The beach economy is now stimulated

I enjoyed a pasta dinner Thursday night at Guglielmo's with Joe Abruzzo, Tony Lange, and Joe and Carolyn Ausley. I saw Leonard Olson, Sheryl Johnson, Dawn Moliterno and her hubby there.

Chris Renteria said he expected 250 guests for dinner Sunday night at Fleming's. No recession there. I met Kay Crawford and her hubby while there.

My lovely daughters came home for the holiday weekend. Even though their tans did not flourish while here, they did their part to help stimulate the economy. My eldest said she met Oli Petit at The Red Bar.

My son did his part in Maryland.

Tricia Northcutt's son was here for the weekend.

1st Sergeant Andrew Freeman (US Army retired) and his wife Sharon were the Memorial Day guests of Buz and Susan Livingston. The Freemans joined Joe Baker, Ted Lee and Karen Crabb in an anniversary celebration of barbeque ribs for Buz and Susan's 29th anniversary. Sharon worked for Buz for nine years.

Jeff Ellis visited St. Louis.

Betty Cork and Nancy James took a road trip to Washington, D.C. Each stayed with different friends and did interesting things. One of Nancy's favorites was visiting the old Occuquan prison in Virginia where many Suffragettes were imprisoned for months for demonstrating outside the White House for women's right to vote. The ladies discovered that traveling on Saturday and Sunday of a major holiday weekend is a great idea. It has the lightest traffic.

Balder Saunders and Suzette DeJarnette attended the Acoustic Café Festival in Hayden, Ala.  

DuRee Stewart is back home after a trip to Georgia.

Hilda McDonald's grandson has returned from a trip to Iceland.

Phil and Madra McDonald are enjoying a trip to New England.

Eric Marcus's mom has been in town.

Case Cooper is in Chi Town.

Seaside Rep's Rep Rally and School Spirit Competition raised more than $20,000. The school spirit winner was Alabama. Roll Tide!

Gulf Place is still in need of singers and sponsors for its Beach Idol Talent Contest.

La Botana has a new little brother named Coyote. Seagrove Coyote opens for lunch at 11 a.m. in the old Amavida space, serving fast-paced burritos and tacos with a salsa buffet. Soon to follow is coffee and breakfast pastries at 7 a.m.

Fabrice has reopened at its original spot on U.S. Highway 98E, Monday - Friday.  

Larry Titus has started a new position with Ron Jon's in Cocoa Beach. Kris said she feels as though she has the best of both worlds: two weeks of beach, two weeks of city and family and grand kids in both places.

Get well quick wishes go out to Kerrie Thompson and Redd. Both had a little eye tweaking.

Wish a happy birthday today to Mary Elsberry and Emily Vandermark.

Tomorrow to Donna Burgess.

Tuesday to Melissa Davis, Tommy May, and Allison Craft.

Thursday to Kris Ogden and my precious youngest child, Summer Joy.

Deborah Wheeler is the arts and entertainment reporter for The Walton Sun. She may be reached at 850) 267-4555 or e-mail debbie_wheeler@link.freedom.com. Party Line Talk appears weekly in The Sun. Contributions are encouraged.