Someone Left the Meatloaf in the Rain (Sing to the tune of "McArthur Park")

It was a wonderful time of reunion for our family who had gathered for my father's memorial service. Cousins Ellen & Lyn are a real hoot - all of the pictures in this post as well as the previous were taken by them. We were touched that they flew in from California for the event - My sister, Maryann and niece, Michelle, came in from New Jersey - also Cousins Bruce & Lisa who were celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. They were staying at a beautiful resort hotel near the Disney complex and instead of lavishing in the hotel's amenities, they opted for the day with the family and a romantic tubing adventure at Rock Springs, about 30 miles from Disney.

Be and I started out early in order to rent tubes and set up the picnic area for the day.

As the parking lot filled up, it became apparent that the park would be filled to capacity soon - actually - they closed it just as the rest of the family approached the gate! I got the call on my cell phone that they would not be joining us inside the park - and Be and I were stuck with 8 tubes! It was decided that we would pack up and head for Wekiva Springs State Park, about 5 miles away ......... the story continues .........

The scene at Wekiva Springs Park when we arrived.

Located at the headwaters of the Wekiva River, the beautiful vistas within this park offer a glimpse of what Central Florida looked like when Timucuan Indians fished and hunted these lands.

So, the family group got settled in and we were ready for an afternoon of playing it cool in

the spring (72 degrees). Shortly after this pic was taken, the clouds rolled in and

the traditional Central Florida thunder storm dumped on us......

Still, one big happy family even in the pouring rain. We were just happy to be together.

By now, it was about 1:30 and everyone was quite hungry.

I had made a meatloaf which I froze several days previous and began thawing the day before.

When I broke it open - Argh! It was still frozen.

Cousin Bruce was having visions, he was so hungry, and didn't care that it was frozen and chisled
off a slab of frozen meatloaf, slapped it on a slice of bread, added ketchup and chowed down.

As the meatloaf drama escalates, it was laughter in the rain for
Be, Michelle & Maryann

One family member asked "So, who wants to bag this afternoon?"

The vote was unanimous and we headed for the parking lot,

but not before we took a final family shot.

One last family shot in the pouring rain by my truck (8 tubes in the bed)

and this redneck excursion was over!

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Several days later, myself, Ellen & Lyn returned to Rock Springs and

tubed down the half mile run several times.

Rock Springs bubbles up from a cleft in a rock outcropping and, instead of spreading out into a pool, becomes a swiftly running stream that quickly slows to a meander. The activity of choice here, and the major reason for the park’s obvious popularity, is riding down the stream in an inner tube or on a float.

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....and so, we merrily skip down the adoption path ......