For there is no friend like a sister / In calm or stormy weather; / To cheer one on the tedious way, / To fetch one if one goes astray, / To lift one if one totters down,/ To strengthen whilst one stands. ย  โ€“โ€“ Christina Rossetti

from โ€œGoblin Marketโ€

 

 

Since 2014 the weather has been stormy for the Longenecker Sisters

First, our dear Mother died

Then, Aunt Ruthie โ€œwent up on the next cloud,โ€

And, unexpectedly, our brother Mark left us.

 

We lifted each other up when we tottered down

Clearing out houses from attic to cellar

Standing vigil at their bedsides

Saying goodbyes, some long . . . some brief

Planning memorial services.

 

It was time for Marian, Janice, and Jean to reunite

After years apart, and after the separation of Covid-19

It was high time!

So, we jumped at the invitation of my niece Heidi

To plan a weekโ€™s getaway in Florida on the waterfront.

 

The Setting: Arriving at Heidi & husband’s VRBO in Homosassa Springs, Florida – 5 days, 4 nights

 

Sunrise: Morning Routine on the Balcony

Sisters with Host Heidi

 

Daughter Crista surveying the river

 

Action on the Crystal River

Pontoon boat, our transportation to and fro

 

Heidi at the Helm

 

Then sister Jean navigates

 

We had a boatload of fun, docking for fresh fish and sightseeing

Monkey Island featuring real monkeys!

 

 

Cousins posing with pirates

 

We ate well: jumbo-sized shrimp servings, fresh crab cakes

 

Shrimp Broil with appetizers at Heidi’s House, best cuisine everย ย 

 

Kayaking, Ping-Pong, then Relaxing

Jean and Marian kayaking with coach Heidi

 

 

 

Then, massaging the aching muscles

 

The Ellie Schiller Wildlife Sanctuary

Pelicans picnic

 

 

American Eagle in all its glory

 

 

And, finally, shoppingย  . . .

 

 

Boutique Items

 

Returning Pontoon to the Marina early evening and then . . .

 

Goodnight Moonย 

 

For information about Heidi and husband’s Vacation Rental at Homosassa, Florida along the Crystal River, check here

 


 

How have you kept in contact with friends and relatives during the pandemic?

Are you looking forward to a reunion with special people?

 

Coming next, The Geography of a Journey: Confinement in a Travel Trailer