Red Silk Cotton

On the John Ringling estate there are these beautiful trees from India.

Ringling Brothers Circus

We visited the Ringling Brothers Circus museum, and the lavish estate of John Ringling. It was a very interesting place to visit. We highly recommend it.

Wenda Circus Performer

While visiting the Ringling Brothers museum, Wenda tried riding on a horses back.

Brown Pelican

I finally got a chance to get up close to a Brown Pelican. These birds are masters of soaring with their very long wings. They can glide along the waves riding that little current of air that gets deflected up and above the waves, without even working their wings.

Island Way

When in Clearwater, it's a must visit to go to the Island Way Restaurant.

Hulk Hogan Fight

I was walking by Hulk Hogan's bar on the main street of Clearwater when the champ came over and gave me a lesson.

Sunset Point

Every day people of all she's migrate down to see the sunset. They never tire of it. There is something mystical about the setting of the sun. Mayans, and native Shamans, as we'll as early Egyptians put great significance to it.

A Walk in the Park

Sunday we went for a very nice walk at the Boyd Hill conservation area, located about 22 miles South of where we are staying in Clearwater, Florida. Our friends, David and Sharon Staples from back home, are the greatest of guides. We tried to go there last year but it was just our luck that they had a fire on the property that day. We saw small alligators, a Great Heron, an Eagle, some Turkey Vultures up close and an Osprey.  Our friend Leigh back home would have appreciated seeing the art structures made up of found material.
Today and all this week, it will be sunny and high 70's, so we will be sunning our buns on the beach.

Florida Sidecar

We were at an Arts n Crafts exhibit show at Dunedin today when we saw this unique bike and sidecar. 78 and sunny, a but breezy by the water.

Red Tailed Hawk

This us not a tame bird, but rather a young wild Red Tailed Hawk. As we arrived at the Christmas Store in Clearwater, Florida, we could not help but notice this bird perched on the railing, about 5 feet from the door. David, Sharon and Wenda slipped past him into the store and I stood in front of the door to get a picture. The bird then hopped closer, now within 3 feet of me, and I got this nice picture.

Bird on the Beach

It was a great day at 77 degrees to take pictures of the birds on the beach, so I brought my good camera with the big lens to capture a picture of one of my fine feathered friends,  Later in the afternoon, thunderstorms and the high tomorrow is probably going to be only 60 degrees ... a good day to go shopping.

Fun on the Beach

It was the first really great day on the beach, and we took full advantage of it.

Great Hockey Game

We had terrific seats for the Leafs vs Tampa game last night. Funny thing was two former principals from my school where I taught sat in the seats next to us. What a coincidence.

Retro McDonalds

The inside of this place is as modern as can be but the architecture goes back to the original 50's store.
We're just an hour and a half North if Dunedin. Soon we will be putting our feet up in Margaritaville.

Quin's Turns 8

 Happy Birthday buddy.

Spoiling The Grandchild

The nice thing about being a grandparent is spoiling the kids with treats. Lexy does not seem to mind.