Same spot, another bird.
I took this photo in the same place I took the egret photo yesterday. This bird was gray instead of white. I’m awful at bird names, but maybe this was a blue heron? He took off before I could get close enough to get a good shot. And I was too slow to catch him in flight.
A view from the outdoor dining area.
We met with my cousin Teresa at Castaways in Astor, about a half hour from here for lunch. I was wondering if I would even recognize her because I have only seen her once (that I remember) as a adult. But there was no mistaking the big, welcoming wave from her as she got out of her car! She has beautiful auburn hair, blue eyes, and creamy-looking skin. And she gives great bear hugs! 🙂
We elected to eat outside on the floating dock. It moved with the waves and felt like we were on a boat.
Ron and I had the blackened fish salad. I am leery of ordering blackened fish because so few do it right — but this place had it down pat. It was great!
Castaways is a dog friendly restaurant. You can take your dogs in the outside eating areas. But I knew if I had both dogs with me, I would be so preoccupied with them that I couldn’t take full advantage of visiting with Teresa. So I left them in the car in a palm-shaded parking spot.
After we finished a long, leisurely lunch, I took her out to meet the dogs. I opened the truck door — and Sheba bolted out of the truck like lightning and raced toward the buildings. I couldn’t whistle, so I screamed “SHEBA!!!!!” but she ignored me. Just as I was planning to put Sunny down and go chase Sheba, she reappeared at the truck as quickly as she had disappeared. I told her, “Get in the truck!” and she went in like a bullet.
It dawned on me that she probably had gotten a bad case of cabin fever waiting for us in the truck and just needed to stretch her muscles.
The floating dining area.
Teresa lives in Florida now, so I hope we will do better at keeping in touch than we have in the past. She also loves hiking and has done several of the trails in the area.
I completely forgot about taking pictures in the excitement of meeting up with her. Then, as we were leaving, I did remember to shoot a couple of shots of the area. But Teresa didn’t want her picture taken, and I don’t blame her. I don’t like mine taken much either! 🙂
Tinycamper's Blog 
Tim
/ January 31, 2015I’m a dog lover and I get captivated by the beauty and playfulness of the birds.
Some of lifes finer things.
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Sharon
/ January 31, 2015The larger birds, especially water birds, intrigue me. I love to watch them fish.
We saw an owl on the ground beside the road on our trip here. There must have been something wrong with him to be sitting on the ground out in the open like that. But he sure was beautiful.
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Diane
/ February 1, 2015You’re right — it is a great blue heron!! Glad you had such a nice visit with your cousin!
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Sharon
/ February 1, 2015Glad I got that one right for a change. 🙂
Now another cousin is talking about coming down for a visit. I am thrilled!
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cozybegone
/ February 1, 2015Sounds like a sweet day…a friend recharge and a great meal! Sheba knows a good thing!!
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Sharon
/ February 1, 2015It was a great day, Carla. Now when I read about your family visiting, I can say, “me too!” 🙂
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Judy Crankshaw
/ February 1, 2015I can imagine your terror when Sheba bolted. Man, they can really run when they want to, can’t they? Glad she just made a happy lap and returned.
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Sharon
/ February 1, 2015I guess I looked funny because I was holding Sunny and in shock at Sheba bolting and ignoring me. I bet my mouth was hanging open!
We really lucked out today. We have a new RV next door. They have an Australian Shepherd named Lucy and she and Sheba are having a ball playing with each other. Leashed, of course. It would be a,blast to watch them off leash.
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lynne
/ February 1, 2015Must remember about Astor…new to us. Lying in bed watching the sun come up over the desert…thinking that blacked sea food sounds real good.
Love that you are in one of my favorite places!
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Sharon
/ February 1, 2015Lynne, there are other waterfront restaurants there, too.
I remember your Florida blog entries clearly. Even some of the pictures linger in my mind. I also remember that you got “springed out” after kayaking so many of them. 🙂
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John
/ February 1, 2015Isn’t it fun to visit family that you haven’t seen in years?
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Sharon
/ February 1, 2015More than fun. It’s a real heart warmer. 🙂
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Horst
/ February 1, 2015Its great to see you two having Sooo much fun and making those terrific memories…much deserved!!!…Horst sends
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Sharon
/ February 1, 2015Horst, we are amazed at how wonderful it is just being here. It was a long time coming!
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Jo
/ February 1, 2015It is so nice to reconnect with people you haven’t seen in a long time. Hope you manage to stay in touch.
Brought back quite a memory about the floating restaurant. Those day so long ago yet so perfect in my mind.
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Sharon
/ February 2, 2015Isn’t it funny how some scenes live in your mind, complete with scents and the way you felt those exact moments. I have a few of those treasured memories, too. Glad my post reminded you of yours. 🙂
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