A New Salem Reunion!
With good humor and laughter as they assessed their wet conditions from splashing waves, our guests clumsily maneuvered themselves off the dinghy onto the boat deck (this is no reflection on them--there's no graceful way to make the transfer!). "Welcome Aboard!" Brenda said to Rene and Ardis Hofstad (passengers on the first dinghy ride) and Joy and Dave Johnson (passengers of a second dinghy ride). We were having a "New Salem" reunion!
"New Salem" is the name of the church near Bemidji, MN that we all attend, but ties to these folks are more complex than that. All six of us moved to Bemidji between 2010 and 2012. Rene and Ardis moved from Oklee, MN where they grew up and lived until retirement. Joy (who grew up in Bemidji) and Dave moved from Crookston, MN. Rene and Brenda share the Hofstad ancestry (Brenda's grandmother, Margaret, was a Hofstad). Joy and Brenda have known each other since their Crookston days and served as board members together for a couple of organizations. How amazing that yesterday we should get together at Fort Myers Beach, Florida!
Velsignet arrived yesterday and is on mooring #42 at Fort Myers Beach and for the next few days. We will enjoy the area and get together with other friends who live or are vacationing here.
Here we are enjoying dinner at "Nervous Nellies" on Fort Myers Beach, FL: Dave and Mike (back); Joy and Rene (middle) and Ardis and Brenda (foreground). |
This is as we enter Estero Pass, the water between Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach. With white sand beaches, good shelling, lots of places to gather, and Florida climate--it's a busy place! |
Dinghy Ride #2 with passengers Joy and Dave. Upon arrival, Joy retrieved her dripping-wet purse! |
Good fellowship! |
Getting ready to go out for dinner--buttoning things up before departure. |
Rene! |
Getting back in the dinghy for ride #1 back to dock and "Nervous Nellies." The dinghy captain (Mike) was successful in keeping his passengers much drier on the return trip! |
From Velsignet, looking across Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field, this was our sunrise this morning. |
What fun, excited to hear reports from the Hofstads and Johnsons. So glad friends get to spend time with each other.
ReplyDeleteHow we wish you and Kevin could've joined us!
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