New Year's in Florida

You may remember my last tablescape post when I said that Santa was taking a vacation on a tropical beach? Well, Mr. Mid-Atlantic and I caught a ride on his southbound sleigh and we spent the New Year in......




Marco Island Florida! We enjoyed the beautiful sunsets from the condo balcony where we stayed.




Here's a daytime view on the other side.



Looking back at our retreat from the beach.



January 1st 2012.....what a wonderful day to be at the beach.



The water was beautiful.



Mr. Mid-Atlantic taking a New Year's dip.



I entered the "Mrs. Manatee" swimsuit competition. Actually, I can't quite believe that I'm posting this picture...but..oh well. Just keeping it real.



Between the time on the beach...



.....and at the pool....we could hardly believe that we were in bathing suits the end of December and beginning of January.....and not in overcoats and snow boots like we were last year!



And for my south Florida friends....


What kind of tree is this? Does this pod thing bloom?

We had a fabulous time bringing in the New Year to the scent of sunscreen and gulf breezes. A great start to 2012. I think Santa had a terrific idea!

See ya!

Sights of Sanibel

We just got back from a lovely week on vacation at Sanibel Island, Florida. This was our view from the condo. I spent a lot of time sitting right here enjoying the ocean breeze.


A view across the courtyard.



A look at the pool.


There were so many flowers and lush plants everywhere. I have no idea what this plant is, but I fell in love with those beautiful pink leaves.


Hibiscus were everywhere. Beautiful blooms.


I love to catch the scent of gardenia on a breeze.


This charming guy (and several other feathered friends) would talk to you from right outside the grocery store we went to at one of the shopping centers.


This was one of our favorite restaurants -- we enjoyed it twice during our stay.


Loved the Florida palms painted on their entry porch.




Our traveling companions were my husbands sister and Brother in law. We all had a wonderful, relaxing week.


Mr. Mid-Atlantic and I really enjoyed our stay. We're already talking about making plans to return next year.


One of our favorite spots of Sanibel real estate.


Sanibel lighthouse.





Sailboats at sunset.


The bridge to the island.




A walk on the beach our last morning at Sanibel. I hate to even think about the oil spill reaching these beautiful beaches.


All packed up and leaving the island to head back home.


While I was gone, I missed Sheila's party!


But even though I'm late -- I still had to snap a shot from the condo.

Well, it's back to work and reality tomorrow -- hope you enjoyed coming along.

See ya!

Greetings from Florida

We're having a great week in Sanibel Florida. It's my first trip to Florida and the weather couldn't be more perfect! We've had sunshine and 90 degrees with low humidity every day. I have always loved the beach and am awestruck by the beauty and power of the ocean.

This is a view of the water from the condo where we're staying.

Here's the view of the pool from our condo.

We've been getting excellent seafood here and this is in front of McT's Shrimp House. One thing that I've noticed here when we've gone out to eat is that both times I've ordered iced tea that it's been served unsweetened. So I don't know exactly where the southern sweet tea line stops, but it's not here! Most of the places we've ordered tea in the south have always been served sweet. Luckily I can drink it either way.

My sister-in-law and her husband who were so wonderful to invite us along for this adventure!

Hubby and me just hanging out at the condo.

This is a photo looking towards Naples.

The beach is full of shells. I've collected a nice sized bag of shells I'll use for decorating and tablescaping this summer. I've gotten some really pretty ones - this is a great beach for beachcombing - but they do make it hard for a barefoot walk on the beach!

A look at the condo coming back from the beach.

Love the palm trees!


Flowers blooming here.

Some more Florida foleige. Can't believe that we're leaving soon - but we'll be leaving with some wonderful memories of a fun and relaxing week.
See ya - and "wish you were here!"