I don't know how two weeks can pass by so rapidly. But I'm back home. At least it's 50 degrees warmer than when I left.

As you may or may not know, I met two fellow bloggers while in Florida--Harriet (Teal) and Dottie (dragonflyby). I haven't checked their blogs yet. They are both very much like they write. We had a delightful time together. And yes, we talked about the rest of you! It's only natural.

I'll break my "report" down in categories. First, the weather: simply marvelous. Sunny and warm. I ran into snow on the way down in Georgia, and rain on the way back in Alabama. Gulf sunsets plus a full moon were fabulous.

Itinerary: I spent 5 days with a friend in Ft. Myers, then a week on Caladesi Island camping out for Wilderness Volunteers. Sandwiched between was Harriet and Dottie.

Food: Since my friend Stan doesn't cook (the fridge was virtually empty), we ate out every night. I even had to buy cereal and milk for my breakfast! Our meals on Caladesi were wonderful--planned and prepared by our leaders. I was surprised when I hopped on the scales this morning and discovered I gained all of one pound, and that's probably from being constantly constipated (car trips do that to me).

Things done I: While at Stan's, I read, went to the beach, jogged, watched more TV than I cared for (Stan's fault), and spent a day on Sanibel I. walking through the Darling Nature Preserve and drove around. One visit in my lifetime is enough. No golf in Ft. Myers. Too expensive or crowded. I enjoyed the relaxation in simply goofing off, however.

Things done II: There were several projects for the 12 of us to tackle on Caladesi (a state park). I personally cleaned the beach, trimmed the nature trail, but mostly deconstructed the old boardwalk going to the beach (with others) while fellow volunteers helped reconstruct behind us. It was hard, hot work, but satisfying in all we got accomplished. The park staff was mighty appreciative.

Free day: Five of us went to Tarpon Springs, a Greek community--the "sponge capital of the world" on our day off (Wed). The pastries are incredible!

Exotic animals seen: manatees, dolphins, gopher tortoise, and my first "in the wild" rattlesnake, 6' long! I'll post a photo soon. Lots of birds including two nesting pairs of ospreys. Raccoons rummaged through the campsite each night. Fortunately, everything was secured. They are a nuisance.

No house break-ins this time while I was gone. It's nice to be home--I think! I'll try to catch up on all your doings as the week goes by.