Family Florida visit

Cousins and aunt together!

What a week! What a wonderful family visit. Gone in a flash but I took many photos and that's the gist of this post.

Remember me? Yes! said Aubrey

Peekaboo

Ahhh, my toes. Hidden for months with winter clothing

They look just a little bit alike...

So great to have everyone together. Mark had to do quite a bit of work and conference calls but he was at least in town for the visit. This was a special time not to be missed.

Lunch out with the gang - too bad we're missing Mark. Work!

Pool time - Penny and Jules know it well. Aubrey was a happy first timer.

Chris and Penny braving the waves

A massive windy day at the beach. First time for Aubrey. She loved the sand but not sure about the water.

The crazy tent I ordered. Required a lot of work from Chris to make it right

Second beach day with much calmer weather for the Walker family's last day. Sadly Heather, Brian, and Aubrey had already left for home.  So much fun. I loved it all!

Back to posting, my book, and visitors are coming

You may have decided I had given up on blogging. Not so, I promise. I think, not consciously at all, I decided to take a break. A long break as it turns out. My dearest sister in heart had to point out to me I hadn't posted in a month. A MONTH!

In truth, it's been an intense month with my big writing project front and center. I've finished the first draft of my manuscript, hired an editor and it is in her hands now. The first edits come back the end of the month. Oooh, I'm steeling myself for that. This book has been a two year project and dear to my heart. Working title is Self-care and Self-healing: Living a Life of Vitality. It all stems from my diagnosis of an autoimmune disease 5 years ago and all I've learned about how to live a healthier life hopefully in continued remission. Ha, you say, you never talked about this in the blog. So true. It just didn't seem like the place for it.

So on to happy Florida life. Gorgeous weather, massive season crowds, for another couple of weeks anyway, and we're making the most of our time here. Leaving to go back to Star Mt. end of May which may sound far away, but I know how fast it all comes up. We always end up with a list of places and things that we meant to get to and never did. And Mark is still working so he will be back and forth from Colorado to Florida. Yes, slightly complicated.

Along with herbs we have resurrected tomato growing at the house. This is a tiny plant but as you can see there's actually a few tomatoes on this. I count that as success. It's a lot of fun to be able to plant this smack in the middle of winter.

I've made it to the beach although not as often as I planned. Quiet right? I think not this week - spring break is a happening. Naples is not the hotbed for college spring break crowds as we are far too sedate for that. Just north of us (Ft. Myers) has more wildness going on. They can have it, that's all I have to say....

Big happenings in a little over a week. All the family will be here: the Walkers and the Trimms. That means all three granddaughters in one place. I am beyond excited. Penny, Jules, and Aubrey will meet for the first time. How great is that!! And yes, I will take photos and will post promptly, I promise.

The Keys, manatee, and art

Much bouncing around lately. Had a lovely long weekend in the Florida Keys with a beach wedding at the end to top it all off. It is truly a unique area if you haven't been. This little strip of land holds endless gems to see and explore. Our first hotel was called Cheeca Lodge with pristine beaches, turquoise waters, multi pools, tennis courts, 9 hole golf course, and great restaurants.

Pusser's pain killer!

The next morning brought an unexpected visitor as we walked the dock. A huge manatee surfaced and seemed to know right where a dripping hose was hanging so he/she could get fresh water. Fun stuff.

Slowly made our way to the upper keys, stopping along the way to have lunch with old friends Wade and Pam, and do a little shopping. The chickens were apparently living in the parking lot of the store we visited. Definitely the Keys - chickens in the most interesting places.

Switching gears, I raced back to Naples for a multi day art workshop having missed the first day due to the wedding. You may have noticed no wedding photos. Didn't realize my phone was too big for  the small purse I brought for the event. Ha -tragic.

A fun group and fabulous instructor Patty Kane