Seeing the Sights

My friend Bonnie arrived from Wisconsin yesterday after a long, slightly-delayed-due-to-weather flight.  She was only a half hour late which was remarkable considering that tornadoes and severe storms blew through upper Illinois and lower Michigan.  She left rain and cold to be greeted by sunshine and heat.

We had a delightful discussion to allow her to rest, and then traveled to Safety Harbor for dinner.  We took a short walk around the quaint village and then had a light dinner at Crispers.  After dinner, we walked down to the Marina and dock, stopping at the crane fountain on our way back to the car.

The Crane Fountain behind Bonnie in safety Harbor.

Today I had an early morning appointment, so Rick and I were out of the house by 6:45 while we let Bonnie sleep in.  We received a text from Lindsay this morning informing us that ice and snow north of Green Bay caused schools to close.  Stephanie also sent a message telling us that Rochester was experiencing snow, and my friend Rose Marie sent a snowy landscape from upper Michigan.  Do Rick and I miss the winter weather?  Not in the least.  Is Bonnie happy to be here right now?  I think so.

Bird of Paradise greet the morning sun.

I am always amazed that flowers can look
like crazy birds gone wild with a paint pot.

When we returned from my appointment, we drove to the Florida Botanical Gardens.  I had wanted to go there all winter and had not gotten there until today.  The early spring flowers were just starting to come out.  We spent about two and a half hours walking around enjoying the gardens and the views.

Early roses were just starting to bloom.
This one was white, pink, and red all
at the same time.

Iris blooms were gorgeous.

Subtle colors make this flower both
interesting and beautiful.

After lunch today we did a little shopping and then came back to Gladys for a rest.  The temperature right now is 79 muggy degrees, so we will stay inside for a bit but venture out this evening for an invigorating walk.