It's still winter...

but it's so much different here in Florida than it is at home in Michigan!

We saw these huge orchids on a ride around the village the other day. They are so beautiful

We named this fine specimen "Stubby", notice the missing part of his tail.

These Camillias apparently don't mind a cooler winter than usual. This bush is just loaded with these brightly colored pink flowers. It's hard to believe at home in Michigan we'd just be looking at piles of snow.

This bird, about the size of a robin, makes up for lack of color with his beautiful songs...it's a Mocking bird and my favorite bird of all time. They seem to be more plentiful as time passes. We have noticed the past several years at home in spring we can hear the cheerful songs of our Northern Mockingbird. What fun to pause and listen to a succession of bird songs ....robin, jay, chickadee and on and on. I marvel at God's creation when I hear these magnificent singers.

Ruth's pretty little flower garden is well cared for and is a colorful reminder winter won't last forever.

Here is Mom and Gilbert in a tug of war contest. He seems to enjoy using his leash as an invitation to a good test of strength and endurance. We usually tired or forget what we are doing and he wins. here, Mom is sitting on Dad's bed at the Manor. The room is bright and cheery isn't it? He has a nice view of a pretty tree and lawn from that window. Sadly, he isn't able to enjoy that view so much because his world seems to be rapidly closing in. His abilities to calculate and think through and problem solve have been replaced by days filled with difficulty just figuring out what needs to be done next. Simple instructions go unheeded because it seems his mind is unable to process the information that is taken in. One small task at a time, with reminders, is all he is able to manage. What a vast change since we visited a year ago when he was still home. Even since we were here in June there has been significant decline. We covet your prayers for his safety and ask the Lord to be merciful in his remaining days. The Manor is a wonderful facility with kind, caring Christian workers, from the cooks, and maintenance people, to the staff that patiently helps him stay on track. All are an encouragement. It is a real blessing Mom and Dad moved here when they did.

Didn't think to take a picture of the birthday cake until after the seran was put on to cover it. Mom has been making a birthday cake for the Manor, the assisted living facility where Dad resides, every month for the residents having a birthday. This one was near Valentine's day, and the man, Ed Micka (pronounce like Micah) turned 97. His "girlfriend" will be 100 ih June. They walk across the street to church, hand in hand. And they are an absolute delight to visit with.

Shhh...don't tell Mom I let this one live. In her book the only good frog is a DEAD frog. And I have to say, if I had to listen to the loud and persistent chirping endlessly, night after night, when they are in season, I might not be so eager to take a picture of one either! Notice the interesting suction cup like foot pads. The better to get a grip!

This picture is from the street, looking at the south side of the carport where Tom just installed that beautiful lattice. A project suggested by my Mom, and Tom did a first class job of it.

Now she has a place to hang the orchids she hopes to grow. We just have to locate those special plants now. You can see her looking from the carport out, that's where the orchids are scheduled to reside.

Dad's bicycle is for sale, and sitting in front of the flower bed that Tom has worked hard at getting into shape. There is a good bit of upkeep and he seems adept at seeing what needs to be done, and then working at the task to make it happen. Mom really has appreciated all he's worked so hard to do. And we really appreciate a place to sleep and all the meals and desserts she's provided while we've been her. That's a Win/ Win if I've ever heard of one. :-)

A bird on the hand....

Is better than a bird on the head, me thinks!!!

New friends took us to eat at an old hotel, that has been purchased by a college. The students taking culinary arts courses are responsible for cooking and serving food to the public, buffet style. And I believe I understood that business majors operate that end of the hotel function. Dorm rooms are what used to be used as guest rooms. The hotel reminds me a little of our visits to Mackinaw Island's Grand Hotel. Afterward Harry and Mary took us to a place that was paved to become a subdivision. Streets are there, but very few houses. There is a lot of underbrush, and that seems to be just right to be home to a lot of birds. Of special interest to us are the scrub Jays. These birds are in the wild, but the minute they hear peanuts rattling in the jar, the area becomes alive with these pretty blue and gray birds. There weren't as many as Harry and Mary have observed before, but enough that we took great joy in feeding the few we did attract.

Harry and Mary frequent the area often to feed the birds, and take every bit as much delight in the activity as we did. Mary is a very accomplished artist, and poet. And yet very humble and a delight to get to know. We treasure their acquaintance. This gentleman and his wife are another couple we are getting acquainted with and find them a joy. Sharon can be found often roller blading her way around the streets here. I marvel at her grace and poise. A little envious that I have to be careful I don't fall on my face just walking!!!! And she effortlessly glides her way around the village as easily as can be. Ron, a fellow metal detector advocate, is an interesting Jack of All Trades I think. He visited frequently when we had our car port sale and was helpful teaching us what some tools were to be used for, and the value of some we had no clue about. A man of integrity that opted to do a kindness rather than take advantage of our ignorance. You have to appreciate people like that.

Yet another nice lady I've been privileged to meet. Jurena and her friend Barb and I made bread together one day. Aren't those pretty loaves of fresh bread? Jurena and her husband were gracious hosts yesterday as they shared a delicious meal with us. The food was wonderful but the fellowship far surpassed the flavorful meal. Jim and Jurena shared with us some wonderful testimonies of God's provision in their lives. And also reported to us good things God is accomplishing in and through the lives of their children and grandchildren. Good and encouraging things for us to hear.

Good neighbor to the North, Sue, called my attention to this colorful bit of nature one day. My curiosity got the best of me and I had to look it up. It's called Stinkhorn Mushroom. Non edible, and malodorous. It looks as though it has the texture of fried pig rinds, but I didn't really touch it to find out.

Tomorrow, we are leaving early to go to Punta Gorda where my folks have a home for sale. We are praying that one of the several that have recently looked at the house will be excited to make it theirs.

This brings you up to date and I'll try to do better getting our activities recorded more promptly. I'm glad to have a digital camera to document our days. It does help to look at the pictures and remember what we've been doing.