Thursday, February 8, 2018

Clearwater and St. Petersberg

Sis and me wading in the Gulf of Mexico
This is definitely a different Thursday post for me. Yesterday my sister Norma Jean, her son Peter, and their two dogs took me down to St. Petersburg so I could stick my feet in the water. It was a beautiful day, hovering right around 80°F (26°C) and just right. You can see the Skyway Bridge behind us on the horizon. This was the Fort De Soto beach where we could take the dogs.

That's Norma Jean's Papillon Icarus, and Peter's Jack Russell Zen. I have really enjoyed my visit so far, and the joy of spending time with my sister and these wonderful dogs has been so far from my usual fare that I cannot quite reconcile it with what I would otherwise be doing at home. Zen is 111 in dog years and will turn 16 in people years at the end of February. Icarus is middle-aged, with plenty of time still ahead (almost 8 in people years).
My breakfast this morning
Every morning when we finish our swim at the Y, we come home to a fabulous omelet prepared by Peter, and in the evening we have another wonderful meal. Norma Jean knows how lucky she is to have him, but I keep being amazed by his talents. Cooking is only a small part of his myriad skills.
Peter and NJ with dogs
I thought I should put a picture of Peter up here so you can meet him, too. Icarus was so funny; most of the dogs ran loose on the beach, but he was afraid when one would approach and wouldn't leave Norma Jean's lap willingly.
Today's Senior Trailblazers
Meanwhile, back at home, I received this picture from Melanie of today's hikers, covered in rain gear (well, except for Richard, who only wears it when it's pouring). I learned that the regularly scheduled hike had to be changed because of flooding. And somehow that information had much less impact on me than it normally would. I'm sure enjoying the water here, in the gulf and in the pool. But I'll be back for next week's hike.
:-)

16 comments:

  1. Quite a change to see you by the sea instead of on the mountain. Looks wonderful. Enjoy the sunshine and the company of your sister.

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  2. Ahh the beach and water look great! You have a great visit! Far Guy may get out of the hospital Friday...maybe...I am not counting on it just in case it doesn't happen and I have not told Chance yet:)

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  3. It looks wonderful there in everyway, Jan. Delicious food, family, sun and water! Perfect!

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  4. Definitely envying you the temperatures, the sun and the surf! Soak it all up and enjoy!

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  5. What a wonderful omelet. I'll have one.

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  6. I can hear your excitement at being in Florida. Good food. Good company!

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  7. The walk on the beach looks wonderful!
    No rain here today. We spent the day inside at the flower and Garden Show, but made it back home in time to watch the first installment of the Olympics.

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  8. Ha ha, no shorts for your hikers back home. Zen looks great for 111:) Peter is really spoiling you with those breakfasts. Keep enjoying.

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  9. My mom is east of you in central Florida in Winter Haven. Such warm weather down there! Enjoy it to the hilt because it will fly by. Precious time, for sure. :)

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  10. So happy to hear that you're having a wonderful time with your sister. The beach looks great. I love the gulf!

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  11. Well...even tho I LOVE your hikes ... this Florida adventure is so much fun!! (Our area of the gulf is so much gray...your visitation is gorgeous).

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  12. Depending on his weight, Zen is probably between 80 and 90 according to the more recent charts and calculators.

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  13. Very nice to be enjoying some warmer weather Djan. I've forgotten what that temperature feels like! Winter is getting tedious over here now and we are all ready for some warmth and flowers blooming.

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  14. What fun to be able to put your feet into warm waters. I'm sure your hiker buddies would be envious. I'm envious about your fancy meals. Having regular oatmeal this morning. 16 years???? Wow! That is absolutely awesome.

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