Florida's natural state

 

Florida has abundant parklands... and more swamps than I realized!

Long Island Woman in Florida!

You know I love Long Island, but it was time to move to warmer climates. Each winter I've spent more time in the Florida sunshine and enjoyed it. It began as an exploratory road trip one February. Then my husband and I rented a condo on Florida's east coast for a full month. We loved the warmth and active lifestyle that was available to us. Each year our stay has been extended, first to two months, then three.

So, this year we made the big move! We sold our Long Island home and became full time residents of Florida. Never thought we would do it. When I was in my 30s and 40s, I thought Florida was for old people. Well, now that I'm in my 60s, I understand why. There are certain things that you can only see when you reach a certain age.

So, I'll always be a Long Island Woman, but now I'm writing from Florida. I will visit in the summers, and get my Fire Island beach "fix" each year, and visit family and friends, but Florida is now my home.

Thank you for visiting and letting me share my photos!

Rainy days on Long Island

When was the last time we had rain like this?

I can't even remember, but my trees are happy!

The dry summer had some of the trees looking wilted and brown.

I hope this perks them up and prepares them for the winter ahead.

An Early Summer Walk

Bird in the Marsh Grass

Summer Wildflower

Cool morning, summer walks are my way of connecting with nature.

You never know what you will find!

Osprey

Summer at the Beach

I really think Long Island has the BEST beaches!

Where can you find such beautiful white, soft sand and no crowds?

Okay, the weekend does get lots more people, but many days you can have plenty of unoccupied sand all around you. 

The Jersey shore does have the same beautiful sand, but the crowds are so huge, you can barely see the sand, even during the week. 

Fire Island is the best and the reason I say, "I love where I live!"

Davis Park, Fire Island deer

Air Show, Jones Beach

Get ready for the horse races!

 

 Belmont Stakes, coming soon- Check here for the schedule: http://www.belmontstakes.com/schedule.aspx

Frank F Penney, boat builder

First Crocus

HAPPY SPRING!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Bayport, Long Island, St. Patrick's Day Parade is March 15, 2015.

Malecón, Havana, Cuba

the Malecón, Havana, Cuba
There is much debate in Florida about the new Cuban travel guidelines.

No Swimming Here!

river of ice

January on Long Island...

January in Florida...

Just a visual to help you understand why retirees love the sunshine state!

Sunrise, January 1st, 2015

Sunrise on a new year...

I've been taking a new year's sunrise photo since the year 2000.

At that time, we thought the world was in danger. 

Many events have taken place since then, both good and bad.

And each year we begin with the hope and promise that everything will be better.

Wishing you all the good things in life: health, happiness, peace and love!

The Great South Bay in Winter

 

 Robert Moses Bridge in the distance from Heckscher State Park. 

 It was cold day, but the gulls didn't mind.

  Here is the bridge close up. 

  Click here for a link to Heckscher Park information.

Bryan's Bridge, Sayville

It has taken a long time, but the bridge construction is finally finished.

The photo above is the old bridge. The area was flooding, the road was uneven.

Cement was crumbling and water was eroding the supporting structure.

There was debris under the bridge too, as many kayak and canoe users found out.

After almost two years, the work is done. The bridge was raised, drainage was added.

A new road surface is now in place. It was a big job involving cranes and heavy machinery.

Living in the area, it became inconvenient to drive that way, but it's over and done!

I hope the people who decorated the bridge (Sayville Garden Club?) each December, do so again.

My Friend Abraham

For the last few years, my friend here, the Great Blue Heron has been visiting on a nearby tree.

We've been calling him Abraham for awhile. 

The name just seems to fit his personality: strong, regal, ancient , almost biblical.

He stands here in the cold, waiting perfectly still, until he is ready to dive into the water with the faith that below a fish will be provided for his dinner.