El Cheapo

All cruisers are cheapskates. I am not sure if cheapskates become cruisers or vice versa.We like to sail - even if it is only to turn off the expensive motor and generator. Some cruisers (and you know who you are!) will dumpster dive while owning a financial profolio. Goodwill is a good place to shop for clothes, but church thrift shops are better. Cruisers always get the day pass for the bus and plan detailed shopping expeditions - leaving the day pass a tattered mess by the end of the day.

De Anne and I fit the profile. Tuesday we went to Fort Myers Beach (15 miles south of Fort Myers). For the two $2.50 day passes we took 4 bus rides and 3 trolley rides. We walked the beach in the morning - and we've seen better, walked through town, passing up numerous resturants, until we dined off the McDonalds dollar menu. First McD fries I have had in five months - a new record!

Thursday we walked to the once-a-week farmers market conenviently located a few blocks away. For $9 we stocked up on fruit and produce for the week. Our $9 got us a watermelon, 6 peaches, 2 avacados, 3 cucumbers, and 3 green peppers. A cheapskate's dream!

On the first Friday evening each month the City sponsors an Art Walk. Downtown businesses host different artists in their stores complete with food and drink. The Art Museum had a free play and a great buffet. For a "suggested" $5 donation we had wine, great food, and saw a good stage comedy. Their sausage casserole with 5 kinds of sausages, potatoes, and plantains was so good I had three (although small) plate loads. After touring the downtown locations, some with better finger food than others, we rested in the square and listened to a blues group for a while. Last stop on the tour was a restored 1901 Victorian home to view some more art work (more wine and finally dessert). While talking to the curator of the home we were invited back for a tour of the house next week. Another fun and inexpensive evening lined up for next week.