January 6 to January 13, 2015. Venice, Florida.

Since this is the third year in a row that we have spent the month of January in Venice, I haven't been writing, thinking that whatever I say will be repetitious. However, the past week deserves a few words and a couple of pictures.

On Sunday we went paddling in Jan's sturdy vessel, Gator Bait. Coincidentally we went paddling up Alligator Creek where we saw lots of birds and fish but thankfully, no gators. The creek is quite narrow and shallow with lots of mangroves and nice looking homes along the water's edge. The bright sunshine enhanced a very pleasant afternoon.

                              

      

                           

                           

We have also played golf where there are alligators in plain sight. For the past couple of weeks there has been, what I think, is a mama gator sunning herself just off the green on the 11th hole. I say mama because just across the bridge from where she was sunning I counted eight baby gators. Needless to say, on the day she looked wide awake, we gave mama a wide berth and didn't concern ourselves with putting.

Other than that, we have played pool, taken long walks, short bike rides, and leisurely cups of coffee at the local coffee shop. Life is good.