Joy Notes

Last weekend I had the great privilege and joy to have lunch with 40+ former classmates.  The occasion was our 50th high school reunion.

Most of the "girls" I hadn't seen in nearly that expanse of time.  However, thanks to modern technology I have reconnected with a few on my FaceBook page, and as the time for the event approached, excitement grew.  I invited my daughter to accompany me and we had a beautiful day for our roadtrip.

As we drove over the Manatee River from Palmetto into Bradenton my mind was swept back to the late 50's and 1960 and the many events held in this area on the shore of the river.  Many of the tenants of buildings have changed but some stay the same.  The Manatee Players is in its original spot and lunch was at "Mattison's", housed in the Pier Building of my teens ,which at that time was home to Bradenton's radio station. (top floor of the building)

For 2 hours the restaurant overlooking the river was alive with much conversation and laughter.  It was a wonderful time as I visited with dear friends from girl scout days through the first year at Manatee Junior College.

I haven't lived in Bradenton since I was 19; nearly 49 years. There have been many changes as you can imagine in that many years and yet it still retains it's special southern coastal flavor.

Last Saturday for a few hours time stood still and 40 women in their sixties were girls again.

Several of us have promised to stay in touch...its my prayer.