Happy 2025 to all of you! As I have told many of you, my work schedule has gone to full time for over seven weeks. I've been training several new associates at the library, and I'm staring to see relief in my schedule moving forward. The St Pete Beach are continues with revitalization activities, and the holidays have been absolutely beautiful here. I have enjoyed catching up with so many friends and family members. I hope that the new year promises good health, happiness and love for each and everyone of you out there in Nifty land.
I continue to rewrite, add to and write more chapters of this story and I'm seeking any suggestions, constructive or positive feedback you have about the story. Please send information to cjwilson328@aol.com. For those if you who have already reached out to me - my thanks! I'm working your ideas into future storylines.
The Christmas holiday is winding down for CJ, his friends and all of the guests that they have entertained. This story moves forward into the new year, and UD is still announcing surprises to all of the group! I want to thank Tom Roan for working with me on the Darrell storyline. Several of you have also sent me ideas about getting Bill back into the storyline. You have asked me to work him into a business adventure with some of the group members. This chapter sets up the business adventure and allows for so many future adventures of CJ and the group. Hope you enjoy the chapter, and stay tuned for more adventures at DBD's!
Please consider making a donation to Nifty (using link https://donate.nifty.org/). Let's keep this site going so that we all can enjoy the continued submission of stories.
The Christmas day celebration went well into the evening. I think I made my way around to everyone, and I know I enjoyed the day tremendously. I felt so wonderful with our new Christmas day tradition, and vow to keep it an annual St Pete Beach extravaganza moving forward.
Mama B, Zeke and Jer headed out around 6:00 pm. They decided to form a caravan back to Bradenton Beach and make sure that each other arrives safely. I know they all wanted to stay, but all three of them have a busy week planned at the beach. Mama B said "if it's anything like last Christmas, I will be busy each morning with people starting their day off with breakfast before shopping." Zeke cracked up and said "those same customers will show up at my place for dinner and drinks after their shopping day." My three friends said their farewells to everyone, and Mama B said "I want to see each and every one of you for breakfast this week. UD, you're in charge of getting everyone to my place and I'll fix you all a breakfast feast!"
It was after 11 pm when the last guests left. My circle of friends, along with the visiting families and friends remained. Alex said "hey everyone, let's clean up tomorrow. Surprisingly, we have very little food left over and what is left has been stored in the refrigerator here." Everyone thought the chief's idea sounded good and Ronny's mom said "ladies, let's plan on meeting tomorrow around 9:00 am for a shopping trip." UD spoke up and said "I'll fix everyone breakfast first before you start your day out. We'll congregate at CJ's place and go on with our day from there."
As I suspected, most of the men followed Wally, Alex, Ronny and myself to the party patio. I am shocked to see Ronny's dad tagging along as well, but remembered UD telling me he is a hell of a lot of fun once he gets away from Elinor. UD told me about several of their adventures on the bourbon trail when the ladies embarked for an afternoon of shopping. Roger asked Ronny "is the keg full at your place, and do you have any whiskey?" Ronny cracked up at him and said "we've got plenty of both dad. Come on along with us and have a nightcap before turning in." Clint and Sam joined us also saying they were not ready to turn in yet.
Jimmy, Fred and Toby said their goodnight wishes to everyone as Jimmy was wore out after his busy day of hosting. Before they departed us Jimmy said "Mack and Darrell, I have some ideas I want to run by both of you for the babies. I'll find you both tomorrow, and see if you think my ideas will work for Jacob and Marci. I'm so happy for both of them and since I won the birth pool, I want to make sure the twins get lots of gifts for their birthday and Christmas. Goodnight, everyone, and I'll see you all tomorrow."
Once we got to our condo, everyone made their way to the patio. Mack looked at me and said "do you care if we break out some cigars, CJ? I'm craving one now and feel like letting loose for awhile with anyone who will join me." I smiled at Mack and said "help yourself, the humidor is in my office. Let's take it out to the patio and see how many we can get to join us. If I know this group, everyone is going to join in for a smoke to celebrate the birth of your nephew and niece. Congrats, Uncle Mack!"
As I was enjoying the patio with all of the men, one thought kept coming back to me about the day. The more I think about it, the angrier I get. I cannot believe that Aunt Sally did not reach out to the girls over the past weekend, or today. I know it has to be bugging the girls, as it is bugging me tremendously. Ah well, maybe this is my `first' to get over her being out of our lives. It's a strange feeling for me, and something I will need to get use to on future holidays. I'm going to reach out to Laura first to see how she is feeling. Depending upon her reaction and our discussion, I may also broach the subject with Maddie and Josie. My final thought about the subject is to touch base with UD and see how he is feeling. Right now, he seems fine, but I know down deep it has to be eating him up just as much, or more than me.
I was able to quickly put my sour feelings about Aunt Sally aside, as I watched my young friend enjoy the holiday festive mood! Jimmy turned out to be our resident disc jockey as he entertained us with plenty of music and records throughout the week at the pool. Jimmy also received a wi-fi microphone for Christmas, so he entertained anyone he could for the afternoon pool gatherings. He amused so many of the adults in the crowd with all of them inquiring to Fred if music is a career interest for him, or is this just a passing childhood interest? I heard Fred giving the same answer with "I'm not sure what that young man of mine has in his mind for a career. All I can say now is that I think he will be a renaissance man with so many diversified interests. Whatever he chooses to do, I know he will be a success at it, and give pleasure to so many people in his life." Jimmy only missed one show on Wednesday, when Mack, Darrell and himself went shopping for the twins.
And so, the rest of the week went on with meaningful conversations, laughs, shopping trips, trying new restaurants and plenty of love flowing between all of my circle, and the guests which we have in our presence. Ronny and I were able to secure the news shows on Friday, and I was so pleased when Angela and Ross joined in with us. We ended up with a huge live audience to welcome the new evening team on the set, prior to the new year. Roger and Elinor were so pleased and said that their Christmas wish is now complete after seeing Ronny and I back on television together where we belong.
Ronny and Alex surprised all of us on New Years Eve with their engagement announcement. Ronny's parents were so happy for the two of them. Ronny's mom asked "have you two thought about where you want to say your vows at?" Ronny smiled and replied "we're having a tough time on that decision Mom. I want Alex to see the farm and hear my thoughts about having a ceremony near the lake. However, he and I enjoy the beach settings around here. We've made an agreement to each other to make a decision by the end of March, so we can plan accordingly."
Roger smiled at both of them and said "why not have two ceremonies you two? One at the lake and you can invite the Indiana family there. The other ceremony can take place here with all of your friends in St Pete Beach. Be rest assured though that your mom and I will be at both ceremonies if you decide on two." Alex and Ronny both broke into tears, gave each other a hug, then pulled Roger into a threesome hug. Ronny looked at Roger and said "thanks Dad. That is music to my ears, and it's an idea that Alex and I have already discussed. If you and Mom are both open to it, I know it's the option that Alex and I want to pursue as well."
New Years Day came around way too quickly for everyone. So much joy has been shared and I believe that everyone hates to see the holidays end. A number of the group members left us on New Years Day for their return travel home. Surprisingly there were very few tears shed on the day. Instead, it turned out to be a very happy day with everyone vowing to be back next year for our new St Pete Beach Christmas tradition.
UD and the girls were the last to leave on January 2nd. UD was able to convince the majority of the group to enjoy one last breakfast with them at Mama B's. The plan worked out wonderful as UD and the girls only had a 30-minute trip remaining to the airport, and Ronny and I had plenty of time to return to our place and get ready for our first official day of work together.
Mama B cooked us a beautiful breakfast, and was able to enjoy her creations with all of is. After we all finished our breakfast, UD stood up and began to speak. He started with "all, I cannot thank you enough for the love, friendship and beautiful times we have shared together the last two weeks. I know it's been a rough year for my daughters and myself, but we are leaving here today with so much love in our hearts thanks to all of you. You all have helped us out through our difficult times this year, and we are so happy to know we have a new home to come to and enjoy more special times with our new family on the gulf side of Florida." Mama B quickly grabbed the napkin dispenser at the table, took some for herself and began to pass it around the table.
UD continued on and said "come on everyone, this is not a goodbye scene by any means. We'll be back soon which leads me to my second to last surprise for all of you. Ken and I have set the closing on the condo for the end of February. The girls and I will be back down at that time to sign the papers, take ownership of our new home and we'll be here for an extended stay as the girls have spring break the first week of March. This also allows us to celebrate Jimmy's ninth birthday with all of you!" A round of applause erupted around the table, and Jimmy got up to give my cousins and UD big hugs. He stood next to UD and said "wow this is great UD. I was wondering if I'd see all of you before summer vacation. I can't believe you and I will be able to sing at Mel's on my birthday night. Thanks for the great surprise, and thank you all for all of the special gifts over Christmas. I can hardly wait until all of you are here full time with us to enjoy our special close-knit family, we have at St Pete Beach!"
Jimmy took a drink of his water and said "okay UD, what's your last surprise for us today?" UD roared in laughter and said "You don't miss anything, do you Jimmy?" Jimmy smiled and said "nope, but you said this is your second to last surprise, so I figure you're going to tell us one last surprise today?"
UD smiled at him and spoke "I sure am Jimmy. As most of you know, I lost one of my Cincinnati restaurants to a fire in June of last year. I have been procrastinating on rebuilding it, and after these last several months I've decided to start a new chain of UD restaurants in St Pete Beach. I'm taking the insurance money from the fire and investing it with two new business partners. Denny, Bill and I have entered into an agreement to purchase three current businesses at the south end of the Pass-A-Grille neighborhood. The businesses that are there now include a restaurant, a small hotel and a boat dock. We're planning to enhance all three establishments into a thriving new complex for the St Pete Beach area. Denny and Bill, do you want to add anything?" Denny got up and went to UD giving him a hug. He then said "Dean gave you all a high-level plan of our new business partnership with Bill. I plan to relocate to St Pete Beach in April, and begin to oversee the renovations until Dean and Bill can free their time up to join me in the full-time operations. We're all very excited to start this new adventure together, and hope you will all join us at the ribbon cutting of DBD's later this fall!" Bill chimed in as well saying "I don't know what more I can add to everyone. I'm so excited to begin a new adventure with these two fine men and it's fantastic to know we have all of your support behind us. Everyone grab your glass and let's give a new year's toast to DBD's which will be the new hopping spot of St Pete Beach!"
I was in shock with the last surprise from UD! He has not talked about the Florence Grille, and I did not press him for information as I just figured his heart was not into the project. Little did I expect him to enter into a new partnership with Denny and Bill. I said to myself "what an odd combination of personalities, but knowing the three of them, DBD's will become the place to be in St Pete Beach."
Everyone at the table jumped up and started sharing hugs with UD, Denny and Bill concerning their news. I have so many questions for UD about his plans with Denny moving forward, and if Jack is included? However, I'm saving the questions for now and just enjoying the celebration with everyone now. What a hell of a surprise! I made my way to Denny, UD and Bill and gave them each a hug and kiss. As I hugged Denny, I whispered into his ear saying "okay you stud. Wally and I will be at Anna Maria this weekend, and I want to hear how all of this came about. Congratulations my dear friend, and I hope this announcement brings you everything you want in life."
Denny broke the hug with me, and pulled UD into a three-way hug. He looked at both of us and said "it does CJ. Most of all, it puts me where I want to be with both of you in my life forever!"
I felt very content as I said my goodbyes to my family knowing I had shared special moments with each of them. They're all processing their emotions fine, and the two-week holiday has done wonders for all of them. I cannot believe that Maddie and Josie are now questioning whether they finish high school in Ohio, or make a fresh start in St Pete Beach? I did not encourage one way or another to both of them, but offered what I consider the pros and cons are to each scenario. I have no doubt that both of them listened to me intently as each told me they plan to keep in contact over the next few months to help them in their decision process.
The farewells led out into Mama B's parking lot. Wally is taking the majority of our group to the bungalow and the boat. He promised all of them an afternoon trip out to Anna Maria and back. Denny is heading to Anna Maria in advance, and told everyone he will meet them at the docks where he currently works. Jimmy, Fred and Toby are excited for the trip as they each want to get a pair of sandals from the Island Sandal store.
I made my last goodbye to UD. After our long hug, he looked at me and said "are you surprised?" I cracked up and said "hell yes, I am surprised. You're getting too good for me in hiding these surprises in your life. Are you happy about everything, and is there anything I can do for you until your next trip down?" UD gave his hearty chuckle to me and said "I am thrilled with everything and cannot wait to be a permanent Floridian with you and all of our friends here. Watch Denny for me and make sure he does not spiral out of control with the renovations. If you feel I need to come down for a visit in advance of Jimmy's birthday, just let me know son and I'll be here as soon as I can. I love you CJ and cannot wait to be here full time with you and all of the guys."
Just as UD finished speaking to me, Jimmy ran to him and said "UD, you did not say goodbye to me yet!" UD roared in his hearty laugh and said "of course not my young friend. I saved my last goodbye for you today. You take care of everyone here for me, and I'll see you in a few weeks for your birthday!" UD picked up Jimmy, gave him a hug and kiss and said "make sure you give lots of love to everyone for me until I return." Jimmy smiled and said "don't worry UD, I'll have everything under control for you. I also want to work at DBD's when you need me."
Before Ronny and I loaded up in my jeep, Darrell approached me and said "hey big guy, I have good news to share with the group, but I want you to hear it first prior to my announcement at the next happy hour. Can we sit down together for breakfast tomorrow morning before you go into work?" I pulled Darrell in for a hug and said "that sounds wonderful my friend. How about we meet at 9:00 am and go to the diner?" Darrell smiled and replied "that sounds perfect you big influencer. Look at all of the happy faces leaving here today. You're the common denominator CJ, and I will be forever grateful for what you have done for me. You two drive safely back home, and I'll see you both later." Darrell walked away from us and yelled "okay Jimmy, let's get everyone loaded up and go buy those sandals for all of us!"
Ronny and I began our journey back to the condo with the two of us silent in our own thoughts for the first ten minutes of the trip. He broke the silence as I was turning onto the interstate saying "my God CJ. My head is spinning out of control with wonderful emotions about what has occurred over the last two weeks." I looked at my friend, smiled and replied "mine is as well you hairless beast! When 2023 came around I had two things which concerned me tremendously. The first item dealt with securing my career, and the second one dealt with you and I remaining in contact. I have to say that everything has worked out well for both of us in 2023, and I'm not sure what is going to face us in 2024 and beyond. I know that we both have big milestones ahead of us, and I'm so grateful to have you near me as we tackle those big milestones together." Ronny chuckled at me and said "let's go tackle our next milestone my friend and kick ass on our shows with Ross tonight. The television terminators are alive, kicking and have so much to look forward to as we continue to take over the airwaves in the central gulf region! Are you with me brother?" I smiled, stuck out my pinky finger and said "I sure am my friend. As we have said before, brothers for life?" Ronny smiled, wrapped his pinky around mine and said "brothers for life CJ. Nothing is going to tear us apart."
Ronny and I made it back to the condo fine, and made our way to the television station in the early afternoon. Angela, Ross and Bailey were waiting for us in the news room. Once he saw us walk into the news room, Bailey said "all right, my new news team is complete and ready to kick off 2024 in muskie style! I'm so proud of all of you and cannot wait to hear your four names announced as the best evening news team in the Tampa Bay market. I've got a busy week planned for all of you, as I want your opinions in filling our vacancies moving forward. Ronny, I've got two interviews scheduled for you and I this week for additional sports anchors. 2024 is our year my friends, so let's kick butt and skyrocket to the number one station in this market!"
Bailey's enthusiasm rubbed off on all of us as our shows were flawless, and gave our new evening team an excellent start for the remainder of the year. The four of us left the station after the final newscast running on adrenaline knowing we can improve each night moving forward.
Wally and Alex were waiting for us as we entered the condo. The four of us sat down in the living room and exchanged our stories of how the day went for us. I think Alex gave us every small detail he could about the bungalow tour, and the boat ride. He's hooked on boating, and wants to get Ronny on the boat as soon as we can. I shared my thoughts about going to Anna Maria one day this coming weekend as I want to sit down with Denny and hear everything from his perspective about DBD's. Alex resumed his chatterbox attitude and said "he is so psyched about everything CJ. He told me today at the marina about the plans he, UD and Bill have been creating. I'm excited for the three of them, and most of all I'm happy for UD and Denny moving forward." I smiled at Alex and said "did Denny tell you anything about Jack, or is this strictly Denny and UD moving forward?" Alex smiled and replied "per Denny, it's just UD and him moving forward. Jack is always welcome for a visit and if he ever decides to join our group here permanently, he's welcome. Denny said though that he plans to make UD his permanent partner though. How do you feel about that CJ?" I just smiled at everyone and said "as long as UD is happy, I'm happy. He's getting a great catch in Denny, and we'll all be able to watch their relationship grow together."
Wally gave me a big smile and said "I heard an earful from Bill today about the plans CJ. We may have to calm him and UD down a little bit on the hotel plans. They're envisioning two den of iniquity rooms for those who want a wild evening at DBD's!" I just cracked up and said "wonderful! I can see it now doing the headlines on the 11 o'clock news saying the owners of a den of iniquity were arrested this evening during a raid at DBD's in St Pete Beach! Thanks for the heads up, dear. I can see us interceding as the responsible adults to keep our wild ones under control!"
Alex and Wally both complimented Ronny and myself on the first of many newscasts together. Alex said "I will never get tired of seeing you two on the news together. You both impress the hell out of me as well as keeping me interested in the stories that you are covering. How does it feel to be reconvening on a news set in Florida, versus Ohio?" I looked at Ronny as he looked at me. We both turned to Alex and said "it feels absolutely wonderful" at the same time. Wally then said "okay you television terminators, I need to turn in for some sleep now. My senior VP of administration, closet construction, finishing, 2024 planning, gossip control and I have a very busy day tomorrow." Ronny chimed in and said "yes, I do too as well. I'm meeting Bailey at the station tomorrow at 10:00. He has two candidates lined up for me to interview for the open sports anchor positions."
Just after one morning, I can tell I'm going to enjoy going back to my original St Pete Beach schedule with Wally. We enjoyed our morning shower together, and I'm able to send him off on his day with a hot cup of coffee, several passionate kisses and all of my love. We agreed to ease back into our schedule, and want to get a couple of morning work outs in starting next week. We're also going to do one, if not two workouts on the weekends.
I met up with Darrell after Wally left and we decided to go have an omelet at the diner. On the wat to the diner, Darrell recapped the boat trip for me as well as the walking tour of Anna Maria Island. Everyone ended up buying a pair of sandals, and Fred and Toby bought Jimmy two pairs. One pair was in his current size, and the next size up as they are anticipating Jimmy taking a growth streak soon. Darrell summed up the day as "a beautiful excursion and he looks forward to visiting Anna Maria Island again. I feel obligated to as I promised Jimmy another pair of sandals when he outgrows the two pairs he got yesterday. CJ, I just love that little guy and I cannot tell you how much he has helped me through the last month of my chaos." I smiled at Darrell after he finished his statement and said "he has that effect on everyone Darrell. I hope he never loses his innocence and I hope to share in all of adventures moving forward."
We entered the diner and Tami greeted us with a warm welcome. She said "wow only two of you this morning?" We both gave Tami a smile and I said "yeah Tami, I switched to my evening schedule yesterday. I'm going to enjoy smaller group breakfasts at the diner, and I'm so pleased that my first 2024 breakfast is with Darrell this morning."
Tami took us to our table and Darrell said "Tami, before you get us any beverages please sit down and look at pictures of Mack's nephew and niece, Alex and Abby." Tami enjoyed looking at the pictures with Darrell, and asked so many questions about them. As Darrell was talking about them it's obvious that he is enjoying them just as much as Mack is. The final picture he showed was one of Darrell holding Alex, Mack holding Abby and their new Uncle Jimmy standing between the two of them. When I saw the picture, I asked Darrell for him to send me a copy. I said "the baby's eyes are open, and the smiles on you three are spectacular. Did Jimmy do well with the babies?" Darrell smiled and said "I wish you would have been there to see him CJ. He is so gentle with the two of them and promised them that he will love them both and spend some time with them on every Christmas for their birthday and a visit from Santa Claus. He did so well at shopping for them and told Marci and Jacob that when he gets older, he wants to babysit for them if they will allow him. We had such a nice visit with Marci, Jacob and the twins. By the end of the visit, Jimmy had won over Marci and Jacob. He wants to help Mack and I babysit to gain experience and learn from us."
I left Darrell continue on with more stories about spending time with Jimmy. It's obvious to me that our youngest group member has made such an impression on Darrell. Darrell even told me that he shared the day of the shooting with Jimmy, and his feelings about it. I was touched when Darrell shared Jimmy's comments with me. Darrell gave a big smile and said "CJ, you and several others have helped me so much over the last month. I have to tell you though; our little guy has made such an impression on me and I hope he is always close to me in my life."
After we finished our breakfast Darrell asked me "do you have some more time to talk, or do you need to get ready for work?" It was only 10:00 am so I replied "I have more time Darrell, and I'm hoping you have more good news to share with me? Please don't get me wrong, any story that involves Jimmy is good news to me." Darrell cracked up at me and said "yes, I do have good news to share. I'm hoping you consider it good news as I am extremely excited about a new opportunity which is being presented to me."
Darrell continued on with "I know I took you, Bailey and Randy through a number of peaks and valleys over the last month. One week after I shot Lucas, I told the police commissioner that I did not feel as though I could return to the force. He did not accept my resignation and asked me to take administrative leave until mid-January. His reasoning is that I am too good of a police officer and detective which he does not want to lose." I smiled at Darrell and said "I agree with him Darrell. Just witnessing you in the Jasper Jeffers incident built my confidence in you and has been installed in me for a lifetime. You're too good of a man to give up your career over Lucas. You cannot control what everyone does with their life, Darrell."
Darrell took a drink of coffee and said "wow, you and the commissioner must know each other and share secrets about me! Those same words came out of his mouth just over one week ago CJ. During my time with the St Petersburg police department, I have built up a solid career as well as developing a calming effect in negotiating successful results to crisis situations. I have negotiated standoffs on robberies, domestic situations and reaching out to troubled youth to make them realize their life is worth more than they give credit for. When I was not able to resolve the situation with Lucas, I threw in the towel saying my skills are no longer viable. I drowned in my own self-pity telling myself that all of my training could not save someone I had fallen in love with."
After taking another drink of coffee Darrell continued with "my sessions with the psychiatrist helped me immensely to recall all of the people I have saved, especially troubled youth. He focused on one case in particular where I dealt with a robbery in progress with a 16-year-old at a convenience store. The kid was troubled and needed money. I talked him down to where he dropped his weapon and surrendered to me. He admitted to me that he did not want to do this, but his dad was making him perform the robbery to get money for his dad's crack habit. He also said if he did not return with the money, his dad was going to kill his little sister." As Darrell was telling me this, I felt shivers run up my spine. I put my hands on Darrell's hands and said "if I can ask, what were your feelings when you heard this and how did the situation turn out?"
Darrell continued out with "I felt so bad for the kid, CJ. His story turned out to be true, and long story short I was able to get him and his sister out of their personal hell. They were removed from their father's custody and both of them today still visit with me often. They both got the help they needed, and have turned their life around for the better. Between the sessions and you telling me to focus on Jimmy versus Lucas, I have decided to take the commissioner up on a new unit he wants to create in the department. The commissioner wants to create a `Drug Intervention Unit' that will place emphasis on youth drug intervention. He views this unit as being undercover detectives working with community organizations to identify youth who need help either with their drug habits, or removing children who are in an unsafe environment due to family members with drug addiction. I informed the commissioner that I want to be involved in the creation of this unit if he will allow me to, and he has asked me to create and lead the unit. My main reasoning to accept this new position has been my time with Jimmy. I want to help any youth I can to be as happy, healthy and full of life as he is."
Darrell and I both took a drink of coffee and he asked me "so my friend, do you think this is a wise career move for me, or am I being blinded with the illusion that I can help all troubled youth?" I smiled at Darrell, grabbed his hands again and replied "I think this is a wonderful career move, and you have my full support on it. Once you have the unit up and running, I will do anything I can to assist you as a media outlet source, be an undercover detective or just help you through the good and bad times you encounter. I also know you will have the full support of the group. I am so glad to hear you tell me this today because I don't want the community to lose a fine individual and police officer." Darrell smiled at me and replied "thank you my friend. I knew I'd have your support, and if you think I should I want to tell everyone at our next pool happy hour? Mack is elated for my new opportunity and has promised his support to me in whatever way he can. I'm excited about this new opportunity CJ, and thank you my friend for hanging in there with me to get me to this point in my life. I start the new position by going to Orlando and Miami to review their units and then I will focus on the organization of the unit here, as well as begin to work with community organizations on potential youth the unit can help. I'm going to work with Randy first, as I know he has mentioned to me numerous times of the growing need to engage on this particular issue."
Darrell and I settled up with Tami and told her we will both be in at some point this weekend. She told us to tell everyone hello for her and happy new year as well.
On our way back to the condo Darrell said "oh I forgot to tell you about the most urgent crisis facing the group!" I cracked up at him and said "I can already tell before your broach the subject with me that it's from our friend Jimmy." He gave me a hearty laugh and said "yes, it is CJ. He's concerned about Friday happy hours, and wants to move the official happy hour to Saturday for those involved. He wants to make sure that you and Ronny will always be included in one happy hour per week. I told him that was a good idea, and he and I are going shopping on Saturday morning for the happy hour items we need. He wants me to make up a special poolside beverage that everyone will enjoy, plus make him up one as well with no alcohol in it. I told him to search the internet to find something that sounds good to him, minus the alcohol at least. Who knows what we'll end up with, but I'm going to do some searching as well for something that I think our group will enjoy."
Darrell parted ways with me once we reached the fourth-floor landing. After we exited the elevator, we gave each other a hug and I said "I've enjoyed this morning so much catching up with you. If our schedules allow, can we schedule a weekly breakfast for just us two?" Darrell smiled at me and replied "of course we can. I like that idea CJ so that I can keep you in the loop on how my new unit is progressing. Take care CJ, and have a good day at the station."
I entered into the condo and the clock showed 11:32 am. I decided to grab a glass of ice tea, and enjoy the patio for a while before heading into work.
I turned on the television and decided to watch the end of The Price is Right. I have not had a chance to watch the show in a long time, but thank goodness it's one of those no-brainer shows that you can watch and enjoy at any time. I found myself guessing the pricing games right along with the contestants, as well as placing my bids on the showcase showdown. If I were on the show today, I'd have won a new media room, a trip for two to Trinidad and Tobago and a new Chevy Equinox SUV. I decided to look at Trinidad and Tobago for a honeymoon destination as the pictures of the resort intrigued me.
Once the show was over, I switched over to the noon news on channel 2. Jennifer did an outstanding job, and Trevor kicked in with a flawless performance as well. The two of them are becoming quite the team together and I look forward to watching their continued progression together.
After the news was over, I shut the television off and went over to the balcony. There were a number of people on the beach enjoying a midday walk. It's a beautiful day out and I'm in such a good mood. It's strange to have some self-reflection time as the past two weeks have been nothing but social activities with my friends, family and numerous other new acquaintances I have made through the bay area. I focused on a couple embracing on the beach. A thought of Wally and myself came to my mind sharing an embrace together on the beach. I thought to myself "way to go CJ. It's a new year for you and Wally. It's going to be so exciting for both of us, my family and all of our good friends. Let's make 2024 the happiest year you can for you and your man."
I stood and watched the couple for a few minutes. I then said to myself "okay CJ, time to go do another stellar performance for the bay area today. Go to it you stud, and finalize another day on your long-range forecast." Before I left the patio, I said a prayer for Wally and myself to make this year the best year that both of us have had in our life's. As I finished the prayer, the sun broke loose from some clouds and shined brightly on my face. I know it's very sunny in Florida, but this stood as another sign for me that all is going to be well for Wally, myself and all of our friends throughout the new year.