Greetings from Florida

Jupiter Lighthouse

I've just returned from spring break in Vero Beach, Fla. where I took my kids to visit my parents. I've been going to Florida for spring break since at least 1974. My dad's parents retired to Jupiter, Fla. (home of the Burt Reynolds dinner theater and ranch.) They resided in a retirement community called Fisherman's Landing. My mom's parents went to visit and liked it so much that they moved into the same subdivision. This was great for visits with a family of 6. We'd find out what each grandma was making at mealtime and then ride the adult tricycle to whichever home sounded most appetizing.

I have such great memories of our trips there. Shuffleboard and bingo at the clubhouse, digging for sea urchins, the beach, free salad bar at the early bird special, and mostly spending time with my grandparents.

Eventually my parents started spending their winters in Florida. First in Jupiter, then West Palm Beach, and now Vero Beach. I've been fortunate enough to take my kids down there several times. I really enjoy introducing them to the things that I remember most about my vacations to the Sunshine State. This trip I was pleasantly surprised by some new discoveries.

Feeding nectar to a bird at Brevard Zoo

We went to the Brevard Zoo for the first time and found it to be a gem. It was an incredibly hands-on environment with a variety of animals from around the world. We were able to feed, pet, and get up close with some amazing creatures. On the way home from the zoo we saw our first armadillo wandering on the side of the road.

crab on the beach

In all the years I've been going to the beach, I've never seen a crab. This time we saw many in various stages of life. The side stepping, the eyes, the furry claws...an interesting speciman of ocean life. I was thrilled to see one up close.

Just this morning we saw a dolphin swimming in the Indian River near my parents house. We were in search of the manatee which managed to elude us during the entire trip. I've learned if we just exercise patience, we will be rewarded. One of these times we will see our manatee.