Swimming with the manatees

Last Saturday, we did something we've talked about doing for a long time. Just an hour north of here is Crystal River, which is home to more manatees than anywhere in the world and also the only place that you can legally swim with the manatees.

It was quite an experience! First squeezing into the form-fitting wetsuit then the cold boat ride out to the springs where the manatees like to hang around the warm water.

They are kind of hard to see because the water is a little murky, but we did spot a few. Here's the funny part. I had spotted one and was trying to get Jo's attention. Since she was snorkeling beside me, I patted her on the rear end, but she just ignored me, so I tried again. About the same time, someone started tapping me on the shoulder and I turned around and, lo and behold, there was Jo! I turned back around and the other swimmer was still there. Oops! I'm still not sure who I was patting, but at least no one complained.

There were a couple of manatees that swam right up to some of the people in our group. And Jo actually got to pet one and scratch it....They like to be scratched! I didn't get to touch a manatee. I think I did a little better.....

Just a reminder!

Just a reminder....You can view more pictures at our online album at http://picasaweb.google.com/ewerspix .

Spaceshuttle at night!

Spectacular! I'm so jealous, cause I didn't get to see it. Last week, the shuttle had a night launch, which was clearly visible clear over here on the west side of Florida.

Vist from Amber and Michelle

In late February, Amber drove down from Tallahassee and Michelle came over from Orlando and we spent a great weekend together. After going to an outside art show in Dunedin, we came back and got creative.........

Moving to Hudson

In mid-February, we also moved to Hudson, Florida, which is down near St Petersburg. This is also in the area of Pass A Grille, our very favorite place to live (so far). We've already been back 3 times! We just get a very special feeling when we're there.

Jo's Dad

Unfortunately, this was also the time when Jo's dad's health started going downhill. She went up to Omaha in late December and spend most of January and February with him. He passed away on Feb 24th.

So much, so little time!

So much happened during that stay! In November, we celebrated Thanksgiving at Michelle's in Orlando. Then in December, Amber graduated from college from FSU. Since everyone was already in Tallahassee, we also celebrated Christmas there. Then Amber and Michelle came up for Christmas (the actual Christmas day Christmas) and my birthday. My folks also came down in January.

Back in Pensacola

During that time off we also attended my mini-class reunion after the homecoming game in Carlisle and spent some time with my brother Marc in DesMoines, among other things. The time off was needed and greatly appreciated, but when Sacred Heart hospital in Pensacola called, we decided it was time to face reality and get back to work.

We love getting back to Pensacola! The beaches have a fine white sand and the water is an emerald green....or margarita green, depending on your perspective. (It's 5 o'clock somewhere!)

Traveling around the midwest

After we left New Mexico, we took some time off. We were able to spend a fair amount of time in Omaha, visiting Jo's family. As she mentioned, we lost her father just 3 weeks ago and will miss him dearly.

We also got to spend some time with my parents in Kimberling, which we always enjoy and we spent a few days with good friends Frank and Nancy in St Louis. It happened to be the perfect time in the fall for the leaves and spent a great day exploring along the Mississippi river.

Vists in Taos, New Mexico

We were also forunate to be able to celebrate my Mom and Dad's 60th Anniversary in August as well as Dad's birthday.

Wow. we've been so bad...and so busy. It's time to catch everyone up. I think, from now on, we're going try doing this blog on a regular basis, so if you want to follow our travels, mark our blog-site in your favorites and visit us whenever you want! We'll sent out e-mails once in awhile reminding you that we're doing this.

I know Jo caught you up with the first blog, but I wanted my own version and to add a few pictures. Most of these are Jo's pictures, by the way. She has become such an outstanding photographer!

In our last update, we had spent the summer in Taos, NM and had just a great, great time. My sister, Cindy, lives there and for the first time in many, many years, we go to spend a lot of time together. One of the best treats was when my good buddy Nate came to visit and the three of us, along with Cindy and her friend Christine took a balloon ride through the Rio Grande gorge and it was spectacular! I had no idea you could actually travel through the gorge, not above it, but we did....even dipped in the river!

Hi everyone!! We have decided to try a blog to replace our email updates. You can check back as often as you like to keep track of us. We are currently in Hudson, Fl which is on the Gulf side north of Tampa Bay. We left Pensacola Beach about 3 weeks ago. At least it is a little warmer here. And it's a LOT warmer than Omaha, Ne. Jo has returned home following several visits with her folks, and especially her Dad. After their move from LeMars, IA in Oct. to Omaha, a lot has happened. Mom fell and broke her shoulder and ended up in rehab for 3 months leaving dad all my himself in the retirement center MapleRidge. His health also declined rapidly, and he has just recently been called home. He passed away on Feb. 24th, and was buried on his Mom's birthday Feb. 28th. What a sad time. Jo is so grateful for the chancce to spend his last weeks with him, but we all miss him so much. Her Mom, Margaret, is staying in the assisted living Heritage Pointe, and hopefully will do just fine after a short move upstairs to a smaller apartment closer to the action.

I'll add more later to catch you all up.