THAT Was A BUSY Weekend!

This was a busy weekend. I'm a bit tired.

Friday night, honestly, I chilled a bit at home because I knew the rest of the weekend was to be a flurry of activity. I hope the movie in the park in Baldwin Park was a great success with 'Ice Age' as the feature! I was invited to chaperon one Downeast Bear . . . . and yeah, any who know him know he NEEDS a chaperon or he'll get himself into lots of trouble. Sure it was fun!

Then . . . . Saturday! I enjoyed our East India / Briarpatch Ice Cream Social & Cash Mob a bunch. Didn't have as many people as I was hoping, but it was still fun. I decided to TREAT all attendees, so it was a bit more like an American Express mob. So appreciate the nice mention on the facebook page of the Retail Details Blog, as they mentioned other cash mobs they knew about across the country. We're going to do more of these in the future!

Afterwards I dropped by Unleashed on Park Avenue to see the new space. It looks great inside! Bright and so well organized, and opens in back directly into its sister space, Doggie Door. Cool and fun gift ideas aplenty! I asked owner Brian Wettstein about the name and he played along, talking about a fun human equivalent to 'Doggie Door'. I was surprised at the GREAT wine selection. And when I noticed my VERY favorite, a Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, I couldn't help but share my glee! Truly, lots of wonderful wine caddies, stemware, gift ideas, food items and more! Go Unleashed cause free range on Park Avenue is just so much better . . . . but don't tell the pups!

Speaking of the pups, Saturday night was all about them at the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs game. THANKS, Pookie's Pet Nutrition and Bow Wow Bakery for organizing this. Not sure how many years this has been going on, but know it's been at least two. My kids don't get to tag along all the time, even though the youngest keeps insisting we do drive-thru outings . . . . seriously. Seeing people out with their dogs in a non-typical setting is always fun, even IF it includes our three. But they weren't too bad. Saw Brian from Doggie Door there, Marcia from Pookie's, Ranger's and others. It also gave me the ideal opportunity to corner Judy Sarullo from Pet Rescue by Judy for my column this week. Each time I'm around this woman I'm more in awe of her, what she does, all she accomplishes. See the column this week and PLEASE take note that they are currently in need of food items and, as they'll be moving into a new two building facility soon, donations of both money and labor! THANK YOU Pookie's and THANK YOU, Judy . . . . everyone who attended for a GREAT night out with the fur-kids!

Sunday night Parker flew in for a special celebration of the Breakthrough Theater of Winter Park's third anniversary! I couldn't stay for the show, but I understand it was lively and fun (no duh!) and then everyone celebrated with food and drink! CONGRATS, Breakthrough Theater on three wonderful years! Wade Hair is definitely a Local treasure for bringing great entertainment a short drive or easy walk from home. Watch for the new production of 'Bare' starting July 27!

If you've been on Park Avenue in the last several days you may have noticed the new RED awnings where Circa restaurant used to be. The red in place of the black is a nice pop for me when I come down the street. I LIKE the color and the energy it conveys inside. I've gotten a peak and it's going to be much more contemporary, from what I'm seeing. Stay tuned for updates on opening details! Galopin should arrive soon!

On the subject of restaurants . . . don't forget, tomorrow and Wednesday are authentic German cuisine nights at Bistro on Park Avenue. YES . . . . or, should I say, Ja! . . . . a new ethnic cuisine is available each week on Park Avenue. Dishes change some each week, so if it sounds good, call them at (407) 539-6520 to see what's on for tomorrow and Wednesday.

Lastly . . . . I was invited to attend a certain ceremony today as part of the Winter Park City Commission meeting. What does the pic I'm sharing that that tidbit have to do with a very traditional slice of Americana? Well, I'll tell you from listening to one of these young guys speak today, it's going to be a column you don't want to miss next week, as I think it's going to make you feel really good about a number of things. Early tip of the hat . . . . congrats, guys!

Give A Dog A Home today? Hey, did you not see that cute Beagle pup above? THAT is him . . . or her. AND siblings! So many wonderful animals being care for by wonderful people at Pet Rescue by Judy. Please watch for my column in the Observer on Wednesday and, even more so, if you can, PLEASE help with current needs for food and other supplies. This woman and her team do so much . . . . giving some money is the easy part!

THANKS, Winter Park! Til tomorrow. I may go take a nap. :-)

P.S. THANKS for the invitations I'm receiving! ANXIOUS to take part in so many new things in the near future!