May 8, 2010 - Chris graduates in Phoenix!

We were honored to be able to attend the graduation of son-in-law, Chris Nielsen, from the University of Phoenix nursing program. We flew into Phoenix with the Nielsen family - daughter, Katy, grandson, Justin and granddaughter, Noelle.

We were extremely impressed with the determination of Chris to complete his bachelor's degree. It took several years, but he preserved while participating in family life as well as working full time as an RN. The hard work and sacrifices paid off before he graduated. While we were eating dinner at our hotel in Phoenix, Chris announced that he had just accepted a supervisory position with an impressive salary raise.

The graduation was held at the University of Phoenix Stadium.

Chris in graduation regalia

Chris with his very proud family - Katy, Justin and Noelle

Daughter, Katy, waiting for graduation to begin

Grandson, Justin

Granddaughter, Noelle

Chris, waiting to enter the statium

The graduates escorted into the stadium by the bagpipe band

Chris, in line to march into the stadium

 Chris, in line to receive his diploma

Congratulations, Chris

You did it!!!

After the graduation, we went to a steak house near the stadium for a celebratory lunch.

Noelle got a big kick out of the complimentary cotton candy.

Congratulations, Chris, we are very proud of you. We are also very proud of Katy, Justin and Noelle for providing support to Chris during his educational adventure. 

April 3, 2010 - Loren and Terri in Key West

We always have a great time when son Loren and daughter-in-law Terri visit. We did something a little bit unusual this time. We caught the high speed ferry from Marco Island to Key West. This is the relaxing, fast way to get to Key West. The trip takes about 3 and a half hours. It is an interesting car trip up the keys, but it is very slow.

We made reservations at a bed and breakfast near the ferry station. Key West is famous for its unique, funky bed and breakfasts, among other things. Ours featured very relaxing hammocks.

During our stay, we spent most of the time wandering around town and of course, swinging in the hammocks. Key West is a very scenic, colorful, unusual town, a lot of fun to visit for about 24 hours.

One feature of Key West is the chickens running wild all over town. Visitors think they are charming. Some of the locals are less charmed, but the chickens stay.

Terri points out one of the colorful roosters

Loren, at the wharf

Walking back to our hotel, we spotted a manatee, happily slurping water from the hose. If you look below the water, you will see the shape of this gigantic, gentle animal





March 14-19, 2010 - Aunt Dessie and Cousin Joe visit Naples, FL

Robert's Aunt Dessie and Cousin Joe live near Decatur, Georgia. We looked forward to their visit as they are very entertaining people and they love to share nature adventures. Dessie is Robert's favorite aunt. He has many fond childhood memories of summer trips to his aunt's home near Disneyland.

Aunt Dessie was 88 at the time of this visit. Besides her wit and sense of humor, Dessie is known for her fitness. She goes to aquatic fitness almost every day, plus she walks upwards of three miles a day. When Dessie walks, she does not stroll. I challenge a person half her age to maintain her pace. I'd estimate that Dessie probably walks at least an 17-18 minute mile, which is stepping out pretty good.

Cousin Joe is also an entertaining guest. He is extremely well read and knowledgeable on a wide variety of topics. Since two of his interests are history and nature, it is a lot of fun to share adventures with Joe.

The first day we took Dessie and Joe on one of our favorite walks to Clam Pass Beach via a very scenic boardwalk through the mangroves.

Robert and Aunt Dessie at the beach.



The second day we went to Corkscrew Swamp, an Audubon sanctuary. We have always enjoyed a trip to Corkscrew. Along the 2.5 mile boardwalk, are several different environments found in the natural Florida swamp.

Aunt Dessie, Cousin Joe and Glee in front of the Corkscrew Swamp vsitors' center.

Aunt Dessie on the boardwalk path

Great egret stalking gracefully

The cypress swamp with beautiful bromeliads

 Some Corkscrew Swamp scenes

 Little blue heron in Lettuce Lake

Black crown night heron on the bank near Lettuce Lake

Aunt Dessie relaxing at the visitor center after our wonderful walk.

On the last day of the visit, we took a ride out to Shark Valley, with a stop at the Big Cypress visitor center. Overlooking the deck at the Big Cypress visitor center, we have always seen HUGE alligators.

Aunt Dessie and Cousin Joe on the hunt for that big gator

Like this one, maybe?

Once out at Shark Valley, we saw many other alligators, plus some nifty birds, like this tri-color heron.

Male anhinga, drying out his wings after a fishing expedition

In full breeding plumage, this male anhinga has a wacko appearance, but the female anhinga probably is saying "hubba hubba"

Female anhinga, spearing a fish.

Green heron on lily pads

All too soon, our visit with Aunt Dessie and Cousin Joe came to an end. We look forward to other adventures with them soon.