Day 27 on Captiva

Brunch out this morning. We went to Sanibel Cafe in Tahitian Gardens. Al ordered creamed chip beef over eggs and toast, one of his faves. I had Crabcake Benedict which was much better and much less expensive than I had at Sunset Grill. The muffin was fresh and eggs poached perfect....next time just order half if that is an option.
Crabcakes were on grilled tomato slices.

Checked out stores at Tahitian....a fave is the gift shop where we bought shell soaps, napkins-"Head for the Drink", and shot glass. Bought 2 Cats Meows...wood blocks painted with Sanibel landmarks at Needful Things. Went to Comfort by Design and Al purchased 2 pair of Mephisto sandals(one at half price) from Heidi. Quick stop at Bailey's.

Home and to the beach for couple hours. ran to Island store for gin for Ella. Dinner at Ella's with Rene, Margarethe, Agnes, Sally and Mike. Served antipasto, pasta - bowties with broccoli sauce, grilled chicken, stuffed mushrooms, broccolini and several bottles of wine. Good converstion ...Rene said they enjoyed when we here.

Day 26 on Captiva

Weather has improved everyday this week.....today was warm and breezy at the beach. Al walked and was almost too warm on the last leg of his route. We had lunch of tuna salad on croissants on the porch. We then headed to beach about 2:00. The mysterious sailboat is no longer anchored in the gulf. We spotted some dolphins in the distance.They did not come in as close as the one I saw a few days ago.Was a quiet afternoon on the beach.....only the sounds of the birds and the passing boats broke the sound of the waves lightly lapping the shore.

We returned to the beach about 6:00 to watch the setting sun. Not a spectacular sunset for Captiva but what is not to enjoy!

Dinner was apppetizer of shrimp cocktail, garlic shrimp over angel hair pasta served with arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.

Day 25 on Captiva

Thursday, February 26,2009


Pelican Feeding at DDWR

We took an early trip to DDWR. It was a perfect day for birding. Al made some photos of tri-colored herons and brown pelican. We only saw 2 roseates and no white pelicans. After lunch of ham sandwich and salad, we headed to the beach for a relaxing afternoon. Today was the nicest day yet on the beach. Lot of boat activity but not many people on the beach....almost like having a private beach.

When we checked emails, we had one from Mike inviting us to join him for sunset at his house and dinner at the club. We thought he had gone back to VA but he had changed his plans. We enjoyed the evening with him, Ella, Agnes, and Sally who was visiting from Boston.

Al had Caesar salad and Filet Mignon served with fingerling potatoes and asparagus spears. I had house salad and sea bass served with crab risotto and steamed bok choy.

Sunset at Mike's

Day 24 on Captiva

Wednesday was a very relaxing day. We had breakfast after Al's walk. Made scrambled eggs and steak (leftovers) with sliced tomatoes and toast. Spent most of the afternoon on the beach watching the pelicans diving for food. Tried to figure out a mystery regarding a small sailboat anchored near the beach. We watched two men row onto the shore and then back to the boat at which time one guy climbed the mast to lower the jib. Then they rowed back onto land at which time an officer approached them. One guy walked away and disappeared among the houses while the other guy talked with the officer. Then they walked away together heading toward the pass. The suspicious guy then returned alone and then walked through the houses out to the street. The sailboat had been moved and anchored farther north on Thursday. Were they illegals coming ashore, drug smugglers, or just sailors in distress?

We decided to eat early and left for Doc Ford's about 5:15. Good move since we were able to get a table before the crowd arrived. We shared oysters on the half shell. Al had Achoate Grilled Grouper seasoned with a blend of South American spices served with saffron rice mixed with mushrooms and broccoli, topped with pineapple salsa. I had Calamari salad of greens, cucumbers, tomatoes with Sweet and sour vinaigrette dressing topped with crispy wontons.

Day 23 on Captiva

Today we went to Ft. Myers birding. First, I dragged Al to Estero Beach Lagoon located behind the Holiday Inn beyond Ft Myers Beach but only saw a few egrets and herons.....no skimmers or terns as expected. We then went to 6 mile Slough where we had a picnic lunch before walking the boardwalk. Was a fairly uneventful walk but enjoyed....saw great blue, cormorants, turtles on the platforms in water at entrance. Did see anhingas, ibis, green heron, alligator,mergansers and more turtles at Otter Pond. Spotted a yellow warbler in tree as were getting in car to leave.

Stopped at the Lighthouse Restaurant for manhattans,cosmos and calamri appetizer at their bar. Nice view of the marina and boats. Was nice ending to our day trip.

Dinner was pork chops coated with panko and Dijon mustard, rice and green salad with tomato. Was fun day! Sunny and warm.

Day 22 on Captiva

Today after our usual walks, we had a wildlife adventure right on the property where we are staying. Margarethe came over to tell us about a bobcat that was stalking the bunny cage behind their house. She had a great picture on the digital camera and invited us to the house to see for ourselves. The bobcat was hiding in the brush and came out several times as we watched and made pictures.

We had lunch of onion soup (homemade) and then went shopping for groceries. First we stopped for a quick walk through Bailey Tract to see what the controled burn did. All the vegetation was burned the entire length of the right side of main path. The left side of trail was unscathed.

For dinner we made ribeye steak with mushroom wine sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, and tossed salad.

Day 21 on Captiva

Up early today. I went out to check shells at 7:30...was low tide this am...but only small ones...need a storm and warmer weather. We had pastries and coffee and headed to DDWR about 9. Was a good am for birding ....warm and low tide. Lot of shorebirds feeding but Out in the distance. Was a lot of woodpecker activity everywhere. Saw one going in tree cavity. Kingfisher in his usual spot. Spotted Green heron in same location too. Not many roseates....mostly sandpipers, willets, white pelicans,ibis and blue heron. Home about noon for sandwiches and beer.
Turned cloudy so did not go out to beach. For dinner, we made shrimp scampi(bought shrimp from Santiva general store) with angel hair pasta with mushrooms and garlic sauce. Improvised salad of broccoli, celery, tomato, red onion, red pepper, walnuts with Marzetti aged Parmesan Ranch dressing. Recipe: Blanch broccoli and cool. Chop all ingredients. Add dressing, salt and pepper and toss.
Watched Oscars while Al read on computer.

Day 20 on Captiva

Today started off cool but warmed up to be a nice day for the beach. After a late breakfast of cheese omelet,grits and toast, we spent a couple hours sunning. Shelling was not good. Decided to go to Lazy Flamingo for an early dinner. Arrived there at 5:30...tables all full and people waiting but the bar was empty. So we sat in our "spot" and started with cold oysters on the half shell and cold beers. Al ordered Caesar salad with blackened shrimp skewers (half order). I had seasoned hot peel n eat shrimp and half order fies. Finished with Key Lime pie. The bar quickly filled up and the porch was filled with people waiting for tables. Staff was only three tonight with same gal but cook and other guy were different tonight.

Day 19 on Captiva

Friday was on the cool side. Temperatures have taken another dip and will be cool next few days. High was only 65 but that is better than 6 degrees. We went to Bailey Tract for a walk but the area was closed. They did a conrol burn there on Thursday but it looks as if the fire may have got out of control! Most of the tract including palm trees appeared charred. DDWR is closed on Friday so we checked out eagle's nest near us but lighting was not conducive to a picture. We did see a hawk that made a good subject for this photo.

Cooked in Friday night. Menu was broiled lamb chops with balsamic reduction sauce-balsamic, garlic, fresh Rosemary, and honey-(Rachel Ray), caesar salad, and rice pilaf (my recipes). Yum yum!

Day 18 on Captiva

Sunset from Tuesday evening. First really nice one of our trip.....most evenings have been cloudy or foggy. Beach was windy today.....went out middle of day for couple hours...almost had to ourselves. Took late drive through DDWR... saw large flock of what we think was Red Knots.....were resting on an island and then they flew away as an entire flock all at once. Beautiful sight!
Decided to go to Lazy Flamingo, a neighborhood bar and grill just across the pass.
What a fun place....was very busy....only 4 people working the place....the cook, 2 girls taking orders, and a guy who seemed to be manager. Was a long wait (45-60 min) for a table so we set at bar. No waiter for tables...customers order at bar and pick up drinks and food when name is called for order. Quite a show to watch....orders are attached to a clip sent to kitchen and fly on a wire to cook. Al ordered mesquite grilled ribs that fell off the bone. Served with fries and slaw. I had fried grouper basket...crunchy and hot...with fries. Panko crust??
Best place to sit is the bar.

Day 17 on Captiva

Another sunny day. We had pastries and coffee after Al's walk. Ham sandwiches on the porch for lunch. Checked out Rene's printer Epson 9600...40" wide. Gave him some of Al's photos that he might print. Drove to Bailey's for groceries and stopped at Timber's for mussels. Then to beach for short time. Dinner was steamed mussels with wine and Italian sauce over pasta and tossed salads.

Day 16 on Captiva

Beautiful sunny day. Al took his daily walk. Coffee and pastries afterwards. Lunch of ham sandwiches and chips. Spent afternoon at beach....Al got a little red on arms and shoulders....when will he learn to use sun lotion? Lot of birds...saw new bird....Forster's Tern along with the Common Tern and Royal Terns. Many Willets here too. Lot of boats including the one that sprays out so much water....some kind of tourist boat. We went to Matzaluna for dinner....so busy...30 minute wait with a call ahead. Al had Veal Saltimbocca (not on menu anymore but they made anyway) served with smashed potatoes and sauteed mixed vegetables. I had Eggplant Parmesan served with penne pasta with pomodoro sauce....too much ricotta and not crispy. Dinners served with salad and bread with roasted garlic in oil...very good.

Day 15 on Captiva

Al walked early. Rene has water leak in office...had water turned off in house for awhile. Al brought pastries home which was our breakfast. Drove in to Sanibel to buy couple of new books and see art exhibits at Big Arts. Stopped at library which is very nice. Checked out Three Crafty Ladies which is for sale. Today is Presidents' Day...lot of traffic on the island. Stopped at Timbers to buy some peel n eat shrimp for lunch and a strip steak for dinner. Sunny but on cool side. Went out to beach about 3:00 but too windy to stay very long. The Royal and Common Terns are back on the beach.
Beautiful sky at sunset but did not go out. For dinner made strip steak with pinot noir sauce with mushrooms and garlic (same as did filets), noodles with sour cream, and mixed salad with tarragon vinaigrette.

Day 14 on Captiva

Another foggy day. I say that literally, the fog rolled in, in waves. Thin whispy strands of cotton pulling off a solid roll in the background.(Watch Video) Last night's weather man called it "spooky fog", his partner called it "pea fog". Whatever you call it, it was not what we were here for. As we entered the DDWR bird sanctuary the fog seemed to lift, the sun came out, and we had 2 hours of 80-90 degrees with plenty of sunshine. Took a few shots of a resting Roseate, and a huge flock of Willets (maybe 200 birds) sitting in the sand on the edge of a small island, all facing the same direction, as if they were all waiting for the same thing. Monday is "supposed" to clear off, then a cool front comes thru, and 70's and 80's for the weekend. We may ride down to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary this week to see what birds we can find there. We cooked in tonight making scallops baked in a lemon, wine, and butter sauce with green salad and confetti rice. Was not as good as I expected. Had to cook scallops longer than recipe said.

Day 13 on Captiva

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Al walked early. Breakfast for Valentine's Day was mushroom omelet, Ribs of lamb (leftover last night), grapefruit hearts, orange juice, and toast. Around noon we drove into Sanibel for the Rotary Club annual Arts and Crafts Fair at the Community Center. This jury show of artists is ranked as one of the finest in Florida and draws artists country wide and people from all around. Ikki Matsumoto now living in Ohio used to have a Sanibel gallery and is known worldwide attended. Another Sanibel celebrity Kate Gardenia had a booth of dolls that she designs. She was the original owner of the Bubble Room and Mermaid Factory. 105 booths in all. Lot of great photographers, artists, jewelers, and other craftsmen. Was tempting to buy.

Shopped at Jerry's for Valentine Dinner. Decided would enjoy dining at home since Valentine's is a mad house at all the restaurants. And the fog is still with us along with some drizzles.

Entree tonight was Filet Mignon with Pinot Noir sauce with mushrooms, garlic, and fresh Rosemary. Used idea from Tyler Florence recipe. Served with Caesar salad and baked potatoes. Dessert was Creme Horn from Jerry's Bakery. David Bruce Pinot Noir 2005 was wine of the evening. Dinning table was decorated with red candles and rose petals. Received beautiful cards from Al.

Day 12 on Captiva

This morn was very foggy...could see fog rolling. No beach today. Al walked. Breakfast of bacon, eggs, grapefruit supremes, and toast of that great bread from Bailey's. Played on computer. Margarethe, Ella, and Ella's sister Carol came over to make some pics of bedroom for renter. Drove down to 'Tween Waters to check out rates---much higher than here. Al checked out Post Office at end of island.

Dinner at Twilight Cafe that has moved to the former Nutmeg House then Riviera. Not much changed since Riviera except interior is more casual decor and no liquor license. Similar layout. We shared mixed baby greens salad with toasted almonds and warm fried goat cheese croutons(very good) in a citrus vinaigrette.....waiter did not split salad...just brought extra plate. Al ordered New Zealand rack of lamb with mashed potatoes made with garlic and red pepper and a currant and sweet onion demi glace and grilled broccoli (almost black). I had salmon (but not blackened as on menu) topped with spinach and corn pesto accompanied by cajun risotto with crawfish meat, andouille sausage, sweet corn, and cheese. Good but did not make our must list.

Was a foggy drive back home.

Day 11 on Captiva

Thursday, February 12, 2009
Quick breakfast of coffee and pastries and then headed to DDWR at 10am. Overcast and foggy this am. Saw 2 yellow-crowned nigh-herons by side of road just as we entered drive. Not as many white pelicans and roseates today even though it very low tide. Lot of ibis and blue herons feeding. Nothing spotted on dike but lot of tourists. Al found his kingfisher area with mangrove island...same as last year. Was shooting a great blue heron when we saw directly above grh. Back to house for lunch of sandwiches on the porch. Worked on organizing pictures. Too overcast for beach today.
Made Chicken Francese with orange juice, lemon, and wine sauce served with angel hair pasta and garlic sauce. Salad was arugula with honeybelle orange slices, red onion, parmsan cheese, and walnuts. Very good!

Day 10 on Captiva

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

After coffee and pastries, we packed up cameras,etc for trip to Bailey Tract. Arrived about 9:45. Sunny morn and comfortable temp for walking. At Mangrove Island heard a bellowing alligator before we saw him near the water edge...never heard this before....sounded like an elephant. Al got some good pictures but missed with mouth wide open. Was highlight of walk. Saw other alligators in far water area. Saw ibis, heron, blues, osprey, mottled ducks, and grebes.

Went to Over Easy for lunch just before noon...Al had Reuben Wrap with fries and I had half tomato with tuna salad. Bought some blinking Shamrock earrings at store there.

Went to Bailey's for Wed and Thurs dinners. Headed home and then out to beach for couple of hours. For dinner we made pan fried snapper with rice and arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. Quiet evening at home.

Day 9 on Captiva

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Another lazy morn...Al did a short walk. After late breakfast of basted eggs,bacon,toast, and juice we headed to beach about 1:00 and enjoyed the surf and sand for couple of hours.

Decided to have dinner at Timber's. Called ahead at 6:00 to get on seating list. Left at 6:20.....arrived at 6:40ish to walk right in and get a table....in season always a 15-45 min wait. Ordered calamari with marinara to share. Al had fried oysters with salad , broccoli and rice pilaf. I had salad and peel n eat shrimp appetizer and shared some of Al's broccoli.

Home to watch "Mentalist" but fell asleep on couch.

Day 8 on Captiva

Monday, February 9, 2009

Al walked around 8:30. Had brunch around 11 of pasta omelet with shrimp and sliced tomatoes. Went out to beach around 1 til 3. Nice day in 70's and sunny. Very quiet with few birds....willets, ruddy turnstones, sanderlings, gulls. Saw Great Blue for the first time. Sailboat and motorboats in the gulf. Enjoyed afternoon at beach.

Had dinner with Mike at Traders after watching sunset from his decks. Al and Mike had Caesar salads. Mike had New York Strip with Cabernet demi glace served with roasted fingerling potatoes. Al had Frenched veal chop topped with portobello mushroom and served with garlic mashed potatoes and spaghetti squash. I had panko crusted salmon on baby greens with lemon caper dill vinaigrette served with avocado salsa. Had after dinner drinks at Mike's.

Day 7 on Captiva

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Lazy morning drinking coffee and reading paper. Made late breakfast. Took drive to Bailey Tract and walked short tract...saw ibis, egrets, blue herons, Florida ducks, grebes. Stopped at Timbers for large shrimp (12)...10 was enough and a crab cake. Made brief stop at Tarpon Bay.

Served martini and gimlet and crab cake with tartar sauce(made with caperberry) on porch. Dinner was shrimp and pasta with garlic lemon wine sauce with capers. Served with arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and Parmesan. Early to bed.

Day 6 on Captiva

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Al was up early again and went walking. He almost did too much ......was exhausted when returned after walking 3 miles. Needs to pace himself. Had some pastries and coffee and decided to go out for brunch around noon. Ate at Sunset Grill.....Al had bagel and lox platter. I had Crab cakes and poached eggs on English muffins with lime sauce....not as good as in past...muffins too done. Warmer today and sunny. Drove to Island Bookstore across from Jerry's....Al bought new James Patterson book, "Run for Your Life." Stopped at Jerry's for some dinner and supplies. Drove through DDWR.......lot of Roseate Spoonbills sunning. Al made some great pictures (see Slide show) and I made some videos. See below.

For dinner we made panko crusted pork chops seasoned with marjoram and basil served with sweet potatoes. Salad was mixed lettuce with Parmesan, walnuts, red onion, capers, and the "best" sliced tomatoes. Al had key lime dessert cup to finish.

Day 5 on Captiva

Friday, February 6, 2009

I slept late and Al was up early. In the afternoon after a brunch of bagels and scrambled eggs, we shopped at Periwinkle Shops. Not much changed in stores. I bought jacket, tank, pants, necklace, and earrings at Chico's. Stopped at Timber's for grouper. Home about 5:30....went out for sunset but no clouds.....came in before set. For dinner we prepared Panko Crusted Grouper, arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette dressing and Parmesan, and rosemary garlic potatoes. Selected red Santa Cristina Antinori and white Villa Antinori wines for dinner.

Al walked about 3 miles early this morning. While crossing the bridge at Blind Pass he made some video of the work going on there. Sanibel and Captiva are again clearing the sand under the bridge to reopen the flow of water between the gulf and bay. Then the island of Captiva will be a true island again. The video on the top shows work on the gulf side and the bottom shows the bay side. The Milville's home can be seen to the far end of the row of homes on the bayside.

Day 4 On Captiva

Thursday, February 5th
Al walked early today...down to Santiva store for paper. Still cool outside. Had frost yesterday. Had pastries from Bailey's with juice and coffee after Al returned. Spent lazy morn.....I am still fighting a cold...head stuffed up and have sniffles. Made sandwiches for lunch. Al spent time reading and on computer. I started seashell puzzle that Mother gave us. Mike invited us over for sunset but I decided to stay in but Al went over about 5. Guys night out! Had drinks at Mike's then went over to Timber's bar for dinner. Al had crabcake sandwich. Mike filled in Al on best restaurants to eat.... Mad Hatter has moved back to top and the Club and Sunset Grill have fallen out of grace for dinner. Mike had redone front of house with new entrance to second level and re-landscaped back of property. Al was impressed with new look. Finished my puzzle and napped away the evening.

Day 3 on Captiva

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

I was out at the beach about 8 this morning checking for shells. I was bundled with several layers with coat and gloves to keep from freezing. Nothing exciting but did pick up a few shells.

Al left for a short walk when I got back. We had breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast, and juice. We then drove to Bailey's for a razor for Al---he has not shaved since we left home. Made a few other purchases. Took detour by DDWR on way home at 2pm. When we got home Renee was at end of drive with the remote control bucket truck blocking the drive so we parked at Ella's where Margarethe was parking too.

For dinner we ate at Doc Ford's....called ahead so not a long wait....but Al tipped for a quick table too. Al had panko fried jumbo shrimp crispy fried with french fries and cole slaw. I had grilled shrimp with jalapeno grits and vegetables with lime cilantro sauce. I enjoyed a mojito too. Dinner was very good! Finished with Key Lime pie at the house.

Day 2 On Captiva

February 3, 2009

Cool morning for Florida! Glad we packed clothes to layer. Al sat on porch with computer but was too cool for me to stay there long. Had almond pastries with coffee. Just "chilled out" (literally) this am. Had lunch of soup and sandwiches then did drive thru DDWR to check out. Was low tide so lot of birds feeding....nothing out of the usual. Drove down to South Seas end...lot of traffic and lot of building going on. The 2 huge Roman homes ( Roberts Transportation) still being built. Their offices at corner of Andy Rosse are now finished.
Checked out new home across from Renee's....6 bedrooms and 7 baths...huge! Bright blue roof stands out. We Took a quick walk to beach but too windy to stay. Reopening pass between bay and gulf....looks like a long process. Renee has lift using to clean out trees and coconuts.
Stayed in for dinner: Porterhouse steak, sauteed mushrooms, baked potatoes, salad, and Key Lime pie. Quiet night at home.