Visit to Maryland, Tai chi, and Spring

 

A lovely visit to Heather and family was had. Braden is 4 and Aubrey 6. Aren't they just darling!

They live just a short walkable distance to the Chesapeake Bay. The playground is at water's edge. Great location. A day with the promise of spring in the air.

Crafts and just general fun we got to enjoy. It was so good to see Heather, Brian, and the kids. They're growing up so fast!

My activity of many years (Tai chi) finally resulted in a couple of public performances with my group led by instructor Danli. If you're not familiar, Tai chi is a Chinese martial art that is slow meditative controlled movement. None of us were sure we were ready for this but it turned out to be a lot of fun and we weren't half bad, if I do say so myself.

Spring is clearly on its way. We don't get as much change in seasons here in Florida but there are still extra bits of color here and there. We have just over six weeks and then it's back to Star Mt. Next up for me is Paris with Tiffany, Chris, and the girls. Getting super excited! I'll be back to share adventures.

Friends, beach, golf, and alligators

 I have been reminded I haven't posted at all since January. Oops...

It's been a very busy season here in Naples, as usual.  Lots of golf, mahjong, social gatherings ,tai chi practice, and restaurant happenings. It is the opposite of sit in a rocking chair and watch life go by. Abnormally cold January led to some whiny people who come to Florida for warm sunshine and swaying palm trees. Ah well, can't do anything about the weather as we all know. Everything good now.

We had good friends and Colorado neighbors Kim and Steve visit us in January and while some of that chilly weather appeared there were still some great days. (And they're used to -20 so this didn't feel like much).

Rosie spoonbill

big boy

the historical Rod & Gun club- visited by many presidents and famous celebrities

Visiting alligator country in the Everglades. Saw a lot, many tropical birds including a pair of flamingos flying overhead. That was amazing!

Dinner at Baleen's, a wonderful beachfront restaurant.

my good friend and guest Lee Ann 

Lee Ann, Gretchen, Roxanne, Michelle

We won the ladies member guest two day tournament! Quite exciting. I met Lee Ann and Roxanne on our South Africa trip almost 3 years ago and remained friends ever since. Michelle a lovely new friend and great team golf player.

Next trip up is Maryland to see Heather and family. I will post I promise, hopefully sooner than later.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to everyone! No, I have not been posting but no worries, all is well. We are in Florida and enjoying our frenetic life here with lots of golf, fabulous dinners, swaying palm trees and white sandy beaches (haven't made it to a beach yet - my favorite is still closed from the hurricane of many weeks ago). The photos are from our Charleston trip for Christmas with Tiffany, Chris, Penny and Jules.

Gingerbread cookies - a long tradition

This looks weird right? Oysters Christmas Eve shucked by Mark and Chris. Um, unexpected guest - pea crabs. Yes, it's a thing, especially in South Carolina. A bit disconcerting to say the least.

Grand pre Xmas dinner at iconic Hall's Chophouse

Marvelous food if you ever get the chance to go. You can see Jules was certainly enjoying.

the now normal world of screens

Aaannnd Christmas is done. Goodness it all goes so fast. It was a great time and much fun had. 

Our golden world as we leave for Florida for the winter

Ohio Pass

Heavy emphasis on fall pics I took in the past few weeks. Leaves are falling as I write. It is gorgeous every year but oh so brief. We drove out of our area leaf watching and in the end we have some of the best color around close to home.

East Beckwith

And the cowboys are back in action rounding up cattle. I feel privileged to see this way of life- still amazes me after 15 years up here. These were our neighbor's cattle but coincidentally Star Mt. cattle were taken out this same day by our rancher. No more cattle for us until next June.

Swinging that rope with proficiency

From my morning walks at Star Mt. Fabulous stuff and I never take it for granted.

The photos below were taken in the in the last couple days. Went up Mill Creek after missing the drive last year due to the wildfire. Everything has turned orangish and blowing off like crazy. Fall must come to an end and it does like clockwork every year.

our house and woods

Mill Creek

Mill Creek

Mill Creek -partial view of the wildfire from last year. Burned trees removed on the left - looks much better. 

We leave for Florida soon. Already had to reschedule arrival due to Hurricane Milton. Hoping it doesn't leave chaos and destruction. We were lucky with Helene, others were not as everyone knows. Prayers for all.

sandhill cranes last week - what are they doing here in the fall? Travel stop or perhaps waiting for hurricane season to go by.

Last company and first snow

 

Castles with harvest moon

Our last company has come and gone. Our niece Katie and her friend Caitlin came up to spend a few days in the changing fall color. We had lots of fun!

Ohio Pass - where years of family photos have been taken

Gothic Mt.

Emerald Lake

Paradise Divide - our jeep is waayy down there.

Yup chilly

 Of course some Crested Butte and Gunnison action was had and a little jeeping on the side. The aspen still have a lot of turning to be at peak but every day the color changes a bit more. The girls zoomed around and made the most of their short visit. So great to have them here!

Our first snowfall yesterday. 39 degrees this morning. It's a sign that our time is about over. We leave in two weeks for Florida. I never can quite figure out how the summer went by so fast.

All the deer have turned gray now in winter preparation

sunset magic - looks like fire right?

Hummingbirds have left for their winter home (Mexico). This was taken a couple weeks ago. We get some spectacular rainbows here.