Safety Harbor, Florida

2-21-2013 We traveled about 85 miles to a quaint little town nestled on the northwest coast of Old Tampa Bay. I had read about Safety Harbor in the Lazydays, Better RVing magazine. It is identified as one of Florida's hidden jewels. the first historical record dates to 1528, when Spanish explorer Panfilo de Narvaez encountered the native Tocobaga tribes. Another Spaniard, Hernando de Soto, led asecond expediotion here in 1539, searching for the Fountain of Youth. While he did not find the mythical fountain, de Soto did discover a natural mineral spring he dubbed Espiritu Santo Springs. The reputaion of these "healing waters" grew, and by the early 1900s, Espiritu Santo water was being distributed worldwide. Today, people from all over the world travel to Espiritu Santo Springs to spend a day in luxurious relaxation at the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa.
Safety Harbor derives its name from the collective sigh of relief shared by the 18th century merchant seamen who anchored here. Piracy was prevalent in the Carribean and the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. But when ship crews finally reached this protective anchorage, they believed they were safe from the threat of the seagoing pirates/thieves. Worth's Harbor-Safe Harbor-Safety Harbor.
It became permanently settled in 1823, when a Frenchman, Count Odet Philippe, father of the Florida grapefruit, homesteaded Safety Harbor. It has managed to maintain a small-town ambiance on a peninsula that thrives on the tourist trade.

We enjoyed the day trip very much. Phillippe Park may be the prettiest park that i have ever seen. It's elevation and walkways along the water was a great peaceful feeling. there were many huge old trees. We walked thru the main street park and visited some of the vendors that were there. This market included a farmer's market as well.
We had our MOD at the Paradise Restaurant which had a variety menu but did have lots of Greek cuisine. Bruce had the Musaka and I had the lamb gyro. great food.

We also are so happy that Kelly's second OB visit showed that sll if well with Baby H #2!!

Safety Harbor, Florida

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the following pictures were not taken by me...

Safety Harbor Marina and fountain



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A Reunion with cousins

2-19-2013   Bruce and I traveled to Gainesville, Florida to connect with Linda F. Smith and her husband, Larry along with Anita Whitehead. Linda and Anita are daughters of Bruce's Aunt Sarah, sister to his Dad, Don Hamrick. We met at the Cracker Barrel Restaurant. We really had alot of fun getting to know them. linda and Larry have just begun to RV. They have a Fifth wheel rig.

Linda, Larry, Anita and Bruce

More pictures of the Mama crane on her nest.

she is so patient to nest these eggs

hoping to see these little ones before we leave.
the water is getting low because of little rain 

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Valentine's Day.......2013

2-14-2013 Bruce brought one dozen pink roses to me for Valentine's Day. He also cooked pancakes for breakfast that were pink with chocolate chips and sausage links!!!!!
We signed up for a meal at the clubhouse. The menu was a stuffed chicken breast, mashed potatoes and green beans along with a red velvet cupcake with lots of creamed cheese icing. The 'ballroom ' was full of couples for the Valentine's dinner, music and dancing. We are REALLY showing our age when we leave after about the fourth song.

he is never happy when having his picture made!

i love my valentine!

2-16-2013 Bruce and Petie havebeen watching a Mama sand hill crane nesting. took advantage of the photo op.

2-17-2013 On Sunday, the Oakwood Smokehouse Barbecue in Clermont has a special on their ribs. We went there today for lunch. Love their fried green beans as well.



fried green beans



the scenery from the Smokehouse



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Tijuana Flats

2-12-2013  Today a group of us went to Clermont for an MOD. Tijuana Flats was chosen due to their Tuesday special of tacos. This was a great meal.They had all sorts of sauces...some were so hot that it was suggested to wash your hands after touching the hot bar!!

Tijuana Flats was started by a young UCF graduate, Brian Wheeler in 1995 in Winter Park, Florida. It was modeled after Burrito Brothers in Gainesville, Florida and was funded by $20000 borrowed from Brian's Dad.
After the opening of the third location, a semi retired restaurant executive, Camp Fitch was invited to Tijuana Flats by his golf partner. In 1999, Fitch invested in the company and was appointed CEO to expand the company nationally. When the fourth location opened, the founder's Dad, Chester Wheeler, was reimbursed for his $20000 loan used to start the company and joined as CFO.
Tijuana Flats' 'Just in Queso Foundation' gives back to the community. Examples are remodeling a handicapped veteran's home, Breast Cancer Research and Kids beating Cancer.

A great place to eat. We so enjoyed becoming familiar with this  restaurant.


3/12/2013 We joined several of our Bounder Club friends at Tijuana Flats again for tacos today. Great time with all and great food as before.

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Hamrick's Pierre aka Petie

2-12-2013   i wanted to tell my story for once!!!

This AM, while the coffee was making, my Dad called someone on the telephone. When he hung up, he told me "well, we are going to Pet Smart for hair and nails". I got SO excited. I barked and twisted around because I was ready to 'go'. THEN, he says "not today, tomorrow". I jumped up onto the back of the sofa and looked out the window for the longest time. i could not see tomorrow at all. humph...

These humans, they get me all excited and then i have to wait. I believe that wait might be my middle name. It has been a rough day because I know that we are going to Pet Smart tomorrow, but i cannot find tomorrow.

Soooooo, all that is on TV tonight is the Sate of the Union and I do not think it will have anything to do with finding tomorrow for Pet Smart. So, I have gone to bed

Good night all

2-13-2013 Yipee!!! I finally found tomorrow and got to go to Pet Smart. i had a bath, nails ground and my teeth brushed. I smell SO good now. My Mom human changed my bed in my crate after cleaning the crate with chlorox clean ups.
Life is good

Anna Maria Island

2-7-2013 Bruce and I traveled route 64 from Zolpha Springs, to Anna Maria Island. Bruce and I AGREE that it may be about the prettiest place we have ever visited. There is a restaurant that we enjoy that is right on the beach, 'The Sandbar'.

Anna Maria Island is a quaint barrier island nestled in the Gulf of Mexico Beautiful turquoise waters and white sandy beaches are the main attraction. It is a place where "old " Florida charm can be found, flip flops are a way of life and the speed limit never exceeds 35 mph. high rise condos and fast food restaurants are pleasantly absent from the pristine "get away from it all" island. the accomodations and restaurants offer something for everyone. From quaint cottages by the sea to deluxe suites, from million-dollar villas to rustic cottages to own. One visit to Anna Maria Island and you will be calling it "my island in the sun".

Going over, we had three traffic slow downs due to road construction.

Our trusty GPS took us right back to the Sandbar Restaurant. It was as memorable as before!! It is a beautiful view to watch as you have excellent food. i chose a grilled salmon steak with cole slaw and green beans. Bruce had fish and chips.

We made two more stops on the island before we left. We LOVE the sand and water!!

a stop as we left the island...

oh by the way, we had to have dessert. We stopped at the O'Brien Family Farms and had a strawberry shortcake. Sush a great day we have had!!!

The traffic was so slow that I was able to take pictures of the orange groves along the way.

 

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A day road trip

2-5-2013 Bruce and I have enjoyed grilling and eating in these past few days. We had cheeseburgers on Super Bowl Sunday! We watched the entire game. Bubba had predicted the Ravens by three and that is exactly what happened. I was sad for the 49ers and especially my niece in California.
Bruce grilled Italian sausages on Monday. I sauteed green pepppers and onions for their topping. Great meals dining in.
Today we traveled about 50 miles to Ruskin, Florida to visit Max and Glenda Skinner that we worshipped with at Burkemont. They are full timers and were camped at Tampa South RV Resort. The four of us chose a local family restaurant called Poppy's. WOW! we had a great meal and visit. I chose a chicken breast stuffed with ricotta cheese, sun dried tomatoes, and spinach with marinara sauce over it. Soooo good.

we had such a good visit

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