New Years Eve Swim

Some of my masters swim group headed out into the Gulf of Mexico for an open water swim this morning. 

They haven't quite mastered posing for underwater photos, yet. 

 

McBride Christmas

It wouldn't be a holiday with the McBrides (any McBride anywhere) without a bonfire. And that is how we spent Christmas Eve, gathering firewood then savoring a massive conflagration. 

Merry Christmas

Cool and Rainy

We sipped hot chocolate in front of the fire as we wrapped Christmas gifts this cool and rainy morning. Life is good.

 

Holiday Spirit

Foggy mornings burn off for sunny, warm daytimes at our early December Florida home. 

The beaches are festive, but not too crowded. We are loving our new home, although we miss our Maui friends. 

Together Into the Wilderness

I took Doug out into the Starkey Wilderness area only a few miles from our house this morning. I love being out in the middle of nowhere so close to busy civilization, and was happy that he enjoyed the hike as much as I did.

 

Wally and Me

Wally, our neighborhood alligator reappeared today after an extended absence. I hope we get to see lots more of each other.

 

and Dolphin Too

We went to a beach on a nearby island for sunset yesterday, and are so happy we did. The sunset was spectacular, but became better and better the later it got.

Just as we were turning to leave, a dolphin swam by only a few yards offshore. Perfection.

 

Big Springs

For the first time ever, Doug and I went kayaking together in the swamp surrounding our home. We had been out individually before, but going out in the same kayak allowed me to coast along while Doug did all the work.

In addition to watching all kinds of birds, mostly ibises and blue herons, we discovered two huge springs. The only water springs I've ever seen before were small trickles. These were immense, gushing at least hundreds of gallons per minute. Pretty cool. 

But the best sight of all was seeing our dock and knowing we were home.