Gators!

From Picture of the Week 2012

We've been told numerous times that, "Where there's water in Florida, there are gators," and it certainly seems to be true. This guy here though is the biggest one we've seen yet--must be almost 10 feet long.

So imagine our surprise when the very next day we see he has a buddy the same size. Yikes! Nice to know they have each other but I'm sure glad they like to sun on the far side of the pond.

Turkey Trot

From Picture of the Week 2012

There are lots of wild turkeys in Solivita and it's always fun to see them out for a stroll. Snapped this photo from my bike while riding home from the pool. Apparently the male and female turkeys flock separately. These are the ladies--the males have a funny feather that hangs down that's called a beard--you can see it here and learn more about them. I'd been looking forward to seeing the mating rituals until I read that their gobbles can be heard up to a mile away. It may be a very loud spring.

A Picture a Day

My friend MK has committed to drawing every day this year and posting a picture a week. I love this idea! Seems like a great way to help focus on each moment in each day--there's something to capture no matter where you are.

However, drawing is something my inner artist has yet to embrace. But I do take at least one photo or video almost every day so I'm committing to making it a daily thing and posting a photo or video of the week either here or on Facebook. It may be the best one or just the most interesting.

Here's the first. (Click on photo to see larger image.)

From Picture of the Week 2012

A Christmas Card for You!

We put together a little video Christmas card for friends and family. Hope you enjoy it.

May all your holiday wishes come true!

PS Couldn't resist including one of my favorite Christmas photos--that's Kathy's baby, Matt, way back in 1999. And, Matt, you're still just as cute.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePDObYjmEj8

The FL Adventure Continues

Tomorrow it will be three weeks since we arrived in Solivita. Whew, we've been busy. Getting the house together took a lot more work than we thought--hey, shopping is tough when it's a job--but we're loving it.

In case I neglected to get you our address, it's 483 Davinci Pass, Poinciana FL 34759. Our cell numbers are the same.

Below is a link to some more photos to show what we've been up to. If you don't want to see sunshine and fun, don't click on the photo. Can't say you haven't been warned. :-)

Hope to see you soon!

Fl Adventure 2011 Pt 2

Start of the Florida Adventure

Well, it's official, we're temporary Floridians! Arrived at Solivita on Tuesday and have been having fun getting settled into the new house. There have been some not so fun adventures--no water--but we're feeling mighty blessed to be here for the winter.

Below are some photos of the first few days (click to see larger). I'll keep you posted on how we're settling in and hope to see some of you down here soon! If not, look for us on the deck in Chicago in April or May. Cheers!

The Next Adventure

Well, today marks the start of my first full week of not working and I have to say, I like it! Time for meditation and yoga in the morning feels quite luxurious and Bandit will enjoy lots of extra walks.

Of course, I'll miss the daily interaction with all the great friends at SitStayRead but I look forward to discovering the next adventure.

Not sure yet what focus Shandy's blog will have but I promise to keep you posted. In the meantime, please keep in touch by phone (same cell #) or email (click here for new address.)

Let's get together for lunch or coffee. Hope to see you soon!