Monthly Archives: February 2017

I remember many summers spent at Crescent Beach. Sometimes on our week long retreats we got to stay at Island House. And many Saturdays for a day trip we’d park near Island House. But no matter if we stayed for the day or the week, there was always a walk to South Beach Grill for lunch.  Sometimes we sat outside on one of the picnic tables set on the back deck, open to the dunes and views of the beach.  Other times, we’d sit inside, wearing only bathing suits and our feet bare, taking a break from the hot noonday sun, by sitting in the cool interior of the restaurant.  Upstairs, required more dress and shoes, offering great views of the beach and ocean beyond.
The decor of the restaurant was informal, beachy and artsy…perfect!  The food was great, offering a wide selection.  We liked our usual, veggie burger with fries and lemonade.  Something about their lemonade was extra special, we couldn’t get enough.  The staff was always so friendly, in fact we were there so often that we came to know each other by name.  We even got to meet the owner, who just happens to share the same birthday month as I do, We loved going there and it was made even more special, because my youngest son who has autism was welcomed there with open arms.  It didn’t matter if he was loud or didn’t follow all the social rules, he was accepted and wanted.  That got gold stars in our book.

They always gave my son extra big cups to take with him, just like he liked it.  One was filled with ice, the other with lemonade.  He would carry them both on our mile walk back to the condo.
We’d walk at shore, letting the cool waters of the ocean keep us from melting, while my son would walk next to the dunes, where the temperature there were easily over a hundred degrees…but that’s the way he liked it.  Eventually he’d make his way to us, after we’d called out to him a thousand times, inspired by the desire not to see him ‘die’ in the heat, which he was oblivious to.

We had so many happy times there, with friends and family joining us…summer days by our favorite beach, eating at our favorite restaurant.
When I wrote my novel, Sunny’s Story, which took place at Crescent Beach, it became a no brainer that Island House and South Beach Grill would be incorporated into my story.  Island House was one of the places that inspired me to create Kate’s home, adding and expanding from my imagination.  South Beach Grill, became a lunch time favorite for Sunny.

So many happy memories of summers gone by, the places remain, and when I am there, and I pass by Island House, I remember.  I hope one day to stay there again.  Who knows, maybe I will even purchase one of those condos.  And every time that I am in the area, I still go to South Beach Grill.  There have been changes, on the outside as well as on the inside, but the good food, great atmosphere…remain the same.

And if you’ve read either one of my books, Sunny’s Story or Sunny’s Story 2, you will recognize these excerpts from the books. If not here is a small ‘taste’ of each…
We walked the two blocks to the Columbia Restaurant and immediately felt refreshed upon entering the cool interior. The hostess seated us at one of the small tables near the window that faced the courtyard and the fountain. Two little children were throwing coins into it laughing and giggling as they fished the coins back out only to throw them back in again.
Once the waiter had taken our orders we sat back and relaxed, sipping ice water with lemon, as we waited for the fresh warm mini loaves of Cuban bread and whipped butter to be brought to the table. We didn’t have to wait long. The buttered bread melted in our mouths.
“I could make a meal on this alone.” Jake said signaling the waiter for more.
“I can too.”
“I’ve missed you,” Jake began. I felt his leg brush against mine.
“I’ve missed you, too.” I wrapped my leg over his.
“So, I take it you’re staying with your grandmother?”

“Yes, unlike some people I know, she wanted me to live with her. Plus, she was kind of enough to offer me a job.”
“How’s that going?” Jake asked letting the comment slide. He stroked my thigh with his hand.
“Which one do you mean?” I like it, I like it; keep on doing what you’re doing.
“Both.”
“I love living with Kate, like I said, she likes me and wants me there. And being near the ocean is great! And I like my job. I’m enjoying learning about the art world and seeing new people every day. And working with Kate and Mark is awesome! They like me and want me there.”
“I’m happy for you and glad to know that you’ve forgiven me.”
“Hey, I’m not one to hold a grudge…”

“Hello?”
“Sunny, you need to get here right away.”
“Why and where exactly are you?”
“At the Columbia. I was having lunch with O.J., who by the way looks even better in daylight without the uniform.”
“Great, so what does this have to do with me?”
“Jake’s here…with Crescent.”
“Ha?”
“Yep, he’s sitting at a big round table with Crescent, Ann and Jimmy.
“I don’t understand, I thought they were going to Fernandina Beach? What are they doing at the Columbia?” I felt a little twist in my gut.
“Apparently celebrating Jake’s birthday.”
“How do you know it’s his birthday?” I asked.
“Because I’m sitting with them.”
“What about Officer Jim? Is he there too?”
“No, he got called in, so instead of sitting by myself …by the way, Jimmy didn’t see me…I acted like I was out all by myself. Anyway, to make a long story short, Jake invited me to join them. Ann shook her head and sighed…very loudly I might add. Jimmy ordered her another martini so she’s good now. So you didn’t know that today was Jake’s birthday?”
“No…”
“And you were married to him? No wonder things got a little………you know…”
“Rain!”