Tuesday, 13 March, 2012

Winding Down

Vacation time is just about over... No more:
Boat rides down moss draped treed waterways
Weeki Wachee River

Butterflies


see the  swallowtail enjoying the nectar


Cypress tree knees

Used to make lamps out of the knees


Amaryllis flower bed full of colour



Mermaids ,at Weeki Wachee State Park
Kids loved  this show......

Just before the mermaid show was  treated to a Kelly Clarkson song video ,
"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" ,was partly filmed  at the Weeki Wachee State Park .

Dining at some wonderful restaurants from Brians Place in Hernando Beach with its nouveau Spanish Italian  cuisine , met the chef , place was commented on the Jay Leno show;
to sipping icecold margarita ,



What makes this drink even better Jimmy Buffett singing in the background what else but Margaritaville
 munching on a deep fried shrimp basket ,


al fresco at the local Upper Deck Restaurant .situated at the mouth of the Weeki Wachee River





overlooking the white sand of Rogers Park ,

tide is out  




watching bathers ,


shallow at the mouth of Weeki Wachee River
 boaters,
Add caption
Bird watching
Pelican sitting on   sign


Seeing Momma manatee and baby manatee swim by the dock ,coming up for air


Momma and baby taking  air

Azaleas in bloom ,


azaleas are blooming early this year

Finding quaint Inns with funny signs and interesting sights, Like  this sign and the  strange fellow   just off the deck.
 Bayport Inn on the way to Pine Island
Bay port Inn is a local spot known for bikers yet any I saw were all grey haired......... make great gyros!





Sign on motor says Neverude!
Grapefruit juice fresh picked from the  trees surrounding the  house 
 so sweet

 Orange  Trees in  full blossom heady is the fragrance.

early flowering  for the season
Strawberries Lusious and plump


Fresh from Plant City
Palm Trees

 Watching the Sunset thru the trees from the tree top house deck......

Sigh!

Sunday, 4 March, 2012

What intrigues me......

I  take a lot of pictures of bends in the road........
Blogging  has made me realize   I  find intriguing  winding roads, paths leading where?  waterways , history, nature and  what is out there?..
Yulee Highway
This road  is Yulee Highway in Old Homosassa leading me  to see a Sugar Mill Ruin from the 1800's......


Oldest Standing Historic structure in Citrus County
Homosassa means place of many pepper plants so called by the Native Americans . It is a small picturseque fishing village on the gulf .......with a most amazing   state park.....

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park.
Seems I am always wondering what is around that corner....... even on the water .
Boat ride on the Pepper River , taking  visitors from  entrance to  wildlife exhibits.

Pepper River





Spooky moss
Natures beauty....


Mute swans

Wild


 Paths leading somewhere?

Wondering where that walkway leads


Bye for now!

Thursday, 23 February, 2012

Vacation Photos

Warning now!
Here are some pictures of life on vacation.
Hubby on pontoon boat ride with neighbour Dave.

just off  dock
Visitors!
An Otter visiting dock
Brave 
Manatee just off dock ( trying to get a clearer picture)



coming up to  take air  sounds like a whale
Flowering now in garden around the house
Azalea


everything is flowering early

Bouganvillea

mild temps here too for  winter months
Blue flower on shrub ( don't know the name of)

Do you know the name?
Neighbour Debbie's Yellow Jasmine( the scent fills the air)


covers a chain link fence

Amaryllis


growing wild in the garden
The Amaryllis is soon to flower( will take a photo when it does)
Intriguing lane ( wonder where it goes)Part of the Great Florida Birding Trail  winds around to some very picturesque homes set in  mangrove......


Favourite beach Pine Island

white sand  blue sky


sea grass
 Pine Island has  my favourite Beach Bar(so far)




Willy's Tropical Breeze Bar
 Yes it is raining here today!

Saturday, 18 February, 2012

Rainy day in Florida

Rainy, foggy and grey day.
What does one do when the Florida sun disappears?

Go to the movies.
Fortunate that there are 2 local multiplexes close by....one features first run movies only,(Safe House  on my to do list , love Denzel Washington)
the other showcases second run movies that have been out for a while.
I have been wanting to see The Artist

 because of all the buzz at the Golden Globes and the nomination for an Oscar....
It is still playing at the  second run theater.
Amazing price of admission only $4 , a real bargain.
This silent black and white movie keep me spellbound for 2 hours...Who would have thought..
Certainly see why it was nominated.. Loved some of the "cameo" appearances from James Cromwell to John Goodman.

With a cute canine by the name of Uggy how could this movie miss? Personality plus....
For me one of the best scenes was part of the finale, a tap dancing number, shades of my youth taking tap lessons.
Still remember shuffle ball step!
One nice thing about Florida by the time the movie was over out I stepped into bright blue skies , warm temps of 80.
Hurried back to my perch on the tree top house deck watching the tide roll away.... ..

Tuesday, 14 February, 2012