Meanwhile, Back in the Garden

 After a busy stretch, it's nice to have a quiet morning at home to appreciate the simple things.

Florida Trip: The Epilogue

And just like that, the Florida trip has come to a close. It was a wonderful week, packed with everything a great vacation should have: reconnecting with my mentor, catching up with dear friends, and spending priceless time with family.

One Last Florida Morning

 An early start this morning marks the end of my Florida adventure.

An early moon for an early start home.

One More Morning at the Pool

Sometimes the best parts of a vacation aren't the big adventures, but the quiet moments in between.

More quality pool time.
This morning it was with my grandnephew, Paxton.

Paella and Pool Time in the Florida Sun

 

Waking up under a different kind of canopy.

From Poolside to Park Rides

 After a few relaxing days, it was time for a bit more adrenaline.

The Scenic Route to Ruskin

 

The conditions must have been perfect along the bay.
This kiteboarder was getting some serious air.

A Blustery Sunrise at the St. Pete Pier

 This morning, I was up well before the sun, drawn by the promise of a spectacular dawn over Tampa Bay.

The walk to the pier in the pre-dawn darkness was magical,
with the city's parks still lit up from the night.

A Dockside Dinner with a Dear Friend

After a busy morning in Orlando, I hit the road and headed west to St. Petersburg. The change of scenery was immediate and welcome, swapping inland academia for the salty air of the coast.

A Day of Birds and Broadcasting

I spotted this family of Sandhill Cranes shortly after I arrived in Orlando yesterday
—a pleasant surprise and a great welcoming committee.

Good Mentor and Great Company

 I've just kicked off a week-long trip to Florida to catch up with some very important people in my life. The plan is to start in Orlando before heading over to the west coast to visit my sister and her family.

It was so wonderful to spend the evening with my
advisor, friend, and mentor Dr. Tom Morgan, and his wife, Karen.
A fantastic start to my Florida visit.