Tilted Tree Missing

Hurricane Irma hit Marco Island, Florida last September. Mom (well, her memorial tree, anyway) didn't make it. Over fifty trees around the Gulfview condominium had to be removed after the storm. The old girl (tree) was twenty years old- planted by our parents' friends after Mom's death in 1997. Another storm hit early in the tree's growth, as it always had a "tilt" to it. Thus our annual photos "holding her up".

The pose - holding the Mom tree up

In the spirit of our mother, my sis Cindo and I love Marco Island. We were so happy to see that the island has recovered well from the storm. Roofers are going nuts around the small spit of land. Windows have been replaced - with a few more to go. Other than that it seems to be "business as usual".

We arrived on April 5th for our annual post-winter get-away. Iowa didn't get the memo that winter is over, so Paul and I were glad to go south, where sunny Florida treated us right! Colby and Paul spent two days fishing. They tried out a couple new fishing guides and had a ball!

Papa brought home supper, whilst I guarded the pool

Besides boat fishing, Colby got up early and fished off the beach by Tigertail

Most mornings we walked about three miles on the beach. Often the tractor man had groomed the sand, so it was tougher going and a good workout. A couple mornings we walked to our fave breakfast places.

Walking pic

View from 4th floor

Cindy, Paul (when not fishing) and I spent our afternoons scrounging for shade! The hurricane took a toll on the tree-lined are by the pool. I am not a sun-goddess! I did read five or six books. Our condo was on the fourth floor this year. A big change from 21! When I got too hot, I could sit on our deck and feel like I was by the pool. One day, when Cindy and I huddled under a couple palm trees, we nearly saw the old card-playing guys get into a fist-fight. Isn't retirement fun?

Bday girl and son

Of course, we went to our fave restaurants multiple times. We hit the Little Bar for Cindo's birthday. They always ask us if it's our first time there. Ha! Try 50th. I did veer from the usual and tried the blackened scallops instead of shrimp one night. Grouper almondine is the best though.

The Crazy Flamingo is off the beaten path, but we love their peel and eat shrimp. While the others dig the oysters, I go with other stuff like onion rings. Joey's Pizza completes the usual spots - their garlic knots are to die for. The pizza is pretty good too. We like shopping at Winn Dixie for lunch stuff - they have great fresh bread.

We took Colby to the airport in Fort Myers on Tuesday 4/10. It was sad to see him go. The joint always seems empty after he heads back to Vail. I have so enjoyed getting to know my nephew as an adult. Fishing nut, innovative chef, restaurant manager - and an easy guy to talk to about anything. I love his deep hearty laugh. He makes me smile.

Once Colby left, Paul was stuck with the women. We planned a couple tourist things - visiting Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve one afternoon. It was super interesting. We walked a short nature tour around the area and saw a small alligator.

Mangroves

The other highlight was the Marco Historical Museum. It's around eight years old. I can just imagine our mother volunteering there - in 7th heaven. She was enthralled with the history of SW Florida. It was very well done - beginning with the Indian tribes who had initially lived in the area. Marco really wasn't developed until the 1970's. Back when Mom and Dad bought their place in the late 80's, most people still hadn't heard of the area. Now, most people know where Marco Island is - many have been there.

Mom's tree might be gone, but her real tree - her family is going strong! Oh, how proud she would be to see our family tree growing - this year adding Alex's soon-to-be wife Lisa. This summer we sisters will gather in Oregon once again - honoring our parents and our family. The love is strong.

But vacation is over for now. Coming back to Iowa sucked - it was snowing. Ugh. Odie's caretakers spoiled her and she's doing great. I do love my bed. Life is good.