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Greetings from the frozen tundra.... Today marks day 3 of our excursion into the icy depths that is Naples Florida.  This is only a mild exaggeration.   Here's mom on the beach yesterday. Actually it hasn't been bad considering the rest of the country.  Temps are mild, and it's pretty breezy, I just wish there was more sun. I have self-diagnosed SAD, and could really care less how hot it is....I just want SUN!

Despite the less-than-perfect weather that is usually plentiful here, we've had lots of fun....browsing a juried art show in the park on Saturday with lunch outside at a cafe on 5th Ave, and yesterday taking in the locals off the pier:

A school of manta rays: Mr. (or Mrs.?) Pelican: Lil' Miss Seagull, hoping for a scrap: A dolphin impersonating a shark.  There were lots of these friendly creatures showing off for the tourists.  I got some video that I'll need to edit.  I know how you all love my mad filming skillz. Lastly, we came across these strange beings, sometimes referred to as my folks. Some gratuitous shots, playing with my new camera: Last night we ate at The Dock, and upon returning heard the loudest explosion I've ever heard.  Discovered later it was the sonic boom from the Shuttle landing.  It was heard all over Florida and as far south as Honduras!  Pretty cool.
Today Mom and I will hit the thrift and consignment shops, much to hubby's chagrin.  (He claims we drove the Accord and not the van for this very reason...)  There's some pretty awesome shopping here, so even though Miss Sunshine is playing hide and seek, we will have plenty to keep us occupied :)
Make it for Monday is still going strong, and will be accepting links until midnight tonight. I'm looking forward to browsing the links when I return on Friday.
I'm hoping to show off some of my mom's lovely condo decor too.  I'll get some pictures loaded for another post later on.  For those who remember  her house tour, you know you'll be in for a treat! Posted by cindy at 11:02 AM 
Grab up some of those seashells while you're at it, girl! Looks like you're having fun, sun or no. And you know, you can cram lots of stuff in a Honda if you have to! 
uhhum, I was saying ... check the weather chanel for chicago and then quit complaining ... 
Wish the weather were warmer for you...but it's the best it's been for months!
Wish we could connect before you go back up North. Naples isn't too far from me. Enjoy! 
Enjoy your vacation! Hopefully the sun will come out for you soon! 
Loving your shots as per usual! Sorry that you are not getting any sun ~ but look on the bright side ~ there is no wind chill! Happy Nester said...

The past couple days have actually been pretty nice. We have had an unusually cold Winter this year, but then I guess everyone has :) I hope the sun peeks out just a little bit for you. Enjoy your shopping. ~ RM said...

Hope you guys hae a great time- good luck junkin with your mama!

Come check out my Mercury-ish Giveaway!! Mama Byrd said...

Welcome to our 1st "winter" in years. I am in South FL and it's chilly over here too! 
My FIL lives on Vanderbilt Beach in Naples and when we go down there this time of year and it isn't warm - - - I look at the ocean from the WINDOW and sit down and have a great time blogging.

You are a brave soul to sit down there on that COLD beach in semi-beach wear. (those shorts are kinda long to be true beach wear) Lou Cinda said...

I have been having serious yearnings for the beach and you have just made it worse!! Hope you get some sunshine soon!! Can't wait to see what you find on your excursions!

Lou Cinda :) 
It is sunny here in Denver Colorado..
but still a mere 20 degrees..
with snow on the ground,
in the trees..
on the neighbors cars..
and in the street..
but no longer on my walks..
or driveway..
$175.00 bill for making it all gone!
warmest hugs..
not laughing smiles.. kirstin & jordan said...

2 things-
1- I went to Naples for spring break my senior year of college and still have such a fond affection in my heart for that place. Walk on the beach with your hubbie at night for me, will you?
2- I have self diagnosed SAD as well and am about. to. go. crazy! Spring come quickly!!! 
Sounds like you are enjoying your trip, even if it is not all that warm. Last time I was in Naples (many moons ago), was on the beach and there was an invasion of sand fleas! Bad experience. Heather Goode said...

Enjoy Naples! My parents live there in the winter/spring. It has some great second hand stores - check out Habitat for Humanity and all the church stores, great deals are usually there. There is a Shabby Chic store just off the main drag that is good too - a little pricey though for some things. Have fun. Jayme, The Coop Keeper said...

What in the name of Me!? Well honey...I'm sure the sun is gonna shine before you leave. It's WAY colder here so quit yer bellyaching! I'm glad you are having a good time down there...come home soon and safe! 
Sigh! Looking at your photos is really hard. I still see snow outside and it feels like Spring is never going to, well, spring. I think I have SAD too b/c the winter just makes me so blah. At least the sun was out today. Rain tonight and snow again on Thursday. Ba humbug! Aunt Barb said...

What thrift shops have you visited - I'm in Marco for a week yet and only did a few in Naples. Suggestions? 
Oh, it's suppose to be 80 degrees tomorrow - YIPPEE 
I go to Florida almost every year, my dad lives there. I don't think I've been to Naples but I love Venice and Sarasota!