tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9869210571087877942012-01-30T07:35:48.698-05:00Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.comBlogger1041100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-71263379386392918812011-08-26T07:08:00.002-04:002011-08-26T07:14:32.406-04:00

It's about this time every year when the air is muggy and thick with humidity that I long for the cooler weather to hurry its arrival. Sandy shores are calling out to me. The hot summer months don't keep us away from the beach but the cooler months of the year are preferred for beach going. We make day trips in the heat of summer instead of weekend or week(s) long stays out of our beach times

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-17396002223570648012011-08-20T15:03:00.004-04:002011-08-20T15:05:40.535-04:00

Recently in a Texas antique store one of the vendors was selling loose-leaf pages from an old Atlas. A bit tattered but I couldn't resist buying this map of Florida. Just imagine what might have been going on (besides swarms of mosquitoes) on the lands of this great state in 1890. Florida was admitted as the 27th state to the United States of America in 1845. For more quick facts about Florida

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-89719510188616730532011-07-19T22:21:00.001-04:002011-07-19T22:22:01.656-04:00

A walk along the sandy shores of the Gulf Coast will likely give you a first-hand look at these remarkable Florida native plants. It's a wonder any plant could survive in these conditions.Railroad Vine: Ipomoea pes-caprae or beach morning glory is found on many beaches worldwide ... in the Carribean and in Australia.Often Sea Oats and Railroad vine are utilized for beach restoration and

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-23382781075156962512011-06-17T22:04:00.022-04:002011-06-17T22:56:57.002-04:00

Sunrise at the beach is a magical time of day.Sunset is equally magnificent and full of wonder.The skies along the shoreline can transform into many shades and colors in the course of a day.First light of soft pinks and orange-yellows reflect onto tree trunks against brilliant blue skies.Sometimes clouds and wind shift the skies from blue to grey and back again very quickly.And birds in flight

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-955883225632863492011-06-05T22:49:00.007-04:002011-06-05T23:14:07.722-04:00

Ruddy Turstone (Arenaria interpres) is a common shorebird on the Gulf Coast of Florida.They can be seen foraging along the water's edge flipping over stones and rocks with their beak .They are in search of prey or other debris hiding underneath rocks and seaweed. Small clams, mollusks, crustaceans, worms, and insects are all part of the Ruddy Turnstone diet.Also look for the short, black,

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-52529383381062161452011-05-28T21:17:00.008-04:002011-05-28T21:45:06.761-04:00

Black Skimmers are beautiful and unusual shorebirds. The lower mandible being longer than the upper and their coloration striking.In flight it is graceful and soaring with a wing span of 3.5' and a body of only 18".A beautiful sight to see on the shoreline as it forages in flight while skimming its lower mandible just under the surface of the water.There were large colonies of them roosting

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-46976238783668358932011-05-07T15:54:00.015-04:002011-05-07T16:40:58.188-04:00

An early morning snag by the powerful beak of a Yellow-crowned Night Heron perusing the shoreline.The ghost crab peeked his head out of his own home in the sand at just the 'wrong' time.A wiggly, squirming, but useless struggle ensues.Some flipping and tossing by the strong, deft beak.Eye-ball to eye-ball, Mr. Crabby sees his life flash before his eyes.Probably wishing about now that he had taken

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-86015104258779249292011-05-05T21:30:00.001-04:002011-05-05T21:40:47.720-04:00

I've got a good bit of catching up to do on this blog.Backing up a few months ... it was a cold, blustery autumn day when Mr. Meems and I made our way to St. Mark's Lighthouse and National Wildlife Refuge.We spend quite a bit of time in the Panhandle of Florida. It is a beautiful part of our state.So much land and so many places left untouched by man.St. Mark's is a remarkably breathtaking place.

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-56665681507024526012011-01-19T15:40:00.002-05:002011-06-07T13:59:47.766-04:00

One of the barrier islands west of the coastal (and oh so quaint, too) community of Dunedin, FL, Caladesi Island State Park, is only accessible by boat. Private boats can dock or even stay overnight in the 108-slip marina.For those of us who don't have a boat the ferry service leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park and runs back and forth between the docks all day long.Mangrove forests line the

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-64080862840520305512010-12-10T07:39:00.007-05:002010-12-10T07:56:58.080-05:00

Fernandina Beach is just one of the many destinations you wouldn't want to miss on Amelia Island. This month the Christmas lights are up and they are sure to draw lots of oooohhs and aaaahhhhs.We go there as often as we can. If we get near the Northeast borders of this beautiful state we drive to the downtown area of Fernandina Beach.The marina is breathtaking as well as peaceful and

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-9368864250440013142010-11-29T17:49:00.000-05:002010-11-29T17:49:27.269-05:00

As much as I adore "my Florida" it isn't the concrete side of it I'm ever particularly drawn to. Along those lines I've actually never thought of Tampa as being an especially pretty 'city'.That's not to say there aren't some very lovely places and locations within this well-populated metropolis. I tend to prefer wide-open spaces and less congested situations.In recent years Tampa has done a few

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-73528867888746818712010-10-18T07:36:00.004-04:002010-10-18T07:44:05.630-04:00

There isn't too much "beach" to speak of at this small town "nature coast" city. But there is plenty of "old Florida" to soak up.

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-81832988556814319412010-10-09T07:29:00.001-04:002010-10-09T07:31:41.048-04:00

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-84541558246222556952010-09-25T16:55:00.001-04:002010-09-25T16:57:23.227-04:00

Rising with the sun is not all that unusual.Getting to view the rising sun from the vantage point of the shoreline as it crests above the waters? THAT is unusual for these east coast residents.Living near the Gulf of Mexico means watching sunsets is fairly standard.Visiting the Atlantic Coast it's a beautifully solemn time to rest in wait for that first peek from this most amazing star in the

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-83538894782304475212010-09-17T07:08:00.003-04:002010-09-17T07:14:38.031-04:00

Clouds make for an even more stunning sunrise!

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-49332730499173281392010-09-05T22:30:00.003-04:002010-09-05T22:36:37.242-04:00

I realize it's been a long while since I've made an entry on this blog. But it isn't because I haven't had photos to share.There are hundreds ... no, thousands of photos filed away, neatly cataloged, in folders on my computer.Several weeks ago the computer I save ALL my photos to blue-screened. To make a long story short subsequently it was decided by a true expert (not me obviously) that it was

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-68911895860208476852010-06-12T22:57:00.001-04:002010-06-12T22:58:15.101-04:00

Dinner outdoors at a favorite casual eatery.Followed by a reminiscing walk on a late evening beach.

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-87812122787695967922010-03-18T11:50:00.008-04:002011-06-07T14:02:34.295-04:00

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-36429997825389236212010-02-20T22:26:00.002-05:002010-02-20T22:37:51.106-05:00

Homemade soup is just the ticket for chilly winter weather. I can't remember a winter when there were so many eligible nights and weekends for a good, yummy soup to take the chill off from head to toe.Soup is just fun to make. There are so many combinations and ways to throw a good soup together. This winter I came up with one that has become my favorite. That usually is the case until I come up

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-60763471752552662812010-01-17T20:11:00.002-05:002010-01-22T06:51:23.708-05:00

Oftentimes the month of December is (overly) consumed with preparations for family and holiday activities.No matter how many ways I tried to persuade myself to get away this December it was the case again that no spare time was made for escaping ... not even for a day.One of these years I'm going to get that figured out and right in the middle of the Christmas hoopla a day will be spent

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-33568409141137244932009-12-28T21:34:00.000-05:002009-12-28T21:34:58.131-05:00

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-36215659967745531032009-12-07T11:01:00.000-05:002009-12-07T07:45:01.414-05:00

November is a perfect time to be at the Gulf Beaches. I had the chance to go a few times last month. I need to get there again before Christmas... I'm feeling the need. Time to get my toes in the sand and breathe in the salty air.

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-29147073692987469372009-11-22T18:37:00.002-05:002009-11-22T18:42:31.906-05:00

My mom and I have been on a roll lately of going over to the beach whenever we get a chance. I've shared some of those photos here from time to time.On the way we took some time recently to stop by the botanical gardens being developed at Palma Sola. They have a piece of property that is quite beautiful.Located in Bradenton, FL, it is right next to Robinson Preserve, a 487-acre wetland

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-72171356445531358912009-11-21T21:17:00.011-05:002009-11-22T16:47:09.659-05:00

Usually I enter this contest from my Hoe and Shovel garden blog. In Florida we don't have too many opportunities for "end of the season" garden photos as our seasons tend to blur one into the other without too much distinction. And since this is an out-of-the-garden photo I'm breaking with the norm and posting it from my 'Florida blog'.It's quite a normal thing for me to ask Mr. Meems to pull

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-4843126635902436242009-11-16T06:00:00.002-05:002011-06-07T14:20:02.348-04:00

Is there a more beautiful or peaceful place on the planet than the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico! Maybe. But I haven't been there.An easy drive to the shoreline on any given day is just plain good for the soul. It's a place to leave all the challenges of everyday-life behind and deeply breathe in the goodness of God and His creation.Sand, water, sun, sky, birds, rocks, and fresh salty air

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-80327634079510880022009-10-31T11:28:00.003-04:002010-10-17T21:26:19.717-04:00

If only we had been able to get away the weekend prior it would have been a perfect day. Just because it would have been a lot cooler. Nevertheless, we managed to stay in the shade as much as possible and the kiddos had a blast.My daughter found out about a Pumpkin Festival down in Manatee County so she and I loaded up the kiddos and headed that way last weekend.We don't have any thing like this

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-8867901189086309832009-10-28T23:34:00.000-04:002009-10-29T08:06:35.352-04:00

Florida's Gulf of Mexico beaches are simply beautiful in every season. After an endless summer the relief of autumn's softer sun inspires us to take some time away from the ordinary and meander for a while at the shoreline.October's beach is awash with blue skies and warm sunny afternoons. The water has turned a cooler temperature that makes splashing in the edges refreshing and invigorating.So

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-4652398843286937182009-09-26T20:48:00.002-04:002009-09-26T20:59:07.859-04:00

September 26, 2009

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-40472775052667029942009-09-20T21:49:00.000-04:002009-09-20T22:05:37.634-04:00

It is an understatement to say there are so many rivers, lakes, springs, bays, canals, and bayous not to mention the hundreds of miles of coastline in Florida to be explored.Many of them interconnected and flowing into one another. I love every minute of investigating what I'm blessed to see.Just being near the water is rejuvenating to the soul. Listening to the sounds of wildlife and all at the

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-56572547765283025142009-09-19T21:35:00.006-04:002009-09-19T21:48:33.358-04:00

Wow... it's been a while since we've played this game. Mr. Meems and I have been in and out of town a bunch lately... I've got lots of photos to share. Let's start with this from one of our day trips. This is an easy one.***************************************************For all you Florida enthusiast and those who have an interest in this beautiful state... here's how this goes:I thought it

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-31009170930675515772009-08-29T23:09:00.000-04:002009-08-30T15:17:02.824-04:00

Finding good places to eat that are attractive and serve good food is always a good combination. It often requires a bit of risk taking if we stumble upon a site that 'seems' like it fits the criteria. Mr. Meems is better at trying new places than me actually... so I'm learning to follow along better all the time.On a recent drive over to Dunedin we added one such destination to our short list of

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-78049992278328598412009-08-15T22:43:00.001-04:002011-06-07T14:20:41.897-04:00

When we think of August we think ... well, let's stay positive and just say... we're looking forward to cooler weather. August just does not afford ideal conditions for visiting beaches.At least not in the usual make the picnic lunch, grab the towels and chairs and let's go lolly-gag on the shore all-day-long kind of visit. Maybe that's just me... but there are so many other perfectly fine months

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-83451716341556734652009-07-31T20:49:00.003-04:002011-06-07T14:21:09.994-04:00

Last week at Fort DeSoto Beach it seems it was my day to see the unusual. Only a very few minutes into my walk down the beach I noticed a heron-like bird I didn't think I'd ever seen before. I guess that's what made it unusual.It caught my attention with its strange way of flapping its wings and prancing through the shallow waters almost as if it was purposely entertaining on-lookers. There was

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-28732716758395464152009-07-26T22:32:00.001-04:002011-06-07T14:21:42.082-04:00

It never fails that each time I venture to the shoreline something new or new-to-me is sighted. In the first half of my life, birding is not a thing I ever thought would interest me. Although I've always been fascinated with them, their quirky habits and characteristics intriguing me from early on. I've even had caged domestic birds in the past.Photographing birds brings on a whole new element

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-52437657179188749912009-06-22T21:29:00.007-04:002009-06-22T21:42:13.077-04:00

Back when it was just hot ... you know temperatures had started creeping into the high seventies/low eighties (during the day mind you-- not at night like this week)... the Jacarandas were so very stunning poking out above the tree tops. I always look forward to seeing their purple bounty once a year in some of the older neighborhoods in the area. There were other things blooming as well. Trees

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-54229448068213244662009-06-20T22:52:00.008-04:002009-09-19T21:34:31.366-04:00

For all you Florida enthusiast and even those who have an occasional interest in my beautiful state... here's how this works: I thought it might be fun to occasionally post some of the random photos I've taken from my romp-abouts in Florida and then you get to guess where I was when I took the photo... or where the scene is that the photo represents (whichever applies). If you'd like to include

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-24507229607672814302009-06-04T07:43:00.015-04:002011-06-07T14:24:46.831-04:00

My sister and I are back home today after a splendid five days of relaxation, sunshine, endless chatting, long walks, good food and glorious sleep. We were staying at a small inn on Longboat Key, FL. You might want to pour yourself a cup of piping hot coffee or maybe a good glass of iced tea. I'm giving you fair warning now I couldn't quit snapping photos of so many tropical flowers and lush

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-11819616748518271332009-06-01T10:30:00.005-04:002009-06-01T10:37:57.466-04:00

Royal Poinciana, Delonix regiaThe drive south to the beach this time of year is dotted with the flame-red blooms of the Royal Poinciana trees crowning above the residential areas and the highways. This amazingly showy tree is just one example of the imaginery line drawn just south of our county. There are many tropicals that flourish better than where I live and yet they are only a few miles

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-2359060510807309032009-05-30T00:05:00.002-04:002011-06-07T14:23:41.149-04:00

You might remember the last time we went to the beach. It was several weeks ago. My how time flies. Too much going on to get this post up before now. All these photos are from that trip.Long walks on the beach allows for some great photo opportunities with the birds that gather together. It is a delight to watch them forage for food and play along the shoreline.I hope you like birds as much as I

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-56020085609661747282009-05-17T14:36:00.002-04:002009-05-17T14:37:43.966-04:00

It is one of our favorite things to do any time of the year. We hop in the car late on any given afternoon and drive over to a place that is like being transported to another world... and it's only 30 minutes away.Admittedly, it isn't the sponges we are off to enjoy in Tarpon Springs. But, that said, there's something about just knowing we are right in the midst of the little city considered the

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-53149391272363608292009-05-16T21:46:00.001-04:002009-05-17T12:39:27.642-04:00

Okay... pretty sure a certain someone is going to jump right on this one. ***********************************For all you Florida enthusiast and even those who have an occasional interest in my beautiful state... here's how this works:I thought it might be fun to occasionally post some of the random photos I've taken from my romp-abouts in Florida and then let you guess where I was when I took

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-3704830912611537442009-05-14T07:50:00.001-04:002009-05-14T08:25:32.596-04:00

It was a busy few days of family activities and Mother's day celebrations.Over the weekend some of the family (including three generations of moms) made a little road trip north together to Ocala to meet up with some other members of the family.... some from various parts of Florida.... some from Tennessee visiting here. One of my nieces and her husband are reining horse trainers at Reinwater

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-69824586406014071712009-05-11T09:29:00.005-04:002009-05-11T09:40:49.933-04:00

This year we celebrated Mother's Day in many ways. Several different days of being together with family was in order. But yesterday it culminated for dinner at my sweet daughter in law's and eldest son's house with all the grand youngins' present, too. Mr. Meems knows how to please my simple heart with a drive down Bayshore Blvd. on the way home. He loves his Bayshore and for the past 30 plus

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-78737612453071341682009-05-03T15:30:00.002-04:002009-05-03T15:32:28.621-04:00

It's the same little beach house we've been going to with our kids since the late- 80's. Charming and quaint... but want to know the best part of all? It is very "old Florida" style with a screened porch and creaky wooden floors. The kind of place like so many that have been leveled by developers to build high rises.There are three other cottage houses on the property. All are under the shade of

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-47253318375520366622009-04-20T00:54:00.001-04:002009-04-20T01:03:49.081-04:00

A couple of months ago when Mr. Meems and I took a day trip out of town our destination was Myakka State Park. By way of the back roads we drove all around the area and the perimeter roads of the park before entering. We just like to see what we can see in rural Florida. It was a perfectly beautiful day.Apparently the city's name used to be spelled Miakka. I've tried to find some history about it

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-57641485753721503892009-04-18T08:13:00.007-04:002009-04-18T08:26:50.947-04:00

For all you Florida enthusiast and even those who have an occasional interest in my beautiful state... here's how this works:I thought it might be fun to occasionally post some of the random photos I've taken from my romp-abouts in Florida and then let you guess where I was when I took the photo... or where the scene is that the photo represents (whichever applies).If you'd like to include your

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-27153641552017173222009-04-12T21:28:00.009-04:002009-04-19T09:26:59.848-04:00

The photo I took of the soldier kissing the nurse was shot while driving by the sculpture in Sarasota. There are better photos (above)on the Internet and the back story you can read if you are interested.Sophie Mae knew where these two were all along. See the comments section of the "Where Am I?" post from Thursday, April 9.Here's part of the back story I found on the Internet:At the end of WWII,

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-18145034357533668812009-04-09T12:05:00.004-04:002009-04-09T12:11:31.180-04:00

For all you Florida enthusiast and even those who have an occasional interest in my beautiful state... I thought it would might be fun to occasionally post some of the random photos I've taken from my romp abouts in Florida and let you guess where I was when I took the photo... or where the scene is that the photo represents (whichever applies). If you'd like to include your thoughts (experience)

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-11766805264084841742009-04-03T22:09:00.002-04:002009-04-03T22:23:34.346-04:00

Love those planters!It's been pretty hot and steamy this last week in Central Florida. Too hot for me. I don't particularly care for the humidity with these temps in the 80's.The up side is that it cools down a bit at night and the humidity goes away. That means the mornings are nice and the evenings are nice. On a day when my 3year old grandson was here we packed up a picnic lunch. On our way to

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-50851800121823848712009-03-29T17:41:00.001-04:002009-03-29T17:44:29.093-04:00

When one gets the inkling to look into graveyards, grave sites, and such it might actually be necessary to travel a wee bit to do some digging. Not literal digging but record digging.With all my extra hobbies and interests taking up loads of my time it's a good thing I haven't yet been bitten by the genealogy bug. Although I do find it all very fascinating mind you. My mom, however, has decided

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-6801167671131917832009-03-15T16:02:00.006-04:002009-03-21T19:39:47.891-04:00

It wasn't our originally planned destination. When Mom and I set out for a back roads trip heading 5 counties north of us a few days ago we were on our way to a plein air "paint out" event at Dudley Farms State Park in Newberry, FL.Only I just happened to have jotted down the name of a Florida Native Nursery that I thought per chance we might stop by on our way to the park. You know, just for a

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-20305452559313380552009-03-09T15:50:00.006-04:002011-06-07T14:26:52.663-04:00

As a teenager there wasn't a weekend that went by that I didn't get to the beach if I possibly could. Oh my. I'd stay in the brilliant sunshine for hours on end. Getting as much sun for THE BEST TAN was the end game. Now that I think about it, I spent time in the sun like that until just a few years ago. *sigh about the skin*It NEVER occurred to me to be on the beach just to walk or sit or read

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-9657474318058485622009-03-01T21:40:00.007-05:002009-03-01T22:02:30.714-05:00

Last February (2008) when Mr. Meems and I spent a long weekend to vacation at Bradenton Beach I got out to the beach one morning very early. I saw all the usual suspects foraging for breakfast. Just about the time I was wondering why I had sacrificed sleep to get up so early a very (very) large bird caught my attention flying over the water.Honestly, I couldn't remember ever having seen one like

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-85294781995498115082009-02-26T06:51:00.000-05:002009-02-26T06:51:38.694-05:00

Is there ever better weather in Florida than now? I have to tell you I am drinking in the beauty of the weather we have been having. Bluer than blue skies, crystal clear, sunny, and bright ... almost everyday.In the shade of my towering oak trees the climate is nearly perfect. Or ... as goldilocks has been known to say... just right.So... what do I spend every spare minute doing? You can find me

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-57242165474375275972009-02-18T12:09:00.002-05:002009-02-19T21:27:44.202-05:00

With all the visits to the beach lately and all the talk of eating great seafood it is only fair to give you a little glimpse into my kitchen, too.My mom, my sister and I ate at Star Fish Dockside while visiting the Gulf Beaches and I mentioned here before that I like to buy my fresh seafood there at the market any time I can get by there. We've enjoyed many huge family dinners outdoors at the

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-21347357040715432442009-02-16T08:22:00.010-05:002009-02-19T21:28:43.940-05:00

What a difference a day can make!The first day my sister was here we headed to Anna Maria Island to give her a good dose of the Gulf Beaches she was homesick for. Only it was foggy. It was foggy allllllllllllllllllllll day long. Something I have NEVER seen in all my years of living here. We made the best of it enjoying the stroll down the shoreline, the birds feeding happily, and of course just

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-58162823074152305912009-02-14T20:40:00.003-05:002011-06-07T14:28:04.019-04:00

My sister, Marmee, is here visiting from Tennessee. She purposely came this time of year to get away from the frigid cold weather they've been experiencing this winter. Tennessee has had its share of snow and record breaking cold so her outdoor days there are surrounded by all things grey and brown.So what does a Florida girl who moved to Tennessee and comes back for a visit want to do on her

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-68363757452313388832009-02-08T21:31:00.000-05:002009-02-08T21:53:45.754-05:00

You'd hardly know it living in a largely populated bay area like we do but Florida still has plenty of wide open spaces to explore. And it is our habit to drive the back roads to find them as often as possible when we travel ... especially on our "quest to see Florida" adventures.Seems I'm constantly shouting out, "stop the car... I need to take a picture". Poor Mr. Meems. He's getting used to it

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-42368598431387857172009-01-25T16:04:00.003-05:002009-01-27T12:23:13.396-05:00

Anyone who lives in Florida is blessed with so many evening skies swished and smudged with hues of every shade of oranges, pinks, and purples as the sun descends to meet the horizon. Sunsets are every ounce peaceful and glorious to observe no matter the amount of brilliance and colors. Getting to see one from a mountain top or a coastal shoreline is especially breathtaking.We don't have mountains

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-84433586838003931622009-01-23T23:14:00.009-05:002009-01-23T23:48:13.095-05:00

Wow! Central and South Florida had some really cold temperatures this week. It was colder in South Florida than it was here in the Tampa Bay Area. I don't remember the last time my garden had this much damage. I keep thinking I should remember, but I don't, so it must have been a while back.Typically, I don't let the media hype affect me too much when it comes to threats of freezing weather. I'm

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-41372908406482892262009-01-21T06:00:00.004-05:002009-01-21T07:31:49.346-05:00

Admittedly, I'm fascinated with bridges. Bridges of all sorts. The architecture of them... the expanse of them... the massiveness of them... really, everything about them. So, I try to take photos of interesting bridges I come across... no pun intended.It's not always that easy. Typically bridges are spanning water which means one can't necessarily get out of the car just anywhere to get a clear

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-221205149726285962009-01-12T06:00:00.000-05:002009-01-12T06:00:00.821-05:00

My childhood memories are full with warm, sunny, winter days and picking citrus right from the tree, cutting a hole in the top and squeezing the juice right out of the orange for a quick drink. I also remember groves and groves of orange trees throughout our county. Then as I got older, one by one, they were sold and plowed down for land to build hundreds of houses in rows and rows of look alike

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-70105005062102478012009-01-09T23:47:00.006-05:002009-01-10T00:24:45.001-05:00

The dramatic view of downtown Tampa from Bayshore Blvd. looking toward the eastern sky at sunset.The moon was brightly reflecting at sundown tonight. The seven mile stretch of Bayshore's sidewalk and balustrade seawall that borders Hillsborough Bay.

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-42196952612645307372009-01-07T06:29:00.003-05:002009-01-07T06:48:36.669-05:00

Ever notice that sepia hazy color it seems the whole earth gets when all the elements align? It usually happens just minutes before sunset. The foliage, the objects around us, and even the air seems like they turn together into one shade of pale, misty yellow.Sitting on my back porch a couple of days ago with my nose in a magazine it happened. It caught my attention when I looked up and my

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-231580642078664022009-01-04T19:30:00.011-05:002009-01-05T10:05:24.288-05:00

This is the first official post ever on this new blog created January 1, 2009. All but the "under construction" posts previous to this one have been imported from my gardening blog, Hoe and Shovel. If you read back through some of those writings there will most likely be reference to my garden.*******************************************We had a Happy New Year much the same as every other year.

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-19918026284971647612009-01-01T17:23:00.001-05:002009-01-04T17:26:56.147-05:00

This brand new blog is under construction with little time to get it up and running. I have imported previously published posts from my other blog for now. All the posts I've imported relate to Florida, travel, or nature in some way.Please check back for a current post soon.

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-63534675100780078062008-11-26T11:17:00.000-05:002009-01-04T15:31:54.349-05:00

Our family has congregated to St. Simon's Island, Ga for Thanksgiving week.Our three grown children with their spouses and their children are all staying in the same house at the beach.No time for writing much. We've been very busy having great family time.It's going to be really strange to cook in a partially equipped kitchen but we'll manage.Yesterday a photographer met us at this 1700's church

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-59183201771254876732008-11-17T08:00:00.000-05:002009-01-04T14:43:27.853-05:00

There is nothing like the drive northward up the West Coast of Florida. So many miles of untouched and preserved nature coast to be experienced just a quick hop from the main highway. It's very different from the white sandy beach coast southward.Bald cypress stands border so many waterways and help to preserve the very "old Florida" appeal if you take the time to breathe it all in.The rain came

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-84521567136914128612008-10-25T17:52:00.001-04:002009-01-04T15:33:00.570-05:00

There's been a whole lot of gardening going on at Hoe & Shovel over the past couple of weeks. And do you want to know every little thing about what I've been doing? I kind of doubt it since it mostly involves fall clean up projects. Lots of trimming. But also I've done some planting. So far I'm working away at a good trimming and pruning of the shell ginger, the confederate jasmine that grows

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-50450089518365885622008-10-22T16:15:00.000-04:002009-01-04T15:31:54.349-05:00

The voices of daybreak around Hoe & Shovel are typically dominant with high-pitched screeching of many red-shouldered hawks flying about searching for breakfast in and out of the tall cypress trees. Often we hear the rich, loud, rattling call of the sandhill cranes as they fly over to nearby water areas for their morning hunt.Yesterday's dawning brought the same welcome voices only with the

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-81387323661591722362008-10-03T14:18:00.001-04:002009-01-05T21:32:14.310-05:00

The last day of our vacation, hubby and I made our way north over the Florida/Georgia border to another small, sleepy town hollowed out on the St. Mary's river. From here we boarded a ferry boat over to Cumberland Island... the only way to get to the island is by boat. Virtually uninhabited by humans for its entire history, there are clues from Indian inhabitants and then Spanish soldiers and

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-77094804378883393322008-09-30T18:30:00.002-04:002009-01-05T21:35:45.700-05:00

Planning for some end of summer get away time, hubby and I picked out a sleepy historic Fernandina Beach town in the northeast corner of Florida to spend our week. We've been here before but not for this many days.It's a place where charming old houses line red brick streets.Because the weather has been so wonderfully mild we are doing one of my favorite things which is eating where outdoor

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-64139037572660053232008-09-15T16:45:00.000-04:002009-01-04T14:43:27.854-05:00

At the very end of a windy mountain road in Blue Ridge, Georgia, with no neighbors in view, sits the cabin, with the name Tranquility, that was to be our retreat for a few days. And retreat is was. Four girls. Three generations. All family. Some from Tennessee. Some from Florida. We talked, we laughed, we cried, we prayed, we walked, we ate ... together ... and so much of it happened next to that

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-80097696106723788022008-09-12T01:19:00.000-04:002009-01-04T14:43:27.854-05:00

As a mini-get-a-way and a way to celebrate a milestone birthday for my mom, some of the girls in the family have come together in a most peaceful cabin setting in the Blue Ridge mountains. With no other cabins in sight and only the sounds of crickets, birds and the crackle of the outdoor fireplace, we are all finding ourselves winding down from our particular busyness and easily relaxing with the

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-15338856811684975502008-08-09T10:14:00.000-04:002009-01-04T15:31:54.349-05:00

It's been a hot and muggy August (who am I kidding this has been going on since June) here in Florida. Even so, I managed to spend lots of hours in the garden this week. My empty vegetable beds got a good dose of bone meal and dried blood mixture worked into the soil. We'll let that rest for a few weeks before we plant some seed for a fall harvest. I planted some tomato seeds in small containers

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-84784925292959315492008-08-03T21:58:00.000-04:002009-01-04T14:43:27.855-05:00

Did someone translate me to Seattle and forget to tell me? Was it me who was whining about the drought all last summer and just a few short weeks back? I do detest whining but I'm sure it was me guilty of this intolerable habit.Okay, I am VERY grateful for all the rain we've gotten over the last few weeks. Really I am. It's been sweet relief after so many months void of the heavenly moisture.

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-36831239626348029942008-07-27T22:49:00.002-04:002009-05-17T14:45:26.239-04:00

In Florida, in the midst of summertime, it's a good idea to take advantage of the morning hours and the evening hours for getting out and about outdoors.This evening was a good time to take a drive over to the bay waters to watch the sunset. Mr. Meems and I were thinking fresh seafood sounded good for dinner so we headed to a favorite restaurant of ours in Tarpon Springs. It's about a 30 minute

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-61542703655181231702008-07-02T17:45:00.000-04:002009-01-04T15:31:54.350-05:00

Ordered in February and requested to be delivered in mid-June over 300 caladium bulbs were calling my name to be put in the ground. I spent Monday and Tuesday this week planting most of them. This endeavor started but put on hold a couple of weeks ago.There was more to be done than the bulb planting but they were my most important objective. I always seem to forget how fast and furious every

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-32715117980650235892008-06-27T22:01:00.000-04:002009-01-04T15:31:54.350-05:00

Monarch on ZinniaIt was an all-dayer in the garden getting caught up from being away last week. When I walked out the door this morning at 7:30 it was my intention to do a few things around the garden and be finished around noon. After all it is miserably hot these days and one would be crazy to work all day in this heat.Skipper? I can't settle on an ID for this one. Any one?Turns out there was

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-84549459708510870402008-06-26T21:41:00.000-04:002009-01-04T15:31:54.350-05:00

A brief interruption in our series of posts featuring vacation fun to share this important and exciting discovery.A few posts back we featured this potted container arrangement. As you can see there is a parsley plant spilling over one side. There is also a parsley plant spilling over the raised beds in the veggie garden (shown below). Both were planted back in March and have produced some very

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-82678703575532705892008-05-11T23:10:00.000-04:002009-01-04T14:43:27.855-05:00

Mom and I made a two day journey out of our recent visit to Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven, FL. Just the two of us staying overnight in a nearby hotel so we could take our time and just hang out together for a couple of days was the way we decided to celebrate Mother's Day together.What is so amazing about Cypress Gardens is that it first opened in 1936 as botanical gardens. That's 72 years ago.

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-45195693438348936362008-04-11T11:10:00.000-04:002009-01-04T15:31:54.350-05:00

Scarlet Pimpernel There is a flurry of activity going on these days in the garden. It seems everywhere I turn something else has made its way out of the ground... That overnight this or that has filled in, plumped out, bloomed up or some such. These are the days when the emotions of gardeners run very high as we make new discoveries by the minute.Miss MuffetThere will be numerous blabberings over

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-78872464413576047402008-04-02T22:40:00.000-04:002009-01-04T14:43:27.856-05:00

So many times when engaged in my gardening I'm quite distracted by the birds, butterflies, bugs, and just about any crawling, hopping, or flying creature around me. Why just the shadows & sounds overhead are enough to prompt me to stop what I'm doing below to take a gander at what's going on above. And the truth is I never mind ... quite the opposite. It is part of the pleasure and joy of

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-23378272640377706942008-03-07T14:00:00.002-05:002009-02-14T22:39:33.258-05:00

My soul always begins to leap with anticipation and delight as the horizon of endless-blue starts to edge into view, with the array of palm trees signaling nearness to the salty air and the gulls flying overhead. Just before you cross over the bridge to get to Longboat Key (to the South) and Anna Maria Island (to the North) there lies the sleepy little fishing village of Cortez.The village is

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-78068813045950171472008-03-05T08:45:00.000-05:002009-01-04T14:43:27.856-05:00

Anna Maria Island with miles of white sandy beaches, crystal clear gulf waters and fabulous seafood restaurants is one great place to visit. I always look for accommodations that have that feeling of "old Florida" with a laid-back linger-longer sort of style in peaceful cottages. No highrises or condominiums for this beach goer. No, I look for wood floors, lots of windows, porches, foundations

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-90988047379568684832008-03-02T22:45:00.000-05:002009-01-04T14:43:27.857-05:00

In Florida there are few, if any, flowering trees that can come close to the particularly showy blossoms of the Tabebuia or Pink Trumpet Tree.There are no leaves on the tree during flowering but I love the contrasting silvery wood of the branches. The 3" long, trumpet-shaped flowers appear in spring and can be pink, purple, or yellow, depending on the species.I spotted these spectacularly

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-59634475742634384282008-02-24T18:05:00.000-05:002009-01-04T14:43:27.857-05:00

Early Saturday morning at Hoe and Shovel the cloudy grey sky was threatening rain. Now in Florida it is common to receive threats of this sort without any action. The overcast sky actually provides a reprieve from the sunshine and on occasion makes gardening very pleasant .And so it was this Saturday. My most important aim of the day was to remove some grass which was trampled and worn and

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-61223000533523344182008-02-22T06:30:00.000-05:002009-01-04T14:43:27.857-05:00

These last couple of weeks have been spent doing as much gardening as possible with every bit of free time available. The weather has been outstanding. I have to say it... "I am having so much fun." I will post later about some of the progress I am making but for today-- have a look at some of the wildlife and critters I've captured while doing spring clean-up/projects.If you read my blog

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-60246615707519324472008-02-06T14:23:00.000-05:002009-01-04T14:43:27.857-05:00

Florida Sandhill Cranes are long-legged, long-necked, gray, heron-like birds with a patch of bald, red skin on top of their heads.Cranes feeding on my neighbor's lawn. Even though we see them year round in central Florida the Sandhill Crane population is noticeably increased of late. It is true some Sandhill Cranes live here all year long but there are also those that migrate here during the

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-87766089339574327292008-01-28T18:50:00.000-05:002009-01-04T15:31:54.351-05:00

"Come back in the morning when the tide is low-- just about daybreak( 7:00 a.m.) and you will get to see a great number of birds feeding in and around the estuaries."This from the friendly park volunteer to hubby and I as we pop in to the J. N. "Ding" Darling Refuge Visitor's Center on our way home from golf. We just wanted to pick up info even though our plan was to tour the 4 mile stretch of

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-14905031999926548182008-01-22T23:01:00.000-05:002009-01-04T14:43:27.858-05:00

Total physical and mental inertia are highly agreeable, much more so than we allow ourselves to imagine. A beach not only permits such inertia but enforces it, thus neatly eliminating all problems of guilt. It is now the only place in our overly active world that does. John Kenneth GalbraithI find myself at the extremity of a long beach. How gladly does the spirit leap forth, and suddenly enlarge

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-30625328338599877442008-01-20T23:00:00.000-05:002009-01-04T14:43:27.858-05:00

Hubby and I returned home late this evening from a long weekend out of town south of our home. We stayed on the Gulf of Mexico in Captiva. It is one of our favorite small island towns on this coast.I'm posting a couple of videos/photos to give you a preview of our time there until I can get around to completing a post.Willet shorebird foraging on Captiva.White Pelicans (here for the winter) at J.

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-3391898297568536182008-01-12T23:10:00.002-05:002009-03-20T22:37:55.347-04:00

Papa and Mimi were giving our little guy (daughter's son-almost 2) all our attention this morning in the backyard. He loves to gather all Papa's practice golf balls and then does a (very)decent job swinging his own miniature sized clubs at them.As adorable and cute as he is Mimi got a little distracted as the 'boys' were doing there thing.The butterflies were out in numbers as the sunshine gave

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-75912134102866409932007-12-31T17:02:00.000-05:002009-01-04T14:43:27.858-05:00

Central Florida weather has been so mild and rather spring-like this December. This is the time of year when we Florida natives can actually enjoy being outdoors taking advantage of our great parks and attractions.Hubby and I made our way toward the gulf into the next county Saturday afternoon. The Anclote River Park in Tarpon Springs was to be our first destination before heading to an early

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-59104089443361967122007-12-08T23:14:00.000-05:002009-01-04T14:43:27.859-05:00

the very next day after i went to cedar key with hubby i headed south to anna maria island with a dear long-time friend to spend a girl-day at a few of our favorite haunts.we started out at "ginny's" antique shop and tea room for shopping and lunch. inside this unique and quaint gift shop --among all the wares for sale (new and old things)- tables and chairs have been placed throughout with

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-46715968650667204852007-11-29T22:48:00.000-05:002009-01-04T14:43:27.859-05:00

we've driven by the highway signs on many trips to the panhandle but it's been years since we stopped in for a visit. yesterday hubby and i ventured north about 2 hours to the sleepy little nature coast town of cedar key.we drove around the few streets that make up the tourista district. with several choices of restaurants we randomly asked a couple of the locals where they would eat for lunch.

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-90759996893958999592007-11-15T22:20:00.001-05:002009-03-20T22:38:47.359-04:00

mom and i spent a day together last week in lake wales. our first stop was chalet suzanne for a 7 course, leisurely, talk-all-we-want lunch. thanks, mom. it had been many years since we had visited this part of florida."A favorite of celebrities, Chalet Suzanne has a proud heritage and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. On the property are five dining rooms, 30 guest rooms, a

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-21417887732974924362007-11-08T23:16:00.000-05:002009-01-04T14:43:27.860-05:00

mom and i spent the day together in lake wales. there are lots of things i will share about our visit to bok sanctuary. but that will wait.early this morning as i was doing some hand watering something unusual caught my attention out of the corner of my eye.it was this big guy sitting on top of my bird feeder of all places. yep... right out in the open in my back yard. it was an odd sight given

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-27379154208402465602007-11-04T23:08:00.000-05:002009-01-04T14:43:27.860-05:00

there was a time in my life (pre-blogging days) when i would be out and about and disappointedly wish i had my camera with me for some moment of celebration or sighting of something i would otherwise have enjoyed capturing. i'm getting pretty good about keeping one with me all the time these days. my family gives me a little grief (or you might say a little rolling of the eyes) over this fact but

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986921057108787794.post-14425990651737934682007-10-28T23:56:00.000-04:002009-01-04T14:43:27.861-05:00

saturday hubby and i made the most of the cloudy, dreary weather we had here all day long. i took a break from gardening (until that evening anyway) and we drove north to citrus county for a day trip. after stopping for breakfast we landed at the homosassa river and made a stop into the wildlife state park.recently i've added a new fascination to my "interests list" which now includes

Meemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16341998120938921741noreply@blogger.com6