Jerry and Jo Invade Central Florida

For the past 8 days, Mom and Dad Helmers were in Lake Mary visiting the new house, and celebrating Thanksgiving. The trip started out with a great night out at Dexter's in Heathrow, where Blue Moons and Shrimp Scampi did not stand a chance with the Helmers/Kastl crew in the house. The next day, the clash of the century ended in the favor of the Buckeyes, and Dad ate 50 wings at Gators in their honor. Rematch? Bring it on.

We went to Universal Studios on Sunday, none of us had ever been there. While at the Park, we narrowly survived the Terminator 3D, and were soaked by Jaws. I became 2 for 2 in being chosen as a stunt person in an interactive ride at the park, where I stood in as a seaman on the U-571 green screen submarine. Adam got his kicks eating the biggest turkey leg ever, and Dad saw his favorite childhood hero, Zorro.

The outlet malls brought out the shopper in Dad, where he purchased Merrels and the oldie but goodie cologne Jovan Musk... This scent is the enticing aroma that made Mom fall for Dad a short 30 some years ago.

At this point in the week, the Helmers had settled into the routine of Lake Mary life, and want to eat out at Dexters... again. Again, the Blue Moons and Shrimp Scampi had not a chance, and Mom was under the table after one Lemon Drop Martini.

Turkey day went off without a hitch, despite the less than perfect dressing. The feast was "simply de-lish." As with last year, there was food for at least 8 people, while there were only 4 of us attending the feast. The favorite activities of the day included watching football, outdoor walking, and research for the quickly approaching sales of BLACK FRIDAY.

Early Friday morning, we scored major early bird deals at Kohls, Walmart, Home Depot, and later Macys. The day was a complete success, including some suprise bargains of amarylis bulbs (with decorative vase included.) The day was still young by the time we finished shopping, so we headed to New Smyrna Beach for a picnic of leftover turkey sandwiches and Bud Light. The beach was a little windy, but we couldn't complain about being at the beach in shorts on November 24th. In the evening, we topped of the week by spending an evening wine tasting at the Wine Bar in Winter Park, and enjoying a wonderful Italian dinner.

Thanks for visiting Mom and Dad, it was so much fun having you here for the Holiday!!!