Florida space shuttle

Yesterday about 7:45 pm we went outside to see if we could see the space shuttle in the sky by naked eye. Amazing! In the north east sky from our Apollo Beach condo, we saw a big trail of exhaust behind a shiny gold bullet shaped ship. Then it split and a small light continued. We watched until we could see no more. What a thrill to observe! When I turned around there were people lots of people on the balcony watching as well. Very cool!

Florida is grand!

Today was another beautiful Florida day! Weather in the 80's, sunshine, blue sky and occasional little puffy white clouds. Doug and Lin Brigham came for a week stay. They are flying back to Kazoo Friday am. We took them to many of our favorite places: Bahia, Mimi's, Anna Maria Island, the Anna Maria Oyster Bar, the outlet mall in Ellenton. We all especially enjoyed the pool, and Lin liked riding THE bike.

Our landlords arrive on March 20. We will move in with neighbors Gordie and Judy for a week. We are trying to figure out what to do for another week before returning to the cold weather up north! Our son Mike has a time share and we are trying to find a spot we can land for a week!

Although it has been a chilly winter in Florida we have really enjoyed ourselves! (Bob had to cover his plants several nights) No ice, no snow and lots of friends around. The hardest part was losing my Mom on January 29. We went home for the visitation and funeral, and were glad to have so many family members share the time with us.

Gordie took us out in neighbor Gene's boat yesterday. Within the first 5 minutes we saw a dolphin at the bow of the boat. While out in Tampa Bay we saw a manatee, 30-40 trout swimming in a school, and 15 sting rays swimming along in a group! Lots of birds of course. Being on the water, was like seeing a different side of Florida.

Manatees

It was 48 degrees this morning in Apollo Beach! Pretty chilly for Florida! But is also means the manatees will be coming in to the warmer water at the Big Bend Teco Power Plant from Tampa Bay.

These pictures show one of the viewing spots and some of the manatees. I counted 50 manatees this morning!

They come up for air often, between 3-20 minutes and you have to work to catch their noses above water!

Thoughts of hope and comfort

After the clouds, the sunshine,
After the winter, the spring,
After the shower, the rainbow,
For life is a changeable thing....
After the night, the morning,
Bidding all darkness cease...
After life's cares and sorrows,
The comfort and sweetness of peace.

Helen Steiner Rice

Getting Started

Today I created this blog. Today I will begin to post my thoughts, ideas, creations, pictures!