Day 19 on Captiva

Today was another cool day which we spent inside. Tomorrow is Uncle Joe's funeral in Tennessee.  Only the family and friends in Bruceton will probably be able to attend as Tennessee is still covered with ice and frigid temperatures continue.  Instead of writing about the events of our day, I am posting a video about Uncle Joe made for him on his 90th birthday.

Day 18 on Captiva

Cooler weather, in the 40's and 50's, has arrived to stay in Florida for a few days but this is nothing compared to the ice and north paralyzing states of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia, etc.  Snow continues to fall in Ohio breaking records for snowfall and temperatures.  We are soooo glad to be here but hope everyone remains safe and warm in Ohio and Tennessee.

We spent inside today keeping busy reading and resting. There was rain off and on all day.  Tonight we went to Doc Ford's for dinner. We arrived about 5:30 beating the crowd....the place was packed with waiting customers when we left.

We had fresh shucked oysters on the half shell. Al dined on Panko Fried Shrimp  - Jumbo shrimp crispy fried with French fries and house cole slaw and I had Calamari Salad - lightly battered calamari tossed with mixed everglades greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, a sweet and sour vinaigrette dressing and topped with crispy wontons.   Enough salad for 2-3 dinners.

Day 17 on Captiva

Note: There was a delay in my daily postings.  Postings are now resumed at the point I had stopped.

The week began with an early trip into Sanibel for Al to have a massage at Massage Time on Periwinkle Road.   I sat and read more of  Unbroken while I waited in the car.   Afterwards we went to Jerry's Restaurant for breakfast.  Al had Waffle with Sausage and I had half Eggs Benedict.

After shopping for groceries.....we do a lot of shopping.....we had an uneventful day as it was too cool and rainy to do much outside.  For dinner we had Pan Roasted Pork Chops with Orange-Soy sauce. Served with fresh corn and a green salad.

Sad Note: Today we received word from Tennessee that my Uncle Joe had passed away after a heart attack which he suffered last week.  Joe was 91 years old and was the most wonderful man. He will be missed.  Tennessee and most of the surrounding states are covered with ice making travel impossible by car or plane.  We are unable to travel for Joe's funeral but are with him in our thoughts and prayers.

Joseph C. Mitchell
 

Day 16 on Captiva

Today began early with coffee and then a drive to the Farmer's market at 8:30ish.  We parked in the lot across from the Community Center which was a short walk to the Market and across the street to the Arts and Crafts Fair.   Arriving early we avoided the lines of traffic and had no problem parking.  We shopped for produce, cheese, and flowers....even bought some hummus dips after tasting.

 We then walked over to the 32nd Annual Arts and Crafts Show  where over 112 vendors were set up in outdoor booths around the Sanibel Community House. 

 Even though we did not buy anything , we enjoyed the exhibits
of photographs, watercolors, oil paintings, sculptures, jewelry and many more crafts.   There seemed to be more artists here this year than last year.  The weather was just perfect...sunny and warm.

After viewing all the booths, we went next door to the Island Cow for breakfast.  Surprisingly they were not busy and we were immediately seated.  Al had Bagel and Lox  platter that had so much lettuce that we took home enough for dinner salads.  The platter was served with mini bagels....not the best Bagel and Lox on the island.  I had one egg with "spuds", fresh fruit and toast.

 We spent the afternoon on the beach enjoying the warmth of the sand and the sound of the waves.
Click on the arrow below to view the video.

For dinner we prepared Pan-Roasted Triple Tail with lemon butter sauce served with fried corn and red peppers, asparagus, and  green salad (from breakfast).   We had Triple Tail for the first time last year...it is a very meaty fish and very good.

Day 15 on Captiva

Today is Valentine's Day!
This morning we exchanged Valentine's  Cards as we enjoyed our first cups of coffee.  We dressed warmly, at least by Florida standards, and headed for a walk through Bailey Tract, a favorite spot for birding.  May have been too cool for the birds as we did not see the usual number of birds and ducks.  We did spot some coots, moorhen, pied billed grebes, a pair of blue winged teals, tri-colored heron, little blue herons, and an Eastern Phoebe who was nice enough to pose for photos. As the morning warmed, several butterflies were seen.

 

 

 

 

 

After our 2 hour walk,  we stopped at Timbers Fish Market and bought beef filets, triple tail fish and shrimp for some meals including our Valentine dinner.   At home we walked out to the Bay and did some more birding and photographing .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 We had sandwiches and chips for lunch.  I then played with photos that we had taken in the morning.

 

Our traditional thing to do for Valentine's Day on the island is to stay in and dine and open a bottle of Champagne.   We began dinner with Shrimp Cocktails.  Al grilled some really delicious Beef Filets and I prepared Caesar Salad, Asparagus, and Baked Potatoes.  We enjoyed the meal with glasses of Champagne.  For dessert, we had Tiramisu with Strawberries and Coffee with Baileys.  

Of course we exchanged more Valentine cards.  We had a really lovely day this Valentine's.

Day 14 on Captiva

Our morning began early this morning because we attended the birding lecture of  longtime winter residents of Sanibel Island ,Donald and Lillian Stokes,  at Ding Darling Education Center. The event started at 10:00 and we there by 9:05 to make sure we had seats as there was limited seating and there is always a big turnout.   Our timing was just right because all the seats were filled by 9:15 and people were turned away.  We enjoyed the slide show and talk by the Stokes as they are quite entertaining and informative.  After the lecture, we were almost the first in line to have some new bird books written by the Stokes personally autographed.  

 

 

I am anxious to see 3 birds that they have recently seen at DDWR....white crowned pigeon, green-winged teal, and hooded merganser.  Stay tuned for reported sightings.

We then ended up at  the Sanibel Deli and Coffee Factory for lunch...our first time here.  We were looking for a place that would be quick and no wait.  We happened to get in before a line formed to order at the counter.  Food was good and served fairly quickly.  Al had a Sanibel Fire sandwich... roast beef  on a sub roll with a lot of heat...very, very hot mustard. But that's the way he likes it!! I had Croissant with Chicken salad ...just the way I like it too....chunks of chicken, celery and not too much mayo.  Served with great crunchy chips and pickle.  Great place for sandwiches and looks like it might be a good place for coffee and breakfast sandwiches.  Will come back again.

After lunch,  we shopped at Bailey's for a few items of groceries.  We have been enjoying eating in most meals and like to keep the pantry full.  We then stopped at the dock on Tarpon Bay butdid not see much wildlife,  just a few cormorants sunning on mile  markers posts.

 

It was too cool again to spend time on the beach but was a sunny day.   For dinner I prepared Lemon Chicken with Asparagus with a recipe found on the web.   Recipe here.  It was very simple, quick and good. I served with sliced tomatoes with basil and Ciabatta rolls.  Photo taken from recipe on line.

 

 

 

That's all to report for Friday the 13th.  Not a bad day!  Hope everyone is keeping warm!

Day 13 On Captiva

Another cool day here but at least it is not several degrees below freezing like it is at home.  I am looking forward to some 70's and 80's degree temperatures. Today I was the one to scout out the beach to see if we would be able to sit outside but it was the same as yesterday except for 2 women bundle up and walking along the dunes.

 

As usual we began our morning with coffee and pastries and did some surfing on the web.

 

We had a light supper and Al followed the races winning on his wagers, not losing. 

Another relaxing and quiet day on the island.