Saturday in ST. Pete

We visited with Mom today. Tried to get her answering machine working, think it isn’t working with the “ring signal” they use at The Fountains. Always something. Took her for a run to the Publix, got her signed up at the Pharmacy, bit of shopping. And lunch at Ted Peter’s Smoked Fish (who also has killer grilled hot dogs). We sat in the shade on picnic benches and enjoyed cold rootbeer in a mug and hot dogs. It was lovely today…right around 80 with no humidity.

Earlier we drove down to our favorite “manatee” spot on coffee pot bayou. There were 3 manatees coming up to drink at the storm drain. At one point we could see all 3 of them. They are such beautifully sweet creatures. They all had old scars evidencing run-ins with propellers from water craft. But the scars seems to be pretty old…new regulations and signage may be creating a better environment for them.

Green Heron under a dock

Dinner Time

Cosmos - a neighborhood dog


Where'd the manatee go???
Manatee watching

Met with John and Emil at the house. Emil had built a scaffolding so jerry and I could climb up to the second floor for the first time. It was really exciting. They’ve been doing framing inside so we can see our bedrooms, bathroom, and closet. Walls are going up around the upstairs lounge. Views are great. Space is great. Love it, love it. Roofers were there doing the “stuff” that will go under the tile. (pics are up at http://www.annettesspot.blogspot.com/ - the house blog)

Dinner tonight was at the Crab Shack on Gandy…I had my favorite: blue crab claws sautéed in butter and garlic. Jerry had mussels which oddly were soaked in butter? A little unusual and not the best way to show off the mussels. Strange. Good gulf of mexico oysters.

(addendum on Monday)

On my way home to Philly...rain/storm delayed in Tampa. Mome seems to be settling in pretty well given how much is new and hard to remember. She loves her new bed, her view, and her new flat screen LED tv. We had dinner with her last night...took her to a fish and steak restaurant right on the water in st pete beach...she loved that...got to watch a pelican preen itself for the whole time. She said she really believes she's moved to a beach town now (as if her view of the Gulf of Mexico wasn't clue enough!!!)