Hello friends! How was your weekend? Is anyone else ready for winter to be over yet? I know, I know. It hasn’t even really started.
Before I came back to the arctic tundra Asheville, I had a great time hanging out with my Dad for a few days in Orlando.
The hubs had a business retreat in Fort Myers, so I decided to take my laptop and camera and work from my old home for a few days. What a luxury!
Dad and I took it pretty easy and didn’t do many of the typical Orlando things. I more just went with him to do what he normally does.
One of our outings was to Lake Eola. Dad is walking a lot lately and this downtown lake is a favorite for fitness and views.
Lake Eola is known for the huge number of birds that hang out on the water or nearby. Beautiful swans are the most prevalent.
When I was kid a remember begging to take one of these boats out. These versions look a lot fancier than the ones that were around many years ago.
You guys know I am a sucker for animals, so of course I bought some food to feed the birds (healthy approved food, of course.) They practically swarmed me! It was so much fun.
Dad is also part of a group that meets several times a week to walk on Disney property. The group walks several miles at a time and get some great exercise. The week I was there they picked walks that didn’t require a Disney pass (around resorts) so I could come along.
It was so nice to see some of the Disney magic and without spending a fortune!
He has some great friends in this group and it was a pleasure meeting them.
Another day we drove out to the beach. Cocoa beach is the closest beach from Orlando and the one my Dad most often goes to.
I really just wanted to see the ocean. I am such a beach girl.
The irony is that when I lived in Orlando I hardly ever went to the beach. I guess it didn’t seem as special when it was always just there.
My Dad was a good sport though and drove the hour just for me to see the water.
Dad has lost 80 POUNDS from diet and exercise! Can you tell? I should have him write a post on how to do it!
To make the most of our outing we stopped at Ron Jon’s surf shop. I’m such a cheesy tourist!
After picking up a few souvenirs and some pictures we went to lunch.
We ate seafood on the coast! What a perfect day.
I had such a nice and relaxing time in Orlando! It was nice to not run around like crazy trying to see all the theme parks in one trip.
I did miss seeing The Mouse though! Maybe next time 🙂
I’m off to do my first round of grocery shopping for our epic Thanksgiving feast. Wish me luck!
Your turn!
Did you move away from “home?”
Do you ever walk for exercise?
Liliane Jekey Strawser says
Lived in Or.lando for 12 years. Mt favorites are Lake Eola, Winter Park, Mount Dora, Deland and of course the beach.
Debbie Bowen says
I was raised in Titusville and still have family in the area. I try to visit at least once a year, but I find as I get older I miss the warm winters and family connections. I've been in WNC for about 32 years.
Jaime says
True story: I've never been to Orlando. I'm going in February for a work conference and an alumni event, so I may be picking your brain for a few restaurant suggestions. 🙂
JulieWunder says
Anytime! Sounds like fun. The place has changed so much since I left... way to long ago now.
Annette says
It was a pleasure to have you join us for our walk while you were in Orlando. I am enjoying your blog. Hope you stop and visit us again. Also, do have any plans to add a cosmetic/make up section to your blog?
JulieWunder says
Hi Annette! So nice to walk with you too! I love that group.
I am planning on doing some makeup tips posts, not a whole section though. I'll get some of my favorites together early next year!
Joanna @Makingmine says
Oh how fun! You're making me long for the warm SUN with this post haha
Heather @Fit n Cookies says
You're adorable, love your outfits! I am so glad you had that time to spend with your dad. What a great few days!
Megan says
Your trip looked amazing!! And my goodness about your dad!!! You can absolutely see the difference! He looks wonderful!
JulieWunder says
Crazy cool, huh!
Laurie Morris says
I grew up on Lake Greenwood in S.C. Although I loved it and skied, boated and swam at the time, I took it for granted then. Now it is a real treat to enjoy the lake!!! Glad you got to spend time with your DAD...priceless!!!
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Laurie!!!
I feel the same way about the beach.
Tim Bryant says
Great post today. Good to hear about your Dad too. By the way, I had a friend in Kissimmee who told me once, "We don't call him the mouse - we call him the rat around here." 🙂
JulieWunder says
Haha! Yeah, I had a dif fee went opinion when I loved down there. Now that I am gone I appreciate it more.
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
Huge congrats to your dad! That is awesome! It's so funny you mention that about going to the beach. When I was down in St. Peter this weekend, I kept kicking myself for never going to the beach when I lived down there! I had no clue how good I had it!
JulieWunder says
I didn't know you lived in Florida too! I learn something all the time 😉
Freddie says
Julie,
Please have your dad write an article about how he lost so much weight. I have to lower my triglycerides and need to drop some weigh.
Thanks
JulieWunder says
Hi Freddie, I'll ask him about it for you. I know he has dramatically increased activity, decreased calories and carbs.
good luck!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
Go Daddy Go! Alex and I walk our legs off when we travel 😀 And I've moved away from home a few times... but there is no place like it, Dorothy had it right.
JulieWunder says
Very true! I love Asheville, but Oeland will always keep that place in my heart.
Blane Sherer says
Glad you had such a great time.
I can definitely tell that your dad
has lost the weight. Great for him !
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
LOL when I first read that I thought it said "Lake Ebola"!! Florida sounds good about now 🙂
JulieWunder says
Ewwwww! Lake Ebola! Haha.
Berni says
You always make me smile in the morning! Whether when I watched you on WLOS or now, reading your blogs. Thanks.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Berni! I appreciate your support.
jill conyers says
Oh a girl can dream. I'm sitting here watching the snow fall and yes, it's pretty but it's also freezing cold and a pain to drive in. Yes, I will be dreaming of Florida 🙂
Congrats to you dad!
JulieWunder says
Yeah, it's starting to look a little icy in Asheville now too. I wish I could go back! Brrrrr
I'll tell Dad 😉
Barbara Duncan says
I live in Orlando 7 1/2 months of the year, & Lake Lure 4 1/2 months. It was nice to see you enjoy places I am very familiar with. We go to Cocoa Beach as well.
It was also fun to see your visit with your father. I could feel the love!
JulieWunder says
So cool! It is my secret dream to be a snow bird one day 🙂
Jessie says
80 pounds? Your Dad is a rockstar! I know I don't know him, but please tell him awesome that is. Seriously!
JulieWunder says
I'll tell him! He will appreciate that!
Jenny says
Ooooh, those photos warmed me up this morning! Congrats to your DAD--WOW! 80 pounds is a huge accomplishment!
JulieWunder says
Yeah, It was much warmer there. Sigh 🙂 80 pounds is awesome.