Vero? Any chance of a get-together? We’re in Fort Pierce just down the road. Give us a holler if you’re not headed further north right away, but we understand if you are.
I’m so happy you’re posting a bit more often, as you know I love your blog!
Mar 17, 2013 @ 16:52:25
Paul are u goimng to Pumpkin Center to se Al?
Ray
Mar 17, 2013 @ 17:30:12
Happy Birthday, John! Wow, nineteen years have flown by! I’m sure this is one birthday you won’t forget!
Paul, sorry to hear about the root canal but glad you were able to get it taken care of. You “loopers” have had quite the adventure–dental visits, getting the cat fixed, John’s sciatica attack!
I like the picture of the “55 Chevy. It doesn’t quite compare to our mint green one, though!
We enjoy the posts!
Mar 18, 2013 @ 15:46:24
Happy belated Birthday to John, sorry it’s a day late. Oh, how time flies, as I’m remembering way back to when he was a little guy …… Loved seeing the photos of Marie with her kids.
Mar 23, 2013 @ 00:02:53
Hey you two! We enjoyed sooooo much spending time with you both.
John, Sebastian is ready for a bowling rematch!
It passed by soooo quickly. Enjoy the rest of your trip!