Another Great Alligator Hunt

On Sunday, at church, some friends told us about another place to find real live wild alligators - the Grassy Waters Preserve.  The preserve serves as the freshwater supply for the City of West Palm Beach and is very low due to the severe drought affecting the area.  However, lower water makes it much easier to see those alligators!

We began our search at this dock area.  Notice how low the water is.

These signs are clearly posted all over the preserve.  I have no intention of "molesting" any alligators!

Despite the low water, the area is quite beautiful.

It wasn't long before we spotted a gator!

Grassy Waters also has miles of trails, including this boardwalk, through what is normally a wetlands area.

This should be under water!

These kayaks are used for tours of the area, but

there's not enough water in this area of the preserve in which to launch them.

At the end of one of the boardwalks are offices explaining the ecosystem of the area.  Hubby loves to joke around!

I wanted to see more gators so we headed back to where we had seen one earlier.

It wasn't long before we spotted another one!

This is definitely a good place for alligators!

But the biggest thrill of the day was this fellow resting right next to the boardwalk.  He didn't seem to be worried about being molested.

It was a great day for hunting alligators!

 

A Little of This and a Little of That

Hubby and I haven't had any big adventures since I got back from Arizona.  However, there are a few pictures of the Florida we're getting acquainted with that I haven't posted yet.

Right up the road from us, in Stuart, is this old-fashioned McDonald's like the ones we used to stop at when I was a child on vacation.

Ceekay, of thinkinofhome.blogspot.com, and I couldn't resist taking a picture by the arches.  I can remember when they said 3 MILLION sold!

We live on a barrier island and regularly cross over drawbridges to reach the mainland.  Naturally, we shall be evacuating in case of a hurricane!

Barrier islands are also playgrounds for the rich.

This yacht is available for rent - if you have enough money!

This is just one of the millionaire homes along the many waterways.  They always say money can't buy happiness but I'd like to try that old adage out for myself!

We're looking forward to our oldest daughter and her family visiting us over the 4th of July.  We have lots of new adventures planned during that week!

The Wonderful Dads in My Life

I have certainly been blessed with some wonderful Dads in my life. 

Happy Father's Day to them all!

This is my own Dad, Leon.  I couldn't ask for a better father!

My own husband has been a wonderful father to our daughters 

and "Papa" to his grandsons.

Our son-in-law, Mike, is a great Dad to our grandson, Jacob.

Our son-in-law, Jason, is a great Dad to our grandson, Joshua, too!

I'm so blessed to have these four terrific Dads in my life.  Happy Father's Day!!

Grandma Has to Brag!

Last night I returned to Florida from some time visiting my kids and grandkids in Arizona.  I had a wonderful time but am already missing those smiling faces!

My daughter Dawn.  The little cutie is her son, my oldest grandson, Jacob.

This blue-eyed cutie is Joshua, my youngest grandson, and Jacob's cousin.

Jacob's into super heroes now.  A hand towel makes a good cape!

Joshua loves to drive his truck!

But their favorite thing to do is - playing together!

There's nothing better than crashing trucks off Grandma's coffee table.

A table makes a good hiding place.

They also had a big day playing in the sprinklers with my daughter Gayle, Joshua's mom.

Joshua's a happy happy two-year old!

I think everyone can see why it was so hard to leave Arizona!!

 

Epcot Center Flower and Garden Festival

A couple weeks ago, Hubby and I checked Maggie in to the doggie hotel and set out for Epcot Center.  We hadn't been there in about 15 years, so it was time for some fun at Disney World!

Who could forget that familiar globe!

Woody and Buzz greeted everyone coming into the park too.

Hubby was especially intrigued with this Viking church.  His fascination could have something to do with his Scandinavian heritage I guess.

I'm pretty sure he thinks he would have been a Viking if he had lived many centuries earlier.

However, he seemed to like "Italy" too.

We had lunch inside the Rose and Crown English Pub.

But the real star at Epcot were the beautiful flowers and gardens.

Beauty and the Beast even put in an appearance.

If there's a child in your life you'll recognize Lightning McQueen from Cars

and his sidekick Mater.

Who can forget Peter Pan and Captain Hook?  Not to mention the crocodile!

This weekend, Epcot had a special exhibit on butterflies.

It was a walk through exhibit with butterflies flying all around.

All too soon it was time to say good-bye to Mickey, Minnie and Pluto.  Hopefully, it won't be another 15 years before we visit again!

I'm flying to Arizona tomorrow and will be gone for a couple of weeks while I visit the kids and grand kids.  I can't wait!  I'll post again when I return to our little home on wheels in Juno Beach.