Seasons Greetings

Once again, Merry Christmas from Smithville

We have been so busy, can't believe how time is flying.  We are enjoying Marco Island Marina - turned out to be a great place to spend some time.  Always a bit of a challenge learning a new area, but, thanks to todays technology and the dockmasters, we have quickly located - Lowes, Home Depot, Ace, Winn-Dixie, Publix and West Marine (the last two within walking distance).  We do not have bikes on board any more, but appears to be a biking friendly city.  Very islandy here - clean, friendly and lots of water everywhere. 

 The Judge SS Jollley bridge that connects us to the mainland.

Izzy is re-learning how to relax on the boat, as are we.

Upon arrival our hometown friend, Doug (winters in Naples) greeted us and whisked us away to The Isle of Capri Fish House for dinner.  We highly recommend - delish.  Doug is a longtime friend and has graciously offered his workshop for any projects Rick might have in mind for Broulee. A couple of reasons for  picking this location - friends like Doug and, of course, his workshop.  A couple more reasons for picking this destination is that it is a favorite family vacation spot and Brother-In-Law, Don Nice is a featured artist at the Harmon-Meeks Gallery in Naples and the family will be attending the showings.

Brother-In-Law Don and Rick as we enjoy dinner and drinks at The Dock in Naples. 

Holy Balls!  Took a day off from the fuel tank project (that project may need it's own blog - it grows larger by the day, but promise updates will follow).  Doug & Robbie have a membership at the Naples Botanical Garden, Rick and I love gardening - so this would be a great escape for us. Thanks Doug.  (Photo courtesy of Doug)

What a great idea for air ferns.  We are trying to figure out how to replicate this in Minnesota.

The problem is we would have to move into our greenhouse for the winter - not sure where we would put them, more figuring out.

    

They also have a beautiful butterfly garden - all native to Florida so if they happen to hitchhike out of the screened area - they will probably hitch a ride back in to feast on their favorite flowers.
Just a few of many pics taken.

We are decorated and ready for Christmas - the weather here is amazing - the rain seems to miss us and the temps have been perfect.  Took some time to run up to Indiantown to see Ron & Paula on Dovekie - they are in the middle of a tank replacement and wanted to see their progress and meet for lunch and exchange stories since last year.  Also did a run up to Ft. Myers to visit the gang at Legacy Harbour - most have left for Christmas back home, but managed to find Donny & Marilyn on Kaseys Choice and Rick On Tourist.  We will head back up after the Holidays to visit once more.  Izzy's favorite vet Dr. Lisa Newman at Bayshore Animal Hospital is another reason for heading back up.  Flea and tick is a different animal here.  Plus her special hugs and treats are another reason.

Christmas Boating - Island style.

Izzy can't believe it, but there is a beach here.  The beach is left when you leave marina, our daily walk is right.  On warmer days I cannot drag her right - she puts the brakes on.  One of us is going to get less exercise.

Looks like I will be walking on my own.  

No birds were harmed in this adventure

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Izzy is so excited to go for a dinghy ride - hurry up Mom, lets go.

So on the Captains birthday, the two of us and friends on Bucket List (from Bemidji, MN) - took our dinghys over to Goodland for a grand celebration.  Stans was our destination - he died in 2012 at the age of  86, but the party continues.  That is Queen Mary in the red outfit near the stage - amazing.  We loved the whole experience.

Queen Mary shaking what her mother gave her.  Yes those are dollar bills - Merry Christmas!

By 4:00 it turns into a Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan Wedding dance. - Total girl dancing - hey there is a guy in the mix, good for you buddy, midwest girls will be all over you - to the left - to the left.  Lots of fun, we had a great time. 

OMG, on my morning walk - two Burrowing Owls - nice for me to see, but not so nice for the people trying to sell this lot - 

Anyway, life here has been amazing.  As always, we totally miss our family, we prefer to be home celebrating with them - but we have learned to make new family when we are not with them.  My two best Christmas experiences on Broulee  is our Christmas in Grenada with friends Wayne & Carol on Take Time and Christmas in Spanish Wells with friends Bob & Sharon on Big Run and  friends, Tom and Phyliss on Cocoon Too. Best Wishes to all of them.  Niece Leslie and family arrive on Saturday, so certainly more to follow.  Also my friend and roommate claims he will give you updates on the fuel tank project.  Best Wishes for a Happy Holiday!