Swamped!

I got back from Gainesville, Canes lost big in the Swamp,and you know what? Who cares!

Mission of the trip was accomplished. Friday night I took Barry, my partner's nearly 30 year old son Alex, his uncle Jeff and cousin Grant to dinner at a fine restaurant in Downtown Gainesville. We drank martinis (and a tequila shot) and had a fine time.

Later, Barry, Geoff, and I met up with a doctor friend and had coffee, while Barry and the doc friend Chris traded tales of childrens hospitals in Gainesville versus Miami.

Sat am Barry and I went to another hotel and met Eric and his extended family, where we chatted and talked of days passed. I drove Barry to his old med school and apartment, and he marveled at how the town's grown in 20 years.

Then, we went to D1's apartment and hung some curtains, while Ds 1 and 2 laughed at our Laurel and Hardy ability with power tools. We got the curtains hung and they're fine, as long as D1 isn't a fanatic about opening and losing them too often!

Friends came and went from her apartment, and it reminded Barry and me of our 3 years together, where folks would come and go, and most had funny tales to tell, like an episode of Seinfeld. More nostalgia...

Later we met Eric and his family in front of a classroom building and ate pizza and drank beer. We tailgated for about 3 hours. There is no better college atmosphere than UF has on gameday. It's truly a sight to behold --over 100,000 people partying in he streets, many with generators powering high def tvs and stoves.

At 7, we headed to the stadium with our UF doc friend Chris. Chris is a Texan who went to SMU and U Texas, and doesn't care too much if the Gators win. We enjoyed his company.

D2 arrived via rick shaw from a fraternity party, and we enjoyed the game together, even though our team lost.

This am we left early, while D1 slept, and drove to Boca to watch MORE football at Eric's house. The Jets beat the Dolphins, so Barry was happy. Dana baked cupcakes and sent our for Mexican food.

So, indeed back to a simpler place in time. Barry loved it! He made one critical error: calling home Friday night to hear his wife complain about his leaving her and her sons, and not putting up storm shutters. Of course, Ike is passing far away from us. Despite that one wet blanket, he thoroughly enjoyed himself, as did all of our number.

So, tomorrow back to the office for all of us, and school for Ds 1 and 2.

May even sweeter times lie ahead.