Another Dolphin!

We went to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge today to do a little hiking and see the manatees. This was the first time we had set out to do any trail hikes walks since at least two surgeries ago. We stuck to a couple of easy trails and I did quite well. Next time we'll try something a little longer.

After our walks we went to the bridge over the Haulover Canal to see the manatees. We knew from our trips to Blue Springs that we'd be better off going on a cool day. WRONG! The water in the canal was too cool for them today. I'm not sure how well you'd be able to see them anyway, the water wasn't very clear. No matter, it was a beautiful day and we had brought along a picnic lunch. While we were sitting there eating, John asked if I could see the dolphin? Dolphin! Here?

Look, I got a picture and you can kind-of, sort-of tell what it is!


Here are a few other pics from our day.

Drab

I decided to push myself a bit on my my daily walk. I chose a route where I knew I have a place to sit if I needed to.

I passed on the opportunity to sit. As uninviting as this gazebo is I doubt anyone makes much use of it.

I've been through most of the development either in the car or the golf cart but today I walked a couple of blocks I'd never been down before. There was another opportunity to sit a spell I didn't know about.

I guess if you like to watch the golfers this would be an ok spot but some plants would go a long way towards making it more inviting. As I was passing the water hazard I watched a guy tee off but was still surprised at the sound of the splash next to me!

This view of the main club house was a bit more interesting.

I walked almost two miles at a fast pace, for me anyway. Hopefully I'll be able to maintain that distance and gradually push a little further.

Dolphin Encounter

We went back to Kennedy Space Center today. On the drive over the draw bridge was up.

Of course I wanted to see what type of boat was going through and holding us up.

But wait! Did I just see a dolphin swimming by the boat? Yes, yes it was a dolphin!

I hope you didn't strain your eyes too much looking for it. I had to blow the photo up lots of times to be able to see the fin and I knew where to look. Ah, well. I have the memory.

Pitter Patter of Little Feet

Another beautiful day! After dinner everyone headed off to do their own thing. I was sitting outside when I could hear him coming across the roof. You'd think he'd be used to me by now but as he made his way down the shrubs he caught sight of me and started making quite a racket. By the time I grabbed the camera he had retreated to the safety of the palm tree.

Happy Birthday!

So how did he spend his day? Lunch at Smokey Bones followed by grocery shopping. Then he spent the afternoon swearing at the golf cart. Afraid I wasn't much help but the new cowl looks good. Maybe he'll get that last screw in tomorrow .

New Books

We went out to buy carpet and came home with books too!

Obsession

Today was the last day of Ancestry's sale so I ponied up and spent the whole day downloading Canadian records.

Winter Has Arrived

The cold last night claimed most of the azalea blossoms. We're expecting it to be even colder tonight so I expect the rest will be gone tomorrow.

Left Over Christmas Bows

My daily walks are painful so anything that makes me smile is welcome.

Hello 2012

We saw the new year in at the main club house with Marie, Hugh and many of our neighbors. The band was the best we've seen here so far and we spent a little time on the dance floor. I was having such a good time that I talked about joining the weekly line dancing group. Obviously that must have been the wine talking. I was hurting by the time we got home but every time we go out I dance a little more and hurt a little less. Driving home in the cart we were treated to fireworks being set off all over the park.

I was regretting the amount of wine I consumed when I got up this morning. We had another sunny and warm day which made my walk less miserable. When I got home I started packing away the Christmas decorations until my back demanded a break.

The hot tub is my remedy for my aches and pains so went down for a soak. I am still amazed that we usually have the whole place to ourselves.

We had a very nice New Years dinner at Marie and Hugh's. After we got home I enjoyed another pretty sunset. Can't seem to capture just how pretty it was with my camera.

2012 is off to a very good start!

Goodbye 2011

I have had worse years but this one ranks up near the top of bad years. We were so looking forward to retirement and we did finally get to Florida but it was for the most part not a happy year. I stopped blogging back in August right about the time that I learned I'd have to have more surgery on my foot. After that I simply got out of the habit of blogging and found myself updating my life on Facebook. If you only follow me here you missed out on whiny posts about pain, leaky roofs, ceiling repairs and weeks of painting.

Yesterday was my 6th blogiversary but having neglected all of my blogs in 2011 I didn't feel much like celebrating. I'm hoping with a new year will come a new direction for this blog and more consistency for the others.

Here's hoping for a happy and productive 2012!

Let's Go to the Creek!

The afternoon of Mom's birthday party was hot. What better way to beat the heat then with a trip to the creek!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Somebody turned 86 recently and over the weekend we got together at my sister's house to celebrate. It's been a long time since I've seen Mom so relaxed and happy!

It was a warm day so Mom elected to have her picnic lunch inside. After lunch the kids and several of the adults left on a little adventure (more on that another day). So we moved Mom out on the front porch where the lake breeze was cooling.

I don't remember what I did but Mom gave me "the finger".

Waiting semi patiently for everyone to return.

Finally, PRESENTS! 

She was happy to get candy and new drapes.

She got them all on the first try!

The guys measured the big old maple - 21"+