March 25, 2019

Haven't been doing a lot, but we seem to be busy. I guess that is a good sign. I have enjoyed the aqua zumba class when we meet. St Patrick's celebration was fun.

We have a class 3 days a week, when the weather cooperates. The instructor, Dawn, is just a peach! She is this tiny little thing, not sure of her age, but she acts and looks much younger than she is! And she can dance! I try to keep up, and pretend that I have some rhythm, but not sure I am succeeding. I am, however, moving, and am in the water. I feel stronger in some ways, so I guess I have progressed. I will miss these classes when we go home. Thanks, Dawn, for your lessons.

Ken and I were fortunate to witness another launch from Cape Canaveral. We viewed this one from "our" pier. It was not as thrilling as when we were closer, but it was still very cool to see. 

The bright spot is the rocket about 20-25 seconds into flight. It looks like the sun rising, but the sky doesn't lighten like it does in daylight. We have seen three, and hope to see many more in the years to come.

We had some overnight guests, as they traveled from Georgia to Jupiter, and included us in their travels.

Dave and Joan brought us some love from Maine, as they visited us on their journey. It was good to see them, and have some great conversations with them. Also a wonderful lunch at Captain Hiram's. Can't wait to see them, and the Wilbers, when we get home. I hope they enjoyed our spot here in the Bay!

March 2, 2019

You know those friends that you don't see very often, but when you do, it's like it was yesterday? The ones that you immediately pick up right where you left off? Well, David and Cindy Louder are those friends, especially for Ken. He was really looking forward to their visit. They always seem to go the extra mile, or 1500 miles, to make the connection. They are easy going, never demanding, and will be happy with what ever you do.

We also were up at 2:30 this morning to watch another space launch. This time we went to the Barefoot Bay Pier, along with some other space nuts, and watched it. We were about 30 miles away, down the river. You could see the sky light up when it was ignited, and could watch it for several minutes until it looked like one of the stars in the sky. The photos are not clear, but they represent the moments after lift off, and about 20 seconds later, when it is higher in the sky. It looked like a red-orange moon, shedding light on the river.

So lucky to have seen not one, but two launches in our stay in Florida. Had always wanted to see the space shuttle take off, but it was not to be. If these rockets are this impressive, I can only imagine what the shuttle must look like. Wow!

March 1, 2019

After a great few days with the Antones, it was time to head back home. Didn't get as early a start as we had planned, but the time was spent well. Just love these guys.

We took a different route back home, stopping in Ortona Lock and Dam. I had never seen a lock, and never really understood how they worked. This lock allows the passage of vessels from the east coast of Florida, up canals into Lake Okeechobee, then west through the Ortona lock, into the Caloosahatchee Canal, and eventually into the Caloosahatchee River, and back to the Atlantic Ocean near Ft Myers. It was one of the coolest, simplest things I have ever seen.

They bring the watercraft into the lock area, and shut the gate. The craft is secured on the side, and then the other gate is opened, to let the water out and drop the level. This lock drops 8 feet.

 This one is about 40 or so feet long. You can see by the watermark how the water is dropping.

Once the craft has left the lock, if there are any that want to travel up the canal, they would enter, the lower gate would be closed, the upper gate would open to let the water in, and the level would begin to rise.

A great stop on our trip back home. Out of the way, not much fanfare, but a really interesting place for me.

February 27 & 28, 2019

Ken and I went to the west coast to visit my cousin, Dawn Louise and her husband, Perry. We stayed at their house last winter for a month, and thought we had found paradise. The most relaxing, calming place to spend time during the winter months. Drove through some agricultural areas to get there, stopping in Labelle at the Two Peas cafe for some lunch. Nice little local place, with some good food. Arrived at the Antone's and immediately we were in our suits and in the pool. Ahhhhh.

It was a great visit. Learned a lot about Perry's career in law enforcement- boy does he have some stories to tell. Some comical, some frightening. I don't think the public really knows what they go through. I know I didn't.

On Thursday, we visited with my friend's father that lives in  Fort Myers. Slugger was happy to see us, and we talked and reminisced for a while. He is a remarkable man, almost 89. He always has a story, or a piece of history to share. And usually a bloody mary, too.