Sarasota

We have been in the  Sarasota area this week. We went to a Superbowl party at Diane and Jim Allen's place on Sunday. Everyone there was very nice! Many of them were from Minnesota, so I guess that helped. 

Monday was our day to ride the bike and enjoy the birds on the lagoon where we parked the van. Pelicans, ducks, cranes, and egrets were just a few of the birds we have as neighbors while we are camping. 

Tuesday it was a bit cold and blustery, so we decided to spend the day at the Ringling Museums. The Circus Museum has a detailed miniature of a full circus set up. It is fascinating. 

We also took a self guided tour of         Ca' d'zan, the summer home of John and Mabel Ringling. It was more interesting on the outside than inside. I am not sure I liked the furnishings. Here is Mike next to one of what I think of as throne chairs - and they had a few of those. 

Here is a photo from the terrace. Ornate, but not like the inside. 

Today we had lunch with Diane and Jim Allen at a terrific place, the Sandbar, on Anna Maria Island. It was still windy, you can see that with my hair, but the sun was warm and we had a delectable lunch and fun conversation. 

Tomorrow we head off again. 

Venice, Florida

Here we are at breakfast with DruAnne and Dave at the terrific Croissant & Co. in downtown Venice. We lingered a couple of days visiting them in their lovely new home. Even got a walk in with Druanne's new walking group. 

On Friday we all spent most of the day visiting the Edison and Ford Museum in the Ft. Myers area. It is a fascinating place. This is Mike and DruAnne in front of Edison's "cottage."  Our tour guide was terrific! I had not known of the Edison - Ford connection. Ford started as a mechanic for Edison Illumination and Edison encouraged him to start his manufacturing of motor vehicles. I loved Edison's light switch - which, by the way, still works perfectly after all these years. 

We probably needed to spend more time there. It is definitely a must visit place! 

We had a late lunch in the Nauti Parrot, a casual but nice tiki lounge. The parrot there loves to pose! 

On Saturday we went to the great French bakery. To accommodate me, we visited the "airing of the Quilts," of the Sarasota Modern Quilt Guild. There were too many lovely quilts to show you all of them, but here are a couple of my favorites. 

We are now in the Sarasota area. There is still much to see in Florida.