The weekend again......

Here we are coming to the end of the  3^rd week in Florida. Wow , where did the time go. We seem to be settled in and have a semi routine going here. Our mornings are slow  as we enjoy our coffee looking out at the marina watching what’s happening with the boats. Today the sun is shining, the water is flat and there is a beautiful reflection of the boats glistening on the water. There does not appear to be any dolphins this morning, but the silver fish jump and create small circular ripples on an otherwise glass like surface.  Pinch me……yes its real.

Yesterday we headed inland to Lake Okeechobee as Roger always likes an adventure. It turned out that this is very poor area and we were saddened to see just how the poor economy has really hit an already low economic community.  There were some orange orchards  and sugar cane  fields that draw migrant workers who also are very poor.  The housing was very depressing for these workers and I wonder how it is allowed to exist. The churches often provide food and clothing to these families so they can survive. The lake itself is surrounded by a huge levy with limited access so we did not see as much of the lake area as we would have liked.  There were empty houses, farms, and plantations which you could tell at one time were quite beautiful but now are in total disarray.  It sure showed us a totally different side to Florida. As we traveled back we saw a definite improvement in the economic status the closer we got to the toward the coast.  One thing we were amazed at were massive trucks, full to the top with oranges, carrying their  loads just like trucks in Manitoba carry potatoes or sugar beets. I don’t think I have ever seen so many oranges in one place.

It is market morning so we will be off soon to the Fort Pierce Saturday market at the Fort Pierce marina to get some fresh fruit and veggies and explore the craft market. We also enjoy the music of the live bands especially the blues and jazz as you enter the market. It is hot today so the market will be very busy.

Oh…time to go…..will write more later!!!!

What a great market today. There were many more crafters and artist stands and extra fruit and vegetable stands along with some great eatery, beverage and bakery spots. It was very packed today as the weather was so beautiful and there were extra activities going on downtown. After the market there was an antique trunk sale on the main street. It is a blocked off street with cars lining both sides with the trunks of their cars filled with things to sell. Kind of a neat idea and each car has a unique design for their trunk and junk. Apparently this type of trunk sale is very popular here.  The artist community is very big around this area and it becomes very apparent at the market who is a craft maker and who is an artist. The artistic jewelry that is handmade is lovely as are the paintings and batik work. There are so many nice things to look at just for the pleasure of seeing it and not  if only looking to buy. The market is a great way to spend a morning even just to browse.  Don’t get me wrong there is a lot of selling and buying going on as people leave with their bags full.

This afternoon was pool time and relaxation in the sun. There was a light breeze to keep you cool and a warm sun to bask in…..heavenly! Roger packed it in early opting to go back and dabble in his painting and art work. Much too stressful for me, so I just read and swam and chatted with the ladies..….a perfect afternoon.  Before supper we took a drive down to below the bridge and watched the dolphins and the pelicans scout for their supper. Those pelicans can be very aggressive with other birds and could take a round out of someone if they set their mind to it. At least I would not want to get between a pelican and his fish. The evening cooled off quickly once the sun started to set so our little adventure ended sooner that we thought,(should have taken a sweater) but it was nice just the same to watch the boats come in and families picnic and fish along the inlet shore.  

Tomorrow promises to be a hot day so we may spend some time down at the ocean walking the beach or taking pictures of what comes along. Nothing to stressful just going with the flow and enjoying the moment.

Take care all!

Carol

Roger enjoying his fresh fruit smoothie!

That's me in my new seagrass hat purchased at the market! 

Roger and I taking a break at the manitee center
down at the main harbour.

A line of  tents going into the market area.

This pelican is looking at me!