January.....

....already almost done with it but it's been delightful so far. Randy and I just got back from a little adventure in our ATV and I'm glad he gets me out of the house once in a while because I wouldn't get myself out of the house but it's good to enjoy my surroundings. We went on the Pinto road for a while until I told him it's time to go back. I always figure we should only go as far as I figure we could walk back and there was no traffic that could have helped us out if we got stuck but it was a good drive and the sun was shining....I loved it. No pics of that one but just know it was beautiful.....and, I haven't talked about our trip to Florida which was wonderful. We left on the 4th and came back on the 11th and all went well. We are getting older and can't do as much but what we did was amazing. We enjoyed Joslyn's family very much.

We enjoyed Bok Tower Gardens very much. Lots to look at and it was so very beautiful and I loved the quotes that were all over the place by Edward Bok. here is a little bit about him that I found on the internet.  "Known also by their official name Bok Mountain Lake Sanctuary and Singing Tower, Bok Tower Gardens are considered a National Historical Landmark in Florida. Since they opened to the public in 1929, over 23 million visitors have passed through the gardens to enjoy their historic landscape, the superb 1930s Mediterranean-style mansion and the unique Singing Tower carillon.  The Bok Tower Gardens were founded by Edward W. Bok who emigrated from the Netherlands and went on to become a Pulitzer Prize winning author and advocate of the environment.  Bok was awed by the beauty and dramatic views offered by the area and chose it create a bird sanctuary and place for meditation.  Bok commissioned the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead Jr. to build sub-tropical gardens which would entice wildlife and gifted the park to the public.

The stunning gardens offer acres of ferns, palms, pines and other trees, which create a backdrop to seasonal flowers. The gardens are home to 126 different species of birds, as well as a number of endangered reptiles such as the gopher tortoise and the eastern indigo snake.  There are many pathways that make up the Bok Tower Gardens, including two which lead to the Singing Tower.  This 205-foot neo-Gothic and art deco 60-bell carillon is a stunning piece of work crafted by the stone sculptor Lee Lawrie. The tower is surrounded by a moat which doubles as a koi pond. Daily recitals are given from the carillon set."

We spent a day at Disney World's Animal Kingdom which was amazing. I remember going there with Spencer and Shana's family quite a few years back and I loved it again this time. I got to go on a couple of rides.....I've never seen Avatar so I'm sure I didn't get the full appreciation for the ride. Here is what I learned about it after experiencing it:

"Can you believe that it’s been nearly a decade since the film Avatar came out in theaters and broke nearly every box office record imaginable? Since the debut of the film, the world of Pandora has stayed alive thanks to Disney World. When you experience Avatar Flight of Passage, you’ll be whisked away to a world like no other.

The Incredible World of Pandora

Anyone who has seen the film knows how gorgeous Pandora truly is. This exquisite jungle-like environment consisting of a wide variety of flora and fauna has been recreated so that when you experience Avatar Flight of Passage, you’ll be immersed in its beauty and splendor. But don’t forget that this virtual Garden of Eden also comes with wildlife at every turn.

Captures the Exhilarating Avatar Film

To experience Avatar Flight of Passage at Disney World is to be as close as you can possibly get to actually being in the Avatar film. You’ll truly feel as if you’re riding on the back of a real winged banshee as you soar through the gorgeous setting of Pandora. Every detail helps to capture the exhilarating feeling that you had while sitting in the theater and watching the world and story unfold before your very eyes. "

We also enjoyed the jungle excursion and I hadn't been on the Matterhorn forever and it was a blast as well. At one point it goes backward.....that was a huge shock but added a big WOW factor.

Randy and I took a day and kayaked with the Manatees at Crystal River.

It was a most enjoyable afternoon and fun to see we could still do it after a few years. It was ok getting in but the guy had to almost pick me up to get me out.

And as true to most of our trips to Florida, we find a lot of really good eating places, some our favorites from the past and some new ones.......

The worst of all, I must confess is that there was a Krispy Kreme on our way back to the hotel that we passed (but we didn't) several times a day. I lined the 3 boxes that we devoured in the week we were there and I'm not proud of it but it was so fun to not deprive ourselves of such an indulgence but I'm paying for it now in that I have to shed those pounds. I don't mind being fat, but the excess poundage that I put on my body last week just has to go as I'm at my "all-time" high. It's hard enough knocking on the door of  age 70 but I hate even being near the door of 190 if you know what I mean. I'll let you know how it goes. 

I gained a new appreciation for these wonderful goodies that were hot off the machine every time but you could nuke them for 10 seconds the next day and they were just as good. Oh, I want one now.

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It's always good to get home but we had left this little number in Joyce's garage and I hadn't had a chance to drive it so I was anxious......to say the least. Why?.....you may ask as I do but I don't question Randy when he wants to do something crazy (well most of the time I don't) but I guess this is our mid-life.....I mean end-of-life crisis.

It sure will be fun in the spring. Want a ride?

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It was time for Dixie's Got Talent and Scott made the finals for his second time and we all enjoyed his performance last Thursday.

He is amazing and did a great job. Traci said there was a technical difficulty in the middle of the performance but I didn't notice and if there really was, he sure covered up well. He seems to love performing and I can tell you for sure.....when he's up there, he owns that stage. 

....and when he's done, I sure do own him.....proud to call him my grand son. This kid has a bright future as he is just as good on the piano. Well, that's it for January so far. Another two weeks....time sure flies when you're having fun and I AM HAVING FUN. Let me leave you with an Irish Blessing for this new year......

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