Beautiful Bonita Springs

Luckily for me, I have friends and relatives on both (warm) coasts of the US. A few weeks ago, I traveled to California

for a bit of R & R. So, it was only fair that last week I hopped on a flight to Florida, returning just in time to host Easter festivities on Sunday! While the trip to Cali was merely for fun, my Florida jaunt had a more lofty purpose. My wonderful friend Jan-a two time cancer survivor-is quite involved with an organization called Relay for Life.

If you have not heard of it, you can click here for more information and to get involved.

The primary fundraising campaign for the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life events are staged throughout the country to raise funds for research and cancer awareness and hopefully, someday, a cure. Which brings me to last week, when I traveled to Florida to lend Jan a hand while she held a RFL fundraiser at her winter home in Bonita Springs.

The Relay for Life fundraiser event was held indoors, because (unfortunately, we had threats of rain. But it didn’t dampen the spirits of the people who came to participate in such a worthwhile event. The Luminaria bags are purchased in honor of, or in memory of loved ones who have bravely battled cancer.

On the evening of the event, the bags are filled with sand and tealights to illuminate the HOPE

in all of us that someday will lead to a CURE.

Of course, while I was there, we did do some sightseeing and shopping (have you heard of Charming Charlie and Ross Dress for Less?!? OMG!!!) and some power walking, (have you ever visited someone and decided to go for a walk in their neighborhood, only to discover after an hour, that you are lost and have to rely on Siri to guide you back home? No? So that’s just me…) admiring the scenery while enjoying some much-needed sunshine and warm tropical breezes.

A few pics from my weekend: Sunrise in Bonita (although it was overcast quite a bit, the Florida sunshine still managed to peek through the clouds : )

Breakfast at Flippers on the Bay overlooking the Gulf

The Easter Bunny came and hid tons of eggs for the kids

Beautiful inlaid mosaic sea creatures at the entrance to the Naples Pier.

A fun, relaxing, but very moving weekend, as once again, I mourned the loss of beloved ones, but rejoiced in the continued good health of others who have fought the fight and are winning the battle against cancer!  Hope you have a sunny Friday everyone, and please wish Jan and her team good luck while participating in this weekend’s Relay for Life in Bonita Springs! Susan