The Old and the Restless

Mother's day this year turned unusually cold.  The flowers that Bryn ordered were a cheerful note. Tom likes to bring up the toys from the basement. Megan rented a van so that she and Tom could bring their bikes and we could all go for a ride. Those who came from Barrie felt it was too cold to ride bikes. The rest of us walked instead. (But Grandpa had a sleep) Ella wanted to show the violets and magnolia petals she found. Our walk occurred during the best part of the day. By turns it stormed with rain, hail and sleet after we returned to the house. So that none of the mothers had to cook, we went to the local Chinese restaurant for dinner. I have always wanted to have a big group at this restaurant. Tom was worn out, though. Although the dinner lasted only an hour, he fell asleep during the meal. These pretty flowers were from Margot, Mark, Joshua and Ella. We all went back to the house for blueberry pie which Megan made. Tom woke up for that! ...

According to our guide, Don, the Florida Ground-Dove is number one in the cuteness factor. I suppose it IS cute (for a pigeon).

On Tuesday morning I go on a bird-walk over by the river. It starts at 8:00 AM. Don, our guide, knows every bird by the sound it makes. Sometimes we even see the bird. First we see what there is in the parking lot. The we do a little walk in the woods. It was exciting to see the pileated woodpecker. They are huge down here. While everyone else moved on, I kept taking photos. Then another woodpecker appeared. Down by the water, the Marine discovery Centre has guided kayaking tours on Tuesdays. An osprey flew above us. I'm not sure if we will ever be true birders. Don was telling us about a local place he went to earlier in the week. He said that he saw 42 species. When I asked what time he started, he replied, "5:30 AM"

The weather has been so warm that we have enjoyed quite  a bit of cycling. Most of the cycling has been local but one day we did my favourite ride on the Seminole-Wekiva Trail. (We can stop to eat at a Panera Bakery on the return trip. Note to self: Remember to share. Portions are large.) Sand cranes were on the lawn of one of the houses. When Glen and Norma came for a visit we went to the local park at Spruce Creek. Nice walkways but few birds.  However, the next day we were going to drive South to a really good site further south... Viera Wetlands (the sewage plant) This blackbird was fluffing his feathers and trying to attract attention. The wetlands seemed very dry and there was not the usual numbers of birds. Very few alligators in sight. A great egret with a nice reflection.  This hawk, a northern harrier, gave us some excitement. Norma and I followed a lone sand-crane around so that we could get its picture. We had rea...

While I was in Toronto last week I picked up Tom from preschool from Monday to Wednesday. After he asked me if mommy was home and if daddy was home, he always wanted to stay and play a little while longer. If I had the camera out, Nelson wanted me to take his picture too. Tom wanted me to make sure I put the truck he made in the picture.

I flew from Toronto with Margot and family early Christmas Day. It was nice to have the children (and their parents) with us for eight days. Joshua was enthusiastic about everything. Watching the manatee. Since it was  a cold morning, there were a lot of manatee at Blue Springs. Having a rest. Ella didn't want her photo taken today . The children seem to be more interested in the playground than the manatee. Joshua is trying to show his missing tooth which was removed at the dentist the previous day. A conversation with Grandpa during a walk on the beach. The Biolab alligator safari. "I spy with my little eye..."

Michael and Tom made gingerbread cookies. On the Sunday before Christmas, Joshua, Ella, Margot and Mark came for lunch. First, they had to explore the renovations. The laundry room is now on the second floor of the house in what used to be the kitchen. Megan and Tom And a happy Christmas to all!