We All Scream for Ice Cream

Well, here we are, almost halfway through the year, yet where did the time go? What have we accomplished? But lots of good things have been going on that we have enjoyed. We had wonderful weather most of the “winter season,” but not very much rain. But it’s coming! I hope not all at one time, though. We shall see. It looks like we’ll start raining pretty regularly soon. Our poor flowering trees are waiting patiently too. Some are starting to peek out here and there. My orchids are happy because they don’t get too much water, just enough that Mama gives them. 

* The new baby has arrived! And she is my great-granddaughter! Her name is Meadow! Isn’t that pretty? There will be a lot of things to do for her in the beginning, but as a family, we’re ready. She brings with her a few challenges, but we’re ready. She is so beautiful! Her Mom (my granddaughter) and Dad are so happy! Meadow doesn’t know it, but she has a little sister waiting to hug her when she gets home.

* Now, on to business! We are going to have a Dairy Queen right here in East Naples! Yeah! And it will be easy to get to because it’s right next door to the Ace Hardware store on U. S. 41E. While the husband shops in Ace Hardware, the rest of the family can enjoy great ice cream or sundaes. I love Dairy Queen, but I also love Culvers. They were here first, so we have to be grateful that they opened the door, and people can SEE how busy Culver’s is! Well, now that isn’t actually true! Way back when some of us arrived in East Naples in 1974, there WAS a Dairy Queen in the big shopping center at the corner of U. S. 41E and Bayshore Drive owned by a guy who later became a friend and is now an accountant! Yup, he’s still here, along with his family. Back in those days, there weren’t many ice cream shops, so I was a regular at that Dairy Queen. The only other ice cream place was at the Pharmacy on 5th Ave and Four Corners (5th Ave and U.S.41), and the owner was my friend Nancy. The DQ owner from back then is now on the Board of Directors of the East Naples Civic & Commerce Association and is always an advocate for our area. I know a LOT of people will be going to both of those terrific, tasty shops. And both serve sandwiches too! There was also a movie theater in that same shopping center. It was a very nice, very clean, and well-maintained theater. It’s no longer here. I always wish the theater in Towne Center had a better appearance. That would be nice. Towne Center had a nightclub and music and dancing. Those were the days! Some of my old pals from my airline days here (good old PBA!) still live in that area as well. I loved that airline! I still see Al occasionally.

* And there is now another small hotel coming to that corridor. Let’s face it, the world-famous game of pickleball brought them all here. Courts in that same area, and thousands of people rushing to that particular area for the tournaments, and many people also want to play the courts during the year AND get the feel of that park and meet other players who are always around, it’s the place to be. Just a note - no other county or state has that many pickleball courts in one area in the USA or even out of the country! I verified that fact. 

* Summer is heating up, and with all the allergies, I’ve had to use my AC rather than throw open the windows or doors. Darn it! When I first arrived in Collier County in 1974, I had severe allergies from living in Cleveland, Ohio, but for the first 10 years of living here, they never bothered me at all! Then after another 10 years they started to show up. Now at certain times of the year, I cannot open the windows or doors without sneezing and coughing. The good thing is…they are not contagious!