Odds and Ends-Again, Again

Patrick having lunch at the beach

Attacked!  At the beach last week, Houston and Patrick were sitting on towels in front of me having their sandwiches for lunch when a seagull swooped in over our shoulders and tried to grab Patrick's sandwich.  The gull nipped his hand instead, but lunch was saved and finished under the cover of a towel.  P was a little shaken by the whole experience and rightfully so.  The flying rat had almost snatched his lunch!  It reminded me of a time on a cruise ship island with LaVerne, Lou and Marianne when L's lunch was similarly attacked and the scoundrels got her cookies. 

Snake in the Grass  If you look closely in the center of the picture, you can see the black snake just behind the log, facing to the left.  One of the grandsons spotted it as we were having lunch at Myakka River State Park.  The snake was chasing a lizard for lunch but came up short, this time.  It was fun to see.

Suuwee!  Trey spotted the first wildlife at Myakka, a wild pig in the tall grass.  I didn't get a pic, but we'll all vouch for the sighting.

Shuttle Launch   We were finishing up a dip in the pool when I realized that the shuttle was about to launch and we might be able to see it.  I called everyone, then scooted around to inform them in person.  Alas, low, scattered clouds prevented us from viewing it.  Seeing a launch was on my list, but not near the top.  Oh well.  Maybe there will be another space program before I go to outer space for good.  Hope so!

Oscars   Last night I went to my first Oscar party at the Sarasota Film Society.  It's something I'd been wanting to do for a long time and finally found the opportunity.  There was plenty of food and drink before the show, but I had been to Luis' Cafe and was pretty full when I got there.  I saw an interesting lady and asked if I could sit next to her during the cocktail hour.  After exchanging a few pleasantries, she abruptly left and I sat there pondering what had happened?  I have no idea and don't really care, so maybe that's why she left!   The event made the late news on local TV, but I avoided the camera (bad hair day).

Good friend Jan arrives tomorrow to visit for a week and I'll sure be glad to see her.  There will be scooter rides, fine dining, cooking here, some fishing, going to the beach and watching some Tar Heel basketball.  Jan is one of the few who seemed to understand what was happening with me when LaVerne died.  In spite of me acting more than a little weird at times, she hung in there and I appreciate that more than she will ever know.  Thank you, good friend. 

Sunset at Casey Key Fish Camp

Tomorrow begins my last month here for this season, and I've already reserved my same space for next season, starting December 1st, lord willing.  It has been a very fine stay and the last month will be a full one, with visits and lots of baseball, both Jason's and the Orioles.  Then there's March Madness!  And, sister Barbara and I are going to Disney World for a few days, starting that adventure with a  Cirque de Soleil, her first time. 

While I will be somewhat sad to leave, I look forward to being at Jubilee! again as the podcasts just don't quite do for me what the in- person experiences do.  It will be so good to be there! 

Had a record fillup of the truck today:  $82 for 23.6 gallons.  I hope to be able to follow through with my travel plans for the summer, but I may have to do a little part-time work to pay the gas bill.  We'll see...