Christmas Among the Palms

Christmas at Eric and Lisa's home in Tampa was great!  In addition to Eric, Lisa, baby Kathryn, and us, there were Lisa's mom and dad, sister and brother-in-law, and three cats.

Apollo Beach puts on a pretty good lighted boat parade.  There were more than 30 boats like this.

Baby Kathryn's first Christmas...

Nancy gave each of the men a supply of floating golf balls.  After all the presents were opened, the boys floated a "green" on the lake behind the house and practiced golf shots, much to the neighbors' amusement.  Richard gave Lori a lesson.

The day after Christmas, Nancy saw these guys at the mall, trying to decide where to park.  Guess they needed to exchange some gifts.

Family Times

This is our seventh winter in Florida, but every prior year we've been in the Keys.  This year we're on the western shore of Tampa Bay to be near Kathryn, our new grand-baby...Oh, and Eric & Lisa, of course.

Pop finally meets Kathryn

We drove to spend Thanksgiving with Patty, Johnny and Shad in Louisiana...Ended up staying a whole week helping with house projects, preparing the house for sale.  They're movin' on up!  Lunch at a unique "tea house" where Shad used to work was a welcome break.  Tea expert Shad suggested various delicacies; all were excellent.

 Johnny, Patricia, Shad and friend Meggin at the tea house

Don't Sail Where the Birds Are Walking

From Jewfish Key to Apollo Beach, on the west side of Tampa Bay, was an easy half-day in good weather.  We paused to photograph flocks of birds -- herons and egrets wading, pelicans and gulls perched on the sandbars. 

We don't see white pelicans like these very often.  

Tampa Bay is a major seaport.  We skirted the channel edges as this fellow went by.

Later we had our own private dolphin show!  Soon thereafter we arrived at Lands End Marina in Apollo Beach, our home for the winter.  It's 15 minutes from Eric, Lisa and Kathryn.  And about 12 minutes from the golf course.

Tail photo by Nancy