Time is flying. I want to grab all the time I can with Little Z, who has stolen my heart (well, he did that a long time ago!) along with the heart of his Uncle Don. I love that boy and I’m enchanted by him. Last night, I taught him the chorus to Yellow Submarine and later in the evening, Don brought down his ukulele and held it while Little Z strummed. We all sang along. He sings beautifully.
Can you tell I’m already panicked at the thought of leaving him?
We spent part of the day yesterday in Safety Harbor. It’s a lovely town. We had breakfast, strolled up and down the street, and I bought a couple of summer tops. I never tire of seeing the spanish moss that is everywhere down here.
Another Little Free Library – I’ve seen a few of them as we’ve walked around Safety Harbor and Dunedin.
We walked out on this pier and sat for a spell, breathing in the scent of the ocean.
There were two manatees swimming nearby. You can just make out their heads here. They’re coming up for air. I love manatees. (They are fellow vegetarians.) Years ago, Mere and I went to Homosassa Springs to watch them and seeing them in Safety Harbor was a delightful surprise.
Beautiful.
Hey, I know that guy!
We came back to the house and Don put on his swim trunks to take a dip in Mere’s pool. I couldn’t. I didn’t bring a swimsuit.
In yet another shockingly spontaneous move, I jumped in the pool with my clothes on!
And why not?
Today? Not sure yet, but we might watch the sun set over the water. And maybe some fish tacos for my husband.
Happy Wednesday.
Oh Claudia – sounds like you and Don are having such a wonderful time. I’m so happy for you. Give Little Buddy a hug for me. I would love to hear him sing!!
hooray for you jumping in the pool with street clothes on! reading that you did that brought a smile and cheer here … yay you!
kathy in iowa
Leaving loved ones is difficult. Plan another trip soon! Love the free libraryettes that are popping up in different places. There’s a few in my town. I like manatees but have never seen one. Keep on singing and jumping in pools!
I can hear the happiness in your voice. This has been a great vacation for both of you. I know how those little one’s can get in your heart and I know you will miss him when you go home. Enjoy the air, the ocean, your family and each other.
hugs,
Linda
Dear Claudia, You Did NOT go to Florida without a swimming suit?!
Dear Claudia, You redeemed yourself somewhat, in my eyes by jumping in the pool clothes and all! Let the good times roll! -Judy A-
This vacation has been good for you if you are now jumping in pools fully clothed! ;)
Claudia, Little Z will remember singing with his uncle Don and aunt Claudia. You are making some wonderful memories. Hey I would swim in shorts and t-shirt. You are enjoying life. Blessings to all, xoxo,Susie
I’m so enjoying your pictures and comments about your time spent with family.
Sounds like you are having a wonderful time. Just what you both needed!
Hi Claudia! I was doing almost the same thing last week that you are doing now! We went kayaking to see the manatees at Crystal River and went to Homosassa Springs as well. I adore the spanish moss and most especially the palm trees. Hope you are having all the sunshine we had while we were there! Enjoy!
Glad to hear you are just jumping on in!! That is definitely the way to do things!! xx
Love that little “Free Library”!
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! When you said you jumped in the pool with your clothes on, that word came right to mind!! Fun!!
Glad you are having a wonderful time. Sounds like Meredith is also thrilled that you are there ~ and I think that goes without saying for Little Z.
We can see that you are both making the most of every moment. Memories are ours forever, and you will have many sweet ones that you will be taking home with you. ♡
Fun, fun,fun! Spontaneous! Love it. This little boy must be thrilled with new treats from you two. Music! The best.
Sounds like a couple of pretty perfect days to me! Keep on enjoying… ☀️
I laughed at the thought of you jumping in the pool with clothes on; I’ve done that at an office pool party before!
I’ve always wanted to see manatees; Fort Pierce has them swim in, but never have been able to see them when I’ve been there. When I was there in February youngest granddaughter and I kept calling them “sea elephants”!!
Jennifer, my oldest daughter, brought Spanish Moss to her farmette in Virginia and put it on her maple tree, but it did not survive.
I’m so glad you all are having a wonderful time.
It sounds like this visit is just what you needed. How exciting that you saw manatees! I’ve only seen them in aquariums. So glad you are having a good time.
I just love hearing about your trip. It sounds like the time away with family has put some happiness in your heart. And I love the fact that you jumped into the pool. Way to go!
I’m so glad you made it to Safety Harbor. I knew you’d just love it! Isn’t it the neatest little town. We go down about four times a year to see my darling niece and her family and soak up the beauty of it all. Enjoy every minute you have with Meredith and her family. I read and love her blog, too, but so far have never commented. I think Little Buddy is just the cutest — don’t think I could ever say no to that precious face. Glad to hear you jumped in the pool clothes and all. Memories are being made!
Your blog is just delightful, and I am happy to see that you are enjoying your Florida vacation. Imagine my surprise when I saw that you had visited my town, Safety Harbor. What a blessing to have an encounter with one of our playful manatees, too.
Enjoy your family, rest, and this perfect Florida weather.
The joy in your post is very evident. I can imagine how you must feel of the thought of leaving the little guy behind when you go home. I know you’re just enjoying every moment that you have with him. I don’t think I’ve ever seen manatees in the ocean before. I’ve seen whales and dolphins and sea lions galore, but no manatees. How cool is that? I laughed out loud at the thought of you jumping in the pool with your clothes on. And why not? Why do we have to wear swimming suits? There’s no rule I don’t think. Blessings, Betsy
I love that you jumped into the pool!
You are seeing such beautiful places. That Spanish Moss is something else!
What’s your weather like? Is it quite hot and humid? I don’t know anything about March in Florida.
Maybe you and Don could eventually retire there…family all together as one? No more snowy winters?
I swear your vacation is making me feel a bit more calm Claudia…I scroll through your pictures and I can feel my shoulders relax…It’s been so long since I have felt the ocean breeze and smelled the salt air….Thanks again for sharing…
3 cheers for jumping in that pool girl!!!
I loved Dunedin when we were there.
Claudia, I wish I’d been a fly on the wall for the sing-along! I love that Little Z enjoys singing and now The Beatles at that. So glad Don had his ukulele. :-)
Manatees are WONDERFUL. Love them and dolphins so much. My BIL used to swim with them in the Keys when he lived there. Seeing them in the wild never ceases to thrill my heart. We have a manatee license plate on the car.
I also love that you jumped in the pool clothed! You go, girl!
xoxo
Sheila
OMJittles… love your share of the Little Free Library! Our family built and erected one of these out front our home approx. 4 or 5 years ago now. It’s been almost 3 years this season I finalized the perennial bed it resides. This year we’ve been able to add board games (initiating families to have family game night) along with DVD’s (family movie night)… we’ve asked for people to either return these particular items or supplement another for others in our area to use!
Care to learn more about this wonderful community, then go here: http://www.littlefreelibrary.org .
I need to go back within your blog to play catch-up.
Warmest Wishes,
-A.
I’ve written about them before – such a great idea! We’d put one on our property, but we live on a country road where people rarely walk and where it’s impossible to pull over and stop to look at the books.