Freedom!

We were happy to find out that we could rent a car again this year from the Hertz kiosk right across the street from Sunrise Resort. We had heard stories about rentals being unavailable or hugely expensive or totally the wrong size. But we picked up our Toyota Corolla this morning and will have it for one week out of the two that we are here. We got our AAA discount and for some reason, the agent asked for half the deposit for damages that she required of the folks ahead of us.  Maybe we looked pretty safe! 

Having a car means freedom for me! Our first stop was Publix for groceries and we didn't have to carry the bags home. Actually, Jim carries most of the bags but I was happy not to have to stop to rest my weary back en route.

 Then this afternoon we drove to the public library where they continue to have a huge used book section available for purchase for a dollar or two. Jim patiently

waited while I found a few potentially interesting volumes. Then on to a boutique where I was happy to look but not buy and then to a walk on the Gulf beach with a stop at the lovely "Secret Garden" with the cacti that Jim always loves to see. 

 For supper, I think we will drive a few miles to Pass-a-Grille Beach and a favorite restaurant, The Brass Monkey, where I hope I can have a crab cake sandwich and enjoy the sunset from their deck. We will return the car next Monday and then just have three days without wheels until we return home.