Art & Whimsy

April 7, 2016 by LB

On our last full day of fun in Sarasota, we were able to take another long walk on the beach,

followed by opportunities to explore some of the downtown architecture, Farmer’s Market, restaurants, and street activity.

We also visited the Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy, where “part of the mission is to collect and preserve work of artistic and whimsical importance. Our collection is bright and colorful. The artwork will lift your spirits and, hopefully, inspire creative expression”. It was a bright, sunny day, and these images do not do justice to the colorful, metal works.

Take my word for it, our spirits were definitely lifted!

Before I knew it, the time had come to fly home. What an incredible 3 days! I’m grateful to have friends who value this tradition as much as I do!

Thanks for coming along with me on the adventure!

Monochromia Sea Star

April 2, 2016 by LB

My contribution to Monochromia this week

Monochromia

I’d never seen a live Starfish before. What a neat find during a morning walk on Siesta Beach.

A little Starfish research offered the following info:

Starfish come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes, but they all resemble a star. They have spines covering their upper surface and a soft underside. Starfish are not actually fish. They do not have gills, scales, or fins. They have tiny tube feet to help them move along.

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Springtime in Florida

March 28, 2016 by LB

For the past 3 years, I’ve had the good fortune to travel to Florida in March. The snow and cold temperatures are left behind, and I am greeted by springtime on the gulf coast. Tons of color, cooling breezes, gorgeous horizons, and dear friends. The trip is never long enough, but 3 full days offers a welcome break from the routine.

I’m even getting comfortable with flying. Yes, as odd as it seems, the woman who rides a motorcycle has a tendency to be a bit nervous on a plane.

The first day in Florida found us enjoying delicious food at Columbia Restaurant, followed by a bit of shopping and walking.

The next morning, after coffee, yogurt, and fresh fruit by the pool (aka hot tub), we were walking Lido Beach.

The camera was rarely out of my hand!!

And thank goodness for that!

This little guy was hunkered down in a footprint.

And this guy seemed to be saying “what are you looking at?”

After a couple hours of walking, it was time to find lunch and to explore some local history.

Next Post: Spanish Point

Standing Tall

March 15, 2016 by LB

What a gift!

Four days on the Gulf Coast of Florida. I’ve got much to share, but also have four days of chores to catch up on.

So for now, say hello to this handsome Great Grey Heron.

❤

The Wonder of Florida

April 29, 2015 by LB

When you saw the title of this post, did you think about sun, tourists, and Disney World? While those things certainly are identified with Florida, that’s not the Florida that I experienced almost 2 months ago.

Those of you who know me will not be surprised to learn that just going over the Sunshine Skyway was exciting! I wish Donna could have stopped the car but for some reason she didn’t think the Florida troopers would appreciate that too much 🙂 I do love a bridge and I’d have loved to have been on the bike!

My welcoming committee!

My three day visit was jam packed! In fact, we rarely stopped exploring. A brief, early morning visit to the beach …

… was followed by a stop at the Sarasota Farmer’s Market.

Is this not the perfect view for lunch and a cold beer?

We spent time at the Myakka River State Park and it was during our time there that I KNEW I needed a zoom lens! Visitors to Myakka can enjoy “the land in its natural state, a piece of the REAL FLORIDA”.

The Birds! The Gators! The Trees!

“Myakka protects one of the state’s most diverse natural areas. The Myakka River, designated as a Florida Wild and Scenic River, flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing from a boardwalk that stretches out over the Upper Myakka Lake, then take to the treetops with a stroll along the canopy walkway”