Saturday Shopping

We had brunch out this morning. We went to Sanibel Cafe in Tahitian Gardens where the tables have seashells encased under glass on the tops. (Do you remember the place, Tom and Yvonne?) Afterwards we checked out the stores at the newly remodeled Tahitian....a fave is the gift shop where we bought shell soaps, "Head for the Drink" napkins, and a shot glass. We then went to Comfort by Design (fave shoe store) and Al purchased 2 pair of sandals.

Home and to the beach for a couple of hours. Dinner at Ella's home across the street with Rene, Margarethe, Agnes, Sally and Mike. Good conversation and fun!

Day 26 on Captiva

Weather has improved everyday this week.....today was warm and breezy at the beach. Al walked and was almost too warm on the last leg of his route. We headed to the beach about 2:00. The mysterious sailboat is no longer anchored in the gulf. We spotted some dolphins in the distance. They did not come in as close as the one I saw a few days ago.Was a quiet afternoon on the beach.....only the sounds of the birds and the passing boats broke the sound of the waves lightly lapping the shore.

We returned to the beach about 6:00 to watch the setting sun. Not a spectacular sunset for Captiva but what is not to enjoy!

Dinner was appetizer of shrimp cocktail, garlic shrimp over angel hair pasta served with arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.

Perfect Day for Birds and Beach

Pelican Feeding at DDWR

Thursday, February 26, we took an early trip to DDWR. It was a perfect day for birding. Al made some photos of tri-colored herons and brown pelican. We only saw 2 roseates and no white pelicans. After lunch of ham sandwich and salad, we headed to the beach for a relaxing afternoon. Today was the nicest day yet on the beach. Lot of boat activity but not many people on the beach....almost like having a private beach.

We had dinner with our friends Mike, Ella, Agnes and their friend visiting from Boston at Mike's country club. Al had Caesar salad and Filet Mignon served with fingerling potatoes and asparagus spears. I had house salad and sea bass served with crab risotto and steamed bok choy.

The Mysterious Sailboat

Wednesday was a very relaxing day. We had breakfast after Al's walk. Made scrambled eggs and steak (leftovers) with sliced tomatoes and toast. Spent most of the afternoon on the beach watching the pelicans diving for food. Tried to figure out a mystery regarding a small sailboat anchored near the beach. We watched two men row onto the shore and then back to the boat at which time one guy climbed the mast to lower the jib. Then they rowed back onto land at which time an officer approached them. One guy walked away and disappeared among the houses while the other guy talked with the officer. Then they walked away together heading toward the pass. The suspicious guy then returned alone and then walked through the houses out to the street. On Thursday, the sailboat was still there but had been moved and anchored farther north. Were they illegals coming ashore, drug smugglers, or just sailors in distress?

Dinner at Doc Ford's about 5:15. Good move since we were able to get a table before the crowd arrived. We shared oysters on the half shell. Al had Achoate Grilled Grouper seasoned with a blend of South American spices served with saffron rice mixed with mushrooms and broccoli, topped with pineapple salsa. I had Calamari salad of greens, cucumbers, tomatoes with sweet and sour vinaigrette dressing topped with crispy wontons.

Birding Trip

Tuesday we went to Ft. Myers birding. First, I dragged Al to Estero Beach Lagoon located behind the Holiday Inn beyond Ft Myers Beach but only saw a few egrets and herons.....no skimmers or terns as expected.

We then went to Six Mile Slough (hot birding spot) where we had a picnic lunch before walking the boardwalk. Was a fairly uneventful birding walk but we enjoyed....saw great blue, cormorants, turtles on the platforms in water at entrance. We did see anhingas, ibis, green heron, alligator,mergansers and more turtles at Otter Pond. Spotted a yellow warbler in tree as we were getting in the car to leave.

Stopped at the Lighthouse Restaurant for drinks and calamri appetizer at their bar. Nice view of the marina and boats. Was nice ending to our day trip.

Raccoon Clam Diggers

Wildlife Adventure in the Backyard

Today after our usual walks, we had a wildlife adventure right on the property where we are staying. Margarethe came over to tell us about a bobcat that was stalking the bunny cage behind their house. She had a great picture on the digital camera and invited us to the house to see for ourselves. The bobcat was hiding in the brush and came out several times as we watched and made pictures. Exciting to see a bobcat this closeup.

PS: Bunnies Dotty and Spotty are safe in their cage.

Lazy, Hazy Day

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Sunday, we took an early morning drive through DDWR. It was low tide so we saw a lot of birds feeding-mostly willets, ibis, white pelicans, blue herons, egrets and other herons. See Green Heron in picture. Saw and heard several red-bellied woodpeckers. Watched 2 raccoons digging and eating clams.

Too cloudy in the afternoon to go to the beach.
For dinner we made garlic shrimp with pasta and an improvised broccoli salad because we had no lettuce.

Hot Time at the Bailey Tract

Friday was on the cool side. High was only 65 but that is better than 6 degrees. We went to Bailey Tract for a walk but the area was closed. They did a controled burn there on Thursday but it looks as if the fire may have gotten out of control! Most of the tract including palm trees appeared charred. DDWR is closed on Friday so we checked out an eagle's nest near us but lighting was not conducive for photographing. We did spot a hawk who made a good subject for this photo.

Cooked in Friday night. Menu was broiled lamb chops with balsamic reduction sauce, Caesar salad and rice pilaf(my recipe). Yum yum!

Saturday night: Decided to go to Lazy Flamingo for an early dinner. Arrived there at 5:30...tables all full and people waiting but the bar was empty. So we sat in our "spot" at the bar. Started with cold oysters on the half shell and cold beers. Al ordered Caesar salad with blackened shrimp skewers (half order). I had seasoned hot peel n eat shrimp and half order fies. Finished with Key Lime pie.

Sun, Sand and Surf ....No Snow!

Waves upon the warm, white sand
foam breaking on the shore
Waves coming from a distant land
stir seashells, spiral pure.
The distant cries of seagulls mix
with the ocean's peaceful roar.
Sun glinting off water, as it licks
upon the sandy shore.
So peaceful in the morning
before the crowds have come.
So beautiful, the seashore
beneath the summer sun.

Written by Sarah Terzo.

Lazy Flamingo is Not a Bird

The "Cheer, Cheer" of a cardinal awoke me this morning followed by the songs of a warbler. Good to be in Florida! Sunny day! More beach time and a ride through DDWR too.

For dinner we decided to go to Lazy Flamingo, a neighborhood bar and grill just across the pass. What a fun place....was very busy....very small....only 4 people working the place....the cook, 2 girls taking orders, and another guy who worked all over. Can serve about 60. One of those places where "everyone knows your name". Was a long wait (45-60 min) for a table so we sat at the bar. Busier than usual? They do not have waiters to serve the tables...customers order at the bar and then pick up drinks and food when their name is shouted for order. Quite a show to watch....orders are attached to a clip and then sent to the kitchen by flying on a high wire to the cook. Better duck if you are working in its path behind the bar.
Al ordered mesquite grilled rack of back ribs that fell off the bone. Served with fries and slaw. I had fried grouper basket...crunchy and hot...with fries. Panko crust??
Food is great! You can bring your seafood catch here and they will cook for you. Ready to go back and try more of the menu. Best place to sit is at the bar.

Captiva Sunset

The picture above is of our sunset on Tuesday evening. It was a windy evening but actually the nicest sundown we have seen since our arrival. Most evenings have been cloudy or with heavy fog.We think nicer weather has finally arrived with warmer temperatures.

Just Another Day at the Beach

Beautiful sunny day. Al took his daily walk. Coffee and pastries afterwards. Lunch of ham sandwiches and chips. Spent afternoon at beach....lot of birds...saw new bird....Forster's Tern along with the Common Tern and Royal Terns. Many Willets here too. Lot of boats including the one that sprays out so much water....some kind of tourist boat. We went to Matzaluna for dinner....so busy...30 minute wait and that was with a call ahead. Al had Veal Saltimbocca (not on menu anymore but they made anyway) served with smashed potatoes and sauteed mixed vegetables. I had Eggplant Parmesan served with penne pasta with pomodoro sauce.

Pictures From Sunday DDWR

Today is President's Day...lot of traffic on the island. Drove in to Sanibel to buy couple of new books and see art exhibits at Big Arts. Stopped at Timbers to buy some peel n eat shrimp for lunch and a strip steak for dinner. Sunny but on cool side. Went out to beach about 3:00 but too windy to stay very long. The Royal and Common Terns are now on the beach.

Another Foggy Day in Captiva Town

Another foggy day. I say that literally, the fog rolled in, in waves. Thin whispy strands of cotton pulling off a solid roll in the background.(Watch video) Last night's weather man called it "spooky fog", his partner called it "pea fog".
Whatever you call it, it was not what we were here for.
As we entered the bird sanctuary the fog seemed to lift, the sun came out, and we had 2 hours of 80-90 degrees with plenty of sunshine. Took a few shots of some resting Roseates, and a huge flock of Willets (maybe 200 birds) sitting in the sand on the edge of a small island, all facing the same direction, as if they were all waiting for the same thing.
Monday is "supposed" to clear off, then a cool front comes thru, and 70's and 80's for the weekend.
We may ride down to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary this week to see what birds we can find there.
Al

Valentine's Day

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Al walked early. Breakfast for Valentine's Day was mushroom omelet, Ribs of lamb (leftover last night), grapefruit hearts, orange juice, and toast.
Around noon we drove into Sanibel for the Rotary Club annual Arts and Crafts Fair at the Community Center. This jury show of artists is ranked as one of the finest in Florida and draws artists country wide and people from all around. Ikki Matsumoto now living in Ohio used to have a Sanibel gallery and is known worldwide attended. Another Sanibel celebrity Kate Gardenia had a booth of dolls that she designs. She was the original owner of the Bubble Room and Mermaid Factory. 105 booths in all. Lot of great photographers, artists, jewelers, and other craftsmen.

Shopped at Jerry's for Valentine Dinner. Decided would enjoy dining at home since Valentine's is a mad house at all the restaurants on the islands.

Dinner tonight was Filet Mignon with Pinot Noir sauce with mushrooms, garlic, and fresh Rosemary. Served with Caesar salad and baked potatoes. Dessert was Creme Horn from Jerry's Bakery. David Bruce Pinot Noir 2005 was wine of the evening. Dinning table was decorated with red candles and rose petals.

One Angry Alligator at Bailey Tract

On Wednesday we took a hike through Bailey Tract, part of DDWR. It was a beautiful and comfortable day. At Mangrove Island, we heard a bellowing alligator before we saw him near the water edge....never heard this before....sounded like an elephant. He bellowed for several minutes....sounded like one angry alligator! Al got some good pictures but missed catching him with his mouth wide open. Was the highlight of our walk. Saw other alligators in another water area. Also saw ibis, heron, blues, osprey, mottled ducks, and grebes.

Roseate Spoonbills Bathing

On our drive through Ding Darling this week we saw a group of roseate spoonbills bathing by the mangrove island. They are one of the most colorful birds here. Beautiful color for Valentine's! We were here again yesterday but did not see many roseates but did see a kingfisher in the same spot as last year.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Another lazy morn...Al did a short walk. After late breakfast of basted eggs,bacon,toast, and juice we headed to beach about 1:00 and enjoyed the surf and sand for couple of hours.Decided to have dinner at Timber's, one of our fave seafood places. Called ahead at 6:00 to get on seating list. Left at 6:20.....arrived at 6:40ish to walk right in and get a table....in season always a 15-45 min wait. Ordered calamari with marinara to share. Al had fried oysters with salad , broccoli and rice pilaf. I had salad and peel n eat shrimp appetizer and shared some of Al's broccoli.Home to watch "Mentalist" but fell asleep on couch.

Enjoying Surf and Sand at the Beach

Spent last 3 days doing nothing more than sleeping, eating, enjoying the beach, and eating. Has warmed up to high 70's......very pleasant on the beach. Al does morning walk and I upload pictures from cameras. Spend afternoon napping, walking, and reading at beach. Then have dinner....have cooked in several times...bought fresh seafood at Timber's....made grouper, shrimp pasta, crab cakes....and one night steak and one night pork chops. Had Dinner at Traders last night ...Al had veal chop with portobella mushroom and garlic mashed potatoes and I had salmon with avocado salsa.

Reopening the Bay into the Gulf

Al walked about 3 miles early Friday morning. While crossing the bridge at Blind Pass he made some video of the work going on there. Sanibel and Captiva are again clearing the sand under the bridge to reopen the flow of water between the gulf and bay. Then the island of Captiva will be a true island again. The video on the top shows work on the gulf side and the bottom shows the bay side. The Miville's home can be seen to the far end of the row of homes on the bayside. We stay at the guest house on their property.

Enjoying the Birds

Weather has still been on cool side but did reach 70 yesterday afternoon. Not warm enough on the beach yet but we have driven through Ding Darling Wildife Refuge a couple of times. Pictures above were shot there Wednesday. The pink birds are Roseate Spoonbills. The ugly bird on the left of the spoonbills is a Woodstork. 3rd picture down is a Brown Pelican. Bottom is a trio of Willets.

Looking forward to more birding.

Ben and Rob Skiing in Telluride January

Rob flew out to Telluride the end of January to spend some time skiing with Ben. Ben sent these pictures to me. I think that is Ben in the top picture and Rob in the lower one. Both are shown together in the middle.
We are glad we are in sunny Florida but temperatures are in 40's and 50's with frost forecast again tonight. Still beats Ohio and Telluride for comfort.
Theresa

Pictures from Ben

While we are waiting for some warmer weather here in Fl, I have received some pictures from Ben from the ski slopes in Telluride.

Ben wrote: "I thought you all would enjoy these pictures. Yesterday I hiked up Palmyra Peak at the ski resort. At an elevation of 13,000 plus, it made quite an adventure. The first pic (right) is of me heading up the first pitch. Don't worry, you can see the 3 ski patrol in front of me. 2nd pic (left) is me skiing down the "roy boy" chute. 3rd pic is me in front of the crazy rock formations in the middle of the run. This terrain just opened last year and has been fun to ski."

We Made It Finally!

Well, where to start ??
Our scheduled departure was delayed 24 hours because of the never ending snow storm. We had another one on Wednesday during which we decided that postponing our departure 24 hours might be the best thing till the roads clear. Tomorrow was to be better driving. That takes us to Thursday morning when we both awoke feeling under the weather. Another decision to be made. Lets leave on Saturday when we will both feel better.That decided, Saturday turned out to be the best decision.

We escaped the snow and headed for Norris,TN to Jack and Loy's. Arrived, none the worse for wear, by late afternoon. Roads were clear and dry but the berms were piled high with snow. The road crews had done an excellent job!
Going thru Kentucky we could witness the devastation from the ice storm several days prior. (See picture above) Trees down, limbs down,and hundreds of thousands of homes without power. The ice clinging to the trees was still apparent even days later. Guess the temperature had never warmed up enough to melt it.

Jack made a pot of his famous hot chili with cornbread and a delicious bread pudding for dessert. Little single malt scotch and I was ready for bed. Next morning around 8:30 we departed for Ocala, our second stop. Arrived at our lodging about 6:30 and drove to a local Olive Garden for dinner (our favorite gourmet restaurant, Bella Luna, had closed) What a delicious dinner! Can not believe how much the Gardens have changed. We hope to go back next year...may even visit our local O.G. when we get home.

Our Monday morning drive (4 1/2) hours went very smoothly and we arrived on the island, after stopping for groceries, around 3:30.
Tired from the 3 day trek, we opted to visit a local lounge at Tween Waters Inn for drinks and dinner.
The weather reports show chilly nights and 60 degree days ahead till the freeze on Thursday night. Then onward and upward to the 70's and 80's on the weekend. Something to look forward to. We did however do a quick run-thru to Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge just to make sure the birds were still there.!

Tomorrow: another day in paradise..!!!
Al