Aqua Sunday

Photo Hunt _ HIGH

2011-10-22T10:02:00.007-04:00

I have many photos that I could use for today's Photo hunt - HIGH. I often look up and take many photos that way, but I narrowed it down a little.
The Tampa Bay Rays play in Tropicana Field. It has a "HIGH" dome on it so the Rays can hit all those home runs.

Sometimes the ball is hit so "high" it gets lost in the lights...

On the way to the dome or as it is now called the "Trop" we have to drive over a "HIGH" bridge...

The old bridge was too low and a ship hit it and knocked the south bound section down...

The new Sunshine Skyway Bridge is painted bright yellow...

Both north and south bound are together in one bridge now...you can fish off the old section of the bridge that they left standing, as an artificial reef, and two fishing piers on either end.

On a summer day it is so hot and hazy...

...unlike this bright blue sky.
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Waiting - This Weeks Photo Hunt

2011-10-08T10:08:00.003-04:00

Waiting...waiting...waiting...all three very patiently waiting for a treat...so take the photo and get on with it! :)

Shared with Saturday Photo Hunt

Yellow - Photo Hunt

2011-09-24T10:42:00.007-04:00

For this week Photo Hunt it is "YELLOW" and I have a lot of yellow to show you! Since I couldn't decide you get to see a variety of "yellow" and I guess you could say that it is one of my favorite colors, so here they come....

The umbrellas at one of our favorite seaside eateries are now yellow, they used to be purple. Yellow looks much better.

The farmers market is full of color, this was the first time that I really noticed patty pan squash...

...and when you think of yellow don't sunflowers come to mind often? Sunflower and the sun!

This patty pan squash ended up in my pan and it was pretty good!

Our school or I should say the elementary school that I work at was lucky enough to get a Jorge Blanco sculpture "Cartwheel" as a permanent installation in the courtyard.

The school was the last of it's kind to be built in Sarasota and has won awards for it's design. When visitors come they are always delighted with it's look and the bright colors would make any one smile. This is the "yellow" wing, of the four color wing the school has.

My little pineapple was completely "yellow" when I picked it, and it was the best tasting...pineapple sweet off the vine!

On Anna Maria Island we enjoyed a walk amongst the colorful buildings on our way to our anniversary dinner out. Another colorful place that just makes you smile when you see it.

Lemon poppy seed cookies just needed the yellow plumeria to make it a perfect plate of cookies.

...and this plate of fried plantains are more of a golden yellow! Just the way I like them.

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge now has a fresh coat of "yellow" paint. It took them quite awhile to get it finished...

...I sure wouldn't want that job, I can't imagine how the do it!

The "yellow" life guard stand at Siesta Beach is one of the brightest of the stands...the others are painted way to dark in my opinion.

Good to know he is ready and watching to save the troubled swimmer, just look at those waves out there in the Gulf :) Well maybe not today, it looks like a perfect day for swimming. I better get out there before it gets too crowded on this beautiful Saturday!

This lonely "yellow" flower popped up at the entrance to Turtle Beach I just had to grab a shot!

Enjoy your weekend!

To see other Photo Hunt -Yellow check it out here.

Photo Hunt - Symbolic

2011-08-27T08:28:00.007-04:00

Ca' d'Zan Mansion, John and Mable Ringling's mansion... Historians call Ca d'Zan "the last of the Gilded Age mansions" built in the United States. Symbolic of the Roaring 20s, the Jazz era, when America was experiencing a “consumer society".

Built in 1925 the mansion is a tribute to the American Dream and reflects the splendor and romance of Italy.

With its Venetian Gothic architecture, and grander overlooking Sarasota Bay, it is hard to miss.

Along with automobiles, symbolic of new America and the nation's wealth that more than double between 1920 and 1929.

.. . Ca d'Zan has finally met its destiny as the iconic symbol of the Roaring '20s

Shared with Saturday Photo Hunt - Symbolic. Check out the others who posted their photo take on "Symbolic"

Photo Hunt - Drink

2011-08-19T23:10:00.008-04:00

This week's Saturday Photo Hunt is - Drink-

I have many "drink" photos from my The Tiny Skillet blog, some unusual, some festive, some traditional, some international. I chose this one because...well it is a pretty "drink" but also if you notice in the background my dog is getting a "drink" as well. He always did like to "drink" from the pool!

The DRINK is agua-de-flor-de-jamaica-hibiscus-tea a fun and tasty treat!

Photo Hunt ~ One ~

2011-08-13T10:07:00.003-04:00

"One" tall palm...out front of the Ca de Zan - John Ringling's Mansion.

With summer being the off "season" here in Sarasota, it is a perfect time to visit some of the local sights. With less crowds we can get around quicker, not to mentions get into restaurants and parking spaces at the beach. Today we went to The John and Mable Ringling Museum and walked around the grounds...which are stunning. Many variety of trees , Mabel's rose garden and always a favorite the Ca de Zan mansion...where I found my subject for this weeks Photo Hunt ~ One~

Visit the Saturday Photo Hunt Facebook page to see more of the themes and other photos shared by others.

Painted - Photo Hunt - Summer's end in a beach town

2011-08-10T18:42:00.006-04:00

This is very late for photo hunt "Painted", but here it is. Living in a beach or coastal city, many things are "painted"...

"painted" all colors and bright color, light colors...and maybe needs more paint by summer's end...

pastel colors...

...and some are constantly being painted...

Enjoying our surroundings before school starts again.

#1 Beach in the Nation - Siesta Beach

2011-05-29T10:38:00.011-04:00

We made number one! I say we because Siesta Beach is one of the closest beaches to us, we can ride our bike there. Dr. Stephen Leatherman's or AKA Dr Beach ranking of Siesta Beach as America's top shore destination for 2011, was announced May 27th. For the last two years we were rank #2 and this year we made it to #1 Beach

...and since it is so close to us and so beautiful...I have posted many photos here on my blog.

There are many events that take place throughout the year... from the drum circle on Sundays at sunset...

...to the Kid's Summer Beach Runs, we have been going to since Maranda was 3 years old. She has a T shirt from each year she participated, a 16 this year I'm not sure if she will get one this year...we'll see...

...at least the summer kid's runs are held in the evening where it's a little cooler...

...but often it will be overcast or the afternoon storms come rolling in...it always makes it interesting.

...it is a great time family...they have the sand sculpture contest..

...of this is an amiture one just for fun, but I liked it...also see my post on the sand-snowman, and sand pig,

...it has the softest, whitest sand anywhere!

...many beach walks for charity and I even had one of my bridal showers here...

...and church picnics and baptisms are held here...

many weddings and birthdays are celebrated here...not pics of the brides though...

come visit anytime...

...there is lots of beach to see...

lots and lots...

lots of room and lots of sand...

even yoga.... get here early...

...getting ready to start the day...

we usually like to go early before the crowds arrive...

...looks like this summer we'll have to go even earlier...

...or later..

hope you enjoyed a little piece of My World

Weekend Reflections

2011-05-18T19:01:00.005-04:00

standing alone...

...on the shore of the Gulf of Mexico...

...a few clouds on the horizon...blocking the sunset...

Just hanging around at sunset enjoying my surroundings....what could be better...

I am adding this to this weeks Weekend Reflections
and hop on over for a Relax and Surf Sunday

SkyWatch Friday

2011-05-05T19:17:00.006-04:00

This has always been a favorite photo of how our summer storms come in from the east. The contrast between the white sand of Siesta Beach and the black clouds are startling.

This is more like the springtime in Florida, not much rain this time of year...

This is my edition of Sky Watch Friday season 4, episode 43! Check it out for more skies around the world!!

How's the view from up there? Sky Watch Friday

2011-04-14T15:58:00.003-04:00

Nice view!

While dining out if Florida, it's always a pleasure to side outside with a beautiful water view...

We will often have feather friends stop by and visit just hoping some food will come their way...

...or maybe they come to enjoy the view too.

Sometimes you're just afraid to look up...I was hoping he wouldn't take off too fast! You never know what might happen...

Sharing this with all those who are not afraid to Sky Watch Friday and look up! Check them out!

Clouds Make it Interesting ~ Sky Watch Friday ~

2011-04-07T18:43:00.003-04:00

I love clouds at a sunset....it really makes it interesting...

...sometimes when we go to watch sunset it is a clear sky...

...it is still beautiful...

....but nothing beats a beautiful...

...cloud formation at sunset...even if we don't get to see the sun set over the horizon...

...be sure to visit more skies from around the world at Sky Watch Friday

Tucker ~ Camera Critters ~

2011-04-02T12:28:00.009-04:00

This is just a few of the many pictures that I have of our soon to be 15 year old Aussie, Tucker. We try to take him with us as many places as we can. He loves to come along...

..the beach is a favorite...

You can see the smile on his face..

He loves his family too...

...of course in the family room I get to get up on the futon...the only furniture they allow me to get on...I'm so happy here...

Come on...it's time for a walk...

...then a nap...back on the futon...

...well almost! Sometimes those hind legs just don't make it up on the futon like they used to, ahh.... oh well.

okay, I'm near the snack cupboard...any snack?

...maybe if I get up and nudge it they'll get the hint...

In Sarasota we can bring our four legged friend to restaurants that have an outdoor seating area. We like to bring him as much as we can before the weather gets too hot for him.

could you say no to this face?

...off to Sarasota Bayfront Park...

I love it here, so many good smells...

...and a few friends to meet at breakfast...

...maybe some food will drop...

...I'm keeping my eye out for it...

bedtime again...

...of course I can sleep anywhere... ...but this is the best!

Please visit more of my critter friends at

Water Tower ~ Scepter ~

2011-03-31T16:09:00.005-04:00

When I first discovered Sky Watch Friday I was thrilled because I always have my eye on the sky. I used to call interesting skies "painter skies" when they looked fake or something a artist would paint. Anyway we were driving home from Sarasota Pavilion going through the back way, and I saw the water tower with the clouds behind it. (it kind of looks like a scepter) It looked so cool I had to go home and get my camera. When I got back I parked my car so I wouldn't have to drive and shoot (a photo). I did have to stand in the middle of the road to get the shot that I saw when I was driving by. As I was walking back to my car this guy pulls in the parking spot next to me... Now you have to understand that I parked way at the end of the lot and this was not the main thoroughfare it was the back way. He leans out and asks me what I was taking a picture of...do you see a bird? Yes, I said...that's it a bird! He said where? is it still there? I don't see it? Of all times for someone to actually stop and ask... I had to laugh...Yes, it must of flown away! :D When I saw the photo it just didn't capture the unusual look that I saw when I saw it in person with my own eyes! But here it is anyway! This and many more at Sky Watch Friday is for all of you with your eyes in the skies. Enjoy!

Elephant Bento going to ~ Color Carnival~

2011-03-26T16:29:00.007-04:00

I have a lot of colorful bento pictures. Actually that's part of making a bento, it's all about the color that you add to make it pleasant to the eye as well as good to eat. I will add one of my favorite tiny bentos to this weeks Color Carnival...

I will post some of my other more colorful bentos as the weeks go on, or you can check them out on my The Tiny Bento blog. It's all fun, and full of color!!!

Check it out HERE...

Clouds like a down comforter ~ Sky Watch Friday

2011-03-24T19:11:00.004-04:00

It started out a beautiful day in the intercoastal waterway, perfect for a boat ride....then the clouds came in...

Not big threatening clouds, but when I was sitting in the bow of the boat I looked up and saw a solid fluffy blanket...

This is the way it ended up on the way back, but it was still a fun boat ride.

Added to Sky Watch Friday.

Watery Wednesday ~ Water Marks

2011-03-22T17:44:00.005-04:00

There was actually water trickling over this, but you can't really see it...

This is what I saw after the first pics were taken. I was at the summer beach runs...

...a different day, and different marks...

...different view from looking up after taking the photo...

...and the marks that water left behind.

When you live in a beach town...you get a lot of beach shots! Check it out here to see many more Watery Wednesday photos from all over the world, but not on Mars, because there is no water on Mars!

Sky Watch Friday

2011-03-10T15:12:00.001-05:00

Venice beach in Florida!

When the clouds are around as the sun goes down...it always makes for a stunning vision. More so than a bright clear sky. You never know when it will peek out from behind a cloud!

If you would like to see some fantastic skies from around the world Check Here. Enjoy Sky Watch Friday!

Siesta Beach ~ Watery Wednesday

2011-03-08T16:26:00.003-05:00

Siesta beach is a white sand beach that is often voted as one of the top beaches in the United States. I think we are number 2 this year. The sand is soft and powdery, and I often have to explain that it is white sand and not snow, especially this time of year. It's Spring Break for us and we usually don't hit the beach this time of year unless we go very early. It is just minutes from our house.

I like to get the life guard stands often in my photos. If you have been on my blog before you will see many different ones posted here. The life guard is ready for the day ahead!

Yoga on the beach anyone?! You have to get here early!

I am adding this to Watery Wednesday check it out and see more watery photos from around the world!

Halls full of color for Color Carnival

2011-02-26T21:21:00.007-05:00

We have a new art teacher this year, and it's such a pleasure to see all the kid's artwork displayed in the school's hallways! This one is in the main office which is next to my health room door! It is made from napkins and markers!

I just love walking by these on my way to my morning duty at breakfast! Warm and cool colors!

I know it's been awhile since I posted and I hope you all will keep checking back with me.

Spring break is coming soon.

I will be back posting again with more photos from the area.

I hope you enjoy these as much as I do! I am adding it to Color Carnival

Enjoy and see you soon!

Camera Critters ~ Doggie Friends

2011-01-08T10:19:00.007-05:00

We've had some doggie friends stay with us the past two weeks over Christmas while our friends were out of the country. They are often called our "god-dogs" they are like part of the family. Our dog will stay with them when we are out of town. It makes for a small house when you have three herding dogs around...err...underfoot! It is hard to get them all in one photos so...I used food!

Now Tucker is going to be 15 this May and he has been by himself (in the dog world) for a long time. He is used to these visitors though...

...but they do go through his toy basket and take out all his toys, and tear them up and leave the all over the house and yard...

Roxy has settled in just fine, she's the youngest, and the center of everyone's attention.

We were able to get the "old man" out of the house and take him with us to a restaurant. Ah...it's good to get some attention again.

Flash loves to watch the pool filter, and is sometime timid about walking past it to go outside. Then he sees a squirrel climbing the banana tree and he's over it and outside he goes.

Roxy will go anywhere, anytime and is always in your face as well as the other dog's face (which Tucker despises) but he tolerates it. She will also lay on you snuggle with you and listen to anything you say!

This is usually the way I can get a photo of all three when they are sleeping, and often in the same room near each other or us. Monday they will be back in their own home when the owner returns...

...and Tucker will have his futon back all to himself!

Take a look at more wonderful creatures at Camera Critters! Have fun checking them all out.

~ Watery Wednesday ~ Siesta Beach, Florida

2011-01-04T20:03:00.007-05:00

It's been awhile since I've posted...sorry about that. So of course I had to start back by posting some watery shots. You know how we love the water and beach!

Siesta Beach, Florida.

It's a very large beach with beautiful white sand.

I've added this to Watery Wednesday (yes I know it's Tuesday here, but it's Wednesday else where in the world...and if you check it out here you can see beautiful watery photos from around the world!

Thanksgiving View This Year and Last

2010-11-30T17:07:00.008-05:00

This was the view last Thanksgiving outside the window from my aunt and uncle's house in Bradenton. Florida.

...and this was the view this year...it looks like they got rid of a tree and now you can see the palm tree...

...and this was a little later...I guess we usually eat around the same time each year.

Last year....

This year!!

This was added to Watery Wednesday this week. Check it out to see more fantastic watery photos from around the world!

Sand Bar at Low Tide ~ Watery Wednesday

2010-11-23T19:12:00.007-05:00

We were able to take our boat our on this beautiful Sunday. It was at low tide and you can see many of the sand bars at this time. Here was a family that anchored their boat right up on the sandbar.

This dog was having so much fun, I loved watching him run along the sand bar.

It has been a while since I've linked to Watery Wednesday, I thought you all might be a little tied of all my beach, sea birds, sunset photos. Now that I have something from the boat and a little different, I'm adding this to Watery Wednesday.

Yes...Another Sunset ~ Sky Watch Friday~

2010-11-18T17:07:00.003-05:00

We never know when we head out to the beach for sunset what kind of sunset we'll see. It can be stunning with fantastic cloud formation, or just plan clear sky. This one looked OK, sometimes when we get there it's cloudy on the horizon.

But then there are times when one little cloud on the horizon is just in the wrong spot...right where the sun was setting.

Yup...one little cloud on the horizon...

I wasn't sure if this would show up...it looked so cool in person the way it divided the sky like that!
Sky Watch Friday
This is linked to

Mellow Yellow Monday ~ Dinning outside ~

2010-11-14T23:50:00.006-05:00

The best thing about living in Florida is this time of year when we can really enjoy eating outside.
The weather is perfect...not too hot...not too cool. The view is stunning, and relaxing.
It's the time right before the snow birds and tourist start to come and invade sun coast.

Many outdoor eating area in Sarasota now allows pets to be with you as you dine. The do have to stay off the tables and are not to use any tableware. Most restaurants will provide water bowls, hand sanitizer, and a few doggie treat specials! We've enjoyed bringing our dog here for some time now. The park that is here also allows dogs, and they have a fountain and playground for the kids. Also a marina for the sport fisherman and party barge. Always a nice place to visit.

With it's nice new yellow umbrellas I am adding this to Mellow Yellow Monday .

Cat and Mouse...err...Squirrel ~

2010-11-10T06:58:00.008-05:00

Yeah...I'm over it!

This was added to Wordless Wednesday and is joining all those wonderful creatures at Camera Critters.

What'cha Doing? ~ Camera Critters ~

2010-11-06T09:34:00.003-04:00

Our friends have two border collies, and we will watch them for them when they go out of town. We have an Australian Shepherd, so we are very familiar with the behavior of herding dogs. However...the house gets very small with three dogs in the house, let alone three herding dogs. Of course they have to be everywhere you are, they should call them "shadow" dogs.

Even when you are trying to use the bathroom...

...this is what you'll see...

...better remember to lock the door!

I am sharing them with Camera Critters this week. Please check it out to see more!

Come Fly With Me ~ Camera Critters

2010-10-30T08:00:00.004-04:00

I noticed this little guy when we were putting out some more Halloween decorations...

He was just hanging out...

...or hanging on...

I thought it was funny when you saw the broomstick that he was on and the "Come Fly With Me".

He was on the broomstick for quite sometime and just let me take the photos. He seemed a little curious, but he sat there and stared at my daughter while I went inside to get my camera! What a ham!

He will be joining many Camera Critters this week. Please check it out to see more!

Tall Palm ~ Sky Watch Friday

2010-10-29T08:52:00.003-04:00

This was taken on the grounds of John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. It was such a tall palm just standing there on such a nice clear day. I almost couldn't get the picture because the sun wanted to get in the shot!
The museum not only holds beautiful art, but the grounds are full of many wonderful things to see. There is Mable's Rose garden, The Miniature Circus Museum, and The Ca'd Zan to name a few.

This was added to Sky Watch Friday where you can check out new skies from all over the planet each week!

Bathtime! ~ Camera Critters

2010-10-23T09:22:00.005-04:00

I know I've posted this photo before on one of my blogs, but the look is just too good to pass up on Camera Critters. I don't even know where to start with this one! What caption would you put here!

Every Saturday enjoy all the Camera Critters go on and take a look!

Birds in the Sky!

2010-10-21T18:07:00.007-04:00

We love going to the beach that is just a 4 minute drive from us to catch sunset. We better go now while we can because before long we will be full of seasonal tourists. Yes the "snow birds" will be coming! Thus the beaches will be crowded, and the restaurants, and the roads.... Anyway when we were driving out to see sunset, the sky was so clear as it has been lately. I said it won't be much of an interesting sunset with out some clouds. Well the sunset was fine, but the birds were out like you wouldn't believe. When I was trying to get a pic some pelicans diving of course they dove just off screen all three of them, or my camera delayed just enough. Aghhh!

I did get them skimming though, and it was so funny because it was almost like it was raining birds, they were all dropping into the water. Pelicans weren't the only birds diving for fish this evening! Here are a few that I was able to get a photo of!

as the sun is setting...

It almost looks like a shark!

These look prehistoric...

Ahhhh....
Enjoy other Sky Watch Friday photos from all around the planet!!

Yellow Feet ~ Mellow Yellow Monday

2010-10-17T20:29:00.001-04:00

We were going under one of the draw bridges on the way back from Venice in the intercoastal waterway, and this guy was just hanging out waiting for the tide to go out. The tide was rushing out at this point and the small boat we were in had a hard time getting through the small area we had to get through, at idel speed. Had to click the yellow feet!

This will be linked to this weeks Mellow Yellow Monday ! Come on join in, it's fun!
This is also added to
My World

Camera Critters ~ herons or egrets~

2010-10-09T10:45:00.009-04:00

You'll find herons all over Florida, they a pretty common. They like to hang out with fishermen...

...just in case they happen to drop a fish...
...or turn their back for a while...or maybe the sad puppy dog look will work and they get a toss...

The boat launch is another popular place to see them. Some fishermen will clean their catch here and then there is a treat!

He's pretty cool just hanging around!

I found out when I was used google to see if the fellow above was an egret or heron or what... It seems that egrets are herons or the difference is so slim. I guess an egret is a heron that is white or buff in color.

This guy was in our yard hunting for himself. It was taken when it was raining, right now we are so dry. Gorgeous dry 83 degree weather all week!

Here they go after lizards, frogs and snakes! Oh my!

You can visit Camera Critters for all your critter needs.

Siesta Sunset ~ Sky Watch Friday

2010-10-07T16:55:00.004-04:00

One of the sunset on Siesta Beach. We usually don't go to this beach for sunset because it is curved into the Gulf just enough so the sun doesn't set over the water from here.

So we look the other way and check out how it reflects against the clouds.

They were all taken on the same evening, just different times and angles. Enjoy more Sky Watch photos at: Sky Watch Friday

Lizard on a Leaf ~ Camera Critters

2010-10-02T08:54:00.006-04:00

We have a lot of lizards here in Florida. They seem to be territorial, and hang out in the same area. So if you see one hanging around on a cactus pad you'll probably see him (or her) again on the same cactus.

He didn't seem to mind me taking his photo.

He actually remained still in each pose for quite awhile. While posting these I remembered another lizard photo that I had...

I took this at the Ringling Museum grounds. There are so many statues all over the grounds. I was entering a contest for a cosmetic company that we photographed their product in you part of the world...hence the lip balm in the lions mouth. Can you see the lizard? This must be his lion territory! I wonder where he sleeps at night!

Join in the fun and see more Camera Critters. That's where I'll be!

Sky Watch Friday~ Another Sunset~

2010-09-30T19:42:00.003-04:00

Sunset on the Gulf of Mexico at Sarasota, Florida. There were so many more colors that you could see in person! I wish it showed up on film...er in the photo as vivid! So many birds were out this evening, and it was a lovely beach walk! There was a green flash with this one too!

Check out all the others who joined this weeks Sky Watch Friday they are from all around the planet!

Watery Wednesday ~ A View of O' Leary's

2010-09-28T18:08:00.007-04:00

This is one of my favorite photos of the bay near Sarasota Bay Front, I'm sure I've posted it before, but I'm bringing it back for Watery Wednesday! The tree seem to form a heart around it. After storms they always have to remove the boats that are left there, damaged or washed ashore.

O' Leary's is a Tiki Bar-restaurant-jet ski and paddle boat rental.

We like going there because we can bring our dog and sit outside and eat. They did a lot of remodeling and have a covered deck that is a little cooler for the dogs in the summer. It's just so nice to sit out on the bay and enjoy the water and living in Florida!

Of course it give me a good excuse to link this to:
Watery Wednesday

Tucker All Tucked In ~ Camera Critters

2010-09-25T08:00:00.002-04:00

Looks like he was playing too much and fell asleep toy and all.

At 14 years old he can pretty much do as he pleases, even get on the couch (only in the den though)

Look at that face!

Poor thing, he has is so rough...

This is first time with this meme Camera Critters another one I have plenty of photos for!

You have got to check out Misty Dawn's place for more Camera Critters have a great weekend!

Turtle Beach ~ Watery Wednesday~

2010-09-22T17:36:00.008-04:00

Need I say more?

These were taken at Turtle Beach in Sarasota Florida. It is just south on Siesta Key from Crescent Beach. We usually can get a parking spot there if the other beaches are full.

There are always plenty of birds...
and fishing...

or just go for a stroll down the beach...

listening to the surf...

The sand is a little more coarse there, not the white powder of Siesta and Crescent beach.
I added this to...

Check out Watery Wednesday for beautiful watery photos from around the globe!

Typical Summer Afternoon in Florida

2010-09-16T22:55:00.000-04:00

This was taken in our neighborhood. We see so many interesting clouds in the summer afternoons here. This evening it was all colors from yellow-orange, then purple-pink. We often see rainbows and many times it is raining and the sun is out. Makes for a fun SkyWatch Friday.

Check it out for unbelievable sky from around the planet!
Have a wonderful weekend!

Lido Beach on Labor Day

2010-09-11T17:03:00.000-04:00

I'm going to add this photo to... Color Carnival check it out for more colorful pictures... Wade was out of state for Labor Day weekend so Maranda and I decided to check out some different beaches. We first went to Lido Beach to see if we could find some of the good shells that they seem to have there. Lido beach is just beyond St Armand's Circle out on the Gulf of Mexico.
You know me...I always have to check out the life guard hut. They have a pretty little sea life mural on theirs. Seagulls are included.

This lady was quietly reading her book and a scrub jay landed right in front of her as we were walking by. It was facing her and checking things out. I think he just realized it was a person because he flew away just after I took the click. I have never seen them on the beach before usually we see plenty of scrub jays at Oscar Scherer State Park down in Osprey.

We went later in the day to avoid the Labor Day beach crowds, but then forgot they also have a beach sunset crowd. We were surprised how busy it still was...

So we decided to go further south to South Lido Park. I parked close and in the shade. but didn't realize you can't park under the street lamps.

They tend to be a popular hangout for the fine feathered crowd, and that just doesn't make for a good place to park. Even with the short time I was there I was lucky to get a nice design of little white dots to decorate my care. Now just hope for rain!

At South Lido there were less people and the beach stretched out for quite a ways. The clouds came upon the horizon so we didn't catch a good sun setting over the water...they probably had that at Lido Beach...

The clouds were a lot more colorful in person, but I was able to get a few nice shots.

The sea wheat always add to the pictures.

There were a few boats heading out into the Gulf from the intercoastal.

We did enjoy our outing and it was nice to get some different views.

We used to go on the intercoastal side all the time because you can bring the jet skis up on shore there and it was close to the gulf if you wanted to catch some waves.

From here you can go into the intercoastal you can go into Sarasota Bay or into the mangroves, there is a lot of water sports going on.

Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend. It only took me a week to post my photos!

Sarasota Bay ~Sky Watch Friday~

2010-09-09T21:33:00.002-04:00

I know I've said this before, but Florida sky's are always so much fun to watch this time of year. This is Sarasota Bay taken from Bird Key Park just over the Ringling Bridge. I'll have a photo of that sometime soon!

Check out more Sky Watch Friday from all over the planet!

Young Sunset ~ Watery Wednesday~

2010-09-08T06:29:00.003-04:00

We often enjoy a walk on the beach at sunset... we also enjoy people watching, and shelling...I was standing next to their parents when I was taking this photo. They didn't say anything.

I couldn't resist...my daughter is 15 now and past the "princess" stage.

Enjoy other watery images at Watery Wednesday

X Marks the spot ~SkyWatch Friday~

2010-09-02T16:58:00.004-04:00

We were driving through Atlanta on the way home to Florida. I am always checking the skies and when I spotted this X I grabbed my camera and took the photo through the windshield. It was almost looking into the sun, but I had to get the X, I thought it was interesting. Pardon the dirty after driving forever windscreen that it was taken through. My husband was driving of course!

To enjoy more Skywatch® Friday photos from around the world click here

Double Bloom Hibiscus ~Ruby Tuesday~

2010-08-31T07:04:00.006-04:00

I have a few of these double bloom hibiscus in my yard. This red one and a peach color one. I like the single bloom better, just because it looks more like a hibiscus. These are dramatic though...

So I used it in one of my bento box lunches....

Just for looks, didn't eat this one. They do however used dried hibiscus to make tea.

This has been added to Ruby Tuesday visit and check out more photos from around the world!

Sunflower and Squash ~Mellow Yellow Monday~

2010-08-29T23:00:00.000-04:00

I know I've posted these before on my Tiny Skillet blog, but I do love sunflowers. I couldn't resist taking the photo at the farmer's market sitting there next to the patty pan squash.
My sister has just finished a trip to the northern states and Canada. She said they drove by fields of sunflowers that stood taller than anyone and were as far as the eye could see. Yellow...yellow...yellow! This is joining all the other yellow photos at Mellow Yellow Monday .

Little Pink in the Sky ~SkyWatch Friday~

2010-08-20T19:41:00.004-04:00

I entered my pictures in SkyWatch Friday very late this Friday so I'm just throwing in some that I took in my front yard and even captured the same cactus in the shot! I love Florida skies!

Come on Jump! ~Watery Wednesday~

2010-08-17T23:14:00.009-04:00

Swim? Are you kidding?
We are dog sitting for our friend's dogs who are going to visit family in South Africa.

We like to document their time with us so their parents can feel at ease about leaving their fur babies with us!

I think they love the pool!

I don't think they have it too bad.

It doesn't take too much to cox them in...

Fun time on vacation!

This is linked to Watery Wednesday check it out for more watery wonders!!

Lychee Anyone? ~ Ruby Tuesday~

2010-08-17T06:58:00.003-04:00

My daughter has discovered that she loves lychees this summer! I love how they look and was so happy we were able to find some at our farmer's market, then again at a local produce store that we like to go to. You have to time it just right...we got lucky! With it's bumpy leather-like skin and the soft grape-like inside. It's juicy with a sweet almost "floral" taste!

Enjoy!

This is added to Ruby Tuesday please check it out if you want to see more!

Mellow Yellow Monday - Bird's Eye View

2010-08-16T07:06:00.005-04:00

We go to the summer beach runs on Tuesday evenings. Hundreds of people show up for this event, and most are families. It is geared towards kids. Looking at this you wouldn't think it was so crowded at the beach at this time...

He's just hanging out watching everything...even the storm clouds that roll in that time of day! This has been added to Mellow Yellow Monday #82

Siesta Beach - Sky Watch - Friday

2010-08-13T08:09:00.007-04:00

Every Tuesday in the summers they hold a fun run for families. They hold in the lat afternoon-early evening so people are off work and in is a little cooler....

...which is nice it give the family a chance to do things together, run, swim and meet with friends.
The only problem is... that is when the storms usually roll in...

The 1 mile run starts a 6:30 for the kids and not so serious runners. Then at 7:00 they hold a run that will take you to the "wall" which is at the end of Crescent Beach and back, about 5K. Some runs will add swimming or make take you over some soft sand for a cross country-like run. Some will add a little agility obstacles, like run over a picnic table and jump in a burlap sack. It was only rained out once this summer...

...but I have been able to capture many black skies and ominous clouds come rolling in. This one didn't have any lightning, and we were in the car driving off the key before the rain hit.

This is linked to SkyWatch Friday check out more skies form everywhere!

Have a great weekend!

Palms - Theme Thursday

2010-08-12T00:01:00.000-04:00

Theme Thursday this week is -Palm- You just said the magic word! I love palms!

Many views of palms...

Many kinds of palms...

Many times of day...

Many locations...

They always seems to beg you to relax...

Just sitting there looking so peaceful (until a hurricane hits).

Some so tall and majestic! I even used this one for one of my blog buttons! Funny how they just want their picture taken, weather it's tall or short, big or small!

See Theme Thursday for many more versions of palms!

Dolphin Fountain - Watery Wednesday!

2010-08-11T01:02:00.005-04:00

The fountains are in Sarasota Bay Front Park. You walk past the kiddy fountains all the way to the end...

Downtown Sarasota in the background, and the marina. It's always a nice day to walk the park and dogs are welcome here...

It seems when my sister is visiting it's never working...

We've been several times since and it's always running....and I always have to get a pic!

He's getting a birds eye view!

If you enjoy water photos please make time to check out Watery Wednesday 100th post

Weird Yellow Color Sky - same cactus -

2010-08-05T16:45:00.001-04:00

Last Wednesday the sky was the strangest color yellow/orangey. I had to go out and take some photos. So strange they even mentioned it on the local news. I think it was like that all the way up to Tampa area too.
Here are the same cactus last week that I shot for Skywatch Friday last week.

It made everything look so weird, our pool looked green in with the blue water and yellow sky!
Doesn't it look like this is an old photo that faded?

Strangely enough we didn't get any rain from it...maybe just a few drops. Usually you think this is right before a big storm is coming.

I took a photo of the same cacti that was in last weeks Skywatch Friday. I guess we have a lot of interesting skies to watch here in Florida! This was entered in the blog roll for Skywatch Friday

To see many more fantastic skies from all over the world check Skywatch they are all amazing!

Theme Thursday - Brown

2010-08-03T16:58:00.007-04:00

I wanted to add some more of my photos to this blog. It seems most of my work is going into my food blog, The Tiny Skillet so I started checking out some photo theme websites. I have been enjoying Watery Wednesdays, because of all the water around here you can help but get water pictures. Then Skywatch Fridays, again...in Florida they sure have some interesting skies.
Today I am again joining Theme Thursday and today's theme is brown. Of course most of the brown in my photos are in my food!

Spice cake chocolate sauce...

Apple crumble...

chocoalte chunck cookies...

Snacking tofu with ponzu dipping sauce....

Parmesan chicken tenders...

For more photos check out Theme Thursday and for the recipes the chicken tenders can be found on this site or for the rest find them on The Tiny Skillet , Enjoy!

Manatee - Watery Wednesday

2010-08-03T16:35:00.000-04:00

I have a lot of watery photos living Sarasota, Florida. We also have a great marine laboratory located here. Where they study, monitor, and research all sorts of marine life. There is also a hospital for marine life, where they nurse them back to health and release them back into the wild if possible. It is hard to get a photo of Manatees in the wild, although I've seen many usually you just get to see their nose pop up when they breathe, and sometimes the tail will break the water. I did another post with more photos that I took while I was at Mote Marine you can check here to see more.

If you would like to see some great watery photos check at Watery Wednesday for photos from all around the world. Join in if you have some yourself!

Skywatch Friday

2010-07-29T09:58:00.005-04:00

Monday we were out on our driveway and looking up at our San Pedro Cactus to see if any of the flowers were going to come out that night and the sky looked so cool.

So I grabbed my camera and started shooting.

Of course pretty much every evening or late afternoons in the summer here in Florida you can see the clouds come in from the east.

The sun was trying to peak through the clouds, but couldn't make it.

Some of the sun rays did peak through...but just a touch!

The same sky but facing the other way. It's so strange it is such a straight line like that.

I couldn't stop...

Thank goodness for digital cameras, we can just pop them in the computer and share them. I took a few more yesterday when the sky was the brightest yellow I've seen. So I went out to take the same photo of a totally different sky. It was such an unusual color they mentioned it on the news last night. They are still in my camera...I'll share them later.

To see other fantastic sky photos check out Skywatch Friday !

Watery Wednesday - At the Ca da Zan - Ringling Mansion

2010-07-27T19:54:00.005-04:00

Now I know it's still Tuesday, but for many who participate in Watery Wednesday it is already Wednesday in there part of the world. So I'm not early for them!

I can't help myself but take photos every time we visit John Ringling's mansion the Ca da Zan.

It has so much details and marble work that he had imported from all parts of the world.

Sitting right on Sarasota Bay, the view is so peaceful, on a hot day.

The iron lamps surround the front lanai.

It would be a great place to entertain. It is open to the public, and you can walk through the house inside with the price of an admission ticket to the John and Mabel Ringling Museum of Art.

Otherwise just stroll through Mable's Rose Garden and walk around the grounds and enjoy it outside for free!

This is included in this weeks Watery Wednesday check out all the other wonderful ...

...photos from around the world and around the country! Enjoy!!

Theme Thursday - Park

2010-07-22T09:04:00.004-04:00

This was added to the Theme Thursday link "Park" if you enjoyed this theme check here for more. Have fun!

Watery Wednesday - Fishing Pier at Sharkey's

2010-07-20T15:08:00.002-04:00

Under the fishing pier at Sharkey's in Venice, Florida.

My nieces were in town visiting. This beach is a great place to come with the family. Here you'll find many fossilized sharks teeth...

...if you're lucky enough to have a screen scoop to gather a pile to look through!

This is linked to:

If you love watery photos like I do...check out Watery Wednesday and see more photos from all around the world!

Watery Wednesday - Sunshine Skyway Bridge

2010-07-13T00:58:00.001-04:00

This isn't the best picture of the bridge, but it was my chance to take it when I wasn't driving the car. We were on our way the the Tampa Bay Rays game in St Pete. If it was clearer you would be able to see the dome where they play. Just kind of a hazy day in the bay!

On top of the bridge freshly painted yellow, before that it was spotty.

This is after the game on the way back home. The fishing pier you see is part of the old skyway bridge. That one was hit by a freighter and was destroyed, they left the two entry road for people to fish off from.

Heading toward Pinellas County, crossing over Tampa Bay.

This was added to: http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com check out the other water photos.

It just might cool you off!

Summer Beach Run

2010-07-09T20:02:00.009-04:00

Each summer every Tuesday evening is the summer beach runs. It is sponsored by Sarasota County Parks & Recreation and The Manasota Track Club. They hold two runs each week, the first one is for the kids a half mile down the beach and back. The adult run is usually to the wall (point 'o rocks) about 3 miles or so, and sometimes they have a cross country run through the soft sand and playground and all around. The kids sign up and each week they run gets counted, after four runs they get a free T shirt. After each run they get a ribbon and a freeze pop! Maranda has been doing this since she was 3 and has every T shirt to prove it. It has really grown over the years and it's a good thing that Siesta Beach can handle it.

We were a little last this week so we just hopped on the beach over another ramp and skipped the crowded pavilion.

Headed toward where the starting line is you can see how crowded it is.

At Siesta Beach there is a long walk on the soft white sand to get to the water. After the rain it's usually easier because it's packed down. It's not bad though I love it.

We usually set up by the green life guard stand so Wade can find us when he gets there. He comes here straight from work and runs in the second run.

We are at the green life guard stand looking toward the south where the run is going on. We missed it this week but stayed to watch the second runners. The beach is full of families and they usually stay to swim and just hang out at the beach. i always run into a lot of kids from school here.

As we were sitting there the typical Florida, afternoon, summer weather comes rolling in. It seems funny that we still need to wear our sunglasses when you look at these black clouds. Often we'll see some type of clouds during these runs. This time there were some pretty dark clouds, but not any thunder or lightning. Wade usually has to call from work to see if it's raining here and if we should even go.

Everyone's leaving and the run is still in progress! Still no lightning. Hey where is everyone going?

Looking towards the north it's still pretty bright.

The wind is picking up you can see the sand blowing.

We decided to pack it up but still wanted to wait until Wade was finished running before we left, still no lightning.

No rain and no lightning (otherwise we would of been gone if there were lightning) but the wind is really blowing the sand. It looks like a blizzard blowing the white sand around like that.

Maranda wasn't happy that we stayed, we were really getting sand blasted. Think of it as a full body exfoliation! It didn't start to rain until Wade was back, he was surprised to see us still there, but we didn't care if we got wet. By the time we got to the parking lot it was full of cars going nowhere. We were soaked and decided to wait with Wade in his truck until the rain let up a little. We weren't going anywhere anyway. It was like a concert just let out with the traffic in the parking lot all jammed up. We had to wait to even back out of the spot. Good thing we were not in a hurry!

Watery Wednesday #2

2010-07-07T07:00:00.001-04:00

Caught a quick glimpse of the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico at Venice Beach, Florida.

I'm going back real early in the morning to get a another photo of the aqua (my favorite color) life guard stand soon! It's better to go early before it gets too hot. Last time I was there before this it was peak tourist season way too many people!

This has been added to Watery Wednesday please check out the other blogs that joined in.

Watery Wednesday #1

2010-06-29T17:02:00.007-04:00

I wanted to start to participate in Watery Wednesday, I figured this site is perfect for me, since I take so many water photos!

This was taken at the dog beach near Caspersen beach in Venice Florida. It was on our dog 14th birthday...he loves the beach a special treat for him!

Enjoy some more Watery Wednesday photos!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-23T10:20:00.002-04:00

The Intercoastal Waterway

2010-06-17T12:55:00.000-04:00

Last Friday Wade had the day off, he also has Sat, Sun, and Mon off. His boss is headed on a challenge this week, he's riding his motorcycle from Key West to Alaska! So he will be gone for however long it takes and Wade gets to run the shop! He gets a mini vacation before weeks of H**l, well maybe not that bad.
He had helped a friend of our fix his boats so we got to use it...or I should say test drive it. We like to put in at Turtle beach because it's the closest boat ramp to our house.

Last minute checks on the boat before launching. It was hot that day so we stopped in the shade...every little bit helps.

Even used the Bimini top, even though it looks a little goofy. We just got in here and didn't get the top up yet.

The last time we were out on the jet ski and kayak I took some pics of birds on the pilings. I wonder if they each have their own number. We decided to head south toward Venice .

This is the first bridge we come across, or go under. It's a one lane, swing bridge. The traffic has to wait and alternate going over the bridge. We are small enough it doesn't have to swing open for us.

We can go under it, even though it pretty low.

An Osprey nest was just beyond, pretty close to the bridge. You can see the baby's little white head. The baby is pretty big now.

Here is another one a little farther down.

I bet we saw about a dozen nests along the way, and many more flying by, and fishing!

Everyone was very active today!

The next bridge is the one that goes out to Casey Key. I forgot to get a photo of Stephen Kings house as we went by earlier. Oh well, next time.

There used to be a dolphin that hangs out around here, and so many stupid people would feed him. They had to put up this sign telling people not to feed the dolphins. This sign is for the same people who need a sign to make sure they buckle up. They would feed the dolphin then be surprised when they bit their fingers, trying to get the fish...sheesh! We saw a couple of dolphins earlier, but it's hard to get a photo of them, they do move quickly.

Oh yes and pelicans....I love to watch them fish, and fly!

This is Marker 4 in Venice, just under the bridge on Business 41 before you cross to get into Venice. Or channel marker 4 if coming by water.

We stopped for lunch and in the shade with the fans blowing it was very comfortable.

The ceiling is full of paddles. We usually get to come to places like this during the off season, when all the "snow birds" and tourists go back up north. Now we get to go to restaurants without the long wait.

The view from out table, we got to sit near where our boat was tied up.

On the way back, and more birds. If he stepped in the water he would of been swept away with the tide. The tide was rushing out so fast, we had a hard time getting the boat under the bridge here.

We called our friend Eric who runs The Waterfront Too restaurant, what channel marker his restaurant is at. Channel marker 20. So we went down this channel.

To reach his restaurant. He had to go through a lot of red tape to put in his dock, but it's a nice new one. Straight ahead...

Another bird, he was hoping for some leftovers. Hanging out on the rail of the deck on our way out. We didn't eat here just stopped in to say "hi". The bird was scared off as we walked by.

Then flew down on the dock and we had to untie the boat, so here we were again.

Just as we got back into the ICW an Osprey was doing some fishing. We saw him sitting on the pole as we went in. Can you see him skimming the water?

Okay another one in a nest. I wonder...are the females the ones that stay and feed the young?

Farther down as we were turning in to go back to turtle beach, we saw another osprey dive and catch a fish. He was flying right over us and I took several pictures, but my camera doesn't zoom very much. This is the best one that you can actually see the fish that he caught! The end of our trip down the ICW. (They didn't know I was taking this photo), we really did have a good time. It was nice to get a chance to take it easy on the water...and not on the weekend. We even saw a manatee...sort of, as much as you can see from a boat in the wild. One nice thing about a jet boat, no exposed propeller to hurt anything! There were no problems, the boat ran fine!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-09T08:44:00.003-04:00

Last Day of School and Gradutating 8th grade

2010-06-05T18:43:00.008-04:00

Maranda graduated from eighth grade and will be starting high school next year. Thursday night was her schools graduation. She goes to a very small school and will be continuing into high school at the same school. So to her it was not a real big deal. Here she is with one of her BFFs.

Before the graduation started with a couple of her classmates. Maranda did win the Lion's Award. I wasn't prepared for that so I wasn't able to get a good photo of her accepting her award. It is for a student who comes to school everyday with a good attitude, smiling face and is friendly and encouraging to others.

They held a dinner right next door to where the ceremony was. They all started out with some line dancing. The founder of the school passed away this year and this was the first graduation without her. They all tried to carry on as she would and she always wanted everyone to dance and started out with this song to line dance to.

Maranda's trying to get down and boogie!

Her Marine Biology teacher dragged her out there and is showing her some....umm...disco moves? That's okay the teacher is moving to Texas, so it's okay to let her hair down.

The next day, Friday was our schools last day for the students. So here are a few of the precious faces that I see every day!

In the health room...

They come with their buddies...

First thing in the morning an breakfast....

Pull out a camera and silly things happen with kids....

Classes waiting for the fifth graders to come for their graduation walk....

Some are thrilled....some, maybe they're just nervous....

The last bell rang...out to parent pick-up!

Everyone is gone....Jeff sweeps up....

Empty until August....

CONGRATULATIONS MARANDA!! Job well done!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-26T05:30:00.000-04:00

Wordless Wednesday - spring blossoms

2010-05-12T17:25:00.004-04:00

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T12:14:00.008-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there. It's one of the toughest job you'll ever have, and you never get time off from it. So enjoy your day it's the best we get!! I'm not the best one to give poetic justice without a greeting card, but I can share some photos. Now that, I can do and it captures many childhood memories for many.
My mom reading to my older sister Sue and myself. With this picture in mind my littler sister took the one below.

My mom reading a book to my younger sister's two girls. My niece Kendra (who is now married and a teacher in Colorado Springs), and Jessica.

Little miss Maranda and me at the beach (of course we got a lot of beach pictures).

At the school welcome back dinner she was in st grade here.

Another one at the beach. Wade does not take the best photos and it's hard to get any of the two of us. I am sharing a few that I can find.

This is one of the newest ones, she is as tall as I am now. She's been waiting years for this moment. Here legs were longer than mine for a bit now.

My mom and her mom in our house on Lancashire, that we grew up in.

Great grandma Davies, my mom's, mom's mom.

All you moms out there take some time for yourself and enjoy! It's the few breaks we get!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

Mote Marine Laboratory

2010-04-07T19:28:00.009-04:00

My sister and niece were in town for a visit a couple of weeks ago. Just at the start of the spring breaks, and you can tell with all the traffic around then. The weather was finally warming up, but on Sunday it rained some, so we decided it was a good day to visit Mote Marine on City Island (temporarily rename "Google Island") I might go into that at a later time.
Of course it was busy due to the overcast weather. My uncle is a member and had tickets for us all to go.

They have several tanks inside, labeled and lit accordingly. I love seeing the sea horses and the jellyfish.

Hello!

I know this tank looks bizarre. It is jellyfish and they have special lighting and the water is constantly in motion. It was hard to get a good photo with my camera. I didn't want to use a flash that would take away the effect.

Oh, I liked the reef and coral they had displayed.

These jellyfish were pretty cool too.

Again they were always moving...

I caught him upside down! It was funny because we had a lot of hugh jellyfish washed up on our beaches at this time too. I'm not sure what kind they were. I should of asked the experts at Mote, they should know the marine life around here!

Lobster anyone?

Hammerhead sharks.

They are the strangest looking sharks.

This is in the George Jameson Aquarium where they have larger sharks, grouper, rays, and other fish.

I would do the music in Jaws, but how do you write that?

You can view from under the water or go up and look down into the water.

The on ray was huge. The also have several touch tanks. I love the one where you can pet the rays, they are so soft!

A short walk across the street is where they have The Mote Marine Laboratory Manatee Research Program and the Dolphin & Whale Hospital. This is Harley and Moonshine playing around right before feeding time.

The Mote Marine Aquarium is a part of the Mote Marine Laboratory, which focuses on researching and educating the public about some of the animals found in the waters around Florida and throughout the world. They have over 100 different marine species, ranging from sea turtles to sharks, and they also provide visitors with more educational opportunities than most zoos and aquariums, since this is a full laboratory and research facility.

Read more: http://www.city-data.com/articles/Mote-Marine-Aquarium-Sarasota-Florida.html#ixzz0kXx7PHyK

They also have a 27-foot-long preserved giant squid named Molly, and this is the only place in the United States where you can see such a large specimen displayed. I didn't get a photo of this, it was too big.

Read more: http://www.city-data.com/articles/Mote-Marine-Aquarium-Sarasota-Florida.html#ixzz0kXxK642r

This facility also has a sea turtle hospital, and like with the dolphin and whale hospitals, the Mote Marine Aquarium provides care to wild creatures found stranded or injured, in hopes of releasing them back into the wild. A few of these animals, although fairly healthy, have been deemed un-releasable, and have become permanent residents of the aquarium

Read more: http://www.city-data.com/articles/Mote-Marine-Aquarium-Sarasota-Florida.html#ixzz0kXxVyDl0

Two dolphins that can no longer be released back into the wild are Harley and Moonshine.

They are Spinner Dolphins. We happened to be there when they were feeding them and got to see them perform some. They switch up the times they feed them so they won't get used to a certain time waiting for this.

A nice belly rub.

Caught one in the air.

It was hard to know when they were going to jump.

They were very talkative and were playing before any of the trainers or workers were around. I loved the dolphins too. Now on to the manatees.

This is Hugh, he was so active. He is showing off right now swimming upside down, and then around.

I don't know his name yet, but I hear he gets fed well because he eats when the manatees are fed which is quite often.

Hugh and Buffet eat about 72 heads of lettuce every day. Buffet was the younger, less active one.

Hugh, says hello, but Buffet is the bump up in the background. Like his own little cave.

The Laboratory does a lot of research, they are working on how to reduce Red Tide. We have been without red tide for awhile now. They also monitor sea turtles nest. They mark them and check them everyday. When I lived on the beach in Venice we had one in our front yard, and I happened to have guests over when they hatched the night before. They count how many empty eggs shells and then release the ones that are still there that didn't make it out of the nest. It was the fascinating to see, those little turtles swimming, swimming, swimming. I hope they made it.

You can check out their website for more .

http://www.mote.org/index.php?submenu=AQUARIUM&src=gendocs&ref=Aquarium%20Visitor%20Info&category=Aquarium
Thanks for tagging along!

Old Salty Dog

2010-03-09T17:07:00.003-05:00

Quick post here. Sunday Wade had a friend he new from Michigan that was in town on business, so we met him at The Old Salty Dog. It was a clear sunny day and everyone who is sick of the cold weather, just in the 60's (barley) was out in the sun. The Old Salty dog was one of the restaurants featured on the Travel Channels' show, Man vs Food. They have a foot long hot dog that they batter and deep fry, then pile the toppings on. It took me forever to get out there. St Arman's Circle was so crowded with people out walking everywhere. Then it took even longer trying to get off the key.
It is located on City Island across from Mote Marine and Laboratories. That will be another post.

Right on the water. They have heaters on when you sit outside and it's too cool out. We were on the other side in the sun.

Our view! We just went for appetizers, or I did. I don't like hot dogs so I got the Parmesan Seafood dip with tortilla chips.

Wade got a bowl of clam chowder, his friend got the dog bites. As always the gulls want handouts.

This on was right above us, I was wishing for an umbrella right about now! Just hope nothing happens when he takes off!

Nice view!

It was nice just spending time outside again!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-03T16:49:00.001-05:00

Manatee Viewing Center

2010-02-28T07:31:00.006-05:00

Yesterday was a cold and rainy day. We went over to the condo to help mom and dad load their car for home. They were on the third floor and I can feel it in my calves from running up and down the stair so much. It rained the whole time were were packing the car, but cleared when we were in the restaurant for lunch. (I think there's some sort of law for that) ha! They will be staying with my aunt and uncle in Bradenton for a fews days before going back to Michigan. Well everyone has left so now I can get back to my blogs. I thought I would show you another place we saw for their visit.
Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center. The weather has been unusually cold this winter in Florida, well not just Florida many parts of the country has experienced more than there fair share of cold and snow! We will get cold days during the winter but it normally doesn't last more than a couple of days then we warm back up, often above average temps. Not this year, we've been staying below average for sometime now (we're thinking about moving further south).

TECO (Tampa Electric) has a power plant that puts out warm water into an outlet. The area where this happens attract all sorts of sea life when it is cold out. When the water temperature gets below 68° the Manatees join in for the warmer water.

The Manatee Viewing Center is open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., November 1 through April 15. (The center is closed Thanksgiving, at 3 p.m. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Easter.) Admission and parking is free, but you can make a donation.

You can watch the manatees come in and out of the bay. In this photo you can see where the warm water comes out. All those dots or bumps in the water are manatees.

It was crowded that day with both manatees and humans. You can also see rays, sharks, and a lot of fish. They have signs with pictures to help identify what you might see.

Here is a little closer, the manatees can stay under for around 20 minutes before needing to take another breath. They move slow and often will get hit by boats because they can't get out of the way quick enough. There were several baby manatees too. We could see the nostrils, and tails when they were moving.

Teco has set up several boardwalks and viewing platforms, so it can accommodate a lot of people.

They also have gardens, a small museum, a cafe, and a hurricane simulator.

It was a nicer day out than it looks. The clouds came in while we were there.

Behind one platform looking out to the bay. There is a boardwalk that goes out right across where the warm water comes out. They label all of the plant life too.

This is a Spotted Eagle Ray. The small ones are close to the shore so I could get a good picture of them.

There were larger ones that were jumping everywhere. We often could see the tips of their wings above the water. We even saw a shark jump out of the water twisting in the air before going under again. TECO has some cameras on their website that will show live underwater viewing.

The first three photos, my niece Kendra took. My camera's battery died, you think I would of checked that. Thanks Kendra!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-24T09:27:00.002-05:00

Sharkey's Venice Florida

2010-02-21T21:24:00.004-05:00

Just a quick post because I have family visiting!
My sister and niece Jessica and her boyfriend are in town for a week. Jessica turned twenty one on Feb 13. Her sister who lives in Colorado Springs flew in to surprise her for her birthday. I didn't have my camera at the airport for the surprise but my sis did. I see if I can get that one posted later. Their first day here we went to try to find sharks teeth in Venice. Kendra is a 1st grade teacher and wanted to find some to show her class. I have a bunch that I found when we lived on the beach in Venice, but she didn't want them that way!

The sand on the beaches in Venice are a little darker. There you'll find a lot of fossils other than the fossilize sharks teeth. They rebuilt the beach several years ago and it hasn't been quite the same since to find the sharks teeth, but maybe it's getting better again. Okay that's not a sharks tooth above, the ones they found were tiny. I just wanted to show the sand.

It had rained in the morning just as we were coming down, but it cleared up enough shortly after that. The pier was built for the fisherman and there is a slight charge if you want to go on it.

They rent these baskets so you can go out and grab some shells and such from the bottom and sort through it to see if you can find any sharks teeth. I took this photo of some others that had these, but forgot to tell Brian and Jessica that they rent them until later...oops. I never rented one and really didn't think they would want to. (You can see them all searching a pile in the background)

The restaurant Sharkey's is right at the start of the pier and has a Tiki Bar outside and usually will play island music with steel drums. They have an array of frozen drinks that they will only sell you two, after that you are cut off!

Under the boardwalk...I mean pier, down by the sea....I mean gulf!

Grandma and grandpa with the grand kids, well three of them.

This was a real quick post. I'll have to go back when the weather is a little nicer, and it looks prettier out. Tomorrow we go to Apollo Beach to see the Manatees!

A Day To Remember

2010-02-14T12:49:00.003-05:00

My husband is so sweet! A couple of days ago this is what I found carefully placed on my stove top. Of course the card was not opened at the time. You have to understand the story behind it. We keep this trophy on the shelf above our cupboards in the kitchen all the time, because he won this the day we met.

His cousin Michelle is the one that introduced us. Michelle and I were travel agents and we worked at Endless Vacation Travel. I was supposed to meet him in December when she had to go to a ship inspection in Miami. Wade lived in Miami at the time, and we were going to meet up with Michelle's cousin and go visit the keys. Well I had a chance to go to the Canary Islands and I've been on so many ship inspections (I started out in the cruise department). We knew we would get several opportunities to see him at another time. We were single and got a chance to travel often. Our first trip together was a quick last minute trip to Copenhagen over Thanksgiving. We are so different, but we travel well together. Now with Michelle, when we get back from a trip her stories are much more ...shall I say embellished than my were. Sometimes I would just look at her after we were telling about our trip an say..."wow that happened? How'd I miss that?"

Anyway, back to how we met. I was not at all excited about this. Michelle had different taste in guys than I did. Did I mention how different we were? She said "Hey how would you like to meet my cousin Wade? " Okay...yeah...they grew up about an hour north of Grand Rapids out in the country (not that is a bad thing) and meet her 32 year old cousin that has never been married before (of course either had I). Our next trip was to Merritt Island in Florida. We flew into Orlando for one night and were there the same time Wade was in Lake Alfred for a jet ski race. We were supposed to meet up for drinks Friday night, but it rained so much a the power went out and (before cell phones) the phones were out. Whew! got out of that one.

We did meet up at the race Feb 11, 1990. He was so nice, he explained all about how the jet ski races worked. Ran off to hold a fellow racers ski for a start. Came back to chat some more, even though this girl who had a crush on him kept bugging him! It was a nice time and I enjoyed our short visit. Later when we were back in Michigan he called his cousin to meet him at Friday's oh and does your friend want to come along too? We went to meet up with him and ended up going north to go snow skiing, and we got to know each other better. After that Michelle and I flew down to Sarasota where he moved and went to other races. I eventually moved to the area and stayed with my aunt and uncle who lived there too until I got a job, we started dating, and the rest as they say is history! This is the trophy that he won on the day we met!

Thanks for staying with me on our story of how we met 20 years ago. We were married in July 1993. Michelle was in our wedding. He is always so good about remembering anniversaries of all sorts of things, (a lot better than I am). I am so bad at that.

This is shortly after we met and I believe I moved down here then. I moved here in Sept 1990.

This is at a race in Sanford Florida oh so long ago! We went all over when he was racing. Now he gets to travel often while building race skis for other racers.

I just wanted to share this with all of you, I thought it is perfect for Valentine's Day!

Martha Mondays - Crayon Hearts

2010-02-08T16:03:00.009-05:00

It was my turn to choose what we were going to do this week for Martha Mondays crayon hearts. I wanted to do a Valentine craft, and Brette of Martha and Me had already done my first choice, the glittered roses. I thought this one was pretty and easy enough for everyone to try. I also chose to post it here rather than my food blog, just because of it being a craft instead of cooking. My other cooking Martha Mondays I'll post on The Tiny Skillet sorry to confuse anyone. So here we go! It seemed easy enough, and I had all the stuff on hand to do it. You take some wax paper and spread some crayon shavings on it, fold it over and crimp the edges. After protecting your ironing board, and iron with craft paper, simply go over it with an iron set on medium, melting the shavings.

Okay, again easy enough. The first sign of difficulty was finding a sharpener that would fit the crayon, the first one was too snug. Then the points kept getting stuck in the sharpener. I thought of shaving them a different way, but I used a tooth pick to keep getting tips out that broke off and stuck in the sharpener. I think I might of had too old of crayons.

It said not to overlap them, yeah, right! I spread them thin hoping it wasn't too thin. I remember ironing Fall leaves between two sheets of wax paper as a kid. They didn't always turn out like the teacher's did either.

So why did it get those wrinkles? Humm...I was able to get a couple hearts cut out, but it was had tracing around the heart, nothing would show up so I used a red sharpie! They looked okay...but not what I expected it sorta curled and so I peeled it apart...then it curled and so I just ironed it on craft paper. There!

But then it didn't give you the see through hang it in the window look they were going for! It did look cool on the paper and would make a great Valentine's Day card!

I'll have to cut some more out to use for some cards! ...and I got some really sharp crayons out of it!

I don't know, maybe I should try shaving it different or adding a thicker layer, maybe next time, it was kinda messy with the shavings all over! I am curious how everyone else's turned out. So please check out theirs off the Martha Mondays blog list.

So this is what Tucker was doing while I was crafting. Talk about a lazy dog!

Laying down while he's eating!

Well after all he is almost 14 years old. You know how old that is in dog years!

Hope you all have a great week!

Our Stop in North Carolina

2010-01-18T12:16:00.005-05:00

We couldn't get a flight to Michigan at Christmas, and after the snow storms causing delays in the airports we were kind of glad. Maranda was not thrilled about driving, she couldn't fathom that much time in the car. The owner where Wade works owns a house in North Carolina, and has offered it to us often. We decided to stay there on the way up. It is located near Murphy, and the Georgia, and Tennessee borders are not far off. It was so cold when we stopped on the way up, there was frost on my car in the morning. (The first time my car experienced frost). We don't own a ice scrapper so we had to let the car warm up to melt it. I had left my camera in the car overnight and it didn't work right for awhile until it warmed up I guess. So I couldn't get any photos of the beautiful day when we left. The sky was so blue and frost was still on the ground. In that area there are so many churches and I'm sorry I missed many photos of steeples against the clear blue sky! But I did get this one on the way out on the ride home.
This is Friendship Church, we look for that on the way in because that is where we turn in to get to the house in the mountains. I did decide that I really don't think I could live in the mountains. I mean it's a beautiful place to visit but, everything is on a slant and there is only one way in. What if there was a rock slide? You'd be stuck!

It was beautiful, even in the winter. This was taken from the lanai, (or maybe they call it a deck). The sun was just peaking up over the mountains. On the property (I think he owns 10 acres) they put in this swing. It was up so high and the rope was so long, they built a ramp that you take off from.

Wade was helping Maranda with her launch.

I was standing underneath to get this photo. That's how high up it was.

Weeeee!

I think from this photo you can get a better feel of how far up it really is. I can't believe she liked this. I had a turn at it and I had to get off, (and I like roller coasters) whoa!

As they were swinging I ran over to get some pictures of the front of the house. This was no mountain chicken coop (as the owner calls it).

This isn't what people think when they are invited to stay here. They all come up here for Memorial Day and Labor Day so they can ride their motorcycles in the curvy mountain roads. The area is known for it. Even on the road that leads to the house there is a hairpin turn that almost turns into itself. There is a very famous road known as The Dragon, it attracts many motorcyclist from all over.

Here is a blip from Great Smokies website.
NC Highway 28 North — Hwy 28 through Stecoah to Deal's Gap. The 22-mile stretch known as the "hellbender" — from Johnson Gap (Hwy 143) to Deal's Gap — is a favorite of motorcyclists.

Deal’s Gap (The Dragon) — U.S. Highway 129, connecting Western North Carolina with East Tennessee, is world-famous among motorcyclists and sports car drivers, for its eleven-mile section with 318 continuous curves. Riding the Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gapyou closely follow an old Indian trail from Graham County NC to Fort Loudon TN. Take a spin through “Gravity Cavity”, “Pig Pens Bend”, and “Rebels Revenge” with beautiful views of the river along the way to Chilhowee Lake.

This is on the road out on the way home.

Okay I was able to get one steeple, although the sky was partly cloudy!

We stopped on the way out where they have all the dumpsters for everyone. There is no trash pick up so everyone has to take it to this area to dispose of everything. Not wanting to end on a "trashy" note. There was a dog laying in the grass on the other side of the stream. It was funny he was just laying there looking around, enjoying the day!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-13T05:58:00.003-05:00

Thunder by the Bay...or not!

2010-01-10T16:28:00.001-05:00

I posted this on my food blog too, so if you read both of them I apologize for the repeat!

This weekend is the 12th annual Thunder by the Bay . It's a motorcycle festival downtown Sarasota. Last year was the first year that I joined Wade on his motorcycle and we road to downtown and joined in the festivities. Usually it is a perfect time of year to do this....but not today. It feels like we are still in Michigan, but without the snow. We are 30 degrees below normal average temperature for this time of year. Wade is going without me this year and only a few of his buddies will be joining him. It's a better day to stay inside and drink some hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps!

It's still sunny outside though and it doesn't look like the cold weather did any damage to our tropical plants.

Just took these picture now, it doesn't look as cold as it is outside!

On Friday the kids at school were so excited with the anticipation of the slight chance of snow early Saturday morning. We were too far south and too close to the Gulf of Mexico...we just got rain. Being as close to the Gulf as we are we don't get freezing temperatures very often. It was funny because the had a delay at Sarasota airport due to frost on the plane. They had to wait for the sun to warm it up because they don't have a de-icer, they only use it about once every ten years or so. If we do get cold it never lasts more than a couple days. So this year is brutal to all of us who don't really have the gear to keep and stay warm!

So I'm catching up on my blogs and cooking some chicken here:

So we can add it to my White Chili later. Maranda wanted to make some, so I think I'll let her do all the rest of it. Last night I wanted to use my Indian spice box (it smells so good) so I just made some red lentils. It was actually a combination of my split peas soup (with parsnips, carrots, tomatoes, leeks, and sausage) then I had some red lentils, and added all my new spices, and some old, and fresh garlic, ginger, then some dried chili peppers, and a cinnamon stick! Ta da!

Just starting out...

After it was simmering for awhile.

I could make up some cuite-sy word for it, but I won't! Of course dals are an easy way to use the spices. I'm going to use them with an eggplant dish next I think... or a curry! Hope everyone is having a nice warm weekend!

Let It Snow, Winter Wonderland!

2010-01-05T16:59:00.012-05:00

Maranda's first snow. Well, she actually has seen it before when she was two years old on her birthday in November over Thanksgiving, but she claims not to remember that!

We usually make it up to Michigan to visit family each year. Working in the school system I have the summers off too, so it's easy to travel at that time. Plus Michigan is so beautiful in the summer. My sister has a cottage (they call it a cottage, it's more like a summer house) in Traverse City. We were up there one summer for the Cherry Festival. My parents used to have a boat out at Grand Haven. Lots of things to do and see.

This year Maranda said she wanted to see snow, and decided Christmas would be a good time. We both had two weeks off from school. Wade was able to get the vacation time since he didn't go to the Jet Ski World Finals in Lake Havasu this year. By the time we could figure this out it was too late to buy air tickets. Maranda wasn't too excited about driving up, she has always flown, but we made it. We stayed the first night at a friends house in the mountains in North Carolina. As turned out with all the winter weather this Christmas, and airports full of people and delays....it was a good thing we drove. What clinched it for Maranda was when Wade told her we wouldn't get sick, like you do when you fly.

So here is the snow highlights of the trip.

We first spotted it in the mountains in Tennessee. Just a little dusting. It was funny, at one stop for lunch we made she said "look, snow droppings" pointing at a little patch of snow that had not melted yet. Then when we were driving through Ohio it actually snowed. Wade told her to look out the windshield, and she said "oh snowdrops". Okay, so I had to teach her "snow lingo". I told her they'd think she was a Florida girl or something. She said "I am a Florida girl"

She didn't go out and touch the snow right away, she did wait until the next day. On mom and dad's back deck we even got to see icicles!

Wow, they were even low enough where she could grab one.

I took photos from her phone camera too so she could send it to her friends.

I was telling her to be careful when she grabbed it in case it all broke off and fell. Which she was careful, (I think it's her middle name) when her aunt reached out the door and just grabbed one and ripped it off!

She finally picked up some snow. It was not the packing kind on this day. Just wait a few days after the rain. It snowed after the all day rain on Christmas and it packed good. She wouldn't through it at anyone though (she's so nice).

Her next winter adventure, ice skating!

My sister told us we should go downtown and skate! She needed a little help from her cousins.
But I give her credit for going out there when it was so busy and snowy! It was funny how you could catch a snowflake reflection with the flash!

She wasn't the only one hanging out around the edge of the rink. Of course mom, Karen and I were just watching. Someone had to take the photos!

It was chilly, but fun!

I had to show her how the snow was collecting in her hood. After skating we walked over to Friday's. We were all wet when that snow melted. There was even a bicycle taxi dropping someone off in the snow! Brrrr...

The day after Christmas we went to my other sister's house. First time that I've seen it since it was finished. It was pretty as a picture!

Across the street they had a hill, so Maranda got a chance to go sledding for the first time ever!! It was a nice small hill for her to start on.
There she goes her first ride down!

She was not sure about this at all. I wish I could of captured the panicked look her face.

Oh, you mean I have to walk up the hill?

Every one did join in, they all weren't just standing there. It was fun I even went.

Maranda with her cousins, Jessica and Kendra.

We did end up having almost everyone going down the hill. It was nice because we just went across the street and we could go in and get something warm to drink and sit by the fire.

But before we went in Kendra did get Maranda to make a snow angel! Everyone was asking if she's made a snow angel yet. Again, she still wasn't sure about laying in the snow!
Kendra's snow angel!

Let It Snow! Thanks all for looking!

Christmas in Michigan

2010-01-01T18:05:00.007-05:00

As you all probably already know we drove up to Michigan to spend Christmas with family. This was the first time Maranda has spent Christmas at grandma and grandpa's, and with the whole family (well most of the family). Also the first time she saw snow. I will split the pictures that I took in different posts, so you won't be overwhelmed.
I wanted to get a picture of Mom and Dad's house before the snow melted.

I found out that I didn't have to hurry. We were supposed to go to Wade's dad's Christmas Eve which is an hour north, but there was freezing rain so we waited until morning. Christmas day it rained all day, but was warm enough it didn't freeze.

There are a lot of Amish farms around where his dad live. They work the farms with big plow horses. All of the Amish farms are kept up really nice. They were all going visiting, we passed around 8 buggies going up there and around 12 on the way back.

The roads were slushy, and slippery for what we were used to.

The passengers in the buggy have a barricade up in front of them where just their heads peak over the top and a hole where the reigns go through. I guess it keeps some of the weather off of them, burr. We passed a group of young people walking, one was pulling a sled with baked beans riding on top.

After we visited up at the farm (Wade's dad live on a dairy farm) we had Christmas with my side of the family. It's funny because we never had to worry about that before, where to spend Christmas, Christmas eve with who and when and where. We usually spend Christmas with our friends who are originally from South Africa and they don't have family in town either. So we make our own traditions, a little South African and a little American.
The food was already when we got there. One nice thing about coming in from out of state, everyone else did all the cooking.

Mom fit us all in. Of course the kids table was mostly adult kids :) not so bad for Maranda.

Our family, Sarah was in California and baby Ruby was sleeping, otherwise we're all here.

The first time my car had snow on it. In North Carolina where we stayed the night on the way up it was all frosty! It snowed after Christmas and became really nice snow. It wasn't the crunchy kind you usually get after it rains then snows. I think they ordered it that way so Maranda could see a little bit of everything.

Oh, I slipped this photo in the wrong spot. Karen got us all some fuzzy sleep pants to wear Christmas Eve. Just like when we were kids we got the matching PJs.

I don't know where Karen was in this photo though. Just us and our cousins at Grandma Bouwman's on Christmas morning. Fun, fun, fun!