Thursday, June 27, 2013

Florida Dreaming

Have you ever had a dream that you thought might just end up being a bucket list thing if you’re fortunate yet somehow miraculously it comes to pass early?  We had something like this come true.  We had dreamed of visiting our relatives in Florida for some time.  It has been nearly fifteen years since we’d last seen them in the Philippines but now they are in Florida.  Lovely and I had discussed going there and even hoped to bring our daughter who just graduated for a visit.  Miracles do happen…this thing is certifiable.  Many have prayed with us and supported us to make this happen and I’m eternally grateful…foremost however my thanks go to God.  Upon arrival to Florida I find the usual fascination with palm treesDSC02420.  I’ve seen them before in fact I’ve lived in the tropics but it’s been awhile.  We went to a wonderful beach for a picnic with our familyDSC02421.  The nice thing about this place was it had nice covered picnic areas where you could get some relief from the sun…and plenty of foliageDSC02422.  It was a slight walk to the beach after thatDSC02423.  My goodness I’ve missed the oceanDSC02424.  The day was so bright and sunnyDSC02425, just perfect for the beach!  My wife and daughter posed for a few pictures before we went on with our dayDSC02426…this is a far cry from MontanaDSC02427!  I love flowers and though these are like grass here they are so beautiful and new to meDSC02428.  There is a beauty to climates like this that is unbeatableDSC02429.  The kids spent some time flying a kite…the breeze off the ocean provided a perfect climate for thisDSC02430.  Gabby and her cousins whom she’d never met before enjoyed their time on the playground.  I stopped her for a moment and snapped a quick pictureDSC02431.  They had great equipment in this area…I decided to try and be a little creativeDSC02432…well, at least I tried.  Whew, hot day but oh so beautifulDSC02433.  We began to see the sea gulls move in to beg as we began to barbecueDSC02435.  We being the silly tourists we were fed them a bitDSC02436.  Suddenly we were very popular with the local population…of birdsDSC02437.  Next we moved on down the beach where Gabby and her cousins Miles and Vince paused before heading back to the waterDSC02438.  Oh how I love the beaches of FloridaDSC02439.  The hot sun made having a beach umbrella essentialDSC02440.  We finally decided it was time to head home and as we went this fellow decided to pose for meDSC02442.  Like palm trees these birds are common in Florida but new to me so I made them my subjectDSC02443.  It was a fantastic first day filled with wonderful reunions, terrific food and amazing Florida scenery. 

17 comments:

  1. Hi Joe, I really enjoyed this post. I love your photos! Thank you so much for sharing.

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    1. Thanks so much Linda. I wish I would have been able to post from Florida more easily but such wasn't the case. It's good to be able to share now...more to come!

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  2. The water, the river of life, a magnet that gathers the soul in, wraps around one and nourishes.

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    1. You're a poet John, I can't say it enough.

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  3. See - some dreams DO come true!! Thanks for sharing this with us Joe. I've missed your posts!

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    1. Dreams do indeed come true! It's great to hear from you too my friend!

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  4. The photos are beautiful Joe! I am so glad you got to have this vacation!

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    2. It was a great time Beth, we were beginning to wonder if we'd ever get to see everyone again. I continue to pray for you my friend.

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  5. Beautiful pictures Joe. Glad you plans came together and you got to visit. Florida is a beautiful place. We hope to visit next year for a cousin's anniversary.

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    1. Thank you Terry, I hope it whets your appetite for when you go!

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  6. Seems u had better weather then we had. what a lovely place.
    and dreams come true I know that
    I have same feelings When we leave Sl When will we see u again.
    time is something that we need
    in future we cant see but we can dream
    Always
    tx for sharing Joe

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    1. The combination of family, people you love, great food, a beautiful place and a time of rest is hard to beat for sure. It's great to hear from you my friend.

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  7. Yes dreams DO come true. I am so happy you and family got to go and enjoy. Great photos btw.

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    1. Keep on dreamin' Toodie! Thanks for stopping by!

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  8. I love FL and when we left to fly over seas I cried. I loved FL then and I still do. I wish I could still live there. SO glad you guys got to go and extra glad you have enjoyed yourselves so much. And relatives? That puts the icing on the cake.

    Be safe, all of you. Thinking of you.

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    1. I understand your feelings about that state Carole. It really felt great and it was truly the best icing ever to have family there.

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