Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Beach Scenes - Florida Gulf Coast

Vacationing on the Gulf Coast of Florida has become a tradition for me over the past two decades.

Every year, during the same week in September, my long time friend and I set out for the beach where we spend seven wonderful days together at her timeshare right on the coast.

We start the week off with a trip to the store to pick up our groceries and ingredients for our bottomless pitcher of sangria.



Back at the efficiency apartment, I begin by measuring out sugar and cinnamon into a large pitcher.


Then I cut up the oranges and apples and add them to the sugar mixture along with a cup of brandy.



The fruit infusion pitcher is my newest online purchase and I'm delighted with the shape and quality of it. It arrived promptly and in perfect shape to put it to use.

We like to garnish our glasses with the brandied fruit and after the first batch, we found it easier to not use the plastic insert.

Afterward, we made our way down to the water's edge to put a toe into the Gulf. The water was warm, but rough. The temperature was pleasant with a light breeze to combat the humidity.


Flocks of birds were there to greet us and share their view of the water.


Day one ended with our customary viewing of the spectacular sunset on the beach.


More beach photos from the week will follow soon.


Taking a stroll down the beach, I found a couple of birds fishing underneath the pier.

This one was determined to catch a fish and while he was busy, he let me approach to within about five feet.


The water was really rough as the tide came in right after the rain and thunderstorm. The pelican in the background was taking a break from fishing.

13 comments:

  1. Nice day! I see skimmers and Sandwich Terns in that beach shot. Looks like you're having a nice time.

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    1. Hi Deb, I knew you would know the names of these feathered friends. Thanks for stopping in. I'll be posting more bird photos. I love seeing them in your posts, too.

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    2. That's Snowy Egret, all right! Take a gander at this for more info about these unmistakable water birds: http://aviannovice.hubpages.com/hub/The-Beautiful-Snowy-Egret-Who-Nearly-Gave-Its-Life-for-the-Hatter

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  2. The brandy drink and fruit sounded real good. Lovely pictures of the beach and the birds. Love that sunset.

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    1. Thanks, Rasma. I hope to publish the recipe soon.

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  3. Hello Peg. You have described a beautiful tradition. Thank you for sharing the wonderful photos. What a great idea, a cool drink, with a cool friend, on a cool beach. You are so smart.

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    1. Hi Mike, It's been a couple of years since I went to Florida but this year I made it down there. What a wonderful week we had even with a couple of days of rain. A rainy day at the beach is better than a good day at work. Thank you for stopping by.

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  4. What a wonderful tradition~ I felt like I was on the beach with you both~ sounds like you had a fabulous time away.
    Love, mar

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    1. I envision you and I and all our friends sharing this delightful place as a getaway together one day. We always have a wonderful time and the week flies by before we know it. Thanks for sharing memories of it with me. Love.

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  5. Sangria and a beach! What a wonderful time! I enjoyed your pictures and I'm glad you had such a great time.

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    1. Thanks, Sheila. We did have a wonderful time. It is a relaxing week that flies by quickly.

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  6. Hello Peg. I just came by your neighborhood to see if you had posted anything new. I again enjoyed the photos of a beach day. Hope all is well.

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    1. Hi Mike, Welcome to the neighborhood. Nothing new out here recently. I guess I'll have to fix that. All is well here. Same wishes for you and yours. Played Beauty Shop at the Home today and the girls look spiffy and fluffy. Now it's time to get to work writing something.

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