Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.

Henry David Thoreau

Holiday Preparation Underway

Friday December 19, 2014
Oscar Scherer State Park
Osprey, Florida

 

We’re up at dawn and it is just gorgeous for our last sunrise here.  The sun peeks out and sends its pathway of light right to me.

 

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Even though it’s a long trip for us of 216 miles, at least it’s relatively easy.  We hop on I 95 south and then pick up I4 west to Tampa.  Just before the junction of I75 we stop to fill up with gas and propane at Flying J.  Prices are $2.329 and $3.299 respectively.

And then after 60 miles heading south on I75, here we are.   We’ve moved from the wide open sand dunes overlooking the ocean at Gamble Rogers to this cozy spot tucked in maritime forest of Oscar Scherer.   We are just a short drive from Nokomis beach, Venice and Sarasota but you’d never know it here in what feels like “real Florida”.

 

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We’ve pulled nose in.  Why have a view of the road when we can overlook the South River and probably could launch the kayaks from here although it’s a bit of a drop down so we take them over to the official boat launch and lock them up awaiting use.

 

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And then it’s dark on this next to the longest night of the year.  Lights shine a path to our door.

 

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We’re set up outside and inside.  
The holiday has begun. 
Tomorrow’s high is 74!!  
We pick up Carrie in Tampa at 7:20 PM.


AND THEN,  THE PARTY WILL BEGIN!!

 

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28 comments:

  1. Fa la la la la la la la la!

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  2. That pic of Winona's living room is so cozy is makes me want to be there right now! Wishing you a wonderful visit with Carrie and lots of fun activity with no colds and no infusions!

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  3. Your home looks very festive. I'm sure you'll enjoy your stay there. Don't forget to look for the scrub jays.

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  4. Have lots of fun with Carrie! Happy holidays!

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  5. ahh, Sherry, back to the lovely Old Florida park where we actually got to meet in person last year! Winona looks lovely. Wishing you a wonderful holiday time with your beautiful daughter. Happy Solstice!!

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  6. Your decorations look beautiful, enjoy your visit with Carrie.

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  7. The picture of you in your Santa Hat at sunrise looks like you have a remote control in your hands and are controlling the rising sun ;o))

    OHHHHHHH... 74 degrees and Christmas doesn't get much better!!!

    Merry Christmas to ALL !!!!!

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  8. Looking forward to your Christmas celebration Florida style. Have a very Me try Christmas!

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  9. Holy mackerel! You were sure busy decorating after that drive. Now here's what I noticed. ;) You have a new tablecloth for outside. Those bench covers look padded. Are they?

    I think you'll have a splendid holiday with Carrie.

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  10. Looking a lot like Christmas!..the duckies look like they are singing Christmas carols !!

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  11. ....and a Merry Christmas to all of you! Love the little hat on Winnona's exterior mirror... and the lighted path to show the way. Of course, nothing is better than having the "kids" come home for Christmas... and you two will have that too. We are making our way to Texas, after having celebrated up here with all at Thanksgiving. We even got to see Carrie and Matthew at Thanksgiving! Happy holidays to all! carol and roger

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  12. Very Christmasy looking to greet Carrie!! Glad she is arriving to warm temps. Have a wonderful visit with Carrie!! Looks like a wonderful spot to spend the holiday:)

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  13. Wonderful, wonderful! All of it. Cozy and warm and welcoming for the new light to return. Bright Yule blessings to you and David and Carrie (and Matthew too!). It seems we were just celebrating the solstice of summer and here we are at winter already......the wheel spins faster and faster each year it seems. Glad you're getting some on-the-water weather, we too will be in the 70's over the next few days (but sadly no water). Love the lighted path....... :-)))

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  14. I hope your party is one of the best! I'm looking forward to mine as well. It sounds like you are having great weather. We'll be in the high 50's/low 60's for a while, with some rain just about every day. I'm tired of rain but love seeing those reservoir levels rise!

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  15. You will have a wonderful time with Carrie! Lovely decorations in Winnona, and outside too. Have a special holiday :)

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  16. Your decorations look lovely. Have a beautiful Christmas!

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  17. I can't believe you're there! We left the same day you got there! Dang! The Duckies look happy!

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  18. You're all set to have a very Merry Christmas! Enjoy your time together. :c)

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  19. wishing you and yours a wonderful Merry Christmas. . .and a fabulous visit with your girl. . .nothing better!

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  20. Your Christmas decorations are lovely!

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  21. Such a delightfully tucked in space you have here and very festive. How exciting Carrie is coming!

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  22. looks very xmasey at your house!!! So very pretty... Sunrise was beautiful!!

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  23. Oh it looks so festive and inviting! Love the duckies and their friends gathered under the tree, and all of the sparkling lights. And the photo of you on the beach in your Santa hat is so cute. :-) Have a glorious time celebrating with Carrie. Solstice Blessings to all of you!

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  24. So exciting - a holiday "at home" is the best :) I like cozy maritime and the decorations look great. Let The Party Begin!

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  25. Wow, your sunrises are stunning ! We have not seen the sun yet since we arrived in Texas by the Gulf Coast.
    Sherry, your holiday spirit is enticing me to liven up our Betsy for the season. Winona is so festive that the duckies are happy to be under the Christmas tree.

    Wishing you and David, a holiday full of hope and laughter. Merry Christmas to the family.

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  26. Already for Carrie! So glad you will all be together for the holiday. :)

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  27. Love your camping spot. Reminds me of my time during the 50s when Florida meant moss hanging from every tree. Looks like your home is decked out and ready for Christmas. Have a great Christmas!

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