Pulled into a rest area after crossing Florida border to use the rest rooms. Just as the car came to a stop in the parking lot, looked up and saw this sign in front. Well, that was not a very restful visit to the facilities. Was constantly looking for snakes around!

I-75 was completely shut down north bound. Fortunately, I was going south bound. The unique thing is this was not due to your usual accidents, construction or VIP visits. Found out that a 48 year old man from Mississippi had climbed over the overpass and jumped down to the highway and got smashed to his death by a trailer! What a tragedy! 🙁

Look carefully. What is wrong with this picture?

… after a long time. The last time was for a business visit in my previous job probably four years back!

Long day of driving, nice time on the beach and now wrapping up with dinner and drinks…

This hibiscus flower by the pool caught my eye. The iPhone did an amazing job of capturing the brilliance of the flower.

There is something about the color blue that just hits the spot for me. Blue has to be the most beautiful color in the world!!

… taking selfies is decidedly NOT one of them..

Remember that elevator?

The two pelicans sat there the whole time pretending to be in deep thought….

Fairly unique looking (at least to me)

Love the circles in the eyes…

Sitting by the beach in the full glory of the sun, I look at some of the folks and wonder why could I not build a body like them. Then, I look further around the beach and conclude “Nah! I am doing fine.”

One more gin and tonic, please!

Very distinct hook in the upper beak

Four years back, almost to the day, I had gone out for dinner with Amar and Aparna. And I had promised to look them up next time I was in the Tampa area.

Today was the day! Avi and I got to meet the whole Nayegandhi family. Including Lelo – their new labradoodle!!!

Lelo got really fond of Avi. Perhaps could recognize a (prior) lab owner in him!!

To be sure, not by me; I watched from a safe distance 🙂

Two and a half years back, I entered a whole new industry. As one of my first things to do in the first month, I had called up my peer CEOs to introduce myself. While studying up on Kristin – who is the CEO of PAR Inc – I noticed that she had spent some time with Johnson and Johnson and then became a CEO (first of inVista and then PAR).

One of my first questions to her was – “How does one go from J&J to being a CEO of PAR?”. Her memorable response was “It helps if your dad had started the company!”. I remember laughing out loud. Her humility and humor struck me that day. And has struck me in every conversation I have had with her ever since.

Over the years, I have learnt quite some from her about the industry as well as learnt the depth of her leadership skills.

Was able to fulfill an old promise of looking her up if I was ever in the Tampa area this evening. Kristin and her husband Dan joined Avi and myself for a nice dinner tonight. The place was great, the food was awesome and the company was perfect. Found out later that the place I had chosen was the exact place Kristin and Dan had gotten married in!! What is the chance of that?

Great conversations!! Memorable evening!!