Grandparents At Play!

We could see the start of this Monday morning sunrise from the van. It was so spectacular that it meant Latona was out of bed before coffee.  

The Conch Republic flag flies over the beach at the campground and we wonder where they harvest all the Conch for the famous fritters of the area.  We have tried one and found it much like our clam fritter in Maine.

     Common questions we have been asked are "what do you do there?  do you just sit under the screen house and read all day?"  As a matter of fact, Latona said yesterday that she feels busier here than when she worked.  A typical day includes water aerobics at 9:30, and Senior Exercises at 1:00, and a walk on the Nature Trail.   Monday we also have Watercolor Playgroup (learn to paint), and Friday add Bird Watching to the schedule.  Days without planned activities are usually weekend days for laundry, emails, and sometimes a trip to Key West.

     This week's birding was especially exciting! Apparently, because the water level in the Mangrove Wetland in our campground is decreasing, the supply of minnows and small crustaceans has been concentrating in smaller areas and the birds have had a feast.  Indeed, so have the bird watchers, especially when the Roseate Spoonbill showed up.  Word spread throughout the campground and many came to see the spectacular sighting of birds.

Tri-colored Heron

A Roseate Spoonbill joined the crowd.

Another adventure of the week was our first trip to Key West for this season.  We love the sights and sounds and always visit Zachary Taylor State Park and Mallory Square.  My sister and brother-in-law gave us an important heads up about these spots when we came here for the first time.  Of course there are always other unique sights, like the model of Marilyn Monroe...

And souvenir versions of the famous buoy marking the southernmost tip of the continental USA

Always unique buildings and lovely flowers...

And wonderful reminders of our home in Maine that is not very far from the northern end of US 1.  It also reminds us of our friends and family there and in many other places.  We hope our love and care is reaching you through this blog.

PS. I am going crazy with formatting (still) but will close with these pictures and thoughts.  Thanks to those reading our blog and don't hesitate to add any comment, correction or addition to what we have shared.  It's all good!!