Our Island Time

We have lived on the West coast of Florida for 16 years and for 16 years I've wanted to visit Sanibel-Captiva Island. 

But for heavens sakes....it is an 1 1/2 hours away!

Never mind the fact that I've been to Europe, Costa Rica (x2) and various places across the U.S...

I could only focus on where I haven't been. 

 {kidding}

 Sadly, Lolo had to work, but Linds was able to entice a girlfriend to join us.
She wasn't hard to entice by the way. 

We spent our first day by the pool. Mostly in the kiddie pool because it was covered with shade.

Did you know my child wears sassy pants? She also wears sassy bikini's.....and is sassy whenever possible. When I got my camera out, she grabbed the nearest beer can. 

 {empty beer can, not emptied by sassy underaged drinker}

We had a view of the bay from our room. Which was great until I realized the rooms across from us had a view of the Gulf. Now, I'm angered. {not really} 

 We joined our friends from the east coast...you know the famous ones with the awesome superboy. 

 Captiva island is gorgeous. 

But doesn't that look like a monkey in this photo? I wish I had paid more attention....maybe it was a rare captiva monkey. 

 Believe this to be true....if you aren't in the shade or in the water, your skin will go up in flames from the sun and your insides will melt from the dire humidity. 

So,  you have to sit in the pool or the gulf. 

 And then seek shade of a tree or umbrella. Take my advice...it's free and honest. 

Would you believe that I ate shrimp and grits. Again? We might need to have an intervention soon. 

Our last night....we watched the day end. 

 Day is done....

 gone the sun.

 Your favorite couple. ever. The Coach had to work both of the days we were there, so he commuted the hour back and forth to his office. He's cool like that. 

So we are DONE with traveling for the summer. Linds starts band camp {dance} next week and then school ensues for both.
I vote to make summer break about 6 months longer. Who's with me?

The one where we almost lose our gate, a car and two of my people.

This last weekend as we were driving home from Orlando the Coach mentioned something about wanting to drive his car.  {he hasn't had many opportunities to drive it lately}

Me: I think I'm ready to drive it now. {read: It now has a/c}

It's been over 20 years since I drove a stick shift. And that little Honda that I had was not a 6 speed with  horsepower of any sort.
Guess what? It's like riding a bike.
And I'm pretty damn fantastic on a bike!
I didn't stall out. I didn't run anyone over.
I'm pretty much a professional driver.

LoLo rode in the back seat while I drove and asked 27,000 questions. She has been wanting to learn stick since he purchased this puppy.
They planned to go to an open/empty parking lot the next day, but just for sh*ts and giggles, lets test a little in the driveway.

She was   t  h  i  s  close to slamming into the gate. Coach grabbed the steering wheel.
Ok, maybe I'm being overly dramatic.....but we know that hardly ever happens.

When she got out {unscathed} I asked if she forgot there are NO power brakes?

Lolo: No, it wasn't that. I was so focused on the clutch and the gas, I forgot I was ALSO in charge of the brake!

Oh my. That was a close one.
I'll let you know when she takes it to the streets....that will be a good day to stay inside.

The one where I'm almost tired of traveling.

The fam damily and I went to Orlando {again} last week. That was our fourth and final {fingers crossed} trip there this summer.
I didn't visit any theme parks this time. No college visits. No agenda for me.
The kids {my girls + their boyfriends} went to the Universal parks for 2 days.
The Coach was coaching his travel team each day.
What did I do? 
I walked the 'hood.
I read a book while sitting in the pool.
I watched a few movies that scared the poop out of me. (The Call & Panic room)
I introduced the kids to The Breakfast Club. 
I cooked dinners for our peeps.
I took a nap one day.
I was   t   h   i   s  close to being bored.
It was blissful. I've never been  t   h   i   s  closed to being bored at home. never.

I brought my camera, but never took it out of it's bag....I was so relaxed and my camera just looked too heavy of a burden at the time.
I took a grand total of two photos with my phone, both almost identical to this:

We came home to our pool pump being stuck ON and our water being NOT ON. (we have a well, with an R/O system)
...the story of our lives....this house is demanding of time and money.
I'm ready to sell this compound house and move to a small condo.  Or perhaps I should join a cult...that wouldn't require much work would it? Nah....I don't like being told what to wear.
  Anyone want to rent a room to this crew?

XOXO

Miracle on 31st Street

A few weeks ago I noticed three chrysalis....two attached to our pool screen and one attached to the stucco wall of our house. 

 You can only imagine my excitement. 

Go on. 

Imagine away. 

****

Then, I noticed that the one on the stucco wall was empty. 

*snap* 

I had on my hands an early bird eager butterfly.  

***

The next day I found this little miracle. 

 You can see some of the ooze leaking out. Wait, is that placenta? 

I'm sure someone wants to eat that....

what? It's all the rage now. 

Placenta soup. Placenta Sammies. Placenta tea. Placenta patties. 

 LoLo and I were so excited to see this little guy/girl butterfly. Why should I make it gender specific? I'll let him/her choose himself/herself one day later. 

I am the most politically correct person you know when it comes to butterflies. 

 I must have went out and checked on he/she 6 times over a 3 hour period. 

Good thing I was off work this day...I can imagine calling in: 

"Uh, well, I can't come to work today because a butterfly was BORN in the vicinity of me"....

I kept checking the remaining chrysalis asking if it was READY yet?

Hello?

No answer.

Then a day later, it was empty.

Geeze. 

I suppose some butterflies like to be born in private. 

What does he/she/it think he/she/it is? 

Royalty??

Ok, maybe they are. 

Wishing you all a miraculous Wednesday. 

What's for lunch? I hope it doesn't start with a P....