Tuesday - Hot and Sunny! Great for Kayaking!

Ken was up by 6:30 to do some reading and then we both watched about 20 minutes of the Morning News before he left for a walk with Ernie.  During their walking time, I got ready for the day, did my stretches, started packing lunches, and got breakfast started.  Ken had actually cut up fresh fruit before he left.

After breakfast and doing dishes, the 4 of us left in the CRV at 9:45 and drove about 1 1/4 hours to Estero River Outfitters to rent tandem kayaks.  We had done the same paddle last year and enjoyed the views on the Estero River and we saw numerous manatees.  We rented the kayaks for 3 hours and off we went paddling through what looked like Old Florida at the beginning. 

Waiting for our kayaks!

Off we go!!!!

Looking good!

We stopped along the shoreline and ate our lunches docked along the edge of the water in our kayaks.  After eating, we paddled another 10 minutes before turning around and heading back towards where we rented the kayaks. 

Paddling makes a person hungry!

On our way back we saw an alligator with his eyes actually open and very yellow.  We also saw numerous birds. 

It seems like we rarely see an alligator with his eyes open!

Green Heron

Pelican

Great Blue Heron

Ibis

Not sure which Heron this is?????

We docked at Koreshan State Park for a "potty" break and just to stretch our legs.  There was a huge tree on the ground that had fallen on top of a picnic table, probably the result of Hurricane Irma.  Ken challenged Ernie to climb it and of course, Ernie had to accept the challenge!

Docked at the State Park!

This was a HUGE fallen tree!

Oh, Ernie!!!!

Leapin' Lizard!!!

Back in the kayaks to complete our trip seeing some turtles along the way.  We had been on the water for 3 1/4 hours and had a wonderful time.  Unfortunately the water was too warm for the manatees to still be around, so they head out to the Gulf for the cooler water.  They had been seen in the Estero River just several days ago, so we were a bit disappointed we were a little too late!

On the return trip!

Lots of beautiful palm trees!

Soft shelled Turtles!

Don't you just love his outstretched legs?????

We stopped at Costco on the way back but between the 4 of us we only bought 3 items - we apologized to the check out people!!!!  We were back to the CG around 5 and our phone rang.  It was Bria and Cali calling to thank us for their Valentine cards and gifts - camping scrapbook pages.  So much fun to talk to them and I really appreciated that they enjoyed reading and looking at the pages I had created.  They are excited to go on more camping trips this summer!  Showers felt great and Ken enjoyed a short nap.  After a dinner of leftovers, Ken vacuumed while I worked on this blog.

Ernie and Noela were here from 7:15 to 9:30 and we played 3 rounds of Hand and Foot with the women 3,000 points ahead.  The men will probably want to finish the game the next time we play - not ready to "give up"!  Bed by 10!

Monday - Another Gorgeous Day!

Ken was up early to read and study and then we both got to watch the first 20 minutes of the Morning News.  He left to walk with Ernie while I got ready, did my stretches, and started breakfast.

Ken finished breakfast while I spray painted a base coat on some of my coconuts and their tails.  We enjoyed delicious omelettes and fresh fruit.  After cleaning up we packed our lunches for today's hike and then I worked on this blog.

Ernie, Noela, Ken and I left the CG at 10:15 making a quick stop at Anthony's Ladies Apparel and while we shopped, the men took a short walk over part of the Charlotte Harbor Bridge.  They enjoyed watching a couple head out to their sailboat via their "dingy"! 

Back in the truck and on to the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center/Alligator Creek Preserve.  We had been there last year and enjoyed the numerous hikes they have around the Preserve, so we decided to go back and do some walking.  We took the Three Lakes Trail and then the connecting Flatwoods Trail.  It was a very sunny, hot day but most of the hike was shaded, so a good day to go there.  

Quite a nice instructional building and gift shop!

Ready to start the hike!

Shaded and looks like Old Time Florida!

Numerous wooden walkways on the trails!

A beautiful red shoulder hawk!

A long pier at one of the ponds!

Just floating along!

2 alligators on the pond!

Time to rest!

After completing the trails, we enjoyed our packed lunches in the screened pavilion.  The boys took another short walk to the Alligator Pond, but no luck seeing any gators.  

We were back to the CG by 3:15 and Ken and I headed right to the laundry.  We had not done wash for 2 weeks so there was "lots" to do!  Ken returned to Wilbur and then came back to get me when I had finished all the wash.  By 5:15 we were back to Wilbur to put all the wash in its proper place, shower, and Ken grilled chicken and salmon.

As soon as we finished dinner, Ken left for Celebrate Recovery at Edgewater!  I did dishes and then worked on this blog.  Ernie and Noela stopped by for a few minutes to decide what time we wanted to leave tomorrow morning to go kayaking - 9:45 was decided!

I spent the remainder of the evening painting coconut fish while watching the Olympics.  Ken returned at 9 and then Joyce, who is near us in the CG, stopped by and we chatted until 10:15.  Off to bed for Ken and I.

Sunday - A Beautiful, Warm, Sunny and Breezy Day!

Ken and I had a good night's rest and were on our way to Church at Edgewater by 8:50.  Had a good time with folks we have learned to know and with Eddie and Lori from back home.  The 4 of us will see each other here each Sunday while we are "snowbirding"!

After a good sermon on anger, the 4 of us went to Denny's for breakfast where we enjoyed good food and conversation.  Ken and I went to Wal-Mart for a few items before returning to the CG around 1.  Ken rested while I enjoyed painting my coconut fish.  There is a garage/craft sale here in the CG in 2 weeks and you just set-up in front of your RV.  I want to have my fish finished by then as well as display my jewelry and sea glass pictures.

We did go over to Ernie and Noela's to discuss our plans for the next several days and decided on a hike for Monday and kayaking on Tuesday.  I also talked to my sister and we plan to go to their CG on Wednesday to play some pickleball and visit.

Ken and I left the CG at 3:30 to go to Edgewater to play Hand and Foot and Eddie and Lori came too!  There were 36 of us who came to play and each couple was asked to bring a food item to share.  We had 3 couples at each table and we played one game (4 rounds) before dinner and then another game after that.  Unfortunately, we all finished the 1st game at different times so we didn't get to switch tables for the 2nd game.  Ken and I were disappointed because we were hoping to learn to know more folks while we were there.  We left the church at 8:45 and both of us were tired and a bit frustrated that we didn't get to "mingle" with the rest of the folks.

We headed right to bed when we returned to the CG and did some reading.  All in all it was a great day and we are looking forward to the upcoming gorgeous weather week and all the activities we have planned.  It will be fun!

Saturday - Warm, Sunny, Breezy Day for Craft Show on Pine Island!

After a bit of a restless night (usually happens before a Craft Show), Ken and I were up by 5:30 and were on our way to Pine Island by 6:45!

This is the 4th year I have done this craft show at the Fishers of Men Lutheran Church on Pine Island.  It is about an hour from our CG and we did stop on our way to the area where there are burrowing owls.  Fortunately, 3 of them were out and about!  They are such adorable little critters!

Amazing at how camouflaged they are!

We arrived at the Church before 8 and were set-up in plenty of time for the 9:00 start of the show.  I always enjoy being a part of this show, because we had stayed in the CG on Pine Island many times and I get to see many folks who still camp there and that proved to be the case today!  I was also thrilled that Eddie and Lori who are in our Life Group back home took the time and the drive to visit us and check out the show!  I had a great day selling sea glass pictures, but only sold 3 pieces of jewelry.  After some discussion later in the day, Ken and I decided the jewelry may have "run its course"!  We shall see!!!

1st time I was indoors for this show and I was very thankful to
be indoors today!  Way tooooo windy outside!

Always relieved to be set-up and ready to sell!

This lady and her friends live on Pine Island and have been
some of my best customers and "cheerleaders".  Always
look forward to seeing them!

Ernie and Noela had planned to get to the show around 12:30 (it ended at 1) to walk around, help us clean-up, and then have a late lunch at the Low Key Tiki Hut.  Traffic was so backed up in Matlacha, that it took them over 1 1/2 hours to get to us, so they arrived just in time to help us pack up and load.  So thankful they came!

The 4 of us drove in the CRV to the Tiki Hut and enjoyed eating outdoors overlooking the canal and having their delicious chicken skewers (for me) and scallops wrapped in bacon skewers for the rest of them.  As per usual, it was a delicious lunch.  

We were so hungry and excited to have their delicious
skewers!  It is a must stop every year, at least once or twice!

Not a bad place to enjoy having lunch!

We took a walk on the St. Jude Trail to get some palm branches for making our coconut fish and just enjoying the walk and view.  Lanie called when we got to the end of the trail so we had a very nice chat!

We spotted this eagle on its nest at the Galt Preserve!

An annual photo at the entrance to the St. Jude Trail!

On the hunt for tails for our coconut fish!

This is the "reward" for taking the short hike, sitting on this
little dock!

A great place to relax and chat with Lanie!

The 4 of us left the island in our separate vehicles around 5:30 and Ken and I stopped for about 2 hours at a CG on our way back to visit Russ and Darlene, some friends from back home.  We had a very nice time!

Only got back to our CG at 8 after being gone about 13 hours - long day, but good!  We unloaded the CRV and put everything away (WOW!) and then went to bed.  Both of us were extremely tired.

Friday - Mostly Warm and Sunny!

Friday was a busy day but a good one!  Ken and I left the CG at 8:45 to help at the Food Bank and we had about 70 people come for food and less helpers than normal, so we kept very busy!  We had lots of fruit and veggies, so it was a healthy day for the "shoppers".  We all wore disposable gloves and washed our hand frequently because several of the folks who came said they had the flu - Oh no!  We all took precautions!  After cleaning up and putting everything away, we were back to the CG by 1:15.

We ate lunch and then I spent the afternoon making sea glass pictures for tomorrow's craft show.  While I made about 7 or 8 pictures, Ken loaded the car with our small tables (the church provides the 6' ones), our display items, finished products, etc.  

After dinner, which we were able to eat outside, Rick and Joyce arrived around 6 and we had such a fun evening together playing double deck Pinochle, which the men won, and then they conceded after 2 rounds of Hand and Foot (we were so far ahead!).  We really enjoy our time with Rick and Joyce and will miss them a lot when we return to PA.

They left at 9:45 and we headed right to bed because we will have to get up early tomorrow morning to head to Pine Island!  Looking forward to a fun craft show!

Thursday - Warm and Sunny!

Ken left at 6:15 for the Men's Bible Study at Edgewater.  He had volunteered to bring "breakfast" so it was fresh fruit and pastry morning.  I slept till 7:15 and then spent time addressing Valentine's cards for our family back home and packaging scrapbook pages for our granddaughters that I had created from our 2 camping trips with them last summer.  I had started camping scrapbooks for them the 1st time they went with us and keep adding pages each year.  It is rather time consuming but so much fun to remember our adventures together and how much they change each year.

Ken was back from 7:45 to 8:45 when he returned to the church to help unload trucks and set-up for tomorrow's food bank.  He took all the cards and packages with him because the Post Office is next door to the church!  It was time to get them in the mail if I want them to get to PA before Valentine's Day!

Noela stopped by to talk about plans for today and tomorrow and just to chat.  Then it was my opportunity to phone numerous friends and family and "catch up" on life!  I was thrilled to talk with Deb back home and realize that although her husband is going thru some tough medical challenges and she is the caregiver, she seems to be doing well and he is definitely improving!  I also talked with my mother, and Ginny and Jamie, ladies  in our apartment building back home, and Joyce.  So good to connect with all of them.

I wanted to start making some sea glass pictures, but next on the agenda was stretching exercises and devotions.   It was 11 before I knew what happened and time to get out all the necessary supplies to be "crafty"!  Where did the morning go????  I only got glass sorted and 1 picture made until Ken returned around 12:30.  

He ate a quick lunch and I ate mine in the car on the way to the beach.  I had planned to craft this afternoon, but tomorrow's weather looks a bit "iffy", so we decided to go today and stay around on Friday after we return from the Food Bank around 1.  We chose Blind Pass Beach today and were there from 1:45 till 4:30.  Most of that time we were walking north on the beach where there are lots of shells and a fair amount of shark's teeth.  The winds shifted and it got cooler around 4, so it was time to leave!  

Ken walked farther up the beach then I did and there were
lots of shells but no one on the beach!  Too far from the
parking lot!

Back to Wilbur where showers felt terrific!  I downloaded photos and worked on this blog.  Wraps and zucchini pasta with veggies made a delicious dinner!  We walked over to Ernie and Noela's screened gazebo where we played Skip-Bo (men won) and then chatted over tea and coffee.  In bed by 10!