St Mary's Glacier

 

 

 

Colby and Joe had a great day of snowshoeing at St Mary's Glacier in the mountains near Denver.

Day at Boca Grande Beach with the Thorsons

 

 

 

 

Had a great day getting to know Bill, Mary, & Carrie Thorson, as well as Bill's sister, Patty. We were in the resort area of Boca Grande, FL, on the gulf side near Englewood. Ted and Jan decided this would be a great place to own a winter get away. Maybe we could buy the house next to the George H W Bushs'.

Visit with Cameron and Carrie

 

 

 

We enjoyed seeing Cameron and meeting Carrie and her family, while in the Venice, FL area. Also, was able to find a Mexican restuarant, so we could treat Cameron to one of his favorite types of food.....don't know if it measured up to his favorite spot in Kingsport...La Carita.

Dinner at Fishermen's Village with Bruce & Marie

 

 

 

Got to catchup on old times with Alaska trip buddies, Bruce and Marie Chilldres, who live in Port Charlotte, FL. Also, got to enjoy some New England style claims at the Fishermen's Village Restaurant in Punta Gorda.

"Let's Play Ball"

 

 

 

 

Rays' Park, Port Charlotte, FL, March 18, was a sold out game. We were lucky to get tickets in the berm/boardwalk area. It was the Rays vs the Reds on a beautiful afternoon. Great day for a Yuemgling brew and to watch Americas Game!

The Howard Bros. Circus Model

 

 

 

 

The model is a replica of The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus from 1919-1938. Completed with 8 main tents, 152 wagons, 1,300 circus performers and workers, 800+ animals and 59 car train. The model is built in 3/4inch to 1 foot scale and occupies 3,800 sq ft. The world's largest miniature circus was created over a 50 yr period by Howard Tibbals in his TN basement. It was first displayed at the Knoxville Worlds Fair.

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

 

 

 

 

Upon John Ringling's death in 1936 he left his art collection and estate to the people of the State of Florida. The stewardship of the museum and estate was transferred to Florida State University in 2000. The Ringling's European travel kindled a passion for art and collecting. Beginning in the 1920s John began purchasing masterpieces by Rubens, Titian, Velazques, Hals and Gainsboruough.

Mable Ringling's Rose Garden

 

 

 

 

The Rose Garden was originally planted in 1913 when the grounds were used as Ringling Circus winter headquarters.

C'a d'Zan

 

 

 

 

The winter home of John and Mable Ringling is located on the banks of Sarasota Bay. The mansion was where the rich and famous stayed when visiting the Ringlings. In 1924, architect Dwight James Baum was commissioned to build their dream home. It was completed in 1926 and evokes the Venetian Gothic palaces admired by the Ringlings. The picture of Ted and Jan was taken at the back of the Mansion on the marbled terrace where the Ringling yacht would have been tied up.

John & Mable Ringling Museum

 

 

 

 

The Circus Museum was established in 1948. With so many circus people living in the Sarasota area the collection grow quickly and includes handbills, posters, wardrobe, performing props as well as many types of circus equipment.

Morning at RED's Spring Training

 

 

 

Spent a couple of hours watching the Cincinnati Red's wannabees practicing in
Sarasota, FL.