Photos from a happier time

As I write this we are in the midst of a national and world crisis unlike anything seen before. I'm late as usual posting on the blog and my photos and story happened before everything exploded and shut down. It truly seems like 6 months ago. So these are photos from some happy moments and not irresponsible behavior photos - just sayin'.

Sherry and I made the most of our free time while the guys were playing in Mark's member/guest golf tournament and no photos of the guys made it into this post. They were busy off on their own. This was a spectacular setting for a dinner on the beach at Turtle Club, a long time restaurant and resort. The food and service were also amazing. Thanks Sherry for the treat - loved it so much!

Both Edison and Ford had massive wrap around porches. 

Next, we went exploring to the Edison and Ford winter estates just north of us. A beautiful piece of property overlooking the water that Edison built on, followed by Ford at Edison's invitation. Many buildings including a separate office for Edison to invent more amazing things. His legacy (and Ford's) is long lasting.

Another day trip was to the Koreshan state park. This was a religious order that was cult like without the koolaid component that peaked at 300 people. The founder Teed died in 1907 and the group gradually died out with the last remaining resident deeding the whole property (300 acres) to the state of Florida. Lots of buildings including a machine shop and bakery. The building above housed the seven women who governed the day to day activities (called the Planetary Court) Teed believed in equality of the sexes and communal ownership among other things. Interesting place to visit.

And lastly, this is Lenny. Lenny is a lizard who lives around our pool. Lenny likes to spend a great deal of time inside this metal decorative koi. Every afternoon he races over and hops in the mouth and gets himself situated. I felt he deserved a name...
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Please be safe and stay healthy in these perilous times. We will get through this to better days.

Road Trip: Hilton Head, Charleston, and St. Augustine

Rainy Charleston

A great week was had golfing in Hilton Head, visiting Tiffany and family in Charleston, and a last night in St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest city in the U.S. (1565) despite some chilly and rainy weather. We decided to do the driving thing rather than fly. Kind of a nice change.

Stayed at Inn at Harbour Town. Beautiful place and great golf courses. We got to catch up with old Maryland friends which was really nice. We moved in 2008 - a long time ago now...

Practicing holding breath

fantastic new library close to their house

Super quick visit to Charleston but got to check in on the Walker family. Busy bunch - swim lessons for Juliet, library visit, school activities galore. I love everything about their area - marvelous place to raise a family.

Casa Monica in St. Augustine. Right in the middle of the historic downtown area. All things Spanish including this kind of Moroccan theme.

Museums and churches on every corner. They've done a great job preserving the old.

The historic fort that protected the city. Pretty amazing it's still standing. Oldest masonry fort in the U.S. with construction beginning in 1672 finishing 23 years later.

I'd say we're settling down but boy, the schedule seem awfully packed. Company coming and Mark has two fishing trips scheduled with friends in a few weeks. He's definitely making the most of this newly retired life. Not complaining for sure...