I’ve been back and forth from KY to FL all summer in between teaching and professional development training. I was helping my Mom recover from knee replacement surgery, and reminding my Dad of how wonderful a daughter I am.
This visit put me in vacation mode before the 2020-21 school year. Teachers are reporting virtually on August 10th. Students will start NTI 2.0 (Non-traditional Instruction) on the 25th. The middle school where I teach is an accelerated school for improvement (ASI). We took an additional week for training on implicit bias, iPad implementation for our one-to-one student device roll-out, and backwards design from essential learning standards.
Everyone complied with the mask mandate as I walked along the newly remodeled St. Petersburg Pier. I was impressed with the use of space. There is a beach area, a grassy lounge spot with giant umbrellas for small group gatherings, restaurants, and fishing.
I canceled my gym membership and removed any thoughts of running races in 2020, or beyond if necessary. Virtual may be an option if something sparks my interest. While on vacay, I worked my arms and core with kayaking.
I have added more power walking as my consistent exercise. My goal is 10,000 steps per day. I walk at a 14:00 or less pace for about 5 miles. The Tampa River Walk was a scenic way to meet my step goal.
The Harry P Leu Gardens was closed at the time I arrived. I found the Mead Botanical Garden about five minutes away on the border of Orlando and Winter Park. I would describe it as an outdoor library for nature.
I spent a lot of time at Clearwater, Honeymoon, and Fort De Soto Beaches. Universal Orlando City Walk was the night cap to my vacation. I timed it to miss the daytime crowds. There was plenty of room to social distance from family groups. Temperatures were scanned by the ear for entry.
I was influenced by an @Lbp_united Instagram post about The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. There was a wait due to limited dining. The text message feature made it convenient to walk around during the queue. Voodoo Donuts was another busy area. I will try them next time.
I have finally joined Instagram as an extension of kelsielou.com. Feel free to follow: @kelsielou.c0m
Take care of yourselves and each other. Recharge as needed!
Kelsie Lou's Blog 
Those have got to be the most beautiful milkshakes I’ve ever seen.
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I agree!
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I love Universal and was a passholder previously. To keep myself sane, I have tried to spend some time out & about in Tampa and St. Pete since I live here; I’ve found it really easy to keep my distance.
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I love it down there too! Can’t wait to get back. Florida puts me in a different mindset because the beautiful weather makes you want to be outside more. The only thing is dodging the rain. The lightening is wicked too! I wanted to paddle at Caladesi, but a storm stayed right on the coast and wouldn’t move inland.
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Yeah, it’s rainy season in Tampa Bay these days. That sucks you didn’t get to visit Honeymoon Island! I plan to go sometime soon to check it out.
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We went to the beach. Set up shop. Got ready to get into the water. Huge rocks everywhere! I didn’t feel like lugging all the stuff on the ferry to Caledesi. We ended up at Clearwater. Caledesi beach> Honeymoon.
Another good thing about the timing of this trip was the tourism was so low. Less traffic, in and out. Loved it!
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That’s great!
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Wow! Very pretty views. My mom won’t see me without a mask and a shield on lol. But it is so nice to visit with family and bond during these crazy times.
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Thanks Chelsea! Gotta keep moms safe. My circle has been a (.) During this mess. Glad you are safe and well.
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Those milkshakes are insane!!!
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Very delicious! I could try all of them.😋
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Lol, I agree.
Thank you for the follow 🙂
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