The Motown Christmas Special

The special will showcase iconic Motown legends performing holiday favorites and Hitsville U.S.A. classics alongside today’s biggest stars performing exclusive solos, unexpected duets and exciting group medleys in a riveting night of music. The special will include performances featuring more than 25 Motown hits, performed by Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, and the Temptations. In addition, today’s contemporary stars will pay tribute to iconic Motown hits, with artists such as Ashanti, Andra Day, BeBe Winans, Halle Bailey, Jamie Foxx, JoJo, Jordin Sparks, mgk, October London, and Pentatonix and, plus a world exclusive performance from the Broadway company “MJ the Musical.” From chart-topping hits such as “ABC,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” to “Dancing in the Streets” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”, “My Girl”, “Reach Out (I’ll be There)” and “Tears of a Clown”, plus “Stop (In the Name of Love),” “Superstition” and many more, “A Motown Christmas” will be an iconic celebration of timeless classics. Peacock. approx. 1 1/2 hours.

Q-tips say: YES, we did enjoy this show.

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SCANDINAVIAN GIFTS and MARKET – Sarasota, FL 2025

SCANDINAVIAN GIFTS and MARKET – 2166 Gulf Gate Dr., Sarasota, FL 34231, (941) 923-4313
scandinavian-south.com

12/10/25 –

Q-Tips say: KRINGLES, yummmm! Scandinavian Gifts has Linens, Glassware, cookbooks, jewelry, candles, collectibles and the best of all they have “Danish Kringles.” Kringles come frozen and can be refrozen, so you can have half at a time. Kringles are a family size dessert made in Racine, Wisconsin. Kringles come in many flavors: Nut, Cherry, Apricot, Cheese & Cherry.,etc. They have the closed they St. Armand’s Circle Store at 7 S. Blvd of the Presidents, Sarasota. GREAT PLACE- Scandinavian food items like crisp bread, candies, canned fish, and spreads. Cookbooks, glassware, china, and refrigerated Scandinavian food like a tube of smoked roe, pickled herring, 14 flavors of Kringle, and Swedish meatballs. Tons of shirts and hats. Glassware items, candles, and Scandinavian Christmas decorations. They have lots of viking stuff, including many sizes of viking figurines, goblets, and bowls. We like Kringles and bought Cherry and Apricot. YUM!

Mrs. Q says: Why go all the way to Wisc., or order over the internet, when you can get your KRINGLE FIX right here in Sarasota FL. Enjoy those Kringles, we do.

Kringle
Gifts
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BRIO Italian Rest. Sarasota FL 12/9/25

BRIO – 190 University Town Center Dr., Sarasota, FL 34243, (941) 702-9102
brioitalian.com

Q-Tips say:  
Happy Hour begins at 3:00 to 6:00 in the bar/or outside sitting.  

Each Q had:  Their Old Fashion. Shared the bread- they have a new delicious bread service.

Each had their Happy Hour Old Fashion.

 Mrs. Q had: Soup of the day: Lobster Bisque – Wedding soup & Carpaccio –  Shaved tender beef, field greens, capers, mustard aioli.

Mr. Q had: Soup of the day – Wedding soup & Carpaccio – Shaved tender beef, field greens, capers, mustard aioli.  

 Indoor/outdoor/bar area seating. 

Photo of Brio Tuscan Grille - Sarasota, FL, United States. Lobster Bisque

Lobster Bisque

  Photo of Brio Italian Grille - Sarasota, FL, United States. Hot, fresh baked bread

Beef Carpaccio - Picture of Brio Italian Grille, Pembroke Pines -  Tripadvisor
Carpaccio
Happy Hour
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Season 52

170 University Town Center Dr Ste 103 Sarasota, FL –

seasons52.com

After a leisure inside walk around the UTC Mall & seeing Santa & Elves on the elevator, we went for Happy Hour at Season’s 52.

Mrs. Q had: Happy Hour Cosmo. The other half had: A Margarita

Great service by Caitlan & food/drinks were awesome.

Mrs. Q had: CHICKEN SOUP & shared: Philly Cheesesteak – Beef tenderloin, cipollini onions, wood-grilled red peppers, provolone cheese sauce.

The other half had: PORCINI MUSHROOM BISQUE & Philly Cheesesteak – Beef tenderloin, cipollini onions, wood-grilled red peppers, provolone cheese sauce.

Happy Hour Cosmo
Lobster Bisque
Tuscan white bean soup
Philly Cheesesteak

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MYAKKA RIVER STATE PARK Sarasota FL 12/5/2025

Image of the ramp to the ticket booth

MYAKKA RIVER STATE PARK 13208 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241 –
(941) 361-6511 myakkariver.org

Q-Tips say: $6.00 per car is the entrance fee for the entire day! 

The only turtle we saw were at Phillippi Creek oyster bar that day:

Photo of Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar - Sarasota, FL, United States. Near Entrance

We enjoy walking around Myakka but due to Storm Damage some things were not open to visitors.

THINGS TO DO AT MYAKKA:
A VISITOR CENTER: w/ displays, movies and information. AIR BOAT RIDE/ TRAM TOUR, CONCESSION:, CANOE/ KAYAK/ BIKE – rent or bring your own. CANOPY WALK, GATOR WATCHING, BIRDING, BIRDWALK, NATURE TRAILS, HIKING, NATIVE TREE WALK, FISHING (Fresh water license required), PICNIC (picnic areas w/tables, grills – bring your own or buy charcoal at the concession stores), PLAYGROUNDS, JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM, RANGER PROGRAMS AND SPECIAL EVENTS, OVERNIGHT CAMPING or LOG CABINS – reservations needed).

Due the Holiday Season & snow-birds returning – very busy – many more people with younger families at this time visiting.

Mrs. Q says: A GREAT PLACE to spend the day for children of all ages. What fun to see Deer, Alligators, Birds, and listen/ or look for Feral Hogs, and maybe a Bobcat. Bobcats are nocturnal but often rest during the day in trees. Did see a few animals this time and the water level was fine.

When family visits they have fun walking the Canopy Walk.

Animals we saw the last visit: Alligators, raccoons in a cage, beautiful birds, and several two legged animals 🙂

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL & FUN PLACE. Go and enjoy! Alligator Entering the Water : Stock PhotoPhoto of Myakka River State Park - Sarasota, FL, United States

Photo of Myakka River State Park - Sarasota, FL, United States

IMG_1864

Canoppy Wakjwat

Canopy Walkway

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Phillippi Creek Oyster Rest.

Photo of Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar - Sarasota, FL, United States

5353 S Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL, (941) 925-4444 – www.creekseafood.com

Q’s Began our dinner by sharing: Steamed Clams – 1 dozen steamed clams.- everything was just average. Service/food, etc. has gone down a few notches.

Had our usual libations- Old Fashion & Perfect Manhattan.

We shared: The Soft Schell Crabs – was to be sauteed but they were Fried. Sides: Cole Slaw/parsley potatoes/ hush puppies.

Photo of Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar - Sarasota, FL, United States
Outside dining
Photo of Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar - Sarasota, FL, United States
Inside dining
Photo of Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar - Sarasota, FL, United States. Dozen steamed oysters!
A dozen steamed clams
Photo of Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar - Sarasota, FL, United States. Raw Oyster On the Half Shell
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OH What Fun

Claire Clauster (Michelle Pfeiffer) is the glue that holds her chaotic, lovable family together every holiday season. From perfectly frosted cookies to meticulously wrapped gifts, no one decks the halls quite like Claire. But this year, as her grown kids and distracted husband get swept up in their own seasonal dramas, they make one crucial mistake: they forget their mom. By the time they realize she’s missing, Claire’s already set off on a festive adventure of her own — one that doesn’t involve cooking, cleaning, or coordinating anyone else’s chaos. As her family scrambles to find her and salvage their Christmas, Claire rediscovers what the holidays mean when you’re finally free to put yourself first. Prime

Q- tips say: Might not be for everyone.

Mrs. Q says: Many Women might recognize themselves in this movie.

Michelle Pfeiffer stands up for underappreciated mothers taken for granted during the holidays. Oh. What. Fun. shows what happens when dear mom finally reaches her breaking point.

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Candy Cane Lane

Eddie Murphy stars in this holiday comedy adventure about a man on a mission to win his neighborhood’s annual Christmas home decoration contest. After Chris (Eddie Murphy) inadvertently makes a deal with a mischievous elf named Pepper (Jillian Bell) to better his chances of winning, she casts a magic spell that brings the 12 Days of Christmas to life, and wreaks havoc on the whole town. At the risk of ruining the holidays for his family, Chris, his wife Carol (Tracee Ellis Ross), and their three children must race against the clock to break Pepper’s spell, battle deviously magical characters, and save Christmas for everyone. Netflix

Q-tips say: We watched it & DID NOT ENJOY IT!

Watch Dr. Suess How the Grinch Stole Christmas instead.

Mrs. Q says: Candy Cane Lane will disappoint viewers looking for a truly funny Christmas comedy.

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Dr. Suess – How the Grinch Stole Christmas

In this live-action adaptation of the beloved children’s tale by Dr. Seuss, the reclusive green Grinch (Jim Carrey) decides to ruin Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville. Reluctantly joined by his hapless dog, Max, the Grinch comes down from his mountaintop home and sneaks into town to swipe everything holiday-related from the Whos. However, the bitter grump finds a hitch in his plans when he encounters the endearing Cindy Lou Who. Netflix

Q-tips say: YES, we did enjoy it!

Mrs. Q says: I think “the Grinch” is a beautiful Christmas movie with a nice meaning and a beautiful message about love, sharing and being nice.

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Sea Life Kayaking Adventures

190 Taft Dr Sarasota, FL, (941) 400-2740, sealifekayak.com

Grandson & Daughter went on a Kayak Tour. Both had a great trip in their own kayak & enjoyed the day Lido Key FL.

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