Time with Family and Friends in Florida

     This year I was fortunate to again travel to Siesta Key, Florida, to spend time with my aunt, cousin, cousin's daughter, and their friends. My aunt leaves the northern cold behind for a few weeks each winter, and her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren love to take turns staying with her. I'm lucky to get a place, too! 

My cousin and aunt. A favorite activity: enjoying the white quartz beach on the Gulf of Mexico.

The pool and beach from my aunt's lanai. This year I swam laps several days.

      I've been making kuspuks for lots of the women in my family. I learned of these in Alaska last year. They are the decorative layer of Alaska Natives' outfits, year round. In winter, they are worn over all their warm weather gear, so the kuspuk is quite large!

We walked to "the wall" a couple of times--about 3 miles roundtrip. The sun is so intense closer to the equator--UPF clothing, hats, and sunscreen are always in order!

An egret on "the wall."

Conch egg cases--looks kind of like a spinal cord. Each case contains upwards of 45 eggs.

Another favorite activity: meals on the lanai with a view of the beach and sunset. I was crocheting doll clothes while I was there--I don't sit still very well ever--for the Lily doll sitting in the middle of the table. Every one was crazy over her:-)

 Hors d'oeuvres by the pool with friends of my aunt and cousin from home.

We stay in the condo building on the right--great views of the gulf and sunsets.

We try to watch the sun set over the gulf every night, always hoping for a green flash.

My cousin, her friend, and I rented kayaks one day and paddled around the IntraCoastal Waterway--girls' outing!!! We were disappointed not to see any manatees but did see quite a few birds, including the osprey family in the picture below.

 We always treat ourselves to dinners out several times, and always outside. My cousin and her daughter at Flavio's Italian restaurant.

My cousin and her friends at The Cottage, where we had fun singing along to the violinist and his electronic accompaniment. My cousin and I both have May birthdays and were both serenaded.   

My aunt's friend, my aunt, me. My aunt and my mom always looked so much alike.

I loved the metal art on the patio enclosure at the fish grille where we ate my last night. 

 Hibiscus.

Goodbye for another year to the white quartz beach and the aquamarine Gulf of Mexico, with memories of loving times with family and friends.