Doug has spent a bit of time fishing learning what does and doesn't work in the salt water down here.  He finally got a "keeper" spotted trout, it was 22" I think but neither of us thought to weigh it. We haven't eaten it yet but it should be good.

So much to do, so little time!

We actually made it over to Daytona for Speedweeks this year. We went to the Duel qualifying races. It was a long day with a 3 hour drive each way but we were glad to go. We were getting low on exhaust fumes in our systems after missing Loudon last summer. The wheelchair accessible seating is front row so the view isn't too great. If we go again we'll splurge for higher seating.

Here is my buddy Mark Martin (yes still driving) at his 55 pit stop. It was coincidentally right across from where we sat.

This is a southern lobster. Doesn't look anything like ours!

See the one on the left hanging upside down by the tail?

There are 4 or 5 in this pic.

Last week we went to the Mote Aquarium in Sarasota. It was small but very enjoyable. I liked watching the seahorses and jelly fish.

Busy week here. For Valentines day, Doug got me this beautiful hydrangea. Sure hope it survives to make it home. I never have good luck with them but the colors are so pretty. We also went to dinner at the restaurant here and had a great meal. Then the next night we went out again for dinner and a show- the monthly murder mystery here. Good for lots of laughs. No one figured out the murderer. 
Doug's been fishing a few times this week but no luck. Still trying to figure out the tides, moon and whatever else seems to influence the fish biting. Still, a bad day fishing is better then any day at work!

I got in the pool twice this week, I'm up to 7 laps now. We tried swimming on my stomach but Doug was afraid I'd sink and he didn't want to play lifeguard so I'm still looking for someone to help with the swimming.
This weekend was overcast both days but very humid. Reached 80 without any sun. Very windy today too, felt like a warm fall day with leaves falling all over.  So weird to hear talk of spring coming when I feel like it's August and fall is on the way.

A week in the life of. . .

Days go by quickly. There is so much to do here at Sun n Fun that we still haven't found time to visit some of the local sights. We did go to see Tim Conway a couple weeks ago. He's still very funny, laughed from beginning to end. Last night we saw a show right here at the resort, a 3 man band  playing 30 instruments with a lot of comedy thrown in.

Doug continues to squeeze in fishing whenever he can and the tide cooperates. I've talked him out of going when it's high tide at 3am. He deep fried some of the fish he caught last month, it was delicious and we had enough to share with our neighbors. I'm actually sitting in the car right now while he's out on the jetty. It's a little windy and overcast. Of course at 78 degrees, I'm not complaining, just wanted to make use of my time here.

We learned a new game called Petanque (pa-tonk).  Very similar to bocce but played on a gravel court about 5' x 20'. we play with different people every time so have had opportunity to meet a lot of new people.   Wish I could remember all their names!

I've been using the new fitness center weight room. Had a trainer finesse a program for me. I'm noticing a difference.  We've been to the pool a few more times. I do laps for about 1/2 hour on my back. Am looking for a swimming instructor to help me do the crawl. May have to fly my niece Jennifer down here to teach me! (wonder how long it'll be before she contacts me! LOL).
 That's all for now. I really need to do more picture taking. I've been taking beading classes and making jewelry. will show some of that next time.

Finally in the pool!

We finally got in the pool of the new fitness center. We had a one on one trainer but had no problems with the lift. This day was just experimentation to see what we could do. What I want to do if figure out how to swim laps so  she will help me again to do that.I'm floating right now with just a waist belt. and I have weights on my ankles to keep my feet from floating. What I still need - maybe- is something to put around my neck to keep my face out of the water but if I swim then maybe I'll need ankle floats instead. Once we figure it all out I'll be on my way. While we were trying out new things Doug was soaking in the hot tub.

 

Doug  finally got to go deep sea fishing.  They went out about 30 miles and caught amberjack, grouper, snapper and he got one flounder. This is the total for all 6 people who went. He says he's happy just to have gone on the ocean. 

                  

This is one of the Amberjack he caught - weighed about 35 lbs. They are only allowed one per person.

Well, I haven't really taken any pictures yet this year, except for the cat who always provides us with some comic relief. Same as last year, if the outside temp goes below 50 (45 last night) then we will find her in bed with us in the morning. Otherwise, we may not see her all day. 

Yes, it's gotten cold at night but day time is beautiful. 67 feels like 80 when there is no breeze and not a cloud in the sky. 

Doug has been working on perfecting his fishing and caught a flounder yesterday. It's a flat fish so not a lot of meat but a couple more and we'll have a meal. Unfortunately neither of us thought to take a picture.

.
We had a tour of the new wellness facility this week. Can't wait to utilize the pool lift. I've signed up for some one on one training for both the pool and weight room. Will take some pictures to share.

Happy New Year

We had a nice dinner at the restaurant here at the resort tonight. Afterwards we went to the pool area, but they were still setting up the music so went back and sat outdoors for about an hour, visited with aquaintances we met last year. Finding that the same people return each year over the Christmas holiday. What a nice way to spend it. Temps nice and comfortable. . . .

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

My decorations

I must say it didn't take me long to decorate our tree this year! And isn't it nice that the presents we received fit right under the tree and coordinate too! Today, Christmas Eve, I went shopping and there was no worrying about the weather or not wanting to go in and out of the car again because it's freezing out. In fact the stores weren't really even crowded. It felt like just another day. Seriously, I think we could get used to this. While I was shopping Doug spent the day fishing. Said he caught a nice ocean trout but you can't keep them till Jan 1 so back it went. stinker!

On the road again

Well, it is time to finally head home. We haven't done too much the past 2 weeks, just soaking up the sun. Doug snapped this one while I was sunbathing in my reclining power chair.

This was taken on the first day of spring and has been pretty consistent but with a nice breeze it's not so bad. However the humidity is really increasing the last couple of days. In the last 44 days it has gone below 80 degrees only 6 times!! We are certainly going to hate going back to the cooler temps but very anxious to get home just the same. We'll be leaving tomorrow, April 6 and will play it by ear depending on the weather as to how far we'll go each day.

Thanks to everyone who commented on my alligator, (it was named Bobby) I know I didn't write back to everyone, mostly because I'm usually on the computer while laying down with my feet up and it's not easy to type that way. but can't wait to catch up with everyone soon.

Have you hugged an alligator today?

Yesterday we went for a ride to explore some state parks in the Everglades. Along the way we came across a big sign attached to a van in a gas station parking lot that said "Hug an alligator" Doug decided we really needed a picture of me hugging an alligator. Notice he did not volunteer to hold it!

 This was a young one, never thought to ask the age, having too much fun posing with it.

I was asked how it feels and it was dry and smooth, just like leather. The spines on top weren't sharp either. 

I kept laughing so most of the pictures had my mouth open

Olive loves Florida

You know it's been in the 80's here and that sun is quite bright so Olive has need of a sun visor. I think she appreciated our efforts.