I'm back from a wonderful getaway. Bob and I went to Florida and enjoyed some time with Terri, of Your Friend from Florida. Terri is so sweet and invited us to come visit her, and when I whined about the nasty winter we were having, she invited us again!
I'm going to break this up into several posts so you all don't get overloaded!
We left Grand Rapids on Sunday morning. It was cold and a snow storm was coming in over the lake. Here we're getting close to landing - look at all that green! We arrived in Florida shortly after 1 and Terri was there to pick us up.
She took us to her lovely home and I had to take a picture of this Palm tree - something we don't get to see in Michigan!
Terri spoiled us with her amazing Ziti and fresh, Florida Strawberry shortcake. Sooo good!
On Monday, Terri took us to Bonnet Springs Park. What a beautiful place! If I lived there, I'd be walking the trails frequently.
I love Live Oak trees and Spanish moss, another thing we don't see in the North. This park was full of them.
They have an elevated walking path.
Here's Terri and I at the park.
We also stopped at Hollis Gardens, but they were closed. We ended up going back the next day, but someone passing by offered to take a photo of the three of us.
We saw these pelicans on the lake by Hollis Gardens.
Terri lives in Lakeland, which is known as the swan city. They became a symbol of the city when Queen Elizabeth gifted a pair to the city in 1957. Now there are lots of them and we enjoyed a visit to feed them. They are so beautiful!
I caught this pair in the classic swan pose.
That's all for today. Tomorrow I'll share more about the city of Lakeland.
27 comments:
Dear Mari, your photos are lovely and I am so glad that you got to spend some time with Terri. Both you and Terri are wonderful people ❤️
You both look fantastic.
Wow that last photo of the swan pose is truly beautiful. I can that framed above the bed. Good job, Mari.
Not only did Terri keep you busy and show you things - but they were things you don't get to see up north. Two lessons at once.
I have really enjoyed your visit, and am glad you will be posting it in segments. The trees are gorgeous! And I love the park with the colorful banners. I cannot believe how the swans are posing for you, I never thought that pose was a real thing!!
Hi Mari, what a nice vacation! That swan picture is awesome! I took some of black swans when I was in Hawaii at a Japanese Park. I am looking forward to seeing more of your pictures.
we are an hours drive from lakeland, on the west coast. the park we used to take Beau to for walks is only 5 minutes from our house and looks just like your photos of the oaks. so glad you had a fun getaway with a friend. I don't know Terry but do know Florida..
Oh my, so much love this post! Not only did you get to enjoy this pretty part of Florida, but you shared it with us! Lovely! Aren't blogging friends the best?
How lovely to spend time with Terri, she is such a sweet person. It sounds like you had a lovely time seeing all of the sights.
Hi, Mari! I'm new to your blog, but am so glad I decided to follow you on Blogger. So glad that your husband and you had such a great time with Terri in Lakeland. Loved your photos and that fact about the swans. I had no idea! Blessings!
Nice pictures and nice gateway! You’re so thin now! Congratulations Mari!
I loved having you and Bob here for a visit, Mari! You are welcome to return any time! Three days wasn't really long enough! xo
Sounds like a fun trip. I love Lakeland. When we lived in Florida, we would always make a trip up there around Christmas because the downtown area was always decorated so beautifully.
I've been waiting to see these pictures. They are all gorgeous...especially love the one of you and Terri. You both look great! And the swan picture at the end...be. still. my. heart. It's one thing to see this in a magazine, I can't imagine how thrilled you must have been to actually see it in the "wild" and capture it. Great post, my friend. xx
What a wonderful trip! So glad you and Bob were able to visit with Terri!
Welcome back! I love those trees and that walk way through them. Sounds like a wonderful time thanks for posting the pictures.
Visiting Blog friends is the best! Thanks for sharing some of your wonderful vacation with us. You picked the perfect time to get out of your snow and enjoy sunshine.
I'm looking forward to more of your adventures.
Sue
What a great trip! Meeting with blog friends is always a treat...especially when they live in such beautiful areas! Can't wait to hear more about your trip!
You look warm and happy. And lucky you to get out of the cold.
Cathy
Oh, how I have missed you! I am so glad you got to get a break from the cold and get some sunshine and green. I love that you were connected with blog friends. How beautiful!!! I love the swans!!! Oh, I would love to see the swan pose in person. Big hugs!!!!
Hello Dearest! So wonderful to have you back. Looks like a wonderful trip and I can speak from experience when I say how glorious the warmth of FL feels during this long winter. Lol That park is pretty and I love raised walking trails like that. So cool! The swan photo is stunning. ☀️💛
How wonderful! Glad you got away to somewhere warm. I look forward to seeing/hearing more about your adventures.
Lovely photos, especially the two swans!
What a great time for a getaway to warmer place. Sounds like so much fun.
Oh, I love that those swans posed for you! What a great photo!!! Yes, you did get to see some amazing sights of how Florida is supposed to look! So many people never see the 'real Florida' , because they choose to stay at the Disney Resorts and other manmade tourist traps. It's sad they never see the truly beautiful places in old Florida. I'm glad Terri helped you see some of the real reasons we love to live here! I'm so glad that we were a part of your itinerary as well...we're true examples of "OLD" Florida! LOL. Can't wait to see the rest of your pictures and stories. Have a great week.
Welcome back after your lovely vacation.
I enjoyed seeing all of your photographs... especially that swan pose it's so beautiful.
All the best Jan
Beautiful photos. It was hard to pick a favorite. I loved them all.
What a wonderful trip you had. I so love seeing live oaks...especially with the Spanish moss. What a wonderful walkway. Wonder why it is elevated though. Snakes or alligators or both. I wish the Mute swans would go away here because they took over the territory here from our Trumpeter swans. Now the the Trumpeters only come here two days on their way to and back from yearly migrations. It is sad in a way. Janice
Perfectly charming! You look wonderful, Mari! What a great trip xoxo 🏴☠️
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