Blogging Again

Can't believe its been almost a year but by popular request the blog lives on....

Gator? Sand castle

Craziest or best sand castle I've seen - a dinogator!!! This was on Ft Myers beach - awesome isn't he with a wicked grin on his face.

Beach Views

Just back from 3 mile walk and this brown pelican was fishing for his breakfast. The Express to Key West was packed and sped past increasing the waves to over 12", and now the cigar boats with their loud motors are racing! Noisy! The quiet time was earlier in the morning with the fishermen down on Bowditch Point Park. The sand here is fine and easy to walk in - not as granular as that on Hawaii beaches. However, I notice very few people go in the water - it is shallow!

Florida water

Look I found a surfer!
He's in a wet suit and Sapper would barely consider this a wave! First few days are cooler than usual but the 80's sunbathing temp is almost here. I have crossed many bridges - the center photo is St Petersburg Skyway and it is very, very high- scary! The "ship home" built with porches shaped like a steam ship is in historic Pensacola. Very cute! Got to go catch a sunset - later!

Florida Trip

So far, Florida has been colder than Texas! The drive here was smooth and with many bridges. These homes are from Pensacola and Seaside - planned communities with a requirement that all homes have front porches! The sand is a beautiful bright white!

Alpaca's and Miniature Donkeys too

Alpaca's remind me of poodles - they are just adorable! I think this donkey prefers a donkey sign or an open gate.....

I've enjoyed being around animals though the dogs have my number. Sometimes they just want out and sometimes they want out to chase cats. What amazes me is that all get along so well.

Llama's and Donkeys

After weeks of snow, sleet, ice, rain, and wind finally there was a sunny day! House-sitting on a llama farm has been watchful - as in I'm the one being watched by various llama's, alpaca's, and miniature donkeys. Wonder just what they are thinking? I think they miss their Patti-Mom.

From Retirement Village to Llama Ranch

Though the Retirement Village was people interesting, the Llama Ranch is animal interesting. There are llama's, alpaca's, miniature donkeys, dogs, cats, and other critters. Its great to be around pets again, Molly (yellow lab), Brewster (dashhound), HC, and DC (cats) keep me entertained. Dogs chase cats, cats trick dogs, all spend hours napping with one eye open to bird feeder. When I don't sink or slip on ice, mud, and other goo from this weather, I will photo the herds.

Barn with horse photo is from 19th St in Winfield!

Young and Old Blue Eyes...

Amazing how blue Pman's eyes are but mine are a close second. He lost 40 lbs. in '07 and looks great-I'm so proud of him and it inspires me.... though a night of pizza wasn't quite the way to start. Did I notice some grey hairs in the new shorter haircut?

A Grandma Great Weekend!

Grandma loved seeing Pman and Bman this weekend. Note the J1 and J2 slackers --- or just taking a break after rearranging furniture. Grandma in fur hat and gloves ready to take on the world! And how did she manage to tower over her tall grandsons?

Fun at Shuffleboard!

And the winner was ----- Pman! Great form by serious players at Shuffleboard!

Late Christmas at J1's

A late Christmas and early New Years at J1's included the seemingly human dogs! The Pman had Bella and J1's Cajun, both rescued dogs enjoyed the celebration. Noticed Pman's trim physique? He ran a Half-Marathon in December and in training for it and his soccer team - lost almost 50 lbs this year! Congratulations and what an inspiration!

More Photo's from J2's

Great mashed potatoes from J2. Snow in hair! The F family and a beautiful Christmas table setting.

Christmas at J2's

Christmas at J2's was a beautiful White Christmas with great food and a very generous Santa. J2 made out like a bandit with made for her Oakley's and an ipod. Lizz got a great new camera I've yet to see photo's from.....hint! Both Corey and Tyler and their "Sara, Sarah's" made for more merriment! I know I gained a few pounds there...... Steve was excellent for highlights and dog news! And the shopping was delightful - in spite of the snow, we made it to the Crown Plaza, Town West, and Oak Park Mall. Fun, fun, fun!

Christmas with Lizz

Arriving in in 6" of snow with only flips (sandals) from Arizona, Lizz came for a white Christmas. Grandma was so happy to see Lizz as it had been several years. We celebrated early with Grandma then drove to KC. Ugh! We had to scrape ice and snow to see out the car windows!

2008 Came so fast!

Mom (Grandma) was not feeling to whippy at the end of the year. She was in the hospital for a few days, then moved to the Health Care side of Cumbernauld Retirement Village. J1 was here through the most difficult time. Thank you J1 - and J2 was back and forth from KC several times.
Grandma's favorite saying is "Life is not about how fast you run or how high you climb, life is about the bounce." And she's done just that - bounced back to enjoy Christmas!

Colors of Hawaii.....

Lei's and more lei's! Christine was given an honorary award from the museum and many, as traditional, congratulated her with lei's. The gorgeous flora and flower lei's flamboyantly color my memories. Even on drab rainy days, rainbows bring the bright hues back as if to say another beautiful day is coming. Oh yes, Hawaii, I'll return...
Aloha, and muhalo (thank you) for a beautiful six months...

Surf, Speedo's and Sharks

Water shades of blue from deep cobalt to lucid turquoise will forever remind me of here. Speedo's are something I'll miss ??? and the surf lifestyle. Two shark reports from the North Shore yesterday. The shark was actually entangled in the surf board leash at the Hale'ewa Beach area. The surfer dove off and shark bit the board and leash to get free. There is a whole world under water to watch!