Fun Family Friday Night

Katy arrived in St. Petersburg on Friday afternoon to join Caroline & Lainey  aboard.   This is the first time we have had all three girls aboard, and the very first time Katy has seen to the boat. We want to show the girls a fun filled two days.   

Our first tourist spot to try out is the Friday Night Shuffle in on Mirror Lake Street.   The Friday Night Shuffle I am talking about is not a dance move.  No--it is that old game shuffleboard.  This shuffleboard complete was built in the 1920's and was featured in the movie Cocoon.  The club 65 total courts, 32 of which are lighted and a grandstand from which to view the games of this almost forgotten spectator sport.  This is the perfect "free date night" spot with newcomers welcomed by volunteers who can guide them on the basics of the sport.  

The complex is interesting and definitely unique.  After wandering around --Katy nudged me and said, "Mom, you know that we are here with the people from the psychiatric hospital don't you? Those ladies over there are nurses and they are watching over all those people rocking in their seats. Rocking in one's seat and spreading butter on a football indicates a mental illness."  We decided we would play another day.  As we left, other family types arrived.  We will try our skills at the Friday Night Shuffle another time. 

This is what happens when you had your camera to one of the locals at St. Pete.

Corrected version using Picasa

 

Oiling the courts before the games begin--This guy got a kick of my taking a picture--you can bet the girls did too!

Where is the Georgia team?

I wonder what is behind that door?

Everyone was too hungry to take the time to play shuffle board tonight--ok the truth is the girls aren't as adventuresome about participating in unusual events as Steve and I.  We have agreed to go back again when we have some friends over.  We found the Acropolis Greek Tavern.

The food was great and the restaurant is fun and lively.  There is a musician and a belly dancer.  Every so often the wait staff break into a Greek dance and throw napkins in the air and someone breaks plates into a  large tub.

After a great meal we took a walk around town.    On 400 First Avenue North we found a U.S. Post Office.  It is also known as the Open Air Post Office.  This is the nation's first open-air post office and has been in continuous operation since being dedicated in 1916. Built in  Mediterranean Revival architecture the building is highly ornamental.    On April 4, 1975, it was added to the  U. S. National Register of Historic Places.  

Joy