Partridge Preserve Book Club

We started a neighborhood book club in November 2007, not sure if it would work out - if we would continue to read the books and get together.  Juggling 11 busy schedules is a challenge, but 5+ years later, we're still going strong.  Our group has lost a few neighbors, added a few, and I think we enjoy the wine, food, and conversation as much as the book discussions!  Here's to 5 more, ladies! :)

Evan's 50th Birthday Trip

We were lucky enough to head to Bonita Springs, FL to spend Evan's 50th Birthday with Charles and Beth in their amazing condo.  It was the perfect weekend for rest and relaxation and it couldn't have been any better had we tried!

Charles and Evan on the condo's patio:

Looking out from the condo - you can see the Gulf of Mexico in the background:

  

There is a golf course in front of the condo:

Looking at the pool from the rooftop deck, 27 stories up:

Looking at the front entrance of the condo - it was a beautiful fountain. These heights weren't for the faint of heart!

We decided this would have been the perfect location to watch the SuperBowl had we went down a week later!

Charles pointing out the view to Evan:

Sunset cruise in Estero Bay:

If I'm ever lucky enough to live on water, I want these chairs to relax in!

The condos from the water:

Heading down the channel:

A bird looking for dinner:

Beth, Charles, and Evan:

Up close and personal with a nesting bird:

Heading out to open water to watch the sunset:

We passed a small island FULL of large birds:

Watching the sunset:

Charles and Beth, Me and Evan:

Quite possibly one of my favorite water shots:

We had a few dolphins around our boat.  I wish I could have gotten better pictures.  It was the closest I've been to a dolphin on a boat.  It was an awesome experience!

Birds at sunset:

The moon was out on our trip back to the dock:

Evan relaxed and enjoying the boat ride:

Moon over the condos:

Taking in the view of the moon:

 

Love the reflection:

This was my view every morning when I woke up.  I seriously could get used to this lifestyle!

Poolside at Tavira - it had a resort-like feel to it:

Getting settled for the afternoon:

It is so hard to imagine snow and cold in MN when you are enjoying green grass and blooming flowers in FL!

Busy bee:


It was a tough life, but someone had to do it!

Hot tub area:

Water feature behind the hot tub area:

I was trying to slow down my shutter speed to create a flow of water.  It looks like I still have some work to do...

It was a quiet pool area.  The "wrinklies" as Charles called them must have been taking their afternoon nap!

Sunset from the condo:

Heading to dinner for Evan's birthday:

Evan and Me:

I still can't believe my hubby is 50!

Before dinner drinks on the outdoor patio bar:


Evan trying to make a 50 with his hands, he was a little too tipsy to be successful:

Poolside relaxation:

Evan swimming laps for his afternoon exercise:

View from the pool:

Wildlife on the opposite side of the water:

Bird in the background:

Gator making his way into the water:

He came up on our side of the water:

Trying again to slow down water.  Slowly making progress... :)