Pickle and Ice Cream

Today is Saturday January 10th and I can't believe that 5 days have gone by since my last post. 
The internet at Myakka is very challenging, with sporadic connections, no connection at all, in other words a pain in the ------ trying to download picts,videos and to post a blog.

Despite the cooler temperatures, I know not anywhere near temps northerners are experiencing, we have been busy setting up, getting organized,  meeting up with new and old friends, participating in some new activities, relaxing, taking trips, and trying to stay warm.

Thanks Patti, as your throw has been very useful.

Yes, svelties I have been good with my water aerobics, cardio fusion, yoga and learning how to play pickle ball-  a combination of tennis and racquetball.

Jackie and I were able to get a private lesson from, Sam, the "pickle ball ambassador" of Myakka.

First, we learned the basics of the court and then the fundamentals of hitting the ball, getting it over the net and of course trying to stay within the court.
It is a fun and active game that gives you quite a good work out.

First the lines and boundaries and 

then serving to get the ball over the net-a challenge at times.

Jackie did have a chance to play, but the photographer concentrated on the star pupil!!!!
(lol)

During the week, we went to Pro Bass to pick up my life jacket, so I can use my kayak. Found one in about 10 minutes.

Then we spent some additional time!!!!!! as Bernie investigated the HUGE fishing section. 

Made our purchases and went back to the resort.

As the days past by, we had some firsts of the season...

Sighting of the osprey

Visiting our favourite ice cream shop

Before and 

after

Even Guinness gets into the action. The owners of the shop provide dogs who visit, with their own ice cream dish topped off with a dog biscuit!

Patti, the ice cream awaits your arrival!

Finally one of the firsts ever experienced by Bernie, people at the meet and greet and myself, the visit of a drone capturing the fun at our weekly get together on its own camera.
Hmmmmm-- Will youtube video be next??

Today, we were off with about 30 others for lunch at the Rum Bay Restaurant on Palm Island.
Started off with water taxi over to the island.

Next came the rum cocktail drinks
MMMMM-mmmmm good!
I had a Hurricane Special-combination of tequila, rum, peach schnapps etc.

MMMMMMM-mmmmmmm good!

Then a great lunch was had by all.

After lunch, some us managed to explore the beautiful beach on the island.

While there, a pod of dolphins greeted us. I was able to capture its fin in the following picture. You might need a magnifying glass to see it, but believe me it was there. Some of you know how much I LOVE dolphins, so of course I was so excited.

Finally, the island has an abundance of shark teeth, so here is the first one of the season.

Perhaps, temperatures will warm up enough to allow us to go to our favourite beach at Stump Pass and get some more of those shark teeth.

Jeremy: Guinness has loved the ball you bought him for Christmas. I had taken a small video of him chasing the ball trying to get the treat out, but after 20 minutes of trying to upload the video I gave up. 

However, Guinness loves it.