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.

Royal Lipizzan Stallions

 

 

 

 

The Royal Lipizzan Stallions of Austria are among the oldest breeds of horses.Their story can be traced back to the Romans, whose cavalry horses in Spain were crossed with Arabians. The Lipizzans are also one of the rarest breeds with only a few hundred existing at any given time.

Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions

 

 

 

 

We spent a wonderful afternoon at the Herrmann Lipizzan Farm near Myakka City, Fl. This is their winter training area. Colonel Ottomar Herrimann brought his Lipizzans to the USA in the 1960's and the tradition is continued by his daughter, Gabriella.

Leaving Tampa

 

 

 

 

Couple photos of our last night at Seascapes at MacDill AFB and the Skyway Bridge as we head on our next leg of the trip to Bradenton, FL.

MacDill AFB Scenes

 

 

 

 

Sunset and moom rise on the beach at Seascapes Beach Club on MacDill. Also,"Duck Billed" pink birds near our RV site on the golf course.

Key West Wrap Up Photos

 

 

 

 

Just a few last pictures of our Key West hangouts and photo of our last night in Key West and a great dinner with Ned and Linda Evans.

Ybor City Historic Latin Quarter

 

 

 

 

Known as Tampa's Latin Quarter for over a century. Founded by Vicente Martinez Ybor as a cigar manufacturing center. Ybor City is one of only two National Historic Landmark Districts in FL. Red brick buildings, wrought iron balconies and narrow brick streets give it an old-world charm that reminded us of New Orleans. There are lots of activities in Ybor one being "dog" day at one of the pubs and beer tasting at the Tampa Brewery. If your in the Tampa area be sure to check it out!!!

A Saturday Afternoon Sightseeing in Tampa

 

 

 

 

The weather was beautiful and there was lots to see. Hit the Ybor City Saturday Market at Centennial Park, which had many interesting booths. Were able to buy some of the famous Plant City strawberrys.

Reunion in Fort Myers

 

We enjoyed getting together with Ted's childhood friend, Bob Cody & wife, Nan, to catch up on old times. Frank and Karen Trull also know the Codys, so the conversation was lively......

Fort Myers, FL Winter Home of Thomas Edison & Henry Ford

 

 

 

 

Jan and Ted with the Edison's, Thomas and Mina. Thomas married Mina in 1886.The Edison family enjoyed leisurely stays here until 1947, when Mina deeded Seminole Lodge, on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River, to the City of Fort Myers for $1.
The Banyan Tree in the photos was given to Edison by Harvey Firestone as a four foot tree in 1925. This amazing tree is now over an acre in diameter and the 2nd largest in the world. This type of tree produces a white milky sap/latex that can be used to create rubber. Edison, Ford & Firestone worked together in 1927 to form the Edison Botanic Research Corp to support their endeavor of producing & manufacturing a quick growing, domestic source of natural rubber.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates Ft. Myers, FL

 

 

 

 

Thomas Edison purchased the property, where he built his winter home, Seminole Lodge, in 1885. Edison's good friend,Henry Ford, bought the property next door in 1916.