Monday, January 20, 2014

1/20/2014 Monday

Good evening to all!!!  Hope you are doing well and enjoying your cold weather!!!   Lets face it, it's colder there than here!! The weather has really been beautiful here the last few days, you still need a jacket first thing in the morning at 45 degrees but over the weekend, daytime temperatures were around 68-72 degrees and today, Monday, reached 77 degrees!!!   WooWhoo!!!!!
Saturday we got up early and went to the farmers market here in town. A bit cold at 45 degrees but the wind was blowing so it felt colder!!! I wore thermals!!! Picked up some great fresh veggies and fruit grown right here in the area!! Paula was more involved with a man that had several beautiful trained birds and for a small donation we were able to photo her with them!!! She is a bird (or any animal for that matter) LOVER !!!! I have attached a pic!!! They were very well trained birds and of course he showed off their talents for us!!!! I guess we looked like good tippers!!!  Ha
We enjoyed lunch later on in downtown Sanford at Christo's pizza!! The calzone Rod and I split was wonderful!!! Spent much of the evening in as Rod is still having the hip issue and just felt like he needed to rest!!!
Sunday we were expecting much better weather so we decided to go to Blue Spring, and see the winter gathering of the manatee!!!  What a beautiful site!!!   100's of them gather in the spring this time if year as the temperature in this spring is 72 degrees year round!!! Hugh older manatees, along with younger, and several Mom's with nursing babies!!  I have attached a few pics, I took 20-25 but I will attach some of the best!!!  NOTHING like seeing these animals in person!!! I love the manatees!!! 
After a long walk through that park we came home for some lunch and a little rest time then the guys decided to go fishing at the park we had visited a few days ago!! So Paula and I packed up some peanuts for the squirrels and decided we would go walking while they fished!!! Got a great pic of 2 hawks there near the pier, the wild life is beautiful!!! I was not able to get pics of the squirrels, as they would eat peanuts right out of your hand!!! When we got tired of squatting,( as I am getting to old to do that much anymore). We started  laying peanuts on the toe of our tennis shoes for them to come get!! Paula said here we are to old ladies sitting on a park bench feeding squirrels off of our tennis shoes!!! Ha  Ain't life good !!! ???  We cooked pulled BBQ chicken in a crockpot( compliments of Paula). I had gotten some fresh corn on the cob at the farmers market, so we enjoyed those. Butternut squash, and rolls!!!   YUM.  Great supper!! I also made a pie using a packet of seasoning(red velvet cake) I purchased at the farmers market along with cream cheese, and cool whip!!!  Quite tasty!!!!
Today Monday we headed out to Bok Tower Botanical Gardens just south of Orlando!!! It is listed  on the American Historic Register. Google it if you have a chance!! I never knew this place existed!!! We spent the entire day there had lunch at their cafe, took lots of pics and enjoyed the "Singing Tower" of bells!!! Even in the winter, lots of blooming foliage!!! We had a great day!!!   Tired when we got home, so leftovers for dinner, and needed rest for Rodney!! He seems to feel his hip is improving some as we are using a tens unit, loaned to us by Jim, and muscle relaxers at night!!  I am still not ruling out that we need to see a dr before we leave here!!! Please keep him in your prayers!!!!
I will keep you updated on events!!!  Love to all, Ms. Fran and Capt Rod 

Beautiful birds at the farmers market downtown Sanford !!

Watching hawks at the fishing pier!!!

This eagle sat on the post just out on the lake where we are docked!!! Fishing for lunch I guess!!!

Rod and I on the pier viewing spot for all the manatee at Blue Springs!!!

2 young manatee !


Mom with nursing baby!!!

100's of manatee!!! had a great time watching these wonderful animals!!!

Jim or Rod did not catch any fish but As Rod says, any day fishing is a good day!!



Bok Tower Gardens!!! This bell tower is 260 ft tall. The stone is ornately carved!!! If your ever in the area it is a must see!!!

The base of one side of the tower.

Standing at the base looking up!!! magnificent!!!!!

The tower is surrounded by a moat filled with Hugh COI Fish!!! 

Look at the leaves on this plant!! I said if Eve had 2 of these her wardrobe was complete!! Ha

Look at the next picture to see just how big!!!

WOW !!!  That's a big bell!! The music was fabulous that could be heard throughout the park!!

A Powder Puff tree!! No smell, but sooooo soft to the touch!!!

This century plant was the largest one I have ever seen!!! It was the size if a car !!! 

Rodney had never seen a tangerine tree with this many on it !!  Don't know if I have either!!!

An overlook at a Hugh orange grove!!!!

1 comment:

Island Gypsy said...

Fran great pics. I Love you and the flower, bell and leaf. I must see that bell tower. Gorgeous. What a great visit. So glad you can share hugs prayer. Love.