I’ve often been asked and pondered this very question; ‘What
is the Florida Life’. After talking with
lifelong and longtime Florida residents, as well as visitors to our state,
here’s my conclusion.
Tuesday Traveler - The Migration Has Started - November 22, 2016
What do you think of when you hear ‘The migration has
started’? By definition, migration is the
seasonal movement of animals from one region to another.
Maybe you think of; migratory birds flying from
the north to the south,or wildlife moving from the mountaintops to the valleys.
For those of us in warm weather states like Arizona, Florida, Texas, and others along the US Sun Belt, we often think the snowbirds (defined by WikiPedia) are coming. These migratory creatures, mainly retirees, temporarily relocate from their permanent ‘home’ to their ‘winter home’.
For those of us in warm weather states like Arizona, Florida, Texas, and others along the US Sun Belt, we often think the snowbirds (defined by WikiPedia) are coming. These migratory creatures, mainly retirees, temporarily relocate from their permanent ‘home’ to their ‘winter home’.
House/Pet Sitting in Retrospect - Puerto Rico, Vieques - September 2016
This is my third consecutive year of house/pet sitting on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico; does this make me an ‘island boy’?
When I tell people I’m going to Puerto Rico, they usually
ask where and I tell them, Vieques or Isla Nena. That’s only draws more questions like, some
of which I’ll answer now.
Wikipedia – Vieques, Puerto Rico
Population: 9301 (2010)
Size: 21 miles (east to west) by 5 miles (north to south); 52 squares miles of land
Economy: The island is attempting to redevelop the agricultural and tourism industry. Since the US Navy closed the bombing range and departed the island in 2003, their clearance of unexploded ordinance has been the largest employer.
Geography: About two-thirds of Vieques is comprised of a decommissioned US Naval bombing range which has been designated as the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge. The wildlife reserves are on the east and west ends of the island, with communities in the middle. There are two major municipalities, Isabel Segunda on the north coast and Esperanza to the south. The island is surrounded by beautiful, secluded, and not so secluded beaches. Some of the beaches, along with hiking and four-wheel trails are located within the wildlife reserves.
A WORD OF CAUTION; within the wildlife reserves the trails and beaches are marked with warning signs, PAY ATTENTION TO THE SIGNS and STAY ON THE MARKED TRAILS.
Okay, if you’re interested in visiting Vieques, and I do recommend it, those facts should at least get you started in finding out more.
Now Let’s GO, and Travel Thru My Eyes to Vieques, Isla Nena, Puerto Rico.
HOUSE/PET SITTING in RETROSPECT - NAPLES FLORIDA – September 2016
Recently I completed another house/pet sitting assignment in
Naples Florida for Jim and Cynthia, clients turned friends. This is the third or fourth time I’ve cared
for their pets and home, yet it was like visiting Napes for the first
time. Yes, I ‘revisited’ a couple
places, but with so much to do in the area, there was are also many new places
to explore.
ICELAND - 2016 June - Chapter 3 - The Final Days
As I was going through my notes, I noticed that our
snorkeling excursion in a glacial river was missing. So that’s where we’ll start
.
.
For those that don’t already know, I (along with my travel
partners Debbie and Bill) live in Florida. That being said, while waiting for our
snorkeling suits, she laughingly told the group, “We’re from Florida, and we
only get in water that’s above 80⁰F”.
Well this water sure as hell wasn’t 80⁰F, according to Val, our guide it
was only about 36⁰F
ICELAND - 2016 June - Chapter 1 - We Have Arrived - REVISED
As I mentioned in an earlier post, it’s too difficult to blog
on a daily basis while I’m actually enjoying the expedition. Now at home, I can truly share the adventures
myself, and my travel partners Debbie and Bill experienced. So let’s get started as we “Travel Thru My
Eyes”.
Tuesday Traveler - Guest Posting from Rohit - "5 Amazing Migratory Birds on a Sojourn to India" - 26 April 2016
Todays Tuesday Traveler is from a guest writer featuring 5 migratory birds of India. No, I haven't been there, yet, but Rohit is from India so he'll share some info and photos. Thanks Rohit
5 Amazing Migratory Birds on a Sojourn to India
5 Amazing Migratory Birds on a Sojourn to India
Remember when you got one of those
dreams where you felt like you were flying? Isn’t that a wonderful feeling? To
let go of everything and just fly like those birds zooming about in the sky in
a carefree nature. Watching birds fly, or chirp, or sing ... it’s so
fascinating. The tropical condition of India is a haven for different species
of birds found all over the country, and migratory birds are found in an array
of species everywhere. Here’s a compiled list of few of the most interesting
migratory birds in India.
Tuesday Traveler - Mike's Rum Review - 12 April 2016
Let’s Talk About Rum
This posting is very different from those normally found
here. It’s one I’ve been studying for
quite a few years now, and those that know me personally will vouch for the
results. I must preface this with a few
disclaimers. First, all the testing was
done by me, there were no controlled or scientific methods applied, and it was
all done responsibly (to an extent) in confines of my home or that of friends.
If you elect to conduct a test similar in nature, do so
responsibly, don’t drink and drive.
FLORIDA - 2016, January - House/Pet Sitting - Chapter 3 - The End
Sunrise at the Hillsboro Lighthouse |
With that said, I still spent some time fishing, but didn’t catch a damn thing. With the temps being below average, the waters choppy, and more often than not the sky cloudy, nothing was biting. And it wasn’t just me, other fishermen out there also.
FLORIDA - 2016, January - House/Pet Sitting - Chapter 2 - The middle
Last week I told you about Robert, a local fisherman who invited
me to go fishing on his boat. Well, the
weather has been and is forecasted to be unfavorable so we’ve scratched the
plans for a while. We planned a couple different
days, both of which had small craft warnings issued due to strong winds and
rough seas.
With the unusual barrage of clouds, rain, and wind there
wasn’t many outdoor activities I wanted to participate in. While eating lunch one afternoon I decided to
go see the movie “13 Hours”. It’s a film
about what happened during the hours surrounding the killing of a US Ambassador
in Benghazi Libya. Good film, but I
don’t expect it to get any awards; but I’m not a big movie viewer and have no
idea how the awards are decided.
Surprise Birthday Trip to North Dakota - For my middle daughters birthday
For those of you that know me, and my lifestyle, WOW, that's about the best way to explain this. Yes, this Florida boy made his way to Grand Forks, North Dakota in late January; usually the coldest time of the year.
And yes, it was cold, the wind blew, and there was snow on the ground. I'm used to wind and a little chill in the air, but the only white stuff I'm accustomed to, is sand on the beach.
And yes, it was cold, the wind blew, and there was snow on the ground. I'm used to wind and a little chill in the air, but the only white stuff I'm accustomed to, is sand on the beach.
FLORIDA - Clearwater - 2016 - House Sitting - Another assignment with friends / clients
I received an email from a house/pet sitting client asking if I was
available to watch their home and furry family as they had to leave on a
family matter. Without question, I said yes
It all started a couple of years ago, when I received an email asking if I was available to house/pet sit for a family living close to my home. Due to prior arrangements, I was not available at that time, nor the second time they contacted me. But, I was available and anxious to meet with potential clients.
Finally, on the third attempt our dates coincided. Why did Jerry and Marcia continue contacting me to care for their home and furry family? I like to think it was because prior to sitting, we had the chance to meet each other. That meeting was not only an 'interview' between homeowner and house sitter, it was the foundation of a friendship.
Since then, I've watched Jerry's and Marcia's home a few times. Yes, there are still times our travel dates don't workout, but we work through it.
It all started a couple of years ago, when I received an email asking if I was available to house/pet sit for a family living close to my home. Due to prior arrangements, I was not available at that time, nor the second time they contacted me. But, I was available and anxious to meet with potential clients.
Taken with my dash-cam |
Since then, I've watched Jerry's and Marcia's home a few times. Yes, there are still times our travel dates don't workout, but we work through it.
TUESDAY TRAVELER - Christmas 2015 With Family
Oh, the joy of spending Christmas with toddlers. Christmas 2015 was another special day; it would be the first Christmas for Weston, the youngest of my three grandsons. Grayson, his older brother, and their cousin, Oliver would have grandpa's undivided attention.
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