This should not be ordinary

A constant reminder that we are no longer in Iowa!!  No, this is not an alligator farm.  We see this large creature on almost a weekly basis as we deliver Meals on Wheels. 

Our usual route is to deliver Meals on Wheels on Tuesdays, and after our last delivery, we drive past this lake where at least one, if not two or three of these beauties are lying in the sun.   After all these years, I am still in awe of these ugly, dangerous creatures. 

Lucky for us, we are doing an extra Meals on Wheels run today.  Alfredo Alligator, "See you later!"

By the way, if you have a couple of hours free during the week, volunteer to deliver Meals on Wheels.  It is the most heart-warming experience.  You are greeted by the same people weekly and they are so appreciative of a hot meal, your smiling face and just a friendly hello. There is often a dog that greets you that also needs a little scratch behind the ears.   I usually check to make sure the house feels warm or cool, depending on the weather and ask them if they are doing okay for the day.  We may all be in that position one day.  It is just a very little way to give back to our elderly or infirm.  As for the alligator...no hot meal today for you!!!

A little drama in our week!

Our kids have gone back home, but we do have great memories and some photos to help us remember. Yes, this big guy was in our backyard the last day the grandchildren were here and they enjoyed the excitement. He was not as shy as previous gators visiting. In fact as the guys were fishing in the pond, The Trout grabbed Rachel's 'Princess Fishing Rod' and he actually chomped down on the bobber and The Trout was holding on as the rod was bending. No, he was not reeled in. He broke the line. Luckily. Alligators are common in Florida, but when they are in the backyard, they can be a nuisance. You can be arrested for harassing these creatures and you can have the gator patrol come in and remove them, but only if they are posing a danger for you. They need to be quite large before they are removed. Just one of those creatures where we have invaded their home.

We went down to Lake Morton and watched the geese blocking traffic as they wobbled back and forth across the road. Locals are used to the disruption.

Erika, Rachel and Josh feeding the swans.

The kids had two days at Disney and a visit to the Atlantic and to the Gulf to enjoy the beaches. Lots of shells and beach sand to take to their friends in school. The visits go very quickly, but we are so glad we are able to enjoy them together.