Punta Gorda and Bonita Springs, Florida

Julie and I in front of the Christmas tree and cozy fire at
the Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island 

 Two of our good friends have left the cruising life and settled in South West Florida. We had never been down that way and wanted to see their new digs so we planned a one week trip between Vermont and Guatemala. First we stayed with Julie and Peter Gowan in Punta Gorda and then went on to visit Barbara Craig (formerly Gilmour) in Bonita Springs. We were very impressed with their new homes and these lively communities.
Julie and Peter bought a condo on the junction of several canals and have a lovely view (and their new powerboat right in front). Punta Gorda has a attractive historic downtown and lots going on.

Group Shot

 They've joined the Yacht Club and made a lot of friends, some of which we had a chance to meet. We enjoyed long walks on the waterfront, the busy farmer's market, a ride through the canals, and lots of great meals. One day we drove out to Pine Island and after a wonderful lunch at the Tarpon Lodge walked around the Nature Preserve. There is a self guided tour of the once busy community of Calusa Indians (there for almost 1500 years but wiped out by you know who) and 6,000 year old skeletons have been unearthed on the site. The huge shell mounds they built still dominate the area although much smaller than they once were.
Next we drove down to Bonita Springs. Barbara has bought a condo in a huge gated community near her mother and sister. She looks out over a lovely lake. It is very established with beautiful landscaping. We took a picnic lunch out to the private beach. It is on a island and a launch takes residents out and back. A pretty creek wanders through the area where Barbara kayaks frequently. Barbara made us an amazing stuffed crown roast of pork for dinner. She's a great cook.
The next morning we were out early after a hearty breakfast and by noon were on the plane to Guatemala. More posts to come!

Mr. and Mrs. Osprey on their nest

Love this foliage 

Looks good 

Festive Punta Gorda downtown at the Farmer's Market

Barbara and Scott relax at the beach

And walk on the long lovely beach

We were fascinated by the flocks of birds wheeling around
in the sky while others watched

This is the private beach at the huge complex where Barbara lives

Scott, Barbara and Heather on the launch that takes residents out to the
beach, which is on a private island just off shore.

Christmas 2013

Christmas morning and the stockings are emptied
James and Morgen look happy

Lots of funny and useful things

James usually plays Santa and gives out the gifts (after
breakfast)

Morgen wearing the scarf Sean gave her

Scott is still in his PJs and that's my "Flavor
Bible" from James

Sean looks pleased with his painting and books from Mom
and Dad

Pretty soon everything stacks up

Heather in her scarf from Morgen and that's a Le Cruisset
casserole from Scott

James and Morgen walk ahead on the side trail up to the AT

We loved the snow crystals on the leaves

It was a beautiful but cold day - more snow arrived just after

Sean cooking up a storm as usual

We went up to the Smiths for a post Christmas dinner and
visit. Here's Gail, Sean and Lucy.

James, Morgen and Scott

Great picture of Gail

Around the table for a wonderful dinner

Family Shot, except the photographer (and Rob who had
to work)

A Holiday Tour of the White House!

Sean, Will, Vassily, Piper, Ginny, Morgen and James at
Sean and Will's apartment 

An elegant brunch for Scott's B'day

Their living room and Scott

Sean, Will, Scott and James at Rose's Luxury restaurant

We had a lovely visit to Washington DC to visit our two younger sons, Sean and James and for Scott to attend Roots Camp - a 2 day political action conference. We stayed with Sean and Will at their lovely Capitol Hill apartment. James and Morgen live nearby and we saw them every day.
Sean surprised us with tickets to the Holiday Tour at the White House. It was amazing and so beautiful. We spent over an hour wandering around the first floor state rooms, all decorated for the holidays. It wasn't at all crowded and you could take as long as you wanted. A knowledgeable guide was in each of the rooms to explain the history and artwork. What a holiday present!

The tour entrance to the White House - beautifully decorated

As was the corridor leading to the State Rooms

The windows looked out on the garden all decorated with
lights

The theme of this year was books - here a book tree

The Vermeil Room

The Library

The China Room

Wider view of the China Room

The State Receiving Room

The Harlem Globetrotters once gave a demo here!

A beautiful creche was in a niche

The Green Room

Scott and I in front of the giant Christmas Tree which
featured ornaments from every state and territory

The Red Room where First Ladies receive foreign digniteries

The State Dining Room

A close up of the tree

An even closer one of our state ornaments

The Tree itself

This year's gingerbread cake - it's the fireplace
and the White House on top!

A poignant portrait of John Kennedy

Christmas Carols rang throughout the rooms

They did a lovely job

The main entrance where we exited

A more distant view