Charles in Florida - pt. 6

The reunion with Charles' brother Dale was made yesterday extra special with the surprising addition of 75 buttons for Charles' collection!

Today at the inurnment, Charles' nephew, Jason, continued the button bonanza with an additional 43 buttons!

Charles in Florida - pt. 5

Presentation of the flag to Charles' mother

Jackie will be placed here (by the middle bucket)

Dale, Sandy, mom, Charles, Joe

Visiting Charles' dad's marker

Lunch at Cracker Barrell

The family gathered today at Bay Pines National Cemetery in St. Petersburg to offer our memories and prayers for Jackie. It was nice to see family and friends and to share this special day in the life of the Alkula clan.

Charles in Florida - pt. 4

Folding Jackie's flag

Presenting the flag to Charles' mom

Mom gives the flag to Jason

Joe, Mom, and Jason at Cracker Barrel

Jason gives a bounty of buttons to Charles

 

Charles in Florida - pt. 3

Another Scrabble match (Dale won)

The home in Largo (1966 - 1986)

Next to the hotel

Next to the hotel

We played a number of Scrabble matches today at the hotel. Mom and Sandy play quite a bit in Georgia, and we enjoyed sharing memories as we played. We also had time this afternoon to take in some of the changes in the area since last we lived in Largo. Included in this tour was the house at 1047 9th Ave., NW. Charles' parents paid $9,000 in 1966; the house is listed on Zillow at $381,200! We also saw the new Largo High School and the home of Charles' grandparents, John and Hazel Plants.

Charles in Florida - pt. 2

Charles enjoyed reading the Tampa Bay Times this morning, taking in the lovely weather and the beautiful flowers at the hotel

Charles in Florida - pt. 1

When Charles arrived in Tampa late last night, greeting him was the Phoebe the Flamingo statue, officially named "HOME."

The Lights over Albert Lea!

The Northern Lights, otherwise known as the Aurora Borealis, made an appearance tonight in the skies north of Albert Lea. We could see them unaided as a faint glow and using the iPhone, caught a first-time glimpse of the phenomenon!