Bradenton Donuts was a 10-year old memory we needed to revisit to satisfy ourselves that some things never change. Ten years later, and surviving Hurricane Helene from September, 2024, the same owner is still making the same, delicious donuts. It took him over a year to reopen after the storm. He told us he had to replace the roof, flooring, countertops, kitchen equipment, plumbing, electrical, and more. But the community rallied around him and soon he was back to business as usual. Luckily, for us as well, he persevered. It's a bit of a drive for us from Port Charlotte to Bradenton, but well worth the trip. The breakfast croissant with ham, cheese, and egg melted in our mouths, and donuts for dessert with the remainder of our coffee was a great memory brought back into reality. It called for some donuts-to-go, and the owner added a free donut to the bag, as he did for every customer who came in while we sat at the counter talking with him in-between orders. This was truly a happy start to a chosen leisurely Sunday.
From there, we drove over the bridge to Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island. This beach is one of the widest and whitest beaches I'd seen on the west coast of Florida when we resided here ten years ago. With Hurricane Helene, three to four feet of new sand was deposited on the beach, and across the barrier island at the time from a five to seven foot storm surge. Driving on the island today however, you would be hard pressed to know anything had happened. The beaches are superb, and very crowded as you would expect on a Sunday. The smell of BBQ wafted through the air as families gathered under the pine trees seeking shade. Others brought their umbrellas and coolers up over the dune line to sit directly before the water. I was happily surprised that Jim agreed to walk all the way to the water's edge where I tested the water's temperature with my bare feet. Divine! On another trip this summer, I plan to bring a bathing suit and join the others submerged in the water. We will have to come prepared with suntan lotion, a shaded spot to sit in, and with our beach chairs conveniently provided by the prior owners of our condo.
The price of gas is getting lower here. We filled up for $4.09 at a Walmart gas station. A bit later and further down the road towards home, we saw gas offered for $3.93 at a Mobil gas station. The afternoon thunderstorm cycle is here and driving during one is a little challenging.
I leave you with one more amazing feat. How does a tiny, two-inch size, frog make it up three stories to the outside of my bedroom window? I don't know. But I will share that I know why–there's a light over the corridor outside my window that attracts flying insects at night. I suspect he's learned the climb is worth the effort. The frog and the insects were gone early this morning when I left for Walmart. Perhaps he'll be back tonight? If yes, I'll name him...
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