(A big week of occasions and events! Pat M arrived, another converted snowbird. Friday the 13th was lucky for our favourite GMC back home. And yesterday was Valentine's Day and the anniversary of our becoming engaged among the monarchs in Mexico. All wrapped up and covered in beads in a crazy parade last night....)
Up north it's been brutally cold but even down here we've had the coldest temps of the winter (40's F) and rain. Sponges wash up on the beach daily --- let them soak it up! Local birds are a delight whether on the sand or the wires; parrots squawk and white herons swarm like giant snowflakes. Most moving of all, though, was the appearance outside our balcony of a blue jay. That bird, rare down here, was the favourite of my departed sister. I think she's been the wind beneath our wings.
On top-down days the drives included the quaint historic beach district of Pass-a-Grille. And in nearby hip St. Petersburg a rare combined exhibit of Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso combines the famous melted clock and cubist faces.Then the art lovers among us took in the glass menagerie of the Chihuly gallery.
The Channel District of Tampa is a rejuvenated realm of walks, history, and green space. But the real action is a trolley ride away in the 19th century cigar-rolling district of Ybor City. What they roll these days is the wild-and-crazy Gaparilla Parade. Jerry Springer Grand Marshalled but it felt a lot like Mardi Gras to me, complete with beads thrown from every direction and music/colours/noise to match. It's amazing what people will do to snare a necklace!!
Up north it's been brutally cold but even down here we've had the coldest temps of the winter (40's F) and rain. Sponges wash up on the beach daily --- let them soak it up! Local birds are a delight whether on the sand or the wires; parrots squawk and white herons swarm like giant snowflakes. Most moving of all, though, was the appearance outside our balcony of a blue jay. That bird, rare down here, was the favourite of my departed sister. I think she's been the wind beneath our wings.
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