Good Times

We had supper with Tim & Pat Tuesday evening. They were here in Orlando enjoying the largesse of Tim's employer's house in Keene's Point Golden Bear Club south of Windermere. It was good to see and visit with them again. Apparently Tim was overwhelmed to see us...
Saturday we took friend Meg Givens from church to Sarasota -- she had never been there before, and we wanted to let her see some possibilities for her yard. We left at 7 AM and got to Tropiflora around 9:15. Tropiflora had their annual plant sale and we spent two wonderful hours perusing the plants and enjoying the festivities. I had a large gift certificate from last year's 5th graders, and I was able to put a good dent in it by the end of the morning. GB got a neoregelia and a wonderful little pitcher plant for her desk at school. We also found a Tiger Boston Fern; it has a variegated leaf pattern that is marvelous! I found a couple of aechmeas, two cryptanthus, and a little billbergia that were new to our house.
After lunch we drove a few minutes to Marie Selby Gardens. The orchids were as marvelous as ever, and the gardens were magnificent. We came back to Orlando by way of Longboat Key. I don't think there is a more beautiful body of water than Sarasota Bay. I love the green color. We got home around supper time, grateful for safe travel and fun times.

On the left is theobroma, my favorite food group...a cacao tree loaded with blossoms & a seed pod.

Some of the banyan trees were really aggressive!

Quiz of the day: Do you recognize the fruit of the bush on the left? A preparation of the fruit is a favorite of the couple on the right!