#20 Dec. 13th - February 5th, 2015

I guess I left you all at Englewood Beach on Dec 12th. We spent the next few days at Cayo Costa State Park, walking the beach and I found an absolutely perfect slotted Sand Dollar. I wish we had taken our chairs to the beautiful deserted beach. We then stopped at the Darling wildlife refuge in San Carlos Bay and finally on Dec 16th we arrived in Fort Myers Beach.  Picked up a mooring ball in the bay just 10 minutes dinghy ride from all the razz-ma-tazz of beach life in Florida. Our Granddaughter, Miranda, who lives and works here, came and picked us up the next day and we spent some solo time with her before her Mom and Dad and siblings, Olivia and Hugo arrived on the 20th. Two more of our children, Terri from Delaware and Kelly from Traverse City, Michigan also arrived to spend the week with us.  It was a wonderful, relaxing week taking their dogs to the dog park beach in the mornings then spending time around the pool of the rented house and at the beautiful beaches of Estero Island.

Speaking of dogs. . . take a look below!

Terri and Kelly, our daughters, brought us a new crew member. She sat us down and said "Now, keep an open mind . . . . !" And Kelly says "If it doesn't work out, I'll take care of it...."  We were flabbergasted and surprised when they then handed us this little bundle of cuteness! A Cava-Poo. A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel -- Mini Poodle mix. Assured us it will not exceed 12 lbs. Collectively, our children made sure we had everything we need.  Crate, toys, puppy pads, collar, leash, food, brush, a bed shaped like a boat and an airline approved travel case!!  Oh, also two little coats for the cold Michigan weather!!

He likes rum, too!

We love him! He is so much fun. And toooo cute!!

JR and Sandi had to leave on the 27th so we stayed and hung out with Kelly and Terri until they had to leave on the 28th and 29th.  It was a wonderful time to meet up with the kids for the Christmas season.  We will see Wendi, Jeff and family when we head home for  a month. Then we are returning to attend John and Shannon's oldest, Conor's Confirmation on Feb 8th.

We left Fort Myers Beach around 10:30 on Dec 30 and traveled about 20 miles back north to famous Cabbage Key. An old style Florida resort.  The walls, posts, and ceiling is covered in dollar bills. The posts are spongy due to so many layers.  The restaurant puts all the dollars that fall off into a jar and at the end of the year, donate to a charity. Last year $20,000.

Another side note - - it is rumored that Jimmy Buffet wrote Cheeseburger in Paradise" here.
So, we had a cheeseburger to carry on the tradition!

Bill's little friend cruising to Punta Gorda where we spent a quiet New Years Eve.   

 January 1, we topped off the fuel tank, pump the holding tank in preparation for leaving the boat; Then headed into 4 miles of canals to the storage yard. Below we are approaching the self operated lock that separates the salt water of the bay from the fresh water of the canals. It was quite an experience. And we were pleased to be in the fresh water for those miles to flush engine, air conditioners and generator of salt water.

Approaching

Leaving

We spent several days cleaning Simpatico inside and out.  and then waxed the hull. She is on the hard at Charlotte Harbor Boat Storage. Great place with all kinds of folks, storing, working on their boats. We left on January 6th for the flight home for a month.  It was 83 degrees when we left. Got home to 17 degrees.  Good thing the kids gave us a doggie coat for Horatio.
That's right -- Bill named the puppy Horatio Hornblower! and yes, we call him Horatio. 

Too Cute! Daughter Sandi brought her new Bull Mastiff Puppy Belle for an introduction.  At first Belle acted afraid of Horatio - - that soon changed.  Horatio 9 weeks, Belle 11 weeks.

Jan 17 we attended a family Christmas at my Brother Mark's home (second from right) Always try to get a picture with my siblings. Gary, Joyce, Mark and me. Our Gathering was, as always, a treat. Seeing all our Neices, Nephews and their children in addition to our siblings.  Realizing I am the oldest in our family is a bit sobering, though.

Off to the cabin in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for a bit more Winter fun.  Bill watched Kelly's (our youngest) dog while three of my daughters attended Women on Snow in  Eagle River, Wisconsin.  Horatio and Bosun played 'non-stop' practically the whole time.  Bill was exhausted when we got back.

Wendi, Mom, Kelly and Sandi

Sandi and I stayed on and rode cross-country for a few days.  Great fun!

We are all back home now and digging out  from a Winter storm that left 12" of snow around. Bill spent the better part of the morning cranking up the tractor and plowing the drive and some of the road. As you can see below it is truly a winter wonderland. We are looking forward to leaving on the 6th of February to head back to Florida, attend Conor's Confirmation in Vero Beach then on to the boat to resume our Great Loop adventure.

This is the scene from our front door! It is the evening before our flight. Everything is buttoned up and battened down. 

Horatio says, "Come on, Mom! Let's go find the sun".

Check us again in about a week, take care.