Day 18 on Captiva

Today began early with our daily cup of java.  We headed to Ft Myers to get the car washed....no place to do this on the islands.  Then it was time for lunch.  I had seen a restaurant in the plaza near the Publix that we like to shop and had wanted to eat there.  We stopped at Minerva's Grill and Bar and had a delightful lunch of Crabcake  and Club Sandwiches The owners are from Youngstown....they seem to know all their customers....one of those neighborhood places    where "everyone knows your name".   This will be a good lunch spot when we arrive each here as it is near our  first  grocery stop

We then shopped at Publix and stocked up provisions for the next week or so.
As an appetizer with drinks, we  enjoyed  sushi roll from Publix.   For dinner Al grilled Salmon and Asparagus and we served with tomato salad and hot rolls.

Day 17 on Captiva

This is another typical day beginning with coffee, lunch and then to the beach for the afternoon.  The photos below will show you another beautiful day of sun and sand.  The top 2 photos shows parasailing on the shimmering gulf.  The bottom photo show you the white sand of the beach and some of the beach homes behind us where we sit on the beach.

We had dinner at Timbers in Sanibel tonight. There was a lot of traffic backed up on San-Cap road as we approached the intersection at Tarpon Bay Rd. about 5:00.  We were told this was not unusual traffic for this time of the season which is at it highest.  The traffic has greatly increased since Hurricane Charlie, seems almost back to pre-Charlie days.
For dinner we of course had to try the oysters on the half shell...not as good as Doc Ford's.
Al had the Baked Stuffed Shrimp with salad and fries.  Fries were not the best choice. Baked  Sweet Potato is a better selection for a side.  I had Caesar salad  and Fried Calamari( appetizer as entrée).
Seafood is always a good choice here. Baked bread is always great here.

Day 16 on Captiva

This morning began as usual with coffee and pastries.  I also served fresh Florida grapefruit which is so delicious.   Later I made sandwiches for lunch.
We spent the afternoon sunning,  reading and relaxing on the beach.  Al finished his first book since we arrived.
Early dinner at the house tonight.  Made a quick and easy Bertolli  frozen dinner.  Forgot which one we had but served with salad and roll.
Tonight is Night at the Races- Al watched the Harness Races at Northfield Park in Ohio via the internet.  He made some money betting the horses but he nearly always does since he is a careful bettor who spends time studying the horses and drivers.

Day 15 on Captiva

Today was another cool morning.  We made a trip to the Farmer's Market for fresh produce and seafood. After our shopping trip,  I made brunch of leftover steak served with poached eggs on toasted English muffins and fresh orange juice.

 It warmed up enough to spend the afternoon on the beach.  Not as many birds on the beach this year.

For dinner, we began with an appetizer of   Caprese salad made with a tomato from our landlord's garden (he gave it to us--we did not steal it).

 

Heirloom Tomato Garden

 Al grilled jumbo shrimp seasoned with oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.  He also roasted a red pepper on the grill.  I prepared fried corn with chopped  red pepper and onion and made arugula salad with vinaigrette dressing.  Served with hot rolls and wine. Great dinner!

Day 14 on Captiva

It was a slow start today as I had a headache and did not feel good  for most of the morning.  In the afternoon, we tried to sit on the beach but it was just too breezy and cool.  We took a drive through Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge around 3:00 and got some photos of the white pelicans and other birds some of which are shown below. Top to bottom are Little Blue Heron, a group of Willets with a Brown Pelican,  Willets with a White Pelican and a Brown Pelican, shore birds with 2 Roseate Spoonbills, Roseate Spoonbills with White Pelicans and shore birds,  Reddish Egret and Snowy Egret. 

 

 

 

 

I spent part of the day watching old movies and stretched out on the couch.
Staying with our lazy mood,  we had carryout from Lazy Flamingo.  Al got a carryout of Grouper sandwich with fries and I had Clam chowder.

Day 13 on Captiva

Today is Valentine's Day!
A tradition that we do on Valentine's Day is to hide cards for each other throughout the house throughout the day....by the coffee pot, next to toothpaste, under the napkin at lunch, under the place mat on the dinner table, in a book, etc. You get the picture!  Al buys me the most beautiful and creative cards each year and of course I hand make him cards.  He spends careful thought in selecting the cards that he knows will give me inspiration for my designs.

Cards from Al

Cards made for Al

Close up on the felt envelope that came with one of the cards.

Since it was a cloudy and cool day we decided to check out some of the shops at Periwinkle  Shops after having lunch of chicken salad sandwiches made from last night's extra chicken that we cooked.

At the shops I bought a new leather belt for Al ....he needed one that fits better....must be losing some weight.  He bought me a new nightshirt perfect for sleeping on the Island.

                                                                            

                            





 We are staying home for dinner this evening since the restaurants are a bit busy with it being Valentine's and the start of Presidents' Day weekend.  I served an appetizer of  Caprese salad  made with fresh mozzarella cheese from the Farmer's Market, fresh basil leaves, and tomato slices drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Was very yummy.

Al, master of the grill, prepared delicious tenderloin steaks and grilled potatoes served with mushroom sauce and arugula salad with red onion rings and sliced radishes.  We enjoyed with a

 special bottle of wine.  Dessert of  Tiramisu  from the bakery followed our special dinner.

Day 12 on Captiva

Last night and early this morning we had very heavy rainfall with heavy winds.  This morning is very cloudy and breezy....a day to stay inside.  I did walk over to the beach early to see if any shells had washed ashore but found no more than usual.

 

We spent most of the day on the computer, writing on blog, (Al) doing surveys, reading and watching old movies.   Too cool and cloudy to spend time outside.    Tonight I made one of Al's favorites,  spicy Chicken puttanesca - simple Italian sauce featuring fresh ingredients like chopped onion, garlic, chopped tomato, capers, sliced  olives, fresh herbs, and chopped anchovy with  pasta.  Served with mixed green salad and avocados.