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

Aubrey

I'm back from a quick trip to see Miss Aubrey (along with Heather and Brian of course). It meant leaving balmy Florida, braving the cold, rain and finally snow on my morning departure, but all was worth it. Aubrey is the most gorgeous happy baby around. 5 months old, changing by the day and stealing everyone's hearts.

My arrival in Aubrey land

Lunch out with yummy food Mommy and Nana but not for Aubrey. She seemed ok with it.

Aubrey with her first cup - she's not sure what it's all about

So there you have it - the visit. Missing photos with Daddy (Brian) but he was around I can assure you. He was probably in the kitchen whipping up one of those fabulous meals he cooks.
We'll see everyone next in Florida including Tiffany and family at the end of March. I'm quite excited about this as finally all the family will meet. Should be a fun fun time.

Snow, snow, snow, and back to palm trees and balmy weather

Miss these girls so much!

This may throw you a bit, which will perhaps show you why I had many days of adjustment after getting back to Naples. The temperature change alone is enough to play with your mind. We had a number of -6 mornings and today in Naples, it's 80. Ok then...

Crested Butte - it's hard to beat these mountains.

In case anyone was worried we did make it to Secret Stash. (and took much pizza home)

Miami New Year's Eve. Flew in in time for fireworks out our balcony. Cheers!🥂🥂🥂

Love these crazy ugly protected birds - woodstorks

And now back in the more sedate Naples, although it's full on season now, so much traffic and crowded restaurants. I understand completely, it's gorgeous here right now.

Star Mountain Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! Hope it was a lovely day for all. We had a special white Christmas with lots of snow.

A magical sleigh ride on Christmas Eve helped us get in the spirit. Dan the horse pranced down the trail with jingling bells. Penny helped him move along. "Pick it up Dan", the driver told her to say. We ended with hot chocolate by the fire. Outstanding...

Some playing in the snow action. Unfortunately not the kind of snow to build a snowman. Ice castle it is.

Xmas PJ's

Christmas eve anticipation with of course Christmas PJ's. A long time tradition in our family now passed to the next generation.

Christmas breakfast and after the present chaos. What meanies we were, they had to have breakfast first before presents.

Xmas dinner. Tiffany's excellent apple pie was had much later. Too full! And Heather I made your mashed potatoes with  Chris and Jules help. Turned out ok! Missed you guys💖💖💖💖

A little sledding action of course.

squirrel winter nest

And I marched out to blaze a snowshoeing trail. Deeper snow in the woods than I thought - 3 feet in some places. Whisper quiet and no new animal tracks in the snow. A few days left of this fun adventure. We'll see what trouble we can get into...