Friday

 I love birds and I love flowers. No wonder I liked going to Florida so much in the winter. I could still see flowers there, I’ve missed them. One of my winter day hobbies is to take care of house plants. Some of them bloom in the winter so it adds some greenery and color. That makes the day brighter.

  Today I put birdseed out for the birds and Toby likes to sit in the sun and watch them. My dog loves the sunshine!

I’m getting ready to go up to Amish country today with my youngest son for lunch . They also have little shops to look around in so it’s fun! It’s nice snd sunny and warm by Indiana standards. It’s close to 60 degrees now.

Have a blessed day!

Sleepy Sunday

 We did get out in the cold this am and make it back to church. It was good to see friends we’ve missed while in Florida We are at our favorite Mexican restaurant afterwards.

Back now under my heated blanket with my puppy as the snow flakes dance in the air outside. We won’t get any ground cover it’s just a little flurries but oh so cold out there.

Home feels so soothing and comfy

Have a blessed day! 

Home

 This photo reminds me of looking at the ocean once more before our trek home. We had a fantastic trip, enjoyed beautiful places and family and friends in Florida. We did get a little more cold weather than I expected but I brought a few warm clothes incase. I even wore my winter jacket a few times! 

Now we are home. We had family visit and went out for Chinese food for lunch. My daughter and I tried out a new place called Ziggys that has specialty coffees and sodas.

Now we are watching the Olympics and little Oliver is being silly entertaining us. 

Life is good!

Oh and it’s snowing! Yuck!

        

Slowly heading north

We have enjoyed being in Lakeland but are on

Our way home now with a few days in StAigustine first

This morning we walked to the lake close to our vacation rental and I saw some of the birds I’ve enjoyed on our almost daily walk there I’ll miss them walks 

        

When we arrived in StAugustine today we had just enough time to get a quick walk to the beach but we found out we were under a Tornado watch and it soon began rain and thunder!

  I was actually happy enough to relax in the room for awhile because we had a really busy time! I got my top goal plus some on my fitness watch from all the walking we did at Circle B, Gator Creek reserve ,Bonnet Springs just here and there with the grandkids. I dont think I lost a pound being busy because we have been  eating really yummy food ha ha!

I’ve got to say I just love the people of Florida everywhere we go they have been so polite and friendly!

       

Tonight since it rained we just got a pizza and looked in my favorite gift shop at St Augustine Beach. Tomorrow is another day with new things,not sure what though.

Whew I’m glad we made it through the traffic in Orlando !

I’ll sleep good tonight and we don’t have any long drives to do tomorrow 

Goodnight and God bless you    

Valentines Day

 Happy Valentines Day everyone. I had a wish to see the beautiful Lakeland Swans today which we did after a nice lunch with our kids Justin and Angie at the garden bistro. 

It’s been a joy being here but times winding down before the next adventure. Yesterday we were able to have a nice visit with our friend Terri at her home where she treated us to sweet treats. Thank you Terri!  Our grand daughter Emma visited with us. It’s amazing to see how grown up my grand children are becoming. Young adults and teens. I’m the typical grandma proud of each one.

The Lord bless you everyone! You are loved!

Hello

 I’m finding that there are some places in Florida that actually remind me of our walking places in Indiana except of course some of the trees and foliage. The two photos above are from Gator Creek Reserve just north of Lakeland  it reminds me of walking trails at Patoka Lake in Indiana. It’s very quiet and peaceful.

                                           

I feel a little bit like a child here hearing the Florida birds and seeing things so many varieties. I’m going to miss the palm trees, they are so tall and majestic and give me such a tropical feeling.  I pray to always keep the wonder because it’s one of the ways God speaks to us through his creation. It’s all such a miracle!

                                            

Just wanted to check in here and say hello.  

Happy Valentines Day tomorrow!

Todays adventure brr

 The sunset colors over Hunter Lake were beautiful tonight. Pat and I started calling it “our lake” because it’s close to our rbb rental and we walk there every day. It’s a bit chilly today though but still pretty. We drove down to Vero beach. I love the ocean waves. 

We ate at a place called Mulligans outside, we are brave northerners! A bit chilly but sunny

Who knows , we are retired we may be back in Florida when it’s warmer

Jurassic park

We went to Circle B Nature preserve yesterday and it looks like something out of a movie to this northern girl. It reminds me of Jurassic Park! There’s heavy moss over the huge living oaks and swamps and tropical looking plants. We saw some big gators and a couple baby ones

Our granddaughter Amelia went for the hike with us through alligator alley. We had fun! 

Meanwhile back home they got 19 inches of snow which isn’t unusual to where I grew up in Michigan but for southern Indiana that was a really big deal. Lots of closings on work and churches and events. Hope everyone stays safe! 

  

Our son had to shovel his car out it was covered in snow and he still has his driveway to do. At least his work is called off today and he stocked up on groceries! Looks like a good day to watch movies and read since thankfully they have not lost power.

Tomorrow I will meet with my cousin Cindy who lives down here now. She grew up in Michigan too. Her and her husband moved to warmer weather after they retired. Cindy and I were close growing up. She was one of my bridesmaids. People used to get us mixed up sometimes because we looked a lot alike then.

I guess we’re getting ready for lunch now . Lots of nice eating places here!

Later gators! lol