Florida in February

Florida has been extremely pleasant for us this year, with beautiful moderate weather, and the comfort of being in the same house as last year, in a familiar area.  We have had lots of time to relax and pursue our hobbies along with some visits.

We have attended two art shows recently – one in Mount Dora, and then the Osceola art festival in Kissimmee, both annual events.  Some of the art was amazing, some not so much.  It was inspiring for us, though, to carry on with painting and photography.

Mount Dora

Don Nodebeck was one artist we particularly liked, especially his illustrations in his own children's books.

One place where we took a lot of pictures was the Corkscrew Swamp, a fabulous place for bird watching and experiencing what Florida was like before development. http://fl.audubon.org/corkscrew-swamp-sanctuary

Thanks to John’s sister, Ann, and her husband, Mark, for taking us there while we were visiting them in Fort Meyers.  They are staying at a lovely apartment that overlooks the Edison winter estate museum grounds.  Visiting this special place was one of our favourites last year. http://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/

Mark and Ann at Corkscrew Swamp

A beautiful Ashingo, just hanging around

And his friend, showing off

Can you spot the Blue Heron?

Cyprus reflections

Gail and John "sweating in the swamp"  Yes, our Tilley hats go with us everywhere!

Hawk having a good look at the strange people

John capturing the beauty

Egret looking for lunch

There have been a few cool days lately, but the weather is warming up again.  We are trying to do our exercise every day between walking and swimming in the pool.  We are looking forward to family coming to visit in the next two weeks, and there will no doubt be more touring adventures.

Some interesting seed pods that we see when walking in the area behind the house