It has been a while since I have posted. Sorry! I have been in Naples at Lake San Marino Rosie sitting for my sister and bro-in-law while they flew up north for Christmas. I returned here to Riverview yesterday afternoon. Wow, is it cold??? The heat in our house was not working last night. The beautiful flowering hibiscus just outside my window froze even though a put a sheet on it. It was loaded with light coral blossoms. It will come back but will take awhile. I wonder about the alligators who are supposed to inhabit our pond. They must be deep in the muddy bottom. When I drove by the Manatee River a few miles down the road from here yesterday, I stopped and went by the hydro-electric plant to see if manatees were there. They consider it their spa since the spilled water from the plant is 80 degrees. They are extremely sensitive to cold air and will die quickly from exposure. As with many life forms, they know ahead of time when the cold is coming and swim to the nearest warm water area up the creeks. I didn't stay long but what I saw was a thrill to my heart. There were at least 30 manatees right there near the viewing platform. See the attached photos. You can see the water is steaming.
The Harmon dogs were very happy to see Bash and me. They have been teasing for a walk today but I went up to visit Bearfoot in the storage area. That was enough cold exposure for me. I picked up some appropriate clothing while I was there though. The engine wouldn't start at first but I ran the generator for awhile then was able to start it up. I feel like staying right there each time I visit but instead filled the car with my winter clothing and left.
Monday, the 7th I am to fly to Albany, NY where I will be picked up and taken to Hartford, NY. I want to see my family and have numerous New York State offices to visit in order to change my residence from Florida to New York. I also have to see the town assessor to qualify for tax relief benefits and see the man who is setting up health insurance for me. Lots to accomplish in just a week. I have done some prep work and as long as I have all the appropriate papers, it should all fall in place.
It was fun in Naples. I rode 50 miles on my bike in three rides. One was alone, one with a dear friend and the other with the bike club, Pelican Pedlars. The beaches were as always spectacular. The weather just grand until the cold snap and the howling winds came in. New Year's Eve was a memorable event for me. A group of us packed up a gourmet picnic supper with table, candles and wine. We arrived shortly before the sunset. Check the photos. After we had dined, the fireworks began from the Naples Pier. What a show! It is hard to believe that was just 3 days ago. I sat there in my chair listening to the surf and the booming fireworks in my shorts and sleeveless shirt. Now I am bundled up in sweats, wool socks and two jackets. But I will never forget that evening.
Time for some photos. Please note, I won't have a computer with me on my trip north. Although I may be able to log on using a friends computer. But don't really expect much from me for the next week as I travel. I really want to go but I dread the cold weather.
No comments:
Post a Comment