Orchid Madness

Saturday morning found us at the Venice Orchid Society Show. Huge displays by local growers and orchid clubs were set up in the community center.

Paul can tell you the names of different varieties of orchids. Words like Oncidium and Cattleya

and Dendrobium.

My personal favorites are those like the Lady Slipper, which is Minnesota's State Flower. That kind of orchid is a Paphiopedilum and the picture below is of this variety.

There are so many different colors and types of blossoms in the orchid world.

They are incredible.

The warm-growing of this variety have mottled leaves. Our lady slipper is of the cold-growing type and green leaved.

I think there are more orchids fans down here because they grow so easily in this climate. 

Because, while we were trying to enjoy these beauties, we were jostled by orchid zealots. You'd think they were fighting to get autographs from a rock star. It became too overwhelming for us to remain there. I'm glad we took these pictures so we can look back to enjoy!

We drove immediately to the beach to walk and be away from the crowds. It was extremely windy out there yesterday, but at least we weren't arm wrestling with people. Personally, I could watch birds all day.

Someone I know bought two baby orchids on our way back to the camper. I think he might have forgotten we are not here permanently and have to get this stuff back to Minnesota. Oh, well. Back to living in the moment!

Happy Birthday, Lisa!

Happy Birthday to my dear niece, Lisa.

I will always cherish the relationship we have established because of our blogs. Lisa started a blog when she went to France several years ago. I got caught up in the process and was inspired by her to start my own. She is an incredibly talented young woman and I am very proud to be her aunt!

If you don't follow her, you should!

Happy Birthday!

How Fortunate

People who know me are aware one of my favorite phrases is, "how unfortunate."  Randy, if you are reading this, you will remember many situations at work when that just seemed to be the right thing to say.  And, then we would usually laugh. Good times.

Now, the phrase, "how fortunate" has been crawling through my mind.

The past two days have been gorgeous. We went to the beach both days. Paul loves to sift for sharks' teeth at Casperson. I slather on the sunscreen and read. I am just about finished with Salman Rushdie's "The Enchantress of Florence." Reading one of his books is guaranteed to expand one's vocabulary.  What an incredible writer.

Back at our camper, we've worked to settle into our space. We've never stayed in one place long enough to consider adding plants to our outdoor room. But with two months ahead of us at Camp Venice Retreat, we have looked at things differently.

Some new orchids will be making the trip back home with us!

Paul repotted these beauties yesterday. Our neighbor, Helga, introduced herself and sought his advice on an orchid she bought last year. Helga's orchid is an expensive one and needs to be repotted or it's a goner. Paul is her new gardening buddy.

A few flowers, a small palm, a few pots of herbs and a bromeliad or two and we're feeling quite grounded.

As I drove home exhausted after a day at work, I used to daydream about retirement and hoped we could have a small camper and experience different regions of North America. 

How fortunate.

Settling In

We moved on Monday to

We spent the day dodging rain showers packing up and unpacking the camper. It felt good to clean. We even went and bought some plants to enjoy in our little outdoor living space.

Sometimes, living like this reminds me of  

When I get a chance, I'll add some real photos. It rained all day yesterday, so outdoor work wasn't an option. We spent the afternoon playing Tripoli with Beth and Gary. And, Beth made Cincinnati Chili. Excellent. I chose five-way. Talk to you soon.

Kayaking in Oscar Scherer State Park

Our assembled clan experienced a full out "Friday Fun Day." We made the decision to contract A Silent Sport Outfitters for a day of kayaking on South Creek, within the boundaries of Oscar Scherer State Park where Paul and I have been living for the past two weeks.

After a short "Kayaking 101" presentation by Mary, our friendly outfitter, we set out on South Creek to explore the park.

We had no problems maneuvering our watercraft. We decided next time we all will try single instead of double kayaks.

It was a perfect afternoon in every way.

It is a beautiful, yet easy paddle through the park.

The creek was at high tide which was fortunate, because it is quite shallow in some places.

They were conducting a controlled burn in a portion of the park.

Al went in close for a good picture.

We also went out onto the intracoastal waterway after we became more confident with our kayaking skills.

There, we were afforded a little view into how the "other half" lives.

After our paddle, we went back to our campsite for a little relaxation.

This group doesn't sit long before someone says, "Let's play a game!"

So, before we knew it, we were wrapped up in a rummy game. That meant Gary had to hold the lantern so I could see what I was cooking for dinner.

Here we are, gathered around the Weber with me saying, "Hurry up, my buns are burning!"

The four siblings had a great time laughing about our childhood.

And our patient spouses tolerated it quite well.

Al goes back to Fargo today. It has been so fun having him down here. We will miss him.

Tomorrow, Paul and I move from the state park. We will be in our next location for two months. Although I am excited to have "full hookups" we will miss Oscar Scherer. It has been a beautiful spot to call "home." Talk to you soon.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Yesterday, we drove south to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, located on the tip of the Florida Everglades.We were met there by Jayne and Tom, who are spending the week in the Palm Springs area.

The sanctuary is an incredible natural attraction. It features a 2.25 mile boardwalk that takes one through four habitats:

pine upland, wet prairie, cypress forest and a marshland.  We had great opportunities to view wildlife.  Here is a red shouldered hawk keeping a watchful eye on us. 

We could not have asked for a more beautiful day, sunny with a light breeze and 77ºF.

The sanctuary features an old growth cypress forest, one of the few remaining in the country. Some of the trees are estimated to be over 500 years old.

We stood and watched a black crowned night heron.

Even the lichens on the fence were pretty!

Paul and I hope to go back for another visit in March to view the sanctuary in the spring.

If you are ever in this part of Florida, make sure you put this place on your agenda. You won't be disappointed!

I need to get ready for our kayaking adventure this afternoon.  Talk to you soon!

Thanks for dinner, Al!

Yesterday was our 30th Anniversary!!

And, it was also Margie's birthday! (Marge-in-charge)  I love my sister-in-law!

Brother Al treated all of us to dinner.

We ate at Luna's, which has become a family favorite in Venice.  It was our first time to experience the copious portions served at this establishment. Excellent food and excellent company.

After dinner, we sat by Kent and Margie's pool and played International Rummy, another family favorite. Not going to mention who won, but I'm set for my next trip to the coin laundry!!!