Sunday, December 4, 2011

WELCOME TO ANNAPOLIS - a taste of what's to come...........


Annapolis, Maryland - looking back across the water from Eastport to the drawbridge across Spa Creek, the Annapolis Yacht Club, Marriott Hotel - boating mecca on the Chesapeake Bay.

Historic home in Annapolis

Galway Bay - Irish pub and restaurant on Maryland Ave.


Strolling State Circle


Saturday, December 3, 2011

MISS VICKI'S ON THE RIVER - when in Florida

A Thanksgiving week trip to Florida to visit the family, and a few stops at "Miss Vicki's on the River", the Anclote River which flows through Tarpon Springs, FL into the Gulf.  Located in the Anclote Village Marina, this is an unexpected oasis, a bar and grill on the water, live music, and a fun crowd of visitors like me, and locals whose bum prints are permanently embedded on the barstools, including my brother, Ian.  I was lucky to be there when Jus' Jeff performed - what a great musician, he knows how to work the crowds and the girls flocked and gazed longingly - see photo below.   Then there is the ever fun, friendly and beautiful Libby to make sure the Pino Grigio is chilled and topped up, the outdoor beers are well insulated, and nobody goes home hungry.  I had the spicy shrimp wrap - oh so delicious, I dream of them and will have to try to make my own until I can return.  If you are in the area of Tarpon Springs, just north of Clearwater and Tampa, FL, make sure you stop by and say hi to Ian, I'm sure he's there!!!  Just one of the regulars.


Looking back at Miss Vicki's on the River, from the pier.

Could you end your day in a better location?

A few regular bottoms sitting on those famous Miss Vicki's barstools.

Pelicans flying in to spend the night, amazing sunsets - whilst sitting sipping a few glasses of chilled Pino Grigio on a warm evening.

Late afternoon shadows, many locals and visitors enjoy the gorgeous outdoor area and beautiful late fall weather.

JUS' JEFF performing - I would say NOT jus' Jeff - he was fantastic and entertaining - as you can see the girls flocked!


I see Ian!







Tuesday, November 29, 2011

FLORIDA oh FLORIDA - PELICANS RULE!!

Pelicans have to be one of my favorite all time sea birds.  Those eyes, feathers, beak, personality.....







Saturday, November 19, 2011

Fall colors - one of my favorite times of year

Most of the really spectacular vivid colors come from the Japanese Maples dotted around my garden, the vivid oranges and reds.  The bright yellow in the woods are Tulip Poplar and Sassafras trees.  The colors in these photos have not been enhanced or changed, the skies are really that blue and the red leaves glow in the afternoon sun - an exquisite display of nature.