In the early 1970s my grandfather, Albert Fickes, retired and drove everything he owned in a truck with attached fishing boat to New Port Richey, Florida. He fell in love one last time and married Alida. She was funny, quirky, and perfect for him.
For just a few short years until Grandpa Albert fell to cancer our summers meant a family car and camper trip south to Florida from Virginia. Better than South of the Border...better than a trip to Busch Gardens or Weeki Wachee...better than a day trip to the brand new place called Walt Disney World was time spent with Albert and Alida.
Albert completed the autumn of his life living a long summer. Everyday was an Aloha shirt and visor. I like remembering him in this photo with his bride and my mom.
I trust that we have a long, long summer that stretches deep into autumn.