We made it back to Naples - actually two and 1/2 weeks ago. Quite the contrast, as we flew out with two inches of snow on the ground and 15 degrees to be greeted by 90 degrees in Naples. I promptly came down sick with a monster of a cold/cough and am just now emerging back into the world. Haven't been sick in 6 years. I think I'll try to avoid it for another 6 - no fun at all.
Naples is already hopping and its not season yet. More accurately, a lot of people never left which is an interesting trend. All the wonderful tropical life including regular sightings of bald eagles. I know recognize their high peep call. A whole different world of sounds and creatures from where we just came from.
A new experiment for us - helping monarch butterflies. They are very endangered across the country and since Florida has the native milkweed plants that monarchs exclusively lay their eggs on, we've just planted half a dozen plants in our backyard. Really crazy stuff as there were caterpillars right away on the plants and a few monarchs have landed on the bushes. They've been around for a week now just flitting and eating from the flowers all day long. So far so good.
Another grand experiment- the children's book has been published and is live on Amazon! Penny and I spent a lot of Covid months writing a story and sharing drawings, some in person but mostly long distance and via a wonderful digital art program called Procreate. The characters are all hers and I painted backgrounds. This was one of the more amazing lovely projects I've ever done. What fabulous memories I will have forever.
