Warm sunshine and reunions

It's been unseasonably warm here, even for western Florida in late December... 85F and sunny today. I'm slightly sunburned. Read into that what you will as regards climate changes... or not, along with the drought this year in the Southeast.

Anyway, it's been laid-back here... yesterday we talked to patgreene's mom and siblings, rested, and took the kids out to the beach. We renewed our family membership in the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary today during a visit to see the bird hospital and therapy aviaries. Many pelicans, but also owls, raptors, and lots of wading birds.

After a big afternoon dinner and a group family photo, it was time to head back to the beach to wade and swim and watch the sunset. Later this evening, Pat and I dropped off the kids at the hotel and headed back out to a beachfront bar to dine on grouper sandwiches, spicy conch chowder and boat drinks. Followed by ice cream at the Don CeSar, the hotel where Pat and I had our wedding reception. When Pat asked me what I wanted this evening, I told her, unabashedly... and it seemed to work for us both. :)

Tomorrow morning, we'll say goodbye to Pat's family here and drive back to Atlanta.