Der Dutchman

We were recently in Sarasota for a Hurricane Tour event. Sadly there are very few photos. It was a busy weekend with unpredictable weather. Clay caddied for Chandler (too busy choosing and drying off clubs to snap pics) while I bustled the remaining children around the surrounding area (too busy climbing in and out of the car with 3 kids to snap pics) 

As we explored, we discovered something pretty cool: Sarasota has an Amish population. A fact that we hadn't learned when we were in the area for our 14th Anniversary. 

True to Florida style, they're their own kind of Amish. They use electricity and often opt for a bike or scooter instead of horse and buggy. Or, so we read.

We also spotted a size-able  Mennonite population nearby.  

THEREFORE

There are three of four Dutch inspired restaurants in the Sarasota area. 

We chose Der Dutchman because it was still open when Saturday's round was over. 

We intend to try the other places suggested by TripAdvisor on future trips.



It was excellent.

Der Dutchman also houses a large gift shop and bakery. 

We were too busy eating the simple yet delicious buffet offerings to snap many pics, but as I passed the bakery counter on our way out, I remembered a recent text from my brother involving authentic Pennsylvania Dutch donuts and delicacies.

Only then, as we were leaving, did I think to snap some photos, the better to (eventually) lure him to Florida with. Think it'll work? 

S E V E N T E E N

We turned 17 riding down the highway, looking for a room. Things may have been a teensy little bit testy just that moment...we had been riding for several hours with zero luck finding 'room @ the inn' ...any inn... When midnight o'one found us on the morning of the 28th, it had already become clear that we were looking at another decent stint back in the direction we had already come from when all we really wanted to do was lie down and grab a few winks... So, we may have been slightly more interested in exactly who was to blame for our bed-less condition than is provided for in that infamous 13th Chapter of Love. 



We had the whole crew with us - most every year we now celebrate our anniversary as a 'family birthday' because it sorta is, ya know? We used to go away for the weekend, just the two of us, but we often missed the kids and wanted them to experience whatever new place or experience we had chosen.



So, they were along for the ride...this really long ride. Some of them were sleeping, others were attentively trying to help keep the trip in the positive lane.



As I grabbed two Red Bulls and cast my vote for the further car stint back to available hotels vs. the suggestions that we sleep in the car in South Florida or "just go home",  I thought how very appropriate the situation was for the occasion we were celebrating.



As we've traveled this married road, we've had flats, run hot and risked falling asleep behind the wheel our fair share, but we've also stopped to regroup, redirect and refuel in order to keep a forward momentum.



And as with just about any given thing under the sun, a good night's sleep didn't hurt.



It was well after 3