Safety Harbor & Ron McKenney Park

Last weekend on Saturday we went to check out Safety Harbor.  We had driven through this city before, and wanted to spend a day in the downtown area.

We visited a few boutiques, antique shops, and walked the downtown area.  For lunch, we stopped at The Sandwich on Main.  It was a neat place, and our sandwiches/wraps were great!

Then, we stopped at a park near the downtown area to soak up some sun! :)

On the way home, we stopped at a liquor store Jake had researched- and we found our favorite Puerto Rican liquor!   We stocked up, since we haven't seen it anywhere else.

Sunday we drove down through the beach areas of St. Pete and got to experience this lift bridge.  There were a lot less tourists than when we were there in June, so now we need to plan a beach day!

We ate a picnic lunch at Ron McKenney Park, and sat and enjoyed the water view.  

A new dinner recipe was good, but WAY TOO spicy!  We might try a thai peanut lettuce wrap in the future, but not these chipotle wraps again!

Labor Day Weekend

For the holiday weekend, we went down to Cape Coral to visit Grandma Pauline and Bella.

Grandma Pauline took good care of us, and we enjoyed our time visiting and catching up!

On Sunday, we took a drive to Sanibel and Captiva Island.  It was a beautiful drive, and the lush greenery made us think of Puerto Rico.

Once we found a place to park, we ate lunch at the beach.  The weather was bright and sunny, and we sat and soaked in the sun for a bit.  (A little too much for KC, she got burnt on her shoulders and face- so don’t worry she’s not tan from living in Puerto Rico, or Florida.)

After the beach, we stopped at a few shops on the island.  Our best find was a selfie-stick that we couldn’t pass up since it was $4.  We always laughed when we saw someone with one, and we’re about two years behind the curve- but now we have one!

We took a few shots to practice- and we have a long way to go to take good pictures with it, but it’s a fun little new toy.   

A lot of time was spent outside at Grandma Pauline’s- we enjoyed her pool in the afternoon, grilling dinner, and sitting in her screened lanai area.  Every time we go there, we wish we lived down there because it’s SO beautiful and relaxing.  She has a great spot! 

Monday we visited a neat store called the Red Barn.  It made us wish we had a house, so we could have picked up some unique items. 

Thanks for having us Grandma Pauline! 

The Many Faces of a Tropical Storm

So, we survived our first tropical storm(s).  Tropical storm Danny and Erika fizzled before they got to us.  In our area, we just had rain/clouds.

While touring open houses, we saw our first locust- eeewwww!!!  They are a lot bigger than Minnesota grasshoppers.

The weekend of the first storm we stocked up on groceries, and spent a lot of time cooking.  We made kale chips for the first time, and they were delicious! (and have become something we make frequently)

Spring rolls are another thing we made for the first time since leaving MN over the weekend- so good!

Also, we made paleo apple cinnamon and banana muffins, and trail mix!  Since the grocery stores have so many more options here, KC has been trying many new recipes, and is surprisingly liking it!

Sand Key Park

After living here for almost two months, we finally made it to a beach!   

It was a long walk to the beach, but we found a spot that wasn't TOO covered with people.  (There are way more people at the beaches in Florida, than Puerto Rico!)

In true Florida summer weather- if you looked one way in the sky, it was clear.  When you looked the other way it was raining!   Ah, Florida summers- we never thought you’d be so rainy! 

Here’s a video to illustrate: