Quick reflections on Florida while in Dallas getting ready to leave for Santa Cruz

I enjoyed our time in Florida for a few reasons: 1) It was a nice break from cold weather (although Holly was not a fan of this)... 2) It was good to see old and new friends... and 3) I got to see one of the most hilarious looking dogs I have ever seen...



Found this puppy with owner at a coffee house we were at for a bit near Orlando. I love that snaggle-tooth smile!

We had a very short time in Florida. A day near Orlando, a day or so in Bradenton, and a day in Tampa.

Bradenton was great because we got to meet some new friends. People who knew me from way back when (so to speak). Andrew is a fellow sojourner who asking some of the big questions we have been asking. It was good to hear their stories and get to know them a bit better.

After Bradenton, we headed up to Tampa for a day and night with Rick and Kristi Bennett. Great folks. Wonderful dog named Marley...



We know these guys through our yearly Emergent Gathering... well, we knew Rick that way, but up until this point, we had never met Kristi. It was great to finally meet his other half...

We played a wonderful house show... a great ending to this leg of our pilgrimage. Holly helped make these sugar-encrusted cranberries for the party...



And we got a picture with them the next morning just before we left...



I am constantly so grateful to God for the relationships that we have developed through our Emergent network of friends. Wow.

Now in Dallas, but leaving in a matter of minutes for CA... 2-3 day trip. We shall see.

Happy Holidays friends. Happy Winter Solstice. Happy Kwanza. Happy Hannukah. Happy Advent Season. Merry Christmas. Happy New Year. And other reasons to celebrate Dec 25th! :)