We arrived in Florida on Friday night (quick shout-out to Air Tran for getting us there as scheduled) and picked up our sweet ride, a silver PT Cruiser.
A short ride up the Floria Turnpike, we arrived at Ruth and Paul’s home in Delay Beach. It was great to see them again. On Saturday morning we went to Temple Anshei Shalom for services. It was David’s first time there and of course, he was immediately introduced to countless octogenarians eager to meet him. “So tall!” “So handsome!” (and my favorite) “What college do you go to?”
For his patience and stamina, David was included in the grand Felder tradition of slipping out for a quick sip of Slivovitz. After services, we caught up with a few of my grandparents’ friends and then went back home to change.
While grandma and I prepared lunch, David and grandpa enjoyed another of the great traditions: the after-shul scotch (I promise we have several wonderful family traditions which do not include imbibing distilled liquors).
We feasted on a traditional and delicious lunch of matzoh ball soup, sauerbraten and potato dumplings, red cabbage, and more. Serious German goodness!
Grandma Ruth- looking glamorous and cooking up a storm
For dessert, we had my grandmother’s home-made plum and peach tarts. After lunch we caught up a bit, napped a bit and just enjoyed being together.
That evening we met up with Sara and Joe for dinner at La Vie en Rose Café in Margate. It’s so nice that our families live a short distance away so we can have meals together like this.
E's having dinner with some of our grandparents
Sara, David and Joe
Ruth, Ali and Paul
After dinner we said farewell to my grandparents and went on to Sunrise for a visit with David’s grandparents. That night, Sara and I looked through old photo albums together and talked while David and Joe watched a baseball and game.
We slept in a little bit on Sunday while David’s grandparents attended a neighborhood meeting and ran some errands. That afternoon we watched a program on PBS, A Yiddish World Remembered, which won an Emmy for Outstanding Historical/Cultural Programming. The documentary was an enlightening look at this all-but-vanished way of life -and included amazing archival films, vintage photographs, and traditional Klezmer music.
Afterwards, we had Sara’s delicious matzoh ball soup and apple pie for lunch. While David and Joe watched the Giants game, Sara and I talked a bit more about her life and family. I always learn something new and amazing about her life in Poland, Israel and America each time we talk. Soon our visit was over and David and I headed to the airport to fly home.
We (again, big shout out to Air Tran) got home without any trouble and spent some time with Jerry who must think we don’t love him very much these days. We are away almost every weekend- poor guy.
Anyway, it was a really nice weekend. Thanks to our grandparents for being so flexible and wonderful hosts. See you all again soon!
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