Beautiful Manasota Key

The two Manasota Beach Clubs met for their annual luncheon held at the wonderful Manasota Beach Club. Blessed that the cold weather had left us and we were able to be seated under the natural setting of the MBC Clubs lovely Florida Oaks!  We were delighted that one of Manasota Key’s own residents, Brenda Seabrooke, was able to join us and read to us  her new book,`TWAS THE DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS. She was able to share the real story of Clement Clarke Moore’s famous poem and why and how he wrote  it  through her research.  It was facinating listening to how history makes it all come to life for an author. I think we all walked away today with anew admiration for what it means to be an accomplished author. Brenda’s new book CEMETERY STREET was nominated for the 2009 EDGAR AWARD and 2009 SIBA AWARD.

        Happy New Year!

My Wish for You in

   2010 be the best

            year of your life!!!

Every year a group steming from one of Manasota Key’s book clubs gather to hold it’s Anual Progressive Dinner! I am so pleased to belong to this group because believe when I say the food presented by each hostess is all gourmet!! 

With the clear sky, the stars out, and the breeze off of Lemon Bay, last night could not have been a better evening if we could have special ordered  it.

Manasota Key residents delight in entertaining with their windows and doors open to the natural bay and sea breezes.  “It does not get any better than this.” was echoed throughout the evening. It was not just about the gourmet food presented either.   Manasota Key is home to a most unique group of residents living on both sides of it’s pristine waters. I hope I live long enough to meet and get to know all of it’s residence. Everyone has a common bond on this barrier island, they are all living their dream!

Stop for a minute and think of how truly blessed we are to be surrounded by so many wonderful friends if our family cannot be with us. And if your family is with you how wonderful !

 Help us, dear Lord, to be ever mindful of those less fortunate and those who

 Could  not be with us today ~ especially the men and women of the armed

  forces. My hope for all of us on this beautiful Thanksgiving Day is that we never

  forget what is worth remembering and . . . . remember to forget  what is best forgotten!

Written by a dear friend of Manasota Key! Hope everyone enjoys their family and friends on this wonderful holiday. If you have already arrived on Manasota Key fantastic! If not and plan to arrive soon, be careful in your travels, but hurry we miss you! The weather is balmy, gulf is still warm, and the season is upon us!

                                             Happy Thanksgiving to All

There is no place like home for Manasota Key residents! Everyone on this get-a-away to Punta Cana felt they still have the best of all worlds as residents of Manasota Key! We all felt we did not have to “get happy,” though we enjoyed this trip, we were all “already happy” at home on Manasota Key! Our host, Tom and Mary Kay Thompson as you can see kept us entertained and well fed! The Thompson’s live on our lovely Manasota Key, and just carried their tradition of the being wonderful host to the Dominican Republic. We are all glad they are back on Manasota Key and look forward to a wonderful season of fun on beautiful Manasota Key with friends, fun, and an outstanding lifestyle that we are so blessed with on this barrier island!

We are so privileged to have a Realty company headed by a true Philantropist, Nelda Thompson. As the voice of this blog I find myself feeling helpless to save the Manasota Key Queen as she will be incarserated. While we, a part of her court, are away enjoying a beautiful resort with all the  luxury one may expect! Nelda Thompson has always given  large donations to Nationally known charities as well to those she hears of that are in need at any level of our community! Thank you Nelda for reaching out to those of us who are away briefly from our Beautiful Manasota Key! We hope you will not be “held up” long!

The Matts directed a large group of us to a fine Japanese restaurant inside the incredible Moon Palace resort last night. Behold! Before our eyes, Charles Miller, was behind the huge cook /eatery station, that we sat comfortably,while he was cooking up a feast that was to serve twelve! Though we are far away from Manasota Key our spirits are kept high by all the fun, friends and entertainment that is available here in Punta Carna!

 ”Ole” Ocean’s Away!

Manasota Key neighbors gather for appetizer’s and libations before the real dining begins. We are at the Moon Palace in Punta Cana, Dominica Republic and we are all having a ball! The rains occur often but sunshine returns just as quickly. Everyone does their own thing, but at the end of the day we are so glad to be among our Manasota Key group. Those who remain on Manasota Key, wish you were here!

No Surprise

Several friends on Manasota Key gathered to see their special friend, Sharon Matt, recieve a ribbon for her painting being shown at Englewood’s Art Center. Many friends were there in “spirit”, that could not make it last evening. This young woman is very very talented! Sharon can do anything in the field of art, photography, and pottery. Sharon participates in YMCA activities, and has a circle of friends committed to pottery, she belongs to one of Manasota Key book clubs, and recently has become an avid angler! There is no stopping this Manasota Key gal! She is successful at everything!! Congrats Sharon we are proud of you!

Hendrick’s Vault in Punta Gorda owned by Manasota Key residence was the place to be Friday night. Real food paired with an equally unique brew! There were many couples who left Manasota  Key at sundown to enjoy the culinary experience that only Chef Colm can present! An evening of taste that we will not soon forget! See ya on the beach Eileen and Colm!!