1215 February 19, 2025 Enjoy Life!

17 years ago, we lost a dear friend, Jim.  We spent our day enjoying life in honor of and in tribute to his memory.  He is remembered with love and admiration and respect.

First thing, I was out for my walk.  The osprey pair nesting by the Florida Bay has chicks in the nest.  Papa was squawking up a storm as I stood to take pictures.  These poor birds are under constant observation all day long.  I am sure it is stressful for them.

I saw this katydid crossing the road…we don’t see too many of them anywhere we go.

This mockingbird sat on the signpost.  He allowed me to get fairly close.

After breakfast, we got on our bikes and went to the marina.  It was such a pleasant morning and it was nice to be outside.

Laughing gull standing on one leg…not sure if he has two legs…

We sat on the bench on the breezeway watching the water.

We packed a picnic lunch and drove the Jeep to Nine Mile Pond.  We found a table in the shade. 

As we sat down, we saw an alligator in the shallow water.  We ate and he laid in the water. 

Soon, another gator swam in and found a comfy spot among the high grasses.

We drove to Parotis Pond to see the roseate spoonbills.  There was one sitting in a tree across the water. 

We saw groups of the big pink birds flying.

There was an off-duty ranger there and she was taking pictures.  She pointed out a pair of skimmers.  The female was laying eggs and the male was guarding his mate. These are Eastern amberwings.

When we got back Tim had the duty of performing the most unglamorous task of RV living…tank draining.  He drove to the dump station and took care of business.

We rested this afternoon.

I made quinoa bowls for dinner and we took them to sit beside the bay.

A little sangria, the lapping of the waves, the warm breeze, windswept clouds, and the soft colors of sunset…what a nice ending to this day in the Everglades and in each other’s company.