Disclaimer: The next few blogs will feature abundant bird and wildlife pictures ad nauseum because we ARE bird nerds. I know Peg, Bill, Claudia and Kellye will enjoy them. So sad for the rest of you.
We left Big Lil in front of Jerry and Cliff’s house (thanks guys for giving up your driveway and garage for us) and headed to Anna Maria Island to see Aunt Peggy and Uncle Bill. Bill had messed up his back so he was not a happy camper. Bill is an avid fisherman and spent most of the first day figuring out how he could get someone to cast for him so he could save his back and still fish!
We always have the best time with Peg and Bill because we just love to walk and see whatever there is to see. They had a really nice place on the water.

Unfortunately, beach restoration was in process so the view out their front window was a bit unusual (a massive pipe running along the beach).

We left poor Bill lying prone on his bed and took off to the wildlife sanctuary. He did come join us for our picnic lunch! Kim said that I need to add that we had our picnic lunch at a picnic table because that is what you do with Peg and Bill. Enjoy your lunch at a picnic table.
We saw a gorgeous Great Blue Heron who stands right beside all the fisherman on the beach.

Some non-birds to keep things interesting.


Yet another Heron:

We found some good restaurants in the area and one which was our favorite “Eat Here”. We actually ate and enjoyed BEETS of all things. Peggy took us to this really cute coffee shop, bakery, restaurant, gift shop with an AWESOME, florida Beach Bike parked outside.


What a great time we had! We got to go to the Red Barn Flea Market which was quite an experience. We did more people watching than shopping and had a huge time. Got some Honeybell Oranges which were so sweet and the juice just ran down your arm and onto your shoes when you ate them. Delicious. We are still sending healing thoughts to both Bill and Peggy. Bill because his back still hurts like hell as they make their way back to Cleveland and Peggy for having to drive most of the way on her own. We love you both to the moon and back.
We spent two days with Tina and Lynn (not nearly enough time) and crammed in a ton of fun. We ate, shopped, hit two flea markets, played tons of pool and met some of their wonderful friends. Lynn let us win a bit at pool before deciding to administer a butt whooping on us. I would like to state for the record that her actions were extremely disrespectful. We are her elders after all. Lynn, that was not cool.
Tina and Lynn took us to Nauti Nancy’s on our last night. Not in the best part of town but we had the BEST time. We played some cornhole, drank beers and then enjoyed some of the best shrimp and grits EVER. Kim is determined to replicate the recipe! What a great time we have with Tina and Lynn. I want to say there are no pictures because they would be X rated but really it is because I was so busy laughing that I never thought to take any pictures.
We finally made our way back to Cliff and Jerry’s only to find that Cliff had discovered Kim’s dirty clothes, washed and folded them. We have been so spoiled on our trip with folks washing and folding our clothes! I have to say that I was very impressed with Beth’s and Cliff’s Laundry Service. We did get to see the Manatees that live in the warm water surrounding the power plant near Apollo Beach.



The manatee are so wonderful to watch. They glide through the water, float up for air and then flip their tails as they submerge.
Sincere and heartfelt thanks to Peg, Bill, Tina, Lynn, Jerry and Cliff for everything. Love, hugs and hospitality!!! We love you nuts. Next stop: The Glades as in Ever!